See more Babylon A.D. finally

Starting to make an appearance finally, the sci fi military film Babylon A.D. has revealed both a poster and a teaser, which while technically in French has no dialogue so just kinda kick ass for you. Oh you mean you don't remember what Babylon A.D. is? well look no further than here. Basically its the new action film starring Vin Diesel. Check out that sweet sweet euro poster. Definitely euro. But I kinda enjoy it. Vin has such a weird head, he's definitely made something out of a career of it. Ok, ok. there's also a more traditional poster below. Click to enlarge either one. Oh and check out a few other production pics at Allocine.

And as for that trailer. Well care of Allocine, via Comingsoon here is the new trailer with introduction.

Plus d'infos sur ce film

Pretty cool eh? I like all the quick cuts, cause its good action, but I also feel like it gives us a bit more insight that this film will really be balls out danger too, and that is honestly the only way to take Vin Diesel. The film is slated for a August 29th, 2008 release.
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new Hulk trailer

Check it out. A great new, and much longer Incredible Hulk trailer...



Also if you're interested, Yahoo has some new pics from The Hulk, including pics from this very trailer and the 'exclusive' Empire pics from last week. very nice. As for this trailer, I definitely think it looks better than the first one, but the effects shots still stand out kind of like a sore thumb. You can check it out in high def on the Apple page.

The movie hits theaters June 13th, 2008.
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Mummy poster

Check out this great new poster for The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. I love how its all decomposing, very creepy. Although seriously, that looks nothing like Jet Li :) Click to enlarge.

Also the films official website has launched, although its a bit barren at the moment. You'd still be better off just heading on over to director Rob Cohen's blog and reading his regular updates,. Apparently he's waist deep in editing and FX, hitting the 300 mark of a total 964 visual effects shots. He is also about to get the score recorded, and is starting to work with the marketing people on things just like this very poster.

I know I am definitely interested in this film. I like the Mummy films, and think this will be a solid addition to the franchise.

The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor comes out August 1st, '2008.
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3 shots of sci fi

Because there are a few other things I'd like to talk a bit about tonight, here is a quickish rundown on three interesting new sci fi films in the works that have recently been announced. All in one little post for your reading convenience :)

The first film on the block is called Uprising, and is reported as being in development for Wolfgang Peterson to direct. I suppose since it was recently announced that he is no longer attached to the long and ill fated Ender's Game movie he needed something to occupy his time. Uprising sounds like it could be pretty cool too. The "story revolves around the resistance efforts of some citizens after Earth has been occupied by a powerful alien race." and its being written by the man who penned the excellent film Blood Diamond. Now I know you're the worry is that this could very well just be another Battlefield Earth in the making, but I have faith in Peterson, and I'll hope for something a little closer to... I don't know The Tripods or something. We'll see how this develops.

Next up is a film called Arena. which is a time travel story that sounds like it would make an excellent if super cheesy fun tv show. Kind of like, The Quest, or Motal Kombat meets Rayman Raving Rabbids, through time :) According to the Hollywood Reporter, Arena "revolves around a group of modern-day soldiers mysteriously transported from the thick of battle to a terrain-shifting landscape where they must fight the best warriors from different eras and histories in a gladiatorial fight to the death or be killed by the all-powerful operators of the Arena." Should definitely be a fun time. My guess is they end up winning.

And the final sci fi story come movie, is called Resurrection, based on the Oni Press comic book of the same name. Although the comic book is only on its 3rd issue now, it sounds like a cool premise, if not at first somewhat familiar to the vaguely revealed plot of Uprising listed just above. As reported though this story "begins where most other alien invasion movies end, centering on a group of survivors trying to take back control of the planet after an apocalyptic invasion." If you're interested you can check out an 11 page preview of the first issue here. I've read it, and I think the series sounds really interesting. It's much more about the human drama of facing a world that has been 10 years in hiding. And that's a pretty fresh idea actually.

Anyhow, let's see how these films shape up. I think they could all be a lot of fun. And you know how much I love aliens and time travel. It's great to see these kinds of projects in serious development.
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The Great White North rides again

Finally I can die happy. Bob and Doug McKenzie are back. Yes that's right kids the Great White North and the most lovable hosers ever Bob (Rick Moranis) and Doug (Dave Thomas) McKenzie are coming to dvd, and tv in Canada at least, in animated form next year! If you've never seen Strange Brew.... well, you definitely aren't Canadian. Watch this video preview, care of AICN, and Kevin Smiths company QuickStop Entertainment. It'll explain everything.

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new Batman trailer

Check it out kids, Care of Comingsoon, a bootlegged version of a great new Batman trailer. Once it hits the net legitimately I'll post a better quality copy, but for now, check it out while you can. Very very VERY cool.



The Dark Knight comes out July 17th, 08.
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Sleestak attack.

As I never really watched the tv series Land of the Lost, I have basically no idea who these Sleestak guys are but they look so cheesy and so funny that I honestly can't help but get a bit excited to see them in this new Will Ferrell movie. I honestly think this could be a hilarious film. Anything that can push Ferrell out of his box is good at this point. He hasn't hit the wall yet, but you can see it coming; so I think this kind of thing is great. And man, will you just look at that mug? How could you not love a Sleestak. The pic is care of The USA Today, who have a few words with the director and also mention at least one difference between the film version being made and the old series. The movie will follow three adults, and no kids on this adventure. Proabbly a smart thing there. Anyhow, enjoy your Sleestaks people :)

The Land of the Lost will come out July 17th, 2009.
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Zero-G in development

FOX has picked up the rights to what they claim will be a new tentpole film for them called Zero-G.

Can I just stop for a sec, and say that while it has nothing to do specifically with this Zero-G film, but how many friggin' tentpole franchises can these studios really have, and when will they stop trying to convince us that everything they do is the next one. It's irritating.

So sorry, back to the story, The Hollywood Reporter says that Zero-G is based on a still in development video game by some guy named Daniel Jevons and centers on "a major U.S. city being attacked by a devastating, never-before-seen weapon."

