'The Hangover Part II' Pulls Off Box Office Win

The Hangover Part II

It's really no surprise that The Hangover Part II has topped this weekends US box office with an incredible $118 million in only four days, or that it trounced its predecessor which only managed $44 million. Total Film revealed that director Todd Phillips already has plans for a third film and with figures like this I'm sure that won't be a problem. 

Kung Fu Panda 2 only managed the surprisingly lowly sum of $48 million in it's first weekend. I guess this must be a result of it being released at the same time as one of the biggest films this year in the form of The Hangover Part II but I enjoyed the first film so much as I would've thought the reputation of Kung Fu Panda would have showed more. The film has been well received but I think those behind it will be disappointed with the figures. Maybe it will see a bigger audience in the weeks to come.

Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides dropped to third in the US box office with $39 million

How To Make A David Lynch Film - Short Film (2011)

Damn Funny - 4/5

So I saw this short film today called How To Make A David Lynch Film. It's pretty much what it says on the tin. Literally. It's a comedic short film that focuses on the work of writer David Lynch (Eraserhead) and pokes fun at the methods he is known for.

The 9 minute film takes place in an apartment and follows a couple watching an old style 'how to' video. As you will have worked out, this one is How To Make A David Lynch Film. Despite the fact that the old fashioned 'how to' video has been utilised by many comedy films and TV shows (Dodgeball, Simpsons etc..), I didn't feel like it was cliche. It managed to be original whilst using a tried and tested method for laughs.

I would say that the film doesn't cater for all. You really have to know your David Lynch to feel included and not everyone does, as shown by interviews with members of the public about Lynch's work at the end of the film. However, writing as someone who has yet to experience Lynch, the film still managed to make me laugh. And in some ways it doesn't really matter if you know who he is or not. The film is designed to make fun of his style of film and it succeeded.

Despite obviously having a limited budget the film was extremely well edited and the cast showed their worth. Whoever played the presenter of the 'how to' film (I don't know who it was as the credits were rather confusing) was brilliant and performed his role with great confidence and timing. The actress was also notably funny.

If you're a fan of short film, comedy, or you hate David Lynch you should check this one out. You can't not laugh at it.

The film will be featuring in the upcoming Dances With Films Festival.

Don`t Be Afraid of the Dark Trailer 2 2011 HD

Bradley Cooper Working On 'Hyperion' Script

Bradley Cooper

Bradley Cooper, star of The Hangover and The Hangover: Part II as well as Limitless and The A-Team, has been linked to the script development of Dan Simmons' sci-fi novel Hyperion. It seems he isn't just an action man but can also write and create.

Cooper made the unexpected announcement on Charlie Rose. He said "[We] went to [producer] Graham King, who own the rights to Hyperion, and we wrote a treatment on spec. I said, 'I know this is a very audacious endeavour, but can you just read this spec we wrote? I think we have a way in to tell the story.' So now we're negotiating to write the script for it."

Cooper's aspirations don't stop there. He also said "This is an example of trying to get things started... Ideally I'd like to direct it, but there's no way."

First Showing revealed the unexpected news and it seems Cooper has taken on rather a lot, with the sci-fi epic

50/50 Trailer 2011 HD

Zach Braff To Join The Land Of Oz?

Zach Braff

Scrubs funny man Zach Braff (Garden State) may be in line to join the Disney project Oz: The Great And The Powerful, according to Variety. Braff is said to be in the very last negotiations for the role which could see him alongside James Franco as the assistant of Franco's character Oz.

Director Sam Raimi has already added many big names to the cast including aforementioned James Franco, with Mila Kunis set to join along with Michelle Williams and Rachel Weisz who is to take the role as the evil queen. The story is described as a 3D fantasy and is a prequel to The Wizard Of Oz in that it brings us the story of the magician arriving in the land of Oz.

Although filming is set to start in Michigan this summer, the film may not see release until 2013. With the director of the Spiderman films Sam Raimi at the helm, who also produced the new hit TV series Spartacus:

The Descendants Trailer 2011 HD

Not Only A Film Geek....

Three Big Names, Including Bill Nighy, Sign Up For 'Total Recall'

Bill Nighy

The upcoming reboot of the 1990 film Total Recall has not failed to attract big names to its cast. The film had already attracted Colin Farrell into the lead role of Doug Quaid, and just last week another Hollywood A-Lister in the form of Ethan Hawke joined the team. Today three more big names have been revealed in the form of Bill Nighy (The Boat That Rocked), Kate Beckinsale (Underworld) and Jessica Biel (The Illusionist). You may be aware that Bill Nighy and Kate Beckinsale have already worked together on the Underworld films so it will be interesting to see whether director Len Wiseman will use their personal relationship in the film.

