Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Freestyle: The Art of Rhyme, a film exposing improvisational rap

FREESTYLE: The Art of Rhyme 
 10th Anniversary Special Limited Edition
on DVD January 14th

The world of improvisational rap is explosively explored 
in this look at the best MC's to ever bless the mic...

Explosively documenting the story of a group of underground hip-hop MCs & DJs from the early 1980's to the present day,FREESTYLE: The Art of Rhyme is a film that explores the world of improvisational rap - the rarely recorded art form of rhyming spontaneously; off the top of the head. Made over the course of more than seven years, by a co-operative of filmmakers, b-boys, DJs, and MCs know as The Center for Hip-Hop Education, FREESTYLE takes the viewer on a journey through the previously unexamined dimensions of hip-hop as a spiritual and community based art form.
FREESTYLE: The Art of Rhyme features appearances by: Supernatural, Mos Def, Black Thought & ?uestlove of the Roots, Freestyle Fellowship, Lord Finesse, Cut Chemist, Craig G, Juice, Boots of the Coup, Medusa, Planet Asia, Sway, Crazy Legs, Jurassic-5, Wordsworth, Bobitto Garcia, and The Last Poets. The film offers a context in which to view living art as a social critique in story and rhyme that is designed to bring about a cathartic transformation of frustration into beauty. Following some of the best MCs ever to bless the mic, the film features legendary battles including those of the film's hero; Supernatural pitted against his arch nemesis Craig G providing the through line for the story. As these artists improvise poetry out of a mix of language, politics and culture that make up their lives, we discover revolutionary worlds where the English language is subverted and re-appropriated as a tool of economic and social empowerment.
FREESTYLE is critically acclaimed and the first of its kind in many respects. It is the first film to explore the social and cultural background that led to the current development of the street poet, or MC. It provides an inside look into the framework of hip-hop culture, its rules, taboos and social impact. It gives a voice to popular Black/urban culture, which is known to be a profound influence on youth culture globally. FREESTYLE is also the first independent film to counter false notions of hip-hop's erroneous negative and overly aggressive image, therefore providing a unique look at a growing influence in modern American and world culture. 

FREESTYLE: The Art of Rhyme is directed by Kevin Fitzgerald, founder of Hip Hop for Health and a young and talented filmmaker on the rise. Holding great educational value for hip-hop enthusiasts as well as for those misinformed about hip-hop culture due to its intimate and honest portrayal of hard working independent artists, the film focuses on a group of intelligent, ambitious, and talented young men in pursuit of a dream, deconstructing the 'thug life' image that is often associated with the music.

 

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Friday the 13th reboots in 2015

Ch-ch-ch-ah-ah-ah-ah... on March 13, 2015 Jason returns to cinema screens for the 13th time in a completely new reboot. Not a sequel to 2009's reboot, but an all new envisioning by Paramount Pictures who acquired the full rights from Warner Bros. Pictures in a trade deal. Rumor has it this 13th installment in the franchise may be given the 'found footage' treatment a la Blair Witch. 

Monday, November 25, 2013

Nightmare On Elm Street Story Continues with Help From Fans

Jacksonville, Florida - November 2013 - Almost 30 years after the release of Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge, lead actor Mark Patton returns in a brutally-honest, behind-the-scenes documentary, There Is No Jesse. A companion fundraising campaign has launched on the popular crowdfunding site, Indiegogo, which connects fans and contributors directly to exclusive production updates and rare rewards.

This unique feature-film examines the homo-erotic themes of the second NOES installment through revealing conversations with “scream king” Mark Patton. Unlike similar documentaries dedicated to the series, There Is No Jesse also advances the storyline of Jesse Walsh, a lead character forgotten by the sequels but not his fans.

From now through Friday, January 24th, those interested can follow the production’s progress by contributing to the campaign or visiting the film’s Facebook page, ‘There is NO Jesse with Mark Patton.’ Funds raised will be used to acquire licensed music from bands including Nine Inch Nails and Antony and The Johnsons, and Christopher Young’s score as well as rare, behind-the-scenes photos from the set of NOES2.

Indiegogo Page:
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/there-is-no-jesse/x/14158

Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/There-is-NO-Jesse-with-Mark-Patton/172184122858980

Thursday, November 21, 2013

MUPPETS MOST WANTED New Trailer Now Available!


Disney’s “Muppets Most Wanted” takes the entire Muppets gang on a global tour, selling out grand theaters in some of Europe’s most exciting destinations, including Berlin, Madrid and London. But mayhem follows the Muppets overseas, as they find themselves unwittingly entangled in an international crime caper headed by Constantine—the World’s Number One Criminal and a dead ringer for Kermit—and his dastardly sidekick Dominic, aka Number Two, portrayed by Ricky Gervais. The film stars Tina Fey as Nadya, a feisty prison guard, and Ty Burrell as Interpol agent Jean Pierre Napoleon. Disney’s “Muppets Most Wanted” is directed by James Bobin and produced by David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman. Bobin co-wrote the screenplay with Nicholas Stoller, who is also executive producer with John G. Scotti. Featuring music from Academy Award®-winning songwriter Bret McKenzie, “Muppets Most Wanted”  hits the big screen March 21, 2014.

KERMIT'S Most Wanted Trailer Cameos: http://di.sn/rJI
MISS PIGGY'S Most Wanted Relationship Advice: http://di.sn/gPi
MISS PIGGY'S Most Wanted Advice for Celebrities from a Screen Legend: http://di.sn/hQR
FOZZIE BEAR'S TV Shows He's Most Wanted to Guest Star On: http://di.sn/gPj
ANIMAL'S Most Wanted Drum Solos: http://di.sn/sJX
GONZO'S Most Wanted Disney Poultry: http://di.sn/ePl
WALTER'S Most Wanted Moments from the New Trailer: http://di.sn/bPf 


For more information, visit:
Disney.com/Muppets
Facebook.com/Muppets
Twitter.com/MuppetsStudio

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

DIVERGENT Trailer and Official Poster


Summit's upcoming DIVERGENT movie will be in theaters and IMAX on March 21, 2014. Divergent is an upcoming American science fiction adventure film directed by Neil Burger, based on the novel of the same name by Veronica Roth. Trailer LINK: http://bit.ly/DivergentTRAILER. The much-anticipated trailer and official poster was just released. This book series has a big following, so expect this movie to make a huge impact in 2014.

