International Poster For G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra

Empire magazine has debuted a new international poster for G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, coming to theaters on August 7. Directed by Stephen Sommers, the action-adventure stars Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Christopher Eccleston, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Byung Hun Lee, Sienna Miller, Rachel Nichols, Ray Park, Said Taghmaoui, Channing Tatum, Marlon Wayans and Dennis Quaid.

From the Egyptian desert to deep below the polar ice caps, the elite G.I. JOE team uses the latest in next-generation spy and military equipment to fight the corrupt arms dealer Destro and the growing threat of the mysterious Cobra organization to prevent them from plunging the world into chaos.

Thoughts:

Poster looks pretty average and nothing about it really jumps at you. I still think this film is going to bomb. I mean just look at the cast and you will see how un-even it looks. I don't know about you, but I'm not going to be able to take Marlon Wayan seriously considering the amount of bad comedy flicks hes been doing. Channing Tatum has yet to impress me with his acting. Sienna Miller hasn't been in a good movie for awhile now. Not to mention how poorly the special effects looked from the latest trailer I saw. I hope I'm wrong and the film manages to be a sleeper hit kind of like Star Trek, but so far it doesn't look like it.

Cast Added To Universal Comedy "Paul"

Universal Pictures and Working Title Films have added Seth Rogen, Jason Bateman, Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader and Jane Lynch to the cast of "Paul."

The road trip laffer stars Simon Pegg and Nick Frost and will be directed by Greg Mottola.

Pegg and Frost, who wrote the script, will play two science-fiction fanatics on a road trip whose conspiracy dreams come true when they trek to Area 51 and encounter the title character, an escaped alien.

Rogen will provide the voice of the alien. Working Title partners Eric Fellner and Tim Bevan will produce with Nira Park of Big Talk Prods.

Shooting begins in June.

Thoughts:

Looking more and more exciting. Whats weird is, I find everyone on that top list to be really funny. I'm really surprised by looking at the cast and that this is not another Judd Apatow production film. No it also ain't the third and final film in the "Blood and Ice Cream Trilogy" which consists of Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. Its looking more like a separate film that just happens to star some of the most funniest people in Hollywood. Ill be keeping a good eye on this.

Photos From Warner Bros. Picture's The Book of Eli

USA Today has posted five new photos from Allen and Albert Hughes' The Book of Eli, starring Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman, Mila Kunis, Ray Stevenson, Jennifer Beals and Evan Jones.

Opening January 15, 2010, the sci-fi drama revolves around a lone warrior (Denzel Washington) who must fight to bring society the knowledge that could be the key to its redemption. Gary Oldman has been set to portray the despot of a small makeshift town who's determined to take possession of the book Eli's guarding.

Thoughts:
At first I thought the movie looked cool and this was awhile back. Now that theirs more photos from the movie, its kind of looking un-original to me. It seems too many movies these days are going for that post-apocalyptic setting and I don't see how this is suppose to stand out from the pack. I'm hoping it turns out good since its got Denzel in it, but I'm having my doubts at the moment.

Happy Memorial Day

I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Memorial Day. Stay safe and an enjoy your evening.

First Look at Shyamalan's The Last Airbender

USA Today has published these first two photos of Noah Ringer as Aang and Dev Patel as Prince Zuko in writer/director M. Night Shyamalan's The Last Airbender. Paramount Pictures will release the big screen adaptation on July 2, 2010.

Based on the hugely successful Nickelodeon animated TV series, the live-action feature film is set in a world where human civilization is divided into four nations: Water, Earth, Air and Fire.

The Fire Nation is waging a ruthless, oppressive war against the other three nations. The film's hero, the reluctant young Aang (Noah Ringer), is the "Last Airbender" -- the Avatar who, according to prophecy, has the ability to manipulate all of the elements and bring all the nations together. Aided by a protective teenage Waterbender named Katara (Nicola Peltz) and her bull-headed brother Sokka, Aang proceeds on a perilous journey to restore balance to their war-torn world.

