by Joe Gillis, Apr 28 2011 // 1:00 PM
This week on The Flickcast Chris and Matt are back to doing what they do best: working alone and without a net. Not only that but, as usual, they discuss and debate all manner of new and returning topics.
This week those include HBO’s Game of Thrones, The Avengers, Smallville and Lex Luthor’s return. In addition, they talked about the Thor movies (yes, both of them), Portal 2, a brand new, exciting product from Apple called the HumancentiPad and pretty much whatever the hell ‘else they want to talk about..
Of course, your hosts also made some picks this week including Matt’s pick of the movie Matinee and Chris’ pick of the returning HBO series Treme.
As always, if you have comments, questions, critiques, offers of sponsorship or whatever, feel free to hit us up in the comments, on Twitter, at Facebook and MySpace or via email.
Posted in: News · Podcasts
Tagged: Almighty Thor, Anthony Hopkins, Chris Hemsworth, Episode 96, Game of Thrones, HumancentiPad, John Goodman, Lex Luthor, Matinee, Podcasts, Portal 2, Richard Grieco, Smallville, South Park, Thor, Treme
by Erik Jensen, Apr 28 2011 // 12:00 PM
Let this be a lesson to you out there if you’re working on any cool projects for notoriously secretive tech companies: Don’t steal or leak info. Why? Well for one it’s wrong. For another, it can get you arrested — in China.
Local authorities in China arrested three employees of Foxconn, the company Apple uses in China to manufacture a whole bunch of stuff including the iPad. They were officially charged in March with leaking the design of Apple’s iPad 2 to third-party accessory makers before the device was unveiled.
Cases that accurately depicted the external shape and design of the iPad 2 and accurately portrayed the redesigned exterior of the device, including its 33 percent thinner frame, rear-facing camera, and larger speaker grille that extends to the back of the device, surfaced soon afterward.
I hope the workers who leaked the designs got a lot of money for their trouble and were able to pass it along to their families. Now that they’ve been charged and will most-likely be found guilty, it’s unlikely they will be able to work anywhere else for a very long time, if ever.
Remember kids, stealing and leaking information is bad — especially if you steal from Apple.
Posted in: Apple · Movies · News · Tech
Tagged: Apple, Foxconn, iOS 4, iPad, iPad 2, Leaked Information, Mobile
by Chris Ullrich, Apr 28 2011 // 11:00 AM
For some reason tech companies seem to think everyone wants a tablet computer. Sure, Apple’s iPad and iPad2 have sold very well and many customers are very satisfied with their purchases. However, Apple, while a significant Tech company with worldwide influence, has had success with a tablet computer, that doesn’t mean everyone wants one or needs one.
Of course, that doesn’t stop companies like Sony from jumping on the bandwagon and coming out with tablets of their own. Really, when has Sony ever tried to miss a bandwagon or, in many cases, try to make one of its own (yes Betamax, MiniDisc and UMD I’m talking about you).
That said, the tablets in question — the S1 and S2 — do look okay and will probably work just fine for those of you not wanting to give Apple any more of your hard earned money for the superior iPad 2 experience. Although, I’m sure many fans would rather Sony spend its time fixing the Playstation Network and far less time putting out tablet computers that most people aren’t going to buy, much like the Motorola Xoom and the RIM Playbook.
However, if you’re still interested, check the video out after the jump.
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Posted in: Apple · Mobile · News · Sony · Tech
Tagged: iOS4, iPad, iPad 2, Mobile, S1, S2, Sony, Tablet Computers, Tech
by Matt Raub, Apr 28 2011 // 10:00 AM
We love fan films. Especially well done fan films. The constant growth of YouTube and New Media in general has helped fans on both side of the lens come together and enjoy these videos somewhere besides the basement of a comic book store.
With that, we’ve got a brand new fan film by YouTube user TheManBatman compiled several scenes from several Batman films (and many non-Batman flicks as well) and portrayed a story that plays Bruce Wayne as a bit of a lunatic. That makes Batman a figment of his imagination. Here’s what the Man himself has to say about the mash-up.
