Bond goes underwater

Skyfall has just released a new videoblog about the production of the film. this time it's how they do the underwater filming. This involves jumping on the bus and heading over to Pinewood studios and the only permanent underwater stage in the world.

In SKYFALL, Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

SKYFALL, from Albert R Broccoli’s EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment, is directed by Academy Award® winner Sam Mendes and stars Daniel Craig, who returns for his third film as Ian Fleming’s James Bond 007.

SKYFALL opens at cinemas across the UK on 26th October 2012

© 2012 Danjaq, LLC, United Artists Corporation and Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. All rights reserved.

The dwarves get a poster

The adventure of “The Hobbit” 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.

Ian McKellen returns as Gandalf the Grey, the character he played in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, and Martin Freeman, who won a BAFTA TV Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the BBC series “Sherlock,” takes on the central role of Bilbo Baggins. Also reprising their roles from “The Lord of the Rings” movies are: Cate Blanchett as Galadriel; Orlando Bloom as Legolas; Ian Holm as the elder Bilbo; Christopher Lee as Saruman; Hugo Weaving as Elrond; Elijah Wood as Frodo; and Andy Serkis as Gollum. The ensemble cast also includes (in alphabetical order) Richard Armitage, Jed Brophy, Adam Brown, John Callen, Stephen Fry, Ryan Gage, Mark Hadlow, Peter Hambleton, Stephen Hunter, William Kircher, Sylvester McCoy, Bret McKenzie, Graham McTavish, Mike Mizrahi, James Nesbitt, Dean O’Gorman, Lee Pace, Mikael Persbrandt, Conan Stevens, Ken Stott, Jeffrey Thomas, and Aidan Turner.

"The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” will be released on December 14, 2012.

The Con is on!

With not only an amazing cast, it's also directed by the Coen Brothers. It looks like the Coens have seen the UK series Hustle and ran from there, giving their own spin on it!

Private art curator Harry Deane (Firth) devises a finely-crafted scheme to con England's richest man and avid art collector, Lionel Shabandar, (Rickman) into purchasing a fake Monet painting. In order to bait his buyer, he recruits a Texas rodeo queen (Diaz) to cross the pond and pose as a woman whose grandfather liberated the painting at the end of WWII.

BAFTA award winner Sir Tom Courtenay, Golden Globe winner Stanley Tucci and Academy Award© winner and veteran comedinne Cloris Leachman round out the cast.

Conning its way into UK cinemas Wednesday November 21, 2012

© 2012 Momentum Pictures, UK

What Ever Happened To Baby Jane? 50th anniversary reissue

With one of the classic films of all time. not only because of it's accolades but also the real life hatred that comes out between the two stars, Bette Davis and Joan Crawford.  There isn't, as yet, a trailer for the re-release but here is the original trailer.

Park Circus is pleased to announce that Warner Bros. classic What Ever Happened To Baby Jane? will be back in cinemas, 50 years after its original theatrical release. Hollywood’s most notorious rivalry is renewed and ready to burst on screen, as Oscar-nominated Bette Davis takes on Joan Crawford in Aldrich’s modern gothic masterpiece. No stunt doubles needed, just mind those stairs…

As a child, Jane Hudson (Bette Davis) was a pampered vaudeville star known to the world as Baby Jane while her younger sister, Blanche (Joan Crawford), led life in her considerable shadow. Decades pass and Blanche becomes a beautiful, talented movie idol and Jane a has-been. When a car accident cripples Blanche, binding her to a wheelchair, Jane sees her opportunity to regain power and assumes the role of carer. Her newly gained dominance completes the transformation of the sugar-sweet child star into a nightmarish caricature of Baby Jane. As she does everything she can to make her sister's life a living hell, Jane plots a comeback, aided by shifty musical director Edwin Flagg (Victor Buono).

What Ever Happened To Baby Jane? has been newly restored by Warner Bros. Pictures. Screening as part of the London Film Festival on 18th and 21st October. The film will then open in the UK on 14th December at the Curzon Soho and selected theatres nationwide.

Charlize Theron: Hollywood beauty

Charlize Theron is considered one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood and regularly tops “sexiest” polls around the globe. Labelled a Hollywood beauty, Charlize’s choice of roles have often disguised her stunning features or turned her appearance into a curse, the latter of which was used to full effect in her latest film “Snow White and the Huntsman.”

To celebrate the release of Snow White and the Huntsman on Blu-ray and DVD on 1st October, we take a look at the films which Charlize Theron has used to redefine the notion of Hollywood beauty into something with more substance and heart.