Bill Nighy will take the role of Quatto, described an an 'enigmatic and charming leader of the resistance' by Total Film. Len Wiseman's wife Kate Beckinsale has landed the lead female role of Lori whilst Biel will play second lead female Melina. Bryan Cranston (Malcolm In The Middle) has been bagging many a role

Vin Diesel May Take Pay Cut In Order To Star In 'Riddick 3'

Vin Diesel As Riddick

The film series that brought us the character of Riddick and subsequently went on to become a successful gaming franchise, began with Pitch Black in 2000 and continued with The Chronicles Of Riddick in 2004, two films I personally didn't particularly enjoy. Well now, seven years later, a third installment to the Riddick franchise may well be on its way.

Vin Diesel, the actor who plays Riddick, revealed on Facebook that he'd met with director David Twohy and that there was no reason why the film couldn't start shooting in the summer. News also came to light that the third installment would be more geared towards an adult audience after the second film was criticised for being watered down, revealed Total Film.

Vin Diesel wrote: “[Twohy] the writer/director just landed in New York with the good news,”. “We can

The Way Back (2010)

Cinematically Beautiful - 4/5

So I saw this film yesterday called The Way Back. You may have seen it cropping up in the DVD shelves of the shops near you, as it has just been released, and so I thought it worthy of a review. The film is a critically acclaimed (Academy Award Nomination - Best Makeup) true life story of a group of prisoners who escape from a Siberian gulag and embark on the 4000 mile trek into British controlled India. As you can imagine the plot brings with it visceral and beautifully harsh landscapes including the Siberian wastelands, the Gobi desert and the Himalayas. The stunning beauty of the environment clearly played a key role in the way this film was created. It focused primarily on cinematic beauty and emotionally evoking scenes and succeeded.

Though the acting takes second place to the cinematography, it certainly didn't fall down. Celebrity A-Lister Colin Farrell made an all too brief appearance as Valka, an unstable and violent prisoner who escapes along with the rest of the group. Ed Harris provided a stellar performance, as he more often that not does, as the American soldier Mr Smith but he could not compete with Jim Sturgess (21, Fifty Dead Men Walking) who was sublime as protagonist Janusz. You could feel the determination and desperation of the real life character through him and he was a brilliant pick for the lead role.

The only complaint I can think of is that some major scenes were skipped over with little detail provided. For

'Wanted 2' Could Still Go Ahead Without Jolie

Wanted

Despite the fact that Angelina Jolie has already stated that she is unwilling to star in a sequel to the 2008 thriller Wanted, the films producers have revealed that a sequel which will retain James McAvoy and Morgan Freeman could still be viable.

Jim Lemley, one of the films producers, revealed the plans to make a sequel with original director Timur Bekmambetov. He revealed to MTV News that "We still talk sometimes about Wanted 2 - we want to try and continue that story because it's a very interesting one for us,". He added "The reality is we'd love to do it with her, but also that story has such a big idea behind it that it can also go on without her,".

Angelina Jolie expressed how her character should not be returning for a sequel: "In the original, she doesn't kill herself. I actually changed the ending. I said, 'If she was to find out she had killed people unjustly

The Muppets Movie Trailer

Pirates 4 Takes Box Office Treasure

The fourth installment in the Pirates series, Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, has topped this weeks box office with a staggering $346 million worldwide and $90 million in the US alone. The 3D fourquel may no have matched the US success of the third installment (At World's End) which netted $114 million but the amount it generated is evidence that the lack of Orlando Bloom or Keira Knightley didn't have a major impact on the potential audience.

Pirates 4 triumphed over the competition, with second place falling to Bridesmaids which managed $21 million in the US. Third went to Thor which managed $15 million whilst Fast Five remained popular with an impressive $10.6 million.

Astonishingly Rio remains in the top 5 with a total of $4.6 million after defeating relatively new film Priest

Johnny Depp To Stick To Acting Rather Than Directing

Johnny Depp

In a recent interview published on MSN Movies Johnny Depp, star of the Pirates Of The Carribean films and Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas, revealed that he doubts he will ever direct a film. He spoke openly about how he prefers to be in front of the camera and said that if he was to direct a film it probably wouldn't make too much sense.


He said: "I don't like it when things make sense. I prefer it if they don't. If I made a film it wouldn't make any sense and nobody would see it."
Depp went on: "Maybe I'll just make little films at home with my phone, never to be released."

Talk has already started about a possible fifth installment in the Pirates series and Depp should find himself busy for many years to come.

He said: "I think they could wheel me in as Captain Jack while my dreadlocks get tangled in the wheels

Adam McKay Reveals Details Of New Comedy 'Three Mississippi'

Adam McKay

You may have caught my post about a new film called Turkey Bowl which will see Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg team up for the second time after previously being involved with The Other Guys. Well the film now has a new name (Three Mississippi) and director Adam McKay has been spilling the beans to Total Film. Here's what he had to say:


“The idea was originally conceived for Mark Wahlberg and Alec Baldwin,” McKay revealed. “Owen Burke, who’s a producer at Gary Sanchez, and I were talking about how crazily funny Wahlberg and Baldwin were in The Departed - how, even though it’s not a comedy, we could just watch them all day long.

