Production On 'Avengers' Halted Due To Theft Of Samuel L. Jackson's Script

If you had not yet heard, A major wrench has been thrown into the production of The Avengers here in Albuquerque. Apparently Samuel L. Jackson's copy of the shooting script was stolen then shopped around via email to numerous film news outlets and blogs. It's unclear where the script was stolen, but we certainly hope this happened in Los Angeles and not here in Albuquerque. One of the websites that received the offer was ObsessedWithFilm.com, they even posted photographs of several script pages to prove it. Needless to say this has probably caused a mighty big problem for Samuel L. Jackson who portrays Nick Fury in the film who has, no doubt incurred the ridicule of fellow cast and crew members. Though, lets be honest, screw up or not, no one is likely to give the former Shaft and Pulp Fiction star too hard of a time about it.


The really big question is, what does this mean for the film that is still in it's early days of principal photography? Apparently the impact is significant. According to our sources close to the production of The Avengers, filming has completely halted. There may be more than one reason but chief among them seems to be that the studio has called for a rewrite of scenes that had been compromised by the release of the photographed script pages. In fact, if looked at closely, the above page is clearly readable and details a scene where Iron Man and Captain America are frantically searching an engine room. Meanwhile, Bruce Banner is about to go into full Hulk mode in the presence of Black Widow. Our sources gave no indication as to when the film would return to full production but, we will update you when we know more.

**UPDATE**
After talking to another source, we have confirmed, once again that production has indeed stopped on the Avengers. However, this source indicated that the theft of Samuel L. Jacksons script DID NOT occur in Albuquerque, but apparently happened in Los Angeles or Burbank CA.

**UPDATE 5/2/11**
Since we first reported the halt of filming on the Avengers there have been numerous reports of Disney & Marvel spokespeople debunking our story. Well, of course they would. It is their job to make sure that even the smallest problem during a production is smoothed over and goes away. It is their job to say that it's just business as usual. However, what we heard from MULTIPLE sources HERE, on the ground in Albuquerque was anything but business as usual. We fully stand by our story as FACT not rumor. Stay tuned to FilmFanReview for the latest NEWS on the production of The Avengers.

-Admiral Duke
*Script photographs courtesy of ObsessedWithFilm.com

NOW IN THEATERS! 4/29/11

Dylan Dog: Dead of Night


Genre: Horror/Mystery
MPAA rating: PG-13
Directed By Kevin Munroe
Starring Brandon Routh, Peter Stormare, Sam Huntington
A New Orleans detective specializing in the paranormal, along with his undead sidekick, take a case for a client that pits them against vampires, werewolves and hell itself.

Fast Five


Genre: Action/Crime
MPAA rating: PG-13
Directed By Justin Lin
Starring, Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson
Ex cop Brian O'Conner and ex-con Dominic Toretto along with Mia Toretto have managed to keep one step ahead of their pursuers, finally ending up Rio de Janeiro where they are faced with only one choice: confront the man who wants them dead and end things once and for all. They gather an elite team of racers, but they will have to elude a hard-nosed Agent Hobbs to pull off their daring plan.

Hoodwinked Too


Genre: Comedy/Animation
MPAA rating: PG
Directed By Mike Disa
Starring, Hayden Panettiere, Bill Hader, Patrick Warburton
Red Riding Hood has been training with the secretive Sister Hoods when she gets a call from the Happily Ever After Agency to track down a pair of missing siblings: Hansel and Gretel.

Disney's PROM


Genre: Comedy
MPAA rating: PG
Directed By Joe Nussbaum
Starring, Aimee Teegarden, Nicholas Braun, Danielle Campbell
At “Prom,” every couple has a story and no two are exactly alike. Several intersecting stories unfold at one high school as the big dance approaches; “Prom” portrays the precarious passage from high school to independence as some relationships unravel and others ignite. For Nova Prescott (Aimee Teegarden), it’s a battle of wills as she finds herself drawn to the guy (Thomas McDonell) who gets in the way of her perfect prom.