The Devil’s Advocate (1997)

Charlize Theron’s break out role saw her play the tormented wife of a lawyer (Keanu Reeves) who is oblivious to the fact that he works for Lucifer (Al Pacino). Despite appearing alongside actors with far more experience, she managed not only to hold her own but to convincingly portray a formerly rational woman’s fall into delusion and paranoia. To prepare for this early dramatic role, Charlize visited a psychotherapist for three months to understand the harrowing disintegration of the mind and the effect it can have on appearance.


Mighty Joe Young (1998)

After taking on a number of critically-acclaimed edgy and dramatic characters, the family-friendly “Mighty Joe Young” brought Charlize into the mainstream. Her motherly persona in the Disney picture added another string to her already diverse bow and the warm performance she gives steals the show away from the 16 and a half foot ape she shares screen time with.


The Cider House Rules (1999)

In the charming “The Cider House Rules,” Candy (Charlize Theron) teaches Homer (Tobey Maguire) about life outside of the sheltered orphanage he grew up in. Set during World War II, Charlize plays the lonely girlfriend of a soldier in battle with conviction perfectly suited for the period and her character’s reaction pre and post-abortion is fraught with realistic emotion and inner-turmoil.


Monster (2003)

Charlize Theron’s spectacular turn as the prostitute-turned-serial killer, Aileen Wuornos, is considered one of the greatest movie performances of all time. Catapulting her onto the A-list, “Monster” earned Charlize her first Oscar as audiences witnessed the naturally stunning actress disappear completely into the disturbing and unflattering role of a desperate woman on the edge of sanity.


North Country (2005)

Hiding her natural beauty once again, although not as dramatically, Charlize cemented the idea that she has the innate ability to take on powerful roles about unglamorous women in a man’s world. In “North Country” she becomes the fearless mine-worker that won the first sexual harassment case in American history with such compelling human detail that critics failed to fault her in the often difficult follow up major role.


Young Adult (2011)

Charlize uses her appearance to full effect in “Young Adult,” which tells the tale of a self-absorbed, destructive prom queen who has grown up, yet never let go of her high school glory years. In the gritty stand out role, her character is not particularly likeable, nor is she meant to be, but the Oscar-winner played the flawed part so realistically that critics commented on how unsettling the portrayal of a narcissistic, lonely woman was to experience.


Snow White and the Huntsman (2012)
In a role that demanded that she must be the “fairest of them all,” Charlize was perfectly cast as the soul-sucking beast beneath a beautiful exterior. Utilising her full range, her portrayal of the unbalanced Queen Ravenna flits from innocent victim, to evil schemer, to frenzied ruler with such unpredictability that it is no wonder that she instils fear into the hearts of every living thing around her with nothing more than a deliciously icy stare.


Snow White and the Huntsman is on Blu-ray and DVD from 1st October.

Can you hear the people sing?

Les Misérables is the motion-picture adaptation of the beloved global stage sensation seen by more than 60 million people in 42 countries and in 21 languages around the globe and still breaking box-office records everywhere in its 27th year. Helmed by The King’s Speech’s Academy Award®-winning director, Tom Hooper, the Working Title/Cameron Mackintosh production stars Hugh Jackman, Oscar® winner Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Aaron Tveit, Samantha Barks, with Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen.

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption—a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Jackman plays ex-prisoner Jean Valjean, hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert (Crowe) after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine’s (Hathaway) young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever.

In January 2012, the world’s longest-running musical brings its power to the big screen in Tom Hooper’s sweeping and spectacular interpretation of Victor Hugo’s epic tale. With international superstars and beloved songs—including “I Dreamed a Dream,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More” and “On My Own”—Les Misérables, the show of shows, is now reborn as the cinematic musical experience of a lifetime.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey to get a Royal UK Premiere

Not only do we get the news that The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is to get a Royal UK Premiere but we also get the new poster.

Hot on the heels of "Hobbit Week" and the release of the film's new trailer and one-sheet, Warner Bros. Pictures is pleased to announce that The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey has been selected for the 65th Royal Film Performance.

The Royal UK Premiere screening event will take place on the evening of Wednesday 12th December in London, in the presence of members of the Royal Family (full details to be disclosed closer to the date).

The Royal Film Performance is the principal fundraising event of the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund (CTBF), the trade charity for the UK film and television industries. The CTBF provides care and financial support to industry employees and their families who suffer from hardship due to bereavement, illness, redundancy or other misfortunes.

