The Flickcast

Supreme Court Rejects Violent Video Game Law

Posted on June 28, 2011

Let’s hear it for freedom of speech. On Monday, the United States Supreme Court struck down a California law that restricts the sale or rental of violent video games to minors.

The law, which was adopted in 2005 and signed into law by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, was rejected by the court in a 7-2 vote. It was deemed unconstitutional and against freedom of speech rights.

The ruling means that video games, which have become more and more sophisticated and expensive to produce, also qualify for full First Amendment protection — just as other forms of artistic expression do.

“Our cases hold that minors are entitled to a significant degree of First Amendment protection,” Justice Antonin Scalia said writing for the majority. “Government has no free-floating power to restrict the ideas to which they may be exposed.”

We’ve already got a ratings system in place for video games, just like the movies. Now, if stores will just enforce it.

Disney & Pixar’s Newest Film ‘Brave’ Gets a Teaser

Posted on June 28, 2011

It was unfortunate when Disney and Pixar broke up over creative differences a few years back. For a time, albeit brief, there were thoughts that the two iconic animation studios would never reconcile their differences and get back together for us. Turns out, we were wrong, as they got back together almost immediately and have been cranking out amazing films since. Mostly sequels to their franchises, those films had a built in audience. Now, they’re branching into less familiar territory with their newest fantasy film, Brave. Here’s a rundown of the premise.

Brave is set in the mystical Scottish Highlands, where Merida (Kelly Macdonald) is the princess of a kingdom ruled by King Fergus (Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (Emma Thompson). An unruly daughter and an accomplished archer, Merida one day defies a sacred custom of the land and inadvertently brings turmoil to the kingdom. In an attempt to set things right, Merida seeks out an eccentric old Wise Woman (Julie Walters) and is granted an ill-fated wish. Also figuring into Merida’s quest — and serving as comic relief — are the kingdom’s three lords: the enormous Lord MacGuffin (Kevin McKidd), the surly Lord Macintosh (Craig Ferguson), and the disagreeable Lord Dingwall (Robbie Coltrane).

A pretty stellar voice cast, with Journeyman’s McKidd and Late Night Guru Craig Ferguson, but will the film hold up against the other epic franchises like Toy Story and Cars? You’ll have to decide on June 22nd when it hits theaters. In the meantime, check out the newest teaser for the film after the jump.

Zombies Attack in the New ‘Call of Duty: Black Ops’ DLC Trailer

Posted on June 28, 2011

For those of you who are still undecided on whether or not they will be purchasing the latest DLC pack on XBox 360 for Call of Duty: Black Ops, this latest trailer may push you over the edge. First and foremost Annihilation introduces zombie monkeys. Yes, you heard right. Zombie monkeys.

As with previous DLC packs, Annihilation looks to add new gameplay elements instead of just creating new maps. The Shangri La zombie map included looks to add not only zombie monkeys but also booby traps, mine shafts, flooding tunnels and even an exploding cymbal crashing toy monkey. And amazingly, it really doesn’t stop there. Add in a shrink ray that turns the zombies in to pygmies that players can kick across the level.

For all the hesitancy that people approached Treyarch developing Black Ops, Treyarch has proven them all wrong. And the way that Treyarch keeps stepping up their game with constant improvements and gameplay additions makes us even more excited to see what this talented studio has in store for the future.

Check Out This New Extended Preview and Behind-the-Scenes of ‘Torchwood: Miracle Day’

Posted on June 27, 2011

Not sure about you but pretty much everyone here at The Flickcast is really looking forward to the upcoming Starz/BBC series Torchwood: Miracle Day. From what we’ve seen so far, it looks to be even bigger, badder (in a good way) and more action-packed than all the previous seasons of Torchwood put together.

As we’ve had before with the first trailer, we’ve got another video to help get you ready for all the fun. In this one we got a look at a lot of the action, creatures and story of the series plus interviews with the top stars, writers and producers. All in, it’s a lot of info and makes the show look even cooler (as if that’s possible).

Click through for the video. Torchwood: Miracle Day stars John Barrowman, Eve Myles, Mekhi Phifer, Bill Pullman and Lauren Ambrose. It premieres Friday, July 8th on Starz.

