Jacksonville looses another pioneer

It is with regret that we let our readers know that Jacksonville looses another great pioneer in our struggling arts scene. Tim over at the San Marco Theatre has decided to leave us. Tim has been instrumental in the Jacksonville Film Festival's beginnings, The Pit (near Riverside) where he screened countless underground films, and for turning the San Marco Theatre into a hot spot for midnight screenings of avant-garde and music related films not to mention his brilliant original series "THE TALKIES" where he would invite the director to narrate live over the film.

Below is a message from his last e-mailer...

"...not to get too maudlin on you folks but this will be my last post. i landed a new position as cinema director for a yet-to-be-built twin in minnesota. after the festival collapsed due to shear ineptitude and not being able to buy the san marco (the owner isn't interested in letting it go) and take it in to a new direction (which would have included some necessary renovations) there is nothing left fer me here. it's been a long run since moving back here from austin but it seems that i have been running in place as of late. Mother of Tears the newest Argento film will be the last midnight film to screen and THE TALKIES will continue in minnesota and will hopefully become a roadshow of sorts.

thanks for all the support you folks have provided by not only attending the midnight shows but the occasional "smaller" flick or two i was able to squeeze in such as: MAIL ORDER BRIDE, THE HOST, CONTROL, THE OSCAR SHORTS,BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU'RE DEAD and also all the big Hollywood fare that comes thru our doors.

i had this funny idea that i was going to be able to trick jacksonville and make one corner of it a little more interesting but it seems that the vicious cabal that really runs things to keep the beast alive has won.

cheers!
tim"

He left out my personal fav MEET THE FEEBLES which I never thought I would ever get to see on the big screen. Thanks for making it a reality for us Tim. You will be deeply missed! Best of luck in all your future endeavors.

- Max Michaels

BOLT

Walt Disney Pictures
Release Date: November 21, 2008
Genre: Animation, Comedy-Adventure
Rating: TBD

Voice Cast: John Travolta, Miley Cyrus, Susie Essman, Mark Walton
Directors: Chris Williams and Byron Howard
Producer: Clark Spencer
Executive Producer: John Lasseter
Screenplay by: Dan Fogelman and Chris Williams

For super-dog BOLT (voice of JOHN TRAVOLTA), every day is filled with adventure, danger and intrigue—at least until the cameras stop rolling. When the star of a hit TV show is accidentally shipped from his Hollywood soundstage to New York City, he begins his biggest adventure yet—a cross-country journey through the real world to get back to his owner and co-star, Penny (voice of MILEY CYRUS). Armed only with the delusions that all his amazing feats and powers are real, and the help of two unlikely traveling companions—a jaded, abandoned housecat named Mittens (voice of SUSIE ESSMAN) and a TV-obsessed hamster named Rhino (voice of MARK WALTON) -- Bolt discovers he doesn’t need superpowers to be a hero.

MGM ANNOUNCES CHRISTMAS RELEASE DATE FOR VALKYRIE

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures announced today they will be releasing the suspense film, VALKYRIE, from Director Bryan Singer, on Friday, December 26, 2008.

“We saw and tested the movie,” says Clark Woods, President of MGM Distribution. “and we believe a strong movie deserves a strong playdate.”

Tom Cruise stars in the suspense thriller, VALKYRIE, based on the true story of Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg (CRUISE) and the daring and ingenious plot to eliminate one of the most evil criminals the world has ever known. Director Bryan Singer (THE USUAL SUSPECTS, X-MEN, SUPERMAN RETURNS) re-teams with Academy Award®-winning USUAL SUSPECTS screenwriter Christopher McQuarrie to bring to life the story of the men who led the operation to assassinate Hitler. The film also stars an acclaimed cast including Kenneth Branagh, Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkinson, Carice van Houten, Thomas Kretschmann, Eddie Izzard, Christian Berkel and Terence Stamp.

A proud military man, Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg is a loyal officer who serves his country all the while hoping that someone will find a way to stop Hitler before Europe and Germany are destroyed. Realizing that time is running out, he decides that he must take action himself and joins the German resistance. Armed with a cunning strategy to use Hitler’s own emergency plan – known as Operation Valkyrie – these men plot to assassinate the dictator and over-throw his Nazi government from the inside. With everything in place, with the future of the world, the fate of millions and the lives of his wife and children hanging in the balance, Stauffenberg is thrust from being one of many who oppose Hitler to the one who must kill Hitler himself.