The game company has been responsible for the very well reviewed game, The Darkness, and are working on an adaptation of Sin City for consoles. Other than that though it looks like most of the players in this deal are middle of the road kinda guys, and that's probably a good thing. Who knows, maybe its about a zero gravity weapon that makes everyone fly off the face of the earth. Wouldn't that suck...

As usual more on this once we know something.
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new Dark Knight posters

Obviously one gorgeous new Dark Knight poster wasn't enough. Just today a site called Omelete posted 5 new exclusive posters, and they are fantastic. Care of them and Comingsoon check out this first, and I think best new poster for The Dark Knight, as he bursts out of the side of a building on his Batpod motorcycle. So cool... click to enlarge.

Check out the rest of these international posters (or banners as they are technically being called) at Omelete, or at Yahoo. The Dark Knight comes out stateside on July 18th, '08.
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Dragonball poster

Well now that principal photography has wrapped and the film is getting solidly into post production it was only a matter of time before we started seeing media resources pop up online for the upcoming Dragonball movie. And so here for you're pleasure, care of /film , where you can also find the international version of the picture below, check out the teaser poster for Dragonball.

The film is set to be released on April 8th, 2009.
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Flashback 08 - FF retrospective

So this past weekend I was sitting around on the internet bored as usual. I always get bored and hang out on the internet when my wife is out of town... :( anyhow, I was sitting around on internets watching some Gametrailers.com and I came across their retrospective section. Wow. Have you seen this stuff?! cause its great. I've always been impressed with Gametrailers. I think they're a stand up site with some very well produced videos of their own, but they are also for my money the best place online to check out pretty much any video game trailer you want.

Anyhow, this isn't some huge plug for Gametrailers, I just honestly like their site and I was really fascinated by their Retrospective section. I started watching their Final Fantasy retrospectives and I was just engrossed. Did you guys ever play Final Fantasy. Personally I only ever played the first and third (American numbering) ones a lot, but I loved them and still remember them as some of the best games and only RPGs I really took all the time I needed to finish. Maybe it was my friend Bernard's influence, but those games really stuck with me.

So without further ado here is the first of their thirteen part, yes that's right, series on Final Fantasy, this one covering FF1. Check it out and head over to Gametrailers to see the rest. Or browse around their other retrospective video series, they have quite a few of them. Really its just great fun, nostalgic stuff all around :)


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Der Golem with Frank Black

This weekend I went and saw Der Golem. An amazing 1920 German expressionist film, about what else, but a golem on a bit of a rampage in a Jewish ghetto in 1775 Germany. It's a really interesting silent horror film, and reminded me a lot of Nosferatu. I really enjoyed it immensely on its own. But perhaps even cooler than seeing this unknown (to me) old horror movie was that it was accompanied by a live band performing an all new score to the film! And even cooler was that this band was actually Black Francis, and my favorite frontman for The Pixies, Frank Black was there himself to play live for the first time his new score to the film!!! It was quite an experience. If you're interested, you can watch the movie right here. Hooray for public domain! Frank Black has not officially announced how or when he will release his score, but personally I'm hoping for a reissue of the dvd. I know I'd buy it, both for the music and the movie. Archive.org isn't the fastest so you might have to wait for it to load before playing, but eventually you'll get there. Enjoy.


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The World will end with Z

Do you guys remember when I wrote a post all about the black list movies of 2007? Its one of those really cool industry lists that turn up every once and a while, this one about strange and interesting films scripts that have been floating around Hollywood and are, or are about to be, developed for the big screen to possibly one day become major blockbuster films. The list is voted on by industry insiders and is basically a popularity contest for the most desirable films scripts at the time. And one of those scripts from 2007 that particularly caught my eye was an adaptation of a book called World War Z: an oral history of the zombie war.

As with The Road, a week or two ago I listened to the audio recorded version of the book World War Z, and as with The Road, I simply loved it and felt like I really had to share a bit. The book is exactly what the tittle implies, an oral history, or accounting of the zombie war, told a few years after the fact by the people who survived it. It's told in vignettes, playing out as a historical human interest document. These are testimonies of people who survived a globe spanning years long zombie war and tell the tale in somewhat piecemeal fashion, but always from a unique and fascinating perspective. The book, takes an interesting if somewhat improbably idea, brings it into a real world setting, and then presents it in a way that makes it feel even more authentic. The varied voices in the book tell different parts of the same overarching story with totally different styles, changing viewpoints, and opinions. But the structure is there, and the overall plot advances in such an interesting way that I almost felt like I was listening to an author who had really gone to the trouble of finding the people's voice so that he could showcase the human element and essentially liven up, what from the character's perspectives is a fairly clinical piece of recent history.

Then on top of all that, listening from my point of view to hear this story as a book on tape, I felt like I was listening to a documentary, with the authors voice very noticeably framing the structure and crafting our reaction to it. The voice cast is also absolutely top notch on this production and each story, or chapter if you will, is told conversationally by someone who's voice fit the character exactly. It includes such thespians as Alan Alda, John Tuturro, Mark Hamill, Henry Rollins, and Rob Reiner to name a few. If you have a chance I'd definitely recommend you check out the book, or the audio book (which even won an audio book award!) if you get a chance. I personally just rented it from the library and ripped it. Well worth the minimal effort.

But just to mention the film adaptation again. Currently Brad Pitt's Plan B entertainment has the rights to the film, based on a script written by none other than Bab 5 creator J Michael Straczynski. Since its not strictly speaking a straightforward one man starring vehicle story I'm not sure Pitt would be interested to star in it, but who knows; maybe the film script is a bit more linear, or perhaps it changes things a bit. I'm interested to see how this film really gets itself together in any way. The word is that the film is supposed to be ready for 2010, but until it gets a bit further in development that seems like a bit of a ways off and something that could be pushed as well. Here's hoping that the zombie war does come to the silver screen though. If and when it does it will be unlike any other zombie film ever, and I think that's a good thing.
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Blakes 7 redux

While it was definitely before my time, The premise behind the late 70s British sci fi hit Blakes 7 is pretty fascinating. And as the Hollywood Reporter notes, Sky One's plans to bring it back in a new and updated format a la Battlestar Galactica, have understandably already begun exciting fans around the internets. If however, like me you're unfamiliar with the series, here's how wikipedia describes the premise.