“Burke dropped this idea, and I was like, ‘Oh my God, that’s a movie!’ Then Will heard it and he wanted in.”

McKay goes on to reveal that the film is about two rival families, one of which contains father Alec Baldwin and son Mark Wahlberg, who live across the park from one another and get into a annual football

Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011) Official Trailer 3 [HD]

Acting Legend Stephen Fry Joins Growing Cast Of 'The Hobbit'!

Stephen Fry

British acting icon Stephen Fry has become the latest addition to the huge cast attached to Peter Jackson's latest Middle Earth project The Hobbit: Part One which again will be based on the J.R.R Tolien novels. Fry has landed a part as the Master Of Laketown according to an announcement on Peter Jackson's Facebook page. Laketown is one of the hamlets that Frodo and the gang travel through on their journeys.

“We are thrilled to confirm that Stephen Fry will be playing The Master of Laketown,” Jackson wrote. “I’ve known Stephen for several years, and we’re developing a Dambusters movie together."

“In addition to his writing skills, he’s a terrific actor and will create a very memorable Master for us.”

Two smaller casting announcements have also been made, with Ryan Gage playing the master's servant and Conan Stevens playing an Orc called Azog.

The addition of Stephen Fry is not the only thing that Jackson revealed which will excite the many fans of the

'Turkey Bowl' To See Mark Wahlberg And Will Ferrell Team Up Again

Scene From The Other Guys

Last year cop caper The Other Guys saw Mark Wahlberg and comedy giant Will Ferrell team up to bring us a rather enjoyable film. Now they are set to team up again in a new film entitled Turkey Bowl, according to Deadline. It won't follow on from The Other Guys but will instead see a rivalry between Wahlberg and Ferrell as they face each other in annual football games for their local teams. Warner Bros own the rights to the film and are sure to put in some big name cameos once again.

The Other Guys director Adam McKay will produce Turkey Bowl which should ensure the usual Ferrell/McKay comedic stylings that entertain us time and again. Both actors are currently busy with other projects; Will Ferrell is taking part in Everything Must Go and Mark Wahlberg has a part in Seth MacFarlane's film project Ted.

I'm not so sure whether this project will work if I'm honest. Sure it will feature the popular pairing of Ferrell

Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010)

Decent And Solid Film - 4/5

So I saw this film a few months ago called Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1 and I thought it was about time I went ahead and reviewed it seeing as the final installment of the series will be hitting the big screen soon. I also thought it would be a good way to go back over the film to ensure I am totally ready and up to date for the big finale in July of this year.

Lets start off by pointing out that this film had it all to do. I thought the sixth Harry Potter film (Harry Potter And The Half Blood Prince) was a massive let down and the distinct lack of any real action was obvious to see. Coming off the back of a fairly poor film such as this, one that couldn't even hold its own against the first few films, made it an uphill struggle to bring back the excitement and the mystery that any film based on magic should evoke. Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1 definitely didn't fail to deliver in this regard. The lack of action that frustrated me so much throughout The Half Blood Prince was improved greatly and we saw some magical special effects once again. The sixth film felt as if it was simply released to

ABC To Bring Us 'Once Upon A Time' During It's Fall Lineup

ABC's Once Upon A Time

ABC will be bringing us a new television series in the form of Once Upon A Time, a fairytale type show that comes from Lost's own Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis. The new project will take its place before Desperate Housewives at 8pm on Sundays.

The show appears to show similarities to favourite TV series Lost, and not just because of who is involved. The program will employ flashbacks in a similar way to the hit series except that these flashbacks will be of the fairytale world the characters inhabit. ABC's Entertainment president Paul Lee said that Once Upon a Time is "completely unlike Lost. But in some ways it's like Lost ... because it's about a group of people who are trapped.". Intriguing.

Once Upon A Time will be an exciting mix of both the modern world and fairy tales, with character such as Snow White, Rumpelstiltskin, Prince Charming, Pinocchio and Bashful all featuring with an alternative modern day alter-ego. Confused? Here's ABC's comprehensive description of the new show:

