Stars: Robert Miano, Benjamin Philip, Silvia Spross, Cyril O’Reilly, Rico E. Anderson, Kurt Bonzell, Jon Budinoff, Scott Vogel, Timothy Muskatell, Roger Garcia, Elli Rahn | Written and Directed by Chad Ferrin
Chad Ferrin, director of the outrageous fun Exorcism at 60,000 Feet follows up his 2020 foray into the world of H.P. Lovecraft, The Deep Ones, with The Old Ones – an even truer take on the work of Lovecraft than ever before, including the likes of Captain Marsh, Cthulhu and R’lyeh.
Speaking of Captain Marsh, The Old Ones sees two fishermen, Dan Gordon (Scott Vogel) and his son Gideon (Benjamin Philip), pull an old man out of the water. He turns out to be Marsh, who explains that he’s been kept alive for the past 93 years as a vessel of the Great Old One and then sacrificed to the same gods by the cult of worshippers – as seen in this film’s animated intro.
Chad Ferrin, director of the outrageous fun Exorcism at 60,000 Feet follows up his 2020 foray into the world of H.P. Lovecraft, The Deep Ones, with The Old Ones – an even truer take on the work of Lovecraft than ever before, including the likes of Captain Marsh, Cthulhu and R’lyeh.
Speaking of Captain Marsh, The Old Ones sees two fishermen, Dan Gordon (Scott Vogel) and his son Gideon (Benjamin Philip), pull an old man out of the water. He turns out to be Marsh, who explains that he’s been kept alive for the past 93 years as a vessel of the Great Old One and then sacrificed to the same gods by the cult of worshippers – as seen in this film’s animated intro.
- 2/28/2024
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
John Oliver took a jab at Apple TV+ during the latest episode of his HBO show Last Week Tonight.
During a segment about the way Dollar Tree and Dollar General stores are run, Oliver brought up TikTok videos of retail employees complaining about the work conditions, including a staffer who was asked to reopen her store shortly after it had been robbed.
“An armed robbery is a traumatic event people need time to recover from,” Oliver said before delivering the punchline, “It’s not something you can just ignore like a spam call or a broken light bulb or any show on Apple TV.”
Oliver then asked his viewers, “Did you know Octavia Spencer starred as a true crime podcaster on a show called Truth Be Told for three seasons?”
“Of course you didn’t. It’s Apple TV, where celebrities go to hide,” he quipped.
Earlier this year, Spencer...
During a segment about the way Dollar Tree and Dollar General stores are run, Oliver brought up TikTok videos of retail employees complaining about the work conditions, including a staffer who was asked to reopen her store shortly after it had been robbed.
“An armed robbery is a traumatic event people need time to recover from,” Oliver said before delivering the punchline, “It’s not something you can just ignore like a spam call or a broken light bulb or any show on Apple TV.”
Oliver then asked his viewers, “Did you know Octavia Spencer starred as a true crime podcaster on a show called Truth Be Told for three seasons?”
“Of course you didn’t. It’s Apple TV, where celebrities go to hide,” he quipped.
Earlier this year, Spencer...
- 11/20/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
You might not know this about Tubi but they release about 50 cheapy original thrillers every single week, cementing themselves as a sort of Mini Lifetime for the Streaming Wars era.
Their latest Tubi Original Thriller? Well, actually, a few of them have already released this week, but the one that actually managed to catch our attention is titled Deadly Dilf.
I’ll repeat that. Deadly Dilf. As in, dad I’d like to… well, you know the rest.
What’s that saying? Lifetime could Never? Well Tubi did. Watch the trailer below.
In the new Tubi Original thriller, which is now streaming exclusively on Tubi, “A harmless flirtation between a college freshman and the hot dad next door turns deadly when the young girl becomes obsessed with him and tries to destroy his marriage.”
Curtis Hamilton, Rico E. Anderson, Jeryl Prescott, Zach Sowers, and Sofia Bryant star. Dylan Vox directed the film,...
Their latest Tubi Original Thriller? Well, actually, a few of them have already released this week, but the one that actually managed to catch our attention is titled Deadly Dilf.
I’ll repeat that. Deadly Dilf. As in, dad I’d like to… well, you know the rest.
What’s that saying? Lifetime could Never? Well Tubi did. Watch the trailer below.
In the new Tubi Original thriller, which is now streaming exclusively on Tubi, “A harmless flirtation between a college freshman and the hot dad next door turns deadly when the young girl becomes obsessed with him and tries to destroy his marriage.”
Curtis Hamilton, Rico E. Anderson, Jeryl Prescott, Zach Sowers, and Sofia Bryant star. Dylan Vox directed the film,...
- 7/21/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and Tony Awards ceremonies, curated by Variety senior awards editor Clayton Davis. The prediction pages reflect the current standings in the race and do not reflect personal preferences for any individual contender. As other formal (and informal) polls suggest, competitions are fluid and subject to change based on buzz and events. Predictions are updated every Thursday.
Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:
Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys
2023 Emmy Predictions:
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series
Weekly Commentary:
Read: Variety’s Awards Circuit for the latest Primetime Emmy predictions in the major categories.
The rankings for the category are below.
The final Emmy voting rounds open on Aug. 17 at 9 a.m. Pt and close on Aug.
Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:
Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys
2023 Emmy Predictions:
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series
Weekly Commentary:
Read: Variety’s Awards Circuit for the latest Primetime Emmy predictions in the major categories.
The rankings for the category are below.
The final Emmy voting rounds open on Aug. 17 at 9 a.m. Pt and close on Aug.
- 6/22/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Luke Kleintank as Special Agent Scott Forrester in ‘FBI: International’ season 2 episode 9
The team leaps into action to stop an art heist on CBS’s FBI: International season two episode nine, “Wheelman.” Directed by John Behring from a script by Derek Haas, episode nine airs on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at 9pm Et/Pt.
Season two stars Luke Kleintank as Special Agent Scott Forrester, Heida Reed as Special Agent Jamie Kellett, Carter Redwood as Special Agent Andre Raines, Vinessa Vidotto as Special Agent Cameron Vo, and Eva-Jane Willis as Europol Agent Megan “Smitty” Garretson.
“Wheelman” Plot: The Fly Team races through the streets of Budapest to put a halt to a major art heist about to be perpetrated by an American. Also, Forrester grows angry as Dandridge watches every move the team makes.
Episode nine guest stars include Michael Torpey, Rico E. Anderson, Daniel Passaro, Petar Cvirn, Jónas Alfreð Birkisson, Stephanie Hoston,...
The team leaps into action to stop an art heist on CBS’s FBI: International season two episode nine, “Wheelman.” Directed by John Behring from a script by Derek Haas, episode nine airs on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at 9pm Et/Pt.
Season two stars Luke Kleintank as Special Agent Scott Forrester, Heida Reed as Special Agent Jamie Kellett, Carter Redwood as Special Agent Andre Raines, Vinessa Vidotto as Special Agent Cameron Vo, and Eva-Jane Willis as Europol Agent Megan “Smitty” Garretson.
“Wheelman” Plot: The Fly Team races through the streets of Budapest to put a halt to a major art heist about to be perpetrated by an American. Also, Forrester grows angry as Dandridge watches every move the team makes.
Episode nine guest stars include Michael Torpey, Rico E. Anderson, Daniel Passaro, Petar Cvirn, Jónas Alfreð Birkisson, Stephanie Hoston,...
- 12/16/2022
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Bloody Disgusting has learned today that Scripts Gone Wild returns to El Cid on November 30 at 7pm for a Christmas-centric reading of the Bob Clark horror classic, Black Christmas.
“Seeing as how a key plot point of the film revolves around an unwanted pregnancy, the charity for this read is the Center for Reproductive Rights, an organization doing all it can to combat the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade and support the rights of women everywhere.”
Headlining the read are horror scream queen Tiffany Shepis, actress and genre host Clarke Wolfe (Fear HQ), actor and comedian Edward Hong (Please
Stand By), and special guests to be announced. Rounding out the cast are Sgw favorites Aaron Laplante, Tristan Cunningham, Natalie Nicole Dressel, Rico E. Anderson, Chad Addison,
Alexis Iacono, and Frank Dietz. More casting to be announced soon.
“Black Christmas is my favorite horror film of all-time,” said Scripts Gone...
“Seeing as how a key plot point of the film revolves around an unwanted pregnancy, the charity for this read is the Center for Reproductive Rights, an organization doing all it can to combat the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade and support the rights of women everywhere.”
Headlining the read are horror scream queen Tiffany Shepis, actress and genre host Clarke Wolfe (Fear HQ), actor and comedian Edward Hong (Please
Stand By), and special guests to be announced. Rounding out the cast are Sgw favorites Aaron Laplante, Tristan Cunningham, Natalie Nicole Dressel, Rico E. Anderson, Chad Addison,
Alexis Iacono, and Frank Dietz. More casting to be announced soon.
“Black Christmas is my favorite horror film of all-time,” said Scripts Gone...
- 11/3/2022
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Tensions run high between the Harrelson men in a powerful sneak peek from the return of CBS’ S.W.A.T.
In the episode “3 Seventeen Year Olds” — which was originally eyed as the Season 3 finale, but due to the pandemic pausing production will now open Season 4 this Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 9/8c — Hondo (played by Shemar Moore), his father Daniel Sr. (Obba Babatundé) and his teen charge Darryl (Deshae Frost) must confront Los Angeles’ history of racial tension between law enforcement and the Black community, partly through flashbacks to the city in 1992 following the Rodney King verdict. (In said flashbacks, Donald Dash and...
In the episode “3 Seventeen Year Olds” — which was originally eyed as the Season 3 finale, but due to the pandemic pausing production will now open Season 4 this Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 9/8c — Hondo (played by Shemar Moore), his father Daniel Sr. (Obba Babatundé) and his teen charge Darryl (Deshae Frost) must confront Los Angeles’ history of racial tension between law enforcement and the Black community, partly through flashbacks to the city in 1992 following the Rodney King verdict. (In said flashbacks, Donald Dash and...
- 11/8/2020
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
CBS’ S.W.A.T. will kick off its fourth season with a postponed — yet more relevant-than-ever — episode that flashes back to the 1992 Los Angeles riots, TVLine has confirmed.
As originally planned out over a year ago, this flashback episode would have closed out Season 3 on April 29, which was the 28th anniversary of the Los Angeles riots (which stemmed from the acquittal of four LAPD officers for usage of excessive force in the arrest and beating of Rodney King). Instead, the episode will now open Season 4, which will arrive later this fall (again airing Wednesdays at 10/9c).