Friday, November 8, 2013

BBC AMERICA Hosts Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Celebration

BBC AMERICA HOSTS DOCTOR WHO 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION IN NOVEMBER
Premieres and marathons including the first-ever global simulcast celebrating the iconic series
Doctor Who: The Day of the Doctor
An Adventure in Space and Time
The Science of Doctor Who with Brian Cox
Matt Smith and David Tennant guests on The Graham Norton Show
Doctor Who: Tales from the TARDIS
Doctor Who Explained
Doctor Who: The Doctors Revisited –The Eleventh Doctor

00_01_THE ELEVEN DOCTORS_35MB.jpeg

New York – November 8, 2013 – BBC AMERICA is the #1 destination in the U.S. for a year-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of global phenomenon Doctor Who. On November 23, 1963, a Time Lord known as the Doctor landed on the BBC’s airwaves, forever changing storytelling on television and how the world viewed the inside of a British police box.  In honoring the legacy of the longest-running and most successful sci-fi series in history, BBC AMERICA presents new programming dedicated to the iconic series, culminating in a groundbreaking television event – the global simulcast to more than 75 countries of Doctor Who’s 50th anniversary special, Doctor Who: The Day of the Doctor on November 23. Written by lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat (Sherlock), the special stars the Eleventh Doctor, Matt Smith (How to Catch a Monster), the Tenth Doctor, David Tennant (Broadchurch), companion Jenna Coleman (Dancing on the Edge), with Billie Piper (Secret Diary of a Call Girl) and John Hurt (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Alien). The global simulcast will air Saturday, November 23 at 2:50pm ET. BBC AMERICA will encore the special in primetime at 7:00pm ET with exclusive Inside Looks with Matt Smith and David Tennant.

Announced today, BBC AMERICA will present a week-long Doctor Who Takeover starting Monday, November 18, at 9:00am ET with marathons of favorite Doctors leading into new specials including a look into the science behind the iconic series with rock star-turned-physicist Professor Brian Cox (Wonders of the UniverseWonders of the Solar System). The primetime specials will roll out throughout the week with Doctor Who: Tales from the TARDIS premiering Monday,November 18, 9:00pm ET followed by The Science of Doctor Who with Brian Cox at 10:00pm ET, Doctor Who Explained on Friday, November 22, 8:00pm ET, and a look back at Matt Smith’s time on the iconic series, Doctor Who: The Doctors Revisited –The Eleventh Doctor on Sunday, November 24, 8:00pm ET.

In addition, BBC AMERICA will premiere the new film An Adventure in Space and Time on Friday, November 22, 9:00pm ET. FromSherlock co-creator Mark Gatiss and directed by Terry McDonough (Breaking Bad), the film starring David Bradley (Game of Thrones,Broadchurch), Jessica Raine (Call the Midwife), Sacha Dhawan (After Earth) and Brian Cox (The Bourne IdentityX2: X-Men United)tells the story of the genesis of Doctor Who and the unlikely production team behind the series.

About Doctor Who:
Doctor Who follows the Doctor, an alien from the planet Gallifrey, the last of the powerful Time Lords, on his adventures through all of space and time.  Traveling in the TARDIS, the time machine resembling a vintage British blue police box that is bigger on the inside, the Doctor almost always side-steps danger armed only with his incredible intelligence and fix-anything sonic screwdriver. The Doctor routinely cheats death by regenerating – changing into a new, fresh body. Eleven actors have starred in the iconic role. First played by William Hartnell, the Doctor was portrayed by seven actors before the series went off the air in 1989, including Tom Baker, who held the role the longest, from 1974-1981. After being off the air for seven years, the Doctor regenerated again in a 1996 TV movie. 

When Doctor Who returned to television with a new lead writer and executive producer, Russell T Davies, in 2005, the title character once again had a new face. The series was resurrected with Christopher Eccleston (Thor: The Dark WorldHeroes) as the Doctor, and Billie Piper as his companion Rose. David Tennant took on the role in 2006.  In 2010, Steven Moffat (SherlockCoupling) became lead writer and executive producer while Matt Smith, made his first appearance as the Doctor – the youngest actor ever to play the character. He is the first actor to be nominated for a BAFTA Award in the role. Last season Clara Oswald (Jenna Coleman) became his companion, the impossible girl who routinely appears when he needs the most help. The thrilling season finale ended on a cliffhanger with the closing shot saying “Introducing John Hurt as The Doctor.”

Matt Smith will hang up his bow tie at the end of this year after starring in the 50th Anniversary special and regenerating in the Christmas special. Having starred alongside companions, Amy Pond (Karen Gillan, Guardians of the Galaxy), Rory Williams (Arthur Darvill,Broadchurch), River Song (Alex Kingston, NCISER) and most recently Clara Oswald, Matt's Doctor has fought Daleks (mutated beings encased in a metal shell and bent on destruction) and Cybermen (humans who have been upgraded to soulless metal robots) as well as Weeping Angels (frightening creatures that are erased from memory the moment someone looks away) in New York.  Regularly heard shouting 'run' and 'Geronimo', through Matt's Doctor fans have been introduced to a new culinary combination – fish fingers and custard.

Earlier this year, Doctor Who won an Institutional Peabody Award. The series is BBC AMERICA’s highest-rated series and is one of the most talked about shows in social media.

Doctor Who Takeover Schedule:

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18
Doctor Who:  The Doctors Revisited Marathon – 9:00am – 9:00pm ET
The First through Tenth Doctor

U.S. Premiere
Doctor Who: Tales from the TARDIS – 9:00 –10:00pm ET
Tardis_FrontAn all-new special, Doctor Who: Tales from the TARDIS, features the series’ actors and producers sharing their experiences and memories of the world’s longest-running sci-fi show. The special features exclusive interviews with principal cast members from the show’s 50-year history, including actors who have played the Doctor: Matt SmithDavid TennantTom Baker, and Peter Davison, actors who have played companions:Jenna ColemanKaren GillanFreema Agyeman, and William Russell, as well as the current lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat. The discussion includes how the actors got cast, how the roles changed their lives, how a ‘regeneration’ is recorded, and how filming the show in the 60's compares to today.

