Coming in 2012 from Eros

Mumbai, 29th December 2011: Eros International Media Ltd (EIML), a leading global company in the Indian film entertainment industry, has announced the theatrical release dates of some of its powerful line-up for the first half of 2012. Post a very successful 2011, which had some of the biggest and prestigious films of the year like Ra.One, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Rockstar, Chalo Dilli, Bol and Desi Boyz coming from the Eros banner, Eros is now geared up for a promising 2012. The company releases more than 75 films in a year across different languages and has clear visibility of more than 50 films in the next 12-18 months, out of which the release dates of some of the key global rights films are listed below.

Eros to start its new year with a bang with the release of highly anticipated action-adventure Agent Vinod on the 23rd of March 2012. Starring Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor, Agent Vinod, is a Saif Ali Khan and Dinesh Vijan’s Illuminati Films co-production with Eros International, directed by Sriram Raghavan. The other key cast include Ravi Kishan, Adil Hussain, Ram Kapoor and Prem Chopra.

Post the stupendous box-office performance of Housefull, Eros International joins hands once again with Sajid Nadiadwala to bring to the fans the sequel to this much enjoyed comic caper - Housefull 2 on the 5th of April 2012. Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and directed by the unmatchable Sajid Khan, Housefull 2 promises to bring the house on fire yet again with its leading starcast of Askhay Kumar, John Abraham, Riteish Deshmukh, Asin and Jaqueline Fernandes.

Next on the calendar is the untitled co-production between Kunal Kohli Productions and Eros International starring Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra. Directed by Kunal Kohli, the film to release in cinemas on the 22nd of June.

Illuminati Films and Eros International collaborate once again for their untitled Production No. 3, which is a contemporary love story written by Imtiaz Ali, directed by Homi Adajania and starring Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, Diana Penty, Dimple Kapadia, Boman Irani and Randeep Hooda. The film releases in cinemas on 13th July 2012.

Talking about the line-up, Nandu Ahuja, SVP – India Theatrical, Eros International, said: “We have an exciting line up for the coming year, and we are expecting these films to garner some good numbers in the first half of the year.”

For further information please visit: www.erosintl.com

Peter Jackson shows us the logistics of The Hobbit

Merry Christmas from Hobbiton. This time we have a look at what it takes to get the epic The Hobbit on the road. From kilos of toilet paper to portable toilets that all have to be squeezed into trucks and driven to the middle of nowhere. Then they have to be set up into a "small town" before everyone else turns up.

The adventure follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers.

Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever…Gollum.

Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities … A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.

“The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” will be released beginning December 14, 2012. The second film, “The Hobbit: There and Back Again,” is slated for release the following year, beginning December 13, 2013.
© 2012 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. AND METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER PICTURES INC.

The Woman In Black gets some more images

We have just been sent over a couple of new images for the new Hammer film, The Woman In Black. not only that we have a new poster to go along side this one. As always, click on any of the images to see a bigger version.

During afternoon tea there is a shift in the air,
A bone trembling chill that tells you she’s there,
There are those who believe that the whole town is cursed,
That the house in the marsh is by far the worst,
What she wants is unknown but she always comes back,
The spectre of darkness, The Woman in Black.

Based on the classic ghost story, THE WOMAN IN BLACK tells the tale of Arthur Kipps (Daniel Radcliffe), a lawyer who is forced to leave his young son and travel to a remote village to attend to the affairs of the recently deceased owner of Eel Marsh House.

Working alone in the old mansion, Kipps begins to uncover the town’s tragic and tortured secrets and his fears escalate when he discovers that local children have been disappearing under mysterious circumstances. When those closest to him become threatened by the vengeful woman in black, Kipps must find a way to break the cycle of terror.

THE WOMAN IN BLACK also stars Ciaran Hinds (TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY) and Janet McTeer (TUMBLEWEEDS), was adapted from Susan Hill’s novel for the screen by Jane Goldman (KICK ASS) and directed by James Watkins (EDEN LAKE).

Released in cinemas across the UK and Ireland February 10, 2012
For more information visit Facebook or the official site

Bel Ami

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Based on the novel by Guy de Maupassant, BEL AMI chronicles the rise of penniless ex-soldier Georges Duroy (Robert Pattinson, THE TWILIGHT SAGA, REMEMBER ME) through the echelons of the 1890s Parisian elite and is a tale of ambition, power and seduction. Also starring Uma Thurman, Kristin Scott Thomas, Christina Ricci and Colm Meaney.  BEL AMI is a timeless epic with a modern twist. A Dangerous Liaisons for a new generation.

Bel Ami hits UK cinemas March 2, 2012 from Studiocanal.

Tim Minchin pulled from Ross

If you have missed the current round of comics being censored because it may have caused offense to a minority of viewers, then here's what happened.

Tim Minchin wrote, and sang, a song that should have been on tonight's The Jonathan Ross Show. however, after performing the item, the song was pulled for "editorial reasons" by ITV’s Director of Television, Peter Fincham in fear of the moral minority may have something to say. He also wrote a whiney blog post about the whole affair.

