Tag Archives: film

‘Avengers’ Director Outlines The Art Of The Superhero Fight

Posted on April 12, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Writer/director Joss Whedon talks to MTV News about the challenges of putting Captain America and Thor in the same brawl. By Kara Warner Joss Whedon Photo: Getty Images Despite the seemingly endless Internet speculation about the plot of “Marvel’s The Avengers” , if there’s one thing that we can absolutely count on seeing in the film when it opens is superhero-on-superhero fights. We’ve seen brief teases of these expectedly awesome and epic battles in the trailers , several of which occur in the blink of an eye and with heavy assists from CGI, and no matter how beautiful they appear onscreen, we can’t help but wonder how the filmmakers developed those complicated scenes without occasionally confusing which superhero has which superpower. When MTV News caught up with the film’s master choreographer himself, writer/director Joss Whedon, we asked him how he managed to keep all the super suits, super soldiers, demigods and archers separate when choreographing between such diverse characters. “The big challenge was a) not to let it be generic, for it to be something we haven’t seen before, but mostly to remember everybody’s skill set,” Whedon said at the film’s red-carpet premiere on Wednesday. “The fight choreographer might come up with something where Hawkeye, Captain America and Thor are all doing the same thing and it’s like, ‘Well no, they all have very different levels of power,’ and to sort of honor that reality for each one of them.” We followed up that question with another heavy-hitter: now that Whedon has tamed the beast that is this massive undertaking — which includes a pressure cooker of elements including a big budget, huge cast and satisfying fanboy expectations — how much vacation time will he need until he can think about another “Avengers” movie? “17 years in a tiny cave,” Whedon said. “In Tibet.” Perhaps we might be waiting awhile for that “Avengers” sequel. Check out everything we’ve got on “Marvel’s The Avengers.” For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com .

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Katy Perry Says New Album Will Be ‘Real F—ing Dark’

Posted on April 12, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Star also reveals she was set to appear in award-winning film ‘The Help.’ By Zachary Swickey Katy Perry Photo: Michael Becker / FOX Many fans have been curious about what pop star Katy Perry ‘s next record will sound like — especially considering her much-publicized divorce from comedian Russell Brand and the heavy recent single “Part of Me.” Well, Perry herself is here to tell you the album is going to be “real f—ing dark.” Talking to The Sun, the singer was rather blunt about her feelings toward her failed marriage, saying, “I’d like to use a time machine and go back to a specific date, please.” (Ouch!) “My music is about to get real f—ing dark. You’d never see my face because my hair would be in it,” she continued. In other Perry news, while the singer has yet to dive into the acting game — outside of cameo appearances and voicing Smurfette in last year’s “The Smurfs” — she’s revealed that she almost got a bit part in last year’s Academy Award-winning film “The Help.” “There was a time when I was going to be involved in ‘The Help’ — just a small part, I wasn’t going to be Emma Stone or anything — but I couldn’t because the shooting schedule conflicted with the release of my record,” she lamented to Teen Vogue. “And I was upset about that; I knew it was going to be an important film.” Although she didn’t get to appear in “The Help,” Perry has her very own 3-D film coming out this summer. “Katy Perry: Part of Me” is a documentary as well as a live concert film, much in the vein of Justin Bieber’s “Never Say Never.” “I wanted to show people this parade that surrounds me. I wanted them to see the engine. I wanted people to be able to experience the tour and all the joy it brought, which is why we shot it in 3-D,” Perry said about the film. “Katy Perry: Part of Me” is expected to hit the big screen this upcoming Fourth of July weekend. Are you ready for the dark side of Katy Perry? Let us know in the comments! Related Videos MTV First: Katy Perry’s ‘Part Of Me’ Related Artists Katy Perry

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‘Cabin In The Woods’ Is A ‘Shiny Toy,’ Joss Whedon Says