U.S. Premiere
The Science of Doctor Who with Brian Cox – 10:00–11:00pm ET
Professor Brian CoxA former rock star and Britain’s popular TV physicist, Professor Brian Cox explores the universe of the world’s favorite Time Lord when he takes the audience on a journey into the wonderful universe of Doctor Who, with the help of celebrity guests. In this exclusively recorded special from the lecture theatre of the Royal Institution of Great Britain, Brian reveals the science behind the spectacle and explains the physics that allows Doctor Who to travel through space and time. Fun, but filled with real science, it’s a special night for Whofans and anyone with a thirst for understanding.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19
Doctor Who – The Ninth Doctor Marathon – 10:00am –11:00pm ET

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20
Doctor Who – The Tenth Doctor Marathon – 2:00am –11:00pm ET

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21
Doctor Who – The Eleventh Doctor Marathon Part I – 9:00am – 11:00pm ET
The Eleventh Doctor – Matt Smith

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22
Doctor Who – The Eleventh Doctor Marathon Part 2 – 9:00am – 8:00pm ET
The Eleventh Doctor – Matt Smith

U.S. Premiere
Doctor Who Explained – 8:00pm – 9:00pm ET
http://smhttp.14409.nexcesscdn.net/806D5E/wordpress-L/images/Doctor-Who-50th-Anniversary.jpgAn all-new special, Doctor Who Explained, explores the mysterious and two-hearted alien who is the Doctor. Through exclusive interviews with principal cast members from the show’s 50-year history, including actors who have played the Doctor: Matt Smith, David TennantPeter Davison, and Tom Baker as well as actors who have played companions: Jenna ColemanKaren Gillan, and Freema Agyeman, viewers get an insight to what happens behind-the-scenes of the award-winning sci-fi show.

U.S. Premiere
An Adventure in Space and Time – 9:00pm ET
Graphic Poster_Bugged.jpg
What do you get when you mix C.S. Lewis with H.G. Wells, and sprinkle in a bit of Father Christmas? An alien Time Lord exploring space and time in a Police Box spaceship called the “TARDIS” (Time And Relative Dimension in Space).  Written by Mark Gatiss, the BBC AMERICA co-production, the film stars David Bradley (the First Doctor, William Hartnell), Brian Cox (BBC Head of Drama, Sydney Newman), Jessica Raine (Producer, Verity Lambert) and Sacha Dhawan(Director, Waris Hussein). An unlikely trio of misfits set out to create a genre series that all ages would love.  William ‘Bill’ Hartnell, displeased with his career, was presented with a chance to break out of the hard-man roles he’d become known for.  And with the instincts of first time producer, Verity Lambert and first time director, Waris Hussein, the Doctor was born. As the success of the show grew, William went from unhappy curmudgeon to beloved television star who relished his career resurgence and found a new lease on life.  But all good things come to an end. How will Bill face leaving behind the part that has made him a hero to millions of children? And can the show survive without him? Journey back fifty years through space and time to witness the exciting beginning and untimely end of the First Doctor in this touching drama.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23
Doctor Who – The Eleventh Doctor Marathon Part 3 – 1:00am – 2:00pm ET
The Eleventh Doctor – Matt Smith

World Premiere
Doctor Who: The Day of the Doctor – Global Simulcast – 2:50pm ET
generic 28-land-5_BBCA.jpgThe centerpiece of BBC AMERICA’s celebrations is the global simulcast of Doctor Who’s 50th Anniversary special, Doctor Who:The Day of the Doctor, written by Steven Moffat. The Doctors (Matt Smith and David Tennant) embark on their greatest adventure across space and time. In 2013, something terrible is awakening in London’s National Gallery; in 1562, a murderous plot is afoot in Elizabethan England; and somewhere in space an ancient battle reaches its devastating conclusion. All of reality is at stake as the Doctor’s own dangerous past comes back to haunt him. Starring Matt Smith, David Tennant, Jenna Coleman, with Billie Piper and John HurtLast seen as the Doctor on January 1, 2010, this will be the first time David Tennant has reprised his role as the Tenth Doctor. During his reign as the Time Lord, Tennant appeared in three seasons as well as several specials. He was first revealed as the Doctor in the 2005 season finale, The Parting of the Ways. Meanwhile Billie Piper, who played companion Rose Tyler for two seasons following the reboot in 2005, will appear in the show for the first time since featuring in David Tennant’s last episode, The End of Time in 2010. The special is directed by Nick Hurran, executive produced by Steven Moffat, Faith Penhale and produced by Marcus Wilson.

Doctor Who: The Day of the Doctor encore primetime broadcast – 7:00pm ET. BBC AMERICA will premiere exclusive Inside Lookinterviews with Matt Smith and David Tennant during the broadcast.  The special will be followed by the premiere of new fantasy-adventure series Atlantis at 9:00pm ET.

U.S. Premiere
The Graham Norton Show with guests Matt Smith and David Tennant – 10:00pm ET
Doctor Who stars Matt Smith and David Tennant make their first appearance together on BBC AMERICA’s hit talk showThe Graham Norton Show. Emma Thompson, singer Robbie Williams and comedian Jimmy Carr will also be guests.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24
Doctor Who – Matt Smith Countdown – 9:00am – 8:00pm ET
BBC AMERICA counts down the top 11 episodes from the Eleventh Doctor, Matt Smith, as voted on by fans. 

U.S. Premiere
Doctor Who: The Doctors Revisited –The Eleventh Doctor – 8:00pm –10:30pm ET
Doctor-Who---Series-7_final_2182444_2182430.jpgBBC AMERICA celebrates the Eleventh Doctor, Matt Smith, in a new special of Doctor Who: The Doctors Revisited. Matt Smith first stepped into the TARDIS in 2010 and, after starring in the 50th Anniversary Special on November 23, will regenerate in the Christmas special. The Doctors Revisited begins with Matt Smith, Jenna Coleman (companion Clara Oswald), Karen Gillan (companion Amy Pond), Arthur Darvill (companion Rory Williams), lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat, among others, examining the human side of this Doctor and taking a look at how his extraordinarily long life has affected him. The special is followed by the Eleventh Doctor two-part story, The Impossible Astronaut andDay of the Moon, in which a strange summons reunites the Doctor, Amy (Karen Gillan), Rory (Arthur Darvill) and River (Alex Kingston) in the middle of the Utah desert and unveils a terrible secret the Doctor's friends must never reveal to him. These were the first Doctor Who episodes to be filmed in the U.S.

DOCTOR WHO SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @BBCAMERICA @DoctorWho_BBCA #DoctorWho50th

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Sanguivorous is the first Japanese avant-garde silent vampire movie ever

  
The first Japanese avant-garde, silent vampire movie ever made
on DVD and VOD - November 19th  

"The director captures an element never seen in a vampire movie before - the feverish point-of-view perspective of how it could feel from transforming from a human to a vampire." - Film Smash

  
Tidepoint Pictures will release Sanguivorous ("Kyuketsu") on November 19th. It is the first Japanese avant-garde, silent vampire movie ever made. The film focuses on a young woman suffering from mysterious physical ailments who's horrified to discover that she's descended from generations of vampires. When with her boyfriend, she struggles to control her peculiar appetite. But it's in her blood... 
 
