Weekend Movie News 5-29-15 to 5-31-15

        Hello ladies and gentlemen, here is some movie news with some of my thoughts and opinions (which will be in BOLD print). So without further ado...


(NOTE: All of these stories come from comingsoon.net)


        Although previous reports suggested that Walt Disney Pictures had plans to move forward with TRON 3, The Hollywood Reporter now brings word that the planned return to the Grid will not be happening. Both Garrett Hedlund and Olivia Wilde were set to reprise their respective roles as Sam Flynn and Quorra with TRON: Legacy helmer Joseph Kosinski back at the helm. Sadly, the studio has elected not to go into production on the sequel. At least for the time being, the future of the TRON franchise has been derezed. Released in 1982, the original TRON underperformed at the box office, but it nonetheless managed to find an important place in pop culture over the next few decades. The sequel was scripted by Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz from a story they developed with Brian Klugman and Lee Sternhal, based in turn on characters created by Bonnie MacBird and original TRON helmer Steven Lisberger. That film’s worldwide box office exceeded $400 million. There was never an official title or plot revealed for TRON 3, although today’s trade report suggests that Kosinski was keen on casting Academy Award winner Jared Leto in a key role.

       
        I'm not surprised by this news. TRON: Legacy was a financial success, but not a huge one at that and critics didn't seem to like it either (I know I didn't) so it makes sens for them not to go forward with it. Right the film might need more time and Disney does have a lot of irons in the fire with other films so we still may see the film just not in the immediate future. I think the only thing you can do with the franchise and reboot it. 


        Deadline brings word that character actor William Fichtner (The Lone Ranger, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) has joined the cast of Independence Day 2 as top general, an upgrade from his “Colonel” position in Armageddon. The outlet also notes that Fichtner will have a larger presence in two planned follow-up films to the 2016 release. It had been previously reported that the follow-up to the 1996 film was being conceived of as a two-part sequel, but now it appears that a fourth film could also be in the cards. Again directed by Roland Emmerich, Independence Day 2 will also see the return of stars Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum Vivica A. Fox, Judd Hirsch and Brent Spiner as well as a cast of franchise newcomers that includes Liam Hemsworth, Jessie Usher, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Travis Tope, Joey King, Maika Monroe and Sela Ward.Set to hit theaters June 24, 2016 (almost exactly 20 years after the original), Independence Day 2 features a script by Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin and James Vanderbilt, James A.Woods & Nicolas Wright. The original Independence Day opened on July 3, 1996 and earned an impressive $817.4 million worldwide. Emmerich is also set to produce the sequel alongside Devlin and Harald Kloser.

        This is great casting. William Fichtner is a tremendous actor and he is very underrated and hopefully he gets a chance to shine in this film. As for two more sequels after the next film is stretching it for my tastes. I mean the first film was a financial success, but it's been almost 20 years since that films release and I just don't know if the general movie going audience will go out in droves to see the film, so I think that Fox needs to step on the brakes and just wait and see what happens. 



        The cast and crew of Universal Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ Jurassic World have started their global press tour, and BadTaste.it tells us they got a chance to ask director Colin Trevorrow (Safety Not Guaranteed) at the Paris, France World Premiere about helming another installment. The answer was no. “Jurassic Park is like Star Wars. Different directors can give a different taste to each movie,” Trevorrow told the site. “I would be involved in some way, but not as director.” With the Jurassic Park sequel tracking to open over $100 million at the domestic box office, another film is almost guaranteed. If it happens, who would you like to see direct the next movie? Opening in 3D, 2D and IMAX theaters, Jurassic World offers a terrifying sci-fi adventure set 22 years after the events of Steven Spielberg’s original 1993 Michael Crichton adaption, Jurassic Park. According to Trevorrow, a huge part of what sparked his take on the blockbuster franchise was the image of a teenager texting, unimpressed with the T. Rex behind the glass in front of him. Jurassic World, which hits theaters on June 12, 2015, stars Chris Pratt (Guardians of the Galaxy, The LEGO Movie), Bryce Dallas Howard (The Help, Spider-Man 3), Ty Simpkins (Insidious, Iron Man 3), Jake Johnson (Let’s Be Cops, “New Girl”), Nick Robinson (The Kings of Summer), Irrfan Khan (Life of Pi, The Amazing Spider-Man), Vincent D’Onofrio (“Daredevil,” “Law & Order: Criminal Intent”), BD Wong (Jurassic Park, “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”), Omar Sy (X-Men: Days of Future Past, The Intouchables), Judy Greer (Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Tomorrowland), Katie McGrath (NBC’s “Dracula,” “Merlin

        This is pretty disappointing news to hear. I haven't seen Jurassic world yet, but form everything I've heard so far is nothing but good things and a lot of people are attributing that to Colin Trevorrow. I do however agree with his comments on the fact that Jurassic Park needs to have other directors inputs, but the last someone besides Stephen Spielberg directed a Jurassic Park film it turned out to be a really bad film. Hopefully that doesn't happen now that Trevorrow isn't returning and we can get some good films.