Sympathy For Delicious


Genre: Comedy/Drama
MPAA rating: NR
Directed By Mark Ruffalo
Starring, Orlando Bloom, Mark Ruffalo, Juliette Lewis
When a motorcycle accident leaves DJ Delicious paralyzed, he abandons his turntables for a wheelchair as his once promising career disappears before his eyes. Forced to live out of his car on skid row, Dean begins his descent into depression when he meets Father Joe Roselli, a passionate young priest. Father Joe introduces Dean to the world of faith-healing, an unlikely way for him to begin his quest to walk again. He soon discovers that he possesses the otherworldly power to heal people, but in an odd twist of fate, he is utterly unable to heal himself. Despite Father Joe's warnings, Dean angrily decides to use his newfound gift for fame and fortune. He joins a rock band led by charismatic front man The Stain with bassist Ariel, and manager Nina Hogue. But his newfound notoriety is unable to cure the hurt that encompasses his life

John Lasseter Says PIXAR Will Never Make A MARVEL Movie

Ever since Disney shocked the world with their purchase of MARVEL, fans and critics alike have wondered and debated the possibilities of superheroes in the House Of Mouse. More specifically, what could the digital wizards with the Midas touch at PIXAR do with a MARVEL superhero property? First it was the rumor of a possible Ant-Man film. Then there was the rumor of a very psychedelic Dr. Strange film that would be made by geniuses from Emeryville, CA. Then there was the quote from Disney CEO Bob Iger in September that seemed to add to the speculation of a PIXAR/MARVEL team up.
Read the full article here.

"TRANSFORMERS: Dark Of The Moon" Gets A New Trailer

New Trailer For "Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part II"

Mark the day. On July 15th you may notice a constant sobbing sound coming from your local movie theater. There may also be massive puddles of Wizard & Witch tears in the parking lots and gutters surrounding said theater. Pay these things no mind, however. It will only be the die hard Harry Potter fans lamenting the end to their beloved cinematic saga as they leave in emotional distress after the first showings of Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part II. Do you hear that sound now? Thats right the tears have already begun to flow, and this is only the trailer. Be brave, ye noble alumni of Hogwarts, It will all be over soon.

-Admiral Duke

All New "X-Men First Class" Trailer

Thanks to Yahoo! Movies we finally get a solid look at the story of Matthew Vaughn's X-Men First Class which is a prequel to the X-Men trilogy started by Brian Singer with X-Men 1 & 2 and finished in unpopular fashion by Brett Ratner with X-Men: The Last Stand.

X-Men First Class hits theaters on June 3rd.

"Immortals" Trailer Leaked Online

Last night E! aired the first look at the trailer for Tarsem Singh's 300-esque sword and sandal epic "Immortals." Today there have been not one but two versions of that trailed leaked online. The movie seems to have a cool retro look. I can't explain why, but this has that feeling of completely over the top spectacle that the 80's Clash Of The Titans thrived on and that the 'Clash' reboot totally lacked. Also, this trailer totally proves my point about how Mickey Rourke's acting prowess can be hit or miss. He looks really cool in this film, yet in his latest film Passion Play, with Bill Murray and Megan Fox, Rourke seems completely bored and lifeless. In Immortals He plays a relentless villain, and he doesn't have to fake an accent. The film also stars Frieda Pinto, and the man soon to be Superman, Henry Cavill. -Admiral Duke

MOVIE TRAILER MADNESS 4/25/2011

TROLL HUNTER

A group of students investigate a series of mysterious bear killings, but learns that there are much more dangerous things going on. They start to follow a mysterious hunter, learning that he is actually a troll hunter. May 6th 2011


Devils Double

Based on a gripping, unbelievable true story of money, power and opulent decadence, Lionsgate's THE DEVIL'S DOUBLE takes a white-knuckle ride deep into the lawless playground of excess and violence known as Bagdad, 1987. Summoned from the frontline to Saddam Hussein's palace, Iraqi army lieutenant Latif Yahia (Dominic Cooper) is thrust into the highest echelons of the "royal family" when he's ordered to become the 'fiday' -- or body double -- to Saddam's son, the notorious "Black Prince" Uday Hussein (also Dominic Cooper), a reckless, sadistic party-boy with a rabid hunger for sex and brutality. With his and his family's lives at stake, Latif must surrender his former self forever as he learns to walk, talk and act like Uday. July 29th 2011

