THE NEW AMAZING SPIDER-MAN LOOKS BAD A$$

Columbia Pictures has officially announced that the new Spider-Man movie will be called The Amazing Spider-Man. Sony also released a new high-resolution image of Andrew Garfield in the new suit, with mechanical web-shooters clearly in sight.  I have to admit the suit looks pretty kick ass!  

Columbia Pictures also confirmed the title and the release date of the project, which will hit cinemas on July 3, 2012.

Other stars in the movie include ''Easy A'' actress Emma Stone and Welsh star Rhys Ifans, reports Contactmusic.

Sally Field and Martin Sheen are also taking part in the movie, written by James Vanderbilt, Alvin Sargent and Steve Kloves.

Tim Burton & Johnny Depp Turn to Vampires Soap Opera with DARK SHADOWS Remake

The Hollywood Reporter broke the news that Johnny Depp’s next film (after finishing the next installment of Pirates of the Caribbean) will be the Tim Burton re-imagining of the classic vampire soap opera Dark Shadows.

Apparently, Johnny Depp loved Dark Shadows show as a child and has been pushing the project with Burton's help for quite a few years. The film will start production April 2011.

Depp will portray Barnabas Collins, a vampire living in a Maine manor who is searching for his lost love.

If you're like me and you've I'never seen Dark Shadows here is some information about the series (which by the way seems like a much better show than Days of Our Lives, All My Children, etc.):

Dark Shadows is a gothic soap opera that originally aired weekdays on the ABC television network, from June 27, 1966 to April 2, 1971. The show was created by Dan Curtis, who tells of a dream he had in which a girl takes a long train ride to visit a large mansion. The story "bible," which was written by Art Wallace, does not mention any supernatural elements. It was unprecedented in daytime television when ghosts were introduced about six months after it began.

The series became hugely popular when, a year into its run, vampire Barnabas Collins (played by Jonathan Frid) appeared. Dark Shadows also featured werewolves, ghosts, zombies, man-made monsters, witches, warlocks, time travel (both into the past and into the future), and a parallel universe. 

 I've had about enough of vampires over the last couple of years, but Depp and Burton do routinely make some unique and unforgettable movies.  

What do you guys think? Are we done with vampires? Or is this exciting to you?

Zack Snyder says "My Superman Will be Different" and "No General Zod"

Zack Snyder is learning from his producer Christopher Nolan when it comes to giving cryptic answers. He has even gone as far as to rule out a villain as Nolan did just last week with the Riddler.

Digital Spy reports on an interview with Empire:

"It's a different story," Snyder said. "I won't say there's a break from the canon or anything like that, but there is definitely an approach that makes you go, 'Okay, that's a way to get at it.'"

He continued: "David is very respectful of the canon and stuff like that. It has its roots in the canon and again, like I say, it has a point of view about who he is. I'm being cryptic, I know, but it's the best I can do."

Asked if his movie will track the Man of Steel's early years, Snyder replied: "I think it's early to say. I don't know."

The director also described rumours of the comic book hero facing General Zod as "just wrong", adding that "the internet has no idea what's going on". The truth hurts and I can't help agree that the "internet has no idea what's going on." Gfest is guilty as anyone of falsely publicizing the 'early years' storyline.  We are just so excited for a Superman reboot that report any ounce of news we can find about the upcoming Zach Snyder movie.

Lastly, if by different Snyder means a super sexy Supergirl character, Kelli seems like a prime candidate.

Via: comic book movie and photograph from Kelli (this site nsfw).

Original LEGO Star Wars Mini Movie Entitled, “The Bombad Bounty” is Simply Brilliant

God damn I love Lego.  I love the bricks, games, video games, movies, etc.  Everything Lego touches turns to gold.  Creativity mixed with perfection is the Lego standard.

Now, Lego is kicking off the holiday season with a Lego Star Wars mini-movie called “The Bombad Bounty” and it is damn good.  Sit back and enjoy another Lego masterpiece.

Thank God for Small Favors - General Zod NOT the Villain of Superman Reboot

General Zod NOT the Villain of Superman Reboot! Hurray!

So says newly crowned Superman director Zack Snyder.

An Italian website called BadTaste got the scoop when they spoke to Zach Snyder

Question: You were recently chosen as the director of Superman. What have you done to defeat other talented directors and what are you planning to do with this new version?

Zack Snyder: I'm not sure what I've done, it wasn't like a run race, which would have been easier to do. Anyway, I think that you have to do your best to describe this world and that the character of Superman needs to be relevant again, without disrespecting his mithology. That's my goal.

