Thursday, July 4, 2013

"Pacific Rim" Cleans-Up Before Release

Warner Bros. and Legendary Organize Monster-ous Sized Beach Clean-up Day in Celebration of the July 12 Release of “Pacific Rim”

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In support of the upcoming theatrical release of Guillermo del Toro’s new sci-fi action adventure “Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures Pacific Rim,” eight North American coastal cities along the Pacific Rim are joining in to host monster-sized, family-friendly beach clean-up events on Thursday, July 11. Warner Bros., along with local media partners, RealD, various eco-friendly organizations and local parks and recreation departments, is encouraging people to join the clean-up efforts. They will award the first 100 participants at each local clean-up event two tickets to see the film in RealD 3D on opening weekend, as well as a special “Pacific Rim” t-shirt made of recycled materials, courtesy of RealD, and other prizes.

To ensure successful “Pacific Rim” clean-up efforts, Warner Bros. will provide all of the clean-up necessities, and, “Pacific Rim” film talent Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba and Charlie Day have done their part by taping TV and radio PSAs encouraging people to participate in the beach clean-up events. Participating coastal cities include: Los Angeles (Santa Monica Beach), San Francisco, Seattle, San Diego, Huntington Beach, Vancouver, Honolulu, and Santa Barbara. You can join the “Pacific Rim” clean-up locally on Thursday, July 11, at:

•Honolulu – Pounders Beach (in Laie) from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

•Los Angeles – Santa Monica Pier (PCH & Colorado Ave.) from 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

•Orange County – Huntington State Beach (PCH & Brookhurst St.) from 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

•San Diego – Mission Beach (starting at the Wave House) from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

•San Francisco – Ocean Beach (Fulton St and JFK Drive) from 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM

•Santa Barbara – East Beach (Stearn’s Wharf/ Mission Creek Lagoon) from 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

•Seattle – Alki Beach (The Bathhouse at Alki Beach) from 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

•Vancouver – Kitsilano Beach (Park Entrance at Arbutus and Cornwall Ave) from 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

“Pacific Rim” opens nationwide in RealD 3D, 2D and IMAX on Friday, July 12, 2013.


ABOUT “PACIFIC RIM”
From acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro comes the sci-fi action adventure “Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures Pacific Rim.”

When legions of monstrous creatures, known as Kaiju, started rising from the sea, a war began that would take millions of lives and consume humanity’s resources for years on end. To combat the giant Kaiju, a special type of weapon was devised: massive robots, called Jaegers, which are controlled simultaneously by two pilots whose minds are synched via a neural bridge, called “The Drift.” But as the enemy grows more powerful with each attack, even the Jaegers are proving nearly defenseless in the face of the relentless Kaiju.

On the verge of defeat, the forces defending mankind have no choice but to turn to two unlikely heroes—a washed up former pilot (Charlie Hunnam) and an untested trainee (Rinko Kikuchi)—who are teamed to drive a seemingly obsolete Jaeger. Together, they stand as mankind’s last hope against the mounting apocalypse.

Oscar® nominee Guillermo del Toro (“Pan’s Labyrinth”) directed the film from a screenplay by Travis Beacham and del Toro, story by Beacham. Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni, del Toro and Mary Parent produced the film, with Callum Greene serving as executive producer and Jillian Zaks co-producing.

“Pacific Rim” stars Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba, Rinko Kikuchi, Charlie Day, Rob Kazinsky, Max Martini, Clifton Collins, Jr., Burn Gorman, and Ron Perlman.

Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures present a Legendary Pictures/DDY Production, a Guillermo del Toro film. The film will be released in 2D and 3D in select theaters and IMAX®, and will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

This film has been rated PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence throughout, and brief language.

www.pacificrimmovie.com


Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Review: "Snitch" Tattles on America's Drug War

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 47 (of 2013) by Leroy Douresseaux


Snitch (2013)
Running time: 112 minutes (1 hour, 52 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for drug content and sequences of violence
DIRECTOR: Ric Roman Waugh
WRITERS: Justin Haythe and Ric Roman Waugh
PRODUCERS: Tobin Armbrust, Alexander Yves Brunner, Guy East, David Fanning, Dany Garcia, Matt Jackson, Dwayne Johnson, Jonathan King, and Nigel Sinclair
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Dana Gonzales (D.o.P.)
EDITOR: Jonathan Chibnall
COMPOSER: Antonio Pinto