Thoughts:

This is a series that has generated a cult following and almost every little kid knows about it. I'm unfortunately one of the few who hasn't seen the series on TV or know anything about it. I'm curious to see how Shyamalan tackles this project. I'm hoping this is the film that brings his career back after the disappointing release of his last film, The Happening.

Trailer For Bruce Willis Film "Surrogates"

MySpace has posted this new trailer for Touchstone Pictures' Surrogates, starring Bruce Willis, Radha Mitchell and Rosamund Pike. The Jonathan Mostow-directed sci-fi thriller hits theaters on September 25.

In the film, FBI agents (Willis and Mitchell) investigate the mysterious murder of a college student linked to the man who helped create a high-tech surrogate phenomenon that allows people to purchase unflawed robotic versions of themselves—fit, good looking remotely controlled machines that ultimately assume their life roles—enabling people to experience life vicariously from the comfort and safety of their own homes. The murder spawns a quest for answers: in a world of masks, who's real and who can you trust?

Thoughts:

Talk about mentioning the films name like 10 times in that trailer. Other than that, it looks pretty cool and I'm very interested in it. I think Mostow is a cool director and I enjoyed Terminator 3 to some extent. Here's hoping the movie doesn't end up sucking because the ending was screwed up.

REVIEW: Star Trek

Star Trek

Year: 2009
Director: J.J. Abrams
Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Eric Bana, Karl Urban, Leonard Nimoy
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
MPAA: Rated PG-13

In 2005, Paramount Pictures was eager to make another Star Trek film and contacted writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, who were writing Mission Impossible 3 for Paramount. Orci and Kurtzman asked J.J. Abrams, their producer for Mission Impossible 3, to produce the new Trek film after filming was finished for M-I-3. In February 2007, Abrams accepted Paramount's offer to direct the film, but only went through with it because he wanted to help out writers Kurtzman and Orci who had a tough time looking for the right director. It was only after reading the script that Abrams felt compelled to do it himself rather than let someone else do it. He wanted to be the one that gives this old franchise a new face and blast it to fifth gear. Nearing the end of 2008, the film was essentially done and ready to make the December date. Paramount instead chose to delay the film by 5 months since they believed the movie would perform better during the summer rather than the winter.

Plot Outline:
The fate of the galaxy rests in the hands of bitter rivals. One, James T. Kirk (Chris Pine), is a delinquent, thrill-seeking Iowa farm boy. The other, Spock (Zachary Quinto), was raised in a logic-based society that rejects all emotion. As fiery instinct clashes with calm reason, their unlikely but powerful partnership is the only thing capable of leading their crew through unimaginable danger, boldly going where no one has gone before!

Plot:
The only thing that pops into my mind when someone mentions Star Trek is the fact that their is character named Spock who has pointy ears. I hardly know anything about the series that has been a cultural phenom from day one. The good thing about the new Star Trek film is the fact that you don't have to be a "Trekkie" to enjoy it. Director J.J. Abrams did something that not every director is capable of. He rebooted the series and made it more accessible to more audiences. Nolan did this with Batman Begins and now Abrams has done it with Star Trek. The writers chose to stick with a time travel storyline that mostly works out fine, but does run into some hurdles. The story is mostly predictable and hardly feels fleshed out. The characters although very entertaining and lovable, hardly show enough emotion to make them feel human. I also wasn't impressed with the main villain of the movie, Nero. I was confused at times on what his motives were and what he was trying to establish. It also doesn't help that his presence on screen is hardly enough to capture the feeling of "this is a bad guy and hes trying to destroy the world" type thing. The films dialogue can also be simply cheesy at times and come off funny when its trying to look serious. The cameo appearance by former Spock, Leonard Nimoy is also a nice addition to fans of the series, but wheres William Shatner? After all, the film is about Kirk and Spock. Shatner's cameo would have only made that more faithful. Still, the film does prove to be entertaining and simply exhilarating at times. It mixes the right amount of humor and special effects to create a film that is essentially viewable to anyone. I have high hopes for the series and its going to be interesting to see how it pans out.

