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Tag: Film

  • Fast & Furious 7: What Happens Next?

    In the aftermath of Paul Walker’s tragic car accident on Saturday, Universal executives quickly held a conference call earlier today to discuss what many have started speculating: what will happen to Fast & Furious 7? Filming for the action movie had been underway since September, and filming was set to resume later this week in Atlanta. The actors were on break for the Thanksgiving holiday when Walker returned home to Southern California and the accident occurred.

    “The movie will be delayed but won’t be scrapped,” says The Hollywood Reporter. The movie was set to release on July 11, 2014, and Walker had reportedly signed on for two more films. Although, TMZ reports that the actors are too distraught to carry on with the project currently. “No one wants to even think about the movie…period,” the TMZ source says. Among those distraught is Fast 7 director James Wan, who expressed his immense grief on Twitter:

    Variety speculates that a major rewrite will now be inevitable, as it seems most of the footage shot thus far has been pricey action sequences and not a lot of face time, including scenes set in Abu Dhabi.

    The film is also the first in the franchise not being directed by Justin Lin, who bowed out due to the “expedited schedule” to make the July 11th release date – a date that will no longer be kept. A new release date isn’t likely to be announced until the studio decides how to handle Walker’s character, Brian O’Conner. “Universal not only needs to strike the right balance between the nature of the street racing franchise and the manner of Walker’s death, but also find a tasteful exit for his character,” Variety writes.

    Walker’s next film, Hours, which is about the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, is still slated to release in selected theaters on December 13th.

    Image via YouTube

  • Forest Whitaker, Angela Basset Talk About Their Roles in Black Nativity

    Fox Searchlight is calling its musical movie adaptation Black Nativity “the film of the season,” and stars Forest Whitaker and Angela Bassett have been giving interviews as they promote the film, which released Wednesday.

    Black Nativity is based on Langston Hughes’ play of the same name, which was originally performed Off-Broadway in December, 1961. Featuring an all-black cast, it was the first play to feature a real gospel choir.

    Kasi Lemmons wrote the screenplay and directed the film.

    Bassett said that when she read the script, “it was challenging trying to image what it would be because the vision of it really was … in the heart and in the head of … Lemmons.”

    According to Whitaker, most of the choir was “from the church.” He admitted to getting “lost in the energy of it” when the musical numbers were performed.

    Bassett described the singers as “so sincere, so authentic.”

    Besides Whitaker and Bassett, the film stars Academy Award-winner Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Tyrese Gibson, Nasir “Nas” Jones, and Vondie Curtis-Hall.

    In a modern take on the original play, the film follows a Baltimore teen, played by Jacob Latimore, to New York City after he and his single mother (played by Hudson) are evicted from their home. Latimore is to spend the holidays with his grandparents (Whitaker and Bassett) from whom his mother has been estranged for most of his life.

    Fox Searchlight clearly hopes Black Nativity will be one of those uplifting movies that is seen as perfect for the holiday season. The official website describes Latimore’s character’s experience with his grandparents in feel-good terms: “a surprising and inspirational journey … along with new friends, and a little divine intervention, he discovers the true meaning of faith, healing, and family.”



    Image via YouTube

  • Maltese Falcon Statue Sells for $4 Million

    Maltese Falcon Statue Sells for $4 Million

    The bird statue used as a prop in the 1941 film noir “The Maltese Falcon” sold for a record $4 million on Monday, during an auction of famous movie props and memorabilia.

    “The Maltese Falcon” was directed by John Huston, and stars Humphrey Bogart as womanizing private investigator Sam Spade, and Mary Astor as his “femme fatale” client. The Warner Bros.-produced film, based on the novel of the same name by Dashiell Hammett, is considered to be highly influential in the genre of film noir, which is a highly stylized crime drama, typically involving bad attitudes and sexual motivations.

    Also sold during the Bonhams New York-hosted auction, which netted over $6 million, was the Buick from “Casablanca,” as well as costumes worn by Viven Leigh, Clark Gable, Bette Davis and Cary Grant.

    Check out the 1941 trailer:

    The Maltese Falcon statue itself netted $4,085,000. Dr. Catherine Williamson, director of entertainment memorabilia for Bonhams New York, commented, “The spectacular price achieved reflects the statuette’s tremendous significance. The Maltese Falcon is arguably the most important movie prop ever, and is central to the history of cinema.” The auction was the first sale held after a partnership between Bonhams and Turner Classic Movies.

    The introductory text of “The Maltese Falcon,” appearing after the film’s opening credits reads:

    In 1539 the Knight Templars of Malta, paid tribute to Charles V of Spain, by sending him a Golden Falcon encrusted from beak to claw with rarest jewels, but pirates seized the galley carrying this priceless token and the fate of the Maltese Falcon remains a mystery to this day.