More from TVLineBig Brother: 10 Ways to...
As originally planned out over a year ago, this flashback episode would have closed out Season 3 on April 29, which was the 28th anniversary of the Los Angeles riots (which stemmed from the acquittal of four LAPD officers for usage of excessive force in the arrest and beating of Rodney King). Instead, the episode will now open Season 4, which will arrive later this fall (again airing Wednesdays at 10/9c).
More from TVLineBig Brother: 10 Ways to...
- 9/28/2020
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
Cleopatra Entertainment has obtained the North American distribution rights to Get Gone, a thriller starring Lin Shaye (Insidious franchise), Rico E. Anderson (Apple TV+‘s Truth Be Told), Robert Miano (Girls Trip), Adam Bitterman (Chicago P.D.), and Weston Cage Coppola (Lord of War). Written and directed by first-timer Michael Thomas Daniel, the plot centers on a group of Internet hoax busters on a team-building retreat led by a local outdoor guide (Bitterman). Things quickly go sideways when the hoax team crosses paths with the backwoods Maxwell family who’s currently warring with an invasive drilling company. And once the hoax team’s hidden agenda comes to light, things get much worse. Bailey Coppola, Bradley Stryker, and Emily Shenaut also co-star. The pic will be released theatrically in NY, La, and Ohio on January 24 followed by a VOD release on January 28, as well as a DVD/ Blu-Ray...
- 1/15/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
You’ve had a day for this week’s insane Power episode to sink in, so I’d like to call a meeting of the Zomg What in the What-What Just Happened? committee. All members present and accounted for? Good. Let’s dig in.
Sunday’s episode, “It’s Done,” marked the end of a long-running arc on the show: Mike Sandoval’s murder of Greg Knox, and all of the tap dancing the Assistant U.S. Attorney has had to do to cover his tracks since the death happened last season. Not only did we get Sandoval confessing...
Sunday’s episode, “It’s Done,” marked the end of a long-running arc on the show: Mike Sandoval’s murder of Greg Knox, and all of the tap dancing the Assistant U.S. Attorney has had to do to cover his tracks since the death happened last season. Not only did we get Sandoval confessing...
- 8/15/2017
- TVLine.com
Once Upon a Time has conjured a new evil, casting Australian actress Emma Booth (Glitch) in the heavily recurring role of a witch “who is as wicked as they come,” our sister site Deadline reports.
Related Once Upon a Time Season 7 Trailer Reveals Hook as Cop, Barfly (?) Regina
Additionally, Giles Matthey is set to reprise his role as adult Gideon in the Rumple-focused fourth episode of the ABC drama’s upcoming Season 7, EW.com reports. As previously reported, Emilie de Ravin — who is no longer a series regular — will reprise her role in the same hour to “provide an update on Belle.
Related Once Upon a Time Season 7 Trailer Reveals Hook as Cop, Barfly (?) Regina
Additionally, Giles Matthey is set to reprise his role as adult Gideon in the Rumple-focused fourth episode of the ABC drama’s upcoming Season 7, EW.com reports. As previously reported, Emilie de Ravin — who is no longer a series regular — will reprise her role in the same hour to “provide an update on Belle.
- 8/1/2017
- TVLine.com
A Las Vegas neighborhood is reeling after police found a man, his girlfriend, their 11-month old baby and a pet dog dead in the family’s home on Monday.
John Lunetta, 40, Karen Jackson, 34, their young son John Jr. and John’s pet dog were found with gunshot wounds in the man’s Numaga Road home at around 8 p.m.
Here are five things to know about the headline-making case:
1. The Killings are Believed to be a Double Murder-Suicide
In a police statement obtained by People, authorities said they believe Lunetta killed Jackson and John Jr. before turning the gun on himself.
John Lunetta, 40, Karen Jackson, 34, their young son John Jr. and John’s pet dog were found with gunshot wounds in the man’s Numaga Road home at around 8 p.m.
Here are five things to know about the headline-making case:
1. The Killings are Believed to be a Double Murder-Suicide
In a police statement obtained by People, authorities said they believe Lunetta killed Jackson and John Jr. before turning the gun on himself.
- 7/13/2017
- by Char Adams
- PEOPLE.com
A post shared by Rico Rodriguez (@starringrico) on Mar 19, 2017 at 8:35am Pdt Rico Rodriguez suffered a tragic loss on March 12 when his father, Roy Rodriguez, passed away. The 18-year-old actor, who plays Manny Delgado on Modern Family, memorialized his dad with a touching Instagram post not long after his passing. "This has been the toughest week of my life. My Dad was the most kind hearted, loving, hard working, determined, and funny man I have ever known," he captioned a photo of the two of them drinking milkshakes. "He was like a super hero, he had the ability to get the best out of you day in and day out. I'm gonna miss your hugs. I'm gonna miss your advice. I'm gonna miss your smile, and I'm gonna miss your laugh. I know you're looking down at us right now giving us the green light to move forward.
- 3/20/2017
- by Quinn Keaney
- Popsugar.com
Modern Family star Rico Rodriguez is mourning the death of his father, Roy Rodriguez.
The 18-year-old actor took to Instagram on Sunday to memorialize his late father, who died last weekend at age 52, in a touching tribute.
"This has been the toughest week of my life," Rico captioned a throwback photo of him and his father enjoying milkshakes at a diner. "My Dad was the most kind hearted, loving, hard working, determined, and funny man I have ever known. He was like a super hero, he had the ability to get the best out of you day in and day out."
Photos: Stars We've Lost In Recent Years
"I'm gonna miss your hugs. I'm gonna miss your advice. I'm gonna miss your smile, and I'm gonna miss your laugh," he continued. "I know you're looking down at us right now giving us the green light to move forward. I miss you Daddy. I'll love you...
The 18-year-old actor took to Instagram on Sunday to memorialize his late father, who died last weekend at age 52, in a touching tribute.
"This has been the toughest week of my life," Rico captioned a throwback photo of him and his father enjoying milkshakes at a diner. "My Dad was the most kind hearted, loving, hard working, determined, and funny man I have ever known. He was like a super hero, he had the ability to get the best out of you day in and day out."
Photos: Stars We've Lost In Recent Years
"I'm gonna miss your hugs. I'm gonna miss your advice. I'm gonna miss your smile, and I'm gonna miss your laugh," he continued. "I know you're looking down at us right now giving us the green light to move forward. I miss you Daddy. I'll love you...
- 3/19/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
It’s ugly, it’s violent, it’s graphic novelist Frank Miller’s nasty vision through and through. Scream Factory’s Collector’s Edition brings out the amazing backstory of the production of this stop-motion- intensive first sequel to RoboCop. Druglord Caine is a menace, but we’re just as appalled by the film’s vivid depiction of a greater terror: Predatory Privatization.
RoboCop 2
Blu-ray
Shout! Factory / Scream Factory
1990 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 117 min. / Collector’s Edition / Street Date March 21, 2011 / 34.93
Starring: Peter Weller, Nancy Allen, Dan O’Herlihy, Robert DoQui, Tom Noonan, Gabriel Damon, Belinda Bauer, Felton Perry.
Cinematography: Mark Irwin
Production Design: Peter Jamison
Original Music: Leonard Rosenman
Special Effects: Phil Tippett, Rob Bottin, Peter Kuran, Rocco Gioffre.
Written by Frank Miller, Walon Green from characters created by Edward Neumeier, Michael Miner
Produced by Jon Davison
Directed by Irvin Kershner
I wish I could say that 1990’s RoboCop 2 has been...
RoboCop 2
Blu-ray
Shout! Factory / Scream Factory
1990 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 117 min. / Collector’s Edition / Street Date March 21, 2011 / 34.93
Starring: Peter Weller, Nancy Allen, Dan O’Herlihy, Robert DoQui, Tom Noonan, Gabriel Damon, Belinda Bauer, Felton Perry.
Cinematography: Mark Irwin
Production Design: Peter Jamison
Original Music: Leonard Rosenman
Special Effects: Phil Tippett, Rob Bottin, Peter Kuran, Rocco Gioffre.
Written by Frank Miller, Walon Green from characters created by Edward Neumeier, Michael Miner
Produced by Jon Davison
Directed by Irvin Kershner
I wish I could say that 1990’s RoboCop 2 has been...
- 3/12/2017
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
That’s a wrap!
To document the last day of shooting Modern Family‘s season 8, star Sofia Vergara shared some behind the scenes cast photos of her “family” on set.
“Last day of the 8th season#modernfamily,” Vergara, who plays Gloria Delgado-Pritchett on the comedy, captioned a video posted Friday morning of herself and costar Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Mitchell Pritchett).
She followed it up with a photo of on-screen couple Julie Bowen (Claire Dunphy) and Ty Burrell (Phil Dunphy) standing beside glasses of alcohol and making silly faces.
“Sexy people,” she wrote about Bowen, 47, and Burrell, 49.
And hands-down the most adorable photo of the day,...
To document the last day of shooting Modern Family‘s season 8, star Sofia Vergara shared some behind the scenes cast photos of her “family” on set.
“Last day of the 8th season#modernfamily,” Vergara, who plays Gloria Delgado-Pritchett on the comedy, captioned a video posted Friday morning of herself and costar Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Mitchell Pritchett).
She followed it up with a photo of on-screen couple Julie Bowen (Claire Dunphy) and Ty Burrell (Phil Dunphy) standing beside glasses of alcohol and making silly faces.
“Sexy people,” she wrote about Bowen, 47, and Burrell, 49.
And hands-down the most adorable photo of the day,...
- 3/4/2017
- by Natalie Stone
- PEOPLE.com
This year's Screen Actors Guild Awards saw some of the biggest surprises, most emotional speeches and hottest red carpet fashions of the awards season thus far.
Some celebs wanted to share the moment with those closest to them -- so they brought their siblings as their dates to the black tie event, giving them a chance to enjoy the pomp and circumstance of the star-studded gala.
Here are a few stars who made this year's SAG Awards a family affair.
Watch: 11 Memorable Moments From the 2017 Screen Actors Guild Awards
1. Emma & Spencer Stone
Getty Images
The La La Land actress, who ended up taking home the award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role, was all smiles before the show as she walked the red carpet with her dapper brother, Spencer Stone. The two could not have looked happier as they posed for photos outside the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
Emma previously...
Some celebs wanted to share the moment with those closest to them -- so they brought their siblings as their dates to the black tie event, giving them a chance to enjoy the pomp and circumstance of the star-studded gala.
Here are a few stars who made this year's SAG Awards a family affair.