VALKYRIE is produced by Bryan Singer, Christopher McQuarrie and Gilbert Adler. McQuarrie co-wrote the original screenplay with Nathan Alexander who also serves as co-producer. The executive producers are Chris Lee, Ken Kamins, Daniel M. Snyder, Dwight C. Schar and Mark Shapiro.

The film was shot in Germany at various locations where many of the actual events occurred, including the historic Bendlerblock. Recreating the atmosphere of urgency and paranoia inside the German resistance is a team that includes Singer’s frequent collaborators Newton Thomas Sigel (SUPERMAN RETURNS, X2, X-MEN) as director of photography and editor/composer John Ottman (SUPERMAN RETURNS, X2); as well as production designers Lilly Kelvert (two-time Oscar®-nominee for THE LAST SAMURAI and LEGENDS OF THE FALL) and Patrick Lumb (THE OMEN); and costume designer Joanna Johnston (MUNICH, SAVING PRIVATE RYAN).

Dinosaurs: Giants of Patagonia to Open at the World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX® Theater August 29

St. Augustine, Fla. (August 13, 2008) – Beginning Friday, August 29th, the World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX® Theater will bring dry bones to life when it opens Dinosaurs: Giants of Patagonia. The documentary-style film will give audiences a larger-than-life view of prehistoric Patagonia and a variety of the extinct creatures that once walked its terrain. Dinosaurs: Giants of Patagonia will run at 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on opening night.

Dinosaurs are among the most fascinating animals to have ever walked the Earth. Some are captivated by their enormous size and intrigued by the fact that they disappeared millions of year ago. Throughout Dinosaurs: Giants of Patagonia, viewers can discover some of the great paleontological discoveries of modern time and help piece together their mysterious past.

Following Rodolfo Coria, a world-renown Argentinean paleontologist, Dinosaurs: Giants of Patagonia will focus on the history, evolution and ultimate extinction of dinosaurs. The film will take viewers to sites of major discoveries in Patagonia and on travels back in time to see amazing beasts come to life, including the colossal plant-eating Argentinosaur, and its nemesis, the Giganotosaur, a bipedal carnivore.

Deeply rooted in science, Dinosaurs: Giants of Patagonia will carry the audience through the lives of two particular specimens of dinosaurs, at times showing intense action and at others, the picturesque landscapes of Patagonia. Done in close collaboration with the foremost scientists of the domain, the movie will show never-before-seen computer generated footage of the Giganotosaurus, Argentinosaurus and more. The camera even takes viewers into space to witness the movement of the tectonic plates, the arrival of a comet that will seal the fate of the dinosaurs and more.

Dinosaurs: Giants of Patagonia is produced and distributed by Sky High Entertainment. The film is rated G and runs 40 minutes. The film is also one selection available as part of the IMAX Theater’s 10th Anniversary $10 double feature combo, which will be available through November 20. For additional film information or to purchase tickets, visit the IMAX Theater section at www.wgv.com.

The 2D World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX® Theater offers unique movies and entertainment enhanced by state-of-the-art, specially-designed cinematic technology. Located at World Golf Village, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2008, the 300-seat IMAX Theater is the only in Northeast Florida and houses an 80-foot-wide by six-story-high screen to show a variety of entertaining and educational movies throughout the year. The World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX® Theater is open every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas. For tickets and show times, call 904-940-IMAX or visit www.wgv.com.

SUMMIT ENTERTAINMENT'S RELEASE DATE CHANGES

Summit Entertainment’s SEX DRIVE now opens Friday, October 3rd, and TWILIGHT now opens, Friday, November 21st

The Spirit

In theaters December 25, 2008
Lionsgate

For a new extended trailer visit
http://www.apple.com/trailers/lions_gate/thespirit/