    The story then follows Bogart as a private detective, and his dealings with three unscrupulous treasure hunters, all of whom are competing to acquire a jewel-encrusted falcon statuette.”The Maltese Falcon” has been repeatedly named as one of the greatest films of all time, and was added to the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry in 1989.

    Incidentally, for any Boardwalk Empire fans reading, the character Richard Harrow, who is played by British actor Jack Huston, who is the nephew of Angelica Huston, who is the daughter of “The Maltese Falcon” director John Huston, may or may not die at the end of the season 4 finale. Small world.

    “Boardwalk Empire’s” Richard Harrow, with hobos in the woods:

    Image via Wikimedia Commons.

  • “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” Lights Up The Box Office With Huge Weekend

    It is no surprise to see which film came out on top of the box office this week with such a popular film like The Hunger Games: Catching Fire being released. After a wildly successful weekend, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire broke the November record for an opening weekend at the box office.

    The Hunger Games: Catching Fire opened with great success, earning a total of $161.1 million. It easily beat out the opening of the first film, The Hunger Games, which made $152.5 million in its debut.

    This film is the second in The Hunger Games trilogy, a series of young adult novels that were written by Suzanne Collins, and gained a great deal of popularity in the past few years, especially upon the announcement of the release of the first film.

    Only three films have ever enjoyed more success on an opening weekend than The Hunger Games: Catching Fire has already, while this also does not include the sales of the majority of Sunday’s showings.

    Those three films were The Avengers, Iron Man 3, and Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows. Many people thought that The Hunger Games: Catching Fire would be able to surpass Iron Man 3, but that film had the advantage of being released in 3-D, and was simply too hard to beat.

    The Hunger Games trilogy stars Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen. It also has an ensemble cast that has gained a lot of attention including Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth in two biggest roles. Also present are Woody Harrelson, Jena Malone, Elizabeth Banks, Donald Sutherland, and more.

    The huge popularity of The Hunger Games series has even sparked enough attention for people to think about building a Hunger Games theme park, which could be built in the near future for those really big fans that want to see everything that they witnessed in the films in person. As some people know, this was already done for Harry Potter, with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, Florida.

    The Hunger Games: Catching Fire proved to have virtually no competition, as the second place earner at the box office, Thor: The Dark World made only $14.1 million, with third place being The Best Man Holiday, which made $12.5 million.

    On any weekend that a top film like The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is released, it seems virtually impossible for another film in the theater to even come close, and with a November record at the box office, the top film of the weekend was without a doubt, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. The film managed to snag 70% of the domestic weekend’s total gross.

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  • J.R.R. Tolkien Biopic Film Is In The Making

    Have you ever wondered what went on in the mind of the man who created the popular Lord Of The Rings and The Hobbit novels?

    There is now a film in the works that is being developed about the well-known author’s life, taking a closer look at what caused him to write the books that have become one of the most popular trilogies of all time.

    The biopic film has almost become a genre of its own in recent years with the big productions done with films such as Walk The Line, Ray and others. Now fans of his famous fantasy books will get a chance at a closer look at J.R.R. Tolkien. There is no doubt that it will be well-received after the success of his books, and the films that were adapted from them.

    The question is, who could play such an icon? There has been no casting done on the film yet, but the film is in the development stage with a script being penned by David Gleeson.

    Fox Searchlight and Peter Chernin’s Chernin Entertainment are currently working to develop the project, which would chronicle the big moments that had an impact on J.R.R. Tolkien’s life. Tolkien wrote The Hobbit in 1937, and began his Lord Of The Rings trilogy in 1954.


    J.R.R Tolkien certainly led an interesting life, and one that is worth exposing to those who are not familiar with him. Before writing his famous books, he fought in World War I, and he was a code breaker in waiting during World War II. He was also known for his friendship with C.S. Lewis, who wrote The Chronicles of Narnia.

    It is surprising that such an iconic author has not been given a biopic film already, however with the reemergence of the Lord of The Rings popularity through the films, it seems that this may be the best time to do it.

    Before the J.R.R Tolkien film goes into production however, fans can get excited for the final two films that will be adapted from his books. The new hobbit film is set to come out next month, with The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug due to hit theaters on December 13th. The Hobbit: There And Back Again is already set to be released on December 17th, 2014, getting fans excited over a year ahead of time.