"From the inventive minds of Lost executive producers Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis comes a bold new imagining of the world, where fairy tales and the modern-day are about to collide. And they all lived happily ever after - or so everyone was led to believe. Emma Swan knows how to take care of herself. She's a 28-year-old bail bonds collector who's been on her own ever since she was abandoned as a baby. But when the son she gave up years ago finds her, everything starts to change. Henry is now 10 years old and in desperate need of Emma's help. He believes that Emma actually comes from an alternate world and is Snow White and Prince Charming's missing daughter. According to his book of fairytales, they sent her away to protect her from the Evil Queen's curse, which trapped the fairytale world forever, frozen in time, and brought them into our modern world. Of course Emma doesn't believe a word, but when she brings Henry back to Storybrooke, she finds herself drawn to this unusual boy and his strange New England town. Concerned for Henry, she decides to stay for a while, but she soon suspects that Storybrooke is more than it seems. It's a place where magic has been forgotten, but is still powerfully close... where fairytale characters are alive, even though they don't remember who they once were. The epic battle for the future of all worlds is beginning, but for good to win, Emma will have to accept her destiny and fight like hell. Once Upon a Time stars Ginnifer Goodwin (Big Love) as Snow White/Sister Mary Margaret, Jennifer Morrison (House) as Emma Swan, Robert Carlyle (The Full Monty, Trainspotting, SGU Stargate Universe) as Rumplestiltskin/Mr. Gold, Lana Parrilla as Evil Queen/Regina, Jamie Dornan as Sheriff Graham, Jared Gilmore (Mad Men) as Henry, Josh Dallas as Prince Charming/John Doe and Raphael Sbarge as Jiminy Cricket/Archie. Once Upon a Time was written by Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz, who are also executive producers, along with Steve Pearlman (ABC's V). The pilot is directed and executive-produced by Mark Mylod (Entourage). Once Upon a Time is from ABC Studios."

Yeah, you heard it right, Robert Carlyle. 

This all sounds hugely exciting and will certainly stir up a massive amount on intrigue. How do you like the sound of the project? Will it prove to be a hit?

Family Guy's Seth MacFarlane To Take On 'The Flinstones' Reboot!

Funnyman Seth MacFarlane

Family Guy, American Dad! and The Cleveland Show writer Seth MacFarlane will become the executive producer for the latest The Flintstones reboot! The series will be produced by 20th Century Fox and Warner Bros and is said to focus on “the lives of the Flintstones and the Rubbles, two hard-working middle-class families living with contemporary conveniences in the dinosaur-era town of Bedrock.”, reveals Collider and Total Film.

MacFarlane showed obvious excitement when he said: “The very first cartoon character I drew at age two was Fred Flintstone. So it’s appropriate that events have come full circle, allowing me to produce the newest incarnation of this great franchise.”

The Flintstones will be a TV series which will begin production in later this year and air for the first time in 2013. Rumours have already been spread that the series could lead to a film spin-off but these are so far

Assassin's Creed, Ghost Recon and Splinter Cell May Be Movie Bound

Assassin's Creed

Variety has reported that Ubisoft is attempting to transform three of its most popular video games into films. The three games in questions are Assassin's Creed, Ghost Recon and Splinter Cell. I think we can all see how awesome this could turn out to be. Ubisoft Motion Pictures is a new division within the company which was launched in January and is now attempting to bring us three 3D feature films based on these popular game titles.

The division is headed by Jean-Julien Baronnet who said that the division had been working hard to come up with plots that were sympathetic and consistent with the games. Jean de Rivieres, a senior VP, said "Our strategy is not to diversify but to bolster the appeal of our franchises -- that's why we want to make sure our films will reflect the brands accurately and consolidate our fan base while expanding beyond the games' primary target audience,".

Baronnet added, "We want to keep ownership, retain control over the film content, and we're open to

'Fairytale In New York' Attracts Kiefer Sutherland

Kiefer Sutherland

24 star Kiefer Sutherland has signed up to new indie romance film Fairytale In New York. Actress Kate Bosworth will be joining him for the NY based film. Sutherland will play an Irish stand-up comic (seems a strange role for him to me) who meets an unusual woman during a trip to New York.

Lee Cleary will be directing the flick which will mark his debut in film making. Despite it being his first solo directing attempt he has previously been Assistant Director for both The Hurt Locker and X-Men: First Class which should serve as good experience. The film will be set in both Northern Ireland and New York and will begin shooting later this year.

Sutherland has just finished starring in Lars Von Trier's new film Melancholia alongside Kirsten Dunst which was revealed at the Cannes Film Festival this week. Kate Bosworth has also been busy recently starring in the

LOST And Found: Top 10 Film Performances From The Cast Of Lost

Despite how you may or may not have loved how Lost turned out, I think everyone can agree that it was one of the most jaw-dropping, on the edge of your seat putting TV series of the 20th century by far. It stirs up such vehemently passionate discussions every time it comes up in conversation and that's what a good series should do.

However, those who starred in Lost have had a hard time shaking off those characters, due to the fact that they were so popular. So I've compiled this list of the Top Ten Film Performances From The Cast Of Lost to encourage appreciation of the projects you may not have noticed them in.

10  - Claire Littleton (Emilie de Ravin) - Emily (Brick, 2005)

It wasn't the biggest film role ever but it displayed just how well Emilie de Ravin can played really messed up characters. I would have thought she used the role as inspiration for her performances towards the end of the Lost series. She is currently broadening her film career having starred in Remember Me alongside Robert Patinson.

