There’s good news and bad news from Warner Bros. about Gravity and Gangster Squad , two of its most anticipated fall releases. Which do you prefer first? The bad news? Why, of course! Via THR : Gravity , the upcoming thriller starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney as astronauts stranded at a space station, has been pushed to a 2013 release, studio Warner Bros. announced on Monday. The film from writer-director Alfonso Cuarón was originally scheduled to open on November 21, 2012, but is now marked only as being an “unscheduled 2013” release. An early test screening of a rough cut of Gravity earlier this month in Pasadena, CA., drew strong reactions , both for and against, in response to the still-unfinished film. Womp woooomp . But hey — chin up! After a spiffy new trailer prompted Warners to settle on a date for its fearsome-looking Gangster Squad , along comes word (via Box OFfice Mojo ) of the searing Ryan Gosling/Josh Brolin/Sean Penn crime drama Gangster Squad settling into the Sept. 7 frame. There it will do battle with the Henry Cavill/Bruce Willis thriller The Cold Light of Day , which I’d bet Summit Entertainment will relocate at some point in the not very distant future. Developing… [ THR , BOM ]
You don’t need to be a sports fan to have been touched by the 30 For 30 documentary series produced by ESPN, one of the few thriving outlets anywhere for nonfiction filmmaking and a patron of diverse directors from Oscar winners Barry Levinson, Alex Gibney and Barbara Kopple to legends Albert Maysles and Steve James to neophytes Ice Cube and Steve Nash. As such, today’s a good day for all of us, with ESPN announcing that it will continue 30 For 30 both on the network and online. Originally intended to celebrate ESPN’s 30th anniversary from late 2009 to the end of 2010, the series gained enough popularity to continue through 2011 and beyond; its most recent installment, Jose Morales’s 26 Years: The Dewey Bozella Story , premiered in March. Today, meanwhile, the NYT reports that the network has re-upped 30 For 30 for two years in conjunction with its sports-culture offshoot Grantland : “When we embarked on 30 for 30 , we always wondered if there would be 30 good stories,” said Connor Schell, vice president and executive producer of ESPN Films. “Now, I think all of us in this group believe that there is an infinite number of stories.” As the films roll out, they will be augmented on Grantland by podcasts, feature stories and oral histories. A short digital film — which will be unrelated to the longer ones — will make its debut each month on Grantland. Mr. Schell described the shorts as “visual editorials,” of five to nine minutes. “They’re meant to be interesting conversations with people who have a point of view about something or sports stories that don’t require a four-act treatment,” he said. The first short, Eric Drath’s Here Now , went online today and concerns the continuing odyssey of baseball’s exiled all-time hit king Pete Rose. Check it out , and mazel tov to all. [ NYT , Grantland ]
In this 70th anniversary year of Casablanca , it only seems fitting that Michael Curtiz’s classic should emerge this week in the medium where its indelible romantic splendor finally can take root and thrive: on Facebook. At last! The wait is over, per a press release just over the wires at ML HQ. The best part, without question: “On Wednesday, May 16 movie fans across the United States are invited to microwave some popcorn and gather by the warm glow of the computer monitor to enjoy a complimentary showing this timeless love story at 7 pm ET and 7 pm PT.” Totes McGotes, Wizzarners! ROMANTIC CLASSIC “CASABLANCA” TO BE SCREENED FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY ON FACEBOOK MOVIE FANS CAN WATCH A COMPLIMENTARY SCREENING AND COMMENT IN REAL-TIME DIRECTLY ON FILM’S FACEBOOK PAGE SCREENING TO TAKE PLACE THIS WEDNESDAY AT 7 PM ET/PT BURBANK, CALIF., May 15, 2012 – Here’s looking at you kid! Warner Bros. Digital Distribution today announced the legendary film Casablanca – which critic Leonard Maltin calls “the best Hollywood movie of all time,” starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman and winner of three Academy Awards®, including Best Picture (1944), can be viewed directly on the “Casablanca” movie Facebook Page ( http://www.facebook.com/CasablancaTheMovie ). On Wednesday, May 16 movie fans across the United States are invited to microwave some popcorn and gather by the warm glow of the computer monitor to enjoy a complimentary showing this timeless love story at 7 pm ET and 7 pm PT. This complimentary screening of Casablanca celebrates the recent launch of the “ Casablanca 70th Anniversary Three-disc Blu-ray + DVD Combo Edition” from Warner Home Video. This limited and numbered gift set edition will introduce two never-before-seen documentaries – “ Casablanca : An Unlikely Classic,” and “Michael Curtiz: The Greatest Director You Never Heard Of.” The new documentaries will complete the most extensive collection of content in one gift set — more than 14 hours of bonus material that also includes a compilation of three comprehensive feature length documentaries: “The Brothers Warner, You Must Remember This: The Warner Bros. Story” and “Jack L. Warner: The Last Mogul.” The “ Casablanca 70th Anniversary 3-Disc Blu ray + DVD Combo Edition” is now available for $64.99 SRP. This special screening event also celebrates “Inside the Script,” a new digital publishing initiative that gives movie fans an innovative new way to go deep inside their favorite films. “Inside the Script” is a series of highly illustrated eBooks that contain the film’s actual shooting