I always thought what made the original RoboCop so affecting was the transition of Alex Murphy from family man and upstanding cop to firing-squad target to crime-fighting machine to vulnerable yet indestructible emo-robot hybrid. It made for an ingeniously subtle arc against which to project the rest of Paul Verhoeven’s pulpy, gory social satire, and Peter Weller’s performance — essentially three performances layered atop and influencing each other — provided the foundation on which the film has held up for a quarter-century. So I don’t know what to make of… this , from RoboCop remake star Joel Kinnaman (via MTV ): RoboCop is going to be a lot more human. The first movie is one of my favorite movies. I love it. Of course, Verhoeven has that very special tone, and it’s not going to have that tone. It’s a re-imagination of it. There’s a lot of stuff from the original. There are some details and throwbacks, but this version is a much better acting piece, for Alex Murphy and especially when he is RoboCop. It’s much more challenging. It’s not going to be jaw action. They’re still working on the suit and how it’s going to look, but the visor is going to be see-through. You’re going to see his eyes. I mean, OK? If only Weller had had a more “challenging” role in 1987! Think of how much better RoboCop would have turned out. Moreover — giving Kinnaman and director José Padilha the benefit of the doubt, even — what’s the upside of giving Murphy’s remade face away before the big third-act reveal? Wasn’t the point not that we “see his eyes,” but that we see through his eyes — everything from domestic flashbacks to Clarence Boddicker spitting on his mask? Which then forces us to reconcile the human with the robot, especially once those eyes are revealed? I’m pulling for this movie, I swear, but this just seems like a fundamental misunderstanding of character. This is the leading man we’re talking about! I’ll take “details and throwbacks,” sure, but don’t leave out the heart and soul. [ MTV via AICN ] Follow S.T. VanAirsdale on Twitter . Follow Movieline on Twitter .
So this is what Val Kilmer and his luscious locks were doing hanging with Kyle Gass and Jack Black , AKA Tenacious D . In the newly released video ‘To Be the Best,’ Black and Gass find their fates have gone in different directions following the failure of their film Tenacious D: In the Pick of Destiny and only Kilmer, Dave Grohl, and Josh Groban can help mental patient Gass and “Hollywood Jack” reunite (for their new album, in stores May 15). Also on hand? Tim Robbins . Why not? The forthcoming Tenacious D album is entitled “Rize of the Fenix” and the lead single, ” Rize of the Fenix ,” starts out a little something like this: “When The Pick of Destiny was released it was a bomb/And all the critics said that The D was done…but one thing no one thought about was The D will rize again, just like the fenix…” So, yeah. Box office failure inspires creative rebirth! Or something. Let’s watch Kilmer eat it for Jack Black again. [via Cinemablend ]
New video chronicles the duo’s return to rockdom and announces their third studio album, Rize of the Fenix. By Kevin P. Sullivan Tenacious D’s Kyle Gass and Jack Black Photo: Columbia “Some call them kings. Others call them gods, but one thing that everyone agreed on was that Tenacious D was more talented than the Beatles, Stones and Zeppelin combined.” Those are the immortal words of “Extra”‘s Maria Menounos, retelling the tragic story of the greatest rock band to ever rock, Tenacious D . Members Jack Black and Kyle Gass apparently fell on rough times after the box-office failure of their film, “Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny.” But after years in a mental hospital and “lots of drugs,” Tenacious D has returned with a brand new video and news of their third studio album, Rize of the Fenix. The new video shares the story of the lost years of Tenacious D. After a nervous breakdown, Gass spent years locked away, only to escape in hopes of reuniting with his former bandmate, Black, now going by the name “Hollywood Jack.” Entitled “To Be the Best,” the video chronicles D’s climb back to the top of all of rockdom. In traditional Tenacious D style, the boys have some of their famous friends stop by to join in on the fun. In an interview recalling D’s spectacular fall from grace, Academy Award-winning actor Tim Robbins shared his memory of Gass’ battle with his demons. “Kyle couldn’t take the pressure,” he said. “It was no more Kyle. It was only Rage Kage.” The most tragic part of the return of Tenacious D comes at the expense of Val Kilmer ‘s life. The method actor takes a bullet fired by Gass and meant for Black, but his death was not in vain. The incident spurred the Tenacious D reunion fans have been begging for since 2008. Unfortunately, during their hiatus, both Black and Gass forgot how to rock. Thankfully, Dave Grohl , Josh Groban and two books, “Blowing F—ing Minds for Idiots” and “Impregnating Ears for Idiots,” were there to help out. Rize of the Fenix will be in stores on May 15. Are you excited for Tenacious D’s return? Leave your comment below. Related Artists Tenacious D