Cast:
Chris Pine steps in the shoes of William Shatner to play Capt. James T. Kirk. He gives a fine performance that I wouldn't really call special, but pretty damn entertaining. He had tough shoes to fill, but I'm glad he made his own version of Kirk instead of following what Shatner would have done. Hes sleazy, upbeat and ready to start trouble. I like how he kind of made his character the screw up in the film. He made it so everyone in the theater knew that was our hero. Zachary Quinto fills in for Leonard Nimoy as young Spock. Quinto does a good job of mimicking what Nimoy as Spock would have done. It also helps that Quinto looks like a perfect Spock when it comes to facial recognition. Abrams makes Spock feel like an isolated animal and one that everyone seems to pick on. Its interesting to see how his relationship with Kirk begins and how its only going to get stronger in the upcoming sequels. Eric Bana plays as the evil being of the film, Nero. His performance is a mixed bag in my opinion. Although I think Bana is a wonderful actor in most of his movies, he feels alittle weak here. His screen time is somewhat short compared to everyone else and I cant help, but feel that he isn't right for the part. I still enjoyed his character to some extent, but also felt that someone else could have easily played this part more better. Karl Urban plays as Kirk's friend, Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy. Urban does a pretty good job in this role, but he also looks a tad older than everyone else thus making him feel somewhat out of place. I would have personally went with James Marsden.

Picture:
The visual look of Star Trek is easily the best aspect of the movie. The films special effects are pretty top notch and definitely deliver when needed. They aren't the best effects I have seen, but they still make for some pretty awesome scenes. The most notable scene is when Nero destroys a certain planet and you can literally see the planet being sucked into a black hole. The image is also free of film grain and features a strikingly smooth picture. I didn't notice any micro-blocking or scratches. Colors are also fine tuned to stand out. The picture isn't bleeding with color, but everything seems nicely done in terms of color. Black levels are also strong and probably the best I have seen from a new release. The lighting is fantastic and never manages to make the image seem too dark that you cant see anything. Flesh tones are accurate and realistic. They seem natural and perfectly fitting for the movie. Detail is generally solid and should hold up well in High Def. The image isn't as sharp as say The Dark Knight or the previously just released X-Men Origins: Wolverine, but it still fares better than some of the other new releases released this month.

Sound:
The soundtrack in Star Trek is simply smashing. The films original music is composed by Michael Giacchino who also composed the animated Pixar hit, Ratatouille and J.J. Abram's island hit, Lost. His score for the movie is pretty good and goes well with the new updated cast. Theirs a good amount of music in the film and it definitely makes every scene alot more enjoyable than it normally is. The original Star Trek theme is also played in some scenes and it still sounds fine even to this day. Its amazing that music hasn't aged one bit. With a film like Star Trek and director J.J. Abram's name on the table, you are bound to expect alot in terms of bass. I'm happy to report that just like the Abrams produced monster flick "Cloverfield", Star Trek is definitely another winner. The bass is strong and truly dynamic. The theater was rocking and every little thing was heard loudly, and clearly. The film doesn't disappoint in terms of bass and hardly allows you enough time to catch your breath. I imagine the film to sound even more powerful once it hits Blu Ray.

Conclusion:
Star Trek is a good film and one that's definitely worth watching for pure entertainment values. The film not only makes it more accessible for non Star Trek fans to enjoy, but its also currently the best summer flick to watch. After the disappointing release of X-Men Origins: Wolverine and the soon to be released Terminator Salvation (judging by the latest reviews the film has been getting), Star Trek is likely to be the Iron Man of this summer. The film has wonderful characters that are fun to watch and care for. The story ain't perfect and the dialogue can come off cheesy at times, but the amount of humor, and right action scenes more than make up for it. The visual look of the film is simply dazzling at times and definitely eye candy in some scenes. The soundtrack is wonderful and pretty awesome to listen to. I can easily recommend this film to those looking for a summer action movie. Its fun, its accessible and very much entertaining. Star Trek is definitely worth your theater money.