9 - Michael Dawson (Harold Perrineau) - Flynn (28 Weeks Later, 2007)

Harold Perrineau as Flynn

Harold Perrineau starred in a pretty cool role as the helicopter pilot who saves the children at the end of 28 Weeks Later. In the film he destroys same Rage infested humans by flying a helicopter into them.Can't get much cooler than that. Perrineau currently has five films in production! Way to move on man.




8 - Mr Eko (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) - Wombosi (The Bourne Identity, 2002)

Mr Eko was probably my favourite Lost character of the second series. He kicked ass and had an immense background story. But did you know that Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje also had a small role in The Bourne Identity? His character Wombasi shot Bourne in the back on his boat after Bourne failed to assassinate him.


7 - Benjamin Linus (Michael Emerson) - Zep Hindle (Saw, 2004)

Michael Emerson played a sadistic character in the first Saw film back in 2004. He met the Jigsaw Killer whilst he was an orderly in a hospital and they formed a bond. He is somewhat of a red herring throughout the film as we believe he is the killer. Emerson's TV career is still going strong.


6 - John Locke (Terry O'Quinn) - Jerry Blake (The Stepfather, 1986)

The Stepfather

I think the Lost actors must have been chosen for their fucked up roles in the past. Way back in 1986 Terry O'Quinn, who we know better as John Locke, took a starring role in The Stepfather. He plays a man looking for the perfect family. When his family turns out not to be everything he hoped, he kills them. He then moves town, change his identity and does the same thing with another family. The DVD cover speaks for itself on this one.






5 - Kate Austen (Evangeline Lilly) - Connie James (The Hurt Locker, 2008)

Evangeline Lilly had a relatively small appearance in the Oscar winning film The Hurt Locker in which she

Before Sunset (2004)

Beautfully Touching - 4.5/5

So I saw this film the other day called Before Sunset. Unfortunately before I began watching it I didn't realise there had been a prequel (Before Sunrise). Luckily for me it didn't turn out to matter too much, although perhaps it would have been more touching had I seen the first film. Despite the fact I hadn't seen the prequel the film was an absolutely fantastic watch. What lead me to the film was the presence of Ethan Hawke, of whom I am a massive fan, and he proved with this performance that he deserves acclaim for his work.

For sheer acting talent you can't fault either Ethan Hawke or leading lady Julie Delpy. The amount of lines they must have had to learn for this film was itself incredible. The first scene must have lasted at least five minutes without a single cut. What Delpy and Hawke managed to do so brilliantly was make it feel like like a film and more like a real life situation along with a real life relationship. Because of this the film was touching

My Cinematic Alphabet: In Depth - C

We've made it through A and B and now it's time to take a look at those films that didn't quite make it into My Cinematic Alphabet but are worthy of a mention. Be sure to check out the previous two installments and keep checking back to follow the series. Here we go:

Children Of Men

I was in absolute awe upon finishing watching this film for the first time. The final half an hour is probably my favourite extended film scene ever. The cinematography displayed towards the end is absolutely sublime and Clive Owen manages to perform a role that doesn't annoy me. Wholly original and jaw dropping film.

Castaway

We come to my favourite film of all time in the form of Castaway. It's a film that never gets old and provides what is, in my opinion, Tom Hanks' most memorable role. If you have been following the series you'll have noticed at least two Robert Zemeckis films so far. He crops up again here with a film that proves that less is more.

Cloverfield

Yet another jaw-dropping cinematic masterpiece, this time from director Matt Reeves. The handheld camera technique may not work for every film but the special effects in this one were so impressive that it felt brilliantly real. The storyline has a high level of emotion throughout. Cloverfield 2 is in the pipeline so look out for that.

City Of God

My favourite film in a foreign language right here. The film is a touching tale of childhood and growing up. Some truly shocking moments in this one combine with a thrilling, politically based plot to deliver a groundbreaking film. Unfortunately the sequel, City Of Men, doesn't live up to this standard.

Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs

Here is my first guilty pleasure to find my lists so far. I can't tell you how much I laughed when I first saw this movie. The plot doesn't sound particularly intriguing when you first read it but the humour holds it together to make a brilliant film. You can tell the makers had a lot of fun making it.


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My Cinematic Alphabet: In Depth - B
My Cinematic Alphabet: In Depth - A

New 'Terminator' Rights Interest Indie Film Financier

Terminator

Indie film producer Megan Ellison is allegedly interested in purchasing the franchise right for the new Terminator installment, revealed Deadline. Ellison and her indie tastes would be a rather strange addition to the fivequel, with Arnold Schwarzenegger already indicating his desire to return for the film and Fast Five director Justin Lin attached to the project. The words indie and Schwarzenegger are two that you wouldn't usually put together so it will be intriguing to see if Ellison wishes to stick to her usual genre.

