Entertainment Today and Beyond

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Rise of the Planet of the Apes Comic-Con trailer

This new Rise of the Planet of the Apes trailer was shown over the weekend at Comic-Con and I really like what I see. While you certainly have to suspend disbelief that Apes could take over our modern society (it was a little easier to believe in the 70’s), the footage looks pretty compelling. It certainly makes me excited to venture out on August 5th and see if this latest Apes movie can recapture the magic of the classic original franchise.  Take a look

July 25, 2011 Posted by | And Beyond - Trailers & News | | Leave a Comment

New UK trailer to Rise of the Planet of the Apes

I must say of all the trailers for movies coming out this summer, surprisingly this one packs the most emotional punch by far. I really like what I see here. This story is a reworking of Conquest of the Planet of the Apes. It looks fairly involving with some very interesting special effects that don’t overwhelm the emotional core that this trailer is going for. That feels refreshing indeed. Rise of the Planet of the Apes opens nationwide August 13, 2011. Take a LOOK

June 29, 2011 Posted by | And Beyond - Trailers & News | | Leave a Comment

Warner Bros. Releases first Dark Knight Rises promotional photo with pic of Tom Hardy as Bane

Marketing starts early nowadays. WB has already started its promotion of the 3rd installment of director Chris Nolan’s highly anticipated new Batman film, The Dark Knight Rises. Even though the movie just stated filming a few days ago, a photo of Tom Hardy as the villainous Bane has been released. This image almost instantaneously erases the bad memories of the silly cartoon character in the much maligned “Batman and Robin”.

The Dark Knight Rises hits theaters next summer.

May 25, 2011 Posted by | And Beyond - Trailers & News | , , | Leave a Comment

First Trailer for Rise of the Planet of the Apes

With remakes and reboots clogging up the majority of what’s in production in Hollywood these days its no surprise that 20th Century Fox would go to the well once again with a new Planet of the Apes movie. This one, titled Rise of the Planet of the Apes is a new variation of the 4th entry in the original classic series Conquest, and it stars the worst host of the Oscars ever – James Franco. While it’s hard to pass judgment on this first footage (I’m not jumping up and down just yet) I know I’ll be on line opening weekend because I find the concept fascinating; although its unlikely that anyone could truly recapture what made the originals so appealing.

I think what made the first film in the series that starred Charlton Heston in 1968 so great was that Director Franklin J. Schaffner (Patton) clearly was a great storyteller and had tremendous patience in his filmmaking, something clearly lacking in many of today’s movie makers.

Actually, after recently re-watching all five films in the original series, I found myself hooked once again. This is as good as it gets when you’re talking science fiction. It’s really interesting how the writers were able to interconnect each installment and keep the series thought-provoking throughout. Although Battle for the Planet of the Apes is by far the weakest in the series, I’m still amazed how bleak the second installment, Beneath the Planet of the Apes. You rarely ever see both main stars killed off in any mainstream films; one of my all time favorite movie endings.

As for Tim Burton’s remake of the origianal, I never thought he would be a good fit for this genre and he clearly was not. While the film has its bright spots, including the terrific performance by Tim Roth as General Thade, overall it was a huge letdown compared to the classic 1968 original. I hated the fact that Burton decided to film most of it on soundstages instead of on location which would have given the movie a more authentic feel. Considering how many ideas, scripts and talent (Oliver Stone, Philip Noyce, James Cameron, Peter Jackson and Arnold Schwarzenegger (who was slated to star at one time) that had been attached to the project before Burton stepped in, it’s hard to believe that this re-boot of the famed franchise crashed and burned in reviews. Despite being a financial winner, in retrospect Burton never should have taken on this project. It was like mixing oil and water.

Rise of the Palnet of the Apes swings into theaters August 5th 2011. Take a look at the trailer:

April 27, 2011 Posted by | And Beyond - Trailers & News | , | Leave a Comment

Nifty looking new trailer to J.J. Abrams Super 8

Super 8I love this trailer.

Perhaps it’s the way it feels like a Spielberg movie from the 1970’s or early 80’s when he was the very best at making big mainstream popcorn movies. It’s clear Director J.J. Abrams is paying homage to Spielberg who is a producer on this film, and that’s a great thing.

The movie’s star, Kyle Chandler (terrific in the Friday Night Lights series), reminds me of Roy Scheider in Jaws, one of the great understated heroes in movie history. Chandler gives off the same vibe. It’s really cool how this trailer totally intrigues but doesn’t give much away. Take a LOOK
  

March 15, 2011 Posted by | And Beyond - Trailers & News | , , | Leave a Comment

Trailer to Warner Bros. Arthur

I must admit I was a little bummed when WB announced that they were remaking the classic 1980’s comedy, Arthur. It wasn’t because of the concept as much the fact that the film was the late Dudley Moore’s signature role. His drunken rich playboy with a heart of gold was his. He owned it. Having said that, I actually think this trailer has promise to be something good. Why? Russell Brand is a pretty funny guy and seems to be tapping into Moore’s likeablity with the character of Arthur Bach. There are some clear changes, the biggest which appears to have Brand play the character as a man child (certainly not a stretch for him) instead of a drunk. Take a LOOK at the trailer and let me know what you think.

February 10, 2011 Posted by | And Beyond - Trailers & News | , | Leave a Comment

Roger Ebert’s new At the Movies program now online

When I heard that veteran film critic Roger Ebert was bringing back his long running television institution “At the Movies”, a program that started way back in 1975 (originally titled Sneak Previews) I was excited. After trying to find it on my local PBS station I was quickly disappointed because it was not being carried in all areas that broadcast PBS, including mine. Well, this weekend I breathed a sign of relief as Ebert has put together a pretty nifty new website entitled “Ebert Presents” which carries reviews from the show.

I believe Roger has put together a winning combination with Christy Lemire of The Associated Press and Ignatiy Vishnevetsky of Mubi.com. They are the new co-hosts of “Ebert Presents at the Movies”. I’ve been a fan of Lemire for quite some time and think she has real camera appeal. As for Vishnevetsky, he is an interesting choice, considering he is just 24 years old. Having said that, he clearly has a love of film and a deep knowledge of movies. Why Ebert didn’t ask Richard Roeper (I thought he was a great fill-in for the late Gene Siskel) to come back is anyone’s guess but I like this pairing. 

Roger Ebert himself also contributes to the program along with a whole host of other respected critics in other segments which add to the overall broadcast. So if you’re a fan of Roger and “At the Movies” and can’t watch on PBS here’s the link to his new website. AT THE MOVIES

January 31, 2011 Posted by | And Beyond - Trailers & News | , , | Leave a Comment

Falling Skies Trailer

TNT released the trailer to its new TV show Falling Skies, an alien invasion series produced by Steven Spielberg. Noah Wyle (ER) stars in the program which is scheduled to debut this summer. Like AMC’s new smash hit “The Walking Dead” it seems that everything interesting is coming from cable, not the big four networks, especially since the groundbreaking “Lost” and “24” are now gone.

January 1, 2011 Posted by | And Beyond - Trailers & News | , | Leave a Comment

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