Movies

Transformers: Dark of the Moon Review

Michael Bay has expanded his final Transformers movie, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, to
2.5 hours. Those extra minutes include the introduction of a half dozen
new human characters, twice as many unnamed Decepticons, and meandering
human drama and backstory. Although it drops many of the issues of the
previous sequel, it picks up quite a few issues of its own. So the final
result is mediocre. “Dark of the Moon” never rises to the level of
greatness you keep hoping for. It’s just good.

First Trailer: Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol

The first trailer for Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, starring Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner and Paula Patton, has arrived. Brad Bird (The Incredibles) directs his first live-action film. It hits theaters on Dec. 16.

Jeff Bridges Re-Acquires Rights to ‘The Giver’

Even if you don’t remember it (really?), chances are you’ve read Lois Lowry’s The Giver at some point in life. The 1993 dystopian read is a staple in most English classes and surprisingly enough, has yet to be adapted to the big screen. Jeff Bridges (Tron Legacy, True Grit)has long been a supporter of an adaptation and now Variety reports that the project might become a reality.

‘Xerxes’ Spin-off Gets Title; Field Narrows for Director

Ugh…in case you were not aware (lucky), we hate to break it to you: Xerxes, the…unique villain of Zack Snyder’s 300 is getting his own spin-off film. Deadline has it that this spin-off will be titled 300: Battle of Artemisia and that competition for the director’s chair has narrowed to Noam Murro (Smart People) and Jaume Collet-Serra (Unknown).

The sequel is actually a prequel, based on the work of Frank Miller—who also created the original graphic novel 300 was
based on. The story follows Xerxes who vows revenge on the Greeks after
his father is mortally wounded during the Battle of Marathon. Warning
his son that the Greeks could only be punished by a god, Xerxes sets out
to become one. One can only imagine that piercings and body glitter
followed shortly after that.

DVD/Blu-ray DISCussion (New for 6.28.11)

Several exciting releases are coming out this week. One of them is a re-release of a massive boxset of one of the biggest film trilogies. Something we should all over in some format. Also out this week are Zack Snyder’s action film Sucker Punch, Paul Giamatti in Barney’s Version, adaptation of two Chris Van Allsburg stories about some fictional board games you might have heard of, and international re-releases of films from France, Germany and Italy. 

‘G.I. Joe’ Sequel Nabs D.J. Cotrona and RZA

Although G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra was met with negative response from the critics, the general public ate it up. As it so happens, a sequel is in the works with leading man Channing Tatum set to reprise the role of Duke, as are several other actors from “Cobra.”

The sequel to “Rise of Cobra” isn’t content with just bringing back familiar faces. Elodie Young and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson have officially joined the cast as new additions to the “G.I. Joe” universe, but two more actors may be stepping on board. D.J. Cotrona from the television series 1-8-7 and rapper RZA are currently negotiating for roles in the sequel.

Love it or Hate it: The Transformers Debate

In honor of one of the most anticipated movies of the summer, Dinah and John are battling it out over why Transformers is such a love it or hate it type of film. Don’t waste time, get into the debate.