Watch: 11 Memorable Moments From the 2017 Screen Actors Guild Awards
1. Emma & Spencer Stone
Getty Images
The La La Land actress, who ended up taking home the award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role, was all smiles before the show as she walked the red carpet with her dapper brother, Spencer Stone. The two could not have looked happier as they posed for photos outside the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
Emma previously...
- 1/31/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
Eric Stonestreet is the first to admit when he’s been outshined!
The Modern Family star recalled one time in particular on the set where Ariel Winter, 18, unknowingly made him look bad.
“Ariel and I did a scene together,” the 45-year-old recalled to People. “She, and all of the kids, always make us look so bad, because they always show up with their lines so memorized, so well-prepared.”
“We had these long speeches that we had to do with each other in a scene where we were having tea with each other,” Stonestreet continued. “I said, ‘You little sucker. You...
The Modern Family star recalled one time in particular on the set where Ariel Winter, 18, unknowingly made him look bad.
“Ariel and I did a scene together,” the 45-year-old recalled to People. “She, and all of the kids, always make us look so bad, because they always show up with their lines so memorized, so well-prepared.”
“We had these long speeches that we had to do with each other in a scene where we were having tea with each other,” Stonestreet continued. “I said, ‘You little sucker. You...
- 12/9/2016
- by brittanyking22
- PEOPLE.com
We’ve got questions, and you’ve (maybe) got answers! With another week of TV gone by, we’re lobbing queries left and right about shows including Power, The Last Ship, Mistresses and American Gothic! First, a special Olympics interlude:
1 | Which accomplishment made you feel lazier: Ashton Eaton’s decathlon gold medal or sprinter Usain Bolt’s successful defense of his Fastest Man Alive title?
2 | How disheartening is it to see half-empty stadiums as the athletes compete? (And no, we’re not buying any of the organizers’ explanations. They went to get food… and never came back?)
3 | Is it a...
1 | Which accomplishment made you feel lazier: Ashton Eaton’s decathlon gold medal or sprinter Usain Bolt’s successful defense of his Fastest Man Alive title?
2 | How disheartening is it to see half-empty stadiums as the athletes compete? (And no, we’re not buying any of the organizers’ explanations. They went to get food… and never came back?)
3 | Is it a...
- 8/19/2016
- TVLine.com
Avalanche Studios and Square Enix have posted the trailer for "Just Cause 3: Mech Land Assault," the upcoming second batch of the "Land, Air, and Sea" expansion pack Dlc for its open world action title "Just Cause 3".
In this one Rico Rodriguez goes to the new island of Lacrima, home to an abandoned research base and prison camp run by the mysterious Black Hand. Defended by huge powerful Mechs, Rico uses a Bavarium Power Core rifle to disable them and then take control of their powerful cannons and Grip Gravity Guns.
This expansion, which follows in the wake of the first "Sky Fortress," will be released on June 10th as a separate purchase, but is already available now for season pass holders. The third batch, the 'Sea' part of the title, has yet to be announced.
In this one Rico Rodriguez goes to the new island of Lacrima, home to an abandoned research base and prison camp run by the mysterious Black Hand. Defended by huge powerful Mechs, Rico uses a Bavarium Power Core rifle to disable them and then take control of their powerful cannons and Grip Gravity Guns.
This expansion, which follows in the wake of the first "Sky Fortress," will be released on June 10th as a separate purchase, but is already available now for season pass holders. The third batch, the 'Sea' part of the title, has yet to be announced.
- 6/3/2016
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Available to Season Pass owners from today, June 3, Square Enix has unleashed the riotous first trailer for Mech Land Assault, Just Cause 3‘s second of three mainline expansion packs.
Priced at $11.99 (€11.99/£9.49), the Dlc will ship Rico Rodriguez off to the idyllic island of Lacrima, where he hopes to expose the Black Hand and their abandoned eDEN research base. What our gun-toting adrenaline junkie doesn’t realize, though, is that the facility houses giant mechs, and today’s explosive snippet teases some of their gravity-defying abilities.
Like Metal Gear Solid on steroids, Rico is able to attract and hurl objects with the Gravitational Remote Influence Projector, resulting in some truly jaw-dropping fireworks.
Here’s an overview of Mech Land Assault:
Pilot two types of powerful Mech and drive them anywhere in Medici. Unleash the Mech’s Gravitational Remote Influence Projector or “Grip” to attract and hurl objects at your enemies. Jump...
Priced at $11.99 (€11.99/£9.49), the Dlc will ship Rico Rodriguez off to the idyllic island of Lacrima, where he hopes to expose the Black Hand and their abandoned eDEN research base. What our gun-toting adrenaline junkie doesn’t realize, though, is that the facility houses giant mechs, and today’s explosive snippet teases some of their gravity-defying abilities.
Like Metal Gear Solid on steroids, Rico is able to attract and hurl objects with the Gravitational Remote Influence Projector, resulting in some truly jaw-dropping fireworks.
Here’s an overview of Mech Land Assault:
Pilot two types of powerful Mech and drive them anywhere in Medici. Unleash the Mech’s Gravitational Remote Influence Projector or “Grip” to attract and hurl objects at your enemies. Jump...
- 6/3/2016
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
The Just Cause series is not known for subtlety, that's why it's fitting that the next content pack from the Air Lands and Sea expansion pass is to feature explosively fast paced mech combat.
Mech Land Assault the latest Dlc pack coming out for Just Cause 3 will whisk the grapple-toting leather-clad gun nut Rico off ot the new island of Lacrima, the home of an abandoned research base and prison ground. With the place run by the strange group, the black hand, Rico will need to take full advantage of the new arsenal available in order to smash and obliterate his new mechanical foes.
The new Dlc will feature two separate usable mechs that can be piloted anywhere in Medici, an insane new energy weapon, the Bavarium Power Core Rifle and even the Grip, Just Cause's own take on the infamous gravity gun.
"The Bavarium Wingsuit from the Sky...
Mech Land Assault the latest Dlc pack coming out for Just Cause 3 will whisk the grapple-toting leather-clad gun nut Rico off ot the new island of Lacrima, the home of an abandoned research base and prison ground. With the place run by the strange group, the black hand, Rico will need to take full advantage of the new arsenal available in order to smash and obliterate his new mechanical foes.
The new Dlc will feature two separate usable mechs that can be piloted anywhere in Medici, an insane new energy weapon, the Bavarium Power Core Rifle and even the Grip, Just Cause's own take on the infamous gravity gun.
"The Bavarium Wingsuit from the Sky...
- 5/31/2016
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Ant Meyer)
- Cinelinx
See Full Gallery Here
Air, Land and Sea. That’s the title of Just Cause 3‘s appropriately bonkers expansion pass, and after Square Enix and Avalanche caused chaos in the air with Sky Fortress earlier this year, we now have word of the second mainline installment for the action sequel.
Entitled Mech Land Assault, the Dlc will be priced at $11.99 (€11.99/£9.49) as a standalone purchase – the expansion pass, meanwhile, is available for $24.99/€24.99/£19.99 – and is set to take place on the all-new and beautiful island of Lacrima.
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, though, after Rico uncovers a mysterious and abandoned research facility housing giant mechs. Ruling over that small army of bipedal machines is the Black Hand, and in the screenshots above, you can get a glimpse of the explosive action that awaits.
Here’s an overview, courtesy of Square Enix:
Pilot two types of powerful Mech and drive them anywhere in Medici.
Air, Land and Sea. That’s the title of Just Cause 3‘s appropriately bonkers expansion pass, and after Square Enix and Avalanche caused chaos in the air with Sky Fortress earlier this year, we now have word of the second mainline installment for the action sequel.
Entitled Mech Land Assault, the Dlc will be priced at $11.99 (€11.99/£9.49) as a standalone purchase – the expansion pass, meanwhile, is available for $24.99/€24.99/£19.99 – and is set to take place on the all-new and beautiful island of Lacrima.
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, though, after Rico uncovers a mysterious and abandoned research facility housing giant mechs. Ruling over that small army of bipedal machines is the Black Hand, and in the screenshots above, you can get a glimpse of the explosive action that awaits.
Here’s an overview, courtesy of Square Enix:
Pilot two types of powerful Mech and drive them anywhere in Medici.
- 5/31/2016
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
Something very strange has been going on at the Acme Theatre these last few weeks. Some…Thing! Sci-Fi Fest La was back for a second year, and it was better than ever! Bringing together actors old and new, the program featured a series of one-act plays, most of which were specifically written for the event. Even genre icons Clive Barker and Neil Gaiman were eager to donate stories!
The program started with a play titled A Billion Tuesdays. A mentally disabled man creates a device that alters reality to varying degrees based on the number of times you click the button, leading to realities involving zombie apocalypses, futuristic technology, and even a “what if the Nazis had won” scenario. By the end of the play, it’s apparent that the father intends for his daughter to use the device to alter his condition, but she remains adamant about her love for him and refuses.
The program started with a play titled A Billion Tuesdays. A mentally disabled man creates a device that alters reality to varying degrees based on the number of times you click the button, leading to realities involving zombie apocalypses, futuristic technology, and even a “what if the Nazis had won” scenario. By the end of the play, it’s apparent that the father intends for his daughter to use the device to alter his condition, but she remains adamant about her love for him and refuses.
- 6/14/2015
- by Caroline Stephenson
- FamousMonsters of Filmland
We now know when Fox is planning to bring FBI Special Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully back to the small screen, as the network revealed that part one of The X-Files six-episode event series premiere will air on Sunday, January 24th.
In their 2015 - 2016 fall TV schedule announcement (which also includes information on Ryan Murphy's Scream Queens, slated to begin airing on Tuesdays this fall), Fox revealed that the return of The X-Files will take place on Sunday, January 24th, between 10:00pm - 11:00pm Est after the Nfc Championship game.
The second half of the two-part premiere will air at 8:00pm Est the following night on Monday, January 25th, with subsequent episodes also airing on Monday nights. Filming on the event series begins this June. For more information, see the official press release below (The X-Files details are highlighted in bold text). Also included in...
In their 2015 - 2016 fall TV schedule announcement (which also includes information on Ryan Murphy's Scream Queens, slated to begin airing on Tuesdays this fall), Fox revealed that the return of The X-Files will take place on Sunday, January 24th, between 10:00pm - 11:00pm Est after the Nfc Championship game.
The second half of the two-part premiere will air at 8:00pm Est the following night on Monday, January 25th, with subsequent episodes also airing on Monday nights. Filming on the event series begins this June. For more information, see the official press release below (The X-Files details are highlighted in bold text). Also included in...