Here we have a full length theatrical trailer that delves a little deeper into the story behind The Batman Complex. As explained in the teaser, the gist of the idea revolves around a few fun topics, mainly the whole “what is real?” train of thought, and also every fans desire, deep down or upfront, to be Batman at least once in their lives. LOL. And so, I tried to craft a story where we see what happens when someone takes their dream of being Batman a little bit too far. An idea, after all, is a truly resilient parasite.
While some of it is still left a bit ambiguous (both unintentionally and intentionally – while there’s only so much that can be strung together, I often like to leave a little bit open so as to see what fellow fans are able to imagine/create), I believe it offers a bit more than the teaser.
Take a look at the fan film after the jump, and be sure to subscribe to TheManBatman’s channel for more of his upcoming trailer mash ups and fan films.
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Posted in: Action · Comics · DC · Drama · Fan Films · Fandom · Movies · News · Trailers · Video
Tagged: Batman, Christian Bale, Dark Knight, Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael Caine, Michael Keaton, The Batman Complex
by John Carle, Apr 28 2011 // 9:00 AM
“How do you expand on Portal?” “How many different test rooms can you come up with using gravity and portal physics?” “What can be created to make the sequel a full retail game instead of being a part of a value packed disc like the Orange Box?”
These were all questions people came up with when they heard about Portal 2 as they were likely to be the same questions that the developers at Valve knew would be thrown their way.
After creating a completely original and satisfying experience with the original Portal, there was tons of pressure on the developers to bring back the magic that made the original Portal so special and at the same time bring about new experiences to prove the value of making the sequel. The result is a satisfying puzzle experience that builds on what Portal set out to do but continues innovating in the way gamers must think and play in order to progress either in the solo or cooperative modes.
Gameplay:
Broken down to its most basic sense, Portal 2 has players using a special gun from a first person perspective that shoots entry portals on select surfaces. Players can use these portals to instantaneously travel from one location to the next by walking, jumping or falling through them.
In addition, players can use these portals to transport items like the weighted Companion Cube or the Redirection Cube around test chambers as well. Various new gameplay elements such as Excursion Funnels (tractor beams), Hard Light Bridges, Repulsion gel, Propulsion gel and Conversion Gel can also be transported through the portals.
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Posted in: Game Reviews · Games · PC Games · Playstation 3 · Reviews · Video Games · Xbox 360
Tagged: PC Games, Playstation 3, Portal, Portal 2, Reviews, Valve, Video Game Reviews, Video Games, Xbox 360
by Matt Raub, Apr 28 2011 // 8:00 AM
About a month ago, we brought you news that Zack Snyder’s Superman: Man Of Steel had finally cast its main villain, General Zod, to be played by Boardwalk Empire star Michael Shannon. It seems now Zod has a sidekick, as German actress Antje Traue has been cast as Zod’s right hand woman Faora.
Comic fans may know the name, but for those who aren’t inundated in DC’s lore as much, Faora was the main inspiration behind the character Ursa from Richard Donner’s Superman and Superman 2. Variety breaks down the origins of the character.
There are multiple Faoras in the Superman universe, so it remains unclear which one Traue has been tapped to play. The first Faora, Faora Hu-Ul, was introduced in Action Comics #471 as a beautiful Kryptonian woman with an intense unexplained hatred for all men.
She was an expert at the Kryptonian martial art of Horo-Kanu, which utilizes pressure points on the Kryptonian body and made her a dangerous foe for Superman to fight in hand-to-hand combat. In fact, he was forced to flee from their first encounter.
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Posted in: Action · Announcements · Casting · Comics · DC · DC Entertainment · Movies · News · Sci-Fi · Warner Bros
Tagged: Amy Adams, Antje Traue, Boardwalk Empire, Diane Lane, General Zod, Henry Cavill, Kevin Costner, Legendary Pictures, Man of Steel, Michael Shannon, Superman, Warner Bros, Zack Snyder
by Matt Raub, Apr 28 2011 // 7:00 AM
As this weekend marks the start of one of the biggest blockbuster years the domestic box office has seen in years, one movie will hands down be in the top five when it comes to financial pull. That film, of course, is Warner Bros’ final film in the Harry Potter franchise.
