Trailer Park: Muppets Most Wanted

A couple years back, the Muppets made their triumphant return to the big screen. I will not lie, I loved it. The movie was a blast and did not have a cynical bone in its body. It felt fresh, light, fun, and remained true to who the Muppets are. Now, they are coming back in Muppets Most Wanted. I have to say I worry that it will not measure up to the last one, but I would also be lying if I said this did not look like fun or that I wasn't looking forward to it. Bring it on! It is scheduled for release on March 21, 2014.

First Shot of Garfield in the Spidey Suit

This new Spider-Man movie is really beginning to feel like it is really happening. I know we have all known about it for some time, but the arrival of the early stills have driven the fact home that the Raimi/Maguire era is over and the Webb/Garfield era is beginning. This first still of the suit is an interesting one and one that makes me think more and more that Andrew Garfield was the right casting.

What if The Empire Strikes Back Was a Silent Film?

Have you ever wondered what a movie like The Empire Strikes Back may have looked like if it were made in the 1920's? Well, wonder no more. Actually, I am not sure how many of you actually thought about it. I honestly cannot say I ever thought about it, but it is definitely an intriguing concept.

Vanishing on 7th Street Readies its Appearance

Take a little bit of Pitch Black, a little I Am Legend, set in the present day and stir. The results of that concoction may look a little but like Vanishing on 7th Street. The first trailer for the thriller has arrived and it paints a pretty compelling picture.

My Soul to Take - Craven Loves Killing Teens

Some of Wes Craven's best films involve the slaughter of teenagers, be it Last House on the Left or Deadly Friend. In fact, two of his films have become horror milestones for the teen death-dealing, A Nightmare on Elm Street and Scream. I am sure someone could argue against their merits, but there really is no denying the mark these two films have left on the slasher genre. It is a genre that Craven is returning to with a vengeance.

Monsters Prepare to Strike

In 2008 we got the wonderfully intense monster movie Cloverfield. That was a great theatrical experience and went a good ways to giving the monster movie some life. In 2009 we got the incredibly original, exciting, thrilling, and intelligent District 9. That one melted my mind when I saw it, it brought a fully realized world to the screen, an interesting alien race, and a fascinating lead character. Now we are on the verge of Monsters, which seems reminiscent of those films while still appearing to be wholly original. Will it be as good as either of those prior films? I do not know, but the teaser is very promising.

Aronofsky's Black Swan Promotion Begins

Darren Aronofsky is one of those directors that when you see their name attached to a project you stop and pay attention. Following Pi, Requiem for a Dream, The Fountain, and The Wrestler, he is one of the most interesting filmmakers around. I knew that he was working on a new project I just did not know it was this far along. I had lost track of the progress, but now we have a poster and a trailer and I cannot wait to see the movie.

Burlesque Gets Weird Poster

You know, I think this movie actually looks like it could be good. Sure, it features a non-actress in Christina Aguilera, but it does also have pop-star turned Oscar winner Cher alongside Oscar-nominee Stanley Tucci and Kristen Bell. Yes, it also looks like a familiar coming-of-age, zero-to-hero type story. Actually, I am oddly reminded of Coyote Ugly, itself not an original concoction, but similar in tone. At least based on the first trailer. Now we get the first poster.

Tumbl'd Entertainment News For the Week of Feb. 5

Each week the entertainment world is flooded with news. Big news, little news, inconsequential news, and funny news. It flies around the web at breakneck pace and no matter wear you turn, no matter what entertainment site you go to, it all looks the same. Sure, the opinion may be different, but the core piece of information is the same.

Now, I would love to get in on the fun, but I barely have time to read it, much less write it. So, I try to do the next best thing, I send some of the more interesting (to me) stories out across the web on the Critical Outcast Tumblr Blog and then, at the end of the week, gather them together and add some of my own thoughts. Hopefully, you will find this interesting, entertaining, and maybe even worthwhile!

Mad in Italy - Trailer
Slasher film coming out of Italy. It looks like a low budget affair, but it looks pretty good too!


Miramax - Shuttered
It is a sad day for independent cinema as one of its champions has been closed down. It is the next in a line of studio closures as the big studios are closing their vanity labels. We all saw this coming. The warning signs appeared not long ago when Disney announced it would be folding its offices back in with the main Disney office, of course this was seen as the polite way to go as a few films were/are still on the schedule. This closing also leaves a number of films in limbo, locked behind Miramax's locked doors.

Ip Man 2 - Teaser Trailer
I really need to see the first film. These movies tell the story of Ip Man, one of Bruce Lee's teachers. Donnie Yen (Blade: Trinity, Iron Monkey) as the titular character. This teaser hints at a fight between Yen and Sammo Hung!


Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps - trailer
Do we really need this? I wonder how willing people will be to see a movie about Wall Street. It does see Michael Douglas return as Gordon Gecko with a new upstart at his side in Shia Lebeouf. It also features Oliver Stone in the director's chair.