30 Minutes Or Less
Red Band Trailer: Contains Adult Language, Not intended for children

Nick(Jesse Eisenberg) is a small town pizza delivery guy whose mundane life collides with the big plans of two wanna-be criminal masterminds (Danny McBride and Nick Swardson). The volatile duo kidnaps Nick and forces him to rob a bank. With mere hours to pull off the impossible task, Nick enlists the help of his ex-best friend, Chet (Aziz Ansari). As the clock ticks, the two must deal with the police, hired assassins, flamethrowers, and their own tumultuous relationship. August 12th 2011

Our Idiot Brother

Ned (Rudd) is an idealist. His three sisters (Banks, Deschanel, Mortimer) are ambitious. His mother (Knight) is overbearing. Ned crashes at each of their homes, in succession, and brings truth, happiness and a sunny disposition into their lives. In other words, he wreaks havoc. August 26th 2011

Principle Shooting On "The Avengers" Begins Today

From his official blog, Whedonesque, Director Joss Whedon announced that principal photography for The Avengers begins today. Which, wasn't exactly a shock as both Whedon and actor Clark Gregg(Agent Coulson) both stated last week that filming was to begin today. This info completely falls in line with what two of the films other stars have said. Jeremy Renner(Hawkeye) and Mark Ruffalo(Hulk) have previously stated, that they both would begin shooting The Avengers in Albuquerque this May. Now, we have no idea where the first day of filming was located. However, for the past month there has been a lot of activity at Albuquerque Studio's where the film's pre-production has been locked up tight. So it is a safe assumption that the cameras were rolling there.
Don't forget, FilmFanReview.com is the ONLY entertainment outlet based in Albuquerque who can keep you up to date with the latest Avengers news.
-Admiral Duke

Captain America Shoots In Time Square NY

And so, Joss Whedon's announcement managed to add considerable confusion to this particular story. On Saturday Director Joe Johnston, and stars Chris Evans and Samuel L. Jackson were in Manhattan to shoot scenes for the epilogue to their upcoming film Captain America: The First Avenger

However, many news outlets were reporting that this was part of the Avengers shoot. Unfortunately it doesn't seem to be the case. These scenes seem to be a lead up to the Avengers but not actually part of the films production. Watch the video for a better look at the on set activities.

Captain America: The First Avenger stars Chris Evans, Hayley Atwell, Hugo Weaving, Sebastian Stan, Toby Jones, Samuel L. Jackson, Dominic Cooper, Tommy Lee Jones, Stanley Tucci, Neal McDonough and Derek Luke. The film opens on July 22nd.

NOW IN THEATERS! 4/22/11

African Cats


Language: English
Genre: Documentary
MPAA rating: G
Directed By Alastair Fothergill, Keith Scholey
Starring Samuel L. Jackson(Narrator)
DisneyNature's annual Earth Day offering for 2011, African Cats is a documentary centered on two cat families, A Lion Pride, and a Cheetah mother and her cubs and how they each teach their young the ways of the wild.

Madea's Big Happy Family


Language: English
Genre: Comedy
MPAA rating: PG-13
Directed By Tyler Perry
Starring Bow Wow, Loretta Devine, Tyler Perry
Madea jumps into action when her niece, Shirley, receives distressing news about her health. All Shirley wants is to gather her three adult children around her and share the news as a family. But Tammy, Kimberly and Byron are too distracted by their own problems: Tammy can't manage her unruly children or her broken marriage; Kimberly is gripped with anger and takes it out on her husband; and Byron, after spending two years in jail, is under pressure to deal drugs again. It's up to Madea, with the help of the equally rambunctious Aunt Bam, to gather the clan together and make things right the only way she knows how: with a lot of tough love, laughter ... and the revelation of a long-buried family secret.

Water For Elephants


Language: English
Genre: Drama
MPAA rating: PG-13
Directed By Francis Lawrence
Starring Robert Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon, Christoph Waltz
When Jacob Jankowski, recently orphaned and suddenly adrift, jumps onto a passing train, he enters a world of freaks, drifters, and misfits, a second-rate circus struggling to survive during the Great Depression, making one-night stands in town after endless town. A veterinary student who almost earned his degree, Jacob is put in charge of caring for the circus menagerie. It is there that he meets Marlena, the beautiful young star of the equestrian act, who is married to August, the charismatic but twisted animal trainer. He also meets Rosie, an elephant who seems untrainable until he discovers a way to reach her. Water for Elephants is illuminated by a wonderful sense of time and place. It tells a story of a love between two people that overcomes incredible odds in a world in which even love is a luxury that few can afford