Post-Peeta, the actor has a horror/comedy film and ‘Red Dawn’ on the horizon. By Kara Warner Josh Hutcherson in “The Hunger Games” Photo: Lionsgate Those of you who’ve seen “The Hunger Games” will more than likely agree with our sentiment that there are a number of things to love about the weekend’s box-office dominator . The film’s success is first and foremost due to author Suzanne Collins’ brilliance, followed by director Gary Ross’ sleek and stylish take on the adaptation and, of course, the performances of the very talented cast. One of those standout performances is Josh Hutcherson’s portrayal of loyal and lovable boy with the bread Peeta Mellark. He’s so good in the film we just can’t wait to see what he does with the character’s arc in “Catching Fire.” Unfortunately, we have to wait about 20 months until that happens, so in the meantime, here’s a look at where and when you can see more of Hutcherson’s work on the big screen. First up is the R-rated teen horror/comedy film “Detention,” which hits select theaters April 13. In the uniquely twisted and slightly outrageous film, Hutcherson plays Clapton Davis, a student of Grizzly Lake High School just trying to make it through the school year when slasher-movie killer Cinderhella descends on the school and goes on a killing spree. “Detention” played at last year’s South by Southwest film festival and received many surprised-but-delighted reactions . It also stars Dane Cook, Shanley Caswell and Spencer Locke. After watching a different side of Hutcherson’s skills in “Detention,” look for the coming-of-age drama “Carmel,” in which Hutcherson plays an artistically gifted teenager who is abandoned by his drug-addicted mother and ends up in the small seaside town of Carmel, California, where he is introduced to the art-forgery community. Hayden Panettiere and Alfred Molina also star. According to the film’s Facebook page, the release date for the film will be sometime in June, to be timed with the DVD/Blu-ray releases of “Hunger Games” and “Journey 2.” In November, we’ll get to see more of Hutcherson’s action-movie skills in the remake of the 1984 film “Red Dawn,” the release of which has been long-delayed due to the studio’s financial troubles. The story revolves around a group of teenagers who resist the occupation/invasion of a foreign army in their town. Hutcherson stars alongside Chris Hemsworth, Josh Peck, Adrianne Palicki and Isabel Lucas. After “Red Dawn” comes out, we very likely won’t see Hutcherson on the big screen again until next year, when “Catching Fire” is released November 22, 2013. 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: Josh Hutcherson Related Photos ‘Hunger Games’ Cast Hits NYC The Hunger Games
We can’t help but look forward to the next film based on Suzanne Collins’ best-sellers. By Kara Warner Liam Hemsworth, Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutchenson Photo: WireImage While we’d love to take some more time to bask in the glow of just-released box-office champ “The Hunger Games,” it’s time to move on to the sequel and start pondering and overanalyzing everything about “Catching Fire” . Here are our five burning questions (minor spoilers ahead for those who haven’t yet read the book — hurry up and get to it, people!): When Will Gary Ross Officially Sign On to Direct? By all accounts, this question has already been answered behind closed doors in some fancy studio room somewhere but has not been announced to the general public. As of now, Gary Ross is attached to direct “Catching Fire,” which, in “Hollywood speak,” means he’s still trying to work out the details with his agents and the studio. We’re pretty optimistic that he’ll return, though, because he’s offered up some very specific details about his plans for it. When and Where Will Filming Take Place? Come on, Lionsgate, you’ve already announced the release date for “Catching Fire.” When will you announce the production start date? Time is ticking! Those of us who’ve read the book know there are Games afoot but of a completely different nature. Ross told MTV News that he has some specific ideas about how to shoot in/on a tropical location but wouldn’t expand upon them beyond teasing the tone of the second film. “It will look and feel slightly different from the first,” he said before adding that he can guarantee one thing: “Catching Fire” will not be in 3-D. “I don’t think it’s appropriate for this film. If we shoot in 3-D, we become the Capitol,” he said. Who Will play Finnick Odair? Much like the hullabaloo that surrounded the casting of Katniss, Peeta and Gale, fans are very invested in who will play hunky-yet-surprisingly-complex victor Finnick Odair. The list of fan hopefuls is all over the place and includes Armie Hammer, Alex Pettyfer, Garrett Hedlund, Hunter Parrish and YouTube star Joey Graceffa. (This writer would very much like for relatively unknown Benjamin Stone to be in the mix . See his work on “The Nine Lives of Chloe King” for proof.) Will Kristen