When the story broke, it got me thinking about this performance that was pulled from Late Night with David Letterman. It was from the late, great, comedian Bill Hicks. This was pulled under similar circumstances but, it seems, that it wasn't for "editorial reasons" but to keep advertisers happy.

To end, like Tim did on the recording of the show, the plug. Tim Minchen has a new DVD out called Tim Minchin and The Heritage Orchestra - Live at The Royal Albert Hall and is available to buy now.

Bilbo gets a new image

After yesterday's launch of the teaser trailer, Warner Bros. has now released a new image. We have already seen images of Bilbo and the Dwarves but not them in the same show. This has now changed.

The adventure follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers.

Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever…Gollum.

Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities … A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.

“The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” will be released beginning December 14, 2012. The second film, “The Hobbit: There and Back Again,” is slated for release the following year, beginning December 13, 2013.
© 2012 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. AND METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER PICTURES INC.

The Dark Knight Rises gets some images

A couple of days ago we saw the launch of the first trailer. Now, Warner Bros. has released two new images from the film.

Leading an all-star international cast, Oscar® winner Christian Bale (“The Fighter”) again plays the dual role of Bruce Wayne/Batman. The film also stars Anne Hathaway, as Selina Kyle; Tom Hardy, as Bane; Oscar® winner Marion Cotillard (“La Vie en Rose”), as Miranda Tate; and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, as John Blake. Returning to the main cast, Oscar® winner Michael Caine (“The Cider House Rules”) plays Alfred; Gary Oldman is Commissioner Gordon; and Oscar® winner Morgan Freeman (“Million Dollar Baby”) reprises the role of Lucius Fox.

The screenplay is written by Christopher Nolan and Jonathan Nolan, story by Christopher Nolan & David S. Goyer. The film is produced by Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan and Charles Roven, who previously teamed on “Batman Begins” and the record-breaking blockbuster “The Dark Knight.” The executive producers are Benjamin Melniker, Michael E. Uslan, Kevin De La Noy and Thomas Tull, with Jordan Goldberg serving as co-producer. The film is based upon characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. Batman was created by Bob Kane.

Flying into UK cinemas July 20, 2012
© 2012 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. AND LEGENDARY PICTURES FUNDING, LLC

Are you Naughty or Nice?

It's the Christmas Avengers! With a mighty group of our childhood heroes, they form an alliance to keep the world from descending into perpetual darkness. The only item that has been released is the poster of, well I'll let you figure it out for yourself. Just remember to be nice around him!

RISE OF THE GUARDIANS is an epic adventure that tells the story of a group of heroes — each with extraordinary abilities. When an evil spirit known as Pitch lays down the gauntlet to take over the world, the immortal Guardians must join forces for the first time to protect the hopes, beliefs and imagination of children all over the world.

Skating into cinemas December 2012

Total Recall gets an image

Sony has just released the first image for the upcoming remake of the 1990 Arnie classic, Total Recall. This time we have Colin Farrell as Quaid.

As the nation states Euromerica and New Shanghai vie for supremacy, a factory worker (Farrell) begins to suspect that he's a spy, though he is unaware which side of the fight he's on.

In UK cinemas August 22, 2012
Find out more at totalrecall-movie.co.uk

Help Daniel Radcliffe and vote for your favourite ghost story

Daniel Radcliffe, the star of upcoming ghost story chiller, THE WOMAN IN BLACK, invites YouTube users to vote for their favourite ghost story from the ten shortlisted final entries of THE WOMAN IN BLACK ghost story competition.

Launched on Halloween (31st October 2011) the competition challenged budding writers to submit their own original short story to the official YouTube channel for a chance to win a trip to attend the Worldwide Premiere of THE WOMAN IN BLACK on 24th January 2012. In addition, the winning entry will be read out by Daniel Radcliffe and included in the bonus features of THE WOMAN IN BLACK DVD.

The competition was a resounding success with a 177 harrowing, haunting tales submitted that have now been whittled down to ten finalists. The stories shortlisted for the final ten were selected on the following judging criteria: creativity, originality and writing style.

Daniel Radcliffe announced the competition closing with a message for all those who took part in the ghost stories initiative. He was particularly impressed with the standard of entries for the competition, adding “I just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who has submitted their ghost stories over the last few weeks. The quality of the entries has been absolutely amazing.”

The destiny of the winning video will be decided by whichever generates the most votes across YouTube. Daniel encouraged users to vote for their favourite video, asking “This is where I hand it over to you. Take a look at the top ten videos in the voting section and vote for your favourite story.”

Votes for the best video commences from 21st December, with voting closing at 23:59 on January 5th, 2012. The winner will be announced on 6th of January, 2012.

A full set of terms and conditions are available on the YouTube channel.

To vote for the top 10 finalists visit here.

THE WOMAN IN BLACK is based on the world famous ghost story by Susan Hill.  The film follows the fate of Arthur Kipps (Daniel Radcliffe), a lawyer who is forced to leave his young son and travel to a remote village to attend to the affairs of the recently deceased owner of Eel Marsh House.