script, rare materials from the Warner Bros. Corporate Archive and much more. The first series of “Inside the Script” titles are based on cinematic treasures including, Casablanca, Ben-Hur, An American in Paris and North by Northwest , and are currently available via iBookstore, Kindle and NOOK by Barnes & Noble. “Inside the Script” offers movie fans an all-access pass to go behind-the-scenes of the films they know and love. Every “Inside the Script” title includes the film’s complete shooting script in a customizable eBook format; dozens of chapters about the script and the film that detail the movie’s development; rare historical documents such as production notes, storyboards and candid photos; and an interactive image gallery of costumes, on-set stills, movie posters, set designs and behind-the-scenes photos. Highlighted elements from “ Casablanca : Inside the Script” include: – Jack Warner’s telegrams and memos – Producer Hal Wallis’ script and production notes – Production Code Administration letters, notes and seal of approval – Telegram from producer Hal Wallis refuting his fight with Jack Warner Note: Movie fans must begin watching Casablanca prior to 9 pm PT through the film’s Facebook Page. Only one screening per Facebook account is permitted. Got it? Only one screening per Facebook account , all right? Don’t get greedy! And keep the Kleenex handy! The heart-shattering collapse of film culture really sneaks up on you in the end. Follow S.T. VanAirsdale on Twitter . Follow Movieline on Twitter .
In this 70th anniversary year of Casablanca , it only seems fitting that Michael Curtiz’s classic should emerge this week in the medium where its indelible romantic splendor finally can take root and thrive: on Facebook. At last! The wait is over, per a press release just over the wires at ML HQ. The best part, without question: “On Wednesday, May 16 movie fans across the United States are invited to microwave some popcorn and gather by the warm glow of the computer monitor to enjoy a complimentary showing this timeless love story at 7 pm ET and 7 pm PT.” Totes McGotes, Wizzarners! ROMANTIC CLASSIC “CASABLANCA” TO BE SCREENED FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY ON FACEBOOK MOVIE FANS CAN WATCH A COMPLIMENTARY SCREENING AND COMMENT IN REAL-TIME DIRECTLY ON FILM’S FACEBOOK PAGE SCREENING TO TAKE PLACE THIS WEDNESDAY AT 7 PM ET/PT BURBANK, CALIF., May 15, 2012 – Here’s looking at you kid! Warner Bros. Digital Distribution today announced the legendary film Casablanca – which critic Leonard Maltin calls “the best Hollywood movie of all time,” starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman and winner of three Academy Awards®, including Best Picture (1944), can be viewed directly on the “Casablanca” movie Facebook Page ( http://www.facebook.com/CasablancaTheMovie ). On Wednesday, May 16 movie fans across the United States are invited to microwave some popcorn and gather by the warm glow of the computer monitor to enjoy a complimentary showing this timeless love story at 7 pm ET and 7 pm PT. This complimentary screening of Casablanca celebrates the recent launch of the “ Casablanca 70th Anniversary Three-disc Blu-ray + DVD Combo Edition” from Warner Home Video. This limited and numbered gift set edition will introduce two never-before-seen documentaries – “ Casablanca : An Unlikely Classic,” and “Michael Curtiz: The Greatest Director You Never Heard Of.” The new documentaries will complete the most extensive collection of content in one gift set — more than 14 hours of bonus material that also includes a compilation of three comprehensive feature length documentaries: “The Brothers Warner, You Must Remember This: The Warner Bros. Story” and “Jack L. Warner: The Last Mogul.” The “ Casablanca 70th Anniversary 3-Disc Blu ray + DVD Combo Edition” is now available for $64.99 SRP. This special screening event also celebrates “Inside the Script,” a new digital publishing initiative that gives movie fans an innovative new way to go deep inside their favorite films. “Inside the Script” is a series of highly illustrated eBooks that contain the film’s actual shooting script, rare materials from the Warner Bros. Corporate Archive and much more. The first series of “Inside the Script” titles are based on cinematic treasures including, Casablanca, Ben-Hur, An American in Paris and North by Northwest , and are currently available via iBookstore, Kindle and NOOK by Barnes & Noble. “Inside the Script” offers movie fans an all-access pass to go behind-the-scenes of the films they know and love. Every “Inside the Script” title includes the film’s complete shooting script in a customizable eBook format; dozens of chapters about the script and the film that detail the movie’s development; rare historical documents such as production notes, storyboards and candid photos; and an interactive image gallery of costumes, on-set stills, movie posters, set designs and behind-the-scenes photos. Highlighted elements from “ Casablanca : Inside the Script” include: – Jack Warner’s telegrams and memos – Producer Hal Wallis’ script and production notes – Production Code Administration letters, notes and seal of approval – Telegram from producer Hal Wallis refuting his fight with Jack Warner Note: Movie fans must begin watching Casablanca prior to 9 pm PT through the film’s Facebook Page. Only one screening per Facebook account is permitted. Got it? Only one screening per Facebook account , all right? Don’t get greedy! And keep the Kleenex handy! The heart-shattering collapse of film culture really sneaks up on you in the end. Follow S.T. VanAirsdale on Twitter . Follow Movieline on Twitter .