"Blake's 7 follows the exploits of revolutionary Roj Blake as he leads his band of rebels against the forces of the totalitarian Terran Federation which rules the Earth and many of the planets of the galaxy. The Federation controls its citizens by means of mass surveillance, brainwashing, and pacification with drugged food, water and air. Sentenced to deportation to a penal colony on a remote planet, Blake escapes with the help of his fellow prisoners and gains control of an advanced alien spacecraft, the Liberator, a spacecraft far in advance of anything the Federation possesses, with superior speed and weaponry as well as a revolutionary teleport system that allows crew members to be transported to the surface of a planet without having to land the ship. Blake and his crew then attempt to disrupt and bring down the Federation."

The show was noted especially for being dark in tone, and having many morally ambiguous characters. Although it didn't have the highest production value, and some of the science fiction adventure elements were cliched, its the sympathetic characterization that made the show such an enduring hit.

Sky One has reportedly commissioned two 60 minute scripts for the project with the intention of spining it out into a series. Hopefully it will be good and the fans stateside will get a chance to see it. We'll see what becomes of this, as Sky One has a rocky history of remakes in the past, when they focused on a thankfully aborted planned Prisoner remake a few years ago. (incidentally that Prisoner remake is now happening at ITV). And for every Doctor Who relaunch, we also get a Bionic Woman. So lets keep our fingers crossed.


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Awesome new Dark Knight poster

While its floating all over the net today, I picked up this copy of the amazing new Dark Knight poster at Comingsoon.net. It's very pretty. Click to enlarge.

I wish I had time to follow all the viral stuff going on. I'm still getting emails from Harvey Dent, and Jim Gordon, but man its just too much on a day to day basis you know. As for that poster though, I love it. just utterly fantastic. The movie comes out July 18th. Not soon enough :)
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Hancock First Look

Ok, you know at first I thought Hancock would be terrible. Total crap, but man, I have to say the more I see, the more I think that it might actually be good. I mean honestly it seems pretty funny, and kinda sweet. Check out this first look and tell me what you think.



And what a team behind the film too... it's a Peter Berg film for cripes sakes. Anyhow, we'll see I guess. The proof will be when we start to hear reviews I guess. Hancock comes out July 2nd,'08.
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New Prince Caspian trailer

Check out this great new trailer for TCON: Prince Caspian. I know a lot of it's in the dark, but man, this is the bomb. Looks like such a great film. I think I'm definitely going to have to go to the theater for this one.



The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian opens on May 16th. Oh and on a side note, the third Narnia film is gearing up and will begin shooting in New Zealand, and... Baja, I believe, in the same gigantic water tank they did Titanic in, this October. Nice :)
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Universal Soldier, again?

According to AICN, ne Cinemablend, there are some rumblings that Van Damme, and possibly Dolph Lundgren are in line to reprise their roles as awesome undead cyborg soldiers in a third Universal Soldier film!

While still in the planning stages its reported that Sony is developing Universal Soldier 3 as a direct to video film, but that especially since Van Damme is in talks to star, and the rumor is out about Lundgren it could very well make it to theaters, depending on what transpires.

Honestly any way it comes I will be glad. I really enjoyed both Universal Soldier films, and think the first is absolutely one of Van Damme's best early films. I mean I hold a special place in my heart for Cyborg, but at least in this film it made sense that he acted kind of robotically ;)

I'll definitely keep my eyes peeled for more info on this as it comes to light. Fingers crossed this film actually happens.
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Indy 4 synopsis

Care of IESB, here you have it folks, the official synopsis for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. While the following isn't probably much more than you'd find on the back of the dvd case I know a lot of people out there would probably rather go into this film knowing nothing at all, so the following should definitely be considered SPOILER filled... ok. you've been warned.

Seriously now; last warning....

"His exploits are the stuff of legend and his name has become the very definition of adventure.

Indiana Jones.

The whip-toting, punch-packing, snake-hating, globe-trotting archaeologist with a fedora is back on screen in “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” debuting worldwide Thursday, May 22, 2008.

This newest adventure begins in the desert Southwest in 1957 – the height of the Cold War. Indy and his sidekick Mac (Ray Winstone) have barely escaped a close scrape with nefarious Soviet agents on a remote airfield.

Now, Professor Jones has returned home to Marshall College – only to find things have gone from bad to worse. His close friend and dean of the college (Jim Broadbent) explains that Indy’s recent activities have made him the object of suspicion, and that the government has put pressure on the university to fire him. On his way out of town, Indiana meets rebellious young Mutt (Shia LaBeouf), who carries both a grudge and a proposition for the adventurous archaeologist: If he’ll help Mutt on a mission with deeply personal stakes, Indy could very well make one of the most spectacular archaeological finds in history – the Crystal Skull of Akator, a legendary object of fascination, superstition and fear.

But as Indy and Mutt set out for the most remote corners of Peru – a land of ancient tombs, forgotten explorers and a rumored city of gold – they quickly realize they are not alone in their search. The Soviet agents are also hot on the trail of the Crystal Skull. Chief among them is icy cold, devastatingly beautiful Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett), whose elite military unit is scouring the globe for the eerie Crystal Skull, which they believe can help the Soviets dominate the world ... if they can unlock its secrets.

Indy and Mutt must find a way to evade the ruthless Soviets, follow an impenetrable trail of mystery, grapple with enemies and friends of questionable motives, and, above all, stop the powerful Crystal Skull from falling into the deadliest of hands.

Paramount Pictures Presents a Lucasfilm Ltd. Production “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” starring Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, Karen Allen, Ray Winstone, John Hurt, Jim Broadbent and Shia LaBeouf. The film is directed by Steven Spielberg from a screenplay by David Koepp. Story by George Lucas and Jeff Nathanson. The film is produced by Frank Marshall. The executive producers are George Lucas and Kathleen Kennedy. The co-producer is Denis L. Stewart. The director of photography is Janusz Kaminski. The production designer is Guy Hendrix Dyas. The film is edited by Michael Kahn, A.C.E. The costume designer is Mary Zophres. The music is by John Williams. The visual effects and animation are by Industrial Light & Magic. This film has not yet been rated."