Bell’s Campaigning Pay Off? In addition to charming us into total adoration via the release of her slightly embarrassing sloth video , Kristen Bell has not been shy about her love of “The Hunger Games.” The admitted superfan has launched her very own campaign of sorts to be cast as kick-ass District 7 champ Johanna Mason. Only time will tell to see if she gets her shot. We think she at least deserves an audition, don’t you? Which Scene Will Be the Most Swoon-Worthy? The greater messages in “The Hunger Games” are about survival and independence and freedom. However, we can’t help it if there are also several swoon-worthy scenes that we can’t wait to see played out onscreen between Katniss and Peeta and Gale. Speaking to “Catching Fire,” what will make us melt in our seats most? That “beach scene” between Katniss and Peeta or Katniss and Gale’s emotional exchange after he’s severely beaten and recovering at her mother’s house? 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 Live From ‘The Hunger Games’ Red Carpet Premiere Talk Nerdy MTV Rough Cut: Jennifer Lawrence Related Photos Inside ‘The Hunger Games’ Capitol ‘Hunger Games’ Cast Hits NYC
It’s easy to pile on Hollywood for its craven cash grabs , sequelitis and other low-hanging fruit harvested and passed off in the name of popular entertainment. It’s also fair, after a glance at the top 20 or so openings of all time, to acknowledge that mass audiences have tended to let studios get away with such output over the last decade in particular. But if we’re to take anything from the huge opening-weekend success of The Hunger Games , it might be to look at its place on that list — squarely in third place, below even better-regarded cinematic efforts Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 and The Dark Knight . With this development, could crowds and critics alike have proven what the sheer volume of lesser hits would seem to contradict — that quality matters? Of course the success of these three films owes plenty to their source material and/or established film franchises preceding them. But virtually every entry in the top 20 enjoys this built-in advantage, from comic-book adaptations ( Spider-Man , Iron Man 2 to decades-old institutions ( Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull ) to literary sensations past ( Alice in Wonderland ) and present ( The Twilight Saga ). And few if any among this derivative lot have made as much of a critical impression as those films at the very top, which average nearly 92 percent favorable at the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. Not to declare RT any kind of objective barometer of a film’s quality. Still, its documented regard for Deathly Hallows – Part 2 , The Dark Knight and Hunger Games harmonizes with public tastes here in a way that implies something a little more than coincidence. First of all, it is extremely hard to gross more than $150 million in three days, even with the benefit of 3-D premiums — which, of the three, only Deathly Hallows – Part 2 enjoyed (all three had IMAX releases of varying sizes). The only other film to do it, Spider-Man 3 , was met with decidedly more mixed reviews but still remains ranked “fresh” at RT. Despite all you’ve heard about their decline, in both the art-house realms and the rarefied upper box-office echelons, the evidence suggests that critics indeed do still matter. Even the most cynical observer (I’m looking at you, Armond White ) who regards the critical establishment as a legion of pliant, hype-sensitive “shills” would need to acknowledge the success of their mission — largely as a service informing readers about new releases worth considering (or not) — and be encouraged by signs of influence and relevance. It also suggests that creative ambitions require as much a role in the development process as one’s marketing innovations. Just ask Christopher Nolan, or Hunger Games author Suzanne Collins or director Gary Ross . A brand (and sure, 3-D/IMAX) can only take a film so far. Vision seems to carry it much of the rest of the way — something viewers haven’t seen before, even if they know they characters and stakes by heart. Clearly, The Hunger Games ‘ windfall may not help Hollywood reconcile — on paper, anyway — its long-standing love-hate relationship with original ideas and stories. But it doesn’t have to. The Juno s and the Hangover s and Bridesmaids and Safe House s and whatever other original scripts that develop into huge-grossing films aren’t even the same breed of blockbuster. Their conceptual integrity, to the extent they have it at all, yields its own word-of-mouth — its own long tail that may or may not necessitate sequels of its own. So even if the original idea is down, it’s hardly out — not with the potential to follow up a modestly priced, well-liked hit with a true blockbuster in the same vein. At which point we’re back to the development basics: Smarts, vision, ambition and respecting one’s audience. It pays off, Hollywood. The numbers don’t lie. Follow S.T. VanAirsdale on Twitter . Follow Movieline on Twitter .