The Planned Muppet Movie Gets a Director
James Bobin, co-creator of Flight of the Conchords has been signed on to direct an update for the Muppets. I understand it is not a reboot or a reimagining, but a new modern-set Muppet movie. I could get behind this, I was always a fan as a kid. It is also possible that Bobin could be directing from a script by Jason Segel (How I Met Your Mother, Forgetting Sarah Marshall) and Nicholas Stoller (director of Forgetting Sarah Marshall). This could prove interesting.

Frozen - TV Spot
I am looking forward to this. Initially it sounds like a silly concept, but I think the execution could prove it a winning feature.


Scout Compton and Halloween 3
Scout Compton, who starred as Laurie Strode in the two Rob Zombie directed features, is caught on a webcam talking about a proposed third film.


Ong Bak 3 - Teaser Trailer
They are not wasting any time, are they? The second film has barely hit store shelves!


In the Mouth of Ubaldo Terzani - Trailer
This looks downright odd. Italian horror film that promises some good bloodshed.


Birdemic - Backstory
Last week I gave yo the epic trailer, now learn a little bit about the story behind the movie.

Severin Acquires All-Rights To "BIRDEMIC: SHOCK AND TERROR" from Severin Films on Vimeo.

Kate Beckinsale in for Fourth Underworld
The fourth entry in the vampires and werewolves series is slated to be produced in 3D, and I have heard rumblings it may be set in space. Aside from that, Beckinsale is in although she does not really want to do it, despite talk that her husband Len Wiseman would be returning to the director's chair.

Lakeshore Developing I, Frankenstein
This looks like it may be an interesting, but at the same time it could prove to be terrible. The story finds the legendary monster protecting humanity from supernatural creatures. It is being developed under the watchful eye of the Underworld producers. Let's just say I won't be holding my breath.

Olivia Wilde Joins Cowboys and Aliens
The House beauty is set to join Daniel Craig, who replace Robert Downey Jr., in this comedic science fiction western for director Jon Favreau. I know little about the project, but I like the small sample of talent involved thus far.

The Bourne Prequel?
A recent interview with Matt Damon revealed that the next Bourne relate project will likely be a sequel with a new cast and crew. We also learn that it would be in theaters before he suits up again. Not sure how I feel about this. I want to say, we have three strong films, if it is without Damon, I a not interested.

The Losers - Trailer
This looks like a lot of fun. An elite military group is betrayed and they have to get to the bottom of it. It looks to have explosive action and a good sense of humor.


A.D. - Trailer
CG zombie film! Look pretty cool, even if it is a small bit.


Transformers 3.... D?
Frankly, I am surprised the idea took this long to come up. Paramount is thinking about shooting Michael Bays third robot flick and leaving the fighting to the robots. I don't really care one way or the other. This just seems to be a studio looking at a potentially bloated bottom line.

Kick-Ass - International Trailer
I am really looking forward to this movie.


Enchanted To Ge a Sequel
A couple of years ago, Disney released this simply wonderful princess come to life story and now they are working up a sequel to it. Does it need one? Probably not. Still, I will surely be there, I only hope the quality is there.

Captain America to begin Shooting in June
The only problem is that they don't have a cast! They say they have some names lined up. I wonder. Who will play Cap? I kind of hope they find an unknown.

Fast and Furious getting a Sequel
It was originally intended to be the final of the series, but making a lot of money can change people's minds really fast. The new film will bring Vin Diesel and Paul Walker back and on the run with all the souped up cars you've come to expect. This slice of beauty is to be called Fast Five. Yuck.

Tumbl'd Entertainment News For the Week of 1/22

Each week the entertainment world is flooded with news. Big news, little news, inconsequential news, and funny news. It flies around the web at breakneck pace and no matter wear you turn, no matter what entertainment site you go to, it all looks the same. Sure, the opinion may be different, but the core piece of information is the same.

Now, I would love to get in on the fun, but I barely have time to read it, much less write it. So, I try to do the next best thing, I send some of the more interesting (to me) stories out across the web on the Critical Outcast Tumblr Blog and then, at the end of the week, gather them together and add some of my own thoughts. Hopefully, you will find this interesting, entertaining, and maybe even worthwhile!

Avatar for Haiti
This is rather cool. Instead of dropping the bucks on another screening, why not donate that money to help the disaster relief in Haiti?

Pirahna 3D has Gotten Kicked out of April
Apparently, the Dimension has gotten cold feet about releasing the horror remake this April where it would have to compete with the anticipated Kick Ass. To avert the confrontation, the studio has pulled the Alexandre Aja (Haute Tension, The Hills Have Eyes) directed film and moved it tentatively to August. The trailer had just began running and I was looking forward to it. I have heard good things from screenings that have already happened. It looks goofy, campy, and I hear it is quite bloody.

Can Mel Still Pack a Theater?
With the upcoming release of Edge of Darkness, this column questions whether or not Mel is a box office draw. It is an interesting question, as it has been some time since Gibson appeared in a film and in the meantime has had his share of controversy. On top of that, other action stars of his era are not exactly the draws they used to be, look at guys like Bruce Willis and Sly Stallone. I, too, am curious how it will turn out. I think he still has some gas in the tank and this movie ould seem to play to his strengths.