Set to hit theaters in the US on July 15th, this is said to be (by those who read the book) the most action-packed of the Harry Potter films. Here’s the official synopsis.
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2,” is the final adventure in the Harry Potter film series. The much-anticipated motion picture event is the second of two full-length parts.
In the epic finale, the battle between the good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalates into an all-out war. The stakes have never been higher and no one is safe. But it is Harry Potter who may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice as he draws closer to the climactic showdown with Lord Voldemort.
It all ends here.
Intense enough for you? If not, you will certainly be blown away after checking out the very first trailer after the jump. It all begins there.
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Posted in: Action · Adaptation · Books · Drama · Movies · News · Trailers · Video · Warner Bros
Tagged: Deathly Hallows, Harry Potter, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II, Voldemort, Warner Bros
by Chris Ullrich, Apr 27 2011 // 1:00 PM
We’ve been following the progress of director Tarsem Singh’s Immortals for some time now. Of course, one of the reasons is that soon-to-be-Superman Henry Cavill is the star of the film. However, that isn’t the only reason and only one of the reasons the film looks pretty cool. The others you can find out by watching the brand new trailer for the film just released today.
In it we get our first good look at Cavill in action along with some of his co-stars. Regardless of your feelings about director Tarsem’s previous work (Catwoman, for example) he seems to have turned a corner with this one and has his act together. We’re looking forward to it.
Before you click through to check out the trailer, here’s a bit about the film’s story to get you in the mood:
As a power-mad king razes ancient Greece in search of a legendary weapon, a heroic young villager rises up against him in a thrilling quest as timeless as it is powerful. The brutal and bloodthirsty King Hyperion (Mickey Rourke) and his murderous Heraklion army are rampaging across Greece in search of the long lost Bow of Epirus. With the invincible Bow, the king will be able to overthrow the Gods of Olympus and become the undisputed master of his world. With ruthless efficiency, Hyperion and his legions destroy everything in their wake, and it seems nothing will stop the evil king’s mission.
As village after village is obliterated, a stonemason named Theseus (Henry Cavill) vows to avenge the death of his mother in one of Hyperion’s raids. When Theseus meets the Sybelline Oracle, Phaedra (Freida Pinto), her disturbing visions of the young man’s future convince her that he is the key to stopping the destruction. With her help, Theseus assembles a small band of followers and embraces his destiny in a final desperate battle for the future of humanity.
Check out the trailer after the jump. Immortals hits theaters on November 11th.
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Posted in: Movies · News · Trailers
Tagged: Henry Cavill, Immortals, Isabel Lucas, John Hurt, Kellan Lutz, Mickey Rourke, Stephen Dorff, Superman, Superman: Man of Steel, Tarsem Singh
by Chris Ullrich, Apr 27 2011 // 12:00 PM
With all the hubbub about Apple and Android tracking your location via iOS 4 iPhones and 3G iPads and Android powered devices, it was just a matter of time before somebody released an official statement about it. Somewhat surprisingly, that someone first out of the gate with a statement is Apple, who released said statement today.
In its statement Apple says that it never has, and never plans to, track users’ devices and that the purpose of the database file in question — consolidated.db — is to “help your iPhone rapidly and accurately calculate its location when requested.”
Apple also said that a software update will limit the size of the location file and be available in the next few weeks. In addition, the next major IOS release will also encrypt the file as well.
Click through for the full statement from Apple which, contrary to most info from Apple, is pretty comprehensive and actually answers most of the questions people were having. Now can we move on from this?
