This popped up in my feed the other day.
Showing posts with label New/Recent Films. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New/Recent Films. Show all posts
Sunday, March 8, 2026
Friday, June 15, 2018
Tim Burton's Dumbo!
This is an intriguing development. Tim Burton is directing the live-action version of Dumbo.
Friday, March 9, 2018
Poppins Is Back!
In addition to the return of Winnie the Pooh and friends, Disney is also set to revisit the world of Mary Poppins in the upcoming film Mary Poppins Returns. Once again, the young children of the series are now grown-ups and struggling with issues they cannot handle alone until their childhood friend returns.
Here is the teaser from Disney:
Here is the teaser from Disney:
Return of Pooh
Disney has become very focused recently on remaking its animated classics as live-action films, and it is now set to release a series of big-budget sequels to other productions.
The first to come out is Christopher Robin. Apparently, Robin has grown up into a depressed middle-aged man (played by Ewan McGregor) and needs the help of his childhood pals from the Hundred Acre Woods to set things right. The CG Pooh looks a bit like Ted (from Seth MacFarlane's adult comedy from a few years ago), but, reminiscent of Michael Bay's use of voice actors from the Transformers animated series in the live-action films of that franchise, he is voiced by Jim Cummings, the Pooh of Disney's long-running television series The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh from the late 1980s and 1990s. Like Transformers, all other characters appear to have new voices.
Trailer follows:
The first to come out is Christopher Robin. Apparently, Robin has grown up into a depressed middle-aged man (played by Ewan McGregor) and needs the help of his childhood pals from the Hundred Acre Woods to set things right. The CG Pooh looks a bit like Ted (from Seth MacFarlane's adult comedy from a few years ago), but, reminiscent of Michael Bay's use of voice actors from the Transformers animated series in the live-action films of that franchise, he is voiced by Jim Cummings, the Pooh of Disney's long-running television series The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh from the late 1980s and 1990s. Like Transformers, all other characters appear to have new voices.
Trailer follows:
Monday, November 14, 2016
More on Planet of the Apes
Another fascinating new book on the franchise, covering all aspects of the series from 1968's Planet of the Apes to 2014's Dawn of the Planet of the Apes:Planet of the Apes: The Evolution of the Legend
A celebration of all the classic and new movies, TV & merchandise
http://titanbooks.com/planet-of-the-apes-the-evolution-of-the-legend-a-celebration-of-all-the-classic-and-new-movies-tv-merchandise-7579/
By Joe Fordham and Jeff Bond.
With a foreword by John Landis.
RRP $39.95.
Synopsis
Planet of the Apes: The Evolution of the Legend is the first exhaustive account of the groundbreaking series, featuring production art, costume designs, makeup tests, posters, and interviews with key crew members.
Product Details
ISBN: 9781783291984
Dimensions: 9 x 12’’
Hardback: 256pp
Publication date: October 14 2014
Illustration detail: Colour photos throughout
Thursday, July 21, 2016
Catching Up with RoboCop
The recent film RoboCop (2014) is a interesting reboot of the popular franchise and offers a more contemporary re-imagining of the hero's origins within contemporary debates of morality. The creators of RoboCop, the chief executive and employees of OmniCorp view the cybernetically-enhanced Alex Murphy as a pawn in their schemes to overturn legislation prohibiting the company's robot soldiers from being engaged in law enforcement and military situations in the United States and fail, repeatedly, to see the power of the man in the machine. Ultimately, it is the heart of RoboCop that prevails and brings about the demise of OmniCorp's plans.
Catching Up with The Martian
Catching up on some movie watching this week.
First up, The Martian:
The Martian is based on Andy Weir's 2011 novel set in the mid 2030s and recounting the struggles undergone by astronaut Mark Watney as he attempts to survive after having been left behind after an aborted attempt to explore Mars. The plot of the film is essentially the same as the novel; however, while the film does try to preserve some sense of his perspective, we do lose much of Watney's signature voice in the re-telling. The pacing of the first third of the film seems consistent with the novel, but the second third jumps ahead seven months and fails to depict the most heroic feats undertaken by Watney in his attempts to escape the Red Planet. The final section of the film serves as an epilogue illustrating the lives of Watney and his crew mates following his rescue. Despite these issues, the film succeeds in bringing the novel to life. We see and hear (rather than just imagine) events, and, through these visual and audio stimulation, come to a better appreciation of Watney's experience. In addition, through scenes on Earth, we get a greater sense of how hard NASA and the JPL are working to rescue their astronaut, and, perhaps more importantly, the images of how the common men and women across the globe are affected by Watney's trials forge a deeper connection between the film and its audience.