Posted on April 11, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Writer/producer tells MTV News the horror thriller has an ‘ absurd integrity that appeals to us.’ By Kara Warner Kristen Connolly in “The Cabin in the Woods” Photo: Lionsgate If you haven’t yet heard the buzz surrounding the upcoming horror thriller “The Cabin in the Woods” , than you must be avoiding Internet and television entirely. Everyone is talking about it , in a roundabout, non-spoilery way! In a nutshell, the film mostly revolves around four friends who drive to a distant relative’s cabin in order to spend a relaxing weekend away from their college campus. Unfortunately the group’s goals are not at all met and a series of shocking and unbelievable things happen — to everyone. When MTV News caught up with writer/producer Joss Whedon and director Drew Goddard, we asked them how in the heck they came up with the story and if any specific element or occurrence inspired the chaos that unfolds. “It’s actually kind of a dull tale because it did just pop into my head and then, of course, Drew was one of the first people I told about it,” Whedon said. “We knew instantly that this was something that we wanted to do. We took a while before we actually sat down to write it. It was like a shiny toy that we played for a long time, the structure just seemed so right. It’s very seldom that a movie occurs to you with the whole structure in place.” “Do you remember the moment when it popped into your head?” Goddard asked Whedon. “I honestly don’t remember a time I wasn’t thinking about it. It’s one of those things that seems so logical it feels like, ‘Why hasn’t this been done before?’ It has this absurd integrity that appeals to us.” “The Cabin in the Woods” opens everywhere Friday, April 13. Are you planning on seeing “The Cabin in the Woods”? Leave your comment below! Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: ‘The Cabin In The Woods’

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The Hunger Games Sequel: Gary Ross Out as Director

Posted on April 11, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Gary Ross and The Hunger Games have parted ways. Ross’ exit was all but confirmed last week, but he’s released a statement explaining why he decided to discontinue his work with the famous trilogy: “Despite recent speculation in the media, and after difficult but sincere consideration, I have decided not to direct Catching Fire ,” said Ross (below, right). “As a writer and a director, I simply don’t have the time I need to write and prep the movie I would want to make because of the fixed and tight production schedule.” “I loved making The Hunger Games. It was the happiest experience of my professional life. Lionsgate was supportive in a manner that few directors ever experience.” “They empowered me to make the film I wanted to make and backed the movie in a way that requires no explanation beyond the remarkable results.” “And contrary to what has been reported, negotiations with Lionsgate have not been problematic. They have also been very understanding of this difficult decision.” “I also cannot say enough about the people I worked with: Producer Nina Jacobson, a great collaborator and a true friend; the brilliant Suzanne Collins, who entrusted us with her most amazing and important story; the remarkable Jennifer Lawrence whose performance exceeded my wildest expectations, and the rest of the incredible cast, whom I am proud to call my friends.” “To the fans I want to say thank you for your support your faith, your enthusiasm and your trust. Hard as this may be to understand I am trying to keep that trust with you. Thank you all. It’s been a wonderful experience.” The studio also released a statement addressing the news , saying, “We’re very sorry that Gary Ross has chosen not to direct Catching Fire.” “We were really looking forward to making the movie with him. He did an incredible job on the first film and we are grateful for his work. This will not be the end of our relationship, as we consider Ross to be part of the Lionsgate family.” Sad news, but inevitable from the sound of it. And now, the search for the new director begins. Any thoughts on who should direct Catching Fire ? [Photo: Fame/Flynet]

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BREAKING: Citing Scheduling Constraints, Gary Ross Officially Not Directing Hunger Games Sequel

Posted on April 10, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Well, that was fast: Just hours after Josh Hutcherson gamely threw his support behind Hunger Games director Gary Ross , Ross has officially announced he’s not directing the franchise sequel, Catching Fire . “I simply don’t have the time I need to write and prep the movie I would have wanted to make,” wrote Ross in a statement. More after the jump. Whatever happened behind the scenes, Ross and Lionsgate’s joint statements make a point to emphasize that not directing Catching Fire was Ross’s decision, not the studio’s — a nicety that conveys good terms whether or not tough negotiations over salary and the like were had. Similar sentiments were expressed back in 2008 when, after opening the first Twilight film at number 1 on the way to a $392 million global take, director Catherine Hardwicke and Summit parted ways. Back then, the reason given was that Hardwicke’s desired amount of time to properly develop the sequel was longer than what the studio wanted to allot. “I am sorry that due to timing I will not have the opportunity to direct New Moon ,” Hardwicke said in December 2008 . “Directing Twilight has been one of the great experiences of my life, and I am grateful to the fans for their passionate support of the film. I wish everyone at Summit the best with the sequel — it is a great story. Compare that with Ross’s statement and let the wild speculation roll as to why Ross is truly out — and, more importantly, who’ll step in to fill his director’s chair on the rapidly approaching Catching Fire , said to be slated to begin filming as early as this August. Despite recent speculation in the media, and after difficult but sincere consideration, I have decided not to direct Catching Fire . As a writer and a director, I simply don’t have the time I need to write and prep the movie I would have wanted to make because of the fixed and tight production schedule. I loved making The Hunger Games – it was the happiest experience of my professional life. Lionsgate was supportive of me in a manner that few directors ever experience in a franchise: they empowered me to make the film I wanted to make and backed the movie in a way that requires no explanation beyond the remarkable results. And contrary to what has been reported, negotiations with Lionsgate have not been problematic. They have also been very understanding of me through this difficult decision. I also cannot say enough about the people I worked with: Producer Nina Jacobson, a great collaborator and a true friend; the brilliant Suzanne Collins, who entrusted us with her most amazing and important story; the gifted and remarkable Jennifer Lawrence whose performance exceeded my wildest expectations, and the rest of the incredible cast, whom I am proud to call my friends. To the fans I want to say thank you for your support your faith, your enthusiasm and your trust. Hard as this may be to understand I am trying to keep that trust with you. Thank you all. It’s been a wonderful experience. Statement from Lionsgate: We’re very sorry that Gary Ross has chosen not to direct Catching Fire . We were really looking forward to making the movie with him. He did an incredible job on the first film and we are grateful for his work. This will not be the end of our relationship, as we consider Ross to be part of the Lionsgate family and look forward to working with him in the future. [via Deadline ]