Pretty intense stuff, eh?

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Empire exclusives

Well it looks like they've done it again. With their exclusive scoops and crafty marketing Empire magazine has horn-swaggled us all into pretty much definitely buying their latest issue with not one but two sets of exclusive photos and a 3-D cover to boot!!!

First they've got a bunch of exclusive Incredible Hulk photos to share. Probably the most interesting one of which you'll see below. But the big greenie makes his appearance on the cover too, ripping his way out of the pages... and into our hearts, in MONSTROUS 3-D!

And next Empire manages to snag not one but 3 exclusive pics from the new Clone Wars cartoon show. The coolest of which features the character Asajj Ventress, seen below. Seems pretty sweet.

Anyhow, since there are no more American print magazines for film, this might be just what you're looking for. For me, I'm just excited to see these properties finally nearing their release dates. Good job Empire.
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Bloodgood joins T4

Super hottie Moon Bloodgood, of small screen fame, has reportedly been cast in the feature film Terminator 4. Bloodgood, if you'll remember played the super hot wife to Taye Diggs in the short lived sci fi show Day Break. And then starred as the super hot almost girlfriend and fellow time traveler opposite Kevin McKidd in last season's Journeyman. Both are shows I watched and really enjoyed; also both are shows that failed to find a commercial audience. But I don't think anyone can blame poor, hot Moon for that. And it's funny to note that the one constant in Bloodgoods work, besides the sci fi, and time travel angle is that shes always super hot. So I suppose its only fitting that she takes her place in yet another sci fi time travel story, as another super hottie.

Bloodgood will reportedly play "a no-nonsense and battle-hardened member of the resistance who is carrying a lot of guilt over surviving the nuclear holocaust." Filming is supposed to start on May 5th, for a summer '09 release. Very nice...

oh and as a semi related side note, TV Guide is reporting that Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles has definitely been picked up for a second season, despite the fact that FOX still won't acknowledge it.
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The Spirit teaser trailer

Right from the clutches of New York Comic Con and released to MTV, comes The Spirit teaser trailer. Its interesting. Very stylized, and not what I was expecting. I'm not 100% sold on it to be honest, but maybe I just need time to absorb. I do like all the kitties. Anyhow, check it out



If you're interested you can also check out a video interview with writer and director Frank Miller over at MTV, as well as a not so great interview with Eva Mendes who plays Sand Saref in the film. Oh and finally in conjunction with NYCC they've released a new character poster for Sand Saref. You can check that out here. The movie itself comes out January 16th, 2009.
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Hellboy II poster

Care of the great guys over at CHUD check out this truly inspiring poster for Hellboy II: The Golden Army. What amazing art! This poster is going to be exclusive to the New York Comic Con crowd who are gathering this weekend. Click to enlarge. Very nice work.

The film, as we know comes out June 11th, '08. Which just happens to also be my 30th birthday. Boo ya!
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Spirit teaser poster

Care of AICN check out this great teaser poster for The Spirit. very nice work. Click to enlarge.

remember to check for updates on the film at www.mycityscreams.com, the film is set to come out on Jan 16th, '09.
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Impact, the miniseries

David James Elliot, of JAG fame (?!) has been cast as the lead in the 4 hour miniseries titled Impact. The effects heavy sci fi mini is reportedly budgeted at $13 million and is set to begin shooting this month, presumably for a Fall airing.

Although no network is attached to the project yet, it sounds like a pretty cool show. The plot is said to "chronicles the aftermath of a meteor shower during which a piece of a dwarf star lodges itself in the moon. That triggers a series of anomalies on Earth, including cell phone service interruption, exaggerated tides and the occurrence of sporadic weightlessness.

Astrophysicist Alex Kinter (Elliott), with a help of a female astronomer, discover that the moon has been dislodged from its orbit and is on a collision course with Earth."

Gotta hate it when you lose cell phone service. That totally blows. I mean the other stuff is cool but I'd die without cell phone coverage... Hpoefully this'll turn out cool. Sounds like it should.
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Moore on the loose

In the most nondescript news story of the day, Ronald D Moore of Battlestar Galactica, and much more now, fame has signed on to create and write a sci fi trilogy of film for United Artists. No details.... and I mean nothing else, was revealed to the press. Hooray for non-news news!

Moore is also reportedly continuing work developing his remake to The Thing.
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MK vs DCU

Check out this sweet teaser trailer for the new game Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe. It's a fighting game coming out this fall (I believe) by Midway for the PS3 and the XBOX 360. Looks totally fun.



More info will be released through the Worlds Collide site. Sweet.
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G.I. Joe pics

Wow. Well there is some very exciting stuff on the G.I. Joe film today. Over at What Would Tyler Durden Do, which is a great site they have a heap of exclusive pictures like the one we saw yesterday of Rachel Nichols all decked out in her Scarlett gear. Please go and visit their site for pictures in costume of Scarlett , Duke, Snake Eyes, Ripcord, Storm Shadow, the Baroness, Cover Girl, and General Hawk. It is awesome stuff.

I am loving the look of this film. I know the outfits are closer to Sigma Six than the classic cartoon look, but come on people. It really had to be done. There is no friggin way anyone could dress like they did in the comics and have it be believable in a military situation. Its just like what they did with the X-Men film.

While you should go check out WWTDD, just in case anything happens to their pics, you can also check out Scarlett, Duke, Ripcord, Snake Eyes 01, Snake Eyes 02, Cover Girl, Storm Shadow & Baroness, Baroness, and General Hawk right here... :) Enjoy.
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A reason to watch BET

BET (black entertainment television) recently held their 'upfront' presentation in New York, and they had one awesome announcement that might actually induce me, an extremely white geeky guy, to watch. They have reportedly struck a deal with my beloved Marvel comics to bring an animated Black Panther series to life.

No other details are really known at this point, although the show is apparently being redied for the '08-'09 season. I wonder if it will be the same Panther we saw recently in the Ultimate Avengers 2 direct to dvd movie. I actually hope so, because I thought that storyline was excellent.