Adapted from the legendary comic strip, THE SPIRIT is a classic action-adventure-romance told by genre-twister FRANK MILLER (creator of 300 and SIN CITY). It is the story of a former rookie cop who returns mysteriously from the dead as the SPIRIT (Gabriel Macht) to fight crime from the shadows of Central City. His arch-enemy, the OCTOPUS (Samuel L. Jackson) has a different mission: he’s going to wipe out Spirit’s beloved city as he pursues his own version of immortality. The Spirit tracks this cold-hearted killer from Central City’s rundown warehouses, to the damp catacombs, to the windswept waterfront … all the while facing a bevy of beautiful women who either want to seduce, love or kill our masked crusader. Surrounding him at every turn are ELLEN DOLAN (Sarah Paulson), the whip-smart girl-next-door; SILKEN FLOSS (Scarlett Johansson), a punk secretary and frigid vixen; PLASTER OF PARIS (Paz Vega), a murderous French nightclub dancer; LORELEI (Jaime King), a phantom siren; and MORGENSTERN (Stana Katic), a sexy young cop. Then of course, there’s SAND SAREF (Eva Mendes), the jewel thief with dangerous curves. She’s the love of his life turned bad. Will he save her or will she kill him? In the vein of BATMAN BEGINS and SIN CITY, THE SPIRIT takes us on a sinister, gut-wrenching ride with a hero who is born, murdered and born again.

http://www.mycityscreams.com/

Eight Miles High

In theaters August 22, 2008
Dokument Films



Eight Miles High tells the incredible true story of European wild-child Uschi Obermaier. The film tracks her restless life from a small town girl in rural Bavaria to a fast-living fashion icon in Munich; from free-loving companion of the Rolling Stones to ultimately becoming the embodiment of the 60’s generation of sex, drugs, and rock’n’roll. This is one woman’s story about the discovery of freedom and the price one must ultimately pay to achieve it.


Natalia Avelon as Uschi Obermaier and Alexander Scheer as Keith Richards

For more info visit
http://www.eightmileshighthefilm.com

PINEAPPLE EXPRESS

Columbia Pictures
08/06/08

Seth Rogan does it again and raises the bar for stoner movies from here on out. Rogan as process server Dale Denton along side his on screen weed dealer Saul (performed flawlessly by James Franco) are thrown into a bodacious hide and seek from drug boss assigns after Denton after he haphazardly witnesses the boss man take out one of the competition by take out part of his head with a bullet. From there the film is a nonstop laugh riot as they are chased for the lives. This is a must see film for the summer of 08.

IGOR

Release: September 19, 2008
Directed by: Tony Leondis
Written by: Chris McKenna
Produced by: John D. Eraklis and Max Howard
Cast: John Cusack, Steve Buscemi, John Cleese, Jennifer Coolidge, Arsenio Hall, Sean Hayes, Eddie Izzard, Jay Leno, James Lipton, Molly Shannon, Christian Slater
Rating: PG
Runtime: 86 minutes

In a land of mad scientists and diabolical inventions, what do you do when you’re born with a hunch on your back?

You become an Igor.

A hilarious twist on the classic monster movie, "Igor" tells the story of one Igor who’s sick of being a lowly lab assistant with a Yes Master’s degree and dreams of becoming a scientist. When his cruel master kicks the bucket a week before the annual Evil Science Fair, Igor finally gets his chance.

With the help of two of his experimental creations - Brain, a brain in a jar who’s a little light on brains, and Scamper, a cynical bunny brought back from being road kill, Igor embarks on building the most evil invention of all time, a huge, ferocious monster. Unfortunately, instead of turning out evil, the monster turns out as Eva, a giant aspiring actress who wouldn’t hurt a fly.

Just when the load on his back can’t get any heavier, Igor and his band of monstrous misfits uncover an evil plot that threatens their world. Now, they must fight to save it and prove that heroes come in all shapes and sizes.

Featuring the voice talents of John Cusack, Steve Buscemi, John Cleese, Jennifer Coolidge, Arsenio Hall, Sean Hayes, Eddie Izzard, Jay Leno, James Lipton, Molly Shannon and Christian Slater, "Igor" is the must-see family comedy of the fall.

Igor is directed by award-winning animation veteran Tony Leondis (Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch) and written by Chris McKenna (American Dad!). Exodus Film Group CEO John D. Eraklis produces along with seasoned animation executive and Exodus president Max Howard who has collaborated on such animated blockbusters as Disney’s Lion King and Aladdin, and Warner Bros.’ Space Jam and The Iron Giant.

Friday The 13th trailer leaked online

"Friday the 13th," directed by Marcus Nispel (Pathfinder) is scheduled to hit theaters on Friday February 13th, 2009.