- 5/11/2015
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Recently, Fox released the new, official synopsis/spoilers for their upcoming "Bones" episode 16 of season 10. The episode is entitled, "The Big Beef at the Royal Diner," and it turns out that we're going to see some pretty interesting stuff as the team looks into a celebrity chef murder, and more. In the new, 16th episode press release: The Team Investigates The Death Of A Celebrity Chef. Press release number 2: The remains of a popular TV celebrity chef are going to get discovered at a local park, and the Jeffersonian team will have to search for clues in local restaurants that he had been reviewing. When evidence points to the Royal Diner, Brennan and Booth's favorite eatery, the two will have to risk their status as favored patrons by questioning the staff. In the meantime, Hodgins is going to sell his new invention for millions and Brennan will create an...
- 4/23/2015
- by Andre Braddox
- OnTheFlix
With Forever's first season rapidly approaching its end, the return of Henry’s nemesis is never too far away.
This review contains spoilers.
1.18 Dead Men Tell Long Tales
With two episodes to go after this one, I was expecting the final third to start to hint at where the show wants to bow out. But actually, pretty much this entire story is a set-up for the conclusion. If I sound overly pessimistic about renewal, that’s because Forever can only a muster a third of the viewers that Modern Family attracts on the same network, and only marginally more than Selfie, a show that already got canned. I’d love to see a second season, but being realistic it just isn’t happening.
The whole thrust of Dead Men Tell Long Tales is the death of a dive salvage boss, and how this neatly connects to Henry’s first fatality on the Empress of Africa.
This review contains spoilers.
1.18 Dead Men Tell Long Tales
With two episodes to go after this one, I was expecting the final third to start to hint at where the show wants to bow out. But actually, pretty much this entire story is a set-up for the conclusion. If I sound overly pessimistic about renewal, that’s because Forever can only a muster a third of the viewers that Modern Family attracts on the same network, and only marginally more than Selfie, a show that already got canned. I’d love to see a second season, but being realistic it just isn’t happening.
The whole thrust of Dead Men Tell Long Tales is the death of a dive salvage boss, and how this neatly connects to Henry’s first fatality on the Empress of Africa.
- 3/25/2015
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
A review of tonight's "Justified" coming up just as soon as I want to buy your hat... "I gave you what you always wanted, Raylan: Boyd Crowder bleeding out at your feet." -Ava Well, that was unexpected. Though it probably shouldn't have been. This final "Justified" season — and really, the entire series on some level — has spent so much time prepping us for what seemed to be the inevitable showdown between Raylan and Boyd that it was startling to instead have Ava shoot Boyd in the shoulder — around the same place where Raylan shot him back in the pilot — and drive off with Markham's cash. I don't assume Raylan is going to let Boyd bleed to death, but if he's wounded and possibly incarcerated — can they make the Rico case without the money? — then that final gunfight becomes much trickier to arrange. At the same time, "Trust" was so much about its eponymous subject,...
- 3/25/2015
- by Alan Sepinwall
- Hitfix
You had to sense, as each minute of this week’s Justified ticked by, that something major was going to happen come 10:55 pm. That there would be a betrayal, and or a dead body (or dead bodies), and or a significant reversal of fortune for someone.
Yet out of the multiple scenarios that my brain bandied about throughout the hour, the actual twist that arrived is not one I quite considered.
RelatedJustified’s Walton Goggins, Boardwalk Vet Join HBO Comedy
Coming out of last week’s botched breach of Markham’s vault, Boyd still is looking to steal...
Yet out of the multiple scenarios that my brain bandied about throughout the hour, the actual twist that arrived is not one I quite considered.
RelatedJustified’s Walton Goggins, Boardwalk Vet Join HBO Comedy
Coming out of last week’s botched breach of Markham’s vault, Boyd still is looking to steal...
- 3/25/2015
- TVLine.com
No spoilers from Season 7 at tonight's PaleyFest panel featuring writer/producers and cast members from Modern Family. But one panelist, Ep/writer Danny Zuker, did reveal one off-camera storyline that's going to keep on going: His well-publicized Twitter battle with Donald Trump. "I'd say something nice about him over his rotting corpse," Zuker said cheerfully, seated onstage with Ep/writer Abraham Higginbotham, Ep and co-creator Steve Levitan and cast members Rico…...
- 3/15/2015
- Deadline TV
One of the hardest bouts of growing pains experienced by adolescents is that rite of passage known as the high school experience. In high school one is subject to discovering their own sense of self-identity and purpose. In fact, sometimes the social factor is crucial because the cost of belonging in social-related circles is vital in a four-year commitment to belonging among your peers.
The tension is high to belong and get along as your search for excellence in good grades, social interaction and the overall learning experience is important. However, not every youngster can cope with what they are faced as the obstacles to excel are demanding in high school. Hence, the potential to become “an outsider” is inevitable and the unlikeliest label that no one can overcome no matter how much they try.
The movies have been instrumental in capturing such heavy-handed angst and frustration of the tortured...
The tension is high to belong and get along as your search for excellence in good grades, social interaction and the overall learning experience is important. However, not every youngster can cope with what they are faced as the obstacles to excel are demanding in high school. Hence, the potential to become “an outsider” is inevitable and the unlikeliest label that no one can overcome no matter how much they try.
The movies have been instrumental in capturing such heavy-handed angst and frustration of the tortured...
- 2/23/2015
- by Frank Ochieng
- SoundOnSight
See Full Gallery Here
With each episode, the final season of Justified is looking more and more like a high water mark for the series. This is a rare feat for any show, let alone one in its sixth year. While it’s going to be very, very difficult for the show to top its transcendent second season, Justified has been better than any drama in recent memory at making sure its last year is not only conclusive, but inclusive of all the elements of the series that made it great in the first place.
Final seasons of TV are often hard to judge on their own merits, as the task of providing series-wide catharsis is often very different from executing the same old routine that put a finish line in sight to begin with. The remarkable thing about Season 6 of Justified is in how it can have its shine and drink it too,...
With each episode, the final season of Justified is looking more and more like a high water mark for the series. This is a rare feat for any show, let alone one in its sixth year. While it’s going to be very, very difficult for the show to top its transcendent second season, Justified has been better than any drama in recent memory at making sure its last year is not only conclusive, but inclusive of all the elements of the series that made it great in the first place.
Final seasons of TV are often hard to judge on their own merits, as the task of providing series-wide catharsis is often very different from executing the same old routine that put a finish line in sight to begin with. The remarkable thing about Season 6 of Justified is in how it can have its shine and drink it too,...
- 2/18/2015
- by Sam Woolf
- We Got This Covered
Rico Rodriguez (Modern Family and Raini Rodriguez (Austin & Ally) – Brother and sister acting duo Rico and Raini are guests on Home & Family on Hallmark Channel at 10am Et/Pt.On today’s “Home & Family” on the Hallmark Channel, Raini and Rico Rodriguez on to talk about their shows (“Modern Family” and “Austin & Ally”) and about Raini’s upcoming film “Paul Blart 2.”Here is a clip of the full interview segment that aired today: Photo gallery...
- 2/9/2015
- by April Neale
- Monsters and Critics
A review of tonight's "Justified" coming up just as soon as you lead to unevenness in my facial tone... "Come to it, I guess you ain't all that big now. Grown, but still just playing pretend." -Avery Markham It likely doesn't come as much of a surprise when "Noblesse Oblige" reveals Avery Markham as the man pulling the strings of Ty Walker and company. The show wasn't going to bring Sam Elliott in just to smoke weed and be charming, and his old ties with Katherine Hale simultaneously simplifies this season's arc (because now we see how all the pieces are connected) and complicates it (because Katherine and Avery's relationship is dysfunctional even by "Justified" standards). Mainly, though, it's just a pleasure to watch Elliott work, sporting a different look than we're used to (not only clean-shaven, but with hair swept back, and in a slick suit and bolo tie...
- 2/4/2015
- by Alan Sepinwall
- Hitfix
Put in the unenviable position of following up episodes that demonstrated how well the show can still flex its dramatic and comedic muscles, it’s unlikely that “Noblesse Oblige” will be looked back on as a high point for the final season of Justified. The Raylan B-plot, while not without its moments (“I’m going to shoot your dick off.”), is about as forgettable as they come, and while the hour is punctuated by a number of knockout individual scenes, the groundwork laying required of the episode is about as forceful and inelegant as digging coal.
It’s only become harder to envision a Justified without Boyd with each passing season, as the mystique of the show’s main character owes much to how comfortably Raylan can occupy the periphery of the main action. Sometimes, though, just keeping Raylan busy can a bit of a chore, and for as fun...
It’s only become harder to envision a Justified without Boyd with each passing season, as the mystique of the show’s main character owes much to how comfortably Raylan can occupy the periphery of the main action. Sometimes, though, just keeping Raylan busy can a bit of a chore, and for as fun...
- 2/4/2015
- by Sam Woolf
- We Got This Covered
South by Southwest, the multi-faceted film, music and technology festival held annually in Austin, TX will feature such upcoming films as Paul Feig’s Spy, David Gordon Green’s Manglehorn, Alex Gibney’s documentary Steve Jobs: The Man in the Machine, and Ondi Timoner’s Russell Brand profile Brand: A Second Coming as headliners in this year’s film festival lineup.
SXSW runs from March 13 to 21 in Austin and is now in its 22nd year. Variety has details of the 145 films and 100 world premieres bowing at this year’s festival. Brand, as previously reported, will be the festival’s opening night film.
Other notable titles on the list are the Will Ferrell/Kevin Hart comedy Get Hard, a rough cut of Judd Apatow’s Trainwreck, the directorial debut of 28 Days Later screenwriter Alex Garland, Ex Machina, and a new comedy by Michael Showalter, Hello, My Name is Doris.
On the small screen,...
SXSW runs from March 13 to 21 in Austin and is now in its 22nd year. Variety has details of the 145 films and 100 world premieres bowing at this year’s festival. Brand, as previously reported, will be the festival’s opening night film.
Other notable titles on the list are the Will Ferrell/Kevin Hart comedy Get Hard, a rough cut of Judd Apatow’s Trainwreck, the directorial debut of 28 Days Later screenwriter Alex Garland, Ex Machina, and a new comedy by Michael Showalter, Hello, My Name is Doris.
On the small screen,...
- 2/3/2015
- by Brian Welk
- SoundOnSight
Ava Crowder is a woman caught in the middle as FX’s Justified unspools its farewell run.
On the one hand, she has bad boy Boyd Crowder laboring to keep her at his side, with the prospect of a final score that will seed their happy ending far away from Harlan. U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens, meanwhile, has the goods on Ava, having had her sprung from the hoosegow in trade for solidifying the Rico case against her estranged fiancé.