    Image via Youtube

  • Pixar Layoffs Affect Nearly Five Percent Due to “The Good Dinosaur” Delay

    Pixar Layoffs Affect Nearly Five Percent Due to “The Good Dinosaur” Delay

    Walt Disney Studio’s subunit, Pixar Animation Studios, has laid-off nearly five percent of its workforce due to delays of an impending film, “The Good Dinosaur.”

    Approximately 60 out of 1,200 workers at the Emeryville, Calif., location was cut from the project.

    In August, the original director, Bob Peterson, was removed from the film. Then a month later, the movie’s release date was pushed back from May 30, 2014 to Nov. 25, 2015.

    It’s clear that Pixar is undergoing a lot of changes. In October, Pixar Canada shut down after only three years, which a Disney spokesman claimed was the result of a decision to move all further operations to Emeryville.

    “A decision was made to refocus operations and resources under the one roof,” Barb Matheson told The Province. “Staff [was] just told today. Not great news, obviously. It was just a refocusing of efforts and resources to the one facility.”

    After 80 layoffs and the shut down of Pixar Vancouver Studios, this is yet another episode that the business hopes to use as a way to improve their company’s performance.

    “At Pixar, we are constantly re-evaluating the creative and business needs of our studio,” a Pixar representative reported to Los Angeles Times. “With the release date change of ‘The Good Dinosaur,’ we have realigned our production and support priorities, which includes a small reduction in our staffing levels.”

    Pixar is known for numerous successful films such as, “Toy Story”, “Finding Nemo” and “Monsters Inc.” However, this will be the first time since 2005 that the company doesn’t release a yearly film.

    “The Good Dinosaur” is said to be a very humorous film that paints a fairytale of asteroids never hitting Earth, ultimately resulting in humans and dinosaurs living together in harmony. Arlo, a loving Apatosaurus, goes on a journey that leads him to his human companion named Spot.

    The upcoming film is to be co-directed by Peter Sohn. Voice actors include Frances McDormand, Neil Patrick Harris, and John Lithgow.

    Image Credit: Youtube, Watchit Dekho

  • Cary Elwes Set to Write ‘Princess Bride’ Memoir

    Cary Elwes Set to Write ‘Princess Bride’ Memoir

    If you are familiar with the quote, “My name is Inigo Montoya. You Killed my father. Prepare to die!” you’ll probably be psyched to know that Cary Elwes, who played Westley in the cult classic The Princess Bride, is said to be penning a memoir about his experience filming the movie.

    As You Wish: Tales From the Princess Bride, named after Westley’s well-remembered line to Princess Buttercup, played by Robin Wright, will be co-written by Joe Layden, and feature interviews with Billy Crystal, Wright and other cast members. Rob Reiner, who directed the film, will contribute a foreword.

    Elwes says a cast reunion at the New York Film Festival in 2012, in which a celebration of the 25th anniversary of the film was held, inspired him to write the book.

    “It was a joy to work on such a magical film with an amazing cast of talented actors and friends,” Elwes said in a statement. “It will be great fun to revisit The Princess Bride and to share my fond memories of the unforgettable experience we all had.”

    The Princess Bride tells the tale of Westley, a young farm boy who is searching for his love, the princess, after being apart from her for five years. He meets a plethora of quirky and hilarious characters, and comedy ensues.

    Elwes and others took to Twitter to share their excitement over the book:

    Although Elwes has been featured in many movies since playing in The Princess Bride in 1987, including Hot Shots!, Twister, Days of Thunder and New Year’s Eve, some would say Westley was his most famous role.

    Touchstone plans on debuting the book in the fall of 2014. Have fun stormin’ da castle!

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Here Are Some Titles You’re About To See On Netflix

    As you know, content comes and goes on Netflix. Each week, we’re bringing you a list of titles that you’ll be able to stream in the U.S. in the coming days.

    Since last time, news has come out that Netflix will be bringing back The Killing for one more season. Interestingly, Netflix is helping shows from other networks get endings. Netflix has also put out a new clip from its forthcoming Justin Timberlake-produced documentary The Short Game.

    Available on 11/22:

    Red Dawn (2012)

    Chris Hemsworth, Josh Peck, Josh Hutcherson, Adrianne Palicki, Connor Cruise

    When North Korean military forces invade American soil and try to pacify citizens in one community, a group of teens elude capture and organize a resistance. But their uprising faces an adversary determined to stomp out their grass-roots rebellion.

    Available on 11/23:

    Last Call at the Oasis (2011)

    Erin Brockovich, Jay Famiglietti, Peter H. Gleick, Robert Glennon, Tyrone Hayes

    This compelling documentary explores the global water crisis, examining deficiencies in the supply system and communities affected by water shortages. Scientists, activists and social entrepreneurs shed light on this shocking and pervasive problem.