"How do you remake a rated R horror movie and take the guts out literally and figuratively? What is F13 without sex, drugs and really, really long sharp machete? And why would we, horror fans ourselves, produce a movie devoid of the things that made the title so appealing in the first place," said Fuller, adding: "It has insane kills that will be shown in all their glory- it has a group of college students who drink and even have sex. We are betting that if we don't hold back that the audience will reward us for being bold in a time when some horror movies are playing the ratings game. So we embrace the R-rating Friday the 13th will have, and hope you will too."said Fuller about the films rating.


The first teaser poster.

The trailer was bootlegged from this years Comic-Con in San Diego and this is one of the few remaining places it is still live - as of today...
Click here to check out the trailer

Batman

Gotham Knight DVD
Warner

With the latest Batman film "The Dark Knight" devastating box offices across the globe, it seems people just can't get enough of the caped man in black. Who can blame them? It's the best film of the year so far, and will be extremely hard to top. If your one of the many like me who need more Batman (even after seeing the film multiple times) then do I have a treat for you! Our pals at DC comics and Warner have teamed up to deliver the animated feature Batman: Gotham Knight. Six short films that take place between Batman Begins and the latest film. Very similar to the Animatrix in style, as each film is animated differently with independent stories that loosely connect to each other. All six episodes are very well done, but I (as undoubtedly you will as well) have certain particular favorites.
"Have I Got A Story For You" tells the tale of four skateboard kids, who tell their personal stories of how they witnessed Batman chasing a mysterious villain in different locations that very same day. From a living shadow, to a giant bat or even a mechanized robot, these are the wild imaginations of Gotham's dark protector from the mind of a youngster. Only near the end does the fourth kid actually see Batman personally has he and his adversary make an abrupt entrance into the abandon building where all four friends are hanging out.
"Crossfire" gives us a unsettling glimpse of the outside of Arkum's sanitarium as two of Gordon's officer's drop off the criminal captured by Batman in the first segment. If this is the outside, I can only imagine what nightmares lurk in it's halls. One of the officers is considering leaving the unit due to his mistrust of Batman and Gordon's faith in a "vigilante". It get's worse though, as on the way back to Gotham they stop the car near some abandon buildings to talk things through, and are caught in the crossfire between the Russian and Italian mob. Batman makes an appearance and saves the life of the very officer who doubts him while taking care of the mob in the process.
"Field Test" involves Bruce Wayne's friend Lucius Fox devising yet another useful tool for Batman to use in his never ending fight against Gotham's underworld. An electromagnetic device that can actually deflect bullets from small arms fire. While such an invention sounds wonderful in theory, Bruce finds out very quickly that the device works too well and opts to put his mortality on the line vs. being invincible.
"In Darkness Dwells" our Masked avenger pursues a kidnaped cardinal taken from his church by "Killer Croc". In the dank sewers Batman confronts the reptilian menace and suffers a bite wound. Croc is suffering from Scarecrow's fear toxin and it's mind altering effects are transferred to Batman via the bloodstream. With time running short Batman fights dark illusions to rescue the cardinal from Scarecrow and a gang of escaped Arkam inmates.
"Working Through Pain" is a trip down memory lane while Batman is wounded in a sewer from a gunshot wound. Disorientated and losing blood, Bruce remembers his time in India, where under the guidance of a young woman (an outcast in her village for originally disguising herself as a boy, to learn secrets that were only taught to men) helps him overcome and control various degrees of pain in any situation. With this knowledge, he fights his way back to the surface and to safety.
"Deadshot" the final feature, pits Batman against one of the world's deadliest assassins "Deadshot". (I guess this is DC's answer to Marvel's Bullseye). Deadshot likes a challenge (such as shooting his target from moving vehicles) and it also keeps him one step ahead of his opponents. When the word comes down that he's coming to Gotham and commissioner Gordon is his next intended victim, it will take everything Batman has to outwit and defeat this evil nemesis.
As I said earlier this, is a great set of stories that give us even more insight and adventure into Batman's past and present. The Joker or some of the other well know villians (aside from Scarecrow) are absent from these tales, but I find that it's a refreshing departure to have Batman face unknown rivals or some of the more lesser known villains that continue to plague Gotham's city streets. As always, no matter who threatens the lives of innocents the Dark Knight will be there to be the night's right hand of justice.

- Craig Harvey