With the third episode of the final season’s 13-episode salvo airing tonight at 10/9c, TVLine invited Joelle Carter to...
On the one hand, she has bad boy Boyd Crowder laboring to keep her at his side, with the prospect of a final score that will seed their happy ending far away from Harlan. U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens, meanwhile, has the goods on Ava, having had her sprung from the hoosegow in trade for solidifying the Rico case against her estranged fiancé.
With the third episode of the final season’s 13-episode salvo airing tonight at 10/9c, TVLine invited Joelle Carter to...
- 2/3/2015
- TVLine.com
The writing of the late, great Elmore Leonard that inspired "Justified" — which begins its sixth and final season tonight at 10 on FX — could be incredibly self-aware at times. Characters in Leonard stories tend to be big fans of popular culture, and they know exactly which archetypes to compare themselves to, which roles they are playing (or think they're playing) in their particular story, and even like to predict how the story is will conclude. That level of meta commentary has waxed and waned over the previous five seasons of "Justified," but it's at top volume early in the new year (I've seen the first three episodes). Raylan (Timothy Olyphant), Boyd (Walton Goggins) and Ava (Joelle Carter) all know the story they've been tangled up in these last few years is about to finish up, and the only question is how. There's much talk of the way Harlan County itself has begun its death rattle,...
- 1/20/2015
- by Alan Sepinwall
- Hitfix
Justified has one final round left in the chamber. And you can bet that it will hit the bull’s-eye.
This Tuesday at 10/9c, the FX drama opens its sixth and final season, picking up right where things left off with Raylan (played by Timothy Olyphant) recruiting Ava (Joelle Carter) as a C.I. to take down her estranged fiance Boyd (Walton Goggins) on Rico charges. When all is said and done, will Raylan get his man, once and for all? Will anyone in Harlan find a happy ending?
Showrunner Graham Yost spoke with TVLine about the final season’s themes,...
This Tuesday at 10/9c, the FX drama opens its sixth and final season, picking up right where things left off with Raylan (played by Timothy Olyphant) recruiting Ava (Joelle Carter) as a C.I. to take down her estranged fiance Boyd (Walton Goggins) on Rico charges. When all is said and done, will Raylan get his man, once and for all? Will anyone in Harlan find a happy ending?
Showrunner Graham Yost spoke with TVLine about the final season’s themes,...
- 1/19/2015
- TVLine.com
Directors Guild President Paris Barclay has announced the TV, documentary and commercial nominees for this year's DGA Awards. “The spectrum of directorial excellence across today's nine television and documentary categories is revelatory for the breadth and depth in what each of these women and men have directed – from 30-second commercials to multi-hour miniseries,” said Barclay in a statement. “As fellow filmmakers, we’re inspired by the quality, imagination and creativity demonstrated by these impressive nominees; as audience members, we’re incredibly fortunate to enjoy the fruits of their labors. Our congratulations to all of the nominees.” First-time nominees include Jodie Foster ("House of Cards," "Orange is the New Black"), Cary Fukunaga ("True Detective"), Mike Judge ("Silicon Valley"), Lisa Cholodenko ("Olive Kitteridge"), Michael Wilson ("The Trip to Bountiful") and Jill Soloway ("Transparent"). Winners will be announced Saturday, February 7, 2015 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles at a ceremony hosted by Jane Lynch.
- 1/14/2015
- by Chris Eggertsen
- Hitfix
President Barack Obama made good on his promise to treat the crippling hack of Sony Pictures as an issue of national security Tuesday, as the administration rolled out a new legislative plan to combat future attacks and their subsequent economic effects.
“In this interconnected, digital world, there are going to be opportunities for hackers to engage in cyber assaults both in the private sector and the public sector. Now, our first order of business is making sure that we do everything to harden sites and prevent those kinds of attacks from taking place,” the President previously said in a statement...
“In this interconnected, digital world, there are going to be opportunities for hackers to engage in cyber assaults both in the private sector and the public sector. Now, our first order of business is making sure that we do everything to harden sites and prevent those kinds of attacks from taking place,” the President previously said in a statement...
- 1/13/2015
- by Matt Donnelly
- The Wrap
There are plenty of interesting new series to be on the lookout for, but many TV fans will be most excited about the return of some of television’s best offerings. Here are Chief TV Editor Kate Kulzick and Managing TV Editor Deepayan Sengupta’s picks for the most exciting (currently scheduled) midseason returns of 2015.
Banshee Season 3
Created by Jonathan Tropper and David Schickler
Airs Fridays at 10pm (Et) on Cinemax
Premieres Jan. 9th, 2015
While The Knick established Cinemax as a new contender in the arena of high-quality television, it wasn’t the first show to give the channel that reputation, as the Alan Ball-produced Banshee has been steadily garnering attention for itself, and Cinemax by extension, over the course of its two seasons. The tale of a small Pennsylvania town, and the tensions that simmer underneath the surface, has used strong character work, well-plotted storylines, and memorable fight...
Banshee Season 3
Created by Jonathan Tropper and David Schickler
Airs Fridays at 10pm (Et) on Cinemax
Premieres Jan. 9th, 2015
While The Knick established Cinemax as a new contender in the arena of high-quality television, it wasn’t the first show to give the channel that reputation, as the Alan Ball-produced Banshee has been steadily garnering attention for itself, and Cinemax by extension, over the course of its two seasons. The tale of a small Pennsylvania town, and the tensions that simmer underneath the surface, has used strong character work, well-plotted storylines, and memorable fight...
- 1/4/2015
- by Staff
- SoundOnSight
For the first time in almost two decades, Luxor Jr., the beloved hopping desk lamp that announces the beginning of a new Pixar adventure, will not see the light. This year the Emeryville-based studio will not delight their devoted audiences with a new, moneymaking feature film. Surely the outrageously successful team of animators will have great years to come with the recent announcements of sequels for "Cars" and "The Incredibles," as well as "Finding Dori," "The Good Dinosaur," and "Inside Out," all of which are already in the making. But this year, 2014, seems like an open field for everyone else to play without the menacing thought of a surely successful Pixar movie in the horizon, which are usually hard to beat both financially and critically.
Another promising omen for smaller or often-dismissed studios is the fact that Disney Animation itself only has one relevant offer this time around. The November release of "Big Hero 6" is the perfect opportunity for Mickey Mouse’s owners to bank on their Marvel investment. Still, it is almost impossible to think a flick about a group of quirky action characters could defeat or even fathom the thought of getting close to the mindboggling numbers, and the wave of awards, "Frozen" brought in.
With the two animation titans quietly on the sidelines for the most part, a dream-like scenario for other films to shine has been created. During the first half of the year several animated titles have hit theaters already all with varying degrees of success. Clearly the conditions are prime for some great and unique animated features to emerge. However, despite the many promising options, there will also be plenty of disappointments.
Already Gone For Better Or Worse
The Nut Job
January witnessed the atrocious arrival of this generic Open Road Films production about a squirrel planning a heist to get nuts. Easily one of the worse reviewed films of the year so far, it is evident why an early release date was chosen. Even the fact that it was voiced by the likes of Liam Neeson, Will Arnett, Katherine Heigl and Brendan Fraser couldn’t rescue it from its simplistic premise. Sadly, the fact that it didn’t offer anything but cheap and formulaic laughs didn’t stop it from being a mild financial success. Beware, it has been granted a sequel out in 2016.
The Lego Movie
Now here is a showstopper that stacked up the cash and endless praise by building an incredible homage to pop culture. Warner Bros. Pictures hit an unprecedented milestone with this visually innovative and witty piece of animation, which took the beloved construction toys and infused them with an intelligent story. Following Emmet, an ordinary guy who wants to feel special, "The Lego Movie" takes advantage of its charming concept and the infinite amount of hilarious cameos possible. Almost universally acclaimed, boasting a flawless voice cast, and grossing over $400 million worldwide, directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller have scored the one animated film to beat this year. Deservingly so, a sequel will follow.
Mr. Peabody and Sherman
Based on the 1960’s animated characters, this DreamWorks film is one of those that produced a lukewarm reaction. Although didactic in the positive sense of the word, it is missing a certain spark to upgrade it into the realm of memorable filmmaking. Teaching kids about ancient civilizations while also trying to deliver on the emotional connection between parents and children is always commendable, but is it enough? Directed by Rob Minkoff ("The Lion King") this story about a smarty-pants dog and his adopted human son received a moderately positive response from audiences and critics. It is hard to know if it will stand the test of time.
Rio 2
Banking on the World Cup craze that has recently made Brazilian culture a commodity, this colorful sequel will perhaps go down as having one of the most convoluted storylines in recent memory. Endless amounts of characters and subplots get drown under the enchanting musical numbers, which become the film’s saving grace. Like its predecessor, this Amazon set animated feature has proven to be highly profitable at the box-office, but in terms of love from the press, this installment has not amused many. Starring Jesse Eisenberg and Anne Hathaway, the Blue Sky production has been plucked of the originality of its predecessor and flies clumsily between an environmentally friendly story and the typical find-yourself narrative.
How to Train Your Dragon 2
These days if an idea sort of works then the creators will try to milk it until there is nothing left. This might not be exactly the case with DreamWorks big summer bet, a sequel to their fantastic 2010 film "How to Train Your Dragon." Nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature, the first chapter not only performed outstandingly moneywise, but was also adored by the vast majority of critics, who praised its poignant story and gorgeous imagery. It appears like this follow-up lives up to those standards. For the second part in what is to become a trilogy, Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, and Craig Ferguson are back in their roles. Five years after the ending of the first installment, the Viking heroes are now teenagers and still riding their ferocious creatures into the sunset. The third chapter will be released in 2016.
Children Of A Lesser Disney
Planes: Fire and Rescue
Why? That is the only question audiences should be asking the studio about the baffling decision to make a sequel to the mediocre spin-off. The answer? Well with a budget of a little over $50 million "Planes" managed to quadruple that number despite being panned by critics. Dane Cook returns to voice the protagonist, Dusty, and he will more than likely add another terrible title to his shaky filmography. It is important to point out this film was produced by Disney Toon Studios, which handles their direct-to-video releases and those theatrical ones for which they have lesser hopes: "Planes"
Pirate Fairy
For some absurd reason the studio created a marketing campaign for this film comparable to that of an actually meaningful theatrical release. This was probably due to Tom Hiddleston’s involvement, but is that enough to warrant the fifth installment of this by-the-numbers franchise? Apparently they thought so. As a home-entertainment product this may suffice and keep schoolgirls captivated, but how many more sequels until its young audience gets bored or Thinker Bell becomes obsolete. You guessed it, this is also a Disney Toon Studios work, the place where good generic ideas go to die and resurrect as bargain products. However, as bizarre as it might seem, some critics actually enjoyed it and were fairly positive towards it. Could this be because their expectations of a non-theatrical film are lower? We probably should be worried that such support might encourage the studio to open the next chapter in every multiplex that allows children in - all of them.