Grade: B-

Kirk's Dad To Wield Thor's Hammer

Lead actor for "Thor" may have been found in Chris Hemsworth. The 25-year-old who was recently seen portraying Captain Kirk's father, George, in "Star Trek" has been reported to be in final talks with Marvel Studios to star as the hammer-wielding superhero in the upcoming comic books adaptation.

Words are, Chris will be playing the part in both "Thor" and Marvel's other superhero movie, "The Avengers". Chris had previously read for the part but wasn't given a test because a casting director had passed on him early on. His competition for the role included "G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra" star Channing Tatum, "True Blood" actor Alexander Skarsgard and his own brother Liam Hemsworth.

An adaptation of the comic book franchise launched in 1962, "Thor" will be set in modern time. It tells the story of a Norse god, Thor, who develops a protective affinity for humans after his father Odin banishes him to Earth, in order to teach him a lesson in humility.

Paramount Pictures will distribute the superhero film across theaters on May 20, 2011.

Thoughts:

I think Chris Hemsworth is a solid choice by Marvel to play Thor. He does seems slightly young for the role, but I think he can pull it off. He was fine as George Kirk on Star Trek and I'm sure he will perform better in Marvel's Thor. Speaking of Star Trek, the review should go live sometime this week. I have been alittle under the weather lately, but do feel better now.

Peter Berg Bringing Battleship To The Bigscreen

Peter Berg is in talks to direct a big-screen version of the Hasbro board game for Universal Pictures. Brothers Jon and Erich Hoeber have signed on to write the script.

The game, which began in pencil and paper form in the early 20th century and is now available on platforms from cell phones to computers, consists of two players arranging a variety of ships on a grid. The game proceeds in alternating salvos as players try to "sink" the opposition's ships by guessing where they sit on the grid.

While plot details are being kept below deck, the studio is looking to make an epic naval action adventure.

Brian Goldner and Bennett Schneir are producing for Hasbro. Dylan Clark and Anikah McLaren are overseeing for the studio.

Thoughts:

News like this makes me want to punch myself. How the hell do you make a movie based on Battleship? I can kind of see them doing an action movie like Crimson Tide mixed with alittle Perfect Storm, but why bother? I mean I respect Berg and enjoy most of his movies though Hancock was alittle disappointing. I just hope he doesn't end up ruining his career with garbage ideas like this.

A Poster And A Clip From Drag Me to Hell

Check out the new poster for Sam Raimi's Drag Me to Hell. Also courtesy of Moviefone, is the first clip from the movie. Here you'll find star Alison Lohman getting spooked by the Lamia, a demon that threatens to take her soul to hell three days after a curse is put upon her. Justin Long, Lorna Raver, David Paymer, Dileep Rao and Reggie Lee also star in the film which opens May 29th.

Thoughts:

Looks good and I cant wait to check this out. I'm eager to see Raimi going back to his horror roots and taking a break from Spider-Man.

Martin Scorsese Set To Direct Sinatra Biopic For Universal

Universal Pictures has acquired “Sinatra” from Mandalay Pictures and brought on Scorsese — who has long flirted with a biopic on legendary singer and actor Frank Sinatra — to direct and produce.

Universal and Mandalay’s Peter Guber and Cathy Schulman have been quietly developing the project for two years while they worked feverishly to secure the life and music rights from Frank Sinatra Enterprises — a joint venture of the Sinatra Estate and Warner Music Group.

Project marks the first bigscreen pic to be made about the iconic Hoboken, N.J., native, whose life provided endless fodder for the gossip columnists because of his tumultuous love affairs, infamous friendships with the likes of President Kennedy and possible Mafia ties. Schulman described the story as an unconventional biopic that will touch on all phases of Sinatra’s life.