For those of you that might not know, although there have been a few different Panthers over the year, the generally accepted most popular and seen one is T'Challa, prince of the Bantu tribe in the small fictional African country of Wakanda. The Black Panther has enhanced senses, agility, strength and perception. He has also had an on again off again relationship with and in The Avengers and basically all around kicks ass.

There was, and has been a rumor for a few years now that Wesley Snipes wants to star in a feature film take on the character. Maybe a successful animated show will kick that off finally. I hope this show is awesome, I'm definitely looking forward to it.
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The McLovin Fund

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Scarlett revealed

JoBlo.com presents us with the very first look at Rachel Nichols as Scarlett from the upcoming G.I. Joe movie. I know its not like her comic book, or cartoon counterpart but damn...That's very nice :) Click to enlarge.

G.I. Joe is filming now, and will come out on August 7th, 2009.
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The Last Airbender moves along

According to AICN it looks like Shyamalan's Avatar: The Last Airbender film is finally getting off the ground, with the slightly altered (in lieu of James Cameron's film I'm sure) title of simply The Last Airbender. The studio has announced a release date, of Friday, June 2nd 2010... the day we reclaim our Independence.

The film itself is obviously based on the beloved Nickelodeon cartoon Avatar: The Last Airbender, and follows young Aang. He is the reincarnated spirit of the great and powerful avatar. The one who will bring balance to the force and unite the warring tribes of the world. Aang is , as should be obvious, an airbender and can manipulate the air around him. Aided by his friends Katara, a water bender, her brother Sokka, and Aang's flying bison Appa, they three teenagers try to master their powers and resolve the conflict raging between the warring Fire Nation and the rest of the earth.

Its really a fascinating story, and the cartoon is definitely worth checking out. I am only partway through it myself as I keep getting distracted, but I'm really enjoying it.

So now that we've got a firm-ish release date, I think we can all start expecting to see more on this film soon. I suspect the story, which has yet to be finished as a cartoon, will be told in at least two films, although it'll probably be set for four like the toon. Still should be an interesting ride. Why not go watch the first episode of the cartoon and let me know what you think. Its pretty cool stuff :)
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Atlantis Risen

Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman the writers we love and hate behind MI:III, Transformers, and the upcoming Star Trek are at it again, this time with comic property Atlantis Rising. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the pair are adapting the 5 issue miniseries from last year into a feature film for Dreamworks (once again... they're still making new movies?!).

In the somewhat predictable, yet still cool sounding, story of Atlantis Rising, "seismic disturbances at sea force world militaries to investigate the deepest part of the world's ocean, where an underground civilization emerges to wage war with planet Earth. " Yes, very exciting. The fate of both civilizations will hang in the balance I'm sure...

Sigh... if only they'd turn Crux into a movie.

Anyhow, you can read the first four issues of the comic book for free right here in their entirety! Just check out the drop down menu in the center for links to the various pages. I wonder if that will stay online for long now that its being adapted... Oh well, have to just check it out quickly. The fifth and final book in the mini is set to be released sometime later this month.
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Spielberg's Ghost

So according to Variety Steven Spielberg has decided he is so taken by the mega hit manga / anime Ghost in the Shell that he plans to bring it to the big screen and a full fledged American audience as soon as he can. This week Dreamworks (is that still around?) acquired the rights to the comic, and Spielberg has announced he plans to bring it to life as a live action 3-D film.

While apparently some elements of the backstory of Ghost in the Shell vary depending on what context you take it, be it manga, anime movies, or tv series, the most basic throughline is that the story is a futuristic cyberpunk police thriller that follows the members of the Japanese, Special Forces police squad known as Section 9. The members of this elite squad, Ghosts, are cyborgs who specialize in fighting technology based crime.

The film is really just at the beginning stages of development. Steven Paul alongside Avi and Ari Arad have come on board as producers, and the writer of the upcoming Keanu opus Street Kings, Jamie Moss is set to adapt to books.

If you aren't familiar with Ghost in the Shell I'd really recommend you watch at least the first film. It's truly a excellent adventure, and sooooo much better than something like Aeon Flux.

I'll definitely be keeping my eye on this to see how it develops, but this could be very big.
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The Incredible poster

Check out the great poster for The Incredible Hulk. Its very Amazing Spider-Man #50, and I really like it. Still have reservations about the film, but at least the marketing has been alright. Click to enlarge, or head over the Comingsoon.net for a super big version of the poster.

The movie, of course, comes out on June 13th, '08.
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Iron Man to become movie!

Wildly Popular 'Iron Man' Trailer To Be Adapted Into Full-Length Film
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CBS this summer...

While I definitely touched on the significant highlights last week when I write that big post about the state of television, but today CBS has officially announced their programming slate for this summer. Please go read the full press release if your interested. For me there are only a few notable mentions.

Of course Big Brother is coming back. I really appreciate the fact that CBS is giving us another new season right after the current one ends. Its totally my guilty pleasure and the only show CBS is guaranteed to get me with this summer.

Of course their announced drama series have piqued my interest somewhat as well. Sure they'll both probably fail miserably but I think I'll probably give them both a shot. From the press release:

"Previously announced SWINGTOWN, from the director of "Big Love" and "Rome," premieres Thursday, June 5* (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT). The series peeks into the shag-carpeted suburban homes of the culturally transformative '70s to find couples reveling in the sexual and social revolution that introduced women's liberation and challenged conventional wisdom. During this heady era of provocative change, Susan and Bruce Miller move their family to an affluent Chicago suburb where they're confronted with personal choices, experimentation and shifting attitudes, all against the backdrop of a changing social climate defined by its unforgettable music, fashion and style."

If I can find it sometime in the future, I'll post the trailer for this show on the blog so you can have a look. I saw it last night during Big Brother, but it doesn't seem to have hit the net yet. The show is definitely intriguing. I just have doubts they'll be able to consistently pull off the awkward mix of 'social liberation without the wisdom to understand it' that characterized the 70s and was so aptly portrayed in films like the Ice Storm. Another problem with showcasing the kind of unadulterated Experience people so desperately reached for, on a weekly basis is the very real guilt associated with that time as well. The world was a different place back then, and that kind of irresponsible naivety is gone, but I think there are enough people around who lived it that it will be a tough sell for people to live through again. Unless the audience intends to take it as I do, with a voyeuristic interest. But that said, this show might make us all feel kind of slimy on a weekly basis, and thats not something I see playing too well.

