by Matt Raub, Aug 5 2009 // 3:30 PM
Seeing as how Vampires are all the rage these days, why not do a film with Walk Hard’s John C. Reilly as a century-old vampire in a cape? There is no wrong answer to that question, only Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant.
Based on the series of Cirque Du Freak books by Darren Shan, the film is a fantasy-adventure about a teenager who unknowingly breaks a 200-year-old truce between two warring factions of vampires. The trailer doesn’t really give off the “warring vampires” vibe, but rather Harry Potter meets Carnivale.
The film also stars Ken Watanabe, Josh Hutcherson, Patrick Fugit, Jane Krakowski and Salma Hayek. Cirque Du Freak hits theaters October 23. Check out the trailer after the jump.
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Posted in: Action · Comedy · Fantasy · Horror · Movies · News · Trailers · Universal Pictures
Tagged: Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant, Jane Krakowski, John C. Reilly, Ken Watanabe, Patrick Fugit, Salma Hayek
by Joe Gillis, Aug 5 2009 // 2:30 PM
Just in case you’re not aware, BBC America has other shows besides Doctor Who and Torchwood. Although those two are great, another drama is making some waves across the pond as well and that drama is Robin Hood. Its a fun program with lots of action, solid performances, interesting characters and humor which make it a great way to spend your time — especially if you’re looking for a break from a contemporary setting, sci-fi, time travel or monsters.
Apparently, I’m not the only Robin Hood fan out there because its been given a third season on the network. Here’s all the info from the official press release.
BBC AMERCA’s hit revival of Robin Hood returns for a bigger, bolder third season of action-adventure. Toby Stephens (Die Another Day, Jane Eyre) and David Harewood (The Vice, The Palace) join the cast of Jonas Armstrong (Teachers, The Ghost Squad), Richard Armitage (MI-5, North & South), and Keith Allen (Bodies, The Others) as Robin continues to outwit the dastardly Sheriff and his forces—but Robin’s not the same crusader he once was. Since the death of Marian, Robin’s in a downward spiral fuelled by anger and grief – he can think of nothing but revenge.
Meanwhile, a wave of corruption and evil has been sweeping the land. Luckily, a mysterious new ally in the form of a traveling monk, Tuck (Harewood) arrives just in time to get the hooded hero back on track. This season holds incredible twists and turns—take nothing for granted!
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Posted in: Action · BBC · Drama · Fantasy · News · TV
Tagged: Jonas Armostrong, Julie Gardner, Keith Allen, Richard Armitage, Robin Hood, Toby Stephens
by Matt Raub, Aug 5 2009 // 1:30 PM
Just over 24 hours before G.I. Joe hits screens nationwide, there are still plenty of rumors and whispers on how good or bad this movie will be. Critics seem to be torn as well, as RottenTomatoes gives it a 93% while Empire says the film is “Bond without the style and Team America without the bellylaughs“. Before the rest of the world gets to weigh in on the subject, it looks like director Stephen Sommers is already planning a return to the franchise.
In a recent interview with Sommers, he talked about some of his new projects coming up, including a retro-style Tarzan film, and yes, a sequel to G.I. Joe. From Super Hero Hype:
There’s a couple [projects], but mainly I’m getting very excited about doing “G.I. Joe 2.” I’m working on “Tarzan” at Warner Brothers and they’re a bunch of great people. (It will be) live action but we’ll contemporize it. It’ll still be a period movie, but it’s almost like “The Mummy,” it took place in Ancient Egypt and the ’20s and ’30s, but it felt more contemporary, that sort of deal.
Sommers continues to say that if Paramount wants it, he’d be ready to start work on G.I. Joe 2 as early as September. While we’re still clambering for details on this Joe movie, Sommers released a new concept image of Destro’s mask, and to say the least, it looks more promising than Cobra Commander’s helmet. Paramount’s G.I. Joe hits theaters this Thursday night at midnight at select theaters. Check out a bigger version of the helmet after the jump.