    Brotherhood of the Traveling Rants (2013)

    When an author decides to turn his book tour into a stand-up comedy tour, he enlists his best friend from high school to come along. They haven’t seen each other in 20 years but quickly fall into their old habits of outrageous behavior.

    My Week with Marilyn (2011)

    Michelle Williams, Eddie Redmayne, Kenneth Branagh, Dominic Cooper, Julia Ormond, Emma Watson, Judi Dench

    While filming a movie in England, Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe slips away with a young Brit for a week of self-discovery and frivolity. The story that ensues is based on the real-life memoirs of Colin Clark, once assistant to Sir Laurence Olivier.

    Available on 11/25:

    Robin Hood (1973 Disney Version)

    With King Richard off to the Crusades, Prince John and his slithering minion, Sir Hiss, set about taxing Nottingham’s citizens with support from the corrupt sheriff — and staunch opposition by the wily Robin Hood and his band of merry men.

    The Sword in the Stone (1963 Disney Version)

    A humble young squire named Wart allies himself with the powerful magician Merlin and discovers his destiny. No one would have guessed that a sword trapped in a churchyard stone would transform Wart into the legendary King Arthur.

    Video Game High School: Seasons 1-2

    When Brian unknowingly goes up against — and beats — a high-ranking gamer called “The Law,” he’s swiftly admitted to the prestigious Video Game High School, where the best of the best come to learn everything there is to know about gaming.

    The Iceman (2013)

    Michael Shannon, Winona Ryder, Chris Evans, Ray Liotta, David Schwimmer, James Franco

    This thriller based on a true story follows Richard Kuklinski, who killed more than 100 people for the mob — and his own pleasure — between 1964 and 1986. Despite his prolific violence, Kuklinski was a devoted husband and father of two daughters.

    Sins & Secrets: Season 3

    Each episode of this gritty investigative series highlights a notorious crime in a different city, exploring the community where the crime occurred, detailing how justice was served and offering a look at the aftermath.

    Available on 11/26:

    For the Love of Movies: The Story of American Film Criticism

    Patricia Clarkson, A.O. Scott, Rex Reed, Elvis Mitchell, Lisa Schwarzbaum, Roger Ebert, B. Ruby Rich

    Filmmaker Gerald Peary directs this insightful documentary that examines the oft-misunderstood world of film criticism and explores what the future holds for the underappreciated art form in the expanding Internet era. Filled with an assortment of the country’s most respected critics, Peary’s film features appearances by Kenneth Turan, Elvis Mitchell, A.O. Scott, and arguably the most recognizable film critic of all time, Roger Ebert.

    Available on 11/28:

    Cake Boss: Season 7

    Master baker Buddy Valastro is the spirited, dedicated boss at Carlo’s Bake Shop in Hoboken, N.J., where he and his extended family turn out one-of-a-kind confectionery creations and abundant culinary drama in this popular reality series.

    More recently added titles here.

    Image: The Iceman (YouTube)

  • Monty Python Is Back On For A Reunion Stage Show

    Everyone needs more Monty Python in their lives right? Well, some people certainly do, and for those lucky fans of the hit films and television shows, the group has decided to get back together for a reunion show. The group of famous comedy actors made famous under the direction of Terry Gilliam is making a comeback almost 45 years since their first television shows together.

    Each of the different actors involved with the original show have taken different paths as their careers have evolved, but fans will always remember them most for their Monty Python roles.

    The group first appeared in the sketch comedy show Monty Python’s Flying Circus, and following that, the group made the incredibly popular film Monty Python And The Holy Grail.

    Terry Jones, confirmed the news when telling BBC News that “We’re getting together and putting on a show – it’s real. I’m quite excited about it. I hope it makes us a lot of money.” The original Monty Python group seems to be very excited about the reunion, and fans of their comedy certainly will be too.

    Monty Python’s Life Of Brian and Monty Python’s The Meaning Of Life gained popularity as well, but have never been held with such high regard as the original film. The comedians are all in their 70s now, which could make for a different type of show, and would it really be as good as their original stuff?

    The five living members of the Monty Python group are made up of John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Michael Palin and Eric Idle, and the sixth member of their group, Graham Chapman died in 1989 after being diagnosed wtih cancer.

    Terry Gilliam has probably been in the spotlight more than any of the others since the group quit, making such cult films as Brazil, 12 Monkeys, and Fear In Loathing In Las Vegas. John Cleese has also become a well-known actor appearing in several films including A Fish Called Wanda, Palin makes travel documentaries, Idle is responsible for writing Spamalot, and Jones has written some film scripts including Labyrinth.

    How do fans feel about the reunion? Would you watch it? Discuss.