Working alone in the old mansion, Kipps begins to uncover the town’s tragic and tortured secrets and his fears escalate when he discovers that local children have been disappearing under mysterious circumstances.  When those closest to him are threatened, Kipps must find a way to break the cycle of terror.

THE WOMAN IN BLACK also stars Ciaran Hinds (TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY) and Janet McTeer (TUMBLEWEEDS) and was adapted from Susan Hill’s best-selling novel for the screen by Jane Goldman (KICK ASS) and directed by James Watkins (EDEN LAKE).

THE WOMAN IN BLACK will be released across the UK and Ireland by Momentum Pictures, an Alliance Films company, on February 10, 2012.

The Hobbit gets a trailer

With just under a year to go before Peter Jackson's version of The Hobbit hits the silver screen. With Peter keeping us informed via his, semi-regular, videoblogs, the only thing that we have been waiting for is the trailer.  Not only that, we have also been sent some artwork to go alongside the teaser trailer.

The adventure follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers.

Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever…Gollum.

Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities … A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.

“The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” will be released beginning December 14, 2012. The second film, “The Hobbit: There and Back Again,” is slated for release the following year, beginning December 13, 2013.

Say hello to the Kraken

A decade after his heroic defeat of the monstrous Kraken, Perseus is attempting to live a quieter life as a village fisherman and the sole parent to his 10-year-old son, Helius. Meanwhile, a struggle for supremacy rages between the gods and the Titans. Dangerously weakened by humanity's lack of devotion, the gods are losing control of the imprisoned Titans and their ferocious leader, Kronos, father of the long-ruling brothers Zeus, Hades and Poseidon. The triumvirate had overthrown their powerful father long ago, leaving him to rot in the gloomy abyss of Tartarus, a dungeon that lies deep within the cavernous underworld.

Perseus cannot ignore his true calling when Hades, along with Zeus's godly son, Ares, switch loyalty and make a deal with Kronos to capture Zeus. The Titans' strength grows stronger as Zeus's remaining godly powers are siphoned, and hell is unleashed on earth. Enlisting the help of the warrior Queen Andromeda, Poseidon's demigod son, Agenor, and fallen god Hephaestus, Perseus bravely embarks on a treacherous quest into the underworld to rescue Zeus, overthrow the Titans and save mankind.

In Cinemas Friday March 30, 2012
Find out more at the Official Site, on twitter or on facebook

Wanderlust

If this film is a good indication of the quality of comedy in 2012 then I would avoid all comedy films. On the other hand if you like "gross out" comedy - sorry, a badly written film with fart gags in in. Then this is the film for you!

Paul Rudd and Jennifer Aniston star in Wanderlust, a comedy from director David Wain (Role Models) and producer Judd Apatow (Knocked Up) about a couple who leaves the pressures of the big city and joins a freewheeling community where the only rule is to be yourself.

George (Rudd) and Linda (Aniston) are an overextended, stressed out Manhattan couple. After George is downsized out of his job, they find themselves with only one option: to move in with George’s awful brother in Atlanta.

On the way there, George and Linda stumble upon Elysium, an idyllic community populated by colorful characters who embrace a different way of looking at things. Money? It can’t buy happiness. Careers? Who needs them? Clothes? Only if you want them.

Is Elysium the fresh start George and Linda need? Or will the change of perspective cause more problems
than it solves?

Wandering into UK cinemas March 2, 2012

A Universal Picture © 2012 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

The Dark Knight Rises gets a new trailer

Warner Bros has just released the new trailer for the much anticipated third outing for Christian Bale as Batman. If the film is only half as good as it appears in the trailer then...

[Update: I've been sent over the International version of the trailer so the old trailer from Apple has now been replaced with the UK one]

Leading an all-star international cast, Oscar® winner Christian Bale (“The Fighter”) again plays the dual role of Bruce Wayne/Batman. The film also stars Anne Hathaway, as Selina Kyle; Tom Hardy, as Bane; Oscar® winner Marion Cotillard (“La Vie en Rose”), as Miranda Tate; and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, as John Blake. Returning to the main cast, Oscar® winner Michael Caine (“The Cider House Rules”) plays Alfred; Gary Oldman is Commissioner Gordon; and Oscar® winner Morgan Freeman (“Million Dollar Baby”) reprises the role of Lucius Fox.

The screenplay is written by Christopher Nolan and Jonathan Nolan, story by Christopher Nolan & David S. Goyer. The film is produced by Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan and Charles Roven, who previously teamed on “Batman Begins” and the record-breaking blockbuster “The Dark Knight.” The executive producers are Benjamin Melniker, Michael E. Uslan, Kevin De La Noy and Thomas Tull, with Jordan Goldberg serving as co-producer. The film is based upon characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. Batman was created by Bob Kane.

Flying into UK cinemas July 20, 2012
© 2011 Warner Bros Ent. All Rights Reserved

Jack is the giant killer

Warner Bros. has just sent over the first trailer and poster for "Jack the Giant Killer". It's a new take on the Jack and the Beanstalk tale. From the trailer it does look good.

