Movie News

Inception invades audience’s minds and wallets

Christopher Nolan continued his critical winning streak with Inception, a film that enjoyed both positive reviews and commercial success. The esoteric heist thriller bowed slightly lower than first predicted, but easily won the weekend with $62 million. It was a personal best for Leonardo DiCaprio whose last big open was directed by legendary director Martin Scorcese. Shutter Island, a psychological thriller (incidentally with a questionable ending), opened to $41 million February this year.

Simon Pegg is back for “Mission: Impossible 4”

Simon Pegg is returning to the Mission: Impossible franchise in the series’ next installment, which is set to be directed by Brad Bird (yes, the guy who made Pixar’sThe Incredibles). According to The Hollywood Reporter, the British actor is negotiating with Paramount to again play geek Benji Dunn.

Brett Ratner sought for Hercules film

Despite walking away from the chance to direct Conan, Brett Ratner has been offered the chance to direct an untitled Hercules film. Hercules is one of the best known demigods from Greek mythology; he is the son of Zeus and possesses great strength. There has been no formal arrangement but producer Avi Lerner has put the offer on the table.

First look at the Green Lantern suit

Do you subscribe to Entertainment Weekly? Because if you do, you’re in for a surprise this week: EW has our very first look at what Ryan Reynolds will look like as The Green Lantern.

News first broke a few months back that Reynolds would not be wearing a costume and that his suit would be done entirely with CGI using motion capture attire. Now, we finally have an idea of what the finished product should look like.

Jennifer Lawrence to play Mystique in “First Class”

Jennifer Lawrence is set to play the mysterious Mystique in Matthew Vaughn’s upcoming film X-Men: First Class. Deadline brings the news of this talent-based casting decision. Mystique is a shape-shifter but cannot take on the superpowers of others. Fox has been on quite a casting spree recently, as cast updates have seemingly happened by the minute.

“Captain America” and “Thor” will be in 3-D

In case there was any question, wonder no longer: both Captain America: The First Avenger and Thor will be 3-D films. The Los Angeles Times brings this news, which isn’t really surprising, as most every action film nowadays comes with a 3-D option. However, what is surprising is how Thor director Kenneth Branagh is vehemently going to convince fans that this is a good thing. Here’s what he had to say:

Mark Ruffalo in advanced talks to be new Hulk

Before this news broke that Mark Ruffalo was deep into talks with Marvel about becoming Bruce Banner for The Avengers, I was just thinking about the actor, who most recently co-starred in the critically acclaimed The Kids Are All Right.  He’s always been one of those names recognized by film fans for his strong talent despite a total lack of name recognition thanks to an ego that must be the size of a peanut.

Brian Cox joins “Rise of the Apes”

Brian Cox will star in Rupert Wyatt’s upcoming Planet of the Apes prequel, Rise of the Apes. According to TheWrap, he will play a heartless primate sanctuary owner. James Franco, John Lithgow, Freida Pinto, and Andy Serkis are already attached to star. 

The film will be set in modern day San Francisco, where genetic experiments have created intelligent apes, leading to an uprising sparked by an ape named Caesar (Serkis). For the first time in the series, the apes will be photo-realistic as opposed to costumed, courtesy of WETA.

DVD/Blu-ray DISCussion (New for 7.13.2010)

It is a busy week of DVD/Blu-ray releases, with the first release of a major rom-com, an erotic thriller and a indie comedy and the re-release of 4 major films. It is also a week of remakes, with Hollywood tackling a B-Movie classic and thrillers from Norway and France.

Paramount buys Hunchback action comedy script