        Following the previously-reported frontrunners last month, The Hollywood Reporter has an update on which actors actually participated in screen tests in Atlanta today for the role of Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. According to the trade, both Asa Butterfield (Hugo, Ender’s Game) and Tom Holland (The Impossible) are still in the mix. The site adds: The other four hopefuls included: Judah Lewis (a relative newbie who will be seen in the Jean Marc-Vallee’s fall drama Demolition), Matthew Lintz (who will be seen with Adam Sandler in this summer’s Pixels), Charlie Plummer (who had a recurring gig on Boardwalk Empire), and Charlie Rowe (a British actor who appeared on Fox’s short-lived Red Band Society). Present for the tests were Marvel Studios’ Kevin Feige, producer Amy Pascal, and Joe and Anthony Russo, the duo that is directing Captain America: Civil War, the film which is expected to feature the first appearance of the new Spidey. After the May 6, 2016 release from Marvel Studios, Spider-Man will then get his own solo film from Sony Pictures, set for release on July 28, 2017. “There is a young kid [already] running around New York City in a homemade version of the Spider-Man costume in the MCU,”  Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige previously told CraveOnline. “You just don’t know it yet… In Spider-Man’s very specific case, where there have been two retellings of that origin in the last whatever it’s been – [thirteen] years – for us we are going to take it for granted that people know that, and the specifics.” The Reporter says that the producers have looked at over 1,500 boys from around the world. The narrowed-down list of actors tested in Atlanta because that is where “Civil War” is currently filming. A decision on the actor is expected to be made early this week.

        My only question is why? Now granted contrary to the reports Asa Butterfield hasn't technically been confirmed, but all signs point to him taking over the mantle of Peter Parker. The only reason why I think these actors were brought in and this list getting leaked is so that Marvel can make it seem like they haven't made their decision just yet when I believe they already have. All i can say is that by the end of the month we will officially know who the new Spider-Man is.



        Following the set photos we posted yesterday, the Daily Mail has managed to get a hold of even more photos from the set of the upcoming Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 which confirm that none other than WWE superstar Sheamus has joined the cast as the villain Rocksteady.  Megan Fox and Will Arnett lead the cast for the film that also includes William Fichtner as Eric Sacks and newcomers Tyler Perry as scientist Baxter Stockman, and Stephen Amell as the sports-themed vigilante Casey Jones. Alan Ritchson, Jeremy Howard, Pete Ploszek, and Noel Fisher will reprise their roles as Raphael, Donatello, Leonardo (Johnny Knoxville did the voice), and Michelangelo. The original film, which grossed more than $485 million at the worldwide box office, also starred Danny Woodburn and Tony Shalhoub. Directed by Earth to Echo‘s David Green, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 is set for release on June 3, 2016.

        I'm a little surprised by this news. Now some of you may know that I watch wrestling from time to time and I've seen what this guy can do on scripted television and he's decent. I figured they would go in a different direction for Rocksteady, but I don't know who I would've gotten. While I am happy to see that Bebop and Rocksteady on the big screen, I'm just a little disappointed at who they have cast in the parts. 

        So there you have it ladies and gentlemen, which of these stories peaked your interest or was there another story that interested you? Let me know in the comments section below and let your voice be heard.

                                                                                                                                        Jonah Sparks

My Top 10 Favorite Screenwriters of All-Time

        A screenwriter is a writer who practices the craft of screenwriting, writing screenplays on which mass media such as films, television programs, comics or video games are based. without these people then there would be no film. Screenplays are the blueprint of the film and they give everyone involved with the film a good idea and direction in which the film needs to go. Also screenwriters can do double duty on a film and direct the screenplay that they have writttenWith that being said I'm going to bring you my top 10 favorite screenwriters of all-time along with my top 3 favorite films that they have wrote. So without further ado...





10. Paul Thomas Anderson

1. There Will Be Blood

2. Punch-Drunk Love

3. Boogie Nights

9. John Hughes


1. The Breakfast Club
2. Home Alone
3. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation



8. The Coen Brothers (Joel and Ethan) 


1. No Country for Old Men
2. O Brother, Where Art Thou?
3. Fargo



7. Christopher Nolan


1. The Dark Knight
2. Inception
3. Memento



6. Ben Affleck


1. Good Will Hunting
2. The Town
3. Gone Baby Gone



5. Mel Brooks


1. Blazing Saddles
2. Robin Hood: Men in Tights
3. Spaceballs



4. Francis Ford Coppola


1. The Godfather Part 2
2. The Godfather
3. Apocalypse Now



3. Stanley Kubrick


1. Dr. Strangelove
2. A Clockwork Orange
3. The Shining



2. George Lucas 


1. Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
2. Raiders of the Lost Ark
3. Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope



1. Quinton Tarantino


1. Pulp Fiction
2. Reservoir Dogs
3. Django Unchained

        So ladies and gentlemen who are some of your favorite screenwriters and what do you think of my list? Let me know in the comment section below and let your voice be heard.

                                                                                                                           Jonah Sparks

5-28-15 Movie News

        Hello ladies and gentlemen, here is some movie news with some of my thoughts and opinions (which will be in BOLD print). So without further ado...


(NOTE: All of these stories come from comingsoon.net)


        Following the new character images that debuted earlier this month, Lucasfilm has revealed that Andy Serkis's  Star Wars: The Force Awakens character will be called “Supreme Leader Snoke.” Star Wars: The Force Awakens is set 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi, and features a new generation of swashbuckling heroes and shadowy villains, as well as the return of fan-favorite smugglers, princesses, and Jedi. Starring Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker as their characters from the original trilogy, “The Force Awakens” also stars John Boyega as Finn, Daisy Ridley as Rey, Adam Driver as Kylo Ren, Oscar Isaac Poe Dameron, Lupita Nyong’o as Maz Kanata, and Gwendoline Christie as Captain Phasma. Also starring, Domhnall Gleeson, Max von Sydow, Crystal Clarke, Pip Anderson, Christina Chong and Miltos Yerolemou, the J.J. Abrams-directed film will debut in theaters on December 18, 2015.

