Movies

Armie Hammer Confirmed as “The Lone Ranger”

Johnny Depp secured the role of Tonto in Disney’s “Lone Ranger” re-telling long ago. In fact, it was about three years ago that it happened, but it was a matter of finding someone to play the title character in the feature that posed a problem. Well, a breakout star has effectively solved that problem, as Armie Hammer will play the Lone Ranger in this feature opposite Depp. We knew that he was in negotiations and that it was likely to happen, but Variety reports that he’s closing a deal with the Mouse House, so it’s official. 

Michelle Williams Offered the Role of Glinda in Raimi’s “Oz”

With Sam Raimi set to direct Oz: The Great and Powerful, the only big dilemma was who’d play the good witch Glinda. Well, it seems that Michelle Williams has been offered that particular role. 

It was earlier reported that Disney wanted to go with Williams for the role of Glinda, while Raimi vied for Hilary Swank to play the Good Witch of the North. Variety reports that “Oz” aims to begin shooting in July.

DVD/Blu-ray DISCussion (New for 5.17.11)

It
is a strange week of DVD and Blu-ray releases because plenty were
released, but none are truly remarkable. The best choices that the
Player Affinity staff can recommend are The Hustler and Beverly Hills Cop.
Italian cinema is very well represented but France and Japan also have
offerings this week. If you are looking for something new then your best
bet is either The Mechanic or Thor: Tales of Asgard.

Cannes in 60 Seconds: “The Tree of Life” Lands

Monday was Day 6 of the Cannes Film Festival, which marks the halfway point. It also meant film fans would finally—FINALLY—hear word on The Tree of Life, director Terrence Malick’s long-awaited film about family life in 1950s Texas and the origin of the universe … or something like that. And with expectations as high as they were, it shouldn’t come as too big a surprise that reactions were decidedly mixed.

Tim Burton Leaves Disney’s “Maleficent”

Given that Burton’s Alice in Wonderland became one of the biggest grossing features in motion picture history, it’s no surprise that the Mouse House wanted to work with him again. Burton then came aboard to direct Maleficent, which aims to take on Sleeping Beauty from the perspective of primary antagonist Maleficent, one of Disney’s most iconic villains.

Chris Hemsworth Official for “Snow White and the Huntsman” Due June 2012

Actor Chris Hemsworth rose to newfound levels of fame with Marvel’s Thor over the past few weekends as the superhero feature rolled out across the globe to good reviews and a strong box-office take. Now he’s officially taken on the role of the male protagonist in Snow White and the Huntsman opposite Kristen Stewart of Twilight fame. 

Dead Derrick Discusses: Action Heroes of Horror

The horror genre is commonly known for its villians rather than the heroic figures. For example, few people would know who Nancy or Dr. Loomis are, but they would know Nancy’s antagonist (Freddy Krueger) and Dr. Loomis’ worst enemy (Michael Myers) really well. Truth is there are some really cool, courageous, and honorable heroic figures in the horror genre. Although I won’t be delving into every single final-girl or badass in the horror genre, I will be covering five really awesome figures that do battle with evil and come out on top.