An ancient war is reignited when a young farmhand unwittingly opens a gateway between our world and a fearsome race of giants. Unleashed on the Earth for the first time in centuries, the giants strive to reclaim the land they once lost, forcing the young man, Jack (Nicholas Hoult), into the battle of his life to stop them. Fighting for a kingdom and its people, and the love of a brave princess, he comes face to face with the unstoppable warriors he thought only existed in legend... and gets the chance to become a legend himself.

In Cinemas June 15, 2012

Boris Johnson and The Making of Harry Potter

THE MAYOR OF LONDON, BORIS JOHNSON, REVEALS DIAGON ALLEY PRIOR TO OPENING OF THE STUDIO TOUR ON 31ST MARCH 2012

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, steps into the magical world of the UK’s most anticipated visitor attraction Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter and unveils the inclusion of one of the most iconic and beloved of all sets - Diagon Alley.

The Diagon Alley set, which will take centre stage when the tour opens on 31st March 2012, was first featured in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and features the shop fronts of Ollivanders wand shop, Flourish and Blotts, the Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, Gringotts Wizarding Bank and Eeylops Owl Emporium where Harry Potter first met his beloved owl, Hedwig.

"Harry Potter has been captivating people across the world for the last eleven years.” says Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London. “Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter brings these spellbinding stories to life and offers a magical opportunity for fans to discover what goes into making a production on this scale. This attraction will be a fantastic boost for London tourism when the world comes to London in 2012.”

Production Designer, Stuart Craig, whose work on the Harry Potter film series has garnered him both Academy Award and six BAFTA nominations (winning the BAFTA Award for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire) says, “Diagon Alley is (along with Dumbledore's office) my favourite set. It has a long history with many changes. It was first built for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and then part of it used for Hogsmeade High Street in Harry Potter and the Prizoner of Azkaban! Then it was taken down and later rebuilt for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince with the inclusion of the Weasley Wizard Wheezes joke shop and then finally wrecked when Ollivanders wand shop was blown up. And so I am delighted that it has finally found a home in the Studio Tour for all to enjoy.”

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter will open its doors for the very first time to visitors from 31st March 2012 with tickets now on sale. Visitors must pre-book their tickets in advance by selecting specific tour times throughout the day via www.wbstudiotour.co.uk or through approved tour operators. Tickets will not be on sale at the attraction and spaces are limited.

Due to phenomenal demand, opening hours for Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter have been extended to 18:00, from the previous booking time of 16:00, on every weekend, bank holiday and school holiday from 28th April.

In addition to Diagon Alley the attraction will contain some of the most iconic Harry Potter film series sets including the Great Hall, Dumbledore’s office, the Ministry of Magic, Harry Potter’s famous cupboard under the stairs, 4 Privet Drive, Gryffindor common room, the boys’ dormitory, the Potion’s classroom, Professor Umbridge’s office, the Weasley kitchen, the Hogwarts bridge and others still to be announced.

The unique walking tour attraction will offer visitors the very first opportunity to journey behind-the-scenes and experience the magic that has gone into creating the most successful film series of all time. Visitors will be able to see firsthand the sheer scale and detail of the actual sets, costumes, animatronics, special effects and props used in all eight of the Harry Potter films.

“It was such a magical place to grow up,” says Daniel Radcliffe. “People will be amazed to see the incredible sets that we’ve worked in all these years.”

Rupert Grint adds, “The sets all have tiny little details that you may not always notice in the films but when you actually walk through them, you can see all the work that's gone into it. It’s really amazing.”

“This is incredible, it’s been a long time coming and I’m very excited.” says Emma Watson.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter will open 31st March 2012 with timed tickets available from 13th October 2011. Tickets are priced at £28 for adults, £21 for children and £83 for a family of four. Tickets must be booked in advance via a dedicated website www.wbstudiotour.co.uk or through approved tour operators.

© 2011 Warner Bros. Ent.
Harry Potter Publishing Rights © J.K.R.
Harry Potter characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved.

The Girl gets clips

With thanks to Sony who have just sent over two clips for the upcoming English language version of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. I would have preferred to see more of an action scenes but they do give you a good feel of how the film will look compared to the original.

FRAMED FLOWERS

VISIT ARMANSKY

‘Evil Shall With Evil Be Expelled’

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is the first film in Columbia Pictures’ three-picture adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s literary blockbuster The Millennium Trilogy. Directed by David Fincher and starring Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara, the film is based on the first novel in the trilogy, which altogether have sold 50 million copies in 46 countries and become a worldwide phenomenon. The screenplay is by Steven Zaillian

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo hits UK cinemas December 26, 2011
Find out more at the official website

Streetdance 2 gets a featurette and poster

Vertigo Films are delighted to announce that the eagerly anticipated follow up to STREETDANCE 3-D will be released nationwide in both 2D and 3D screens on March 30th, 2012. now, with that news out of the way, we have also been sent a new featurette for the film. In this one we have George Sampson talking to the cast as well as showing us some new clips of the film. Then to wrap all the new stuff up, we have also the teaser poster to show you.

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Boasting a predecessor that is one of the most successful independent British films ever, STREETDANCE 2 is brought to our screens by the same team behind the camera. The film is directed by the award winning duo Max and Dania and written by Jane English (Sugar Rush). Vertigo’s Allan Niblo and James Richardson have produced. The film was shot on location throughout Europe, including London, Paris, Rome and Berlin.