Pom Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold


Language: English
Genre: Documentary/Comedy
MPAA rating: PG-13
Directed By Morgan Spurlock
Starring Morgan Spurlock
Ever notice your favorite soda brand in the background of the summer's hottest romantic comedy? Wonder why Carrie Bradshaw uses that specific kind of soap? In Morgan Spurlock's new documentary, the creator of "Super Size Me" shifts his focus from fast food excess to the power of product placement. He asks a simple question: backed by the right brands, could a documentary reach the same marketing success as Hollywood's latest blockbuster? Spurlock brings us along for the pitch, opening the conference room doors into the elusive world of marketing consumers are not supposed to see. This Sundance favorite challenges the absurd levels of product placement in our everyday lives, and Spurlock's biting humor makes it all the more entertaining.

Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen



Language: Cantonese
Genre: Action/Historical
MPAA rating: R
Directed By Wai-keung Lau
Starring Donnie Yen, Qi Shu, Anthony Wong Chau-Sang
Seven years after the apparent death of Chen Zhen, who was shot after discovering who was responsible for his teacher's death (Huo Yuanjia) in Japanese-occupied Shanghai. A mysterious stranger arrives from overseas and befriends a local mafia boss. That man is a disguised Chen Zhen, who intends to infiltrate the mob when they form an alliance with the Japanese. Disguising himself as a caped fighter by night, Chen intends to take out everyone involved as well as get his hands on an assassination list prepared by the Japanese.

Disney Releases "Chimpanzee" Trailer

When DisneyNature's 2011 Earth Day film "African Cats" debuts in theaters tomorrow audiences will see the trailer for 2012's offering as well. "Chimpanzee" is a remarkable story of a three year old chimp orphan and the male chimp who raises him as his own. It is the first time this kind of Chimpanzee behavior has ever been caught on film. It is also the most compelling storyline of any of the DisneyNature films.You can watch the trailer here.

"Another Earth" Gets A Trailer & Poster

As we posted yesterday, Fox Searchlight picked up Sound Of My Voice, a film co-produced and co written by the films star Brit Marling. Same is true for Another Earth. Both films debuted at Sundance Film Festival this year. What can you say? Brit is a very busy & very talented girl, and apparently Fox wants to make her famous. Today they released the above poster and a full trailer for the film that also stars William Mapother(LOST). The story is the same kind of Drama with a hint of Sci-Fi that Sound is but with a more personal tone.

Official Synopsis
In ANOTHER EARTH, Rhoda Williams (Brit Marling), a bright young woman accepted into MIT’s astrophysics program, aspires to explore the cosmos. A brilliant composer, John Burroughs (William Mapother), has just reached the pinnacle of his profession and is about to have a second child. On the eve of the discovery of a duplicate Earth, tragedy strikes and the lives of these strangers become irrevocably intertwined.
-Admiral Duke

Fox Searchlight Acquires "Sound Of My Voice"

Our favorite film from our inaugural trip to the Sundance Film Festival was undoubtedly The Sound Of My Voice. A very low budget, but very high concept film that dares to be larger than the sum of it's parts, And boldly succeeds. The film follows Peter and Lorna, a couple who infiltrate a cult in order to expose the groups leader, Maggie as a fraud. The film begins as a riveting depiction of the lengths to which the cult goes to protect their leader from the outside world. What follows is a well paced exercise in tension and release with a hint of science fiction that pays of big in the end.

For those of us who have been eagerly awaiting to find out the fate of Sound Of My Voice, it has been an agonizing wait. Imagine if you had watched LOST religiously and had to wait months and months before you could talk to another soul about the film and the possible implications of the stories twists and turns. As well as the possibilities of the stories eventual end.

Thats right. Sound Of My Voice is set to be the first part of a trilogy and the potential for further story development and viral marketing is utterly huge. In fact, director Zal Batmangli had said if the film wasn't picked up and they were unable to finish the series in film they would explore the possibility of continuing the story as a web or television series. Now that the film has been acquired, the possibilities are endless! Be certain as the film nears release we will have the trailer and all upcoming news about The Sound Of My Voice.

