For the record, I don’t know all that much about the early years of the infamous J. Edgar Hoover. I do know that he helped make the FBI what it is today but also had some other, more secret, proclivities that make him a rather controversial figure in history.

So, it makes sense that someone like Clint Eastwood, who likes complicated characters and to explore the “grey area” of morality, would take on a biopic about the late FBI director. That’s exactly what he’s done and cast Leonardo DiCaprio as the man himself.

Today, Warner Bros released the theatrical trailer for the film and in it we get a good look at DiCaprio’s portrayal of Hoover as well as some insight into the movie itself. Gotta say, and not really surprised here, it looks good.

Check it out for yourself after the break. J. Edgar, which in addition to DiCaprio features Naomi Watts, Josh Lucas, Armie Hammer, Dermot Mulroney, Lea Thompson and Judi Dench, hits theaters on November 9.

Continue Reading →

I just saw Knight and Day and in a summer notably lacking in quality, this one stands out as being the worst film in terms of the script and editing. The 2 and a half minute trailer was better than the entire film. In the film a rogue FBI agent, Roy Millerand the FBi, steals a never-ending battery that looks like the generic D Energizer kind. June, a hapless bystander, gets caught up in the action. Together they must keep the battery safe while on the run from arms dealers and the FBI.

In editing class you’re taught that if a movie is well edited then you won’t question the loopholes until hours later when you’re at home, hence the term refrigerator moment. Quite apropos when you consider Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull. In Knight and Day, however, I started questioning the flick while it was still playing.

For starters, whenever characters would mention anything of importance, it was never once brought up again or answered in any kind of way. None of the characters had any semblance of a back story. There was no time limit set for the mission, no sense of urgency, and no one saved anything, much less the world. In essence the film lacked discernible goals. This film brings new meaning to the term, “We’ll fix it in post”.

What follows is a list of questions. I would say there are spoilers, but since there are absolutely zero twists, turns, or creativity in the script, there are no spoilers. Anyone who can answer these questions solely based on the film will receive a highly valued, Flickcast Certified No. Prize. Go ahead smarty pants, make my day.

Continue Reading →

C-Net News recently reported that the FBI has made an arrest in the case of the work-print of X-Men Origins: Wolverine, that was leaked and available for download a month before the movie was to be released theatrically. There apparently was nothing saying whether Gilberto Sanchez, 47, the man arrested, was responsible for the initial upload of the film, or how he might have acquired a copy to upload.

FBI Spokesperson Linda Eimiller said that the Bureau has not ruled out the possibility of more arrests, but didn’t comment further. If convicted, Sanchez could face up to three years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine.

The workprint that was released, as most will remember, was an unfinished version of the movie with wires still shown on performers and unfinished, or not-yet inserted effects. By the time Wolverine was released in theaters, it had been estimated that the pirated version had been downloaded over 4 million times. This didn’t seem to hurt the box office too badly, as it still opened to a nice $85 Million domestically and has earned nearly $375 Million since it’s release in May.

Continue Reading →

Even though we’ve started a new feature here at The Flickcast highlighting our own Cortney Zamm’s favorite new or returning TV shows, I felt compelled to mention a show she didn’t include in yesterday’s edition. She picked some great ones for sure and shows that I intend to watch, I just feel this one also warrants attention. I’m talking, of course, about Fox’s Fringe which, if you’re not watching it, I have to ask you “Why not?”

Sure, on the surface, the show seems like a combination of X-Files and “name of cop show here” but its more than that. In addition to the compelling and intricate storyline, a great cast led by Anna Torv as FBI Special Agent/Blonde Brooding Problem Child Olivia Dunham and the amazing John Noble as Brilliant Scientist/Resident Whack Job Walter Bishop, well photographed visuals and lots of drama and tension, it also has something else going for it: humor.

Putting aside the show’s dark and often violent storyline, the show is often very funny — especially when Walter Bishop is in a scene. Noble is one of those actors that effortlessly inhabits a role and has become Walter Bishop week after week. He’s entertaining, smart and knows how to deliver a joke. Plus, he’s pretty much the smartest guy in the room and can really help solve all those inter-dimensional and alien hybrid issues that seem to keep popping up.

If you haven’t checked out Fringe yet, now’s your chance because it returns to Fox this Thursday at 9/8C. Until then, take a look at the Fringe season two promo after the jump to get you in the mood.

Continue Reading →