Falk Hentschel and Sofia Boutella head a diverse cast of new and emerging dance and acting talent, along with returning familiar faces. Having danced on two of Madonna’s world tours (Confessions and Sticky & Sweet), Sofia was most recently seen as the lead in the promotional video for Michael Jackson’s posthumous single release Hollywood Tonight. Falk was last seen on the big screen in the Tom Cruise action thriller Knight & Day.

George Sampson (‘Waterloo Road’) is welcomed back in to a leading role as cheeky guy Eddie, whilst dance troupe Flawless reprise their role as rival dance crew The Surge. Akai (‘Got to Dance’) returns playing Junior, the youngest member of the new crew and distinguished actor Tom Conti (Shirley Valentine) also joins the cast as Manu, Eva’s (Boutella) loving and over-protective Uncle.

When top street dancer Ash (Hentschel) is humiliated and laughed off stage by American crew Invincible, he sets off to gather the best dancers from around the world to take them on - with a dance style they weren't expecting. With landmark locations, a spectacular fusion of dance styles and an unparalleled vibrancy, the sequel to STREETDANCE sees our hero fall in love with a beautiful salsa dancer as he discovers the magic, power and passion of dancing for the ultimate global dance off.

Co-funded with the British Film Institute and BBC Films, STREETDANCE 2 3D will be distributed by Vertigo Films in the UK and Ireland.

James Richardson (producer, Vertigo Films) said: “All of us at Vertigo are extremely excited about the sequel to StreetDance. We spent a year searching for the best dancing and acting talent and have been filming all across Europe. The fusion of salsa and streetdance is visually stunning and paired with a great story line so we can’t wait for people to see the film.”

Find out more about the film on facebook

The Expendables 2

It seems to be more of the same with the second outing of The Expendables. The trailer doesn't show much more than old men blowing things up!

The Expendables are back and this time it's personal...

Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone), Lee Christmas (Lee Statham), Yin Yang (Jet Li), Gunnar Jensen (Dolph Lundgren),Toll Road (Randy Couture) and Hale Caesar (Terry Crews) -- with newest members Billy the Kid (Liam Hemsworth) and Maggie (Yu Nan) aboard -- are reunited when Mr. Church (Bruce Willis) enlists the Expendables to take on a seemingly simple job.

The task looks like an easy paycheck for Barney and his band of old-school mercenaries. But when things go wrong and one of their own is viciously killed, the Expendables are compelled to seek revenge in hostile territory where the odds are stacked against them.

Hell-bent on payback, the crew cuts a swath of destruction through opposing forces, wreaking havoc and shutting down an unexpected threat in the nick of time -- six pounds of weapons-grade plutonium; enough to change the balance of power in the world.

But that's nothing compared to the justice they serve against the villainous adversary who savagely murdered their brother. That is done the Expendables way....

The Expendables 2 hits UK screens August 2012 from Lionsgate

The last cinema on earth

Film Distributors’ Association (FDA) and the National Film and Television School (NFTS) jointly announce the completion of THE LAST CINEMA, a new approach to anti-piracy communications for UK audiences.

Commissioned by FDA and made by NFTS graduates, THE LAST CINEMA imagines a devastated near-future world in which unchecked piracy has brought about the end of cinema.

The promo conveys the loss that audiences themselves as well as the industry would feel. It invites them, rather than turning a blind eye to film theft, to alert Crimestoppers, the independent charity that people can call anonymously to pass on information about crime. Details are forwarded in turn to the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), which protects the intellectual property of its members across the audio-visual sector and also supports this new campaign.

FDA has been a “key partner” sponsor of the NFTS, based at Beaconsfield Studios, since 1992. Annual contributions are made every autumn and over the last two decades a seven-figure total has been donated on behalf of UK film distributors. THE LAST CINEMA is the first production that FDA has commissioned from the NFTS.

Written and directed by Jae-ha Myung, the treatment for THE LAST CINEMA was selected by a panel of UK film distributors. The piece was shot at three different locations – one exterior and two interior – in summer 2011. Digital editing and atmospheric visual effects work took place at the NFTS. The promo is available in two versions, running 60 seconds and 20 seconds, both of which have been classified “U” by the British Board of Film Classification. The narration is spoken by distinguished British actor, John Hurt.

Jae-ha Myung and his producer, Andrew Start, graduated from the NFTS in 2011, from the Directing Fiction and Producing courses respectively.

Jae-ha Myung said: “This project has been my first since leaving the NFTS and I’m thrilled with the result. As a filmmaker emerging into the industry, I’m particularly keen that the uniquely immersive, shared experience of the cinema should not be harmed by the illicit sharing of bootleg files or DVDs, and that audiences continue to enjoy a rich array of movies.”

NFTS Director, Nik Powell, said: “The School’s many links with the film industry are incredibly important for the onward careers of our students. For this FDA project we had a clear brief and plenty of creative latitude, and I warmly congratulate Jae and his team on the deeply cinematic, thoughtful piece they have delivered.”