An auction is happening right now for the rights to the new Terminator film up until now Lionsgate were the odds on favourites to capture the film. However Ellison's production company Annapurna Pictures is attempting to outbid Lionsgate for the movie.

You may not have heard much of Ellison before but she has some major projects on her hands already. She is

Ethan Hawke Signs On To 'Total Recall'

Ethan Hawke

Training Day and Staten Island star Ethan Hawke has signed on for a cameo role in the new reboot of Total Recall which will star Colin Farrell in the role Arnold Schwarzenegger first brought us. The remake has been penned by Kurt Wimmer and is based on a story by Philip K Dick.

Details of Hawke's cameo appearance are being kept secret according to THR. Kate Beckinsale has been offered the part of Lori, who Sharon Stone played in the 1990 version. Beckinsale is married to director Len Wiseman. Jessica Biel, Rosario Dawson and Eva Mendes are competing for the role of Melina, the character who helps Farrell's character Doug Quaid get to the bottom of the scandal.

The original film focused on Quaid buying a dream vacation to try and escape a recurring dream of journeying to Mars. He then believes he is a secret agent and attempts to overthrow the ruler. The new film will show some differences to the original in that there will be two nation states (Euromerica and New

Cilian Murphy To Join WWII Psychological Thriller?

Cilian Murphy

Cilian Murphy, star of 28 Days Later and The Wind That Shakes The Barley, is in talks to join a new WWII psychological thriller that goes by the title Wayfaring Strangers, reports Total Film.

The film will be an Irish-French collaboration following the story of a group of British paratroopers who are captured by German soldiers and held hostage in a farmhouse in which a Jewish couple has taken refuge. The most exciting part of the news is that Sir Michael Gambon is in talks to join the cast.

French stars Sylvie Testud (La Vie En Rose) and Niels Arestrup (Un Prophete) are also said to be linked to the project.

The last important role we saw Murphy in was his relatively small part in Inception. It will be nice to see him

Rachel Weisz To Join Jeremy Renner In 'The Bourne Legacy'?

Rachel Weisz

The Hurt Locker star Jeremy Renner picked up one of the most iconic roles going when he landed the role in the next in the series of the Bourne films after Matt Damon revealed he would not be reprising his role. Now he may have some female company in the form of Rachel Weisz, who also recently took on the role of one of the witches in the new Disney film Oz: The Great And Powerful.

The role would see Weisz as an operative from a new Government program, one that is more dangerous than Treadstone (the group that brain washed Jason Bourne). Also the film will take place in the same universe, the characters are new and Jason Bourne plays no part.

There is at the moment only a slight chance that Weisz will be able to take on both roles due to their conflicting filming schedules. Oz: The Great And Powerful begins filming in the summer whilst The Bourne Legacy will be starting in September. If she can't do both however it sounds as if she will be more likely to

Michael Cera Signs On For Indie Film 'Magic, Magic'

Michael Cera

Young star of all things indie these days Michael Cera has signed on to a new project which will be his first major role since Scott Pilgrim Vs The World.

The film is called Magic, Magic and will be a move to more serious roles for Michael Cera who is normally associated with comedies. The film will follow a young woman who goes on holiday to Chile with her friends and begins to break down mentally. Her friends subsequently ignore her until it is too late. It is unclear where Cera will fit into this as yet but it sounds a much more moving film than we normally see Cera in.

The Chilean writer/director Sebastian Silva will write the script and direct the film. There is no start date as the

Daniel Radcliffe Sheds Light On Action Scenes For The New 'Harry Potter'

Daniel Radcliffe

In an exclusive interview with Total Film, Harry Potter himself Daniel Radcliffe has talked up the action scenes we will be enjoying during Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2 upon its release on the 15th July 2011. Not long left to wait for the many Potter fans out there!

For me Part 1 of the two part ending to the huge Potter franchise distinctly lacked in action so reading how Radcliffe emphasised the action scenes in Part 2 was exciting for me. I think the action will play a key part, especially near the end, and will mark an explosive end to a film series that has lasted some ten years.

In the interview Radcliffe was keen to reveal to fans the extent of the action scenes: “Part 2 is 200 miles an

Thor Hammers Home $66 Million

Thor At Number One

Thor has become the newest US box-office success, taking in a huge $66 million in revenue during its opening weekend. Compared to Iron Man 2, which was released around the same time last year, the $66 million pales in comparison to the $128 million Iron Man 2 made. However, Total Film put this down to the fan base of the first Iron Man film and the fact it was released in 400 more locations. The film has managed to knock Fast Five, which managed $32 million, off the podium and looks set to make even more.

Jumping The Broom came in at third this week with $13.7 million while Kate Hudson's latest romcom Something Borrowed fared poorly with $13.2m. Rio retains its popularity and comes in fifth with $9.5m

The Skin I Live In Trailer 2011

Abduction Trailer

Will Smith And Quentin Tarantino To Make An Unlikely Team?