Sanguivorous is written and directed by Japanese filmmaker Naoki Yoshimoto and features the renowned avant-garde butoh dancer Ko Murobushi. Earllier this year the film impressed audiences in New York, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, Baltimore, and DC with screenings in conjunction with live musical accompaniment by Japanese percussionist Tatsuya Nakatani and saxophonist Edward Wilkerson, Jr. This unprecedented event combined experimental filmmaking, cutting-edge contemporary music, dance theatre... and fangs.
Sanguivorous also stars Ayumi Kakizawa, Masaya Adachi, and Mutsuko Yoshinaga. Cinematography is by Katsuya Shinzato and Noaki Yoshimoto, lighting by Mitsuyo Watanabe and Katsuya Shinzato, production design by Takashi Yagi, and music by director Naoki Yoshimoto. The film is produced by Sachi Nagamatsu. 
 


Wednesday, October 16, 2013

OMFUCKINGZOMG: THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL Opens March 7, 2014

FOX SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES is proud to announce the release of

IN SELECT THEATERS ON FRIDAY, MARCH 7th, 2014 
Screenplay and Directed by:
Wes Anderson
Story by:
Wes Anderson & Hugo Guinness 
Produced by:
Wes Anderson, Scott Rudin, Steven M. Rales, Jeremy Dawson 
Cast:
Ralph Fiennes, Tony Revolori, F. Murray Abraham, Mathieu Amalric, Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Jeff Goldblum, Jude Law, Bill Murray, Edward Norton, Saoirse Ronan, 
Jason Schwartzman, Tilda Swinton, Tom Wilkinson, Owen Wilson
THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL recounts the adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend.  The story involves the theft and recovery of a priceless Renaissance painting and the battle for an enormous family fortune -- all against the back-drop of a suddenly and dramatically changing Continent.
*Look for the trailer premiere on GrandBudapestHotel.com this Thursday*


                   (THAT IS TOMORROW, YOU FISTFUL OF ASSHOLES! Squee! -dS / mN)

Monday, September 30, 2013

NEED FOR SPEED


DreamWorks Pictures’ “Need for Speed” marks an exciting return to the great car culture films of the 1960's and 70's, when the authenticity of the world brought a new level of intensity to the action on-screen. Tapping into what makes the American myth of the open road so appealing, the story chronicles a near-impossible cross-country journey for our heroes -- one which begins as a mission for revenge, but proves to be one of redemption. Based on the most successful racing video game franchise ever with over 140 million copies sold, "Need for Speed" captures the freedom and excitement of the game in a real-world setting, while bringing to life the passion for the road that has made our love of cars so timeless.

The film centers around Tobey Marshall (Aaron Paul), a blue-collar mechanic who races muscle-cars on the side in an unsanctioned street-racing circuit. Struggling to keep his family-owned garage afloat, he reluctantly partners with the wealthy and arrogant ex-NASCAR driver Dino Brewster (Dominic Cooper). But just as a major sale to car broker Julia Bonet (Imogen Poots) looks like it will save Tobey's shop, a disastrous race allows Dino to frame Tobey for a crime he didn’t commit, sending Tobey to prison while Dino expands his business out west.

Two years later, Tobey is released and set on revenge -- but he knows his only chance to take down his rival Dino is to defeat him in the high-stakes race known as De Leon—the Super Bowl of underground racing. However to get there in time, Tobey will have to run a high-octane, action-packed gauntlet that includes dodging pursuing cops coast-to-coast as well as contending with a dangerous bounty Dino has put out on his car. With the help of his loyal crew and the surprisingly resourceful Julia, Tobey defies odds at every turn and proves that even in the flashy world of exotic supercars, the underdog can still finish first. 

Based on the most successful racing video game franchise ever with over 140 million copies sold, “Need for Speed” captures the thrills of the game in a real-world setting. “Need for Speed” is presented by DreamWorks Pictures, produced by John Gatins, Pat O’Brien and Mark Sourian and directed by Scott Waugh. The screen story is by John Gatins and George Gatins and the screenplay is by George Gatins and John Gatins, based on the video game series created by Electronic Arts.  The film releases in U.S. theaters on March 14, 2014.

Visit the website: TheNeedForSpeedMovie.com

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

FROZEN in theaters in 3D on November 27, 2013

Walt Disney Animation Studios, the studio behind “Tangled” and “Wreck-It Ralph,” presents “Frozen,” a stunning big-screen comedy adventure. Fearless optimist Anna (voice of Kristen Bell) sets off on an epic journey—teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff (voice of Jonathan Groff) and his loyal reindeer Sven—to find her sister Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel), whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf (voice of Josh Gad), Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom. The film is directed by Chris Buck (“Tarzan,” “Surf’s Up”) and Jennifer Lee (screenwriter, “Wreck-It Ralph”), and produced by Peter Del Vecho (“Winnie the Pooh,” “The Princess and the Frog”). Featuring music from Tony® winner Robert Lopez (“The Book of Mormon,” “Avenue Q”) and Kristen Anderson-Lopez (“In Transit”), “Frozen” is in theaters in 3D on November 27, 2013. For more information, check out Disney.com/Frozen, like us on Facebook: facebook.com/DisneyFrozen

DISNEY’S “INTO THE WOODS” VENTURES INTO PRODUCTION FEATURING AWARD-WINNING CAST & PRODUCTION TEAM

Film to Feature Songs from the Award-Winning Stage Show,

Plus Brand-New Song by Stephen Sondheim


BURBANK, Calif. – Disney’s “Into the Woods” kicked off production last week, featuring an award-winning production team and all-star ensemble cast. Rob Marshall, the talented filmmaker behind the Academy Award®-winning musical “Chicago” and Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” helms the film, which is based on the Tony®-winning original musical by James Lapine, who also penned the screenplay, and legendary composer Stephen Sondheim, who provides the music and lyrics—including an all-new song for the big-screen adaptation. “Into the Woods” is produced by Marshall, John DeLuca, “Wicked” producer Marc Platt and Callum McDougall. Shooting in studio and on location throughout England, the film is slated for a December 25, 2014, holiday release.

“Into the Woods” is a modern twist on the beloved Brothers Grimm fairy tales, intertwining the plots of a few choice stories and exploring the consequences of the characters’ wishes and quests. This humorous and heartfelt musical follows the classic tales of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel—all tied together by an original story involving a baker and his wife, their wish to begin a family and their interaction with the witch who has put a curse on them.

The all-star ensemble cast includes:

·         Meryl Streep (“The Iron Lady,” “The Devil Wears Prada,” “August: Osage County”) portrays the Witch who wishes to reverse a curse so that her beauty may be restored.

·         Emily Blunt (“Looper,” “The Young Victoria,” “The Devil Wears Prada”) is the Baker’s Wife, a childless woman who longs to be a mother.

