Zack Snyder, director of the untitled Superman/Batman film, posted a series of preliminary developmental images related to the pre-production of the film. These are personal images and are not official from Warner Bros.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Zack Snyder Presents Ben Affleck as "Batman"
Zack Snyder, director of the untitled Superman/Batman film, posted a series of preliminary developmental images related to the pre-production of the film. These are personal images and are not official from Warner Bros.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Imagine Dragons Composes Original Song for "Transformers: Age of Extinction"
MICHAEL BAY’S “TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION” TO FEATURE AN ORIGINAL SONG BY THE GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING BAND IMAGINE DRAGONS
THE BAND CONTRIBUTED CREATIVELY IN THE SCORING PROCESS WITH THE FILM’S COMPOSER STEVE JABLONSKY
WILL PERFORM LIVE AT THE FILM’S WORLD PREMIERE IN HONG KONG ON JUNE 19th
HOLLYWOOD, CA (May 13, 2014) – Director Michael Bay, film composer Steve Jablonsky and Paramount Pictures are collaborating with the Grammy Award-winning band IMAGINE DRAGONS to feature the band’s original music in the upcoming film “TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION,” one of the most anticipated movies of the summer.
Following an early footage screening of the film, IMAGINE DRAGONS wrote the original song “BATTLE CRY,” which Bay used in critical points in the film. Additionally, the band contributed original music during the scoring process by recording cues with Jablonsky, the film’s composer, and Hans Zimmer, who assisted in the process. The collaboration resulted in added depth to the sound of the film.
“We’re incredibly lucky that Dan, Wayne, Ben and Daniel were available to work with us,” says director Bay. “I remember being drawn to the emotion of ’Demons’ and ’Radioactive’ the first time I heard those songs, and I knew I wanted that same energy and heart for this movie. They’ve created a really epic, otherworldly sound for ’Battle Cry.’”
“The TRANSFORMER franchise has set the bar for cinematic innovation over the years,” says Alex Da Kid, label head at KIDinaKORNER records. “We are excited to collaborate with Michael Bay and Paramount Pictures and view this as an incredible global platform.”
IMAGINE DRAGONS will perform its new single live at the film’s worldwide premiere in Hong Kong, one of the locations in the film, on June 19th. Fans can tweet using #TransformersPremiere for a chance to win a trip for two (2) to Hong Kong to be among the first to see “TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION” and IMAGINE DRAGONS at the world premiere. Open to U.S. residents ages 18+. Enter by May 30, 2014 at 12:00 p.m. PDT. No purchase necessary. For official rules and promotional details, visithttp://www.transformersmovie.com/TwitterSweeps/OfficialRules.pdf
Grammy Award-winning rock band IMAGINE DRAGONS is one of 2013’s breakout artists, having played to sold-out audiences in North America, South America, Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Their debut full length album, Night Visions, (KIDinaKORNER/ Interscope Records) arrived on the Billboard Top 200 at #2 with the best first-week sales for a full-length debut by a new rock band in over six years.
Certified multi-platinum selling over 4 million copies worldwide, the album was propelled by the success of the multi-platinum single, “It’s Time,” with follow-up singles “Radioactive” selling over 10 million globally and “Demons,” which has sold over 5 million copies worldwide. Rolling Stone proclaimed Imagine Dragons “the biggest breakout of the year” and Entertainment Weekly called 2013 the “Year of the Dragons.”
IMAGINE DRAGONS are Dan Reynolds (vocals), Wayne Sermon (guitar), Ben McKee (bass), and Daniel Platzman (drums).
“TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION” is the fourth film in director Michael Bay’s global blockbuster franchise. Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci, Li Bingbing , Kelsey Grammer, Sophia Myles, T. J. Miller, Nicola Peltz, Jack Reynor and Titus Welliver star. The film begins after an epic battle that left a great city torn, but with the world saved. As humanity picks up the pieces, a shadowy group reveals itself in an attempt to control the direction of history… while an ancient, powerful new menace sets Earth in its crosshairs. With help from a new cast of humans, Optimus Prime (voiced by Peter Cullen) and the Autobots rise to meet their most fearsome challenge yet. In an incredible adventure, they are swept up in a war of good and evil, ultimately leading to a climactic battle across the world.