Will Smith

Recent news revealed the title of Quentin Tarantino's new film to be Django Unchained and now The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that Will Smith could take part in the project. He is reportedly the favourite for the lead role Django, a slave who seeks revenge on a plantation owner to free his slave wife. It certainly sounds the type of thing Smith would do well in and it will mark nice comeback for Smith who hasn't been seen on the big screen since Seven Pounds. Despite the interest shown by Tarantino to get Smith n board i is unclear whether he has even seen a script at this stage.

THR have pointed out some problems that could prevent Smith taking part. The fact that the film is ridden with expletives is one, and the financials of Smith could also prevent him getting involved. It would be interesting to see Smith in a more risque role though and after seeing what Tarantino did with Brad Pitt in

Attack the Block Trailer

Joel Edgerton To 'Kill Bin Laden'

Joel Edgerton

After widespread reports that Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker) will be directing a film about the hunt and killing of Osama Bin Laden, the film now has a name and a lead star. Funnily enough the film will be called Kill
Bin Laden and will be a war-themed film based on the true events surrounding the pursuit and finally the killing of Bin Laden.

Animal Kingdom star Joel Edgerton will take the lead role as a special ops soldier who, with the help of his team, pursues Bin Laden after the 9/11 attacks.

Mark Boal's (The Hurt Locker) script has been tweaked to tie in with recent events after the first draft presented the mission as unsuccessful. The final sounds sounds an epic to me; described as a forty minute fight

From Paris With Love (2010)

Watchable - 3/5

So I saw this film today called From Paris With Love and I have to admit I went into it with low expectations. I find myself sceptical that anything John Travolta stars in these days will be cheesy and will mar a stain on his career. For me nothing can compare to his earlier work such as Pulp Fiction and I don't think he'll ever find that kind of cult following again. From Paris With Love however wasn't all that bad. It certainly had its moments, most of which actually included Travolta, and I am glad to say that he didn't embarrass himself with his performance. I think the highlight for me however was hearing Travolta repeat those timeless words 'royale with cheese'.

The storyline followed a duo of cops who contrast each other extremely (I wonder how many other films do the exact same) and basically consisted of Travolta kicking ass and Jonathan Rhys Meyers cowering in a corner. The film didn't focus too much on the plot but instead just focused on explosions, gun battles and blood. For many films forgetting about a riveting storyline would see it fade into the realm of poor films but I

'Catfish' Directors Reeled In To Direct 'Paranormal Activity 3'

Joost And Schulman In Catfish

Catfish directors Ariel Schulman and Henry Joost have officially been hired by Paramount to direct the third installment of the Paranormal Activity film series. Although details at this time are scarce, Variety has revealed the film will be an 80's set origin film that centres on a new family. Presumably it will link in with the previous two films to continue the story laid out so far.

Joost and Schulman shot to fame last year after the success of their documentary Catfish which brought us the story of their attempt to track down a woman Schulman's brother had met online. Despite controversy surrounding the legitimacy of their film, Paramount are certainly keen to get them on board.

The film is set to be released in October of this year so the pair certainly have their work cut out to produce

Bigelow To Make Bin Laden Film?

Kathryn Bigelow and Mark Boal

I can't quite believe how quickly news of a film has surfaced after the killing of Osama Bin Laden only days after it took place. Kathryn Bigelow is the name behind the story and you'll remember she was the first female winner of an Oscar For Best Director in 2010 for her film The Hurt Locker which followed a U.S Bomb Disposal Unit on duty in Iraq. To me she seems the perfect director to take on the role and I'm sure others would agree with this.

Bigelow and writer Mark Boal have been working on the project for a while now and have stepped up their efforts since the killing of Bin Laden. MSN Movies has revealed the news that the film will follow a black ops unit on the trail of Osama.

The news sounds all too sketchy and seems to be based on rumours but I think the news is exciting. For me a

Will Ferrell On A Possible 'Anchorman 2'

Will Ferrell

Will Ferrell has revealed to EW that his desire to bring us a sequel to the must loved 2004 comedy Anchorman: The Legend Of Ron Burgundy is stronger than ever but that his hands are tied by Paramount.

“It's a little peculiar,” he tells Entertainment Weekly. “On the one hand, [we were] being begged to do a sequel for such a long time, and then we finally came up with a concept that we liked, we talked to [Paramount] and everyone was up for it.

“And then to get the reaction we got, yeah, it's slightly puzzling to us. But you know what? It's also

My Cinematic Alphabet: In Depth - B

So we move on to look at those films that didn't make it to my 'B' position on My Cinematic Alphabet but are still worthy of a mention. Remember that this is a regular feature and be sure to keep checking it out. Thanks y'all!

B

The Butterfly Effect

I know not everyone is a fan of this film and it has taken some stick over the years but for me it was moving and touching. I haven't bothered watching any of the sequels because they look rubbish and because I wanted to remember this film in a good light. I thought the story was brilliant and the way it was brought to the screen was fantastic. I'm sure it will be a controversial pick but I think it deserves a mention.