·         James Corden (Broadway’s “One Man, Two Guvnors,” “The Three Musketeers,” “Gavin & Stacey”) plays the role of the Baker, a hard-working man who desperately wants to start a family.

·         Anna Kendrick (“Pitch Perfect,” “Up in the Air”) fills the shoes of Cinderella, who finds herself on a journey of self-discovery.

·         Chris Pine (“Star Trek Into Darkness,” “Jack Ryan”) portrays Cinderella’s Prince, charming and impossibly handsome, who is on an endless quest to find his bride.

·         Johnny Depp (“Pirates of the Caribbean” films, “The Lone Ranger,” “Sweeney Todd”) steps in as the Wolf, who sets his sights on Little Red Riding Hood.

·         Lilla Crawford (Broadway’s “Annie”) makes her feature-film debut as Little Red Riding Hood, a smart and spunky girl who journeys into the woods, finding unexpected adventures along the way.

·         Daniel Huttlestone (“Les Misérables”) lands the role of Jack, an absentminded and adventurous boy who trades his treasured cow for five magic beans.

·         Tracey Ullman joins the cast as Jack’s Mother, a poor and exasperated mom who is overwhelmed, yet fiercely protective of her son.

·         Christine Baranski (“Mamma Mia!,” “Chicago” “The Good Wife”) takes on the infamous Stepmother who wishes for riches and grandeur; she'll do anything to marry off one of her daughters to a prince.

·         MacKenzie Mauzy (“Brother’s Keeper,” Broadway’s “Next to Normal”) plays Rapunzel, a sheltered young woman who experiences the world beyond her tower for the first time.

·         Billy Magnussen (Broadway’s “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” “Boardwalk Empire,” “The East”) is the dashing and eager Prince who courts Rapunzel.

Celebrated actors from the stage and screen fill the supporting roles, including Tammy Blanchard (“Blue Jasmine,” “The Good Shepherd”) and Lucy Punch (“Bad Teacher,” “Dinner for Schmucks”) as Cinderella’s spoiled stepsisters, Florinda and Lucinda. Richard Glover (“Sightseers,” “St. Trinian’s”) is the Princes’ royal steward, Frances de la Tour (“Hugo,” “Alice In Wonderland”) portrays the giant, and Simon Russell Beale (“The Deep Blue Sea”) is the Baker’s father. Actress Joanna Riding (“My Fair Lady,” “Carousel”) portrays Cinderella’s late mother, and Little Red Riding Hood’s beloved granny is played by Annette Crosbie (“Calendar Girls,” “The Slipper and the Rose”).

The big-screen adaptation welcomes songs from the stage musical, including “Children Will Listen,” “Giants in the Sky,” “On the Steps of the Palace,” “No One Is Alone” and “Agony,” among others. Additionally, Sondheim has penned an all-new song for the story’s theatrical debut.

The award-winning production team includes Dion Beebe (“Collateral,” “Chicago,” “Nine”), Oscar® winner for the Marshall-helmed “Memoirs of a Geisha,” as director of photography. Dennis Gassner (“Skyfall,” “Quantum of Solace”), who won his own Oscar for “Bugsy,” serves as production designer, and three-time Oscar winner Colleen Atwood (“Memoirs of a Geisha,” “Chicago,” “Alice In Wonderland”) is costume designer.

“Into the Woods” premiered on Broadway on Nov. 5, 1987, at the Martin Beck Theatre. The production, which ran for 764 performances, won Tony® Awards for best score, best book and best actress in a musical. Among other awards, the musical received five Drama Desk awards, including best musical. “Into the Woods” has been produced around the world, including a 1988 U.S. tour, a 1990 West End production, Broadway and London revivals, in addition to a television production, DVD recording and a 10-year-anniversary concert.

New images from DreamWorks Studios’ NEED FOR SPEED

Aaron Paul with Scott Mescudi (Kid Cudi) in DreamWorks Pictures' NEED FOR SPEED. The story chronicles a near-impossible cross-country race against time—one that begins as a mission for revenge, but proves to be one of redemption. In a last attempt to save his struggling garage, blue-collar mechanic Tobey Marshall (Aaron Paul)—who with his team, including Scott Mescudi, skillfully builds and races muscle cars on the side.

Dominic Cooper (left) and Dakota Johnson co-star in DreamWorks Pictures' "Need for Speed," based on the most successful racing video game franchise ever. In an exciting return to the great car culture films of the 1960s and ’70s that tap into what makes the American myth of the open road so enticing, “Need for Speed” chronicles a near-impossible cross-country race against time—one that begins as a mission for revenge, but proves to be one of redemption. Need for speed opens March 14, 2014 nationwide.

Based on the most successful racing video game franchise ever with over 140 million copies sold, DreamWorks Pictures’ “Need for Speed” captures the thrills of the game in a real-world setting. An exciting return to the great car-culture films of the 1960s and ’70s, when authenticity brought a new level of intensity to the action, “Need for Speed” taps into what makes the American myth of the open road so enticing.

The story chronicles a near-impossible cross-country race against time—one that begins as a mission for revenge, but proves to be one of redemption. In a last attempt to save his struggling garage, blue-collar mechanic Tobey Marshall (Aaron Paul)—who with his team skillfully builds and races muscle cars on the side—reluctantly partners with wealthy, arrogant ex-NASCAR driver Dino Brewster (Dominic Cooper). Just as a major sale to car broker Julia Bonet (Imogen Poots) looks like it will save the business, a disastrous, unsanctioned race results in Dino framing Tobey for manslaughter.

Two years later and fresh out of prison, Tobey is set on revenge with plans to take down Dino in the high-stakes De Leon race—the Super Bowl of underground racing. To get there in time, Tobey must run a high-octane, action-packed gauntlet, dodging cops coast-to-coast and dealing with fallout from a dangerous bounty Dino put on his car. With his loyal crew and the surprisingly resourceful Julia as allies, Tobey defies odds at every turn and proves that even in the flashy world of exotic supercars, the underdog can still finish first. 

“Need for Speed” is presented by DreamWorks Pictures, produced by John Gatins, Pat O’Brien and Mark Sourian and directed by Scott Waugh. The screen story is by John Gatins and George Gatins and the screenplay is by George Gatins and John Gatins, based on the video game series created by Electronic Arts.  The film releases in U.S. theaters on March 14, 2014.