Although no actor is attached to star in the film, Schulman said Leonardo DiCaprio is an obvious candidate because he has become Scorsese’s go-to actor over the past decade, having starred in the director’s past four narrative features: “Gangs of New York,” “The Aviator,” “The Departed” and the upcoming “Shutter Island.” Because any music in the film will come from Sinatra’s recordings, it will not be necessary to cast an actor who is a proficient singer.

Phil Alden Robinson (“Field of Dreams”) is writing the screenplay.

Thoughts:

Sounds exciting and Ill definitely see it. Scorsese is a brilliant director and I would love to see what creative talent he brings to this biopic.

Poster for Disney's A Christmas Carol

Yahoo! Movies has debuted the new poster for writer/director Robert Zemeckis' A Christmas Carol, opening in conventional and IMAX theaters on November 6th. The 3-D film features the captured performances of Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Bob Hoskins, Robin Wright Penn, Cary Elwes and Fionnula Flanagan.

Thoughts:

About time we finally see something from this project. The poster looks alittle lame and could be better, but I'm still excited for this film. Zemeckis's last 3-D motion capture film Beowulf, was more than breath-taking in terms of visual fidelity. I'm hoping A Christmas Carol can top that. I expect a trailer to hit online soon and Ill be sure to post it here as soon as its out.

New Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Poster

Yahoo! Movies has up the final poster for director Michael Bay's Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, opening in conventional and IMAX theaters on June 24. The sequel stars Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, Kevin Dunn, Julie White, John Benjamin Hickey, Ramon Rodriguez, Isabel Lucas and John Turturro.

Thoughts:

Looks pretty mediocre in my opinion. The previous ones looked better, but this one looks so un-original. I'm still hoping the movie kicks ass.

Robert Downey Jr. in Armor on Iron Man 2 Set

People has posted this photo of Robert Downey Jr. wearing the armor on the Los Angeles set of Iron Man 2 on Wednesday.

Opening May 7, 2010, the Jon Favreau-directed sequel co-stars Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Jon Favreau, Mickey Rourke, Sam Rockwell, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Garry Shandling, John Slattery, Kate Mara and Clark Gregg.

Thoughts:

He looks as cool as ever in that red armor suit. Iron Man 2 will kick so much ass next year. Here's hoping we finally get The Mandarin and War Machine in the sequel since that's what me, and bunch of other fans have been waiting for.

Green Lantern Movie Delayed

With no lead officially cast in Martin Campbell's take on the DC Comics superhero Green Lantern, Warner Bros. has decided to push the Emerald Knight's big screen debut back six months to June 17, 2011 from its original scheduled date of December 17, 2010. No word whether this will affect the plans to start shooting in Australia in September or whether the move is to give Campbell more time for post-production and special FX.

Thoughts:

Damn, I was hoping we would hear more positive news on this soon, but I guess I was wrong. June 2011 doesn't sound like a good time spot considering Sony has Spider-Man 4 scheduled around that time with Marvel also having The Avengers movie slotted for that time frame. I hope we hear more casting news on this film soon.

Dark Days For Katie Holmes

Katie Holmes will star in "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark," a thriller for Miramax Films that was scripted by Guillermo del Toro and Matthew Robbins.

Del Toro is producing with Mark Johnson and the film will be directed by del Toro protege Troy Nixey. The film will shoot this summer in Melbourne as a "Guillermo del Toro Presentation."

"Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" is based on a 1973 ABC telepic about a young girl who moves in with her father and his girlfriend and discovers they are sharing the house with devilish creatures.

Del Toro and Johnson are also teamed with Gary Ungar to produce "Hater," an adaptation of the David Moody horror novel that will be directed at Universal by Juan Antonio Bayona ("The Orphanage").

Thoughts:

I'm not too keen on Holmes being in a horror flick, but if its got Del Toro's name on it, than count me in. The premise for the film also sounds creepy and interesting. It should be fun to watch on the big screen.