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‘Hunger Games’ Director Gary Ross Out For Sequel

Posted on April 10, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘After difficult but sincere consideration, I have decided not to direct ‘Catching Fire,’ ‘ Ross says in a statement. By Katie Byrne and Kara Warner Gary Ross Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/ Getty Images A roller-coaster week for “The Hunger Games” just got even bumpier: Director Gary Ross has officially announced he won’t direct the sequel, “Catching Fire.” The week began positively enough, with “The Hunger Games” topping the box office for the third weekend in a row, earning nearly $303 million since its debut. But that news was quickly followed Monday with a surprising Playlist story claiming Ross wouldn’t return for the movie adaptation of “Catching Fire,” a report that has now been confirmed via statements from Ross himself and “Games” studio Lionsgate. “Despite recent speculation in the media, and after difficult but sincere consideration, I have decided not to direct ‘Catching Fire,’ ” Ross said in his statement. “As a writer and a director, I simply don’t have the time I need to write and prep the movie I would have wanted to make because of the fixed and tight production schedule. “I loved making ‘The Hunger Games’ — it was the happiest experience of my professional life,” the statement continued. “Lionsgate was supportive of me in a manner that few directors ever experience in a franchise: they empowered me to make the film I wanted to make and backed the movie in a way that requires no explanation beyond the remarkable results. And contrary to what has been reported, negotiations with Lionsgate have not been problematic. They have also been very understanding of me through this difficult decision.” Lionsgate echoed Ross’ disappointment in the ended “Games” partnership: “We’re very sorry that Gary Ross has chosen not to direct Catching Fire. We were really looking forward to making the movie with him. He did an incredible job on the first film and we are grateful for his work. This will not be the end of our relationship, as we consider Ross to be part of the Lionsgate family and look forward to working with him in the future.” Ross’ heartfelt sentiments did not end with his thanks to the studio. “I also cannot say enough about the people I worked with: Producer Nina Jacobson, a great collaborator and a true friend; the brilliant Suzanne Collins, who entrusted us with her most amazing and important story; the gifted and remarkable Jennifer Lawrence whose performance exceeded my wildest expectations, and the rest of the incredible cast, whom I am proud to call my friends,” he added in his statement. “To the fans I want to say thank you for your support your faith, your enthusiasm and your trust. Hard as this may be to understand I am trying to keep that trust with you. Thank you all. It’s been a wonderful experience.” There will likely be a long list of directors gunning to fill Ross’ shoes, but until we receive word of an official list of names, we have a very well-thought-out list of our own we hope Lionsgate considers. Check out everything we’ve got on “The Hunger Games.” For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com . Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: Gary Ross Related Photos The Hunger Games

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‘Hunger Games’ Shoots Down All-Time Records