        I'm a little indifferent about the name. In one sense the name is a little dorky and it doesn't get me excited about his character, but the is a flip-side to that. One of the rumors going around is that a lot of Star Wars characters have more than one name such as Chancellor Palpatine is also known as Darth Sidious. I personally tend to agree with this simply because there are so many hints towards the character of Darth Plagueis and I would be shocked if his character isn't Darth Plagueis. If he isn't I'll be fine with it, but I'll be disappointed. 



        Deadline is reporting that Paramount Pictures and producer Mary Parent’s Disruption Entertainment are developing the toyline Beyblade as a live-action feature film. Essentially weighted spinning tops with different abilities that can be launched into “battle” with each other, Beyblade originated at Japanese company Takara Tomy in 2000, and were licensed by Hasbro for America in 2001. Generating over $2.5 billion dollars in revenue, the brand was popularized by a manga series by Takao Aoki about a group of kids who form a team called Bladebreakers to compete in tournaments using Beyblades. The property has spawned several Anime series, video games, and two animated movies, not to mention a new toyline scheduled to debut in 2017. Paramount has had enormous success in adapting Hasbro’s Transformers toys into a major film franchise, but its two G.I. Joe films have only performed moderately well at the box office. Meanwhile, Universal achieved amazing low-budget profitability with Ouija while the expensive Battleship utterly sunk. Beyblade has an extensive mythology with worldwide recognition to adapt, although it lacks the nostalgia factor of those previous properties and may prove a tough sell to older millennials and their parents. Former Universal co-chair Parent is also producing the toyetic Monster Trucks movie at Paramount, currently in a lengthy post-production for a 2016 release, as well as the Pacific Rim franchise at Legendary/Universal.

        I think this is a pretty great idea. When I was younger I was a huge fan of Bayblade, but as I got older I kind of drifted away from it and I lost touch. It makes sense for Paramount because of the success they have had with developing Hasbro movies. I'm interested in how this film will work and how close the studio will follow or use the very huge mythology that Beyblade has.



        Marvel Studios has debuted an all-new poster for their upcoming movie Ant-Man featuring the title character doing some microscopic bullet-dodging and you can check it out below. Ant-Man stars Paul Rudd (This is 40, They Came Together), Evangeline Lilly (“LOST,” The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies), Corey Stoll (This is Where I Leave You, Non-Stop) and Michael Douglas (The Game, And So It Goes) and brings a founding member of The Avengers to the big screen for the first time. Armed with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, master thief Scott Lang (Rudd) must embrace his inner-hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym (Douglas), protect the secret behind his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of towering threats. Against seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Pym and Lang must plan and pull off a heist that will save the world. Also starring are Judy Greer (“Archer,” Dawn of the Planet of the Apes), Bobby Cannavale (Chef, Blue Jasmine), Michael Pena (End of Watch, Fury), Martin Donovan (Inherent Vice, Insomnia), Wood Harris (Dredd, Remember the Titans), John Slattery (“Mad Men,” Iron Man 2), Gregg Turkington (“Gravity Falls,” The Comedy), Abby Ryder Fortson (“Togetherness,” “The Whispers”), David Dastmalchian (The Dark Knight, Prisoners) and T.I. (Takers, “House of Lies”), Ant-Man features a script by Edgar Wright, Joe Cornish, Paul Rudd and Adam McKay. Ant-Man is scheduled to open in theaters on July 17, 2015. You can learn more about the Ant-Man cast by clicking here.



        This is a pretty nice poster. Now granted it is full of unnecessary CGI images, but it is a different poster than Marvel is used to releasing. They all usually show the main cast with floating heads all around the poster. This is a new original poster and it gives you an idea of how small Ant-Man is. Through all of the ups and downs, I've been behind the film and I've dying to see it and knowing that it is a month and a half away gets me excited. 



        It’s been widely reported over the past few months that Paramount Pictures is looking to expand their big screen Transformers franchise, pulling together a team of writers with the aim being to develop sequels and spinoffs set in the same cinematic universe as the four existing Michael Bay films. Today, Hasbro CEO Brian Goldner spoke at this year’s Global Consumer Conference and name-dropped the Autobot Bumblebee as the potential focus for a spinoff feature. “As we go forward, we would imagine several more Transformers Movies,” Goldner said (via TFW2005.com). “Not just in the current lineage but also spinoffs and focusing on certain key characters that are beloved by the world over. Many of you know Bumblebee; the yellow Camaro… formally known as a yellow VW Bug. He is a beloved character by kids all over the world. We could see stories told around Bumblebee and other characters. We are in a process of building the brand equity around the comic book business, our TV Business, our digital gaming business and adding to that our new movie business of Transformers.” The new writing team currently includes “The Walking Dead” and “Invincible” creator Robert Kirkman, the Iron Man writing pair of Art Marcum and Matt Holloway, “Fringe” and “Lost” scribe Jeff Pinkner, X-Men: The Last Stand and The Incredible Hulk‘s Zak Penn and Andrew Barrer & Gabriel Ferrari, a duo that worked together rewriting Marvel’s upcoming Ant-Man. I Am Legend‘s Akiva Goldsman will lead the group, each member of which was selected by Bay and fellow producers Steven Spielberg, and Lorenzo di Bonaventura. Previous reports have suggested that one of the potential titles in development is Transformers One, a prequel film set on the planet Cybertron, briefly seen in the first film of the series.  Last year, Paramount released the franchise’s fourth film, Transformers: Age of Extinction, starring Mark Wahlberg, Nicola Peltz and Jack Reynor. When asked if he’d be back for a sequel, Wahlberg previously stated that he’s contracted for “a couple more.” It is also believed that Bay himself will return to helm Transformers 5 after he completes work on his Benghazi drama 13 Hours. Age of Extinction grossed over $1 billion at the global box office with all four films combined grossing over $3.7 billion.