The other new drama, is a Canadian show, so I'll have to check it out if only to represent my homeland... from the press release:

"FLASHPOINT, an emotional journey into the tough, risk-filled lives of a group of cops in the SRU (inspired by Toronto's Emergency Task Force), premieres Friday, July 11 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT). It's a unit that rescues hostages, busts gangs, defuses bombs, climbs the sides of buildings and talks down suicidal teens. As they race against the clock to determine what brought these people to their respective breaking points, members of this highly skilled team use their training in negotiating, profiling and getting inside the suspect's head to diffuse the situation to try to save lives. "

Man oh man, just tell me that doesn't sound like a half-assed Canadian version of 24?! I know! awesome right? exactly.

The only other show to even consider is the updated gameshow Million Dollar Password. and honestly thats only out of my deep respect for Regis Philbin. Oh, and you can apply to play right here...

As for the rest of the planned schedule, it's honestly all crap. And from my perspective that's really all she wrote on the matter. Welcome to summertime kids, try to enjoy it.
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International SR trailer

Check out this new Rain filled international Speed Racer trailer. I Just love how great this film looks. I think its gonna be huge!



Speed Racer hits screens on May 9th. That's really soon!
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New Clone Wars trailer

Check it out, while you can. The new trailer for the Clone Wars tv series. Set to debut, as we discussed, in theaters this August 15th, followed by its full run on Cartoon Network in the Fall. I am definitely looking forward to this show. Very good stuff.



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Virtuality on FOX

There's one thing you have to grant FOX. They really do take chances on new shows. Admittedly they have a truly terrible record for canceling shows too; but I don't think anyone can blame them for not at least starting on the right track, especially when it comes to science fiction. Case in point, as reported today FOX has greenlit a backdoor pilot for BattleStar Galactica helmer Ronald D Moore's newest sci fi foray Virtuality.

Producers say the sci fi show "is set aboard the Phaeton, Earth's first starship. It revolves around its crew of 12 astronauts on a 10-year journey to explore a distant solar system. To help them endure the long trip and keep their minds occupied, NASA has equipped the ship with advanced virtual-reality modules, allowing the crew members to assume adventurous identities and go to any place they want. The plan works flawlessly until a mysterious "bug" is found in the system."

Its a show about fantasy vs reality. And while you may imagine that you've seen all this in the endless stream of bad Star Trek holodeck gone wrong episodes, I think we can at least hope this show will have a more modern sensibility. And since the pilot was writter by the Battlestar Galactica guys, I'll give it some credit upfront.

Interestingly enough, NBC first apparently passed on this show, saying it was too sci fi for their network, and that's how it ended up at FOX. I sure hope that doesn't mean it will alienate all the non-sci fi viewers. I mean I love hard sci fi, but a show doesn't stand a chance on FOX unless its accessible. Frankly this sounds like it could be a lot more fantasy that sci fi.

But I'm calling it right now. If at the end of this series we realize it was ALL some virtual reality sim in a different world, and non of the characters are really real I will be furious...
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Mongol trailer

Check out this cool trailer for Mongol. The movie is set to come out stateside on June 8th, 2008.


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Bobism will come to pass

In another turn to the speculative script; The Hollywood Reporter has a story about how MGM has picked up the script to Bobism by Ben Wexler.

In what sounds like a winning combination to me at least. "In Bobism, a shy college kid learns that his blog will be the basis for a utopian society in 1,000 years. He also finds out that aliens from the future want to kill him and prevent that utopia from happening."

God. Can you only imagine what that would be like... its basically guarenteed to get like 95% of the bloggers out to the theater. Because as we all know, bloggers are notoriously self involved... Definitely a great idea.
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Battle: Los Angeles

In a funny little story by AICN, Columbia pictures has reportedly picked up the rights to a spec script called Battle: Los Angeles which sounds like it could be some real fun.

From producer Neal Moritz, of I Am Legend fame, and based on a script by Chris Bertolini, the story will follow "one Marine platoon's encounter in the battle against an alien invasion on the streets of Los Angeles"

Pretty fun, eh? I sure hope they manage to blow some shit up. :)
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Earth vs Moon

After a "mid to high six figure bidding war"Universal has reportedly pick up the rights to Earth vs Moon, a story pitched by one of the producers of Big Brother, Paul Wernick and a writer from Monsters Inc, Rhett Reese.

Earth vs Moon, besides having the peculiar title that seems to be lacking a couple of "Thes", is said to be a "sci fi epic". All other details are being kept under wraps. :(

The title alone gets it some points. And I like the fact that these are the same guys who are developing Zombieland, but I gotta say guys, you need to leek a litle bit more out there for us to get interested...
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The Disney Slate

So in a pretty much unprecedented move, Disney decided to announce every major animated film that they have in the works and intend to release under both their Disney and the Pixar brand names from now until 2012. It's a pretty staggering list, most of which we've heard bits and pieces about but this is really just a treasure trove of information. Here care of AICN is an excerpt of the press release. This is the part that specifically chronicles their upcoming movies for 2008 with explanations of plotting on each. The pictures are care of Comingsoon.net.

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2008:

WALL•E (Domestic Release Date: June 27th, 2008)
Pixar Animation Studios
Director/Screenwriter: Andrew Stanton
Producer: Jim Morris
Co-Producer: Lindsey Collins
Sound and Character Voice Designer: Ben Burtt
Composer: Thomas Newman, with an Original Song Performed by Peter Gabriel
Voice Talent: Fred Willard, Jeff Garlin, Sigourney Weaver, John Ratzenberger, Kathy Najimy

What if mankind had to leave Earth and somebody forgot to turn off the last robot?