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Posted in: Apple · Mobile · News · Press Releases · Tech
Tagged: Android, Apple, AT&T, iOS 4, iPad 2, iPad 3G, iPhone 4, Location Tracking, Location Tracking Scandle, Verizon Wireless
by Matt Raub, Apr 27 2011 // 11:00 AM
Now that he’s not in office anymore, it seems like former California Governor can’t keep still. First he announces that he’s doing a comic book/cartoon franchise based on the fictional affairs during his term as the Governator, and now he’s ready to jump on the big screen as The Terminator.
THR has the full scoop.
The star’s agency, CAA, has put together a package that it’s currently shopping to the studios that includes rights to produce a new Terminator sequel, which would be directed by Justin Lin, hot off Fast Five, which opens domestically Friday, and produced by Robert Cort. No screenwriter has come on board yet.
When the movie’s rights holder the Halcyon Group went through bankruptcy in 2010, Lionsgate and Sony joined together in an unsuccessful bid to claim the franchise for themselves. More recently, Universal has been talking to CAA about tackling the project.
The idea of both Lin and Schwarzenegger is obviously still in the preliminary stages, but with Lin’s Fast Five opening big this weekend, you can imagine that Universal, Sony, and Lionsgate all jumping on the project like a Snickers at a fat camp.
No word just yet on how this effects McG’s “reboot” of the franchise with Salvation but even McG will have to step aside when the Governator wants back at playing the metal-head.
Posted in: Action · Announcements · Casting · Drama · Lionsgate · Movies · News · Sci-Fi · Sony · Universal Pictures
Tagged: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Fast Five, Halcyon Group, Justin Lin, Lionsgate, Terminator, Terminator: Salvation
by Jonathan Weilbaecher, Apr 27 2011 // 10:00 AM
The Big Bang looks like a bug nutty movie, totally the kind of crazy that is either inspired or down right horrible. I appreciate that the film takes stylistic risks to stand out, and the cast assembled is pretty stacked, so I am willing to give it a shot.
In anticipation of the May 13th limited release, Anchor Bay has released 2 new clips from the film. In the first clip we get to see a pair of the stellar character actors that populate the film playing the cops firing on our hero. The awesome Thomas Kretschmann and the awesomer Delroy Lindo unload a barrage of bullets into Banderas’ car. He, of course, responds in kind.
In the second clip we see a far more important piece of the story. Banderas is at his private eye desk, doing his private eye things when a mysterious giant appears. This is likely an important moment from earlier in the film, setting up the main action for the rest of the movie.
These clips are pretty standard for the private eye genre, but the trailer has promised something far more interesting and generally nuts. Hopefully these new tidbits will fit into the context of the film in a satisfyingly crazy way. Check out both clips after the jump.
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Posted in: Action · Anchor Bay · Movies · News · Trailers · Video
Tagged: anchor bay, Antonio Banderas, Clips, Delroy Lindo, DVD, Sam Elliot, The Big Bang, Thomas Kretschmann, William Fichtner
by Joe Gillis, Apr 27 2011 // 9:00 AM
It’s beginning to smell a lot like Summer so that means one thing (no, not that). It means Summer blockbuster movies will be coming at us in droves over the next few months all vying for your hard-earned entertainment dollar.
One of those potential blockbusters in Martin Campbell’s Green Lantern, featuring Ryan Reynolds as Hal Jordan/Green Lantern. If you’ve been keeping up with the TV spots and trailers then you won’t find much that’s necessarily new in this one released today.
Instead, the extended TV trailer takes the 90 seconds from the previous trailer and adds more footage to fill in the gaps and add scenes never seen before. It looks pretty darn cool.
In addition to Reynolds, Green Lantern also stars Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Mark Strong, Temuera Morrison, Geoffrey Rush, Tim Robbins, Michael Clarke Duncan and Angela Bassett.
Green Lantern hits 2D and 3D theaters on June 17, 2011. Check out the trailer after the jump.
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Posted in: Movies · News · Trailers · Video · Warner Bros
Tagged: Angela Bassett, Blake Lively, Geoffrey Rush, Green Lantern, Mark Strong, Martin Campbell, Michael Clarke Duncan, Peter Sarsgaard, Ryan Reynolds, Temuera Morrison, Tim Robbins