    The Monty Python reunion stage show is a big deal for fans, since it has been a long time for the group to be seen on stage or on the screen together. The last time that they appeared together was in 2009 at their fortieth anniversary celebrations in New York.

    Image via Youtube

  • Netflix Releases New Clip From Upcoming Timberlake-Produced Documentary ‘The Short Game’

    Earlier this month, Netflix announced that it acquired the award-winning documentary The Short Game. The company considers this its first original documentary.

    The film is about several seven-year-old golfers, who train to compete in the World Championships of Junior Golf. It’s produced by Rafael Marmor, Christopher Leggett, and Josh Greenbaum, and executive produced by Jessica Biel, Justin Timberlake, Timm Oberwelland, John Battsek and David Frankel.

    You can see the trailer here, but Netflix has now uploaded a new clip from the film to YouTube:

    Netflix also recently acquired the documentaries BrideGroom and The Square. The former is currently available to watch, and the latter is due out early next year.

    The Short Game will be released on Netflix on December 12th.

  • Noah, Starring Russell Crowe, Debuts First Trailer [Video]

    Noah, Russell Crowe’s long anticipated film has finally released its first trailer. The film tells the biblical story of Noah, who of course, was the one who was instructed by God to round up all of the animals and brought them on to his ark, before the world flooded.

    Due to the complexity, and elaborate nature of the film, it has already been delayed, and is now set to come out on March 28, 2014. Ironically, what ultimately delayed the film’s filming, and subsequent release was actually Hurricane Sandy.

    The film is set up to be an epic adventure, just like the one that took place in the Old Testament, and with Darren Anofsky as the director, viewers have come to expect great things. Before this film, Arnofsky has done artsy films, and has already received an Oscar nomination for his work on Black Swan. He has also directed The Wrestler, Pi, The Fountain, and Requiem For A Dream.

    This story also introduces audiences to Tubal-Cain, played by Ray Winstone, who is Noah’s arch-nemesis, and reminds Noah where his allegiance should lie, and to respect his King.

    Russell Crowe plays the title role of Noah in the film, but in addition to his role, there is an excellent supporting cast including Emma Watson, Jennifer Connelly, and Anthony Hopkins. Connelly plays his wife, while Watson plays the daughter of Noah.

    Before the trailer debuted today, E Online also released a sneak peek for the film yesterday, in order to get people excited.

    Now, if that didn’t get people excited for the trailer, and its upcoming film, then it is hard to know what would.

    Image via Youtube

  • Fifty Shades Of Grey Pushes Back Release Date

    For all those that are following the buzz around Fifty Shades Of Grey, and its upcoming film, it has now been announced that the release date has been moved.

    After all of the acting controversy that has gone on, it only makes sense that the date of its release will get pushed back.

    Any women that were hoping to see Christian Grey on the big screen will have to wait even longer.

    However, it may be a bit easier to drag their date along to the film, now that the film’s release date has been moved to Valentine’s Day. Fifty Shades Of Grey will be given a release date of February 13, 2015.

    The film was originally scheduled to come out next summer, on August 1st, and while it was set to be a girls night out film, it may turn into a date night for couples on Valentine’s Day with the new release date. The news comes after the studio announced that it had pushed back the start of production in Vancouver back a month, in order to transition with their new star, Jamie Dornan.

    Universal Pictures chairman Donna Langley told Entertainment Weekly in regards to Fifty Shades Of Grey‘s release date, “Together with the international marketing and distribution team, we’ve been looking really closely at the August date and becoming more and more convinced that the right thing to do for the movie was to push it.” She went on to say that even if Hunnam had stayed, they would have likely moved the date.

    Dornan took over the role, after the drama that ensued when Charlie Hunnam backed out, due to his scheduling conflicts as the star of Sons Of Anarchy. The cast has changed quite a bit, and there has been speculation on who would be able to portray the role of Christian Grey, but after things have all been set, fans will now have to wait over a year for the release. Dakota Johnson has also been set as the female lead in the film.

    Fifty Shades Of Grey is based on the novel by E.L James, and is told in a very erotic nature, appealing to many women.

    Image via Facebook

  • That Minecraft Documentary Is Now Free To Watch On YouTube

    That Minecraft Documentary Is Now Free To Watch On YouTube

    Late last year, 2 Player Productions released a documentary called Minecraft: The Story of Mojang. The film explored the origins of Minecraft and the immense impact it has had on the gaming community and players all around the world. Since its release, you could purchase the film for as little as $8, but now it’s free.

    2 Player Productions released the entirety of Minecraft: The Story of Mojang on YouTube today. The one-hour-and-44-minute film is all here for your viewing pleasure on everybody’s not-so-favorite-anymore video streaming portal.