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Posted in: Action · Comics · G.I. Joe · Movies · News · Paramount · Prequels and Sequels
Tagged: Cobra Commander, Destro, G.I. Joe, Paramount, Sequel, Stephen Sommers, Tarzan
by Matt Raub, Aug 5 2009 // 12:30 PM
Channing Tatum as Swayze in Dirty Dancing. Will Arnett as Carrie. Cheech and Chong in Tron. These aren’t crazy casting nightmares, they’re episodes of Cinemash. What is Cinemash? It’s a new digital series by Mean Magazine in which they mash-up some classic films with actors nobody would ever expect to see. Actors like Christopher Mintz-Plasse (McLovin) portraying Denzel Washington’s character from Training Day or Heroes’ Milo Ventimiglia playing the main character in Oldboy.
The series started back in the beginning of July with 500 Days of Summer stars Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt Cinemashing Sid and Nancy. No word on where the idea originally stemmed from, but Mean has done some interesting things with film over the years, including casting SNL’s BIll Hader as the lead in a spoof of Bad Lieutenant.
Some of the Cinemashes miss the mark or try a bit too hard. One of the best, by far, is with the select cast of Reno 911 and The Human Giant portraying the final scene from the surfing crime drama Point Break. The digital series has an exclusive deal with MSN and the Zune, which unfortunately means that we iTunes users don’t get to save the episodes to our iDevices.
Check out the Point Break video after the jump, and stay tuned for a new episode to hit each week.
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Posted in: Comedy · Fan Films · Filmmaking · Microsoft · Movies · News · Video
Tagged: Carrie, Cheech and Chong, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Cinemash, Mean Magazine, Point Break, Tron, Will Arnet
by David Press, Aug 5 2009 // 11:30 AM
If last week was a bust, this week certainly isn’t. There is a ton of new comics to look forward to this week.
Doom Patrol #1 hits stands this week with stories by Keith Geffen, J.M. DeMatteis, Kevin Maguire and Matthew Clark. Frankly, I think its next to impossible to top Arnold Drake or Grant Morrison and their runs on the books, but I do think this first issue is a worth a shot.
My second recommendation comes is the softcover release of Joe Hill’s Eisner nominated series Locke & Key. I hear nothing but awesome things about this book, so I am going to pick up this trade paperback. Next, from Image Comics, we finally have the trade of Jonathan Hickman’s Pax Romana. About a time-traveling crew of super soldiers out to save Christianity.
If you’ve read Hickman’s The Nightly News, than you already know that his design sensibility in regards to books where he handles every aspect of the production is nothing short of ground-breaking. There is also the critically acclaimed Chew, which I have not read but definitely really looking forward.
My final recommendation is highly milked “World’s Most Wanted” arc of Invincible Iron Man. I think this has gone on for something like eight parts now or more and it does feel like its run for a long time. However, I’m totally fine with it because its extremely compelling and has, by far, been my pick of the week every time a new issue comes out.
As always, we here at The Flickcast care about what you read, so with that in mind leave us a message letting us know what you liked or didn’t like in this week’s stack. For a better idea of what comes out this week check out Midtown Comics.
Posted in: Comics · Recommendations
Tagged: Doom Patrol, invincible iron man, Joe Hill, Jonathan Hickman, Locke & Key, Pax Romana
by John Carle, Aug 5 2009 // 10:30 AM
On Monday, we brought readers a first look at the adventure they’d encounter as the Dark Knight in his upcoming title, Batman: Arkham Asylum. This Friday August 7th, XBox 360 and Playstation 3 players will get a chance to have a crack at this new game.
Things start off with the opening cut scene that has made its way around the internet for the past few months. In classic Batman formula, the master detective (voiced by Kevin Conroy) brings his nemesis Joker (Mark Hamill) in to Arkham custody, things go wrong and the Joker escapes. Who would’ve thought?
The demo then takes the player through Arkham Asylum‘s Free Flow Combat, allowing the player to see how the combinations of moves flawlessly tie in to each other during the game’s numerous fights. Following that, Detective Mode comes in to play as the player must investigate the area around them to continue in their pursuit of the mad jester that has literally allowed the inmates run of the asylum.
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Posted in: Comics · DC · Microsoft · PlayStationNetwork · Sony · Video Games · XBLA
Tagged: Batman, Batman: Arkham Asylum, DC, Demo, Eidos, Playstation 3, Xbox 360
by Matt Raub, Aug 5 2009 // 9:30 AM
About a month ago, we brought you news about the little indie movie that could in The Assassination of a High School President and it’s fight for a theatrical release, or at the very least, a distributor. Fortunately, the film’s fight appears to be over now with its distribution being picked up by Sony Pictures for an expected DVD release.