GHIRARDELLI® CHOCOLATE COMPANY JOINS DISNEY’s EL CAPITAN THEATRE ON HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD

Grand Opening of New Ghirardelli® Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop Set For Friday, November 15
HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, America’s oldest operating chocolate manufacturer, is pleased to announce the grand opening of its newest soda fountain and chocolate shop on Friday, November 15th, joining The Walt Disney Studios’ El Capitan Theatre and Disney Studio Store on Hollywood Boulevard.  The shop—the first in Los Angeles—will give moviegoers, visitors and locals a chance to experience Ghirardelli’s world-famous hot fudge sundaes, shakes, floats, and delicious assortment ofchocolates and beautifully wrapped gifts. Each guest will also enjoy a complimentary sample of the signature Ghirardelli SQUARES® chocolate. The Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop and Disney Studio Store will be located next to the legendary El Capitan Theatre (6838 Hollywood Boulevard), and will be open seven days a week.

“Ghirardelli Chocolate is honored to join Disney on Hollywood Boulevard to bring visitors and moviegoers an unforgettable experience,” said Marty Thompson, President and CEO of the Ghirardelli® Chocolate Company. “We have been bringing quality chocolate to the public for over 160 years, and this iconic location in the heart of Hollywood is the perfect place to continue the tradition.”

To celebrate the opening, Ghirardelli Chocolate and Disney will feature a specially created sundae treat for the opening of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ new animated movie “Frozen” this November.  In future months, Ghirardelli Chocolate will create original ice cream sundaes for select film releases, providing El Capitan moviegoers with a unique Ghirardelli experience. The new soda fountain and chocolate shop joins the existing Disney Studio Store which offers an assortment of classic Disney character souvenirs, merchandise from current film releases playing at El Capitan Theatre, highly sought after collectible pins, and a large selection of Blu-Ray and DVD home entertainment. 

“The El Capitan Theatre has always been about giving guests the ultimate entertainment experience. And now, with Ghirardelli, anextraordinary experience becomes even more unforgettable,” said Lylle Breier, senior vice president, Worldwide Special Events for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. “Families and movie lovers from all over can come to the El Capitan, see a great Disney movie, and enjoy a memorable, delicious after-movie treat. We’re thrilled to welcome Ghirardelli Chocolate to Hollywood. Ghirardelli chocolate and a Disney movie at the El Cap: How sweet it is!”

Monday, July 1, 2013

"WORLD WAR Z" IS THE #1 FILM GLOBALLY THIS WEEKEND GROSSING $100 MILLION

THE HIT FILM HAS NOW PASSED THE $250+ MILLION MARK AT THE WORLD WIDE BOX OFFICE

HOLLYWOOD, CA – July 1, 2013 – Brad Pitt's “WORLD WAR Z’s” global appeal continues, ranking as the #1 film world wide this weekend with a $100 million in grosses. The film has now earned $263 million at the world wide box office after 10 days in release.

From Paramount Pictures and Skydance Productions, in association with Hemisphere Media Capital and GK Films, "WORLD WAR Z" grossed a stunning $70.1 million at the international box office this weekend to bring the international cume to a stellar $135.3 million. Domestically, the film earned $29.8 million in its second weekend, with a cume to date of $123.7 million.

The film earned a terrific B+ Cinema Score from moviegoers, indicated strong word of the mouth for the movie as it plays across the world throughout the summer.

With approximately one-third of the international market still to release, the international roll-out of "WORLD WAR Z" continues next week with France with additional territories, including Spain and Japan, opening later in the Summer.

“WORLD WAR Z” is directed by Marc Forster from a screenplay by Matthew Michael Carnahan and Drew Goddard & Damon Lindelof, and a screen story by Matthew Michael Carnahan and J. Michael Straczynski.  Based on the novel by Max Brooks. Produced by Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner and Ian Bryce.

Monday, May 20, 2013

MICHAEL BAY AND PARAMOUNT PICTURES ANNOUNCE THE CASTING OF CHINESE ACTRESS LI BINGBING IN THE EAGERLY AWAITED ‘TRANSFORMERS 4’

HOLLYWOOD, CA (May 20, 2013) – Michael Bay and Paramount Pictures jointly announced today that Chinese actress Li Bingbing (“RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION”) has been cast in the eagerly awaited “TRANSFORMERS 4.” The actress joins Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci, Kelsey Grammer, Jack Reynor, Nicola Peltz and Sophia Myles in the fourth installment in the hit series of movies based on the best-selling Hasbro toyline. Paramount Pictures will release the film on June 27th, 2014.

“I am excited to have Li Bingbing join our cast and to be shooting portions of the movie in her native China. I have always aspired to work with the best actors and this cast is especially exciting now with the addition of Li,” said Michael Bay.

Li’s recent hits in China include the Tsui Hark-directed “Detective Dee And The Mystery Of The Phantom Flame” and “1911.” She has already begun to cross over into American films, most recently co-starring in the Paul W.S. Anderson-directed “Resident Evil: Retribution,” and before that “Snow Flower And The Secret Fan” and “Forbidden Kingdom.”  She was recently named Variety's "Asian Star of the Year" which was celebrated in Los Angeles last month. 

“I am thrilled to get to work with Michael Bay. ‘Transformers’ has influenced generations in China and the movie franchise has a massive fan base. I am very happy to be able to join this international production. Thank you Paramount for the invitation! Looking forward to it!” said Li Bingbing.

Paramount, China Movie Channel and Jiaflix Enterprises announced this past April a Cooperation Agreement regarding the production of “Transformers 4” in China. Under the agreement, China Movie Channel, under the State Administration of Radio Film and Television (SARFT), will cooperate with Paramount in broad-based support of the production of the film in China.  “Transformers 4” is expected to be released in China on or about June 27, 2014. The parties also intend to cooperate in a number of other areas related to “Transformers 4,” including the selection of filming sites within China, theatrical promotion, and possible post-production activities in China as well as casting of Chinese actors and actresses in the film.

This agreement represents the first time that China Movie Channel will work with a western studio in the production of a major motion picture.

“We are delighted to see Ms. Li Bingbing being selected for a major role in ‘Transformers 4,’ a very successful global film franchise,” said Yan Xiaoming, Chairman of China Movie Channel.  “Ms. Li is an excellent and famous Chinese actress with many fans in China. She has had many successful projects with China Movie Channel and M1905.com in the past. We wish her every success in ‘Transformers 4’ and with the worldwide audience that will enjoy her great talent.”

Said Sid Ganis, Chairman of Jiaflix, “Li Bingbing is an enormously talented Chinese artist who is fast becoming a worldwide movie star and is a great addition to a stellar cast.”

Shooting this summer in multiple locations in the U.S. and China, the film is directed by Bay and re-unites the filmmaking team from the hit franchise, including producers Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Don Murphy & Tom DeSanto and Ian Bryce; and executive producers Steven Spielberg, Bay, Brian Goldner and Mark Vahradian. “TRANSFORMERS 4” is written by Ehren Kruger, based on Hasbro’s Transformers™ Action Figures.