Back in January, MGM/Screen Gems tapped director Kimberly Peirce to helm their remake of Stephen King’s Carrie , updating the supernatural tale after Brian de Palma’s iconic 1976 film adaptation. The current frontrunners to play Carrie White, the sexually repressed telekinetic teen who wreaks bloody revenge on her classmates at the high school prom? Kick-Ass star Chloe Moretz and actress Haley Bennett ( The Haunting of Molly Hartley , Marley & Me ), according to Vulture . Can either fill Sissy Spacek ‘s shoes? Fifteen-year-old Moretz and 24-year-old Bennett reportedly have the edge over other candidates who’ve read for the part, including Lily Collins , Dakota Fanning , and Emily Browning , which might indicate what sort of Carrie they’re going for here — with the exception of Moretz, these are actresses in their early twenties who can play teenage and have already dabbled in more mature material. (Spacek was 26 when De Palma’s Carrie was filmed.) At the same time, Moretz is arguably the hotter name of the bunch. But is the world ready to watch Hit Girl get her period in the showers and go on a menstrual rampage at prom? I mean, I’m sure Moretz could handle the material. I’m just not sure I can believe her playing vulnerable while doused in blood; the strength of her many badass roles to date has been in how assuredly she handles extreme situations despite her young age, not the other way around. Bennett, on the other hand, isn’t as well known to audiences and could probably disappear into the role more easily. Then again, Spacek was great as Carrie because she had that twitchy virginal weirdo thing down, and I’m not sure many up and coming starlets these days possess the ability to flip their freak-out switch on quite like she did. (According to Vulture, Jodie Foster and Julianne Moore are being batted around to play Carrie’s religious fanatic mom.) Are there any other potential Carries out there, or are these the best candidates of the bunch? How about Lindsay Lohan ? Sound off below.
With the MPAA ruling in favor of upholding Bully ‘s R-rating, the Weinstein Co. has announced that they’ll release the documentary as planned on March 30 — in its full, explicit language-laden unrated cut. The question is, will theaters let minors see it? “I know the kids will come, so it’s up to the theaters to let them in,” said director Lee Hirsch in a press release, with TWC marketing head Stephen Bruno adding pressure to the theaters to ” step up and do what’s right .” It’s the latest moral prompt about movies, how we watch them, and whether or not we should let our kids watch them stemming from the tightly executed campaign around the doc, which has become a rallying missive against the widespread epidemic of youth bullying. So fervent is support for Bully that it’s no longer parents or the MPAA who have to get out of the way and let their kids watch it, but now the theater owners who might otherwise bar kids from attending showings of the unrated film. All of which actually raises a good question: Should theater owners and operators step in to help or hinder young audiences from seeing unrated films otherwise deemed rated-R by the MPAA? Perhaps on a case-by-case basis, as opposed to unrated films that contain sexually graphic or violent content, and primarily for younger moviegoers; in this case, Bully ‘s awareness-raising merits seem to outweigh the fact that audiences will hear the f-word uttered a number of times onscreen. When I was a kid, watching R-rated movies on cable TV wasn’t just educational, it was formative. Why not let kids hear a few “fucks” with their civics lessons? In contrast to most theaters’ rules when it comes to R-rated films (No one under 17 admitted without accompanying guardian) or NC-17 films (No one under 17 admitted, period), the unrated label is more ambiguously defined in practice. With a film like Bully — and, more effectively, given the media PR blitz it has going — I can’t imagine any chain operator ticket-taker turning away a group of 12-year-olds that come to watch the film. On the other hand: What if those 12-year-olds then sneak into Project X ?? Full press release follows. March 26, 2012 – New York, NY – After a recent plea to the MPAA by BULLY teen Alex Libby and The Weinstein Company (TWC) Co-Chairman Harvey Weinstein failed – by one vote – to get the film its deserved PG-13 rating, TWC is choosing to move forward with releasing the film unrated by the MPAA on March 30. Furthering proof that the R rating for some language is inappropriate for a film that’s meant to educate and help parents, teachers, school officials and children with what’s become an