Question: The general Zod will be the villain of the movie or it's just a rumour?

Zack Snyder: For now it's just a rumor.

Zack, Warner Bros., DC Comics, etc, please do not cast Zod, be original!  We've suffered long enough.

via: CBM

Alan Moore's KILLING JOKE in Lego!

Alan Moore and Brian Bolland's chilling 1988 graphic novel Batman: The Killing Joke—which reminded us the Joker wasn't just a joke, but rather a homicidal maniac—is considered by many to be the greatest Joker story ever told. But who ever thought it could be just as chilling retold with LEGOs?

How influential was The Killing Joke? Heath Ledger was given a copy to help him create his character for The Dark Knight. And this presentation of the Joker's famous final speech from the graphic novel—just as tense with LEGOs as on the page—will show you why.

Check it out below.

via: Blastr

Star Wars Trilogy in South Park-Esq Papercraft in 2 minutes

Eric Power used paper to summary the Star Wars trilogy to the tune of a Jeremy Messermith's Tatooine. It's pretty damn sweet! Check Eric's other papercraft videos in his page, including Zelda and Mortal Kombat. [Eric Power]

Via: Gizmodo

Mark Millar's NEMESIS gets $150 Million Budget & Top Gun Director

I am one of the few people within my circle of comic book geek friends that enjoys Mark Millar's "Nemesis." Batman has always been my favorite character in any genre, hands down. I enjoy the twist of having a "Bruce Wayne" type character on the other side of the law. Batman can stop anyone using his money, intelligence and/or physical attributes It's nice to read a story where we try to find someone or something that can stop an evil Batman with these same abilities.

So I was excited when Mark Millar and artist Steve McNiven’s antihero story “Nemesis” is going to be brought to life with "Top Gun" and "Enemy of the State" director Tony Scott.

Here are some things we know about the film from Mark Millar.

“They reckon the budget on this thing will probably be around $150 MILLION mark. It’s a very expensive film, it’s got a lot of big set pieces,” he told MTV News while promoting his recently launched "CLiNT" comics magazine. “So the nice thing is, it means we can hopefully afford who we want to work with.”

Millar said he discussed who he’d like to see in the title roles with Scott recently, and told the filmmaker, “In my head I saw Johnny Depp versus Brad Pitt, and he said, 'Well, that sounds good,’ and he has some of his own ideas as well. He’s just going to go around and get a script together and then take it out and see what he can find.

“Tony Scott has to be at the top of the list, he’s a Hollywood legend. Every single person in the country probably has at least one of his movies on DVD," said Millar. "So the idea of Tony Scott doing a superhero movie in itself would be exciting, the idea of doing mine is just crazy. It’s something I’m very, very exciting about.”

Source: MTV

Emma Stone is Gwen Tracy in New SPIDER-MAN Movie

In recent days, it looked like Emma Stone, the 21-year-old star of current release Easy A, was a lock to play red-haired Mary Jane in 2012’s Marc Webb-directed Spider-Man film. In a strange twist, Stone will actually play Gwen Stacy, the other (blonde) love of Peter Parker’s life.

I like Emma Stone (she's got that Anna Farris quality) and think she will do a great job in this movie. I am surprised that she is not playing Mary Jane, a role that seems a perfect fit for her. Regardless of the casting, she's a definite plus for 2012 movie.
CULVER CITY, Calif., October 5, 2010 –Emma Stone has been cast as the female lead in the upcoming Spider-Man film from Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios, it was announced today by Amy Pascal, co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment and Matt Tolmach, president of Columbia Pictures. Stone has been tapped for the role of Gwen Stacy opposite Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker. The film, to be directed by Marc Webb from a screenplay by James Vanderbilt and produced by Avi Arad and Laura Ziskin, will begin production in December and will be released in theaters nationwide in 3D on July 3, 2012. The casting continues an association between Sony Pictures Entertainment and the actress, who previously starred in Superbad, The House Bunny, and Zombieland, all for Columbia Pictures; she may currently be seen in Screen Gems’ hit comedy Easy A, and takes a cameo role in Screen Gems’ upcoming Friends with Benefits.

Commenting on the announcement, Tolmach said, “It’s been an incredible journey for us to watch Emma’s star rise as an actress. She is extraordinarily talented and has a very special on-screen spark that is perfect for this role. Given her history with the studio, casting her in one of our most important franchises is a real thrill.”

