Thursday, February 4, 2016

2-4-16 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)


        The road goes ever on today for Universal Pictures‘ massively successful Fast and Furious franchise. Leading man Vin Diesel has just taken to social media to reveal release dates for Fast and Furious 9 and 10! Look for Fast and Furious 9 to arrive on April 19, 2019 with Fast and Furious 10 following on April 2, 2021. In both cases, those are the first films to claim their respective release dates. The eighth franchise entry, Fast 8, was already set to hit theaters April 14, 2017. It was recently confirmed that Straight Outta Compton helmer F. Gary Gray will direct the feature, which is planned to launch the new trilogy of films. As you can see in Vin Diesel’s Instagram post below, the franchise is offering up a new tagline: “2 Decades, 10 Films, 1 Saga.” Vin Diesel will return for Fast 8 with with franchise regulars Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Elsa Pataky and Lucas Black reprising their roles as street racers-turned-international criminals-turned-super-secret agents. Jason Statham, Dwayne Johnson and Kurt Russell are expected to return as well. Principal photography Fast 8 is planned to take place in both New York and Atlanta, Georgia. Recent reports suggest that two other possible locations for the film could be the previously-unexplored Russia and Iceland. Fast and Furious 9 and 10 aren’t the only films new that Universal has planned for the franchise. It was recently revealed that plans are underway for both Fast and Furious spinoffs and prequels. Furious 7 earned an impressive $1.514 billion at the worldwide box office last year.

        This is great news to hear. Vin Diesel as of late has been the best (only behind his co-star The Rock) at advertising himself and his films through social media and this is another great effort. I like that the studio is confident enough to go ahead an confirm release dates for the next three films. From all indications from Diesel himself these three films will be the last of the main story arch which is understandable because to be honest I don't know how much more they can do with stunts and locations other than having a car chase on The Great Wall of China. I really like this franchise a whole and I'm interested to see what exciting things they have in store for the future films.




        Take a look at the fifth installment of 20th Century Fox and Blue Sky Studios‘ Ice Age franchise in the new Ice Age: Collision Course trailer, which you can check out below. You can catch the film on the big screen July 22. As you can see for yourself in the Collision Course trailer, the new film features returning cast members Ray Romano, Denis Leary, John Leguizamo, Queen Latifah, Seann William Scott, Josh Peck, Simon Pegg, Keke Palmer, Wanda Sykes, and Jennifer Lopez. Joining the herd are Stephanie Beatriz, Adam DeVine, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Max Greenfield, Jessie J, Nick Offerman, Melissa Rauch, Michael Strahan and even Neil deGrasse Tyson. In Collision Course, Scrat’s epic pursuit of the elusive acorn catapults him into the universe where he accidentally sets off a series of cosmic events that transform and threaten the Ice Age World. To save themselves, Sid, Manny, Diego, and the rest of the herd must leave their home and embark on a quest full of comedy and adventure, traveling to exotic new lands and encountering a host of colorful new characters. To date, the four previous Ice Age films have grossed $729.6 million domestically and more than $2.8 billion globally. The last two installments alone took in more than $850 million worldwide.


        This was actually a pretty funny trailer. Now look this film is probably going to be absolutely terrible, but I have to call it like I see it, but the trailer was pretty funny, Now there were a few jokes that were obnoxious and childish, but it's to be expected with the target audience in mind. The franchise has been on a downhill slide for a quite a while, but I think there might be a sliver bit of hope that the film will be decent, but I'm not counting it.  