In this 70th anniversary year of Casablanca , it only seems fitting that Michael Curtiz’s classic should emerge this week in the medium where its indelible romantic splendor finally can take root and thrive: on Facebook. At last! The wait is over, per a press release just over the wires at ML HQ. The best part, without question: “On Wednesday, May 16 movie fans across the United States are invited to microwave some popcorn and gather by the warm glow of the computer monitor to enjoy a complimentary showing this timeless love story at 7 pm ET and 7 pm PT.” Totes McGotes, Wizzarners! ROMANTIC CLASSIC “CASABLANCA” TO BE SCREENED FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY ON FACEBOOK MOVIE FANS CAN WATCH A COMPLIMENTARY SCREENING AND COMMENT IN REAL-TIME DIRECTLY ON FILM’S FACEBOOK PAGE SCREENING TO TAKE PLACE THIS WEDNESDAY AT 7 PM ET/PT BURBANK, CALIF., May 15, 2012 – Here’s looking at you kid! Warner Bros. Digital Distribution today announced the legendary film Casablanca – which critic Leonard Maltin calls “the best Hollywood movie of all time,” starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman and winner of three Academy Awards®, including Best Picture (1944), can be viewed directly on the “Casablanca” movie Facebook Page ( http://www.facebook.com/CasablancaTheMovie ). On Wednesday, May 16 movie fans across the United States are invited to microwave some popcorn and gather by the warm glow of the computer monitor to enjoy a complimentary showing this timeless love story at 7 pm ET and 7 pm PT. This complimentary screening of Casablanca celebrates the recent launch of the “ Casablanca 70th Anniversary Three-disc Blu-ray + DVD Combo Edition” from Warner Home Video. This limited and numbered gift set edition will introduce two never-before-seen documentaries – “ Casablanca : An Unlikely Classic,” and “Michael Curtiz: The Greatest Director You Never Heard Of.” The new documentaries will complete the most extensive collection of content in one gift set — more than 14 hours of bonus material that also includes a compilation of three comprehensive feature length documentaries: “The Brothers Warner, You Must Remember This: The Warner Bros. Story” and “Jack L. Warner: The Last Mogul.” The “ Casablanca 70th Anniversary 3-Disc Blu ray + DVD Combo Edition” is now available for $64.99 SRP. This special screening event also celebrates “Inside the Script,” a new digital publishing initiative that gives movie fans an innovative new way to go deep inside their favorite films. “Inside the Script” is a series of highly illustrated eBooks that contain the film’s actual shooting script, rare materials from the Warner Bros. Corporate Archive and much more. The first series of “Inside the Script” titles are based on cinematic treasures including, Casablanca, Ben-Hur, An American in Paris and North by Northwest , and are currently available via iBookstore, Kindle and NOOK by Barnes & Noble. “Inside the Script” offers movie fans an all-access pass to go behind-the-scenes of the films they know and love. Every “Inside the Script” title includes the film’s complete shooting script in a customizable eBook format; dozens of chapters about the script and the film that detail the movie’s development; rare historical documents such as production notes, storyboards and candid photos; and an interactive image gallery of costumes, on-set stills, movie posters, set designs and behind-the-scenes photos. Highlighted elements from “ Casablanca : Inside the Script” include: – Jack Warner’s telegrams and memos – Producer Hal Wallis’ script and production notes – Production Code Administration letters, notes and seal of approval – Telegram from producer Hal Wallis refuting his fight with Jack Warner Note: Movie fans must begin watching Casablanca prior to 9 pm PT through the film’s Facebook Page. Only one screening per Facebook account is permitted. Got it? Only one screening per Facebook account , all right? Don’t get greedy! And keep the Kleenex handy! The heart-shattering collapse of film culture really sneaks up on you in the end. Follow S.T. VanAirsdale on Twitter . Follow Movieline on Twitter .