The third, and most recent installment of the franchise, “TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON,” is the fifth highest global grossing film of all time with $1.124 billion dollars of worldwide box office success.  The “TRANSFORMERS” movies are among the most popular films ever released in China, and Michael Bay is among the most popular directors with Chinese audiences. “TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON,” released theatrically in 2011, grossed $165 million in China and more than $1.1 billion worldwide.

ANCHORMAN 2: THE LEGEND CONTINUES



 With the 70's behind him, San Diego's top rated newsman, Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell), returns to the news desk in "Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues."  Also back for more are Ron’s co-anchor and wife, Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate), weather man Brick Tamland (Steve Carell), man on the street Brian Fantana (Paul Rudd) and sports guy Champ Kind (David Koechner) - All of whom won’t make it easy to stay classy…while taking New York's first 24-hour news channel by storm.

Release:  December 20th, 2013
This film is not yet rated
“Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues” is a Paramount Pictures Release

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

IMAX® THEATRES ACROSS THE COUNTRY SELL OUT FOR “STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS”

OPENING MOVES UP A DAY TO THURSDAY, MAY 16TH
HOLLYWOOD (May 7, 2013) – IMAX® theatres are reporting sell-outs of its special “STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS” sneak peek shows on Wednesday, May 15th, with showings in Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Seattle, Austin, San Francisco, Houston, San Diego and Minneapolis now at capacity.  Interest continues to be strong at other IMAX locations across the country, which are offering fans the opportunity to be the first to see the film at 8:00 p.m. that evening.  In response, Paramount Pictures has moved the film’s Friday, May 17th release up a day to May 16th.

Tickets are available on the film’s first-of-its-kind movie App, a technology that allows users to delve deeper into the Star Trek universe, and can also be accessed via IMAX.com or through Fandango.com, Movietickets.com, as well as other ticketing platforms and at theatre box offices.  While supplies last, all 8:00 p.m. IMAX fan sneak attendees will receive a limited-edition IMAX FANFIX™ “Star Trek” Gallery 1988 movie print by Mark Englert.

The IMAX release of “STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS” will feature approximately 30 minutes of footage filmed with the extremely high-resolution IMAX® cameras. These specific sequences, which will expand to fill more of the screen exclusively in IMAX, will deliver unprecedented crispness and clarity and a truly immersive experience for moviegoers.

Paramount’s “STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS,” based upon “Star Trek” created by Gene Roddenberry, is written by Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman & Damon Lindelof and directed by J.J. Abrams.  Abrams is producing with Bryan Burk through Bad Robot Productions, along with Lindelof, Kurtzman and Orci.  Jeffrey Chernov and Skydance Productions’ David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Paul Schwake are the executive producers.

“STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS” opens in theaters everywhere May 16th, 2013.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

IRON MEH 3


Marvel/Disney






*** WARNING: SPOILERS! ***

I never thought I'd have to type this statement. I joked about it, but was never serious. But, here goes: I hated Iron Man 3.

Let me preface this by saying I've been a giant fan of the Marvel films to now, and am a huge comic fan. This film was Marvel's first stumble in their universe. There were only a few ways to ruin what was surprisingly one of the best comic book to movie conversions, and they made sure to check every single way off of the list. The film was bloated with one liners (one every now and again is OK, but after every line is a bit much), contained unneeded plot twists, too many villains and so much CGI that the action scenes were confusing and scattered (a la Transformers).

This film was the first under the helm of Shane Black, writer of The Last Boyscout, the Lethal Weapon Series and writer and director of the majorly overlooked Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. The script came off like Lethal Weapon in mech suits. The loose cannon hero that blows up a bit too much, but gets results. His black sidekick that is a bit more rooted, more trained and acts as the voice of reason. The wife that feels that she's losing her husband to his job. The villain turned snitch used purely for comedic effect. The huge climactic shoot out in a ship yard. All of this sound familiar?

The film starts great, and in the first 30 minutes I was enjoying it. The Mandarin was a great take on a Bin Ladden style terrorist hijacking the US's airwaves and publicly executing CEOs, with the world watching in terror. Unfortunately, this entire story thread falls apart for comedic laughs, as we realize that the true villain is Guy Pearce's over the top Aldrich Killian, a scientist who was spurned by Stark in Stark's younger, cockier years. He now has Extremis, an army of mutant soldiers that can radiate volcanic heat and shoot fire. If the last part reads like X-Men rejects, then, well, you get the drift.

There's a ton of side plots that are pulled out for seemingly no reason. Tony's PTSD brought on by the climax of The Avengers (and really, the only tie to any of the other Marvel films). His teaming up with a young science minded fatherless boy which does absolutely nothing. The unneeded Mandarin joke. And the suits, dear God, the suits. There is a seemingly unlimited supply of super suits now at Stark's disposal, which can now be ran by Jarvis, Stark's sentient AI butler. The first few scenes are fun, but get to be almost a cheap plot hole filler for action sequences. That, and a way for Marvel/Disney to churn out an extra 10 to 20 action figures. Also, don't bother hanging out for the post credits scene. It establishes nothing, previews nothing, and reveals nothing. It's just a vehicle to fit a few more one liners into a film already overstuffed with them. Top all of that with highly underused and flat 3D, and well, you can see why I was irritated.

The ending makes this seem like its the end of the road for the Iron Man franchise, and one can only hope. This film takes a great comic book to film series and makes it a by the book summer blockbuster. With the film to film declining quality in the series, I shudder to think what a fourth film would be like. This is possibly the worst time to hit a misstep in the franchise, with what might be DC's strongest film about to hit theaters (the Zack Snyder/Christopher Nolan Man of Steel) . Marvel's first film in their Phase 2 line doesn't start with an explosion, but with a meh.

RATING: 4/10

by 
Drew Love  
for MOVEMENT MAGAZINE

Friday, April 19, 2013

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

STAR TREK - NEW Trailer and Posters



In the wake of a shocking act of terror from within their own organization, the crew of The Enterprise is called back home to Earth.  In defiance of regulations and with a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads his crew on a manhunt to capture an unstoppable force of destruction and bring those responsible to justice.


As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew.