First up, The Martian:
The Martian is based on Andy Weir's 2011 novel set in the mid 2030s and recounting the struggles undergone by astronaut Mark Watney as he attempts to survive after having been left behind after an aborted attempt to explore Mars. The plot of the film is essentially the same as the novel; however, while the film does try to preserve some sense of his perspective, we do lose much of Watney's signature voice in the re-telling. The pacing of the first third of the film seems consistent with the novel, but the second third jumps ahead seven months and fails to depict the most heroic feats undertaken by Watney in his attempts to escape the Red Planet. The final section of the film serves as an epilogue illustrating the lives of Watney and his crew mates following his rescue. Despite these issues, the film succeeds in bringing the novel to life. We see and hear (rather than just imagine) events, and, through these visual and audio stimulation, come to a better appreciation of Watney's experience. In addition, through scenes on Earth, we get a greater sense of how hard NASA and the JPL are working to rescue their astronaut, and, perhaps more importantly, the images of how the common men and women across the globe are affected by Watney's trials forge a deeper connection between the film and its audience.
Sunday, January 17, 2016
Art of (the New) Planet of the Apes
Another interesting new book from Titan Books. Offers some great insight into the making of the films.Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Dawn of Planet of the Apes: The Art of the Films
Matt Hurwitz, Sharon Gosling, and Adam Newell
http://titanbooks.com/rise-of-the-planet-of-the-apes-and-dawn-of-planet-of-the-apes-the-art-of-the-films-7578/
PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9781783291977
Dimensions: 11 15/16” x 10 6/8”
Hardback: 176pp
Publication date: July 8 2014
Illustration detail: Colour photos throughout
Price: $34.95
SYNOPSIS
A growing nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar is threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier. They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth’s dominant species.
This is the stunning art book for the newest chapters in the legendary science-fiction series, Planet of the Apes™, covering Rise of Planet of the Apes™ and Dawn of Planet of the Apes™.
Produced in close cooperation with the filmmakers, this action-packed treasure trove features a foreword by director Matt Reeves, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes photos and a wealth of breathtaking production art.
Friday, January 2, 2015
New Star Trek Thoughts
With recent news of a third Star Trek film for the alternate universe franchise to be released in 2016, it seems a good time to catch up with the previous two films, both directed by J. J. Abrams.
First, Star Trek (2009) offered a bold re-imagining of the franchise set within an alternate timeline in which William Shatner and his now aged crew were never aboard the Enterprise. In their place is a very young and energetic cast, and, although the film seemed marketed at attracting newer viewers, there is, in fact, much to appeal to established fans, who might otherwise take umbrage with the liberties taken by the filmmakers. While it does take some adjustment to accepting them in the roles, the new actors do settle in nicely. Plus, homages to Shatner Trek are frequent (both visually and aurally), and the presence of Leonard Nimoy as Spock Prime adds an interesting link between universes.
Having reflected on Star Trek, its sequel, Star Trek: Into Darkness (2013), presents a better-balanced film in terms of old/new visions of the Star Trek Universe. The new actors seems more natural--i.e. believable--now in their roles (Scotty, Chekov, and Sulu are especially fun, though the dynamics between Kirk and Spock, Kirk and McCoy, and Spock and Uhura also make great viewing), and it is very much an edge-of-your-seat film that stands up well to repeated viewings, even when the film has revealed all of its secrets upon a first viewing.
Both Star Trek and Star Trek: Into Darkness are now available on a special edition Blu-ray titled Star Trek: The Compendium, which includes a wealth of extras for the second film that were previously split between retailers. Full details at Blu-Ray.com (http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Star-Trek-The-Compendium-Blu-ray/107044/) and Memory Alpha, the Star Trek Wiki (http://en.memory-alpha.org/wiki/Star_Trek:_The_Compendium).
Updated 1/20/2015
First, Star Trek (2009) offered a bold re-imagining of the franchise set within an alternate timeline in which William Shatner and his now aged crew were never aboard the Enterprise. In their place is a very young and energetic cast, and, although the film seemed marketed at attracting newer viewers, there is, in fact, much to appeal to established fans, who might otherwise take umbrage with the liberties taken by the filmmakers. While it does take some adjustment to accepting them in the roles, the new actors do settle in nicely. Plus, homages to Shatner Trek are frequent (both visually and aurally), and the presence of Leonard Nimoy as Spock Prime adds an interesting link between universes.