    Of course, the fun part of it being on YouTube means that you can watch the entire film below. So grab a snack, get comfortable and get ready to watch one of the best gaming documentaries ever made:

    If you liked the film and want to support the super talented guys over at 2 Player Productions, you can purchase the 2-disc DVD Limited Edition of the documentary over at their Web site. You can also pick up the C418 composed soundtrack while you’re at it.

    [Image: 2PlayerProductions/YouTube]

  • Tilda Swinton Honored at MoMA on 53rd Birthday

    Until Tuesday night, actress Tilda Swinton hadn’t had a birthday party since she was nine years-old. But her 53rd birthday fête at the Museum of Modern Art changed all of that.

    “We had a trampoline,” Swinton said of her ninth birthday party. “But who knew that 53 would top even that?”

    The star-studded guest list included Jessica Biel, David Bowie, designer Karl Lagerfeld, director Sofia Coppola, and Vogue editor Anna Wintour. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg forwent watching election results to honor Swinton, saying: ” … later on, whoever wins, I’m going to call them and congratulate them.”

    Ralph Fiennes, who co-stars with Swinton in the forthcoming Grand Budapest Hotel, co-chaired the event. Wes Anderson, who directs the movie and also directed Swinton in Moonrise Kingdom, said in a statement read by Fiennes that Swinton is “almost the color of a cloud … Yet everything pales beside her.”

    Another of Swinton’s directors attended the MoMA event to celebrate her birthday. Bong Joon-ho directed Swinton in the upcoming Snowpiercer. He sang Swinton’s praises and told the crowd how, in atypical Hollywood style, she actually asked to look uglier for her role in the film, demanding false teeth, a “piggy” nose, and sagging breasts.

    New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde performed at the event:

    At one point during the evening, a montage of Swinton’s work was shown, featuring clips from Orlando, Burn After Reading, and Michael Clayton. Swinton received an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her work in Michael Clayton.

    Image via Facebook

  • ‘The Short Game’ (Which Counts Justin Timberlake Among Its Producers) Will Be The First Netflix Original Documentary

    It seems like only yesterday that Netflix announced that it acquired an award-winning documentary – its first “major” acquisition in its original documentary initiative (Netflix’s words). That’s probably because it was only yesterday.

    Today’s another day, and Netflix has announced that it has added another award-winning film to its original documentary slate: The Short Game. This one, Netflix says, is actually its “first” original documentary.

    You remember that last month, Netflix acquired the documentary BrideGroom, which debuted on the service last week.

    On Monday, Netflix announced that it acquired The Square, which is already generating Oscar buzz. It’s already been screening with the Netflix logo in New York and LA, but won’t actually debut on Netflix until early next year.

    So, just to sort things out, while Netflix acquired and debuted BrideGroom earlier, the film is not considered a Netflix original. While The Square is considered its first “major” acquisition in the original documentary initiative, it won’t debut until next year. That brings us to The Short Game, which will actually debut on December 12th technically making it the first Netflix original documentary.

    The film follows the lives of a handful of “the best 7-year old golfers in the world” as they train to compete in the World Championsjhips of Junior Golf. It’s produced by Rafael Marmor, Christopher Leggett, and Josh Greenbaum, and executive produced by Jessica Biel, Justin Timberlake, Timm Oberwelland, John Battsek and David Frankel.

    Here’s the trailer:

    Earlier this year, Netflix disclosed its plans to offer more original documentaries and stand-up comedy specials. They’re really cranking away at these now.

    In addition to the aforementioned documentaries, Netflix has recently put out original/exclusive stand-up performances from John Hodgman, Rob Schneider, Marc Maron, Kathleen Madigan, Aziz Ansari and Russell Peters (whose special release was accompanied by an original docu-series).

    Netflix has recently said that it is doubling its investment in original content, and that means more original series, more stand-up specials and more original documentaries. Now, they’re even talking about movies.

    2013 has been a fascinating year for the company as its original content initiative has really kicked into gear (and already garnered fourteen Emmy nominations and a few wins). With new seasons of its existing shows and premieres of other shows, in addition to all of this other original content, 2014 should be an even bigger year for Netflix.

    Image: Netflix (YouTube)

  • Netflix May Be Looking For An Oscar To Put Next To Its Emmy

    Netflix made television history earlier this year when its original shows were nominated for a total of fourteen Emmys, and then again, when one of its shows won three (House of Cards). Now, Netflix could be poised to make a similar mark in the movie industry.

    The company announced today that it has made what it calls the first “major” acquisition for its original documentary initiative – a film about the uprising in Egypt called The Square.