The Rest Of The Mainstream
The Book of Life
This is the one mainstream release that could end up being a pleasant surprise. Produced by monster-enthusiast Guillermo del Toro and directed by Mexican animator Jorge R. Gutierrez, the film centers on a romance bathed in Mexican mysticism and strikingly beautiful design. The world is inspired by the Mexican Day of the Death celebration and will hopefully depict the peculiar holiday with much needed authenticity. Based on Del Toro’s track record, having high hopes for this one is not unrealistic. And judging from the luscious trailer this visual feast should certainly be an edgy and innovative work. Among the talent involved are Diego Luna, Channing Tatum, Zoe Saldana, and Christina Applegate.
The Penguins of Madagascar
After three feature films and a several TV series, the black & white clumsy and flightless birds from the “Madagascar” franchise return with their own full-length adventure for the big screen. This spinoff follows Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private as they work with the North Wind, a special animal task force, to prevent a villain from taking over the world – the usual. From the financial standpoint this is an easy paycheck for DreamWorks. A new iteration of the already beloved characters results in secure ticket sales and lots of plush toys flying off the shelves. DreamWorks already released its strong card this year (“How to Train Your Dragon 2”), this is really just o pay the bills.
Home
Aliens and 3D animation have not been very good friends in past attempts made to unite them. "Mars Needs Mom" (2011), "Escape from Planet Earth" (2013), and even the moderately engaging "Monsters vs. Aliens" (2009) have proven this is a hard concept to nail. Regardless of this doomed landscape, DreamWorks had slated "Home" for a November release. The film has been pushed back to March 2015 and replaced by the aforementioned "Penguins," but we decided to included it since it was scheduled for this year until recently and there is enough information out there already. In the film, purple, tiny, outer-space creatures named Boov have come to Earth to make it their humble abode and relocate humans. Nothing extraordinarily original about the idea or the character design, but what could elevate this film to re-watchable terrain is the all-star cast. Throw in Jim Parsons acid wit, Steve Martin’s classic humor, and some pop divas like Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez, and you have yourself something that will bring people to the theaters. Whether is bad or out of this world great, that’s an entirely different subject.
Is Smaller Better?
Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return
Stubbornly reluctant to let the story of The Wizard of Oz behind, the film industry keeps on developing projects based upon it. Last year it was Disney’s live action/CG extravaganza "Oz The Great and Powerful," this year, as if needed, a 3D-animated version by Summertime Entertainment revisits the tale once again. This derivative adventure follows Dorothy after the end of the well-known source tale. For starters the animation looks rather flat and lacks the texture and depth that more experienced studios can deliver. This leaves it relying solely on the power of the screenplay, which, as expected, doesn’t seem to offer much. Extremely efficient sorcery will be required to lure the public into watching it. Their safest bet is to hope for positive reviews and breaking even on their investment.
Postman Pat: The Movie
A famously cherished character across the Atlantic, it is possible Postman Pat will not connect with American audiences or generate the same love the British have for him. Not because he is not a great guy, but because the movie in his honor seems completely incoherent. Based upon the stop-motion animation series that ran on the BBC from the early 1980’s, this reinvention discards the beauty of the medium that made the character iconic and turns it into a bland computerized puppet. As if this wasn’t enough, the guys at DreamWorks Classics came to the conclusion that including a singing contest (on the vein of Britain’s Got Talent), robots, and warfare machinery would be amazing components to include. Really? Some things are better left untouched; you guys could have called Aardman Animations. They would’ve gotten it right.
The Boxtrolls
Craft and boundary-pushing creativity have collided gracefully in Laika's past two projects ("Coraline," "ParaNorman") both of which have garnered Oscar nominations and been fairly well-received by audiences. Fearless towards the excruciating labor that stop-motion requires, the Oregon-based production company not only excels in the artistry displayed on screen, but also in making stories with a specific tone and unique voice. Ghostly adventures whose physicality and attention to detail raises the bar far above their competitors. Their latest enterprise is a mesmerizing period piece that deals with a young boy and his goofy-looking, box-inhabiting, monstrous friends. Undoubtedly there is no one out there making films like this, the team at Laika knows how to match their darkly comedic worlds with a technique that still has something to offer in the tiresome age of 3D animation. Judging by the trailers and behind the scenes videos, "The Boxtrolls" will complete a near-perfect inaugural trifecta of sophisticated animated gems.
Underdogs (Foosball)
Argentina’s religious devotion to soccer or “futbol” has finally infiltrated the animated realm via the mind of Academy Award winning director Juan José Campanella (“The Secret in Their Eyes”). This locally produced 3D flick had a budget of $21 million making it the most expensive animated project ever made in Latin America. Telling the fantastical story of a foosball team in a quest to regroup after being pulled apart, the film’s quality rivals any American studio’s production. Surely noticing the great potential, The Weinstein Company acquired distribution rights for North American, France, Australia, and New Zealand. By Pixar’s or DreamWorks’ standards this is a tiny film, but with Harvey’s infrastructure behind it, this Argentine success could score big away from home.
Some Artful Dark Horses
Song of the Sea
Allowing us to take a breather from the homogenous shapes of the virtually-rendered reigning style of animation, Irish filmmaker Tomm Moore returns with his second feature. In 2009 he delighted critics and fans alike with the miraculously flawless "The Secret of Kells." The gorgeous hand-drawn characters and exquisite backgrounds depict a sort of magic rarely seen in toon flicks these days. His follow-up, "Song of the Sea" aims to bring similarly beautiful images to the screen. Gkids, who also distributed Moore’s first picture, has the North American rights for the film and plans to release it later this year. If this new Celtic beauty is any close to "Kells," we are all in for a wonderful treat.
The Tale of Princess Kaguya
As terrible as Miyazaki’s retirement is for the world of animation, there is still hope in the other Ghibli master Isao Takahata. Returning with his first film in over a decade, it appears that the ingenious artist that brought us "Grave of the Fireflies," is back in full form. Poetic and drawn with an entrancing fluidity, this new fantasy is almost certain to be named a masterpiece. Unsurprisingly, Gkids strikes again and will release the film in the Fall with high hopes for award season. Disney banished the hopes of "The Wind Rises" walking away a winner, but next time around the battle might be less set in ice.
Other Global Options
There is also a number of other more obscure foreign animated films that look incredibly compelling but which might not reach American shores anytime soon. Among them are Aunt Hilda (France), The 7th Dwarf (Germany), Jack and the Cuckoo-Clock Heart (France), Little from the Fish Shop (Check Republic), El Americano: The Movie (Mexico).
All Their Eggs In One Basket
Big Hero 6
Tonally, “Big Hero 6” feels closer to “Wreck-it Ralph” than the princess tale of “Frozen,” which is trying to marry the success of Marvel’s super hero films with Walt Disney Pictures’ family-friendly magic. The field is bit crowded with new installments of live action franchises like Captain America, Spider-Man, and X-Men, released earlier this year. Yet, in all honesty it is hard to think a film like this will be a failure. It has a preexisting following from the comic book world, and it is the fall's biggest animation release. That’s enough to lure in millions of people into theaters worldwide. Opening November 7th, the story revolves around a group of young crime-fighters and their adorable robot as they fight evil in a fictional futuristic city inspired by both San Francisco and Tokyo. Let’s hope it is edgier than it sounds on paper.
Digitally Animated Dollar Signs
When it comes to a loyal fan-base Disney will always outweigh the competition, this evidently translates into great business. Surely “ Big Hero 6” will be a profitable venture for the studio. How big will it be depends on how willing audiences are to see an animated superhero story in a year with comic book films galore. As of now “The Lego Movie” has conquered and prevailed with astonishing numbers domestically and abroad (over $467 million worldwide). Its closer rival is the musical sequel “Rio 2” (over $352 million worldwide), and then the striking “How To Train Your Dragon 2” (over $292 million worldwide), which has just recently opened and could climb higher up the ladder. In any case the possibilities are bright enough for all to share the wealth. They must enjoy it while it lasts because in 2015 Pixar’s voracious brand will put out not one, but a couple of new moneymaking offers.
Golden Statues Prospects
Here is where Pixar’s absence will be most appreciated. The 3D animation giant has won more Oscars for Best Animated Feature than anyone else. In many occasions they were the only real choice, others - like with “Brave” - it appeared as if they were just winning by default despite the existence of more innovative and daring competitors. Their last offer “Monsters University,” a prequel, failed to garner much love during awards season. This time around they are not even part of the festivities at all. Assuming that the Academy often recognizes the combination of craft and storytelling, then the ideal nominees would be as follows come January
1. The Boxtrolls
2. Song of the Sea
3. The Tale of Princess Kaguya
4. The Book of Life
5. How to Train Your Dragon 2
Of course one of these could easily be replaced by “Big Hero 6” or “The Lego Movie,” but then again, it is only July and this is just educated speculation. The former of these two is a Disney film, and we all know what that means. Without Pixar’s magic to do the heavy lifting, all of the studio’s efforts will go to pushing their new Marvel-inspired crowd-pleaser. As for WB’s massive witty hit, it has a great chance of sneaking if it manages to connect with voters despite its remix culture undertones. Having said this, I think it is time for Gkids or Laika to come out on top and defy the absurd notion that homogenous 3D fare is the only viable technique in the 21st century.
Another promising omen for smaller or often-dismissed studios is the fact that Disney Animation itself only has one relevant offer this time around. The November release of "Big Hero 6" is the perfect opportunity for Mickey Mouse’s owners to bank on their Marvel investment. Still, it is almost impossible to think a flick about a group of quirky action characters could defeat or even fathom the thought of getting close to the mindboggling numbers, and the wave of awards, "Frozen" brought in.
With the two animation titans quietly on the sidelines for the most part, a dream-like scenario for other films to shine has been created. During the first half of the year several animated titles have hit theaters already all with varying degrees of success. Clearly the conditions are prime for some great and unique animated features to emerge. However, despite the many promising options, there will also be plenty of disappointments.