A production of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM), the film is being distributed in the UK by Warner Bros Pictures and will be released in 3D and 2D in selected cinemas and IMAX on December 14th, 2012.

CALLING ALL SUPERHEROES...

Fans given the chance to win a day on the set of Kick-Ass 2

Universal Pictures are giving fans the chance to win a day on the set of Kick-Ass 2 via the official Facebook page.

Entrants are asked to show what kind of hero or villain they are and create their characters name, motto and costume, uploading an image of themselves in costume. Naturally a day on the set involves bad language, action and general awesomeness so this competition is open to over 18’s only.

Kick-Ass 2 is set for a summer 2013 release.

For more information on the competition see www.facebook.com/kickassmovie or go directly to the app.

Silent Hill hits cinemas this Halloween

BASED ON ICONIC VIDEO GAME FRANCHISE, SEQUEL TO 2006’S HIT FILM SILENT HILL STARS ADELAIDE CLEMENS, KIT HARINGTON, SEAN BEAN, CARRIE-ANNE MOSS AND MALCOLM McDOWELL


Based on the groundbreaking survival horror video game franchise, SILENT HILL: REVELATION 3D is the sequel to the hit film SILENT HILL, which opened to number one at the U.S. box office and took in nearly $100 million worldwide. Featuring an unparalleled horror experience, Konami’s Silent Hill franchise has captivated fans for more than a decade and has spawned a hit comic book series, graphic novels, collectible action figures and numerous soundtracks from rock bands.

Directed by Michael J. Bassett (Solomon Kane, Deathwatch), original cast members Sean Bean (HBO’s Game Of Thrones, Lord Of The Rings), Deborah Kara Unger (The Game, 88 minutes, The Samaritan) and Radha Mitchell (Man On Fire, The Crazies, The Frozen Ground) return in SILENT HILL: REVELATION 3D, starring along with rising stars Adelaide Clemens (X-Men Origins, upcoming The Great Gatsby, No One Lives) and Kit Harington (HBO’s Game Of Thrones) as well as Carrie-Anne Moss (The Matrix, Disturbia, NBC’s Chuck) and Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork Orange, The Artist). 

For years, Heather Mason (Clemens) and her father (Bean) have been on the run, always one step ahead of dangerous forces that she doesn’t fully understand. Now on the eve of her 18th birthday, plagued by terrifying nightmares and the disappearance of her father, Heather discovers she's not who she thinks she is. The revelation leads her deeper into a demonic world that threatens to trap her in Silent Hill forever.

Hitting cinemas across the UK from October 31, 2012.

Top 5 Oliver Stone Movies

With Oliver Stone’s Savages coming to cinemas across the UK imminently, we’re taking the opportunity to have a look at the very best of his filmography. Spanning over 40 years in its entirety, Stone’s career has been equal parts writer, director, and producer – he even has a penchant for turning up in cameo roles from time-to-time. Savages returns to the familiar ‘power corrupts’ themes consistent in so many of Stone’s works, but it also heralds something of a departure from his more familiar political grounds. This time it’s all about marijuana, drug cartels, and ludicrously attractive young actors. May the good times roll when Savages comes to cinemas from Friday September 21 featuring stars Blake Lively, Aaron Johnson, John Travolta, Taylor Kitsch, Benicio Del Toro and Salma Hayek.


Scarface

“Say Hello, To My Little Friend!” – the quote that spawned a million posters. And it was a quote straight from the quill of Oliver Stone, who made his name as the scriptwriter of this iconic 80s flick before his move into mainstream directing. Stone’s natural talent for the medium was plainly evident at this early stage too, not only bringing memorable one-liners to the production with apparent ease, but also nailing a unique tone for the timeless character of Tony Montana. Like Quentin Tarantino with True Romance then, Scarface allows us to see Stone’s vision laid bare without the razzle-dazzle of his directorial style layered over the top.


Platoon

The movie that put Charlie Sheen on the map (and Johnny Depp in a bit part), Platoon also showcased Stone’s still blossoming directorial talent at the highest level for the first time. It was a spectacle that would become a launch pad for the careers of its supporting cast as well – Willem Dafoe, John C. McGinley, and Forest Whittaker to name but a few. Inspired by Stone’s own experiences of the Vietnam War when he enlisted (by request) in the 25th Infantry Division and won a Purple Heart for his services, Platoon is arguably his magnum opus and sits among the greatest Vietnam War movies of all time.