Webb added, “The chemistry between Andrew and Emma was stunning and made Emma the clear choice. At the heart of the story of Peter Parker is not only the amazing Spider-Man, but also an ordinary teenager who is wondering what he has to do to get the girl. Andrew and Emma will bring everything audiences expect to these roles, but also make them their own. Much to my surprise, it was fun to find out that our choice for Gwen (Emma) is also a natural blonde.”

Emma Stone can currently be seen starring in Screen Gems’ hit comedy Easy A. Next year, she will star in Warner Bros.’ Crazy, Stupid, Love opposite Steve Carell and Ryan Gosling and in The Help, the adaptation of Kathryn Stockett’s bestselling novel; she also takes a cameo role in Screen Gems’ Friends with Benefits and will voice a role in DreamWorks Animation’s comedy The Croods. Stone’s recent credits include Paperman, Zombieland, Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, The House Bunny, The Rocker, and Superbad.

Source: Newsarama

Zach Synder (300 & WATCHMEN ) Officially Directing SUPERMAN Reboot

After weeks of recent speculation, Deadline.com reported Monday evening that Zack Snyder has been chosen by Warner Bros. to direct the next Superman film.

The Hollywood Reporter stated that negotiations began earlier today. Christopher Nolan, director of Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, is a producer on Superman, and had reportedly been considering a list of candidates including Snyder, Tony Scott and Duncan Jones.

David S. Goyer, whose credits include Batman Begins and a long co-writing run on DC Comics title JSA, is writing the screenplay. Sources including The Hollywood Reporter say that General Zod, the main villain of 1980's Superman II, will play a role.

Darren Aronofsky was also among the list of directors considered; but it was reported last week that he's being targeted to direct a big-screen adaptation of DC/Vertigo's acclaimed mature reader series Preacher.

Snyder has directed two prior comic book adaptations: Frank Miller's 300 in 2007, and the 2009 adaptation of seminal DC miniseries Watchmen. His animated fantasy Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole is now in theaters, with spring 2011's Sucker Punch his next project scheduled for release.

Source:  Newsarama

'Logan's Run' Movie Built out of Legos

How many of you have actually heard of the movie Logan's Run?

It is is a novel by William F. Nolan and George Clayton Johnson.  Published in 1967, it depicts a dystopic ageist future society in which both population and the consumption of resources are maintained in equilibrium by requiring the death of everyone reaching a particular age. The story follows the actions of Logan, a Sandman charged with enforcing the rule, as he tracks down and kills citizens who "run" from society's lethal demand — only to end up "running" himself.

In 1976, Logan's Run was turned into a movie starring Michael York, Richard Jordan, Jenny Agutter, Peter Ustinov, and Farrah Fawcett.  The movie opened with mixed reviews but has since grown into a cult classic and scifi masterpiece.

If you have not seen the movie you really should take the time to watch it.  It's a good movie hat has been rumored for a long time to be remade into a big budget film.

Keith Goldman has transformed the sexy party dystopia of Logan's Run into a massive Lego diorama; scenes from the film are interspersed in the nooks and crannies.  His creations are awesome!  The attention to detail is second to none.

You can check out further scene recreations at Keith's Flickr.

Via:  io9

Pictures from the Movie Set of CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER

As a comic book star of the Forties of, Captain America was as patriotic emblem for his country, often depicted fighting the Nazi powers of World War II.

 

But it seems the Captain America in the forthcoming movie based on the iconic cartoon character is going to be bringing his powers to Britain as well.

Today motorbike scenes for Captain America: The First Avenger were being shot in the London countryside. American actor Chris Evans, who also starred in the Fantastic Four comic book films, is playing the title role in the film.

And today his stunt double was snapped in a leafy London location, dressed in full regalia, riding a US Army Indian motorcycle.

True to the original character, the costume comprised the colours of the American flag, complete with a huge star on the chest, helmet and cape.

 

There was also a magnificent Forties-style car on set, which was seen being driven through a woodland location, as well as some more futuristic looking motorcycles.

 The film started shooting in June, when Tommy Lee Jones was confirmed as playing US Army Colonel Chester Phillips.

Dominic Cooper will also play a role as the younger version of Howard Stark, the character which John Slattery portrayed in Iron Man 2.

More filming is scheduled there for later this month. But in the meantime production will continue in London, with a number of key landmarks expected to be taken in during filming.

The movie, directed by Joe Johnston and scheduled for release in July next year, will also star Lord of the Rings actor Hugo Weaving as Johann Schmidt / Red Skull, Captain America's nemesis and head of the Nazis' terrorist activities.

The futuristic-looking bikes on set today appeared to be carrying riders bearing the Red Skull symbol as a chase scene was filmed.
 