DRAMA/CRIME with elements of a thriller

Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Barry Pepper, Jon Bernthal, Susan Sarandon, Michael K. Williams, Rafi Gavron, Melina Kanakaredes, Nadine Velazquez, Benjamin Bratt, Lela Loren, JD Pardo, David Harbour, and Harold Perrineau

Snitch is a 2013 crime drama from director Ric Roman Waugh. The film is inspired by Snitch, an episode of the PBS documentary series, “Frontline” (Season 17, 1999). Snitch the movie stars Dwayne Johnson as a father who goes undercover as a drug dealer in order to free his son who was arrested in a drug sting.

Snitch focuses on John Matthews (Dwayne Johnson), who owns a construction company. He receives a phone call from his ex-wife, Sylvie Collins (Melina Kanakaredes), that their son, Jason Collins (Rafi Gavron), has been arrested and charged with distribution of narcotics. The local U.S. Attorney, Joanne Keeghan (Susan Sarandon), tells John and Sylvie that Jason is facing a federal mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in jail.

In a bid to get Jason’s sentence reduced, John plans to inform on a drug dealer. He asks one of his new employees, Daniel James (Jon Bernthal), who served time in prison for drug distribution, to help him make a connection with a drug dealer. Reluctantly, but in need of the money John offers, Daniel introduces John to Malik (Michael K. Williams), a very dangerous, high-ranking local drug dealer. John’s simple plan turns very complicated when he draws the attention of a drug cartel kingpin, Juan Carlos Pintera a.k.a. “El Topo.”

Because Participant Media is one of the studios behind Snitch, the film has a social and political message, that being the futility of the United States’ “war on drugs.” There is also the need to make an action movie of Snitch, or at least have some action in the form of gunfights and car chases. Thus, Snitch ends up being somewhat muddled; it is part drama, but struggles to also be a message movie and an action film. The film has a slightly awkward pace and a jittery feel, as if the story just needed to start running – to who knows where.

With that said, Snitch is an enjoyable movie. The action is good, and the way the messaging is presented is certainly attention-grabbing. Director and co-writer Ric Roman Waugh makes sure his audience feels his film’s overwhelming theme of injustice. Waugh certainly plays up the notion of “policemen and thieves” as causing confusion and commotion for the people caught in the middle of their dangerous games.

Dwayne Johnson gives a performance that is so intense that he often comes across as stiff – sincere but stiff. Still, you know… he’s a movie star, mesmerizing and alluring, so I overlook the blemishes. Barry Pepper gives one of his best performances ever as Agent Cooper (of the DEA, although this is never made clear in the movie). Benjamin Bratt is like lightning in a bottle when he first appears in what is a small, but pivotal role. As far as I’m concerned, we don’t see Bratt enough.

Although it could have been much better, Snitch is a quality film that is worth seeing. Just because it does present a powerful and compelling portrait of America’s futile drug war makes it worthwhile. Plus, the DVD has a funny and satirical faux-advertisement about going to prison for selling drugs.

6 of 10
B

Wednesday, July 03, 2013

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

New "Transformers 4" Car - June 28, 2013


Michael Bay has unveiled a new car from Transformers 4!

The adventure continues to transform with a very different offering from Daimler Trucks North America . . . the imposing 2014 Argosy cab-over truck by Freightliner.

OFFICIAL SITE: WWW.TRANSFORMERSMOVIE.COM

Review: "Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen" Rules Only for Young'uns (Happy B'day, Lindsay Lohan)

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 128 (of 2004) by Leroy Douresseaux

Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen (2004)
Running time: 89 minutes (1 hour, 29 minutes)
MPAA – PG for mild thematic elements and brief language
DIRECTOR: Sara Sugarman
WRITER: Gail Parent (based upon the book by Dyan Sheldon)
PRODUCERS: Jerry Leider and Robert Shapiro
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Stephen H. Burum (D.o.P.)
EDITOR: Anita Brandt Burgoyne
COMPOSER: Mark Mothersbaugh

COMEDY/FAMILY/MUSIC

Starring: Lindsay Lohan, Alison Pill, Adam Garcia, Glenne Headly, Eli Marienthal, Carol Kane, Megan Fox, Shelia McCarthy, Tom McCamus, Richard Fitzpatrick, and Sheila Sealy-Smith

The subject of this movie review is Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen, a 2004 family comedy and teen musical from Walt Disney Pictures. The film is based on the 1999 young adult novel, Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen, by Dyan Sheldon.