        Do we honestly need this movie? Look my favorite character in the Transformers franchise is Bumblebee and while a solo film would be cool, but is not necessary. Paramount right now is struggling to figure out what to do with the franchise moving forward especially after the fact that the last film, while making over $1 billion, was completely bashed by critics and by the true die hard fans. I think they need to just focus on one thing before trying to expand the universe. 



        It’s been more than three decades since Arnold Schwarzenegger headlined director John Milius’ Conan the Barbarian, launching a cinematic take on the Hyborian Age that continued in 1984’s Conan the Destroyer and 1985’s Red Sonja. Now, with cameras nearly ready to roll on The Legend of Conan and Schwarzenegger set to reprise the iconic role, it’s sounding like a cinematic universe based on Howard’s characters isn’t far off. Deadline today reports that Legend of Conan producer Frederik Malmberg, who also produced the 2011 reboot starring Jason Momoa, has acquired the rights to Howard’s entire catalogue of characters, paying $7.5 million to take control of Paradox Entertainment. “These days,” Malmberg tells the outlet, “it comes down to brands and characters and we are looking at long term possibilities. We look at how Marvel played out with its rich based of characters, and this too is a universe that lends itself to exploitation in TV and film. There aren’t many libraries like this.” Among the hundreds of characters included in the deal are Kull the Conqueror and Solomon Kane, both of whom have been the focus of theatrical films in the past. It gets a bit more complicated when it comes to the Red Sonja rights, however. Although the character was loosely based on a Howard creation, Roy Thomas and Barry Windsor-Smith are credited with creating the Sonja we know today, having debuted the warrior in a 1973 issue of Marvel Comics’ “Conan the Barbarian” series. Following a legal dispute that broke out nearly a decade ago, the rights to Sonja were awarded to an LLC separate from Paradox. Since then, however, Paradox and the Red Sonja LLC have been working in cooperation to keep current Sonja stories set in the Hyborian Age.

        It’s quite likely that a similar deal could be worked out for the big screen, although no plans have been confirmed at this time. Legend of Conan, meanwhile, is moving forward at Universal Pictures with a screenplay by Chris Morgan and Andrea Berloff. Morgan recently confirmed to The Arnold Fans that “at least three” other characters from the original films are included in the screenplay for the new adventure. “We’re very lucky that the architects of this new film — the writer, the producers, the studio and most of all, Arnold — who is Conan — are all first-generation fans who either worked on the film or who came along for the ride, cheering from their theater seats opening night,” he says. “We plan nothing more than to immerse ourselves in the world Milius envisioned from Robert E. Howard’s unforgettable stories and Frank Frazetta’s stunning artwork… [W]e are honoring the locales, the religions and the traditions of the ’82 film.” “It’s 30 years after the original film,” says Malmberg, likening the overall tone of the sequel to Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven, “and [Conan]’s facing his mortality and how a legend deals with the fact he’s older, and how does he want to go out.” Malmberg’s Paradox acquisition also includes the rights to some non-Howard properties, such as the ’90s role playing game Mutant Chronicles.

        Like I said with Paramount I don't think we need this. I know there is a really huge universe involved with Conan, but it's not as well known as Transformers is and I just think they need to do two or three solo Conan films before expanding the universe. I'm a fan of Conan and I really want this new film to succeed. I'm also glad Arnold is coming back to the franchise especially after the last film was absolutely dreadful.

        So there you have it ladies and gentlemen, which of these stories peaked your interest or was there another story that interested you? Let me know in the comments section below and let your voice be heard.

                                                                                                                                        Jonah Sparks

My Review of Slow West

        So I recently watched Slow West and I'm here to bring you my review. So without further ado.....







        At the end of the nineteenth century, 16-year-old Jay Cavendish (played by Kodi Smit-McPhee) journeys across the American frontier in search of the woman he loves. He is joined by Silas (played by Michael Fassbender), a mysterious traveler, and hotly pursued by an outlaw along the way.

       

        This is really great film. First I just want to say that Michael Fassbender is officially one of the top 5 actors working Hollywood. A lot of people have said that before, but after seeing this film I am convinced that he is in the top 5. His performance along with Kodi Smit-McPhee are just fantastic and they have amazing chemistry together. I also love the performance of Ben Mendelsohn and this goes to show that he doesn't need to be as underrated as he is. The film itself paints a bleak picture of the old west and it shows a lot brutal images that made me a little uncomfortable and I usually don't get uncomfortable watching films. It is also action-packed and it borrows a lot from older westerns and it made them into there own. Overall this is a fun film with amazing performances and action-packed, but the parts that were uncomfortable are just a little too much for my taste. I give Slow West an 8 out of 10.

        So ladies and gentlemen what did you think of Slow West, what would you rate it and what did you think of my review? Let me know in the comment section below and let your voice be heard.

                                                                                                                           Jonah Sparks

5-27-15 Movie News

        Hello ladies and gentlemen, here is some movie news with some of my thoughts and opinions (which will be in BOLD print). So without further ado...