The film is about high school newspaper reporter Bobby Funke (Rocket Science’s Reece Thompson), who uncovers a series of conspiracy plots going on in his private school. The film also brings in Bruce Willis, Mischa Barton, and Michael Rapaport to fill in the supporting cast for what most critics are calling “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang in high school”.
This is the directorial debut of Brett Simon, with a script from Tim Calpin and Kevin Jakubowski, former production assistants on South Park. The film’s special features include plenty of alternate and extended scenes, including an alternate opening sequence and a slew of deleted scenes. The Assassination of a High School President hits DVD and Blu-Ray on October 6th. You can check out the trailer for the film after the jump.
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Posted in: Comedy · Drama · DVD · Filmmaking · Indie · Movies · News · Sony
Tagged: Assassination of a High School President, Brett Simon, Bruce Willis, Michael Rapaport, Mischa Barton, Reece Thompson, Sony Pictures
by Joe Gillis, Aug 5 2009 // 8:00 AM
Previously on The Flickcast, Chris and Matt were neck-deep in the loving embrace of all things Comic-Con and talked about a whole slew of things with special guest writer/producer Mark Verheiden. Among the topics covered were how Comic-Con has changed over the years, the status of Mark’s various other projects like Ark and Quatermaine, the end of Battlestar Galactica and what, exactly, Starbuck really was.
This week, your favorite trio is reunited as Chris and Matt welcome Christina back to the show. The team wastes no time and jumps right in with discussion and debate on topics including the Seinfeld cast’s upcoming appearance on Curb Your Enthusiasm, Ridley Scott signing on to make an Alien prequel, Steven Spielberg’s decision to direct a Harvey reboot as his next film, Apple’s relationship with iPhone developers, John Barrowman’s life after Torchwood, Jon Favreau’s talk of Iron Man 2 and Avengers in 3D and what actor may take on the title role in the next Mad Max film.
The team also chooses some more things to recommend this week including Christina’s pick of AMC’s series Breaking Bad, Matt’s pick of the TV series Leverage and Chris’ pick, the horror/thriller The Collector.
As always, if you have comments, questions, critiques or offers of sponsorship, feel free to hit us up in the comments, on Twitter and at Facebook, MySpace or via email.
Thanks for listening.
Posted in: 3-D · Action · Apple · Comedy · Comics · Drama · Movies · News · Podcasts · Prequels and Sequels · Sci-Fi
Tagged: Alien, Avengers, Episode 19, John Barrowman, Jon Favreau, Mad Max, Ridley Scott, Steven Spielberg, The Collector
by Joe Gillis, Aug 5 2009 // 7:00 AM
The big screen adaptation of Alice Sebold’s best selling novel The Lovely Bones, which we reviewed right here, finally has a trailer and we’ve to it right here for you. In case you’re not familiar, the story follows the tragically short life and afterlife of Susie Salmon, a young girl who is murdered one day on her way home from school.
After that event, the story followers her family as they attempt to understand and come to terms with Susie’s death and also find her killer. It also follows Susie who, now in her own personal version of heaven, looks down and narrates the story as she watches her family attempt to get on with their lives. While doing this, she’s also consumed with a mission to help track down her killer.
The Lovely Bones, which features Mark Wahlberg, Susan Sarandon, Rachel Weisz and Saoirse Ronan as Susie, hits theaters on December 11. Until then, check out the trailer after the jump.
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Posted in: Drama · Movies · News · Novels · Paramount · Trailers
Tagged: Alice Sebold, Mark Whalberg, Peter Jackson, Rachel Weisz, Susan Sarandon, The Lovely Bones
by Heather Toshiko, Aug 4 2009 // 4:00 PM
On September 2 1990, just in time for the beginning of my junior year of high school, Fox debuted a new show called Parker Lewis Can’t Lose. With cautious optimism I, along with millions of other American teenage girls, watched and calculated whether or not we’d have to make room on our walls next to Corey Haim and Jason Bateman for a Corin Nemic “Tiger Beat” poster. The next day, pushpins in hand, I started making new holes in that wall.