epidemic in schools around the country, the fight against the rating continues on. The outpour of support by politicians, schools, parents, celebrities and activists for the film’s mission to be seen by those it was made for – children – has been overwhelming. Nearly half a million people have signed Michigan high school student and former bullying victim Katy Butler’s petition on Change.org to urge the MPAA to lower the rating. Said BULLY Director Lee Hirsch, “The small amount of language in the film that’s responsible for the R rating is there because it’s real. It’s what the children who are victims of bullying face on most days. All of our supporters see that, and we’re grateful for the support we’ve received across the board. I know the kids will come, so it’s up to the theaters to let them in.” “The kids and families in this film are true heroes, and we believe theater owners everywhere will step up and do what’s right for the benefit of all of the children out there who have been bullied or may have otherwise become bullies themselves. We’re working to do everything we can to make this film available to as many parents, teachers and students across the country,” said TWC President of Marketing Stephen Bruno. For parents or teachers who are looking for more information or who may have concerns about showing children a movie unrated by the MPAA, please read Common Sense Media’s rating details of the film here: http://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/bully. “While it’s often heartbreaking and deals with tough issues like suicide, the movie addresses bullying in a frank and relatable way that is age appropriate for teens and relevant for middle schoolers if an adult is present to guide the discussion,” said James P. Steyer, Founder and CEO, Common Sense Media. “The MPAA’s ratings system is inadequate when it comes looking at a movie’s content through the lens of its larger thematic issues. Common Sense Media provides alternative ratings for parents who are looking for more guidance and context than the MPAA provides.” BULLY will be released in theaters on Friday, March 30th in New York at the Angelika Film Center and AMC Lincoln Square and in Los Angeles at The Landmark, ArcLight Hollywood and AMC Century City. BULLY is a beautifully cinematic, character-driven documentary. At its heart are those with huge stakes in this issue whose stories each represent a different facet of America’s bullying crisis. Filmed over the course of the 2009/2010 school year, BULLY opens a window onto the pained and often endangered lives of bullied kids, revealing a problem that transcends geographic, racial, ethnic and economic borders. It documents the responses of teachers and administrators to aggressive behaviors that defy “kids will be kids” clichés, and it captures a growing movement among parents and youths to change how bullying is handled in schools, in communities and in society as a whole.
Jack Black and Kyle Gass‘ comedy sketch duo / band / meta-project Tenacious D has been quiet since around 2008, after the relative failure of their film Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny. For the past couple years both guys have said that a new record would be forthcoming, and now Rize of the Broadcasting platform : YouTube Source : /Film Discovery Date : 26/03/2012 21:13 Number of articles : 2
It started off as Twilight fan-fiction ( and it reads like it ), but now E.L. James’ novel Fifty Shades of Grey is now a bona-fide publishing sensation, with Fifty Shades and its sequels, Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Free , occupying the top three spots on The New York Times’ best-sellers list ; the books are referred to as “Mommy porn” thanks to their popularity amongst middle-aged women. So why should you care? because the Fifty Shades series are pornographic (or “erotic,” if you’re feeling polite) novels full of explicit, kinky sex scenes – and Universal has bought the movie rights! The movie version of Fifty Shades of Grey , like the book, will tell the story of 21-year-old college student Anastasia Steele, who is initiated into the BDSM lifestyle by an older, dominant businessman named Christian Grey. No word yet on who will star in the film or how extensively the studios will change the storyline ( People Magazine expresses a popular opinion when it says ” Anyone who’s read even a slice of the steamy trilogy knows that a film wouldn’t do the book justice within R-rated territory “), but we’re turning fifty shades of purple at the possibilities. See sexy stars bound to please with our sexy selection of B&D/S&M themed movies right here at MrSkin.com!
