The Flickcast

Final Poster for Moore’s ‘Capitalism: A Love Story’

Posted on August 31, 2009

OneSheet (Page 1) Here it is, the final poster for director/author/controversial figure Michael Moore’s latest film Capitalism: A Love Story. Whatever you may think of the man personally or professionally, his movies always seem to strike some sort of nerve among audiences and critics alike.

His politics may be controversial and his methods sometimes suspect (at least to some) but he never ceases to entertain, inform and even make us think about things we may not often want to think about. Every country needs someone like Michael Moore to at least say unpopular things and draw attention to perceived ills and problems in society.

Sure, you might not agree with that he says or how he says it but fortunately, he’s still able to say it. And that’s just one of the many things that makes me glad to live in this country.

Check out a bigger version of the poster after the jump. For fun, we’ve also included the trailer as well. Capitalism: A Love Story opens October 2nd.

First Trailer for ‘The Men Who Stare At Goats’

Posted on August 31, 2009

For those unaware about this film, but intrigued by the title; you’re in luck. The premise is a bit bizarre, and supposedly based on a true story in which reporter Bob Wilton, played by Ewan McGregor, is in search of his next big story when he encounters Lyn Cassady (George Clooney), a shadowy figure who claims to be part of an experimental government program that trains psychics.

Originally based on the book by Jon Ronson, the film was adapted for the screen by writer Peter Straughan (How to Lose Friends and Alienate People) and directed by actor-turned-writer-turned-director Grant Heslov, who penned Good Night and Good Luck. The film has the same feel as Clooney’s Confessions of a Dangerous Mind or even Burn After Reading in it’s ability to stay quirky and funny. The cast also includes Jeff Bridges, Kevin Spacey, J.K. Simmons, and Robert Patrick.

Check out the trailer after the jump. The Men Who Stare at Goats hits theaters on November 6th.

PS3 vs. PS3 Slim: A Comparison

Posted on August 31, 2009

ThisTuesday, Sony’s newest version of their popular gaming console, the Playstation 3 Slim, will hit shelves across the country. If you’re one of those on the fence about purchasing it, we here at The Flickcast have got you covered. Here’s the lowdown on the differences between the older, fatter PS3 and the slimmer, more streamlined PS3 Slim.

What We Like

-This time around the PS3 will be 33% smaller and 36 percent lighter. Not only will this save gamers space, it will also make it easier to move between play sessions.

-$299 price tag. This finally puts the PS3 in the same price bracket as some Blu-ray players and the Nintendo Wii.

-New textured surface. The previous PS3 had a glossy finish, making it susceptible to scratching.

-120 GB Hard Drive, which is now easier to upgrade and will not void the warranty if removed.

What We Don’t Like

Continue Reading

Halloween 3D Greenlit?

Posted on August 31, 2009

We posted our review of Rob Zombie’s Halloween II here last week, amongst our full coverage of the film including an interview with Zombie himself. One subject that was sensitive for him was talking about a third film in the franchise. Zombie’s official statement was that he wasn’t making a third film, but it looks like Bob and Harvey Weinstein have a different plan.

Before word of how Halloween II even did in the box office over the weekend (coming in at #3 with only $17million, giving the top spot to Final Destination), the studio has already set a tentative release date of August 2010, and if that goes well, you can expect to see more done in the vain of the Saw films with a yearly release.

According to the LA Times, Rob Zombie will not be returning to the franchise for the aptly titled Halloween 3D. Zombie has already stated that his immediate plans revolve around his next album (hitting shelves in November) and currently drafting a script for a remake of the 50’s horror film The Blob.

Box Office: 3D Horror Still A Hit?

Posted on August 31, 2009

There was a period in time when 3D horror was thought of as a failed gimmick to get butts into theater seats. Using cheap stereoscopic (blue-and-red) technology to make films like 1982’s Parasite or even as far back as the original House of Wax, the concept got people into theaters, but the initial excitement of it eventually wore off in the 50’s, then again in the 80’s.

It seems like the trend has come back once again, as The Final Destination in digital 3D popped up in the top of the box office this weekend, grossing roughly $28 million over the three days. This was bad news for Halloween II, the opposing horror film that opened this weekend, as it only grossed $17 million.