Having reflected on Star Trek, its sequel, Star Trek: Into Darkness (2013), presents a better-balanced film in terms of old/new visions of the Star Trek Universe. The new actors seems more natural--i.e. believable--now in their roles (Scotty, Chekov, and Sulu are especially fun, though the dynamics between Kirk and Spock, Kirk and McCoy, and Spock and Uhura also make great viewing), and it is very much an edge-of-your-seat film that stands up well to repeated viewings, even when the film has revealed all of its secrets upon a first viewing.
Both Star Trek and Star Trek: Into Darkness are now available on a special edition Blu-ray titled Star Trek: The Compendium, which includes a wealth of extras for the second film that were previously split between retailers. Full details at Blu-Ray.com (http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Star-Trek-The-Compendium-Blu-ray/107044/) and Memory Alpha, the Star Trek Wiki (http://en.memory-alpha.org/wiki/Star_Trek:_The_Compendium).
Updated 1/20/2015
Monday, June 23, 2014
Love Never Dies on Home Video
Andrew Lloyd Weber's musical Love Never Dies, the 2010 sequel to The Phantom of the Opera, is now available for home viewing. The film (released in 2012) is a re-staged and somewhat re-imagined version of the original London production (see Wikipedia for details) and was produced in Australia in 2011; both the DVD and Blu-Ray versions include a special feature on the making of the play/film.Love Never Dies offers an interesting look into the futures of the key characters from Phantom but has received mixed responses from fans. A number of clips from the musical numbers are featured at the show's YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/phantomloveneverdies, though (oddly enough) the film's trailer (below) is devoid of music beyond an instrumental theme.
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
CFP Apocalypse, Dystopia, and Disaster in Culture (11/1/14; SWPCA 2/11-14/15)
Apocalypse, Dystopia, and Disaster in Culture (2/11-14, 2015 ; Abstract Due Nov 1)
full name / name of organization:
36th Annual Southwest Popular/American Culture Association in Albuquerque, New Mexico
contact email:
trayers.shane@gmail.com
Apocalypse, Dystopia, and Disaster in Culture
Area of the 36th Annual Southwest Popular/American Culture Association. February 11-14, 2015 in Albuquerque, New Mexico at the Hyatt Regency Hotel
Our area now includes “dystopia”! The Apocalypse, Dystopia, and Disaster in Culture Area is calling for papers about anything apocalyptic, dystopic, or disaster-related. This can be in movies, television, literature, graphic novels, or any other cultural examples of disaster, dystopia or the end.
Once again, this year did not disappoint in these topics, from The 100 to Under the Dome to Divergent to Pompeii. So why are we so obsessed with ending it all? Why do humans keep coming back to these same types of stories? What cultural fears do the works represent? What are the positives that come out of these kinds of works? This area is interested in all types of theories, both real world and fictional.
Please note that this area is specifically for those papers related to the apocalypse, dystopia, and/or disaster. For example, there is now a separate Zombie Culture area, so if it’s about the “zombie apocalypse” it goes here, but if it is just about zombies, then it goes to that area.
Abstracts are due by November 1st and should be submitted to the submission database found at http://conference2015.southwestpca.org/
Ideas for topics on Apocalypse and Disaster (Not a Comprehensive List):
Real examples: “Doomsday Preppers” television documentary, Bath salt “Zombie” attacks, Hurricane Katrina, Tsunami, East Coast Earthquake, Tornadoes, Haiti, Aurora and Newtown Shootings, Atomic culture.
Film and TV: Under the Dome, The 100, Revolution, Divergent, Defiance, Elysium, Oblivion, The Host, World War Z, Sharknado, This is the End, After Earth, Pacific Rim, Adventure Time, Olympus has Fallen, Melancholia, Falling Skies, The Walking Dead, Resident Evil, Terminator, 2012, The Core, Daybreakers, Zombieland, Independence Day, Night of the Comet, Armageddon, The War of the Worlds, End of Days, Last Night, 12 Monkeys, The Road, Dark Angel, Jericho, Children of Men, The Matrix, Crimson Tide, Invasion, V, Contagion, Dante’s Peak, The Island, The Day the Earth Stood Still.
Literature: Brave New World, Infinite Jest, Oryx and Crake, Breathe, World War Z, Divergent, Pesthouse, The Road, Children of Men, Alas Babylon, The Stand
Graphic Novels and video games: Y:The Last Man, Left 4 Dead, Resident Evil, The Walking Dead
Religious Apocalypse: Revelations and other religious apocalyptic texts, the Left Behind Series, Rapture Insurance.