IN SELECT THEATERS IN IMAX 3D MAY 15th
IN THEATERS EVERYHWERE MAY 17th

WWW.STARTREKMOVIE.COM

THE LONE RANGER Character Posters Revealed



From producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Gore Verbinski, the filmmaking team behind the blockbuster “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise, comes Disney/Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ “The Lone Ranger,” a thrilling adventure infused with action and humor, in which the famed masked hero is brought to life through new eyes.  Native American spirit warrior Tonto (Johnny Depp) recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid (Armie Hammer), a man of the law, into a legend of justice—taking the audience on a runaway train of epic surprises and humorous friction as the two unlikely heroes must learn to work together and fight against greed and corruption.

“The Lone Ranger” also stars Tom Wilkinson, William Fichtner, Barry Pepper, James Badge Dale, Ruth Wilson and Helena Bonham Carter.

A Disney/Jerry Bruckheimer Films presentation, “The Lone Ranger” is directed by Gore Verbinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and Gore Verbinski, with screen story by Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio and Justin Haythe and screenplay by Justin Haythe and Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio. “The Lone Ranger” releases in U.S. theaters on July 3, 2013.

“Like” The Lone Ranger on Facebook: Facebook.com/theloneranger
Visit the website: www.disney.com/theloneranger

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Thursday, April 11, 2013

EVIL DEAD (2013)

Director Fede Alvarez was recently asked if he was worried about the similarities between Cabin in the Woods (2012) and Evil Dead. For the uninitiated, Cabin in the Woods gloriously mocked the now well-worn conventions of wooded horror in a delirious blend of horror, camp, and satire. Alvarez--apparently missing the point--clarified that he was not worried by Cabin because "it wasn't really a horror movie, right?"

He is correct, Cabin was a comedy; A Comedy made possible now that the tropes of modern horror are so predictable that each outing is increasingly ridiculous, allowing modern audiences to laugh at what once may have shocked. Having seen Alvarez' Evil Dead (2013), I believe this question is something the director should have contemplated a bit further.

The Evil Dead (1981) is something of a sacred cow among its cult of followers. Sam Raimi and his long-suffering team of amateur filmmakers (including a young Joel Coen) inspired a generation of micro-budget filmmakers to quit film school and say, "I can do that!" And they did… over and over… But there is a special quirkiness about the Raimi brand that has yet to be replicated. Raimi's horror tends to work backwards from a comedic beat, lingering beyond the laugh to a point where the absurd becomes an uncomfortable reality that the viewer must confront--like a grinning clown.

Much like the pretenders to the throne of John Carpenter's Halloween (1978), Sam Raimi's Evil Dead inspired dozens of copycats that got the formula but not the voice. Evil Dead (2013), produced by Raimi, Tapert, and Campbell has isolated moments of absurdity that never develop into proper scares beyond their jack-in-the-box wrapping.

Enough of the intangibles, let's talk story.

Evil Dead begins with a frightened young girl running through woods, pursued by what appear to be the type of lecherous men we expect to find in Deliverance. This, of course, is a red herring, as we'll soon find out, the girl is possessed and is to be "cleansed with fire" by her father while a number of locals look on in a ritual led by an anonymous gypsy woman. The demon inside reveals itself, launching into an awkward, obscenity-laced diatribe that plays unintentionally funny to a post-Excorcist audience.

Flash forward, a group of 20-somethings arrive at the old, family cabin with the intention of isolating their detoxing friend, Mia, who--as we're told through clunky exposition--has overdosed and died once already--a fact unknown to her absent older brother, David, who has removed himself from the lives of his once close-knit circle of friends. If that sounds like the makings of a supernatural melodrama on the CW network, it probably is.

I appreciate the addition of the detox plot. It allows some natural disbelief to exist among the friends once Mia experiences the reawakened evil.

Oh and about that…

Eric (David's BFF) has discovered a flesh-covered book, wrapped in a trash bag, bound with barbed wire, lying in the basement among a dozen or so hanged, dead animals in a room which turns out to be the source of the "burnt hair" smell the group has been complaining about. Yes, the site where the unfortunate soul in the prologue was "cleansed." No need for context clues or subtlety, the film flash-cuts to the scene to remind us of that thing that just happened 5 minutes earlier.

Curiously, those who saw fit to bind the book in such a way didn't think to bury it or perhaps keep it with the gypsy woman who knew of its power.

That may seem trivial, nit-picky even, but it illustrates a fundamental problem with the remake. Some of Alvarez' changes dilute the idea. Originally, the couple that discovered the book were left to an unknown fate (unseen entirely in the first film), one that resulted in their discovery of this book lying conspicuously out in the open for Ash and his friends to find. Well, Alvarez' characters are smart enough to bind the book but not smart enough to bury it.

Ignoring the ominous, hand-written warnings to stay away from the book (which all appear to have been scribbled by an obscene 13 year old), David speaks aloud those forbidden words, "Klaatu, Barada, Nik--" oh wait, wrong movie… some strange-sounding, possibly latin shit which commences an assault on Mia who has decided to bail on her detox and drive furiously through the rain to escape the woods.

Of course, a ghostly doppleganger appears in the road and, predictably, Mia swerves rather than brake, sending her car careening into the woods.

Mia is then possessed and brings the evil back to the cabin where it proceeds to wreak predictable havoc on David, Eric, Olivia, and David's girlfriend (who has maybe 4 lines in the movie).

Despite some fantastic cinematography, solid special effects work, and a few genuinely chilling visuals, the film offers very little in the way of elevating the source material, opting to to tread, once again, those already well-worn cabin in the woods cliches.

Cliche check-list:
- Ghost appearing in the road, check.
- Crouching possessed girl being slowly approached by tepid secondary character asking, "are you okay?" x 3, check.
- Ghost appearing in bathroom mirror, check
- Look away, look back, something is there x 10, check.
- Walking slowly backwards towards demon while distracted, check.
- Machete thrusting through wall over and over, inching closer to character, check.

And so on…

This may come across as particularly harsh especially for a film that is so well made and likely to be praised by genre fans eager to see the dead returning to possess the souls of the living and mutilate their victims in increasingly bloody and outlandish ways but it is a fair criticism. Horror fans have become apologists for the genre and now simply base their lofty praise on the special effects. So long as "fans" are willing to concede to the success of the makeup department, we as a movie-going audience will forever be treated to movie experiences that play more like show reels for the KNB effects group rather than an immersive, story-driven experience.

Evil Dead, despite all that it has going for it, is just a hyper-charged, frenetic cliche. Loads of energy, gallons of blood, demon-voices swirling about in digital surround sound... all carefully paced to distract you from its woefully-inept script, poor acting (save for Jane Levy's performance), tonal inconsistency, and obvious repackaging of a product you've already been sold hundreds of times over the last 30 years.

Alright Raimi, you owe us an Army of Darkness 2 now.


**1/2 out of  ****


- Samuel Farmer for MovementMagazine.com