It’s Valentine’s Day, lovebirds — time to hash out some passionate debate over the films that get your pulse racing and make your chest heave, the romances that get your hankies flying and fill your hearts (and your loins!) with longing. Whether you’re planning the perfect V-Day date or preparing to love vicariously this Valentine’s Day, chime in and tell us which of cinema’s greatest love stories hits you the hardest. Let’s start with a classic, shall we? Casablanca ‘s been named AFI’s greatest American love story of all time, and it’s hard to argue the choice; few films have managed to capture the heartbreak and sacrifice of love than Michael Curtiz’s 1943 romance. The lyrics “You must remember this/a kiss is still a kiss” still conjure the magic of place and time captured at Rick’s Café Americain, where Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman are propelled into each others’ arms in the midst of war, only to be parted again. Sigh. For a long while my favorite romance was An Affair to Remember , the Cary Grant-Deborah Kerr tale that spawned many a fateful meeting at the Empire State Building (and itself was remade from director Leo McCarey’s Love Affair ). It was a movie that insisted that no matter what disfiguring, horrific accident befell you, your partner would love you just the same. Swoon! But then I saw Sleepless in Seattle and got annoyed that Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks were co-opting the classic. Thanks, but no thanks. Ghost features some deliciously melodramatic lovemaking (oh, pottery ) and the added layer of emotion that stems from death coming between two soulmates. Ditto Titanic , which taught a generation of lovers to never let go. At any cost. EVEN IF YOU’RE FREEZING TO DEATH SO YOUR GIRLFRIEND CAN FLOAT TO SAFETY ON SOME SHRAPNEL. Downside to Titanic worship: You’ll just get that damned Celine Dion song stuck in your head again, which is pretty much how I spent all of 1997. Alternately, you may opt to go the lighter route, John Hughes-style, with a selection along the lines of the underrated teen romance Some Kind of Wonderful — the movie that promised tomboys everywhere that our crushes would come to their senses sooner or later and taught boys that meaningful diamond stud earrings (okay, and reciprocated heart flutters) are a quicker way to a young woman’s heart than waking up a girl by blasting Peter Cetera outside her window. I mean, that works, too, but it takes at least one montage more to get to happily-ever-after. Then there’s the entire oeuvre of weepie specialist Nicholas Sparks, who never met a love story he couldn’t ruin with gut-wrenching tragedy. The Notebook ? SHE CAN’T REMEMBER HIM! A Walk to Remember ? SHE’S DYING! Pass the tissues and hit rewind! My favorite film of all time, and one of the most heartbreaking movies about love ever made, is Jacques Demy’s The Umbrellas of Cherbourg — a movie that could also be considered an anti-romance, depending on how you look at the world and how much you perversely enjoy the visceral sting of heartbreak. Candy-colored palettes and entirely sung dialogue mask this tragically sad tale within the trappings of a musical melodrama, but the stark realities of life and love lost sneak up on you in the film’s final moments when former lovebirds Genevieve (Catherine Deneuve) and Guy (Nino Castelnuovo) meet again by chance on Christmas Eve. After pledging their undying love to one another as youths, they’ve both moved on — even if the memory of what they once had still lingers. It’s something like a French ’60s cinema equivalent of an Adele song, devastating and gorgeous and felt all the more deeply because we feel, acutely, what’s been lost and what might have been. But you tell me, folks — which are your favorite, go-to, can’t miss tales of love, lust, romance, and longing? (And what will you be watching on Valentine’s Day?) Follow Jen Yamato on Twitter . Follow Movieline on Twitter .
The rapper DeStorm employs an ingenious concept in his newest music video: a re-staging of nine classic film moments in a single take. Of course Casablanca and The Graduate make the cut, but what other cinematic gems does DeStorm mine? Click through for the reveal.
Forget the last-minute chocolate sampler that your significant other will give you tonight. Do you know what won’t test your peanut allergy or go on clearance at midnight? A variety of your favorite big-screen love scenes that Movieline has carefully hand-picked for you, dear reader. From the traditional to the messy forbidden love, there is something on this custom Valentine’s Day list for everyone — even Cupid’s non-believers. Enjoy, and as always, we’d love to hear about your own favorite love scenes below.
photo: Phillie Casablanca via flickr New York City has recently come under fire from rainforest advocates, and rightfully so: The City is the country’s number one buyer of endangered rainforest wood . However, as The New York Times reports, a movement is underway to replace the 127 year old bridge’s 11,000 tropical … Read the full story on TreeHugger
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