    I found that wording interesting, considering that just last month, Netflix announced that it had acquired another award-winning documentary in the heartfelt tragedy BrideGroom, which just debuted on the streaming service last week.

    Netflix’s playing up of this latest acquisition may have to do with aspirations of winning one of its titles an Academy Award. Apparently, The Square has already been generating some Oscar buzz, and according to The Los Angeles Times, is getting a “self-financed Oscar-qualifying run in New York and Los Angeles and is tabbed as a favorite in the documentary category.”

    The film has reportedly already been screening, bearing the Netflix logo.

    Now, as Netflix is looking to really break into the movie business, an early Oscar would surely make the endeavor run much more smoothly.

    Of course, a well-received Arrested Development film could help too.

    Image: Arrested Development (YouTube)

  • Netflix Acquires Documentary ‘The Square,’ Considers It Its First Major Doc

    Netflix just announced another documentary acquisition, calling this one its first “major” one for its original documentary initiative.

    Apparently it’s already getting some Oscar buzz.

    The film is The Square. It’s described as “a riveting, deeply human chronicle of the Egyptian protest movement.”

    Netflix gives a more detailed description in its announcement:

    The film captures the immediacy and intensity of the protests in Tahrir Square from the 2011 overthrow of military leader Hosni Mubarak through the ousting of Mohammed Morsi in 2013, providing a kaleidoscopic, visceral portrait of the events as they unfold before Magdy, a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, Khalid Abdalla, an Egyptian actor who played the lead in “The Kite Runner” and the charismatic Ahmed, whose poetic storytelling carries the narrative. Armed with nothing more than cameras, social media, deep consciousness, and a resolute commitment to change, these young revolutionaries give us a front-line perspective of the ongoing struggle fought with new weapons.

    It’s directed by Jehane Noujaim (Control Room, Startup.com, Rafea: Solar Mama) and produced by Karim Amer (Rafea: Solar Mama).

    “We are thrilled to be presenting an amazing film that brings to life in such a deeply human way one of the most important events of our time,” said Lisa Nishimura, Netflix VP of Original Documentary Programming. “‘The Square’ is documentary filmmaking at the highest level – a beautifully constructed chronicle of brave people struggling against insurmountable odds to make their country a much better place. One knows that history is unfolding on the screen before you when watching ‘The Square’.”

    “Our dream for ‘The Square’ is to inspire the hearts of as many people as possible and by working with Netflix, we can insure the film reaches a wide and diverse audience. Nothing about the making of this film has followed the norms and that’s what makes it exciting. It is crucial for us as filmmakers, who have shot a documentary about people risking and losing their lives for their beliefs, to create a spirit of possibility,” said Noujaim.

    “We see the deep value that Netflix places in this story of a very alive moment in world history and are thrilled they understand the power of this film to move, disrupt and inspire audiences worldwide,” said Amer.

    An earlier version of the film won the Audience Award at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. It was also an official selection at the 2013 New York Film Festival.

    Netflix will make The Square available to its entire global membership. It will debut in early 2014.

    While Netflix may consider The Square to be its first major documentary, Netflix also acquired the award-winning BrideGroom last month, and just premiered it last week.

    Image: YouTube

  • Victor Rasuk: New Actor Added To 50 Shades Of Grey

    Victor Rasuk is the latest actor to be added to the anticipated adaptation of 50 Shades of Grey. Whether or not someone is a fan of the books and looking forward to the film or not, it has been hard to avoid all of the controversy going around about the film.

    The big story for a long time was about who would be play the character of Christian Grey, a role that finally went to Jamie Dornan after Sons Of Anarchy star Charlie Hunnam was forced to back out of the role.

    After all the delay in casting the main character, Rasuk has now been cast to play Grey’s rival, in his quest for his love Anastasia Steele.

    Rasuk had his breakthrough role in Raising Victor Vargas, and later starred in Lords of Dogtown. He also appeared in Jobs, the Steve Jobs biopic, earlier this year. He is perhaps most well-known for his role on How To Make It In America, a show that lasted only 16 episodes on HBO.

    In the film Victor Rasuk will play Jose Rodriguez, an aspiring photographer and classmate with Steele. His close friendship with the girl leads him to rival Grey, as he quickly wants more than just a friendship with the young beauty, played by Dakota Johnson.

    50 Shades of Grey is based on the novel by E.L. James, and is being directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson. The best selling novel is filled with sex and romance, and was a big favorite for many women in recent years.

    The casting for such a film is always a difficult task, but it seems to be finally coming together with Victor Rasuk being added as one of the final main characters to the story. Jennifer Ehle has also been added to the cast as Steele’s mother.