Or any other works/topics related to apocalypse, dystopia, or disaster!
By web submission at 05/26/2014 - 16:52
full name / name of organization:
36th Annual Southwest Popular/American Culture Association in Albuquerque, New Mexico
contact email:
trayers.shane@gmail.com
Apocalypse, Dystopia, and Disaster in Culture
Area of the 36th Annual Southwest Popular/American Culture Association. February 11-14, 2015 in Albuquerque, New Mexico at the Hyatt Regency Hotel
Our area now includes “dystopia”! The Apocalypse, Dystopia, and Disaster in Culture Area is calling for papers about anything apocalyptic, dystopic, or disaster-related. This can be in movies, television, literature, graphic novels, or any other cultural examples of disaster, dystopia or the end.
Once again, this year did not disappoint in these topics, from The 100 to Under the Dome to Divergent to Pompeii. So why are we so obsessed with ending it all? Why do humans keep coming back to these same types of stories? What cultural fears do the works represent? What are the positives that come out of these kinds of works? This area is interested in all types of theories, both real world and fictional.
Please note that this area is specifically for those papers related to the apocalypse, dystopia, and/or disaster. For example, there is now a separate Zombie Culture area, so if it’s about the “zombie apocalypse” it goes here, but if it is just about zombies, then it goes to that area.
Abstracts are due by November 1st and should be submitted to the submission database found at http://conference2015.southwestpca.org/
Ideas for topics on Apocalypse and Disaster (Not a Comprehensive List):
Real examples: “Doomsday Preppers” television documentary, Bath salt “Zombie” attacks, Hurricane Katrina, Tsunami, East Coast Earthquake, Tornadoes, Haiti, Aurora and Newtown Shootings, Atomic culture.
Film and TV: Under the Dome, The 100, Revolution, Divergent, Defiance, Elysium, Oblivion, The Host, World War Z, Sharknado, This is the End, After Earth, Pacific Rim, Adventure Time, Olympus has Fallen, Melancholia, Falling Skies, The Walking Dead, Resident Evil, Terminator, 2012, The Core, Daybreakers, Zombieland, Independence Day, Night of the Comet, Armageddon, The War of the Worlds, End of Days, Last Night, 12 Monkeys, The Road, Dark Angel, Jericho, Children of Men, The Matrix, Crimson Tide, Invasion, V, Contagion, Dante’s Peak, The Island, The Day the Earth Stood Still.
Literature: Brave New World, Infinite Jest, Oryx and Crake, Breathe, World War Z, Divergent, Pesthouse, The Road, Children of Men, Alas Babylon, The Stand
Graphic Novels and video games: Y:The Last Man, Left 4 Dead, Resident Evil, The Walking Dead
Religious Apocalypse: Revelations and other religious apocalyptic texts, the Left Behind Series, Rapture Insurance.
Or any other works/topics related to apocalypse, dystopia, or disaster!
By web submission at 05/26/2014 - 16:52
Friday, November 15, 2013
Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who! (2008)
The recent release of Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who! is an engaging adaptation of the classic picture book. The primary audience is (of course) kids, but the focus on Ned McDodd, the Mayor of Whoville, as one the film's protagonists extends the message of the film--regarding the power of belief and faith--to adults as well. The DVD release includes a commentary track by the directors of the film.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Saving Mr. Banks
Here's a much more interesting looking film also due out from Disney. It explores the origins of the studio's Mary Poppins.
Frozen First Look
Here is the first trailer for Disney's upcoming animated feature film Frozen due out later in the year. Hopefully the real film will have less juvenile humor and more story.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Contemporary Uses of Fairy Tales in Popular Culture CFP (6/19/13)
Here's one more I just came across:
Contemporary Uses of Fairy Tales in Popular Culture
Publication Date: 2013-06-19 (in 26 days)
Date Submitted: 2013-03-18
Announcement ID: 202344
I invite submissions for an edited collection of essays on contemporary uses of fairy tales in popular culture. The collection will focus on recent reinterpretations and reboots of classical fairy tales, ways the contemporary texts address the original tales and narratological implications of the repetitions and adjustments of these stories. In essays that explore the functions and consequences of fairy tale reboots, remakes and updates, authors will consider the ways fairy tale generic conventions have been revised over time, representations of race, gender, class and sexual identity, the roles of archetypes, mythic tropes and patterns and the emergence of self-referential and meta-tales within these texts.
Essays may also address fan culture influence on contemporary tales, opportunities for interactivity and the roles of stars in fairy tale reboots. Text focus could include television series, feature-length films, comic books and graphic novels, games and animation.