REVIEW: Hard Candy

Hard Candy

Year: 2006
Director: David Slade
Starring: Ellen Page, Patrick Wilson, Sandra Oh, Odessa Rae, G.J. Echternkamp
Distributor: Lionsgate
MPAA: Rated R

The idea for Hard Candy came from a news story that producer David Higgins saw about young Japanese girls who would lure older businessmen to a location with the promise of meaningful conversation and would assault and mug the men with a gang of other girls once the men arrived. Intrigued by the idea, he hired writer Brian Nelson to use it for a story. Since the movie was deemed controversial, the budget for the film was kept under a million so the production company wouldn't change anything. The film was met with some critical reception and its box office numbers were really disappointing. I only heard about this movie once and that was when fellow blogger Mitch, reviewed it back in July of 2008. Since than, I have been wanting to see this movie, but just never had the time to properly sit down and watch it.

Plot Outline:
For three weeks, 14-year-old Hayley Stark (Ellen Page) has been chatting on-line with 'Lensmaster319', a 32-year old fashion photographer, named Jeff (Patrick Wilson). The two agree to meet at a coffee shop called Nighthawks. They hit it off, despite the massive age difference. Hayley appears to flirt with Jeff, and Jeff generally restrains himself, even admitting that he must wait 4-years until he can be with her. But his reservations are apparently not enough to decline when Hayley all but invites herself over to his house. Once at the house, manipulation becomes the name of the game, and the pedophile seems to be on the non-traditional side of it.

Plot:
The films plot is essentially an interesting piece of nugget to digest. I honestly wasn't expecting to see a film based on this premise or at least on one that has some well known actors. What makes the film's story so interesting is the fact that you never see any of the motives or the character's actions coming. Its like you think you know whats coming, but you end up guessing wrong. It also helps that the film basically relies on two main characters which results in some good character development. You focus on these two characters and make your own opinion on them. You get to love them or hate them in almost everyway. The script is effective in terms of adding tension between the two characters, but also effective in terms of questioning their actions in the film. The movie does tend to slow down in some key parts, but overall the pacing is somewhat fast. The film gets straight into its point a good 20 mins into the movie. Their are parts of the film where the script seems somewhat off because it isn't clear on what its trying to bring out. It also seemed that Ellen Page's character was alot smarter than she really is. The ending was also un-expected, but one that I thought was simply enticing. I can see some people being frustrated with it since it doesn't end in a way normal audiences would have wanted it to, but I thought it was kind of clever.

Cast:
Ellen Page plays as Hayley Stark and she simply nails this role. I have always been a fan of Page's work, but I think this role was made for her. She gives a great performance as Hayley and kept me interested through out the movie. It really felt like she was this young girl looking for online dating at first, but she quickly had me change my mind about her character. Her acting is one of the best I have seen in sometime and she definitely made the film that much more thrilling and gripping. Patrick Wilson plays as the older character of Jeff Kohlver. I honestly haven't seen Wilson in any other film except in Watchmen. Which is really surprising since hes fantastic in this film. He really delivers a performance that's roughly on par with Ellen Page which in my mind is a tough thing to pull off. He also nails the look and feel of Jeff, and the basic figure for what an average pedophile might look like. We also have Sandra Oh playing as Judy Tokuda. She does a good job of acting in the small role that she has, but I do wish their was more screen time for her, since her role feels more like a cameo rather than a supporting cast member.

Picture:
The visual look of the film is somewhat gritty. This was released in 2006 in North America so its films source is still in pretty good shape. I was able to notice some film grain, but I think this was done intentionally to create a sense of danger in the atmosphere. Colors are somewhat split between normal and muted. The first half of the film is somewhat colorful, but the other half is mostly muted. Its lighting is also interesting because it tends to shift back and forth in terms of making the character's seem angry or happy. The film never pops in terms of color saturation and nor should it need to. The muted look the film captures seems to suit it well. Black levels are also strong if not alittle weak in some areas. Its not the best I have seen, but its also not the worse. Flesh tones are natural looking, but does tend to look somewhat waxy at times. Detail is generally strong, but never manages to surprise me. Its a good looking movie for what it is, but just don't go in expecting the best of the best in terms of picture quality.