Opposition To DirecTV's "Premium On Demand" Service Now has Teeth

Last week the National Association of Theater Owners threatened to abstain from showing some of this summers biggest blockbusters if studio's continued to support DirecTV's new Premium On Demand Service that will put first run film in your home only sixty days after they are released in theaters. The service begins this Thursday and will cost $30 per movie. Given ticket and concession prices at most theaters, that price seems incredibly reasonable for family movie night. Theater owners see this not only as a massive hit to their bottom line, but also as a move that could potentially have devastating effects on the American theatergoing experience. It seems that 20 of Hollywood's most influential directors agree. In an open letter that was posted over at The Hollywood Reporter, James Cameron,Peter Jackson, Michael Bay,Guillermo del Toro and more expressed their frustration with new service, and illustrates the slippery slope that may destroy the Movie Theater business all in the name of fighting piracy. It's surely only a coincidence that the move would result in higher profits for the studio's. Here is the letter in it's entirety.

AN OPEN LETTER FROM THE CREATIVE COMMUNITY ON PROTECTING THE MOVIE-GOING EXPERIENCE

We are the artists and business professionals who help make the movie business great. We produce and direct movies. We work on the business deals that help get movies made. At the end of the day, we are also simply big movie fans.

Lately, there’s been a lot of talk by leaders at some major studios and cable companies about early-to-the-home “premium video-on-demand.” In this proposed distribution model, new movies can be shown in homes while these same films are still in their theatrical run.

In this scenario, those who own televisions with an HDMI input would be able to order a film through their cable system or an Internet provider as a digital rental. Terms and timing have yet to be made concrete, but there has been talk of windows of 60 days after theatrical release at a price of $30.

Currently, the average theatrical release window is over four months (132 days). The theatrical release window model has worked for years for everyone in the movie business. Current theatrical windows protect the exclusivity of new films showing in state-of-the-art theaters bolstered by the latest in digital projection, digital sound, and stadium seating.

As a crucial part of a business that last year grossed close to $32 billion in worldwide theatrical ticket sales, we in the creative community feel that now is the time for studios and cable companies to acknowledge that a release pattern for premium video-on-demand that invades the current theatrical window could irrevocably harm the financial model of our film industry.

Major studios are struggling to replace the revenue lost by the declining value of DVD transactions. Low-cost rentals and subscriptions are undermining higher priced DVD sales and rentals. But the problem of declining revenue in home video will not be solved by importing into the theatrical window a distribution model that cannibalizes theatrical ticket sales.

Make no mistake: History has shown that price points cannot be maintained in the home video window. What sells for $30-a-viewing today could be blown out for $9.99 within a few years. If wiser heads do not prevail, the cannibalization of theatrical revenue in favor of a faulty, premature home video window could lead to the loss of hundreds of millions of dollars in annual revenue. Some theaters will close. The competition for those screens that remain will become that much more intense, foreclosing all but the most commercial movies from theatrical release. Specialty films whose success depends on platform releases that slowly build in awareness would be severely threatened under this new model. Careers that are built on the risks that can be taken with lower budget films may never have the chance to blossom under this cut-throat new model.

Further, releasing a pristine, digital copy of new movies early to the home will only increase the piracy problem—not solve it.

As leaders in the creative community, we ask for a seat at the table. We want to hear the studios’ plans for how this new distribution model will affect the future of the industry that we love.

And until that happens, we ask that our studio partners do not rashly undermine the current – and successful – system of releasing films in a sequential distribution window that encourages movie lovers to see films in the optimum, and most profitable, exhibition arena: the movie theaters of America.

We encourage our colleagues in the creative community to join with us by calling or emailing NATO at 202-962-0054 or [email protected]

Sincerely,

Michael Bay
Kathryn Bigelow
James Cameron
Guillermo del Toro
Roland Emmerich
Antoine Fuqua
Todd Garner
Lawrence Gordon
Stephen Gyllenhaal
Gale Anne Hurd
Peter Jackson
Karyn Kusama
Jon Landau
Shawn Levy
Michael Mann
Bill Mechanic
Jamie Patricof
Todd Phillips
Brett Ratner
Robert Rodriguez
Adam Shankman
Gore Verbinski
Robert Zemeckis

Leave us a comment and tell us what you think. Will this letter embolden The National Association of Theater Owners to actually pull summer blockbusters like Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Pt. 2?
-Admiral Duke