Source:  The Daily Mall

BACK TO THE FUTURE Getting It's Own Video Game

It's about time.  One of the greatest movies ever made is finally getting a decent video game.  The USA Today is reporting that Telltale Games is working on a Back to the Future video game.

While those of us who still remember this original Nintendo masterpiece may be a little wary of another Back to the Future video game, this one is actually sounding like it has the potential to be pretty cool. According to Telltale (who also has a Jurassic Park game in the works), the game will be told in five "episodes" written by Bob Gale, who wrote the original three films, and will feature key time periods and characters from the movies.

What's even more exciting is that the game will feature the likenesses of Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd - and Lloyd will also be providing the voice for Doc Brown. Great Scott!

According to Wired, the game, which does not appear to have an official release date yet, will be released on "all major platforms."

Telltale Games will be kicking off their Back to the Future game hype in full force at the Penny Arcade Expo in the Seattle this weekend (which according to their website, is already sold out), where they will have a replica of the time-travelling DeLorean.

I hope you get to kick Biff's ass, ride a wooden skateboard, get to see a YOUNG Leah Thompson and Elisabeth Shue, get cool self lacing Nike high tops, and drive a DeLorean while creaming Doc!

Source:  ThinkMcFlyThink

Marvel’s RUNAWAYS to Shoot in March; Re-Titled to “SMALL FACES”?

Marvel’s RUNAWAYS is set to begin filming in March 2011. Production Weekly tweets that shooting will take place in Los Angeles, which is where Brian K. Vaughan’s comic is set. The series centers on a group of teenagers who go on the run when they discover that their parents are supervillains. While on the lam, they each learn they’ve inherited particular gifts and abilities.

Interestingly, PW tweets that the movie is called “The Runaways (aka “Small Faces”). If Marvel is choosing to rename the project, it’s likely because they want to avoid confusion with the music biopic starring Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning that came out earlier this year. However, do you really believe Marvel would allow the title "Small Faces?"

Source: Collider

Mark Millar Announces KICK ASS 2 Movie a Go!

Ain't It Cool News is reporting that KICK ASS 2 has been green-lit.  Apparently UK viewers that heard Mark Millar on Radio 5 announce that due to the crushing success of KICK ASS on DVD - that KICK ASS 2 has been greenlit.

We will have to do some more research to determine of this true, but DVD sales do drive business these days especially given the state of movie theaters (brought on by movie studio and the theaters themselves).

Hopefully the KICK ASS 2 comic will come out sometime in the near future.  On second thought I just want the second part of AMERICAN JESUS to be released sometime before I die.  I can wait on KICK ASS 2.

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS Test Screened in Chicago (Spoiler Warning)

Word spread quickly this afternoon on several Harry Potter fansites that an unnamed Warner Bros test screening happening in Chicago today was possibly an early screening of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I.  Both Mugglenet and The Leaky Cauldron are now confirming that it was indeed a screening of a rough cut of the film, and reactions are starting to pour in, as well as a few plot details and confirmations, including (SPOILER warning):

1. Although it was still a rough cut with unfinished special effects and music, the film clocked in at 2-1/2 hours.  A composer for Part II has not yet been chosen.
2. The Tale of the Three Brothers, which tells the story of the Deathly Hallows, will be an animated sequence.
3. "Part 1" was not part of the title card.
4. We will get to see Hermione's home, as well as when she modifies her parents' memories to keep them safe from Voldemort.
5. Both Dobby and Kreacher do appear in the film, Dobby in particular got a very warm response from the audience.
6. A death of one of the characters has been changed somewhat...but that character still dies.
7. The film will end where it was reported last week - with Voldemort getting his hands on the Elder Wand.
8. There will be flashback scenes regarding the Horcruxes and Hallows, and Dumbledore and Slughorn will appear in these scenes, among others.
9. The Seven Potters Death Eater sequence will now include a highway chase.
10. There will be a scene where Harry dances with Hermione (not in the book) in the tent to cheer her up during the Horcrux search, and a scene where they passionately kiss (don't worry, it's not what you think).

 Reaction to the film itself has been overwhelmingly positive - granted, these reviews are from raving Harry Potter fans, so they're bound to be a little biased.  But as a raving Harry Potter fan myself, who just finished reading Deathly Hallows again this week (and who's also watching Goblet of Fire on ABC Family right now), it's sounds like they're staying very faithful to the book and they're not pulling any punches with this one, which is great, because the book didn't either.  It's dark and sad, and let's you know pretty much from the first chapter that all bets are off as to who is safe...essentially, no one.