FDA President, Lord Puttnam CBE, said: “FDA’s broad membership is delighted that its long-standing sponsorship relationship with the NFTS has developed in this new and imaginative way. This project is a testament to the creative and technical skills that the young makers have refined at the NFTS, and is a further demonstration of distributors’ passionate commitment to the industry’s long-term development.”

Zap Sherlock and win a trip to Paris

Zap this image to bring the Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows poster to life and you could win a trip to Paris!

Download the Zappar app, point your phone at the poster above and play the Game of Shadows
Download it for iPhone 3GS, 4 only with iOS 4.2 iPod Touch and iPad 2 or for Android.

Robert Downey Jr. reprises his role as the world’s most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, and Jude Law returns as his formidable colleague, Dr. Watson, in “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.”

Sherlock Holmes has always been the smartest man in the room…until now. There is a new criminal mastermind at large — Professor Moriarty (Jared Harris) — and not only is he Holmes’ intellectual equal, but his capacity for evil, coupled with a complete lack of conscience, may actually give him an advantage over the renowned detective.

When the Crown Prince of Austria is found dead, the evidence, as construed by Inspector Lestrade (Eddie Marsan), points to suicide. But Sherlock Holmes deduces that the prince has been the victim of murder—a murder that is only one piece of a larger and much more portentous puzzle, designed by one Professor Moriarty.

Mixing business with pleasure, Holmes tracks the clues to an underground gentlemen’s club, where he and his brother, Mycroft Holmes (Stephen Fry) are toasting Dr. Watson on his last night of bachelorhood. It is there that Holmes encounters Sim (Noomi Rapace), a Gypsy fortune teller, who sees more than she is telling and whose unwitting involvement in the prince’s murder makes her the killer’s next target. Holmes barely manages to save her life and, in return, she reluctantly agrees to help him.

The investigation becomes ever more dangerous as it leads Holmes, Watson and Sim across the continent, from England to France to Germany and finally to Switzerland. But the cunning Moriarty is always one step ahead as he spins a web of death and destruction — all part of a greater plan that, if he succeeds, will change the course of history.

Find out more at the official website or on Facebook
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows in cinemas now
© 2011 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. - U.S., CANADA, BAHAMAS & BERMUDA
(C) 2011 VILLAGE ROADSHOW FILMS (BVI) LIMITED - ALL OTHER TERRITORIES

The Hunger Games gets a new poster

Lionsgate has just sent over a new poster for the upcoming Hunger Games. It looks like they have taken two of the character posters, use the two, I assume, main characters and then copy and pasted them instead of using all the characters that appeared on the character posters.

In a not-too-distant future, the United States of America has collapsed, weakened by drought, fire, famine, and war, to be replaced by Panem, a country divided into the Capitol and 12 districts. Each year, two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal intimidation of the subjugated districts, the televised games are broadcasted throughout Panem as the 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors, literally, with all citizens required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss' young sister, Prim, is selected as the mining district's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart, Peeta, the son of the town baker who seems to have all the fighting skills of a lump of bread dough, will be pitted against bigger, stronger representatives who have trained for this their whole lives.

The Hunger Games is released March 23, 2012.

Rocking out with Tom Cruise?

Rock Of Ages, based on a "smash hit" Broadway musical. Yep, I've never heard of it either. The promotion of the film has just started with a poster and trailer.

After watching the trailer I do think that this will be a "cult film". In the same way that Plan 9 from Outer Space is! The story shown in the trailer is hackneyed, cliched and looking like a high budget episode of something like Glee... Not only that it stars Alec Baldwin and Tom Cruise looking like they have had all their acting ability surgically removed suffering through their dreadful dialogue. But that's just me and you can make up your own mind by hitting play on the trailer below.

Under the direction of Adam Shankman (“Hairspray”), New Line Cinema’s feature film adaptation of the smash hit Broadway musical “Rock of Ages” comes to the big screen.
“Rock of Ages” tells the story of small town girl Sherrie and city boy Drew, who meet on the Sunset Strip while pursuing their Hollywood dreams.  Their rock ‘n’ roll romance is told through the heart-pounding hits of Def Leppard, Joan Jett, Journey, Foreigner, Bon Jovi, Night Ranger, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Whitesnake, and more.

The movie musical stars Julianne Hough (“Burlesque”), with actor/singer Diego Boneta in his feature film debut, Russell Brand (“Arthur,” “Get Him to the Greek”), Oscar® nominee Paul Giamatti (“Cinderella Man”), Academy Award® winner Catherine Zeta-Jones (“Chicago”), Malin Akerman (“The Proposal”), R&B queen Mary J. Blige and multiple Emmy®-winner Bryan Cranston (TV’s “Breaking Bad,” “The Lincoln Lawyer”), with Oscar® nominees Alec Baldwin (“The Cooler”) and Tom Cruise (“Born on the Fourth of July”).