Wall Street

It wouldn’t be unreasonable to suggest that Oliver Stone made Charlie Sheen’s career. First Platoon and then Wall Street – beyond Hot Shots, it’s hard to think of any truly great movies that Sheen’s starred in since. Wall Street was released at the pinnacle of 80s boom, decadence and greed, with a character in Michael Douglas’ Gordon Gecko who’s since become the pop culture shorthand for a ruthless business shark. Dedicated to Stone’s father, who worked on Wall Street throughout most of his life, Wall Street remains one of his most socially critical works to date.



JFK

As it re-examined the investigations surrounding the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963, Oliver Stone’s JFK also stoked the smouldering embers of ‘Who Shot JFK?’ conspiracy theories nearly 30 years after that tragic day. While many of the supposed investigations of New Orleans District Attorney, Jim Garrison (played by Kevin Costner in his heyday) had been heavily dramatised based on strands of historical fact, JFK nonetheless shone the light back on an assassination that still lacks a full explanation to this day. It remains a chilling piece of political criticism, and one of Oliver Stone’s classic visions of corruption at the highest levels of society.



Natural Born Killers

Following on a couple of years after JFK, Natural Born Killers took Stone’s directing style in bold new directions. With a more psychedelically shot production that marked a departure from Stone’s trademark realism, Natural Born Killers told a killing spree story for the ages alongside the likes of Falling Down and more recent productions such as God Bless America or Ben Wheatley’s Sightseers. Arguably the granddaddy of them all, Natural Born Killers takes us deep within the psyches of mass murdering husband and wife duo, Mickey (Woody Harrelson) and Mallory Knox (Juliette Lewis), refusing to let go until viewers are suitably traumatised.

The amazing new Hobbit trailer

Warner Bros has just released a great new selection of stuff from The Hobbit: On the Way to the Dragon. Sorry, that should have said The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Not only do we get an amazing new trailer we also get a new set of images!

The adventure of “The Hobbit” 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.

"The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” will be released on December 14, 2012

© 2012 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. AND METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER PICTURES INC. 

Photos COURTESY OF WARNER BROS. PICTURES

Last call for submisisons to The Moët British Independent Film Awards - Fri, 21st September

The submission deadline for The Moet British Independent Film Awards is this Friday, 21 September. All films must be submitted for consideration by this date so if you - or anyone you know - is holding off from submitting, don't hold back! The Awards will be held on Sunday 9th December at Old Billingsgate.

Film submissions for the 2012 Awards close this Friday, 21stSeptember with the Award Ceremony on Sunday 9th December at Old Billingsgate.

Nominations will be announced Monday 5th November

A feature film will be eligible for an Award if:

• It is intended for theatrical release, AND has had a public screening to a paying audience either on general release in the UK OR has screened at a British-based film festival between 1st December 2011 and 30th November 2012
• Where there is any major studio substantially funding a film, the total budget should not exceed $20M. Films are not defined as “independent” strictly on the terms of financing.
• It has been produced or majority co-produced by a British company OR is in receipt of at least 51% of its budget from a British source or sources OR it qualifies as a British Film under the DCMS guidelines AND includes sufficient creative elements from the UK
• A feature film must be no less than 70 minutes in length.
• Films that have been entered previously are not eligible. Re-issues of previously released films are not eligible

Best British Feature Documentary. In 2003 the British Independent Film Awards introduced this new award. Eligible films must be non-fiction. They should be photographed in actual occurrence, or employ partial re-enactment, stock footage, stills, animation, stop-motion or other techniques, as long as the emphasis is on fact and not on fiction. (further eligibility criteria as with other feature films above).

Best International Independent Film. BIFA also consider foreign independent films. Foreign films must have a British theatrical release during the eligibility period stated above

The Douglas Hickox Award is given to a director for their debut feature film. The estate of Douglas Hickox shall present a cheque for £500 to the winner.

British Short Film Award submissions: Any British short films that have won an award between the 10th October 2011 and 9th October 2012 are eligible for consideration. Any variations are at the sole discretion and recommendation of the film committee. A short film must be no longer than 40 minutes (including credits).

All eligible films submitted for consideration will be viewed by BIFA Film Selection Members. Members vote by secret ballot firstly to draw up a long list then again to determine the nominations. All nominated films are then viewed by an independent Jury appointed each year. The winners are announced during the evening of the Awards Ceremony.

The Special Jury Prize will be decided entirely at the Jury's discretion.