It's also sounding good because the most of the major sequences we've seen in the trailers so far - like the dragon and the Battle of Hogwarts, are from Part II.  While Part I will mostly be a road movie with the trio pushing each other to their emotional limits searching for Horcruxes, it does have a good number of terrifying moments and action sequences to definitely earn the series' second PG-13 rating (after Goblet of Fire), and judging the reviews so far, it's all going to be there and more.

Source: ThinkMcFlyThink

Alien GREEN LANTERN Movie Characters Revealed

First it was Killowog or was it?  then it was Tomar or was it?  Now Comic Book Movies has apparently tracked down designs for M'Dhana, Galius Zed,  Salaak, Rot Lop Fan, Bzzd, Morro and Boodikka.  Here are the images.  What do you think?  Believable? 

Michael Goldenberg Tapped to Write Green Lantern 2

Reports are swirling that Michael Goldenberg has been hired to pen the screenplay for Green Lantern 2. He's no stranger to the character – having been involved with writing on the first film. This comes months after his co-writers Greg Berlanti, Michael Green and Marc Guggenheim were commissioned to cook up a treatment.

No word on when WB would plan to unleash the Lantern follow-up. But you can bet that they're going to wait and see the results of Martin Campbell's freshman installment before fully committing to another one. The soonest it'd probably be unleashed is 2013/2014.

What would you like to see in the next Green Lantern movie?  Who should be the major nemesis?  Should Jon Stewart, Guy Gardner, Kyle Rainer, etc. be in the movie?

Millar's NEMESIS is Hitting the Big Screen

The love affair with Mark Millar continues in Tinsle Town. WANTED, KICK ASS, AMERICAN JESUS and now NEMESIS, are all books that have or will soon become movies.

20th Century Fox purchased the rights to Millar and Steve McNiven's graphic novel NEMESIS.
IGN is reporting that Fox has acquired the screen rights to the Marvel/Icon series and attached Tony Scott (Man on Fire, Top Gun, Taking of Pelham 123) to direct the screen adaptation. Scott will also produce the film, along with his brother Ridley, via their Scott Free Productions banner. They're currently looking to hire a screenwriter.

If you are not familiar with Millar's latest creation, it's basically what if Batman were the Joker? Billionaire Matt Anderson dons a costume and uses an array of hi-tech gadgetry to avenge the deaths of his parents -- except they were supervillains and now so is he. And his victims? The world's top cops. He first set his sights on Asia before coming to Washington D.C. where he locks horns with Blake Morrow, the police chief who caught his parents.

I am a fan of the NEMESIS comic.  I enjoy the idea of a character that has all the talents and resources of Bruce Wayne and Batman, but using them for an opposite purpose.  I enjoy watching Anderson outwit, outmaneuver and out-muscle everyone.  He's the ultimate villain.  He's a sane Joker. A wealthy Penguin. An intelligent Black Mask.  He's Lex Luthor behind a mask.

DC & Warner Bros. Green Light JLA Movie But With NO Batman or Superman

According to Comic Book Movie, the Justice League Movie Is a Go. Warner Bros and DC Entertainment are already planning a Justice League movie; but with a twist.

Several weeks ago, Warner Bros announced they are planning on fill the gap left by the culmination of the Harry Potter franchise with DC superhero films. With Green Lantern due out in theaters next summer, along with the third installment of Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy and a rebooted Superman film the following year, fans were beginning to wonder how soon it would be before these heroes came together into one ensemble movie. Now we're a few steps closer.

A Justice League of America film has been given the tentative green light by Warner Bros. Though the film is still in it's very, very early stages (no script has been officially worked on, but the basic plot is outlined), actors are quietly being pursued to test for the roles. The big surprise is the current team roster: Green Lantern, The Flash, Wonder Woman, Aquaman and Martian Manhunter. That's right, folks, no Superman or Batman; at least not yet. The film will be used to introduce Wonder Woman, Aquaman and Martian Manhunter to general audiences. Both Green Lantern and The Flash movies would have already been released in theaters, so there would be no need to delve into their origins. Either Superman or Batman, or both, could eventually make their way into the script; though at this time the studio is slowly moving forward without their inclusion. Several comics series, including the team's first outing in The Brave and the Bold, have worked quite well without Batman and Superman as a part of the initial team.

What do you think of a JLA movie?  Can it work without Batman and Superman?  The JLA comic book is pathetic right now without Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman or Green Lantern.   That makes me a little skeptical about the team-up described here, but any step closer to a live action JLA movie is a good thing.  Right?