Rock Of Ages is released June 8, 2012

© 2012 Warner Bros Ent. All Rights Reserved

Get your thoughts on the DVD via twitter and #dreamsofalife hashtag

Dogwoof, the distributor of DREAMS OF A LIFE, is offering you the chance to have your Twitter review featured on the film’s DVD packaging. All those who hashtag their thoughts on the film with #dreamsofalife will automatically be in the running to see their words immortalised on the DVD materials. So tweet away!

“NO ONE THERE”

“NEXT OF KIN”

“REAL LIFE”

“NO ONE CAME LOOKING”

Nobody noticed when Joyce Vincent died in her bedsit above a shopping mall in North London in 2003. Her body wasn’t discovered for three years, surrounded by Christmas presents she had been wrapping, and with the TV still on. Newspaper reports offered few details of her life - not even a photograph.

Who was she? And how could this happen to someone in our day and age - the so-called age of communication? For her film Dreams of a Life, filmmaker Carol Morley set out to find out. Joyce may have died in tragic isolation, but Morley was not going to let her be forgotten. She placed adverts in newspapers, on the Internet, and on the side of a London taxi. What she finds out is extraordinary.

A range of people that once knew Joyce help to piece together a portrait of the woman that became so forgotten. “She was very sweet, beautiful looking, a bit of a mystery. We weren’t too sure where she came from. It’s almost like she was a ghost, even then.” Dreams of a Life becomes as much about the people who remember her as it is about Joyce herself.

Find out more at the Official Site, on twitter or even on facebook
In UK cinemas December 16, 2011

The Avengers, the character banners

This has just hit my inbox. The Avengers get a set of "international" character banners.

Marvel Studios presents “Marvel’s The Avengers”—the Super Hero team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins.

The Avengers is breaking into UK cinemas April 27, 2012
Find out more at the official website, on facebook or on youTube

The Great Gatsby

With a US release date around the same time as Peter Jackson's first part of The Hobbit. Warner Bros has released the first two images of the latest version of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic, The Great Gatsby.

As the film is released in the US in December 2012 there isn't a trailer out for the film yet. However, that hasn't stopped fans getting one together...

"The Great Gatsby" follows Fitzgerald-like, would-be writer Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire) as he leaves the Midwest and comes to New York City in the spring of 1922, an era of loosening morals, glittering jazz and bootleg kings. Chasing his own American Dream, Nick lands next door to a mysterious, party-giving millionaire, Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio) and across the bay from his cousin, Daisy (Carey Mulligan) and her philandering, blue-blooded husband, Tom Buchanan (Joel Edgerton). It is thus that Nick is drawn into the captivating world of the super rich, their illusions, loves and deceits. As Nick bears witness, within and without the world he inhabits, he pens a tale of impossible love, incorruptible dreams and high-octane tragedy, and holds a mirror to our own modern times and struggles.

Hitting UK cinemas 2012

(C) 2012 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. - - U.S., CANADA, BAHAMAS & BERMUDA

(C) 2012 VILLAGE ROADSHOW FILMS (BVI) LIMITED - - ALL OTHER TERRITORIES

Photo Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

New Years Eve - The cast talks

Earlier this week, Garry Marshall's New Years Eve hit UK cinema screens. Now we get a set of interviews from the cast ans Garry himself.

Abigail Breslin

Garry Marshall

Hector Elizondo

Hilary Swank

Josh Duhamel

Katherine Heigl

Zac Efron and Michelle Pfeiffer

Director Garry Marshall and a stellar ensemble cast will ring in the 2011 holiday season with the romantic comedy “New Year’s Eve.”

“New Year’s Eve” celebrates love, hope, forgiveness, second chances and fresh starts, in the intertwining stories of couples and singles, told amidst the pulse and promise of New York City on the most dazzling night of the year.

The film stars Jessica Biel, Jon Bon Jovi, Academy Award® nominee Abigail Breslin, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, two-time Academy Award® winner Robert De Niro, Josh Duhamel, Zac Efron, Hector Elizondo, Katherine Heigl, Ashton Kutcher, Seth Meyers, Lea Michele, Sarah Jessica Parker, Academy Award® nominee Michelle Pfeiffer, Til Schweiger, Ryan Seacrest, two-time Academy Award® winner Hilary Swank and Sofia Vergara.

Reuniting with Marshall from last year’s hit romantic comedy “Valentine’s Day” are screenwriter Katherine Fugate and producers Mike Karz and Wayne Rice. Serving again as executive producers will be Josie Rosen and Diana Pokorny, joined by Heather Hall as co-producer. The creative filmmaking team includes director of photography Charles Minsky (“Pretty Woman,” “Valentine’s Day”) production designer Mark Friedberg (“The Darjeeling Limited,” “Morning Glory,”) editor Michael Tronick (“The Green Hornet,” “Hairspray”) and Oscar®-nominated costume designer Gary Jones (“The Talented Mr. Ripley,” “Valentine’s Day”).

Find out more at the official website.

In UK cinemas now
© 2011 NEW LINE PRODUCTIONS, INC.

Disney shows what's coming in 2012

Disney has just sent over some information about some of the films that they will be releasing over 2012. It's quite a range from animation via The Muppets to war. We do have a sidestep of mad science experiments!