(NOTE: All of these stories come from comingsoon.net)


        Well known for playing Captain James T. Kirk in the rebooted Star Trek franchise, Chris Pine appears to now be heading for the DC Universe. Variety today reports that Pine is in negotiations to play Steve Trevor, the romantic interest of the titular Amazon, in Warner Bros. Pictures’ Wonder Woman. Trevor debuted in the comics right alongside Wonder Woman in 1942’s “All Star Comics” #8. Although the character has been rebooted several times over the years, the original version of Trevor was a US soldier whose plane crash lands on Paradise Island, exposing the secret civilization to the world. The outlet also clarifies an earlier rumor that claimed Scott Eastwood would be playing the Trevor role. Although he reportedly considered reading for the role, the Gran Torino star ultimately took a completely different role for David Ayer’s Suicide Squad. Gal Gadot is attached to headline Wonder Woman, to be directed by Monster‘s Patty Jenkins. The character is planned to make her first cinematic appearance, however, in 2016’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. She may even make additional appearances across DC’s new cinematic universe before her solo film sees release on June 23, 2017. It’s pretty much a guarantee, too, that Wonder Woman is also going to play an important role in Justice League Part One, hitting theaters on November 10, 2017.

        I really like this casting. Chris Pine is a very talented actor and I think adding him to any film is a great idea. I am a little disappointed in the fact that he isn't going to be playing a superhero (rumors were circulating that he might be Green Lantern), but I think it's a smart move for him to take this role and be involved with the DCCU and if they want to mover froward with his character then he could be a smaller superhero later on down the line. 



        The Hollywood Reporter brings word today that Academy Award winner Tilda Swinton (Michael Clayton, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe) is in negotiations to play The Ancient One in Marvel’s Doctor Strange. No stranger herself to comic book roles, Swinton previously starred in the adaptation of Snowpiercer and 2005’s Constantine. Secured high in the Himalayan mountains, the Ancient One served as a mentor to Stephen Strange and aided him in his ascendance to Sorcerer Supreme. When the character eventually died, Strange was still able to summon him from the spiritual plane in order to aid him. Though the character has traditionally been male in the comic books, THR notes that Marvel was originally searching for male actors but retooled the role to make it a female. Scheduled to hit theaters November 4, 2016, Doctor Strange is scripted by Jon Spaihts and is said to follow the story of neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange who, after a horrific car accident, discovers the hidden world of magic and alternate dimensions. Scott Derickson will direct the film, which sees Benedict Cumberbatch in the titular role of the Sorcerer Supreme. A previous report noted that 12 Years a Slave star Chiwetel Ejiofor was in talks to play the film’s villain, though this hasn’t been confirmed by the studio.

        If this ends up being true, then bravo Marvel. If you've never seen Tilda Swinton act then there is something wrong with you. She is easily one of the top 5 actresses working today and she barely gets and notice from casual fans and if you haven't then please watch her performances in Michael Clayton and Snowpiercer. I think she is a perfect fit for the role and while it is a male role, I'm ok with a studio retooling a character to make then fit into the universe. I think adding her to the MCU gives it more notoriety. 



        A24 has revealed the trailer and poster for the thought-provoking Sundance Film Festival hit The End of the Tour, starring Academy Award nominee Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network, Now You See Me) and Jason Segel (“How I Met Your Mother,” The Muppets), both of which you can check out below! The End of the Tour tells the story of the five-day interview between Rolling Stone reporter (and novelist) David Lipsky (Eisenberg) and acclaimed novelist David Foster Wallace (Segel), which took place right after the 1996 publication of Wallace’s groundbreaking epic novel, Infinite Jest. As the days go on, a tenuous yet intense relationship seems to develop between journalist and subject. The two men bob and weave around each other, sharing laughs and also possibly revealing hidden frailties – but it’s never clear how truthful they are being with each other. Ironically, the interview was never published, and five days of audio tapes were packed away in Lipsky’s closet. The two men did not meet again. The film co-stars Anna Chlumsky (“Veep”), Joan Cusack (“Shameless”), Mamie Gummer (Cake), Mickey Sumner (Frances Ha) and Ron Livingston (The Conjuring), and is directed by James Ponsoldt (Smashed, The Spectacular Now) from a screenplay by Donald Margulies adapted from Lipsky’s memoir “Although Of Course You End Up Becoming Yourself: A Road Trip with David Foster Wallace,” which was written following Wallace’s 2008 suicide. A24 will open The End of the Tour in limited release on July 31.


        This was an awesome trailer. It showed what the basic premise of the film was and what type of tone the film will be. When I first heard about this film I got really excited and after seeing the first images a while back Immediately said this film was Oscar bait and I expect both Jason Segal and Jesse Eisenberg to get acting nominations at next years Oscars. The Academy loves transformations of actors and Segal is doing just that in this film and I cannot wait to see it. 



        Tracking Board brings word that 20th Century Fox is developing a big screen reboot of the comic book series The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, hoping to turn the literary melting pot into a franchise. John Davis (Chronicle, The Man from U.N.C.L.E.) is on board as a producer of the project, which is currently seeking directors to shepherd it through development. Originally created by Alan Moore and Kevin O’Neill, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen stars a group of Victiorian literature characters including Allan Quatermain (“King Solomon’s Mines”), Captain Nemo (“Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea”), the Invisible Man, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Mina Harker of Dracula. The team is put together by the British government to foil a plot at the center of a war between villains Fu Manchu and Professor Moriarty. Later volumes of the series would weave in the plots of War of the Worlds, the works of H.P. Lovecraft, and even “Harry Potter. The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen was previously adapted into a film in 2003 starring Sean Connery (his last film role). It featured significant changes from the source material and famously began creator Alan Moore’s antagonistic relationship with Hollywood. A TV adaptation of the series was planned in 2013 with writer Michael Green (Green Lantern, “Heroes,” “Smallville”) but never materialized.