With Ferris Buehler still fresh in our minds, and starving for some teen comedy after years of The Golden Girls, Roseanne and Cheers, Parker Lewis showed up just in time to offer some blatant silliness with memorable characters, timely jokes and creative effects. Taking place at Santo Domingo High School, Parker (Corin Nemec) who narrates the show, and his two partners in crime, Mikey (Billy Jayne, better known as Billy Jacoby) and freshman Jerry (Troy W. Slaten) use their individual talents for troublemaking in their quest for coolness, while dodging the ever watchful school principal, Grace Musso (Melanie Chartoff) and her figurative lap dog, Frank. Yes, that’s right, Musso and Frank.
Also trying to thwart Parker and company is little sister Shelly Lewis (Maia Brewton) and her eyebrows, which did not receive separate credit. Perhaps one of the best loved characters from the series is Larry Kubiac (Abraham Benrubi) as the gentle giant who may have spent a little longer in high school than the rest of them. With great catchphrases like “not a problem,” “synchronize swatches,” and “coolness,” Parker Lewis and his hideous rayon printed dress shirts became a television staple for the younger demographic in the early 90′s.
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Posted in: Comedy · DVD · DVD Reviews · Reviews · TV
Tagged: Corin Nemic, Melanie Chartoff, Parker Lewis Can't Lose, Troy W. Slaten
by Chris Ullrich, Aug 4 2009 // 3:00 PM
One of my biggest unrequited crushes for years now is the talented and beautiful Carla Gugino. Her work in projects from Karen Sisco to Entourage, Sin City and Watchmen has, at least to me, elevated her status as not only a world-class beauty but a terrific actress as well. And even though she seems relegated, at least up to this point, to supporting roles in bigger films, at least she seems to pick pretty good ones.
Case in point, director Zack Snyder’s latest Sucker Punch. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Gugino has now joined the cast of that film, which already includes a host of other attractive and talented women such as Emily Browning, Vanessa Hudgens, Jamie Chung, Jena Malone, and Abbie Cornish. As you may already know, the film focuses on a girl (Browning) who is sent to a mental institution by her sinister stepfather who is planning to have her lobotomized in five days. Once imprisoned, she dreams of escape, which leads her to fall into an alternate reality where she, along with her inmate friends, does escape.
If that sounds a bit odd or familiar to you, never fear. The film is in the hands of Zack Snyder, who describes it as “Alice in Wonderland with machine guns.” Unfortunately, since we already have our “Alice” and a bunch of the other residents of the institution, what does that leave for Gugino to do? According to the trade, she’ll be playing the role of “Mrs. Schultz, an adult figure in the institution.” Which of course, could mean almost anything.
Whatever happens and however Gugino’s character evolves, we’ll find out soon enough as Snyder expects to start shooting Sucker Punch in the Fall for a release on March 25, 2011.
Posted in: Casting · Fantasy · Movies · News · Warner Bros
Tagged: Carla Gugio, Emily Browning, Jena Malone, Sucker Punch, Vanessa Hudgens, Zack Snyder
by John Carle, Aug 4 2009 // 2:05 PM
With Left 4 Dead fans eagerly awaiting the release of the game’s sequel on November 17th, Valve shows they have one more trick up their sleeves for the original with the release of a new single player, multiplayer and cooperative campaign available for the XBox 360 and PC. The new campaign, called “Crash Course,” takes place after the events of the game’s original campaign “No Mercy” and fills in the gaps of what happened to Francis, Zoey, Louis and Bill before they reach the “Death Toll” encounter.
According to Valve’s press release, “Crash Course” will include “new locations, new dialogue from the original cast, and an explosive finale.” The game will contain full co-op campaign and Survival mode, the focus of the expanded downloadable content will be to give a more streamlined 30 minute version of the game’s versus mode. Added features to this new Versus mode include recharge timers for Infected teammates as well as a rebalancing item spawn behavior to help further balance the gameplay.
Gabe Newell, co-founder and managing director at Valve said about the upcoming release: “Since the release of Left 4 Dead last November, the design team has been excited about creating new experiences for this world and allowing players to do the same, by releasing much of our internal toolset, like the Survival Pack and Authoring Tools… We’re working with the fans toward the ongoing entertainment value of the product.”
“Crash Course” will be available sometime in September as a free download to PC players and also available over XBox Live Marketplace for 560 Microsoft points ($7.00).
Posted in: PC Games · Press Releases · Video Games · XBLA
Tagged: Crash Course, DLC, Left 4 Dead, PC Gaming, Valve, Xbox 360, XBox Live