    Image via Youtube

  • Limp Bizkit’s Fred Durst Developing TV Drama

    Fred Durst, the front-man for the popular 90’s group Limp Bizkit, is deciding to venture into the realm of television. He is working on developing a drama series that will center around his own life and career. He has recently took a hiatus from music in order to concentrate on production projects in both film and television.

    Limp Bizkit formed in 1994, and is known for their hit songs “Nookie,” “Rollin,” and “Break Stuff.”

    The series will be given the title The Noise, and the plot is said to chronicle the rise of a young artist in the 90’s after escaping a difficult home life to form a popular band with a unique sound.

    The show will be be an hour-long drama, and air on the CW network. In addition to being the creator, Fred Durst is also the executive producer on the show, with Miles Feld writing the script.

    Many people will be surprised to hear it, but this is actually the second time that Fred Durst, after leaving Limp Bizkit, has been involved with a television show about his life.

    Two years ago, CBS developed the sitcom Douchebag, featuring a musician that balancing his wild ways with his young family.

    Although Limp Bizkit has been a virtually unheard of band since the time of their popularity, they have released an album as recently as 2011, and are set to release another in 2014, “Stampede of The Disco Elephants.” They released a new single called “Ready To Go,” featuring Lil’ Jon earlier this summer.

    Fred Durst was the executive producer on the film Pawn Shop Chronicles, which was released earlier this years. Additionally, his film career has included directing The Education of Charlie Banks, starring Jesse Eisenberg, and The Longshots, starring Ice Cube. He has also played himself in a handful of films, and Limp Bizkit was featured on several film soundtracks.

    With Limp Bizkit releasing a new album next year, they look to be making a comeback, while Fred Durst continues to look for success in the film and television industry.

    Image via Youtube

  • If ‘Walking Dead’ Were Real, Could Zombies Really Walk?

    So AMC has renewed zombie-smashing hit series The Walking Dead for a fifth season, but after five years of shambling around trying to munch the brains of Rick Grimes & co., would there be enough of the zombies left for them to continue walking?

    A forensic consultant with Rutgers University-Camden, Kimberlee Sue Moran, thinks the dead would be more threatening to the water table than your brain cavity. “At the root of decomposition is liquefaction,” she said, noting that when the body dies, it immediately begins eating itself from the inside in a process called autolysis.

    “Within three days, you would see signs of decomposition, so the body would not be stable enough to run around,” Moran notes. “Rigor mortis is like a body-wide cramp, which would make it hard for the zombie to move… You hear about friendly bacteria and probiotics all the time, and they are friendly until the body dies, then they get a bit hungry.”

    The living bacteria from our dead guts continues living after our bodies cease to function, and as a result, the body bloats as the bacteria leaves waste in the form of gas. Those byproducts, and the bacteria themselves, are responsible for pale zombie skin tint.

    But what if the brain were reanimated, and those necessary body functions were not stopped, but slowed? “You need the frontal lobe to see and certain parts of the brain to make your arms and legs move, but none of that is possible without oxygen and blood,” Moran says. “The brain is made of cells, so if all the other cells are liquifying, so would the brain.”

    “In the movie Resident Evil,” Moran continued, “they said it was a very primitive part of the brain that drives basic instincts like hunger. But sleep and reproduction are also basic instincts and that’s not taking place in any of these stories. Taking in nutrients is not going to serve any purpose for the zombie.”

    So what drove Moran’s interests into exploring the plausibility of the zombie? The Danny Boyle bio-thriller 28 Days Later. “28 Days Later caused my irrational fear of zombies because they were biological agent-driven zombies… Part of fear is trying to rationalize what is happening and find ways around it.”

    [Image via Gene Page/AMCTV.com]

  • Sharknado Is Coming To Netflix In A Few Days

    Sharknado was the talk of the Internet back in the summer, and it’s finally about to become available to stream on Netflix, meaning many will get their first chance to see it.

    We’ve just learned that the movie will hit Netflix on November 5th (you can already get the DVD if you use Netflix’s DVD-by-mail service).

    Sharknado streaming on netflix

    Sharknado is a SyFy original, and even made its way to the big screen. That’s not something that happens with these films very often. But with a cast like Ian Ziering, Tara Reid and John Heard, it just makes sense. The description is as follows:

    When a freak hurricane swamps Los Angeles, thousands of sharks are swept up in tornadoes and deposited all over the city, where they terrorize the shocked residents. Among them is bar owner Fin, who must rescue his estranged wife and daughter.

    What did you think it would be?

    Enjoy.

    Sharknado 2: The Second One is slated for a 2014 release.

    Images: SyFy (YouTube) / Netflix