Variety Award recognises an actor, director, writer or producer who has helped to focus the international spotlight on the UK

The Richard Harris Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Film by an Actor (male/female) to be decided by the Advisory Committee with the input of the Harris family.

All films must be submitted for consideration by 21st September 2012.

Under exceptional circumstances, inclusion and consideration of films which do not strictly comply with the above criteria will be subject to the discretion of the British Independent Film Awards Advisory Committee.

For more information about BIFA or submitting a film visit: www.bifa.org.uk

The "Canadian Caper" gets a poster

I've already posted up the trailer and image for the film but I'm still disappointed that Warner Bros haven't released the original poster as a viral. On the other hand they have released the poster for the film.

On November 4, 1979, as the Iranian revolution reaches its boiling point, militants storm the U.S. embassy in Tehran, taking 52 Americans hostage. But, in the midst of the chaos, six Americans manage to slip away and find refuge in the home of the Canadian ambassador. Knowing it is only a matter of time before the six are found out and likely killed, a CIA “exfiltration” specialist named Tony Mendez (Affleck) comes up with a risky plan to get them safely out of the country. A plan so incredible, it could only happen in the movies.

In UK cinemas November 7, 2012

Great Expectations gets a trailer

With a great British cast, the Charles Dickens' classic gets a new cinema version. That out of the way, Lionsgate has sent over a new trailer for the film.

The only comment I can make is that I think Helena Bonham Carter has been miss-cast as Miss Havisham as I think of her, mainly from other film versions, as a lot older. This, I know is in contradiction to how old Dickens describers her.

Young orphan Pip is given a chance to rise from his humble beginnings thanks to a mysterious benefactor. Moving through London’s class ridden world as a gentleman, Pip uses his new found position to pursue the beautiful Estella; a spoilt heiress he’s loved since childhood. Yet the shocking truth behind his great fortune will have devastating consequences for everything he holds dear.

Starring an award-winning cast, this British tour de force is directed by the BAFTA winning director of Four Weddings and A Funeral and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Mike Newell, and has been written for the big screen by David Nicholls, the acclaimed writer of the global best seller One Day. This adaptation of Dickens’ finest novel is produced by award winning partners at Number 9 Films, Elizabeth Karlsen and Stephen Woolley (Made in Dagenham, How to Lose Friends and Alienate People, The Crying Game).The film has been financed by BBC Films, the BFI Film Fund, Lipsync Productions, Unison Films and Hart/ Lunsford Pictures.

GREAT EXPECTATIONS will be released in cinemas across the UK November 30, 2012

End Of Watch

Police officers Taylor (Jake Gyllenhaal, SOURCE CODE) and Zavala (Michael Pena, CRASH) are partners and best friends. A night-school student in film production, Taylor affixes tiny cameras to his and Zavala's uniforms to record their daily routines, collecting material for a short video about the real lives of the LAPD. Life is good - until a seemingly routine vehicle check finds the pair stepping on the toes of powerful drug traffickers. David Ayer (TRAINING DAY) writes and directs this high-octane crime film, which is adrenaline-fuelled, throat-grabbingly suspenseful, and one hell of a thrill ride.

End Of Watch will be released in UK on November 23, 2012.

Photo: Scott Garfield, © 2011 Sole Productions, LLC

Meet the Taken family

Liam Neeson returns as Bryan Mills, the retired CIA agent with a “particular set of skills” who stopped at nothing to save his daughter Kim from kidnappers in TAKEN. When the father of one of the villains Bryan killed swears revenge, and takes his wife hostage in Istanbul, Bryan uses the same advanced level of special forces tactics to get his family to safety and systematically take out the kidnappers one by one.

Taken 2 is released on October 5, 2012.

Hotel Transylvania

Coming off the back of two of the worst movies in recent Hollywood history, Adam Sandler is back.  This time as the owner of the Hotel Transylvania, Dracula.  Running a hotel of monsters, for monsters until one fateful day...

Welcome to the Hotel Transylvania, Dracula’s (Adam Sandler) lavish five-stake resort, where monsters and their families can live it up, free to be the monsters they are without humans to bother them.

On one special weekend, Dracula has invited some of the world’s most famous monsters – Frankenstein and his bride, the Mummy, the Invisible Man, a family of werewolves, and more – to celebrate his daughter Mavis’s 118th birthday. For Drac, catering to all of these legendary monsters is no problem – but his world could come crashing down when one ordinary guy stumbles on the hotel and takes a shine to Mavis

Scaring into UK cinemas October 12, 2012