Another X-Men First Class International Trailer

First it was in Russian, then it was in English with Japanese subtitles, now it is completely in English with a little more footage, but pretty much the same stuff. Doesn't seem to get old. Still cannot wait till we get to see X-Men: First Class!
-Admiral Duke

Restrepo Co-Director Tim Hetherington Killed In Libya

It has been confirmed today that Oscar Nominated director Tim Hetherington was killed in a mortar attack in Misrata, Libya while covering the rebel uprising there. He was accompanied by Pulitzer Prize nominated photographer Chris Hondros who survived the initial attack but eventually succumbed to a severe brain injury, and died hours later. Hetherington was nominated for an Oscar in 2010 for the astonishing war documentary "Restrepo." A harrowing, yet noble depiction of US troops in one the toughest regions in Afghanistan. The film was selected as the Grand Jury Prize winner at the 2010 Sundance film festival, and is currently streaming on Netflix. The night before his death, Hetherington posted this on Twitter:

In besieged Libyan city of Misrata. Indiscriminate shelling by Qaddafi forces. No sign of NATO.

-Admiral Duke

DC & Warner Release new Images From BATMAN:Year One Animated Film

DC Entertainment and Warner Premier's series of animated films has had it's disappointments & successes. Biggest disappointment in my mind is the horrible retelling of "Superman: DOOMSDAY." and the biggest success being "Justice Leaugue: New Frontiers" and "Batman: Red Hood." Now the animation folks are to embark on their 12th & 13th endevours, and both of them are Batman tales. The latter is to be an animated retelling of Frank Millers infamous "Dark Knight Returns" which will be a tricky project to pull off. However the first indications from the 12th DC Animated film, Batman: Year One, another Frank Miller adaptation, are very encouraging. These images are really beautiful and show that this film will be true to Dave MMazzucchelli’s work on the Batman series of comic books. Also the casting news is exciting as well. With Breaking Bad's Bryan Cranston playing James Gordon, The OC's and Southland's Ben McKenzie is Bruce Wayne/Batman, Eliza Dushku voicing Catwoman, and Katee Sackhoff as Detective Sarah Essen this film could be really awesome if it's done right. The film will go directly to DVD & Blu-ray, but will debut first in July at Comic Con in San Diego.
-Admiral Duke

NOW IN THEATERS! April 15th 2011

Atlas Shrugged: Part I

Genre: Drama/Mystery
MPAA rating: PG-13
Directed By Paul Johansson
Starring Paul Johansson, Taylor Schilling, Jon Polito
The first part of a trilogy based on the 1957 Ayn Rand novel: Dagny Taggart is a powerful executive in the railroad business, but watches as the government's increasing control over industry causes a strain on business, and ultimately society itself as the countries great minds withdraw their support and go into hiding.


Conspirator, The (2011)

Genre: Drama
MPAA rating: PG-13
Directed By Robert Redford
Starring Justin Long, Robin Wright, Evan Rachel Wood
Following the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, young lawyer Frederick Aiken reluctantly takes on the task of defending the lone female charged in the case: Mary Surratt, owner of the boarding house where the conspirators plotted. Yet as the trail begins, Aiken realizes that not only does Surratt appear to be innocent but the trial is actually a front to bring out the one conspirator who escaped: Surratt's son.


Rio (2011)

Genre: Animated Adventure
MPAA rating: PG
Directed By Carlos Saldanha
Starring Jesse Eisenberg,Anne Hathaway,George Lopez
A pampered macaw from Minnesota finds out that he is the last male of his kind and learns to become a true bird of paradise when he finds himself in Rio de Janeiro.


Scream 4

Genre: Horror/Thriller
MPAA rating: R
Director By Wes Craven
Starring Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Neve Campbell
10 years after the Woodsboro Massacre, Sydney Prescott returns to her home town on a cross-country tour promoting her new book. There, old friends await... as does a new serial killer inheriting the mantle of Ghostface.

"Cowboys & Aliens" Gets A Full Length Trailer

Tonight the brand new trailer for John Favreau's genre bending action epic Cowboys & Aliens debuted during American Idol on FOX. There isn't much new in this first full length trailer, It's pretty much just an amalgam of the teaser trailer and the Super Bowl ad that aired back in February. We see a little more of the Aliens ships. A little more of Sam Rockwell, and A little more of Olivia Wilde...In more ways than one...