Though Halloween II, Rob Zombie’s sequel to his 2007 reboot, only came in at #3 on the chart, it still grossed $2 million more than their production budget on the film. Final Destination, however, made back nearly half of their budget of $40 million.

Disney to Buy Marvel

Posted on August 31, 2009

The Walt Disney Co. has agreed to acquire Marvel Ent. in a stock and cash transaction worth $4 billion.

Under the terms of the deal, Marvel shareholders would receive $30 per share in cash plus approximately 0.745 Disney shares for each Marvel share they own. Based on the closing price of Disney stock on Friday, the transaction value is $50 per Marvel share or approximately $4 billion.

Under the deal, Disney will acquire ownership of Marvel including its more than 5,000 Marvel characters.

The boards of both companies have approved the pact, which is subject to antitrust review and the approval of Marvel shareholders.

“This transaction combines Marvel’s strong global brand and world-renowned library of characters including Iron Man, Spider-Man, X-Men, Captain America, Fantastic Four and Thor with Disney’s creative skills, unparalleled global portfolio of entertainment properties, and a business structure that maximizes the value of creative properties across multiple platforms and territories,” said Robert A. Iger, Mouse House prexy and CEO.

iron-man-2 According to Variety, as with Warner Bros. and DC, the consolidation of giant media continues with The Walt Disney Co. agreeing to buy Marvel Entertainment in a stock and cash deal worth and estimated $4 billion. According to the trade, under the terms of the deal, Marvel shareholders would receive $30 per share in cash plus approximately 0.745 Disney shares for each Marvel share they own.

If the deal is approved, Disney will acquire ownership of Marvel including its more than 5,000 Marvel characters and its movie and television assets. As of today, the boards of both companies have approved the agreement but it is now subject to antitrust review and is also pending approval by Marvel shareholders.

To be honest, I’m not sure how I feel about this deal. On the one hand it could be good for Marvel as Disney seems to know how to run a company pretty well and has a long history of respecting artists, encouraging creativity and savvy and successful marketing. Still, not sure if I want to see Jack Sparrow show up in Iron Man 3 in 3D. Well, that probably won’t happen. . . at least I hope not.

As they say in the news biz, more on this story as it develops.

The Pull List Comic Reviews: ‘Tank Girl Three’

Posted on August 31, 2009

51UZdCL86ZL__SS500_ “What the heck did I just read?” has been a common question I have been asking myself after going through the three remastered volumes of Tank Girl. After being re-released by Titan Books out of the UK with a forward from writer and co-creator Alan Martin, Tank Girl Three is the final volume of re-released original Tank Girl comics from 1992 to 1995. Tank Girl, unlike most comics, has a very loose continuity and storytelling style. Tank Girl is a strange anthology style of storytelling that allows characters and a few general themes to cross over between stories while others come and go as they please.

Some stories may cross over four issues while others stand on their own and don’t make much sense either in the process. But they have an odd charm about them that makes them fun to read. Even if it does feel like gray matter is leaking out the ears as you try to logically piece together what has been laid out in front of you. So, piece of advice, do NOT try and use logic while reading Tank Girl. Logic in Tank Girl is about as useful as it is watching X-Men Origins: Wolverine. As long as you completely block it out of your mind, you can still enjoy what is set out in front of you.

New ‘Blur’ Racing Game Video

Posted on August 29, 2009

blur-racing-2 Sometimes, in the quest to build awareness of a new, upcoming video game, we end up getting some boring old advertising that gives you the important parts and information but doesn’t present them in a new and interesting way. Fortunately, with this latest video from our friends at Activision and Bizarre Creations about the upcoming racing game Blur, we don’t have this problem.

In this video, giving you the vital information is done in a very humorous and interesting way. We’re treated to funny vignettes and scenes of sheer lunacy in oder to inform, entertain and generally get the word out. Its great to see this much effort being put into a game’s marketing before it comes out. If the advertising and the campaign are this well done by people who obviously care about what they’re doing, imagine how great the game itself is going to be?

Even if I wasn’t that interested in the game before, which I wasn’t to be honest as I don’t play many racing games, I’m actually way more interested now because of this video. I’m really interested to see if the quality carries over to the game itself. I’ll bet it probably does.

Check out the video and see for yourself after the jump. Blur hits store shelves later this year.

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