WAR HORSE - JANUARY 13, 2012
www.warhorsemovie.co.uk

DreamWorks Pictures' "War Horse," director Steven Spielberg's epic adventure, is a tale of loyalty, hope and tenacity set against a sweeping canvas of rural England and Europe during the First World War.

Starring Emily Watson, David Thewlis, Peter Mullan, Niels Arestrup, Tom Hiddleston, Jeremy Irvine, Benedict Cumberbatch, Toby Kebbell.


THE MUPPETS - FEBRUARY 10, 2012

www.disney.co.uk/muppets

When Walter, the world's biggest Muppet fan, his brother Gary (Jason Segel) and Gary's girlfriend Mary (Amy Adams) discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze the Muppet Theater, they help Kermit reunite the Muppets to stage The Greatest Muppet Telethon Ever and raise the $10 million needed to save the theatre.

Starring Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, Animal, Jason Segel, Amy Adams, Chris Cooper, Rashida Jones and Walter.


JOHN CARTER - MARCH 9, 2012

www.johncartermovie.co.uk

John Carter (Taylor Kitsch), who is inexplicably transported to mysterious and exotic planet Mars, becomes embroiled in a conflict of epic proportions and discovers that the survival of the planet and its people rests in his hands.

Starring Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, Samantha Morton, Mark Strong, Ciaran Hinds, Dominic West, James Purefoy, Daryl Sabara, Polly Walker, Bryan Cranston, with Thomas Hayden Church and Willem Dafoe.


THE AVENGERS - APRIL 27, 2012
www.marvel.com/avengers_movie

Continuing the epic big-screen adventures started in "Iron Man," "The Incredible Hulk," "Iron Man 2," "Thor," and "Captain America: The First Avenger," "Marvel's The Avengers" is the Super Hero team up of a lifetime. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as SHIELD, finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster.

Starring Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey Jnr, Chris Evans, Tom Hiddleston, Jeremy Renner, Stellan Skarsgard, Cobie Smulders, Samuel L.Jackson, Mark Ruffalo, Felicia Day, Clark Gregg, Lou Ferrigno.


BRAVE - AUGUST 17, 2012

www.disney.co.uk/brave

Since ancient times, stories of epic battles and mystical legends have been passed through the generations across the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland. In "Brave," a new tale joins the lore when the courageous Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald) confronts tradition, destiny and the fiercest of beasts in 3D.

With voiceovers from Kelly Macdonald, Emma Thompson, Billy Connolly, Julie Walters, Kevin McKidd, Craig Ferguson, Robbie Coltrane.


FRANKENWEENIE - OCTOBER 5, 2012
www.facebook.com/DisneyMoviesUK

In Tim Burton's "Frankenweenie" young Victor conducts a science experiment to bring his beloved dog Sparky back to life, only to face unintended, sometimes monstrous, consequences.

With voices from Winona Ryder, Martin Short, Catherine O'Hara, Martin Landau, Charlie Tahan, Atticus Shaffer.

West Midlands school girl wins Rupert Grint!

Pupils from 42% of UK secondary schools in the UK enter for a chance to win.

In celebration of the release of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows ™ – Part 2” on 3D Blu-ray™, Blu-ray Triple Play and DVD on the 2nd December, Warner Home Video and Sainsbury’s offered one lucky person the chance to win a visit to their secondary school from Rupert Grint. Almost 2000 schools were entered into the competition which is a massive 42% of all eligible schools in the UK.

The winning school Bishop Walsh Roman Catholic School in Sutton Coldfield kept the visit a secret from pupils and revealed the surprise in a special assembly in the lead up to the Christmas break.
One of the stars of the worlds most success film franchise, Rupert Grint visited the school along with co star Oliver Phelps on the morning of the 13th December for an exclusive Q&A and personal delivery of copies of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows ™ – Part 2” on Blu-ray.

Sarah Bird, Director of Marketing for Warner Home Video UK commented "We are delighted to have partnered with Sainsbury's to give the pupils and teachers of the winning school Bishop Walsh Roman Catholic School the opportunity for Rupert Grint and Oliver Phelps to visit them. They all had a day to remember and magical memories to share with their children in years to come!”

Rebecca Singleton, Sainsbury’s head of non-food marketing said: “We had thousands of entries for our exclusive competition with Warner Bros and on top of a visit from Rupert, we were able to arrange 10,000 active kids vouchers for the winner’s school.”

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ –Part 2” became the biggest pre-ordered DVD ever on Amazon and has sold millions of copies so far in the lead up to Christmas. It is set to become the single biggest selling Harry Potter Home Entertainment release of all time.

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2” is directed by David Yates who also helmed the magical blockbusters “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” and “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1.” Returning from previous “Harry Potter” films is an all-star supporting cast, including Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, Tom Felton, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Ciaran Hinds, John Hurt, Jason Isaacs, Matthew Lewis, Gary Oldman, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, David Thewlis, Julie Walters and Bonnie Wright.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows ™ - Part 2 is available at selected retail outlets on 3D Blu-ray™, Blu-ray Triple Play and DVD and Digital Download.
Harry Potter: The Complete 8-Film Collection is also available on both Blu-ray and DVD.