The Beach

Again I don't think this film was the most popular, but after reading the book I thought the movie did justice to the Alex Garland novel. I found the film moving and poignant and I thought it was one of those films that makes you just want to get up and go somewhere. Leonardo DiCaprio was brilliant and he portrayed a character, who at times was extremely disturbed, effectively.

Back To The Future

The first Robert Zemeckis film to show up on My Cinemtic Alphabet: In Depth so far but by no means the last. Most of my favourite films of all time have come from him and I appart from the Coen Brothers he has to be my favourite modern director. Every time I see this film I am whisked away to my childhood and I think any film that can do that well deserves merit.

Babel

This film has got to be one of the most beautiful cinematic experiences I've ever had. The cinematography shown was sublime and the story was truly moving. Possibly Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett's best performances for me. If you haven't seen this one you are seriously missing out.

Beowulf

Told you there was more Zemeckis to come. I think this has to be one of my favourite animated films. The action and fight scenes are so enjoyably brutal and a whole host of stars lend their voice talents including Ray Winstone and John Malkovich. Check this one out.

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My Cinematic Alphabet: In Depth - A

Lucasfilm Announce Release Of 'Star Wars' Blu-Ray Boxset!

The day that Star Wars fanatics everywhere have been waiting for has arrived. The release of the full Star Wars Blu-ray Boxset has been given a date by Lucasfilm and will be brought to us on 9 discs complete with 40 hours of special features! All 6 films have been digitally remastered, although the first three are not the original trilogy but the one Lucas played with before The Phantom Menace was released.

That all important date to put in your diary? 12th September 2011. Not long away either!

The special features are extensive and the full list is as follows:

'Thor' Star Hemsworth Up For 'Snow White And The Huntsman'?

Thor: Chris Hemsworth

After both Viggo Mortensen and Hugh Jackman turned down the part of the huntsman in Snow White And The Huntsman, a character tasked to kill Snow White before he falls for her, the star may have now been found in the form of Thor front man Chris Hemsworth. He seems the ideal candidate after making his major film debut in Thor and is likely to have built quite a fan base by now. Hemsworth could join Charlize Theron and Kristen Stewart in the film, which at the moment seems to be losing the battle against similar film The Brothers Grimm: Snow White, which is set to be released first. The possible casting could mark a turning point for the flick which has had little good news surrounding it recently.

The combination of Kristen Stewart and Hemsworth could have the potential to turn around fortunes of the movie and bring in a young audience. The legacy of the classic tale should also surely

'Pompeii' Disaster Film In The Hands Of Paul W.S. Anderson

Paul W.S. Anderson

Paul W.S. Anderson, who is currently busy with his upcoming film The Three Musketeers which is to be released this October, has signed on to become the director of a new apocalyptic disaster movie entitled Pompeii. He hopes to start filming on the project in the spring of 2012, revealed Total Film. Roland Emmerich is said to have been the first pick to front the film but he has stepped away from big budget apocalyptic movies for the time being.

Pompeii will be set in 79AD and will not only bring us the spectacular eruption of Mount Vesuvius but also the story of a lowly slave who dreams of escaping and marrying the daughter of his master. Trapped on a ship headed for Naples, the slave attempts to return home and rescue both his love and his best friend. Total Film

The Ledge Trailer 2011

Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time (2010)

Waste Of Time - 2/5

So I saw this film the other day called Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time. I think an apt word to sum up the rest of this film review would be dire. With the story provided and the legacy of the video game series the film had a lot to live up to but also it had firm foundations on which to build a coherent and entertaining all out action film. What they created was a mixture of disappointing comedy and half-hearted action combined with possibly one of the worst story lines I've ever encountered. The plot is only one that really works in a video game scenario where the user determines the outcome. In a film however the viewer is left frustrated and downright angry at the outcome. I don't want to spoil the ending but it was an absolute kick in the teeth and rendered the 110 minutes of viewing totally wasted.

What really ground my gears about the film was the way in which it was written. In my opinion, if they wanted to make the video game into a film, thy should have stuck to a serious plot which could have drawn the viewer

Update On Quentin Tarantino's Next Project

Quentin Tarantino

Quentin Tarantino, who has been relatively quiet on the film front recently, has revealed the title for his new film. The movie will be called Django Unchained and allegedly will be a spaghetti western starring Christopher Waltz. A strange photo of the front page of the script was leaked on Twitter and Tarantino's agency later confirmed it to be the truth. As you would expect there has been very few details released so far, but I think the concept of a spaghetti western with Waltz will get people talking already.

Rumours have been circulating that the film is a homage to the 1966 spaghetti western Django in which a gunslinger is caught in a feud between the KKK and Mexican bandits. Franco Nero starred in this original