Predators Set Photos
Nimrod Antal's latest project is shooting and some stills have made it to the web. I am hoping this wipes out the Alien vs. Predator films and delivers something compelling.


Cloverfield Sequel?
This movie proved to be an incredible cinematic experience, a new take on he monster movie that breather life into the genre and opened up a new world to explore. It appears that a sequel is still a possibility according to JJ Abrams. I know I would love to take another trip into this world, I only hope it is not another "found footage" type of movie.

Paranormal Activity 2 has a Director
I am really skeptical about a sequel to this surprising hit. I loved the film. I left feeling really creeped out. The sequel is going to have to do something very different than the first to work. Kevin Greutert has signed on to direct. His last film was the surprisingly good Saw VI. I find it odd that he was not retained for the seventh in the franchise, which will be helmed by David Hackl who directed the lackluster fifth film. To make things even more interesting, the two will open head to head on October 22. I am curious to see this battle and hope that the results are a pair of good films.

The Resurrection of the Christ Coming to Theaters?
Indie producer Bill McKay is prepping a film of Jesus resurrection to hit the big screen. The film is said to include Gladiator-esque elements. I cannot see this working, but I admit to being intrigued. We will see if it actually comes to pass.

Push to be Made for Television
The superhero film, which was actualy pretty good, is being developed as a television series. I think it could work. I could see it being what Heroes should be. The movie did jus seem to get the pieces in place for a bigger story and this may be our opportunity to see that story.

Spider-Man has a Director
Marc Webb has signed on the dotted line to take on a new series for Sony. This comes after rumors that Sam Raimi was pushing for Predators director Nimrod Antal. Webb made his directorial debut with the fantastic (500) Days of Summer. Decidedly different from what you expect a superhero movie to be like. That said, he is a new voice and I look forward to what he has to offer. I just hope that he and whoever writes the script are able to do so with minimal studio interference.

Necrosis - Trailer
This low-budget horror film's trailer just debuted and while I do not think it will be great, it does look like fun. We also get to see what former pop star Tiffany has been up to.


Alice in Wonderland Featurette
The first featurette has arrived and wouldn't you know it, it focuses on Johnny Depp's Mad Hatter.


Clash of the Titans to go 3D?
The studio is thinking of making this a 3D release, but do they have enough time to meet the March release date? I think they should give the 3D a rest. I like it, but they are going a little crazy with it. Not to mention How to Train Your Dragon is slated to open in 3D on the same date.

MacGruber - Trailer
This SNL skit is terrible. Can they really be making a movie out of it? This trailer says yes.

A Halloween Treat: Horror Movie Clips and Trailers

With Halloween literally hours away, I thought it would be fun to take a look at some trailers and clips that have made their way to YouTube. Some will be new and some will be old and there will be no particular flow to them.

This is in place of my usual New Movies and Box Office Predictions column. Since there is only one new wide release, I have decided to take a one week break to provide something a little more timely and fun.

Streets of Blood - Red Band Trailer

This looks kind of fun, but also kind of goofy. It is set in New Orleans and follows the war on drugs. It stars Val Kilmer with a bad accent, 50 Cent, Sharon Stone, and Michael Biehn.

Daybreakers - Trailer

A little bit of Blade, a little bit of John Carpenter's Vampires, and just a touch of awesome. This new film from the Spierig brothers, makers of Undead, is set in a world where nearly everyone is a vampire and human blood is running out. The cast includes Ethan Hawke, Sam Neill, and Willem Dafoe.

Halloween II - 2nd Trailer

New trailer for the Rob Zombie helmed sequel. I like it.

The Stepfather - Trailer

Not so sure about this one. I haven't seen the original, but this looks like another mass-marketed remake that will fail to deliver. I'll probably end up seeing it...

Zombieland - Trailer

This looks awesome! Horror comedy set in a world overrun by zombies. Join Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, and Abigail Breslin as they try to suvive in this new world. This is going to be great! (I hope)

Vampire Girl vs. Frankenstein Girl - Clip and trailer

It has been awhile since I uttered the words "What the...?" at a clip or trailer before, but this did it. The clip features teen girls competing in a wrist cut rally. Yes, you read that right. It is completely random, bloody, and not for the easily offended. I guess I should not be surprised to learn it is from the director of Tokyo Gore Police.



Trailer:

Mothgirl - Teaser Trailer

The teaser does not tell you much of anything, but I have to say the images are awfully compelling.

REC 2 - Trailer

The French hit REC is getting a sequel. I wonder if this will lead to Quarantine 2? The trailer seems to show the same location being investigated by the military when it hits the fan.

Dead Snow - Viral My Ass Video

What else need be said? it is only tangentially connected to the movie, but te connection is there and that means the video has been making the rounds of movie sites. It features Norwegian model Linni Meister singing (ahem) a lame pop song about her anatomy.