-Admiral Duke

First Trailer For John Singleton's "Abduction"

An Action movie starring the Twilight Saga's Taylor Lautner means absolutely nothing to you if you are anyone other than a female aged 12-18. However if it's presented as the latest action film from Academy Award nominated director John Singleton(Boyz N The Hood), then you might turn some other heads. Sure he isn't doing the more personal, dramatic fair that made him an icon of the hip-hop movement in the '90s. Yet Singleton's action films, 2 Fast 2 Furious(2003) and Four Brothers(2005) have been outstanding in their own right. Not at all plot driven, but they are expertly choreographed, gorgeously photographed, and expertly directed. As I expect, Abducted will be. The trailer looks like an action fill buffs dream with lots of running, jumping, explosions, and guns. Oh and to get the girls in the theater, they cast Taylor lautner and debuted the trailer on Mtv.

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

Official Plot Synopsis For Abduction
What would you do if you found your own picture on a missing persons website? Teen Nathan Harper (Taylor Lautner) finds himself facing this very dilemma. Setting out to uncover his real identity, Nathan quickly learns his parents are far from who they say they are. When the police, government agents and shadowy figures start to pursue him, Nathan’s quest for the truth erupts into a full-blown “Bourne”-like man-on-the-run thriller.
-Admiral Duke

Peter Jackson Releases First Video Blog From The Set Of "The Hobbit"

Peter Jackson is a director that fans love. Thats why he is directing The Hobbit and not somebody else. Jackson so imbued the Lord Of The Rings saga with a genuine feeling of life or death struggle with evil that pulsated with power and energy that no one else would take a Hobbit film seriously if he was not involved. Proving that he wants to please the fans, Jackson has released the first video from the set of the film. The video includes a look at Bag End, Bilbo Baggins Home as well as the lead up to principle photography.

-Admiral Duke

Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes Finally has A Trailer

Released to a cacophony of internet fanboy complaints and jeers. The new trailer for Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes is exactly what you think it is. A popcorn movie. An updated version of the late '70s classic Planet Of The Apes Movie. This time instead of ground-breaking makeup effects, it's ground-breaking CGI. Why there are so many people who are up in arms about this is beyond me. We're talking about a Sci-Fi film series that starred Charleton Heston at the height of his campy-ness. The films always beat the audience over the head with heavy handed, symbolic depictions of social themes and cultural issues. But that isn't why we watch these films.

We watch these films because we wonder what a world populated by intelligent apes would look like. The concept is utterly intriguing. Add in the masterful CGI of WETA animation. Add in the astonishing physical acting talents of Andy Serkis, who is still an unheralded genius of our time. And finally, add in the action sequences of an Ape revolt against Mankind and you have a recipe for matinée goodness. More than anything, Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes looks like a great way to spend a couple hours eating popcorn in comfortable chair, in an air-conditioned theater on a hot August Saturday. Like I said, sounds like a solid popcorn movie to me.


-Admiral Duke

Sally Field Cast As Mary Todd Lincoln In Spielberg's "Lincoln"

Steven Spielberg‘s Epic Biopic "Lincoln" is steadily moving towards production. A fact best evidenced by the news of Sally Field being cast as Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of the sixteenth President of the United States. Field joins Daniel Day Lewis, who was cast some time ago as Abraham Lincoln. The film is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning and best-selling book Team of Rivals by historian Doris Kearns Goodwin. The story will portray Lincoln and the men who served in his Cabinet from 1861 to 65. Three of his Cabinet members, Attorney General Edward Bates, Secretary of the Treasury Salmon Chase and Secretary of State William H. Seward had previously run against Lincoln in the 1860 election. The film will focus on Lincoln's efforts to navigate conflicting personalities and political motives on the road to abolition and victory in the United States Civil War. Spielberg intends to start filming this fall, with a late 2012 release. Seems like a Christmas movie to me.
-Admiral Duke

New "Green Lantern" Pics & Casting News

Yesterday, the Hollywood Reporter confirmed what had already been rumored. That Michael Clarke Duncan would be voicing a completely CGI member of the Green lantern Corps named Kilowog. The news is significant for two completely different reasons. Kilowog is one of the most popular characters in the Green Lantern cannon and is certainly one of the characters that fans have been clamoring to see on film. The second reason is that it is really late in the game to still be recording character dialog, as the film opens on June 17th. The biggest reason voice casting is occurring so late is due to the extensive visual effects work.