Academy Award®-winning writer-director Andrew Stanton (“Finding Nemo”) and the inventive storytellers and technical geniuses at Pixar Animation Studios transport moviegoers to a galaxy not so very far away for a new computer-animated cosmic comedy about a determined robot named WALL•E.
After hundreds of lonely years doing what he was built for, WALL•E (short for Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-Class) discovers a new purpose in life (besides collecting knick-knacks) when he meets a sleek search robot named EVE. EVE comes to realize that WALL•E has inadvertently stumbled upon the key to the planet’s future, and races back to space to report her findings to the humans (who have been eagerly awaiting word that it is safe to return home). Meanwhile, WALL•E chases EVE across the galaxy and sets into motion one of the most incredible comedy adventures ever brought to the big screen.

Joining WALL•E on his fantastic journey across a universe of never-before-imagined visions of the future is a hilarious cast of characters including a pet cockroach, and a heroic team of malfunctioning misfit robots.

BOLT (Domestic Release Date: November 26th, 2008, Disney Digital 3-D™)
Walt Disney Animation Studios
Directors: Chris Williams, Byron Howard
Producer: Clark Spencer
Voice Talent: John Travolta, Miley Cyrus, Susie Essman

For super-dog Bolt (voiced by John Travolta), every day is filled with adventure, danger and intrigue – at least until the cameras stop rolling. When the canine star of a hit TV show is accidentally shipped from his Hollywood soundstage to New York City , he begins his biggest adventure yet – a cross-country journey through the real world. Armed only with the delusions that all his amazing feats and powers are real, and with the help of two unlikely traveling companions – a jaded, abandoned housecat named Mittens (voiced by Susie Essman), and TV-obsessed hamster in a plastic ball named Rhino – Bolt discovers he doesn’t need superpowers to be a hero. Miley Cyrus (“Hannah Montana”) brings her vocal talents to the role of Penny, Bolt’s human co-star on the television series.

TINKER BELL (Disney DVD and Blu-ray Release Date: October 28th, 2008)
DisneyToon Studios
Director: Bradley Raymond
Producer: Jeannine Roussel

Enter the magical world of fairies and meet the enchanting creatures of Pixie Hollow, who “nurture nature” and bring about the change of the seasons. Changing the colors of the leaves, moving a sunbeam to melt snow, waking animals from their winter slumber, or giving a patch of sproutlings a sprinkle of water are all within the realm of these seasonal specialists. Tinker Bell thinks her fairy talent as a “tinker” isn’t as special or important as the other fairies’ talents. But when Tink tries to change who she is, she creates nothing but disaster! With encouragement from her friends Rosetta, Silvermist, Fawn and Iridessa, Tink learns the key to solving her problems lies in her unique tinker abilities…and discovers that when she’s true to herself, magical things can happen.

2009:

UP (Domestic Release Date: May 29th, 2009, Disney Digital 3-D™)
Pixar Animation Studios
Director: Pete Docter
Co-Director: Bob Peterson
Producer: Jonas Rivera
Writer: Bob Peterson
Voice Talent: Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer, John Ratzenberger, Jordan Nagai

From the Academy Award®-nominated team of director Pete Docter (“Monsters, Inc.”) and co-director Bob Peterson comes “Up,” a comedic adventure taking off (and lifting spirits) in summer 2009. Carl Fredricksen spent his entire life dreaming of exploring the globe and experiencing life to its fullest. But at age 78, life seems to have passed him by, until a twist of fate (and a persistent 8-year old Wilderness Explorer named Russell) gives him a new lease on life. “Up” takes audiences on a thrilling journey where the unlikely pair encounter wild terrain, unexpected villains and jungle creatures. When seeking adventure next summer – look “Up.”

TOY STORY in 3-D (Domestic Release Date: October 2nd, 2009)
Pixar Animation Studios
Director: John Lasseter
Producers: Ralph Guggenheim, Bonnie Arnold
Composer: Randy Newman
Voice Talent: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger

Originally released by Walt Disney Pictures in 1995, “Toy Story” was the first feature film from Pixar Animation Studios and director John Lasseter. The film went on to receive Oscar® nominations for Best Original Score, Best Original Song, and Best Original Screenplay, and earned Lasseter a Special Achievement Award (Oscar®) “for the development and inspired application of techniques that have made possible the first feature-length computer-animated film.” The 3-D version of this landmark film is being personally overseen by Lasseter with his acclaimed team of technical wizards handling all the necessary steps in the conversion process.

THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG (Domestic Release Date: Christmas 2009)
Walt Disney Animation Studios
Directors: John Musker, Ron Clements
Producer: Peter Del Vecho
Composer: Randy Newman
Voice Talent: Anika Noni Rose, Keith David, Jenifer Lewis, John Goodman

A musical set in the greatest city of them all, New Orleans , “The Princess and the Frog” marks Disney’s return to the timeless art form of traditional animation. The film teams Ron Clements and John Musker, creators of “The Little Mermaid” and “Aladdin,” with Oscar®-winning composer Randy Newman to tell the most beautiful love story ever told…with frogs, voodoo, and a singing alligator.

TINKER BELL NORTH OF NEVER LAND - working title (Disney DVD and Blu-ray Release Date: 2009)
DisneyToon Studios
Director: Klay Hall
Producer: Sean Lurie

In autumn, Tinker Bell is entrusted with crafting a great treasure that can rejuvenate the Pixie Dust Tree. But when her friend Terence offers to help, Tink's temper and stubbornness get the better of her, shattering both her creation and her friendship with Terence. To set things right again, she must embark on a journey far North of Never Land… and along the way, she will discover an even greater treasure.

2010:

TOY STORY 2 in 3-D (Domestic Release Date: February 12th, 2010)
Pixar Animation Studios
Director: John Lasseter
Co-Directors: Lee Unkrich, Ash Brannon
Producers: Helene Plotkin, Karen Robert Jackson
Composer: Randy Newman
Voice Talent: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Kelsey Grammer, Don Rickles, Estelle Harris, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger

Originally released in 1999, “Toy Story 2” went on to become one of the most popular animated features of all time. The film picks up as Andy is heading off to Cowboy Camp and the toys are left to their own devices. When an obsessive toy collector named Al McWhiggin (owner of Al’s Toy Barn) kidnaps Woody, and Woody learns that he’s a highly valued collectable from a 1950s TV show called “Woody’s Roundup,” the stage is set for a daring rescue attempt by the gang from Andy’s room. The film introduced such other memorable characters from “Woody’s Roundup” as Jessie the cowgirl, Bullseye the horse, and the Prospector.

