In 2001, after bursting onto the scene and receiving critical acclaim for his mind-bending sci-fi film “Donnie Darko,” writer-director Richard Kelly stumbled badly with his 2006 follow-up “Southland Tales.” His next major project “The Box,” opening this week, achieves neither the highs, nor lows of his previous efforts. It is, however, a thought-provoking and respectable effort, that proves Kelly is a talent and “Darko” wasn’t entirely beginner’s luck.
 Archive for the 'Movies' CategoryWho’s definitely not coming back for ‘The Hobbit’October 30th, 2009, 5:17 pm by Jayson Peters New Line Cinema Actor John Rhys-Davies recently told Empire Online that he will not be joining the cast of The Hobbit to play the father of his character from The Lord of the Rings. “Really I am not sure my face can take that sort of punishment any more,” he said in reference to the prosthetic makeup that turned him into Gimli son of Gloin — and gave him a severe allergic reaction that prompted him to ceremonially burn the mask after production wrapped. Read the rest of this entry » ‘Avatar’ trailer rammed down sports spectators’ throatsOctober 29th, 2009, 10:02 pm by Jayson Peters
 Images: Twentieth Century Fox The trailer for James Cameron’s upcoming sci-fi epic Avatar will screen Sunday on the world’s largest high-def video display at Cowboys Stadium before kickoff at the Dallas-Seattle game. Twentieth Century Fox says Avatar ads will also be shown Sunday on all Fox-affiliate regional football games and during the Phillies-Yankees World Series game. The film, shot entiredly in 3-D, opens in theaters everywhere Dec. 18. See also: Join the glorious Klingon Empire — or elseOctober 26th, 2009, 10:55 am by Jayson PetersThe twisted souls over at io9 posit that this animated Klingon propaganda film may be a viral promotion for the sequel to J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek. But even if it’s just fan media, it’s fun to watch: 
Update! More details, a follow-up video and a translation here. Netflix streaming announced for PlayStation 3October 26th, 2009, 8:28 am by Jayson Peters
To make it work, you’ll need a free, Netflix-issued Blu-ray disc that you can order here. Via The Associated Press and Kotaku Is the time of making movies Down Under over?October 18th, 2009, 3:23 pm by Jayson Peters
The reason is the power of green — or the lack thereof. As the falling U.S. dollar continues its slide, the once-sound financial strategy to film Down Under has become more expensive. George Lucas took production of his Star Wars prequels to the then-new Fox Studios Australia in Sydney. In 1998, it was a bargain. With a live-action Star Wars television series on the way, the land of koalas and kangaroos has been floated as a possible base of operations for that lucrative venture — but these days even Lucas isn’t so sure. Read the rest of this entry » Local conventions update: Horror & Sci-Fi Film FestivalOctober 16th, 2009, 2:25 pm by Jayson PetersThe International Horror & Sci-Fi Film Festival is now under way through the weekend at MADCAP Theaters in Tempe.
In addition to more than 50 films, the festival will also include parties, a gore girl competition, and discussions with filmmakers and directors. A VIP all-access pass costs $100, a flex pass of four individual screenings costs $25 and single-screening tickets cost $10. Warning: ‘Paranormal Activity’ is spreadingOctober 6th, 2009, 11:41 am by Jayson Peters
The movie, which uses “found footage” to follow a couple’s harassment by a demonic presence in their new home, will get multiple screenings at AMC’s Deer Valley theater and Harkins’ Arizona Mills and Gateway Pavilions theaters. Harkins’ Tempe Marketplace, which opened the film as a special engagement last weekend, will continue showing it throughout this weekend. You can breathe easy: No Darth Vader porn — for nowOctober 5th, 2009, 3:33 pm by Jayson Peters
The actor and former bodybuilder who wore the Sith suit in the original Star Wars trilogy was on location at an English bungalow when police forces raided the set. They’d been tipped off by neighbor who saw the camera and lighting equipment being hauled into the home and naturally assumed it was being used in the production of a skin flick. What was really being filmed, according to the U.K.’s Metro, is a movie called The Kindness of Strangers; the director’s ex-husband owns the Staffordshire home. Last week the BBC reported Mr. Prowse broke down on a busy English highway and needed police assistance (or, “used the Force”) to make it to a convention appearance. Now in his 70s, the actor, who was once also a pedestrian safety spokesman, is certainly maintaining a healthy relationship with British law enforcement personnel. That, or he has one of the most unique publicists in the realm. Zombieland’s sense of humor alive and kickingOctober 2nd, 2009, 12:08 am by Chris "KeL" Adams
Despite the abundance of gore and cannibalistic undead, “Zombieland” isn’t a horror movie. While there are a few scares and tense moments, on the whole the film is played more for laughs than for chills. Clearly taking a page from the brilliant English romantic comedy/zombie movie “Shaun of the Dead,” the characters are usually more concerned about their personal wants and needs than the ever-present threat posed by the ravenous ghouls.
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Starting next month, PlayStation 3 owners with Netflix subscriptions will be able to stream movies right to their consoles, according to 
Production of Warner Bros.’ Green Lantern has pulled up stakes from Australia, part of an overall decision by the movie studio to reassess its overseas filming operations, 
Paranormal Activity, the little horror movie that got three preview showings last weekend in Tempe, will expand to more Valley screens this Friday.
Oh, David Prowse — 