        I think this is a great idea. The first film is an utter failure as a a film and it was bad enough for Sean Connery to collectively give up acting and when you force him to give up acting because the film is so bad then  you know something is wrong. I think this series has a lot of potential and there are so many different ways you can go with it. I'm really curious to see if Fox goes through with this and which direction they go in to do justice to the series.



        Bleeker Street has revealed the new trailer and poster for real-life chess drama Pawn Sacrifice, starring Tobey Maguire as legendary champion Bobby Fischer. You can check out the trailer and poster below! Set during the height of the Cold War, American chess prodigy Bobby Fischer (Maguire) finds himself caught between two superpowers when he challenges the Soviet Empire. Also starring Liev Schreiber as his Russian arch rival Boris Spassky, Pawn Sacrifice chronicles Fischer’s terrifying struggles with genius and madness, and the rise and fall of a kid from Brooklyn who captured the imagination of the world. The film co-stars Peter Sarsgaard (Blue Jasmine), Lily Rabe (“American Horror Story”), Robin Weigert (“Sons of Anarchy”) and Michael Stuhlbarg (A Serious Man), and is directed by Edward Zwick (Legends of the Fall, Love & Other Drugs) from a screenplay by Steven Knight (Locke, “Peaky Blinders”). Pawn Sacrifice opens in select theaters on September 18.


        This films looks amazing. We really haven't seen this side of Tobey Maguire since the film Brothers and I think this role will be an even bigger and darker performance than that one was. I'm probably the only one doing this but I think Maguire will get some serious Oscar buzz and while he may not get nominated I think he has a chance. I'm really intrigued by the film and I cannot wait to see it. 

        So there you have it ladies and gentlemen, which of these stories peaked your interest or was there another story that interested you? Let me know in the comments section below and let your voice be heard.

                                                                                                                                        Jonah Sparks

Director Spotlight of Cameron Crowe

        Continuing the Director Spotlight segment we'll spotlight the man who has brought us some great films and also writes a lot of great and interesting stories... Mr. Cameron Crowe. I'm going to give you his filmography, my top 3 favorite films of his and his future projects. So without further ado...

Cameron Crowe's Filmography 

Year	Film	Rottentomatoes.com Score
1983	Change of Heart	NA
1989	Say Anything	98%
1992	Singles	80%
1992	Dyslexic Heart	NA
1996	Jerry Maguire	85%
2000	Almost Famous	88%
2001	Vanilla Sky	41%
2005	Elizabethtown	28%
2009	The Fixer	NA
2011	The Union	NA
2011	Pearl Jam Twenty	67%
2011	We Bought a Zoo	66%

Top 3 Favorite Films

1. Almost Famous

2. Jerry Maguire

3. Say Anything

Future Films

2015- Aloha

        So ladies and gentlemen what do you think of Cameron Crowe's career and who would you like to see me spotlight next? Let me know in the comments section below and let your voice be heard.

                                                                                                                                         Jonah Sparks

5-26-15 Movie News

        Hello ladies and gentlemen, here is some movie news with some of my thoughts and opinions (which will be in BOLD print). So without further ado...


(NOTE: All of these stories come from comingsoon.net)


        Warner Bros. Pictures has released the Point Break trailer which you can view below. Inspired by the classic 1991 hit starring Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves, the film is scheduled for release in 3D and 2D theaters on December 25. In Alcon Entertainment’s fast-paced, high-adrenaline action thriller Point Break, a young FBI agent, Johnny Utah (Luke Bracey), infiltrates a cunning team of thrill-seeking elite athletes – led by the charismatic Bodhi (Edgar Ramirez). The athletes are suspected of carrying out a spate of crimes in extremely unusual ways. Deep undercover, and with his life in imminent danger, Utah strives to prove they are the architects of this string of inconceivable crimes. The film is replete with the most daring athleticism ever seen in a motion picture. These action adventure feats are performed by elite athletes representing the world’s best in class in big-wave surfing, wingsuit flying, sheer-face snowboarding, free rock climbing, and high-speed motorcycling. The film stars Édgar Ramírez (Zero Dark Thirty, The Bourne Ultimatum, Carlos the Jackal) as Bodhi, and Luke Bracey (G.I. Joe: Retaliation, November Man) as Johnny Utah, along with Ray Winstone (Noah, The Departed), Teresa Palmer (Warm Bodies) and Delroy Lindo (Sahara, Gone in Sixty Seconds), under the direction of Ericson Core (Invincible). Core directed from a screenplay by Kurt Wimmer (Salt, Law Abiding Citizen).

        Alcon principals Broderick Johnson and Andrew A. Kosove produced, along with John Baldecchi, Chris Taylor and Kurt Wimmer. Studio Babelsberg also co-produced. RGM Media principal Devesh Chetty and investor John McMurrick, Chairman of Marloss Entertainment, served as executive producers. Director Ericson Core, who served as director of photography on such films as Invincible, The Fast and the Furious and Payback, also serves as director of photography on Point Break. Renowned extreme athletes performing stunts in the film include surfers Laird Hamilton, Sebastian Zietz, Makua Rothman, Billy Kemper, Brian Keaulana, Ahanu Tson-dru, Ian Walsh, Laurie Towner, Dylan Longbottom, Albee Layer, Bruce Irons, Tikanui Smith and Tuhiti Humani; snowboarders Xavier De Le Rue, Louis Vito, Christian Haller, Lucas DeBari and Ralph Backstrom; skateboarders Bob Burnquist and Eric Koston; motorcyclists Riley Harper and Oakley Lehman; wingsuit stunt pilots Jon Devore, Julian Boulle, Noah Bahnson, Jhonathan Florez and Mike Swanson, and consultant Jeb Corliss; and free climber Chris Sharma, among others. Making cameos in the film are DJs Steve Aoki, Seth Troxler and The Art Department, as well as sports commentator and TV host Sal Masekela.