Produced By Don Murphy & Tom DeSanto, Lorenzo Di Bonaventura and Ian Bryce.
Based on Hasbro’s Transformers™ Action Figures. Written By Ehren Kruger. Directed By Michael Bay.
“TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION” opens in theaters on June 27, 2014.
THE BAND CONTRIBUTED CREATIVELY IN THE SCORING PROCESS WITH THE FILM’S COMPOSER STEVE JABLONSKY
WILL PERFORM LIVE AT THE FILM’S WORLD PREMIERE IN HONG KONG ON JUNE 19th
HOLLYWOOD, CA (May 13, 2014) – Director Michael Bay, film composer Steve Jablonsky and Paramount Pictures are collaborating with the Grammy Award-winning band IMAGINE DRAGONS to feature the band’s original music in the upcoming film “TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION,” one of the most anticipated movies of the summer.
Following an early footage screening of the film, IMAGINE DRAGONS wrote the original song “BATTLE CRY,” which Bay used in critical points in the film. Additionally, the band contributed original music during the scoring process by recording cues with Jablonsky, the film’s composer, and Hans Zimmer, who assisted in the process. The collaboration resulted in added depth to the sound of the film.
“We’re incredibly lucky that Dan, Wayne, Ben and Daniel were available to work with us,” says director Bay. “I remember being drawn to the emotion of ’Demons’ and ’Radioactive’ the first time I heard those songs, and I knew I wanted that same energy and heart for this movie. They’ve created a really epic, otherworldly sound for ’Battle Cry.’”
“The TRANSFORMER franchise has set the bar for cinematic innovation over the years,” says Alex Da Kid, label head at KIDinaKORNER records. “We are excited to collaborate with Michael Bay and Paramount Pictures and view this as an incredible global platform.”
IMAGINE DRAGONS will perform its new single live at the film’s worldwide premiere in Hong Kong, one of the locations in the film, on June 19th. Fans can tweet using #TransformersPremiere for a chance to win a trip for two (2) to Hong Kong to be among the first to see “TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION” and IMAGINE DRAGONS at the world premiere. Open to U.S. residents ages 18+. Enter by May 30, 2014 at 12:00 p.m. PDT. No purchase necessary. For official rules and promotional details, visithttp://www.transformersmovie.com/TwitterSweeps/OfficialRules.pdf
Grammy Award-winning rock band IMAGINE DRAGONS is one of 2013’s breakout artists, having played to sold-out audiences in North America, South America, Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Their debut full length album, Night Visions, (KIDinaKORNER/ Interscope Records) arrived on the Billboard Top 200 at #2 with the best first-week sales for a full-length debut by a new rock band in over six years.
Certified multi-platinum selling over 4 million copies worldwide, the album was propelled by the success of the multi-platinum single, “It’s Time,” with follow-up singles “Radioactive” selling over 10 million globally and “Demons,” which has sold over 5 million copies worldwide. Rolling Stone proclaimed Imagine Dragons “the biggest breakout of the year” and Entertainment Weekly called 2013 the “Year of the Dragons.”
IMAGINE DRAGONS are Dan Reynolds (vocals), Wayne Sermon (guitar), Ben McKee (bass), and Daniel Platzman (drums).
“TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION” is the fourth film in director Michael Bay’s global blockbuster franchise. Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci, Li Bingbing , Kelsey Grammer, Sophia Myles, T. J. Miller, Nicola Peltz, Jack Reynor and Titus Welliver star. The film begins after an epic battle that left a great city torn, but with the world saved. As humanity picks up the pieces, a shadowy group reveals itself in an attempt to control the direction of history… while an ancient, powerful new menace sets Earth in its crosshairs. With help from a new cast of humans, Optimus Prime (voiced by Peter Cullen) and the Autobots rise to meet their most fearsome challenge yet. In an incredible adventure, they are swept up in a war of good and evil, ultimately leading to a climactic battle across the world.
Produced By Don Murphy & Tom DeSanto, Lorenzo Di Bonaventura and Ian Bryce.