One example of that is the entirely CGI Green Lantern suit worn by Ryan Reynolds. One of the primary reasons for this was so that the suit would look as if it were actually being generated by the energy of the Green Lantern ring and not made of any terrestrial material. As you can see, the suit looks extremely intricate and on screen will be constantly pulsating with light and energy. Looks to be very, very cool.
-Admiral Duke

RANDOM NOTES: Josh Brolin In "MIB 3" & Bradley Cooper In "Crow" Reboot?

New Pics of Josh Brolin In Men In Black 3

Well, here at FilmFanreview, we are not afraid of spoilers. If you are, then we have already screwed up Men In Black 3 for you. Because it's kind of obvious that standing next to Will Smith is Josh Brolin is looking a lot like a very young Tommy Lee Jones. Which instantly means time travel...Right? Yes, it seems that most of the film takes place in the past as Sith's Agent J must find Jones/Brolin's Agent K to help him save the future. Images com from the Daily Mail

Bradley Cooper To Star In The Crow Reboot?

The Hollywood Reporter broke the news today that apparently director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, the man tapped to helm the reboot, met with Cooper in Spain this weekend and that the two men have pretty good chemistry. According to sources “The two hit it off and shared a vision for the character and the film.” Thats all well and great. But, Bradley Cooper as a vengeful, risen from the dead, rock star who stalks and kills the men responsible for his fiancées rape and murder as well as his own untimely demise? Do you have any idea how hard it is to find a picture of Bradley Cooper brooding? Seriously. Search Bradley Cooper in Google Images and you will find in every single photograph that this guy only knows how to smile. There's nothing dark or dangerous about him. However, this may be a chance for Cooper to change his image as he is always playing a smarmy, heart throb. Of course, there is the possibility that they use Coopers type and play the Eric Draven character as a Brandon Flowers(The Killers) type rock star, who's transformation from clean cut "chick rock" star to the vengeful Crow would be all the more drastic and unsettling... Then there is the possibility that this is a really bad idea. Only time will tell.

Joaquin Phoenix May Return To Dramatic Roles

Sure, Joaquin Phoenix's last film was 2010's very bizarre mockumentary I'm Still Here but he hasn't taken a dramatic role since 2008's Two Lovers. It appears though, that his self imposed semi-retirement may actually be over. Variety is reporting that Phoenix has been in negotiations for a role in Paul Thomas Anderson's untiled film about a Scientology like religion and it's manipulative leader, Lancaster Dodd who will reportedly be played by Phillip Seymour Hoffman. Phoenix is up for the role of freddie Sutton an alcoholic drifter that is taken in by Dodd and becomes his faithful disciple, but eventually begins to question his motives.

-Admiral Duke

After 2 Years "The Debt" Will Finally Be Seen In Theaters

Filmed way back in 2009, The Debt is an all star remake of the 2007 Israeli film Ha Hov. The films release was completely stalled by Disney's seemingly never ending sale of Miramax and will finally be released in August by Focus Features. The story follows three Mossad agents who sneak into Soviet occupied East Germany to hunt down a Nazi war criminal in 1965. Thirty years later, they are national heroes but a tragic truth about their actions will come back to haunt them. Directed by John Madden, the film boasts an amazing cast that includes Helen Mirren, Ciarán Hinds, Tom Wilkinson, Sam Worthington, Marton Csokas and Jessica Chastain.

Michael Shannon Talks About Being Cast As ZOD In "Superman: Man Of Steel"

Yesterday, the news broke that Michael Shannon(Boardwalk Empire) was cast as General Zod in Zack Snyder's upcoming Superman reboot that has been retitled to simply Man Of Steel. This weekend Shannon was honored as the Emerging Master Honoree at the 2011 RiverRun International Film Festival in North Carolina. During a Q&A session he tells how he was cast in the film, and about meeting the new Superman, Henry Cavill. What I found most interesting is how Shannon all but stops the interview at one point to really express his appreciation for Christopher Reeves performance in the Superman movies. A little bit of hero worship shining through I think. Overall it's a really enlightening interview from an astonishingly talented actor.