Sound:
The soundtrack in Hard Candy is mostly going to rely on personal choice. The films music is composed by Harry Escott and Molly Nyman. That fact that I said its going to rely on your personal choice, is that the film never really has music playing in the background. This is somewhat of a quite film and never really uses sound to help move things. Their is still music in the film, but hardly not enough to warrant two composers. Now, I'm personally fine with this because I think it makes the film much more realistic and captivating. The only noise we basically hear is mainly for sound effects. The bass in the film is also quite just like the music. We hardly get enough rumbles and if we do, its only for a matter of seconds. This really isn't the type of film to feature a bombastic bass, but I do wish it sounded alittle more aggressive since it would have only added to the tensity of the film.

Conclusion:
Hard Candy is an intriguing movie with some sort of a controversial concept. The story is fascinating and thrilling for what it is. Their are times where it feels alittle slow or something isn't clicking, but its generally a solid movie. I think this is director David Slade's best film yet and one that actually doesn't suck. The cast is fantastic with Ellen Page delivering a great performance that's worth seeing. Patrick Wilson is also excellent in the film and on par with Ellen Page. The visual look of the film is mixed between some scenes that tend to be somewhat colorful, while others that appear mostly muted. Their is hardly any soundtrack to the film, but it does use its sound effects effectively. I enjoyed Hard Candy because it was refreshing and exhilarating. I can recommend this to those seeking a heavy dialogue driven film or to those looking for an independent film with hardly any special effects. It ain't perfect, but it movie definitely leaves you thinking about it.

Grade: B-

Fox Developing A Deadpool Movie With Ryan Reynolds

Twentieth Century Fox has begun development on "Deadpool," an "X-Men" spinoff that will be crafted as a star vehicle for Ryan Reynolds, who played the character in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine."

The character is one of the most popular in Marvel Comics' X-Men universe. Deadpool is Wade Wilson, a mercenary who, dying of cancer, submits himself to the Weapon X genetic alteration experiment and emerges as an indestructible semi-sane anti-hero. Reynolds seemed destined to play the character. In one reference in the Marvel Comics, Deadpool is described as a mix between "a Shar Pei and Ryan Reynolds."

The film will be produced by Lauren Shuler Donner and Marvel.

Thoughts:

I saw this coming from miles away. Anyone who saw X-Men Origins: Wolverine knows they fucked up Deadpool so now Fox is trying to apologize by making a separate spinoff movie just for Deadpool. This definitely gives us some hope that we may actually get a good movie based on our beloved mercenary, but I wouldn't hold my breath since its Fox that's backing it. Here's hoping they can bring back director Bryan Singer (X-Men, X2, Superman Returns, Valkyrie) since the series started running out of gas after X2, which is when he left.

Ben Stiller Still Attached To Used Guys

The high-concept sci-fi comedy, kneecapped by Fox several years ago, is rising again in a new guise. While the earlier incarnation would have seen Jay Roach directing Ben Stiller and Jim Carrey, the new iteration will change the story's focus into a vehicle for Stiller and Reese Witherspoon.

"Little Miss Sunshine" directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris are negotiating to take on helming duties. No writer has been hired.

The comedy takes place in a future run by women, who clone and trade men like used cars. Stiller and Carrey were to play returned, outdated models who go in search of their masculinity.

The current take at Fox focuses more on the relationship between Stiller's character and Witherspoon's clone owner. Roach will remain a producer on the project along with Stiller's Red Hour Films.

Thoughts:

Sounds like an interesting story and Ill probably go see it since it has Ben Stiller. I would have loved to see Stiller and Carrey in this movie, but I guess were going to have to wait another time for something like that.