In the movie, Lohan plays a teenage girl who acts as if New York City revolves around her, but finds herself competing for attention after her family movies to the suburbs. Every time I see the movie poster for Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen, I think, “Great poster, not great at all movie.”

Her name is Mary Steppes (Lindsay Lohan), but she wants to be called “Lola” instead of Mary. Lola is also an avowed New York teenager, but her social life is uprooted when her mother (Glenne Headly) moves the family to Dellwood, New Jersey. Determined to be popular at her new high school, she challenges the reigning Queen Bee, Carla (Megan Fox), for the lead role in a modern retelling of George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion.

However, the biggest trick she wants to pull is to get into the farewell concert and after party of her favorite band, Sidarthur. So she drags her conservative, take-no-chances friend, Ella (Alison Pill), along for the ride, but will it cost her Ella’s friendship and her plum role in the musical?

Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen is a pleasant, but mediocre teen film that will likely find a place only in the hearts of preteen girls and young women just getting into their teenage years. Lindsay Lohan gives her usually spirited performance, and it takes everything she gives (while this is admittedly nowhere near her best) this show to make it tolerable. Luckily co-star Alison Pill’s character is mildly interesting, so the film only rests on Ms. Lohan young, but broad, star presence shoulders 98% of the time. Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen should be good for the kids, but may likely bore everyone else.

4 of 10
C

Updated: Tuesday, July 02, 2013

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Monday, July 1, 2013

"Man of Steel" Super at the Box Office

“Man of Steel” Is Powerful at the Box Office, Hitting the Half-Billion Dollar Mark

The Film Has Earned More Than $500 Million Worldwide, With Some Major International Markets Still to Open

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--After flying into the record books in its opening, Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ “Man of Steel” continues to soar at the box office. The film crossed the $500 million mark on Saturday, June 29. The announcement was made today by Warner Bros. Pictures President of Domestic Distribution, Dan Fellman, and President of International Distribution, Veronika Kwan Vandenberg.

The film has earned $248.7 million domestically, and $271.7 internationally, for a worldwide total of $520.4, to date. “Man of Steel” opened at the top of the box office in the U.S. and Canada, with the biggest June release ever. The film opened at number one in many international territories, and continues its roll out with record-breaking bows. The film is still to open in Brazil and Japan.

The film continues to set records worldwide in IMAX® theatres, where it has earned an estimated $27 million domestically and $18.9 million internationally, for a worldwide total of $45.9 million.

Dan Fellman stated, “This success for ‘Man of Steel’ is a great 75th birthday present for this iconic character. The film took Superman back to his roots for a new generation of moviegoers, who have once again embraced Krypton and Kansas’ favorite son. The film’s strong Cinemascore tells us that word of mouth should keep the ‘Man of Steel’ flying through the summer.”

Veronika Kwan Vandenberg said, “We’re so excited by the international response to the film and congratulate Zack and everyone involved in the movie on reaching this milestone. We look forward to bringing the film to the rest of the world in the weeks ahead.”

Sue Kroll, Warner Bros. Pictures President, Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, noted, “‘Man of Steel’ is an extraordinary achievement by wonderful talents on both sides of the camera. Zack Snyder, along with his cast and fellow filmmakers, created a story that has connected with audiences of all ages and in every quadrant of the world. We are so proud of the film, which has brought a new vision of the man and the myth to those just discovering Superman, as well as lifelong fans.”

From Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures comes “Man of Steel,”TM starring Henry Cavill in the role of Clark Kent/Kal-El under the direction of Zack Snyder.

A young boy learns that he has extraordinary powers and is not of this Earth. As a young man, he journeys to discover where he came from and what he was sent here to do. But the hero in him must emerge if he is to save the world from annihilation and become the symbol of hope for all mankind.

The film also stars four-time Oscar® nominee Amy Adams (“The Master”), Oscar® nominee Michael Shannon (“Revolutionary Road”), Academy Award® winner Kevin Costner (“Dances with Wolves”), Oscar® nominee Diane Lane (“Unfaithful”), Oscar® nominee Laurence Fishburne (“What’s Love Got to Do with It”), Antje Traue, Ayelet Zurer, Christopher Meloni, and Academy Award® winner Russell Crowe (“Gladiator”).