Posted on April 10, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

After spending an elusive third straight week at #1, ‘The Hunger Games’ now ranks among the biggest box-office successes in history. By Kevin P. Sullivan Josh Hutcherson in “The Hunger Games” Photo: Lionsgate For the third weekend in a row, “The Hunger Games” proved its power as a serious box-office champion. Two competitors stood a chance to take the top spot, but both “American Reunion” and “Titanic 3D” fell short, leaving “The Hunger Games” at the top with earnings of nearly $303 million since its debut. Now that “The Hunger Games” has racked up its third consecutive weekend at #1, it seems like an appropriate time to see where the film stands among the all-time box-office champs, what records have been broken and what records still stand. Consecutive Weekends With so many movies coming out each week, it’s often difficult for a film to retain the top spot in its second weekend, let alone its third. Repeat weekends have become a mark of true success at the box office and signs of a real hit. With this weekend, “The Hunger Games” became the first film in 2012 to spend three straight weeks at #1. The most recent movie to achieve that was “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1” back in November of last year. Versus “Twilight” Speaking of the vampire romance series, “The Hunger Games” officially passed the highest-grossing film in “The Twilight Saga,” “Eclipse.” The third “Twilight” movie grossed just over $300 million, right behind where “The Hunger Games” stands after its third weekend. Many had compared the two series throughout the lead-up to “The Hunger Games,” but since its debut “The Hunger Games” has thrived off word-of-mouth and a larger male audience than “Twilight.” Champion of 2012 Right from the start of the summer movie season, the biggest tentpole films of the year already have a film to beat. “The Hunger Games” is far and away the highest money earner of the year so far. Its total gross currently stands roughly $104 million ahead of its closest competition, “Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax.” The toughest competition has yet to come, however. With releases like “The Avengers,” “The Dark Knight Rises” and the first “Hobbit” still on the lineup for 2012, it will be difficult for “The Hunger Games” to hold onto that spot. Opening Week So much of the “Hunger Games” buzz came from its enormous opening weekend, the third best of all time behind “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2” and “The Dark Knight.” With a $152 million bow, it also ranks as the best March and spring opening ever. All Time Granted the movie is only three weeks old, “The Hunger Games” still has a long way to go before ranking among the highest earners of all time. It currently stands at #37 behind “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.” Do you think “The Hunger Games” will be the highest-grossing film of 2012, or will “The Dark Knight Rises” take the glory? Leave your comment below! Check out everything we’ve got on “The Hunger Games.” For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com . Related Videos Hunger Games MTV Rough Cut: Gary Ross MTV Rough Cut: Jennifer Lawrence MTV Rough Cut: Jennifer Lawrence And Josh Hutcherson Related Photos ‘Hunger Games’ Cast Hits NYC Inside ‘The Hunger Games’ Capitol

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Angelina Jolie’s ‘Maleficent’ To Hit Theaters In 2014

Posted on April 9, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Live-action film will tell ‘Sleeping Beauty’ villain’s side of the story. By Fallon Prinzivalli Angelina Jolie Photo: Getty Images Get excited, villain fans: Walt Disney Studios announced the U.S. release date for “Maleficent” — March 14, 2014! Based on Disney’s animated classic “Sleeping Beauty,” this live-action movie will delve into the origins of Maleficent and what caused her to curse Princess Aurora. The film stars Angelina Jolie as the title role and will show a different side to the evil fairy. Before casting and filming was finalized, Jolie told MTV News’ Josh Horowitz she would love to play the titular sorceress. “It’s all new and being discussed, but I loved her when I was a little girl. She was my favorite.” When we caught up with the actress a year later at the red carpet for “Kung Fu Panda 2,” she confirmed “there’s a great script.” The script was penned by Linda Woolverton, and Jolie admitted she had loved it for a very long time. Even though the movie tells Maleficent’s version of the story doesn’t mean Aurora will be portrayed as the bad guy . “It’s not anti-princess,” Jolie told Entertainment Weekly about the film. “But it’s the first time they’re looking at this epic woman. … I hope in the end you see a woman who is capable of being many things, and just because she protects herself and is aggressive, it doesn’t mean she can’t have other [warmer] qualities.” Jolie believes “Maleficent” will be a positive film for young girls to see because of its message of seeing a story from someone else’s point of view. But it isn’t just the script that fans can look forward to; Robert Stromberg — who has worked on “Avatar” and “Alice in Wonderland” in the past — will direct, which means audiences can prepare themselves for stunning visuals as well. Check out everything we’ve got on “Maleficent.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: ‘Salt’

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Mattel’s Hunger Games Barbie Looks… Not a Whole Lot Like Jennifer Lawrence