Possible topics include but are not limited to:
• Fables (Bill Willingham/Vertigo, 2002-present)
• The Red Shoes (Kim Yong-gyun, 2005)
• Lost Girls (Alan Moore/Top Shelf, 2006)
• Hansel and Gretel (Yim Pil-Sung, 2007)
• Sydney White (Joe Nussbaum, 2007)
• Bluebeard (Catherine Breillat, 2009)
• The Sleeping Beauty (Catherine Breillat, 2010)
• Red Riding Hood (Catherine Hardwicke, 2011)
• Hanna (Joe Wright, 2011)
• Beastly (Daniel Barnz, 2011)
• Once Upon a Time (ABC, 2011-present)
• Grimm (NBC, 2011-present)
• Snow White and the Huntsman (Rupert Sanders, 2012)
• Mirror, Mirror (Tarsem Singh, 2012)
• Hansel and Gretel (Anthony Ferrante, 2013)
• Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters (Tommy Wirkola, 2013)
• Jack the Giant Slayer (Bryan Singer, 2013)
Submit a two-page proposals by the deadline of June 19, 2013 to Dr. Melissa Lenos at melissalenos@gmail.com; questions may be addressed to the same. Please also include a short bio. If your proposal is selected, the final essay (5000-8000 words) will be due on December 1, 2013.
Melissa Lenos
Email: melissalenos@gmail.com
Contemporary Uses of Fairy Tales in Popular Culture
Publication Date: 2013-06-19 (in 26 days)
Date Submitted: 2013-03-18
Announcement ID: 202344
I invite submissions for an edited collection of essays on contemporary uses of fairy tales in popular culture. The collection will focus on recent reinterpretations and reboots of classical fairy tales, ways the contemporary texts address the original tales and narratological implications of the repetitions and adjustments of these stories. In essays that explore the functions and consequences of fairy tale reboots, remakes and updates, authors will consider the ways fairy tale generic conventions have been revised over time, representations of race, gender, class and sexual identity, the roles of archetypes, mythic tropes and patterns and the emergence of self-referential and meta-tales within these texts.
Essays may also address fan culture influence on contemporary tales, opportunities for interactivity and the roles of stars in fairy tale reboots. Text focus could include television series, feature-length films, comic books and graphic novels, games and animation.
Possible topics include but are not limited to:
• Fables (Bill Willingham/Vertigo, 2002-present)
• The Red Shoes (Kim Yong-gyun, 2005)
• Lost Girls (Alan Moore/Top Shelf, 2006)
• Hansel and Gretel (Yim Pil-Sung, 2007)
• Sydney White (Joe Nussbaum, 2007)
• Bluebeard (Catherine Breillat, 2009)
• The Sleeping Beauty (Catherine Breillat, 2010)
• Red Riding Hood (Catherine Hardwicke, 2011)
• Hanna (Joe Wright, 2011)
• Beastly (Daniel Barnz, 2011)
• Once Upon a Time (ABC, 2011-present)
• Grimm (NBC, 2011-present)
• Snow White and the Huntsman (Rupert Sanders, 2012)
• Mirror, Mirror (Tarsem Singh, 2012)
• Hansel and Gretel (Anthony Ferrante, 2013)
• Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters (Tommy Wirkola, 2013)
• Jack the Giant Slayer (Bryan Singer, 2013)
Submit a two-page proposals by the deadline of June 19, 2013 to Dr. Melissa Lenos at melissalenos@gmail.com; questions may be addressed to the same. Please also include a short bio. If your proposal is selected, the final essay (5000-8000 words) will be due on December 1, 2013.
Melissa Lenos
Email: melissalenos@gmail.com
Friday, March 22, 2013
Beautiful Creatures the Movie
Out now from Warner Bros.
Additional clips at http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVfin74Qx3tUqDc6Z5obiFlE2u-DTCFHw.
Additional clips at http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVfin74Qx3tUqDc6Z5obiFlE2u-DTCFHw.
Wreck-It Ralph on Video
Meant to post something on this sooner; it looks like an interesting film:
More videos at http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-muvh_380IY5N8-dQ9_hk-ytv9AMcN7H.
More videos at http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-muvh_380IY5N8-dQ9_hk-ytv9AMcN7H.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Monday, November 19, 2012
Upcoming Fantasy Films
The blog is in need of much updating (especially a post on NEPCA last month), but, in the meantime, I've been intrigued by some of the latest trailers featuring innovative takes on fictional and legendary heroes:
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