Based on Hasbro’s Transformers™ Action Figures. Written By Ehren Kruger. Directed By Michael Bay.
“TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION” opens in theaters on June 27, 2014.
Review: "Jumanji" Holds Onto its Charms (Happy B'day, Joe Johnston)
Jumanji (1995)
Running time: 104 minutes (1 hour, 44 minutes)
MPAA – PG for menacing fantasy action and some mild language
DIRECTOR: Joe Johnston
WRITERS: Jonathan Hensleigh, Greg Taylor, and Jim Strain; from a screenstory by Chris Van Allsburg, Greg Taylor, and Jim Strain (based upon the book by Chris Van Allsburg)
PRODUCERS: Scott Kroopf and William Teitler
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Thomas Ackerman (D.o.P.)
EDITOR: Robert Dalva
COMPOSER: James Horner
FANTASY/ADVENTURE/FAMILY with elements of action and comedy
Starring: Robin Williams, Jonathan Hyde, Kirsten Dunst, Bradley Pierce, Bonnie Hunt, Bebe Neuwirth, David Alan Grier, Patricia Clarkson, Adam Hann-Byrd, and Laura Bundy
The subject of this movie review is Jumanji, a 1995 fantasy adventure and family film directed by Joe Johnston. The film is based on the Caldecott Medal-winning children’s picture book, Jumanji, which was first published in 1981 and was written and drawn by author Chris Van Allsburg. This was the first of three films based on Van Allsburg’s books (as of this updated review). Jumanji the movie focus on two children who must help a strange man finish playing a magical board game.
In 1969, Alan Parrish (Adam Hann-Byrd) and his friend Sarah Whittle (Laura Bundy) find an old board game, a jungle adventure called Jumanji, in Alan’s attic. After rolling the dice, Alan somehow unleashes some kind of magical force and is sucked into the board game. In 1995, two other children, Judy (Kirsten Dunst) and Peter Shepherd (Bradley Pierce) find the cursed board game and play it, unwittingly releasing the man-child, Alan (Robin Williams).
However, the game Alan began 26 years ago must be finished. Also, from the bowels of Jumanji’s magical board, comes a stampeding horde of jungle creatures and a fearsome huntsman, Hunter Van Pelt (Jonathan Hyde), who has stalked Alan for decades. Now, Alan joins the adult Sarah (Bonnie Hunt) in a magical adventure to save the town and end the game.
Even back in 1995, the computer generated images (CGI) for the film Jumanji seemed too obviously fake. Many of the film’s scenes required animals of various sizes (giraffes, elephants, rambunctious monkeys) to run through, run over, and destroy the streets, homes, and buildings of a small township. Getting that many live animals to cooperate would have been a logistical nightmare and likely impossible, so CGI animals were used. The artificial animals all have a bluish tint on their bodies, heightening the sense of unreality. The glitch was perfect; that the animals look so artificial could be taken to imply that the animals are part of a fantastical and magical nightmare.
Otherwise, the film is a fairly well directed and well-acted comic fantasy/adventure. Robin Williams is, of course, his usual manic self, but this time it’s the franticness of an almost-action hero, rather than that of some attention-seeking clown. It’s a fun family picture full of inspired zaniness, with very good performances from the entirety of the supporting cast, especially from the young cast. I’ve seen it several times. It’s silly, and the script bounces from one scene to another, but I recommend it as an excellent adventure film for the young and young at heart.
6 of 10
B
Updated: Tuesday, May 13, 2014
The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.