Posted on April 9, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Mattel has unveiled the first look at their Hunger Games -themed Katniss Everdeen Barbie doll ($29.95), available for pre-order today and on shelves in August, and the result is… kinda close to what I envisioned when I read Suzanne Collins’ novels. Not that District 12’s underfed hunter gal ever hewed that close to Barbie’s usual unattainably bosomy dimensions in most readers’ minds, but something in Katniss-Barbie’s face is appropriately feline, with just the merest hint of the full-lipped pout that Jennifer Lawrence brought to the screen. Still, I had to laugh at creator Bill Greening’s explanation (via EW) for how Katniss-Barbie, clad in her Games survival gear, was designed: “Hopefully Hunger Games fans can appreciate the attention to detail. The doll’s minimalistic style and details — such as her loosely braided hair and makeup-free look — also really embody the heroic character Katniss.” Adding eyeshadow, mascara and eyeliner to Katniss’s pre-bloodbath look isn’t exactly what I’d call “make-up free,” but at least Greening kept from sexifying Katniss up when it came to her outfit. Pure Eddie Bauer chic, modeled on her getup from the movie. (I’m sure Katniss’s flamboyant Capitol dresses are also en route to shelves for maximum styling options.) What’s more satisfying at first glance is seeing that Katniss-Barbie looks more like the Katniss I’d imagined when reading the books. Lawrence does stellar work in the role and is arguably one the best actresses of her generation who might’ve been up for it, but I’d always had a more ethnic-looking Katniss in mind. And while Mattel’s design is just ethnically-ambiguous enough, I’d say it runs closer to Katniss’s description on paper than the one captured onscreen in the film adaptation. Thoughts? [ EW , Barbie Collector ]

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Is Mobb Deep On The Verge Of A Breakup?

Posted on April 9, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Havoc issues blistering series of personal attacks on Prodigy over Twitter; tweets congrats on P’s ‘engagement’ to Rihanna. By Rob Markman Mobb Deep Photo: Robert Adam Mayer Mobb Deep used to rap, “We’re in this together, son, your beef is mines,” but now there appears to be an internal battle between Havoc and Prodigy . Early Monday morning (April 9), Hav took to Twitter and sarcastically congratulated Prodigy and Rihanna on their engagement, then made serious allegations about his rhyme partner’s sexuality. It’s all very strange, but sources close to Havoc confirmed with MTV News that this is no hack. Things started to spin out of control at around 3 a.m. ET when Hav tweeted: “congrats to P @prodigymobbdeep and @rihanna for getting married soon!! @rihanna please confirm!” There was no confirmation from the Talk That Talk singer, but that didn’t stop the Grammy Award-winning producer from continuing his rant. “Prodigy abitch and I’m gonna show it, follow!! Ground breaking new,” Hav wrote soon after. Things got even more scathing when Havoc charged that his childhood friend was involved in a homosexual relationship during his three-year jail bid . “I got n—as in the jail system to to back up that prodigy was f—ing homes in jail,” he wrote. “Now i will silence… and let the jails take care of the rest.” But Havoc didn’t “silence,” instead the temperature continued to rise as Hav posted tweets throughout the morning saying he “had to smack P” and went on to threaten Prodigy. “Next time I see u, u getting layer out, con camera.” Mobb Deep released their debut album, Juvenile Hell, in 1993 and have gone on to drop seven LPs together. Throughout their career, Mobb Deep have stood as one of the pillars of New York’s street hip-hop scene. During an October 2011 episode of “RapFix Live,” both Havoc and Prodigy appeared on the show and talked about their legacy as a group. “We been through a lot of eras in hip-hop music, and every album we have the attitude like it’s our first album,” Prodigy said. The group planned to release their self-titled eighth LP later this year, but now the future of the duo seems to be in question. There’s still no word as to what caused the rift, but Havoc is clearly no shook one as he went on fearlessly sending out barbs. He even challenged Prodigy to a fist fight: “LET’S DO A ONE ON ONE!!!!! ME AND P!!! HE SO BUTTTT HE WILL AVOID!!!!” The barrage continued through the a.m. and ended with Havoc tweeting, “Good morning gay P!” Prodigy has yet to respond via Twitter and a rep for the rapper had not responded to MTV News’ request for comment at press time. What do you think of Mobb Deep’s internal drama? Tell us in the comments! Related Videos Mobb Deep On ‘RapFix Live’ Related Artists Mobb Deep

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