“Man of Steel” is produced by Charles Roven, Christopher Nolan, Emma Thomas and Deborah Snyder. The screenplay was written by David S. Goyer from a story by Goyer & Nolan, based upon Superman characters created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster and published by DC Entertainment. Thomas Tull, Lloyd Phillips and Jon Peters served as executive producers.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Legendary Pictures, a Syncopy Production, a Zack Snyder Film, “Man of Steel.” The film is being released in 2D and 3D in select theaters and IMAX®, and is being distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. This film has been rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence, action and destruction, and for some language.

www.manofsteel.com

Negromancer Meets July 2013

It's July 2013 - the month in which we finally get our long-awaited X-Men Origins: Wolverine sequel, entitled, The Wolverine."  So Welcome! to Negromancer, a ComicBookBin blog (www.comicbookbin.com). This is rebirth of the former movie review website as a movie review and movie news website.

As always, we thank you for support, in visits and in cash:

All images and text appearing on this blog are © copyright and/or trademark their respective owners.

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Santa Brings De Niro-Stallone Movie Christmas 2013

Hollywood Heavyweights De Niro and Stallone to Hit the Big Screen on Christmas Day in “Grudge Match”

Warner Bros. Pictures’ Comedy Makes a Move Up from January to 12/25/13

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--“Grudge Match,” a comedy starring film legends Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone as rivals in the boxing ring, will bow in the holiday season with a Christmas Day debut, moving up from its prior release date of January 10. The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

Fellman stated, “Results of our early screenings have been outstanding, giving us every indication that 'Grudge Match' is a movie that can excel during the Christmas play period. With the iconic pairing of De Niro and Stallone, surrounded by such a terrific cast—including comedy greats Kevin Hart and Alan Arkin—we felt it was a perfect opportunity to jump into the holidays and give audiences of all ages a chance to enjoy the movie.”

Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Grudge Match” stars award-winning movie legends Oscar® winner Robert De Niro (“Raging Bull,” “Silver Linings Playbook”) and Oscar® nominee Sylvester Stallone (the “Rocky” films, “The Expendables”) as old boxing rivals who come out of retirement for one final match. Peter Segal (“Get Smart,” “The Longest Yard”) directs the comedy.

De Niro and Stallone play Billy “The Kid” McDonnen and Henry “Razor” Sharp, two local Pittsburgh fighters whose fierce rivalry put them in the national spotlight. Each had scored a victory against the other during their heyday, but in 1983, on the eve of their decisive third match, Razor suddenly announced his retirement, refusing to explain why but effectively delivering a knock-out punch to both their careers. Thirty years later, boxing promoter Dante Slate Jr., seeing big dollar signs, makes them an offer they can’t refuse: to re-enter the ring and settle the score once and for all. But they may not have to wait that long: on their first encounter in decades, their long-festering feud erupts into an unintentionally hilarious melee that instantly goes viral. The sudden social media frenzy transforms their local grudge match into a must-see HBO event. Now, if they can just survive the training, they may actually live to fight again.

The film also stars Kevin Hart as Dante Slate Jr.; Oscar® winner Alan Arkin (“Little Miss Sunshine,” “Argo”) as Razor’s former trainer, Louis “Lightning” Conlon, who gets to put Razor through his paces again; and Oscar® winner Kim Basinger (“L.A. Confidential”) as Sally Rose, who was once the love of Razor’s life. Rounding out the cast are Jon Bernthal as BJ, who becomes The Kid’s instinctive but untested trainer; and young film newcomer Camden Gray.

Segal is directing from a screenplay by Rodney Rothman, story by Tim Kelleher. The film is being produced by Bill Gerber, Mark Steven Johnson, Michael Ewing and Ravi Mehta. Peter Segal, Jane Rosenthal and Kevin King-Templeton are serving as executive producers.

Collaborating with Segal behind the scenes are: Academy Award®-winning cinematographer Dean Semler (“Dances With Wolves,” “Apocalypto”); production designer Wynn Thomas; editor William Kerr; and costume designer Mary Vogt. Robert Sale, who was the technical advisor on “Rocky Balboa,” is serving as the film’s boxing consultant. The music is by Trevor Rabin.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents a Gerber Pictures Production, a Callahan Filmworks Production, a Peter Segal film, “Grudge Match.” The film opens December 25, 2013 and will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.