TOY STORY 3 (Domestic Release Date: June 18th, 2010, Disney Digital 3-D™)
Pixar Animation Studios
Director: Lee Unkrich
Producer: Darla K. Anderson
Writer: Michael Arndt
Composer: Randy Newman
Voice Talent: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Don Rickles, Wallace Shawn, Estelle Harris, John Ratzenberger, Ned Beatty

The creators of the beloved “Toy Story” films re-open the toy box and bring moviegoers back to the delightful world of Woody, Buzz and our favorite gang of toy characters in “Toy Story 3.” Lee Unkrich (co-director of “Toy Story 2” and “Finding Nemo”) directs this highly anticipated film, and Michael Arndt, the Academy Award®-winning screenwriter of “Little Miss Sunshine,” brings his unique talents and comedic sensibilities to the proceedings.

RAPUNZEL (Domestic Release Date: Christmas 2010, Disney Digital 3-D™)
Walt Disney Animation Studios
Directors: Glen Keane, Dean Wellins
Producer: Roy Conli

In this new telling of the classic fairy tale, “Rapunzel,” audiences will be transported to a stunning CG fantasy world complete with the iconic tower, an evil witch, a gallant hero and, of course, the mysterious girl with the long golden tresses. Expect adventure, heart, humor, and hair…lots of hair, when Rapunzel unleashes her locks in theaters for the 2010 holiday.

TINKER BELL A MIDSUMMER STORM - working title (Disney DVD and Blu-ray Release Date: 2010)
DisneyToon Studios
Director: Carolyn Gair
Producer: Margot Pipkin

After being confronted by her antagonist Vidia, an irritated Tinker Bell retaliates by taking a photograph of Vidia…without considering the consequences. Now, the two must set aside their differences and cooperate to prevent evidence of the existence of fairies from falling into human hands.

2011:

NEWT (Domestic Release Date: Summer 2011, Disney Digital 3-D™)
Pixar Animation Studios
Director: Gary Rydstrom
Producer: Richard Hollander
Writers: Gary Rydstrom, Leslie Caveny

What happens when the last remaining male and female blue-footed newts on the planet are forced together by science to save the species, and they can’t stand each other? That's the problem facing Newt and Brooke, heroes of ”newt,” the Pixar film by seven-time Academy Award® winner for sound Gary Rydstrom, and director of Pixar's Oscar nominated short, "Lifted." Newt and Brooke embark on a perilous, unpredictable adventure and discover that finding a mate never goes as planned, even when you only have one choice. Love, it turns out, is not a science.

THE BEAR AND THE BOW (Domestic Release Date: Christmas 2011, Disney Digital 3-D™)
Pixar Animation Studios
Director: Brenda Chapman
Producer: Katherine Sarafian
Voice Talent: Reese Witherspoon, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson

A rugged and mythic Scotland is the setting for Pixar’s action-adventure "The Bear and the Bow.” The impetuous, tangle-haired Merida , though a daughter of royalty, would prefer to make her mark as a great archer. A clash of wills with her mother compels Merida to make a reckless choice, which unleashes unintended peril on her father’s kingdom and her mother’s life. Merida struggles with the unpredictable forces of nature, magic and a dark, ancient curse to set things right. Director Brenda Chapman (“The Prince of Egypt,” “The Lion King”) and the storytelling wizards of Pixar conjure humor, fantasy and excitement in this rich Highland tale.

TINKER BELL A WINTER STORY - working title (Disney DVD and Blu-ray Release Date: 2011)
DisneyToon Studios
Producer: Sean Lurie

The fourth, as-yet-untold story of Tinker Bell and her fairy friends will take place in winter, completing the cycle of the seasons.

2012:

CARS 2 (Domestic Release Date: Summer 2012, Disney Digital 3-D™)
Pixar Animation Studios
Director: Brad Lewis

All the world’s a racetrack as racing superstar Lightning McQueen zooms back into action, with his best friend Mater in tow, to take on the globe’s fastest and finest in this thrilling high-octane new installment of the “Cars” saga. Mater and McQueen will need their passports as they find themselves in a new world of intrigue, thrills and fast-paced comedic escapades around the globe. “Cars 2” is being directed by Brad Lewis, producer of the Oscar®-winning film “Ratatouille.”

KING OF THE ELVES (Domestic Release Date: Christmas 2012, Disney Digital 3-D™)
Walt Disney Animation Studios
Directors: Aaron Blaise, Robert Walker
Producer: Chuck Williams

Legendary storyteller Phillip K. Dick’s short story (his only experiment in the fantasy genre) becomes the basis for this fantastic and imaginative tale about an average man living in the Mississippi Delta, whose reluctant actions to help a desperate band of elves leads them to name him their new king. Joining the innocent and endangered elves as they attempt to escape from an evil and menacing troll, their unlikely new leader finds himself caught on a journey filled with unimaginable dangers and a chance to bring real meaning back to his own life.

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Wow. I mean WOW! that is seriously one meaty list of movies. I mean theres so much you could say, but really I mean, maybe its best to just let it all absorb. The ones that really catch my eye? Blot, because even though its Travolta (who usually annoys me) I have a sneaking suspicion that the story will be excellent. Up, because you just KNOW that it'll be super heartwarming. Rapunzel, Toy Story 3, Newt, The Bear and the Bow definitely, Cars 2 of course, and god. I mean oh my god seriously.?!? Pixar is adapting a Philip Dick story into a film! And its called The King of the Elves!?! this must be like topsy turvy world where the geek rule over all or something. Its just staggering how cool all of this stuff sounds.

And god... just look at that... think about how much money they are going to make with those films!!! I mean they are going to rake in boatloads of cash for these movies! boatloads! Ok, obviously I'm talking nonsensical again. I'm going to stop now, but when we start moving forward on these films I'll definitely be here to let you know. This is just really cool cool news.

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