        I'm a little mixed on the trailer. I'm a huge fan of the the original film and to be honest when I first heard about this I was really skeptical because it would very hard to live up to the original films standards. The film has also went through different directors and changes in the cast and I was beginning to worry about it and the fact that the instead of surfers they were going to be extreme athletes. The trailer has a lot of great action scenes and some beautiful visuals, but I'm just not sure how the film will turn out. One thing that will hurt it is the fact that it is coming out on Christmas Day and coming out the week after Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens. I'm hoping the film is good and it turns out to be film that lives up to the original.


        Empire snagged a couple of quotes from superstar Channing Tatum about his upcoming lead role in 20th Century Fox’s X-Men solo reboot/spin-off movie Gambit, and he makes it very clear that this will be much more of an unconventional character story for title anti-hero Remy LeBeau than the typical superhero outing. “Josh Zetumer just turned in the first draft of the script, and it’s killer,” adds Tatum. “None of us were sure how he was going to deal with the X-Men world. But we’re going to be changing some of the tropes of these movies. It’s always about saving the world (laughs), but maybe we’re going to shift things a little bit. There’s so many ways you can take [an origin story]. You could do it like ‘Batman Begins,’ or a different take and go the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ route. All I can say is, I’m super excited.” Although Tatum has excelled at both comedic (21 & 22 Jump Street) and dramatic chops (Magic Mike, Foxcatcher), he has yet to find a suitable action franchise to hang his hat on, having been unceremoniously killed off in G.I. Joe: Retaliation and bombing outright with White House Down and Jupiter Ascending. One thing that might make The Ragin’ Cajun a perfect fit for Tatum (as opposed to a secret service agent or half-dog man) is his own family heritage.  “I love Gambit,” Tatum said previously. “I grew up in the South; my father’s from Louisiana. We’d go to New Orleans and I heard all the dialects. It felt so different from the rest of America; it has its own ancient culture. So I identified with that. And he always felt the most real of the X-Men to me. He’s kind of a tortured soul and he’s not a good guy. But he’s not a bad guy, either. He walks his own path. And of course he plays cards and drinks and is a martial-arts badass!” That penchant for partying, martial arts and playing cards are all qualities Tatum has in spades (pun intended), having practiced wuzuquan kung fu since childhood and opening his own night club, Saints & Sinners, on NOLA’s historic Bourbon Street three years ago. Needless to say, Tatum should throw a mean energy-charged card once Gambit goes before cameras, assuming the project can find a solid director with only a bit more than a year before its scheduled release date of October 7, 2016. High-profile helmers Bennett Miller and Darren Aronofsky have already passed on the project. With a screenplay by Josh Zetumer (RoboCop), Gambit will be produced by Tatum and his creative partner Reid Carolin, along with X-Men franchise stewards Simon Kinberg and Lauren Shuler Donner

        I really love these comments. I always say I love it when an actor is passionate about a role he has been given especially when it comes to comic book films. When it was first announced that Tatum was cast as Gambit I got pretty excited because he has transformed into this high-profiled actor that has proven he can actually act. I also like how this film won't be your typical comic book film origin story and 'm really curious to see how this film turns out. 



        With only three weeks to go before shooting was scheduled to begin, “True Detective” director Cary Fukunaga has departed New Line’s upcoming two-film adaptation of Stephen King’s IT. The Hollywood Reporter has the news, bringing word that Fukunaga’s retreat from the project stems from creative differences, specifically over the budget for the planned features. Published in 1986, IT is described on King’s official site as follows: A promise made twenty-eight years ago calls seven adults to reunite in Derry, Maine, where as teenagers they battled an evil creature that preyed on the city’s children. Unsure that their Losers Club had vanquished the creature all those years ago, the seven had vowed to return to Derry if IT should ever reappear. Now, children are being murdered again and their repressed memories of that summer return as they prepare to do battle with the monster lurking in Derry’s sewers once more. The book was previously adapted by Tommy Lee Wallace as a 1990 two-part, three-hour event miniseries on ABC, starring Tim Curry as Pennywise. Fukunaga also wrote the screenplay for the films with Chase Palmer and David Kajganich and was attached to produce alongside Dan Lin, David Katzenberg, Doug Davison and Seth Grahame-Smith. Although the project recently signed Will Poulter (The Maze Runner) to play Pennywise, it is uncertain at this point what Fukunaga’s departure will have on the project overall. Check back for details as they become available.

        I really hate hearing this news. When I first heard that Fukunaga was directing the film I got really excited because of the amazing work that he did on True Detective and I thought he would have an interesting take on the material. I honestly don't know who they will get to replace him, but I'm holding out hope for James Wan because the film would be flat out amazing. 