Get Your First Look at Marvel’s ‘Ultimate Comics Ultimates’ #1

Posted on June 27, 2011

In the world of Marvel comics I’ve always been more of a fan of Marvel’s Ultimates version of its Universe. I’m not sure why but maybe it’s the stark realism of that Universe or maybe it’s just Nick Fury looking like Samuel L. Jackson.

Whatever the reason, I like it. So, glad to see Marvel is coming out with another comic that takes place in that world called Ultimate Comics Ultimates. Here’s the scoop:

From the critically acclaimed creative team of Jonathan Hickman and Esad Ribic comes a comic where Iron Man, Hawkeye, Nick Fury & Thor are back together after the monumental events of Ultimate Comics Fallout. One of the biggest villains that ever faced the Ultimate Universe has returned. But with a teammate out of action, can the remaining members save the world as they struggle to find their place in the Ultimate Universe?

Yep, that sounds pretty good to me. This is one I’ll be picking up as soon as I can.

Check out the preview pages after the jump. Pick up Ultimate Comics Ultimates #1 in stores on August 24th.

New Trailer for ‘Immortals’ with Henry Cavill Arrives

Posted on June 27, 2011

We’ve been following the upcoming film Immortals on and off for months. And today, we’ve got a brand new trailer for the film to share with you that expands on the earlier, shorter version.

In it we get a lot more of the story and get to see Henry ‘soon to be Superman” Cavill in action. Here’s more about the film’s story from the official synopsis:

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.

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 for the film after the jump. Immortals arrives in theaters on November 11th.

War Movie Mondays: ‘Das Boot’

Posted on June 27, 2011

This week’s pick is Wolfgang Petersen’s 1981 masterpiece Das Boot (The Boat) which tells the story of a German U-boat crew and their amazing two month ordeal while on patrol in the North Atlantic in the fall of 1941. The film was based on the real life account of author Lothar-Gunther Buchheim who served with the U-boat service in World War II. The film stars Jurgen Prochnow (Capt. “Der Alte”), Herbert Gronemeyer (Lt. Werner), Klaus Wennemann (The Chief of the boat), Hubertus Bengsch (1st Watch Officer), and Erwin Leder (Johann, Chief Mechanic of the U-96).

Das Boot is one of the greatest and most successful war films ever produced. Petersen wastes no time and gives the audience a fantastic first hand look at what life was like aboard a U-boat during the early days of World War II. The film begins with its narrator Lt. Werner (Gronemeyer) being driven along the French coast by the U-96’s Captain (Prochnow). Werner is assigned to the U-96 as a war correspondent in order to show the German people the heroes of the U-boat fleet.

Werner and the Captain are on their way to a French nightclub in celebration of another officer’s new promotion. Petersen also shows key members of the crew who are vital to the execution of the story. The officer who is the guest of honor, Thomsen (Otto Sander) gives a drunken speech and openly mocks both Winston Churchill and the U-boat tactics of Adolf Hitler. The rest of the evening allows the men to blow of some steam before their long patrol in a sector of the North Atlantic.

Watch an Awesome ‘Rocketeer’ Animated Fan Film For the 20th Anniversary

Posted on June 27, 2011

Just in time for Joe Johnston to bring us yet another classic WWII era superhero in Captain America, The First Avenger, another film of his is hitting a milestone. Last week marked the 20th anniversary of the release of Disney’s The Rocketeer.

Hard to believe it’s been that long since Billy Campbell donned the brass helmet and flew around the Disney back lot with Alan Arkin by his side, but here we are.

Because the film was such a classic, as was Dave Stevens’ original comic book, diehard fan and animator John Banana put together a little homage animated short in which The Rocketeer shows some of his stuff.

The animation style is superb and the short managed to capture the original magic and wonder that the film brought us back in 1991. All without the use of Jennifer Connelly, Timothy Dalton, or Terry “Locke” O’Quinn.

Check it out after the jump, and let’s hope this revitalizes interest in the project enough for Disney to give us an animated reboot!

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