Already Gone For Better Or Worse
The Nut Job
January witnessed the atrocious arrival of this generic Open Road Films production about a squirrel planning a heist to get nuts. Easily one of the worse reviewed films of the year so far, it is evident why an early release date was chosen. Even the fact that it was voiced by the likes of Liam Neeson, Will Arnett, Katherine Heigl and Brendan Fraser couldn’t rescue it from its simplistic premise. Sadly, the fact that it didn’t offer anything but cheap and formulaic laughs didn’t stop it from being a mild financial success. Beware, it has been granted a sequel out in 2016.
The Lego Movie
Now here is a showstopper that stacked up the cash and endless praise by building an incredible homage to pop culture. Warner Bros. Pictures hit an unprecedented milestone with this visually innovative and witty piece of animation, which took the beloved construction toys and infused them with an intelligent story. Following Emmet, an ordinary guy who wants to feel special, "The Lego Movie" takes advantage of its charming concept and the infinite amount of hilarious cameos possible. Almost universally acclaimed, boasting a flawless voice cast, and grossing over $400 million worldwide, directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller have scored the one animated film to beat this year. Deservingly so, a sequel will follow.
Mr. Peabody and Sherman
Based on the 1960’s animated characters, this DreamWorks film is one of those that produced a lukewarm reaction. Although didactic in the positive sense of the word, it is missing a certain spark to upgrade it into the realm of memorable filmmaking. Teaching kids about ancient civilizations while also trying to deliver on the emotional connection between parents and children is always commendable, but is it enough? Directed by Rob Minkoff ("The Lion King") this story about a smarty-pants dog and his adopted human son received a moderately positive response from audiences and critics. It is hard to know if it will stand the test of time.
Rio 2
Banking on the World Cup craze that has recently made Brazilian culture a commodity, this colorful sequel will perhaps go down as having one of the most convoluted storylines in recent memory. Endless amounts of characters and subplots get drown under the enchanting musical numbers, which become the film’s saving grace. Like its predecessor, this Amazon set animated feature has proven to be highly profitable at the box-office, but in terms of love from the press, this installment has not amused many. Starring Jesse Eisenberg and Anne Hathaway, the Blue Sky production has been plucked of the originality of its predecessor and flies clumsily between an environmentally friendly story and the typical find-yourself narrative.
How to Train Your Dragon 2
These days if an idea sort of works then the creators will try to milk it until there is nothing left. This might not be exactly the case with DreamWorks big summer bet, a sequel to their fantastic 2010 film "How to Train Your Dragon." Nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature, the first chapter not only performed outstandingly moneywise, but was also adored by the vast majority of critics, who praised its poignant story and gorgeous imagery. It appears like this follow-up lives up to those standards. For the second part in what is to become a trilogy, Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, and Craig Ferguson are back in their roles. Five years after the ending of the first installment, the Viking heroes are now teenagers and still riding their ferocious creatures into the sunset. The third chapter will be released in 2016.
Children Of A Lesser Disney
Planes: Fire and Rescue
Why? That is the only question audiences should be asking the studio about the baffling decision to make a sequel to the mediocre spin-off. The answer? Well with a budget of a little over $50 million "Planes" managed to quadruple that number despite being panned by critics. Dane Cook returns to voice the protagonist, Dusty, and he will more than likely add another terrible title to his shaky filmography. It is important to point out this film was produced by Disney Toon Studios, which handles their direct-to-video releases and those theatrical ones for which they have lesser hopes: "Planes"
Pirate Fairy
For some absurd reason the studio created a marketing campaign for this film comparable to that of an actually meaningful theatrical release. This was probably due to Tom Hiddleston’s involvement, but is that enough to warrant the fifth installment of this by-the-numbers franchise? Apparently they thought so. As a home-entertainment product this may suffice and keep schoolgirls captivated, but how many more sequels until its young audience gets bored or Thinker Bell becomes obsolete. You guessed it, this is also a Disney Toon Studios work, the place where good generic ideas go to die and resurrect as bargain products. However, as bizarre as it might seem, some critics actually enjoyed it and were fairly positive towards it. Could this be because their expectations of a non-theatrical film are lower? We probably should be worried that such support might encourage the studio to open the next chapter in every multiplex that allows children in - all of them.
The Rest Of The Mainstream
The Book of Life
This is the one mainstream release that could end up being a pleasant surprise. Produced by monster-enthusiast Guillermo del Toro and directed by Mexican animator Jorge R. Gutierrez, the film centers on a romance bathed in Mexican mysticism and strikingly beautiful design. The world is inspired by the Mexican Day of the Death celebration and will hopefully depict the peculiar holiday with much needed authenticity. Based on Del Toro’s track record, having high hopes for this one is not unrealistic. And judging from the luscious trailer this visual feast should certainly be an edgy and innovative work. Among the talent involved are Diego Luna, Channing Tatum, Zoe Saldana, and Christina Applegate.
The Penguins of Madagascar
After three feature films and a several TV series, the black & white clumsy and flightless birds from the “Madagascar” franchise return with their own full-length adventure for the big screen. This spinoff follows Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private as they work with the North Wind, a special animal task force, to prevent a villain from taking over the world – the usual. From the financial standpoint this is an easy paycheck for DreamWorks. A new iteration of the already beloved characters results in secure ticket sales and lots of plush toys flying off the shelves. DreamWorks already released its strong card this year (“How to Train Your Dragon 2”), this is really just o pay the bills.
Home
Aliens and 3D animation have not been very good friends in past attempts made to unite them. "Mars Needs Mom" (2011), "Escape from Planet Earth" (2013), and even the moderately engaging "Monsters vs. Aliens" (2009) have proven this is a hard concept to nail. Regardless of this doomed landscape, DreamWorks had slated "Home" for a November release. The film has been pushed back to March 2015 and replaced by the aforementioned "Penguins," but we decided to included it since it was scheduled for this year until recently and there is enough information out there already. In the film, purple, tiny, outer-space creatures named Boov have come to Earth to make it their humble abode and relocate humans. Nothing extraordinarily original about the idea or the character design, but what could elevate this film to re-watchable terrain is the all-star cast. Throw in Jim Parsons acid wit, Steve Martin’s classic humor, and some pop divas like Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez, and you have yourself something that will bring people to the theaters. Whether is bad or out of this world great, that’s an entirely different subject.
Is Smaller Better?
Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return
Stubbornly reluctant to let the story of The Wizard of Oz behind, the film industry keeps on developing projects based upon it. Last year it was Disney’s live action/CG extravaganza "Oz The Great and Powerful," this year, as if needed, a 3D-animated version by Summertime Entertainment revisits the tale once again. This derivative adventure follows Dorothy after the end of the well-known source tale. For starters the animation looks rather flat and lacks the texture and depth that more experienced studios can deliver. This leaves it relying solely on the power of the screenplay, which, as expected, doesn’t seem to offer much. Extremely efficient sorcery will be required to lure the public into watching it. Their safest bet is to hope for positive reviews and breaking even on their investment.
Postman Pat: The Movie
A famously cherished character across the Atlantic, it is possible Postman Pat will not connect with American audiences or generate the same love the British have for him. Not because he is not a great guy, but because the movie in his honor seems completely incoherent. Based upon the stop-motion animation series that ran on the BBC from the early 1980’s, this reinvention discards the beauty of the medium that made the character iconic and turns it into a bland computerized puppet. As if this wasn’t enough, the guys at DreamWorks Classics came to the conclusion that including a singing contest (on the vein of Britain’s Got Talent), robots, and warfare machinery would be amazing components to include. Really? Some things are better left untouched; you guys could have called Aardman Animations. They would’ve gotten it right.
The Boxtrolls
Craft and boundary-pushing creativity have collided gracefully in Laika's past two projects ("Coraline," "ParaNorman") both of which have garnered Oscar nominations and been fairly well-received by audiences. Fearless towards the excruciating labor that stop-motion requires, the Oregon-based production company not only excels in the artistry displayed on screen, but also in making stories with a specific tone and unique voice. Ghostly adventures whose physicality and attention to detail raises the bar far above their competitors. Their latest enterprise is a mesmerizing period piece that deals with a young boy and his goofy-looking, box-inhabiting, monstrous friends. Undoubtedly there is no one out there making films like this, the team at Laika knows how to match their darkly comedic worlds with a technique that still has something to offer in the tiresome age of 3D animation. Judging by the trailers and behind the scenes videos, "The Boxtrolls" will complete a near-perfect inaugural trifecta of sophisticated animated gems.
Underdogs (Foosball)
Argentina’s religious devotion to soccer or “futbol” has finally infiltrated the animated realm via the mind of Academy Award winning director Juan José Campanella (“The Secret in Their Eyes”). This locally produced 3D flick had a budget of $21 million making it the most expensive animated project ever made in Latin America. Telling the fantastical story of a foosball team in a quest to regroup after being pulled apart, the film’s quality rivals any American studio’s production. Surely noticing the great potential, The Weinstein Company acquired distribution rights for North American, France, Australia, and New Zealand. By Pixar’s or DreamWorks’ standards this is a tiny film, but with Harvey’s infrastructure behind it, this Argentine success could score big away from home.
Some Artful Dark Horses
Song of the Sea
Allowing us to take a breather from the homogenous shapes of the virtually-rendered reigning style of animation, Irish filmmaker Tomm Moore returns with his second feature. In 2009 he delighted critics and fans alike with the miraculously flawless "The Secret of Kells." The gorgeous hand-drawn characters and exquisite backgrounds depict a sort of magic rarely seen in toon flicks these days. His follow-up, "Song of the Sea" aims to bring similarly beautiful images to the screen. Gkids, who also distributed Moore’s first picture, has the North American rights for the film and plans to release it later this year. If this new Celtic beauty is any close to "Kells," we are all in for a wonderful treat.
The Tale of Princess Kaguya
As terrible as Miyazaki’s retirement is for the world of animation, there is still hope in the other Ghibli master Isao Takahata. Returning with his first film in over a decade, it appears that the ingenious artist that brought us "Grave of the Fireflies," is back in full form. Poetic and drawn with an entrancing fluidity, this new fantasy is almost certain to be named a masterpiece. Unsurprisingly, Gkids strikes again and will release the film in the Fall with high hopes for award season. Disney banished the hopes of "The Wind Rises" walking away a winner, but next time around the battle might be less set in ice.
Other Global Options
There is also a number of other more obscure foreign animated films that look incredibly compelling but which might not reach American shores anytime soon. Among them are Aunt Hilda (France), The 7th Dwarf (Germany), Jack and the Cuckoo-Clock Heart (France), Little from the Fish Shop (Check Republic), El Americano: The Movie (Mexico).