        Paramount Pictures has brought online the final Zoolander 2 trailer, featuring Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson, which you can check out below! “It’s ten years later and most of it is set in Europe,” Stiller previously said of the script. “It’s basically Derek and Hansel ten years later – though the last movie ended on a happy note a lot of things have happened in the meantime. Their lives have changed and they’re not really relevant anymore. It’s a new world for them.” Stiller directed the sequel and co-wrote the script with Justin Theroux (Tropic Thunder). Stiller is also producing Zoolander 2 alongside Stuart Cornfeld for a February 12, 2016 release. Owen Wilson is returning as Hansel, and the cast also includes Penélope Cruz, Christine Taylor, Kristen Wiig and Cyrus Arnold, with special appearances expected by Will Ferell as Jacobim Mugatu, Billy Zane, Fred Armisen, Justin Bieber, Kyle Mooney, Kim Kardashian, Ariana Grande, and more. Zoolander 2 was filmed for 12 weeks in Rome in and around the famed Cinecittà Studios. The first Zoolander was released on September 28, 2001 by Paramount Pictures and earned $60.8 million worldwide on a $28 million budget.


        This was a really stupid, yet funny trailer. What I just said is basically what the first film was and what this film will probably end up being. I loved the first Zoolander and it's a film that I watch a few times a year and still crack up like it's a first time watch. I don't how this film will do since it has been 15 years since the last film, but I'm excited to see what Derek Zoolander will do now that he is faced with the technology of 2016. I'm excited that the film is happening and I cannot wait to check out the film myself next week.



        Lantica Media and Sobini Films announced today that Gravity screenwriter Jonás Cuarón will write and direct a brand new Zorro movie for them. The film is simply titled Z. “When I saw Desierto, I was impressed with Jonás’s command of action and suspense, his great visual eye, and the strong performances he elicited from his actors,” said Sobini Films’ CEO Mark Amin. “We are very fortunate to have Jonás on this film,” added Lantica Media’s CEO Antonio Gennari. “His love of cinema is evident in his work and he is very talented in his ability to tell a compelling story. We look forward to seeing where his vision will take us.” Lantica Media will finance the film with principal photography to begin this summer at Pinewood Dominican Republic Studios. Pantelion Films will handle international sales. The film was previously described as “a post-apocalyptic take on the myth of Zorro…set in the near future but keeps the idea of a masked and caped stranger taking on tyrants.” Known for his trademark mask, sword, and signature Z, the character Zorro was created by Johnston McCulley in 1919 and has appeared in countless books, novels, films, and television adaptations.

        I really like this choice. Jonas Cuaron is an amazingly talented screenwriter so when getting him to write your screenplay it is a huge plus. However I'm not for sure about the directing part because this will be the he first big time property he has directed and I just don't know how he will handle it. I think if he took some tips from his Academy Award winning brother Alfonso then he should be fine. Zorro is a property that is ripe and ready to be told for this generation. Now granted we've had two Zorro films come out recently but the last one to come out was in 2005, but honestly how many of you have actually seen the film. I'm really looking forward to seeing this film and I'm looking forward to what Jonas Cuaron can do with the film. 



        Fox Searchlight Pictures has just released the new Demolition trailer, which you can check out below! The new drama from Dallas Buyers Club and Wild helmer Jean-Marc Vallée stars Academy Award nominee Jake Gyllenhaal (Nightcrawler, Zodiac). In Demolition, Davis (Gyllenhaal) is a successful investment banker who struggles after losing his wife in a tragic car crash. Despite pressure from his father in law Phil (Chris Cooper) to pull it together, Davis continues to unravel. What starts as a complaint letter to a vending machine company turns into a series of letters revealing startling personal admissions. Davis’ letters catch the attention of customer service rep Karen (Naomi Watts) and, amidst emotional and financial burdens of her own, the two form an unlikely connection. With the help of Karen and her son Chris (Judah Lewis), Davis starts to rebuild, beginning with the demolition of the life he once knew. Demolition is based on a Black List screenplay by Bryan Sipe, and is scheduled to hit theaters on April 8, 2016.


        This was a really nice trailer. Just like the previous trailer it didn't give too much away and it peaked my interest even more. I think this film might be an early Oscar contender, but we have to wait and see. A couple of the reasons why I think that include the fact that it's direct by Jean-Marc Vallée who did an amazing job with Dallas Buyers Club and Wild, plus the cast includes Academy Award winner Chris Cooper and Academy Award nominated actor Jake Gyllenhaal. It has the recipe to be fairly successful and I cannot wait to the see 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

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