Wolverine Sequel Already In Development

Hugh Jackman and Seed Productions partner John Palermo are already ramping up a sequel for the "Wolverine" star.

Fox and Seed are in development on a sequel to "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," which topped the domestic box office over the weekend.

The Seed partners have begun planning the sequel, which they are squarely focusing on the samurai storyline originated in the comic series, and whose Japanese locale was teased after the film's final credits. A writer has yet to be hired. Seed will produce.

Thoughts:

I'm sure Wolverine fans will rejoice to know that their will be more stories featuring the beloved X-Men character, but I fell alittle different. I wouldn't want to see another Wolverine movie unless their is a solid script and director taking charge. X-Men Origins: Wolverine was a disappointment and its safe to say, we don't want another one like that.

First Teaser Trailer For District 9

Sony has released the first teaser trailer for Neill Blomkamp's upcoming sci-fi thriller District 9. The film produced by Peter Jackson takes place in a South African refugee camp for extraterrestrials.

Thoughts:

Neill Blomkamp was the director that was suppose to bring us the Halo movie, but after both studios backed out, the movie was halted. Since this is his first big movie, its going to be interesting to see what his vision for a Halo would have looked like. The teaser Sony released is only a teaser so don't expect much in terms of anything. Still, the footage looks awesome and the special effects look great for a movie that's still in production.

Ninja Assassin Poster Surfaces

ScreenWEEK has revealed this poster for director James McTeigue's Ninja Assassin, hitting theaters on November 25.

Raizo (Rain) is one of the deadliest assassins in the world. Taken from the streets as a child, he was transformed into a trained killer by the Ozunu Clan, a secret society whose very existence is considered a myth. But haunted by the merciless execution of his friend by the Clan, Raizo breaks free from them...and vanishes. Now he waits, preparing to exact his revenge. In Berlin, Europol agent Mika Coretti (Naomie Harris) has stumbled upon a money trail linking several political murders to an underground network of untraceable assassins from the Far East. Defying the orders of her superior, Ryan Maslow (Ben Miles), Mika digs into top secret agency files to learn the truth behind the murders. Her investigation makes her a target, and the Ozunu Clan sends a team of killers, led by the lethal Takeshi(Rick Yune), to silence her forever. Raizo saves Mika from her attackers, but he knows that the Clan will not rest until they are both eliminated. Now, entangled in a deadly game of cat and mouse through the streets of Europe, Raizo and Mika must trust one another if they hope to survive...and finally bring down the elusive Ozunu Clan.

Thoughts:

Looks pretty cool and its coming from the same team that made the wonderfully crafted 2006 action thriller, V For Vendetta.

First Look at Robert Downey Jr. in Iron Man 2

USA Today has published this first official photo from Iron Man 2. The sequel to last summer's blockbuster, which began shooting three weeks ago and opens May 7, 2010, takes place six months after Stark revealed his identity as Iron Man, says director Jon Favreau. And the development is playing out with unexpected results. "How many superheroes are open about their true identities?" he asks. "We wanted to play with that idea. But it obviously has consequences — in his relationships, on the team. There are a lot of areas we can explore."

Thoughts:

Looks like Tony Stark has been busy working on multiple armors. This is one of my most anticipated films of the year simply because I enjoyed the first Iron Man. I hope they introduce The Mandarin in this one seeing as how its Iron Man's biggest foe.

New Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Trailer

Yahoo! Movies has officially posted the new trailer for Michael Bay's anticipated Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, opening in conventional and IMAX theaters on June 24th. The DreamWorks sequel, written by Ehren Kruger, Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, stars Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, Kevin Dunn, Julie White, John Benjamin Hickey, Ramon Rodriguez, Isabel Lucas and John Turturro.

Thoughts:

Looks pretty damn awesome and definitely shows alot more robots this time around. I still cant get over the fact that Devastator looks so huge and fucken awesome. Cant wait for June 24th.