"Transformers: Age of Extinction" Offers Imagine Dragons Contest
Transformers: Age of Extinction to feature an original song "Battle Cry" from Imagine Dragons
Fans can tweet using #TransformersPremiere for a chance to win a trip for two to the world premiere in Hong Kong to see the film and band perform live on June 19th
Watch the announcement video here: http://youtu.be/6hNxd3RtYrc
In theaters 6.27.14
For official contest rules: http://www.transformersmovie.com/TwitterSweeps/OfficialRules.pdf
Official Website: http://www.transformersmovie.com/
Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformersmovie
Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformers - #TransformersPremiere
Fans can tweet using #TransformersPremiere for a chance to win a trip for two to the world premiere in Hong Kong to see the film and band perform live on June 19th
Watch the announcement video here: http://youtu.be/6hNxd3RtYrc
In theaters 6.27.14
For official contest rules: http://www.transformersmovie.com/TwitterSweeps/OfficialRules.pdf
Official Website: http://www.transformersmovie.com/
Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformersmovie
Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformers - #TransformersPremiere
Monday, May 12, 2014
Review: "The Legend of Hercules" is Tolerable
The Legend of Hercules (2014)
Running time: 99 minutes (1 hour, 39 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 sequences of intense combat action and violence, and for some sensuality
DIRECTOR: Renny Harlin
WRITERS: Sean Hood and Daniel Giat
PRODUCERS: Boaz Davidson, Renny Harlin, Danny Lerner, and Les Weldon
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Sam McCurdy
EDITOR: Vincent Tabaillon
COMPOSER: Tuomas Kantelinen
FANTASY/ACTION
Starring: Kellan Lutz, Gaia Weiss, Scott Adkins, Roxanne McKee, Liam Garrigan, Liam McIntyre, Rade Serbedzija, and Johnathon Schaech
The Legend of Hercules is a 2014 action-fantasy film from director Renny Harlin. This movie is based on mythical Greek hero, Hercules. It offers a new origin story of Hercules and finds him learning to embrace his destiny, as he fights a brutal king. Although they do not receive credit on screen, director Renny Harlin and Giulio Steve apparently co-wrote the screenplay for The Legend of Hercules, along with credited writers, Sean Hood and Daniel Giat.
The Legend of Hercules opens in 1220 B.C. in the nation of Argos in Southern Greece. King Amphitryon of Tiryns (Scott Adkins) leads his army in a bid to conquer Argos and to defeat its king, Galenus. Queen Alcmene of Tiryns (Roxanne McKee), disgusted by her husband’s warmongering, begs the gods for guidance. The goddess Hera sends a message that Alcmene will give birth to the son of the god, Zeus, and that this son will be the savior of her people.
Alcmene gives birth to a child that Amphitryon names Alcides, but that the Queen names Hercules. Hercules (Kellan Lutz) grows into a strong young man, and he falls in love with Hebe (Gaia Weiss), daughter of the King of Crete. That love turns Hercules into an exile. Now, the half-human and half-god young hero must use his formidable power to fight his way back to Tiryns in order to save Hebe and his kingdom.
Hmm… What to say? I did enjoy some of The Legend of Hercules, but the best word to describe it is “mediocre.” It is one of those sword-and-sandal movies (like the 2004 film, Troy) that would work better as a sword-and-sorcery film (the Conan movies). Like 2004’s Troy, The Legend of Hercules drains the myth of its magic (although not quite as much or as badly as Troy did), and the movie clearly suffers for it.
The acting is bad. Kellan Lutz, best known for his role in the Twilight film franchise, is pretty bad here. He looks like someone took one of those overly muscular G.I. Joe dolls and gave it action figure steroids. I swear you can see the stretch marks on Lutz’s bulging muscles, as if his workouts have tortured his skin. The poor acting exception is Liam McIntyre; as Hercules’ cohort, Captain Sotiris, McIntyre gives a performance that is good enough to make it stand out from the rest of cast, which seems to sleepwalk or shuffle through this film. [Well, Scott Adkins eagerly throws himself into overacting as King Amphitryon.]
So if you want to watch action-fantasy with sword-fighting, battles, and Greek heroes, The Legend of Hercules will do. At least, it is not puffed up with pomposity, superiority, and pride like Warner Bros. 300 film franchise.
4 of 10
C
Friday, May 09, 2014
The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Negromancer Asks You to Help the ComicBookBin
...and not just because Negromancer is a sister publication and because I write for the Bin. But ain't to proud to ask for DONATIONS.
Negromancer Says: Happy Mother's Day!
Happy Mother's Day, Mama. Happy Mother's Day to mothers, grannies, aunties, surrogates, sisters, those who mother, and the women in our lives.
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