        There are a few things we know for certain about 20th Century Fox’s upcoming Deadpool film – it will feature a number of mutant characters we haven’t seen on the big screen before, as well as new versions of characters we have seen. But will the oldest of old favorites, Wolverine, make an appearance? “God I hope so, that would be really nice,” star Ryan Reynolds tells News.com.au. “I dunno, we’ll see. It seems like he’s open to it, but it’s gonna be more of a scheduling issue than anything else.” Jackman has previously confirmed that the upcoming Third Wolverine film would be his last go as the character, but since Deadpool opens in theaters over a year before that film, an appearance wouldn’t stifle those plans. Based upon Marvel Comics’ most unconventional anti-hero, Deadpool tells the origin story of former Special Forces operative turned mercenary Wade Wilson, who after being subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopts the alter ego Deadpool. Armed with his new abilities and a dark, twisted sense of humor, Deadpool hunts down the man who nearly destroyed his life. Ryan Reynolds stars as the title character alongside TJ Miller as Weasel, Gina Carano as Angel Dust, Brianna Hildebrand as Negasonic Teenage Warhead, Morena Baccarin as Copycat and Ed Skrein as Ajax. The film will also feature the mutant Colossus, though Daniel Cudmore has confirmed he will not appear as the character. Tim Miller is directing the movie from a script by Zombieland writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick. Confirmed to be rated R, Deadpool is scheduled for a release on February 12, 2016.

        I would absolutely love this if it happens. The last time those two were on the big screen together it was an absolute disaster and I think Fox needs to do a mulligan. It would be awesome to see Jackman on screen with Reynolds one more time and it would be a great cameo and they could do a joke that be in the realm of Deadpool talking to Wolverine about the last time they saw each other and Wolverine to replay with something along the lines of wanting to forget a lot of the past, just as shot towards X-Men Origins: Wolverine. I hope it happens and it is realistic idea if they can get the schedules just right. 



        Deadline brings word that Spy Kids, Sin City and From Dusk Til Dawn director Robert Rodriguez has joined Warner Bros.’ live-action adaptation of the cartoon series Jonny Quest. Rodriguez is set to direct the film and co-write the script with Terry Rossio (The Lone Ranger, Pirates of the Caribbean), rewriting a draft by Dan Mazeau. Dan Lin (The LEGO Movie) and Adrian Askarieh (Hitman: Agent 47) will produce the feature. The original animated series ran from 1964 – 65, lasting a mere 26 episodes. The blond and brainy Jonny (voiced by Tim Matheson) was the 11-year-old son of scientist Dr. Benton Quest. Along for the adventure was Hadji Singh, the gifted 11-year-old Calcutta orphan who was adopted by Dr. Quest, and Quest’s tough and charistmatic bodyguard, Race Bannon. The series was revived in both the ’80s and ’90s for additional episodes, along with comic books and video games based on the series. A feature film version of the classic Hanna-Barbera action adventure series has been in development for a few years now with Zac Efron and Dwayne Johnson both previously in talks for a version that was never produced. Multiple directors have also tried to get the film off the ground, including Race to Witch Mountain‘s Andy Fick, Grudge Match‘s Peter Segal, and even Superman director Richard Donner.

        I really like this idea. Look I'm a fan of Robert Rodriguez, but lately he hasn't made any good films and I think that this film could be something to help him get back on track. I've watched a little bit of Johnny Quest and I actually enjoyed and I think a live-action version can work, it just depends on who they get to star in the film. 

        So there you have it ladies and gentlemen, which of these stories peaked your interest or was there another story that interested you? Let me know in the comments section below and let your voice be heard.

                                                                                                                                        Jonah Sparks

Weekend Box Office Review 5-22-15 to 5-24-15

        Here are the Memorial Day weekend domestic box office results for the weekend of 5-22-14 to 5-24-14 as well as my 5 key takeaways. So without further ado...

Box Office Totals courtesy of boxofficemojo.com

TW	LW	Film	Studio	Weekend	# of Theaters	Total Domestic Gross	Weeks in Theaters
1	-	Tomorrowland	Walt Disney Pictures	$33,028,165	3,972	$33,028,165	1
2	1	Pitch Perfect 2	Universal Pictures	$30,811,800	3,560	$118,298,395	2
3	2	Mad Max: Fury Road	Warner Bros.	$24,639,262	3,722	$88,079,541	2
4	-	Poltergeist (2015)	20th Century Fox	$22,620,386	3,240	$22,620,386	1
5	3	The Avengers: Age of Ultron	Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Pictures	$21,691,697	3,727	$404,862,176	4
6	4	Hot Pursuit	Warner Bros.	$3,639,336	1,643	$29,084,576	5
7	10	Far from the Maddening Crowd	Fox Searchlight	$2,287,234	2,577	$5,449,839	3
8	5	Furious 7	Universal Pictures	$2,272,085	1,653	$347,161,270	8
9	6	Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2	Sony Pictures	$1,876,975	865	$65,694,684	4
10	8	Home (2015)	20th Century Fox	$1,752,788	1,878	$168,067,717	6

1. Tomorrowland barely edged out Pitch Perfect 2 to win the weekend box office.

2. With this weekend's numbers, The Avengers: Age of Ultron crossed the $400 million mark.

3. Furious 7 remains in the top 10 for the 8th consecutive weekend.

4. The big loser of the week was Pitch Perfect 2 as it made 55.5% less than it did last week. The big winner of the week was Far from the Maddening Crowd which made 82.7% more than it did last week.

5. Overall this was a really solid Memorial Day weekend at the box office.

        So ladies and gentlemen what do you think of this weekend's box office totals and what are some of your takeaways? Let me know in the comments section below and let your voice be heard.

                                                                                                                           Jonah Sparks