All Their Eggs In One Basket
Big Hero 6
Tonally, “Big Hero 6” feels closer to “Wreck-it Ralph” than the princess tale of “Frozen,” which is trying to marry the success of Marvel’s super hero films with Walt Disney Pictures’ family-friendly magic. The field is bit crowded with new installments of live action franchises like Captain America, Spider-Man, and X-Men, released earlier this year. Yet, in all honesty it is hard to think a film like this will be a failure. It has a preexisting following from the comic book world, and it is the fall's biggest animation release. That’s enough to lure in millions of people into theaters worldwide. Opening November 7th, the story revolves around a group of young crime-fighters and their adorable robot as they fight evil in a fictional futuristic city inspired by both San Francisco and Tokyo. Let’s hope it is edgier than it sounds on paper.
Digitally Animated Dollar Signs
When it comes to a loyal fan-base Disney will always outweigh the competition, this evidently translates into great business. Surely “ Big Hero 6” will be a profitable venture for the studio. How big will it be depends on how willing audiences are to see an animated superhero story in a year with comic book films galore. As of now “The Lego Movie” has conquered and prevailed with astonishing numbers domestically and abroad (over $467 million worldwide). Its closer rival is the musical sequel “Rio 2” (over $352 million worldwide), and then the striking “How To Train Your Dragon 2” (over $292 million worldwide), which has just recently opened and could climb higher up the ladder. In any case the possibilities are bright enough for all to share the wealth. They must enjoy it while it lasts because in 2015 Pixar’s voracious brand will put out not one, but a couple of new moneymaking offers.
Golden Statues Prospects
Here is where Pixar’s absence will be most appreciated. The 3D animation giant has won more Oscars for Best Animated Feature than anyone else. In many occasions they were the only real choice, others - like with “Brave” - it appeared as if they were just winning by default despite the existence of more innovative and daring competitors. Their last offer “Monsters University,” a prequel, failed to garner much love during awards season. This time around they are not even part of the festivities at all. Assuming that the Academy often recognizes the combination of craft and storytelling, then the ideal nominees would be as follows come January
1. The Boxtrolls
2. Song of the Sea
3. The Tale of Princess Kaguya
4. The Book of Life
5. How to Train Your Dragon 2
Of course one of these could easily be replaced by “Big Hero 6” or “The Lego Movie,” but then again, it is only July and this is just educated speculation. The former of these two is a Disney film, and we all know what that means. Without Pixar’s magic to do the heavy lifting, all of the studio’s efforts will go to pushing their new Marvel-inspired crowd-pleaser. As for WB’s massive witty hit, it has a great chance of sneaking if it manages to connect with voters despite its remix culture undertones. Having said this, I think it is time for Gkids or Laika to come out on top and defy the absurd notion that homogenous 3D fare is the only viable technique in the 21st century.
- 7/21/2014
- by Carlos Aguilar
- Sydney's Buzz
Napoleon Dynamite turns 10 on Wednesday, so we "guess you can say things are getting pretty serious." On June 11, 2004, the delightfully strange tale of an awkward yet confident high-schooler dancing his way through life hit theaters. Made on a budget of $400,000, the film went on to earn $44 million at the box office and has grown into a comedy classic, thanks to its quirky characters, ridiculously quotable conversations and a finicky llama named Tina. School elections and tater tots will never be the same thanks to Napoleon and the rest of the crew. To celebrate the movie's anniversary, the cast reunited at...
- 6/11/2014
- by Kelli Bender and Nicole Sands
- PEOPLE.com
Working on the gang's adventures in Australia, the cast of "Modern Family" filmed in Sydney on Saturday (February 22).
Spotted on set were Ty Burrell, Rico Rodriguez, Nolan Gould, Ariel Winter, Sarah Hyland, Julie Bowen, Eric Stonestreet, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Ed O'Neill, and Sofia Vergara with her visiting fiancée Nick Loeb.
Just the day before, the two young boy cast members Rico and Nolan headed to Bondi Beach, where they shot a scene with some topless ladies.
The vacation episode will air later this season. In the meantime, Sofia declares she is "Luving Australia."...
Spotted on set were Ty Burrell, Rico Rodriguez, Nolan Gould, Ariel Winter, Sarah Hyland, Julie Bowen, Eric Stonestreet, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Ed O'Neill, and Sofia Vergara with her visiting fiancée Nick Loeb.
Just the day before, the two young boy cast members Rico and Nolan headed to Bondi Beach, where they shot a scene with some topless ladies.
The vacation episode will air later this season. In the meantime, Sofia declares she is "Luving Australia."...
- 2/23/2014
- GossipCenter
With her new flick "Vampire Academy" slated to hit theaters Valentine's Day (February 14th), Sarah Hyland soaks up the spotlight by covering the January 2014 issue of Bello.
The 23-year-old actress looked picture perfect in designer garbs from Bec & Bridge and Ted Baker for the Amanda Elkins-shot spread while opening up about everything from watching old episodes of her hit show "Modern Family" to sharing some details about her upcoming action-comedy film.
Highlights from Miss Hyland's interview are as follows. For more, be sure to pay a visit to Bello!
On growing up with the cast from "Modern Family":
"It's crazy because it just started syndication on USA and Fox and all these channels, and honestly a little weird. You'll change the channel and catch an episode from our second season, even first season. I had the skinniest face ever, bug eyes, and awful hair. Ariel [Winter] is flat chested and a foot shorter than me.
The 23-year-old actress looked picture perfect in designer garbs from Bec & Bridge and Ted Baker for the Amanda Elkins-shot spread while opening up about everything from watching old episodes of her hit show "Modern Family" to sharing some details about her upcoming action-comedy film.
Highlights from Miss Hyland's interview are as follows. For more, be sure to pay a visit to Bello!
On growing up with the cast from "Modern Family":
"It's crazy because it just started syndication on USA and Fox and all these channels, and honestly a little weird. You'll change the channel and catch an episode from our second season, even first season. I had the skinniest face ever, bug eyes, and awful hair. Ariel [Winter] is flat chested and a foot shorter than me.
- 1/8/2014
- GossipCenter
Veteran character actor Jon Gries is best known for his gut-busting portrayal of Uncle Rico, he of the orange van and dashed dreams of high school football glory, in the 2004 cult gem Napoleon Dynamite. Jon Gries is also recognizable as Roger Linus on Lost, but the actor has been kicking around in Hollywood for decades, ever since he appeared in 1969 at age 11 opposite Charlton Heston in Will Penny, a western directed by his father Tom Gries. Some of Jon’s other films include Monster Squad (1978), Get Shorty (1995), and Taken (2008). Jon is also an accomplished musician, having composed songs for the films Twin Falls Idaho (1999) and The Big Empty (2003). In 2010, after directing several music videos, Jon tried his hand at directing a feature and the result was the acclaimed redneck road comedy Pickin’ & Grinning’.
(http://pickinandgrinninmovie.com/ )
Now Jon has teamed up with writer Derek Walker for Another Man’S Gun,...
(http://pickinandgrinninmovie.com/ )
Now Jon has teamed up with writer Derek Walker for Another Man’S Gun,...
- 12/12/2013
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Stars: Charlie Hunnam, Katey Sagal, Mark Boone Junior, Kim Coates, Ron Perlman, Tommy Flanagan, Ryan Hurst | Created by Kurt Sutter
[Editors Note: With the DVD of Sons of Anarchy: Season Five set for a UK DVD and Blu-ray release next week (on November 25th to be precise), Nerdly reviewer and Soa super-fan Nathan takes a look at the DVD boxset - breaking down the cult show's fifth season episode by episode]
5×01 – Sovereign
When Sons of Anarchy ended last season, I was a little disappointed. It’s not that I hated it; I was just left with the feeling of longing for more. All throughout the season, we’ve seen our men in Samcro crushed by seemingly impossible odds, without any chance for escape. If there’s one thing that Kurt Sutter and company do best, it’s dropping the men into a hole and watching them try and escape. And the best part of this is the more they try to escape, the worse their situation gets. That’s why it was a bit of a disappointment when at the end of the season, they seemingly pulled the plug and left things out to dry. I mean, Clay Morrow was built...
[Editors Note: With the DVD of Sons of Anarchy: Season Five set for a UK DVD and Blu-ray release next week (on November 25th to be precise), Nerdly reviewer and Soa super-fan Nathan takes a look at the DVD boxset - breaking down the cult show's fifth season episode by episode]
5×01 – Sovereign
When Sons of Anarchy ended last season, I was a little disappointed. It’s not that I hated it; I was just left with the feeling of longing for more. All throughout the season, we’ve seen our men in Samcro crushed by seemingly impossible odds, without any chance for escape. If there’s one thing that Kurt Sutter and company do best, it’s dropping the men into a hole and watching them try and escape. And the best part of this is the more they try to escape, the worse their situation gets. That’s why it was a bit of a disappointment when at the end of the season, they seemingly pulled the plug and left things out to dry. I mean, Clay Morrow was built...
- 11/22/2013
- by Nathan Smith
- Nerdly
It's Wednesday, and you know what that means ... "Modern Family" night!Season 5 premiered two weeks ago, and the show will mark it's 100th episode tonight! Of course, this comes off it's fourth consecutive Emmy win for Outstanding Comedy (reruns just started in syndication).15-year-old Rico Rodriguez has played Manny -- the son of Gloria (Sofia Vergara) and Jay (Ed O'Neill). toofab's Lawrence Yee caught up with Rico at the recent Hero Dog Awards, where he said this season is "extra special." Plus, see what he thinks about growing up on camera! To see how more child stars have aged, click on the "Launch Gallery" gallery below:Plus tell us who your favorite "Modern Family" actor is! Read more...
- 10/10/2013
- by tooFab Staff
- TooFab
The Wizard of Oz, featuring some of movie music's most unforgettable standards, along with new music written by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber a book adapted by Lloyd Webber and Jeremy Sams... and everything else that is good made its way successfully to Hollywood's Pantages Theatre last week September 18 for a high flying opening night celebration which drew a full house of young and old alike. Among those involved with the festivities were Bww TV's own Los Angeles correspondents Michael Sterling and Jerry Evans on the red carpet walk of fame. Among the celebrities in attendance were Rico Rodriquez ABC's Modern Family and his sister Raini Rodriguez Disney's Austin and Ally, Fox TV's Lauren Potter Glee, Academy Award winner George Chakiris West Side Story, Kate Linder The Young and The Restless, Jane Kean The Honeymooners, Ann Jeffrey's General Hospital, Topper, Corbin Bleu One Life to Live, Rj Mitte AMC's Breaking Bad,...
- 9/24/2013
- by Michael Sterling and Jerry Evans
- BroadwayWorld.com
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