Final Project

 For my final project I wanted to make a set of minimalist movie posters for some of the movies that I grew up on.  I choose these four because we went over a few of them in class and they are all in the same era.  I kept the design similar through all of them (focusing on a single object with a scenic view super-imposed into it) so that they would all read as a set and not just individual posters.  Each item that the poster features is central to the movie:  Jack's ax for The Shining, the flamethrower for The Thing, a zombie/dead hand for Dawn of the Dead, and the Tall Man's orb for Phantasm.  Also, the scenery in the object is supposed to relate to each movie:  Colorado mountains for The Shining, the Antarctic camp and helicopter for The Thing, a sunrise for Dawn of the Dead, and a graveyard for Phantasm.
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Neil Marshal to Possibly Direct Slasher-flick "Hellfest"

Neil Marshal has etched out a nice little niche in film by making good genre movies such as 'Doomsday' and 'The Descent'.  He has so far directed four features, all of them are solid.

While he's not exactly John Carpenter, he definitely has talent and I respect his choice of stories and versatility.

His newest proposed project is called 'Hellfest' and is about a masked killer who kills unsuspecting visitors to an amusement park on Halloween night. (My guess is that most of the visitors will be young, beautiful people... call it a hunch.)

The location also offers a good chance to contrast the bright flashing lights of the amusement park with the, no doubt, graphic blood and gore of a slasher flick.

Marshal has proven himself with horror previously with both 'Dog Soldiers' and 'The Descent', so I'm personally excited to see how he handles a different sub-genre of horror.

There are no scheduled dates of release, or even a production start, at this time and Marshal is only in early talks with CBS Films to come aboard.  Fortunately (or unfortunately), however, Marshal hasn't been exactly crammed with work lately (his most recent gig being an episode for the second season on 'Game of Thrones'), so hopefully he will join the production and get a chance to add to his anthology of genre films.

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Could Gosling and Refn be back for 'Driven'?

I want to start by saying that this year's 'Drive' starring Ryan Gosling and directed by Nicholas Winding Refn was easily one of the best films of the year.

That said, news comes today that the original novela on which the movie is based is getting a sequel, meaning that the critical success of 'Drive' could get a film sequel green-lit.

This is mostly conjecture at this point, but Refn has talked about the possibility of a sequel and has also mentioned that he knows about the sequel to the original source (both penned by James Sallis).

The sequel to the original story reportedly has this synopsis:
"Six year later - Phoenix.  Out of nowhere, someone wants Driver dead. Who? Why? Big mistake..."

It's a very vague synopsis, but shows a lot of promise for another taut, noir-esque actioneer.

The original film had a reasonably small release, but managed to double it's production budget and garner a lot a word-of-mouth buzz and a lot of prestige.  I would expect that it will become even more well known as "Best of the Year" lists start being published, the DVD comes out, and award season rolls around.

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'More Saw? Why Not?', thinks Lionsgate

It was only a matter of time before the promises of last October's 'Saw 3D' being the last 'Saw' film were shattered and left on the floor in a horrible, bloody mess.

The head of Lionsgate, Michael Burns, has commented that "you'll see Saw back in the picture," when asked about the future of the horror franchise.

He didn't give out any more details than that, so its open to speculation whether Lionsgate is eyeing up another sequel, or a possible reboot of the franchise.

Personally, I think the first few 'Saw' films are somewhat strong for what they are.  But, it is definitely starting to show in overall quality that there isn't much to go on anymore.  Killing off the most interesting character (not to mention the main character!) three movies into a seven movie franchise was a horrible choice.

The first 'Saw' was good because it was new, inventive, and had one hell of a twist.  The next two carried the torch adequately, adding new scenarios and expanding the mythos, but the last few have consistently failed to add anything of worth to the franchise.  They try to be smart but simply aren't.

Obviously, I'm not excited for a new 'Saw', but that doesn't change the fact that each entry has been successful, and with one coming out every Halloween season, the franchise has made quite a bit of reliable money.  It's also obvious that this is the reason to bring the franchise back after its 'final' chapter.

I wouldn't be surprised if Lionsgate fast-tracked a sequel to be out by next Halloween, but with no word yet I would imagine that we might atleast get a one-year reprieve of 'Saw' in 2012.

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Liam Neeson Asserts Dominance of 'Bad-Ass' Genre of Film

A new trailer for 'The Grey' has been spreading across the internet for the last couple of days.  It expands from the last trailer to show more of the events that left Liam Neeson and friends left out in the bitter cold of Alaska.

The trailer also shows more of the group that is stranded out in the snow.  I enjoyed how the trailer balanced its slow first half with a much more tense second half.  I think it definitely shows us what kind of film we're gonna be getting with this: a tense, taut survival story.

Liam Neeson yet again shows that he isn't gonna let age stop him from dominating any bad-ass role he is given.  From Zeus, to Hannibal in 'The A-Team', and to Bryan Mills in 'Taken'; his filmography reads like a comprehensive list of guys you really don't want to mess with.

What's surprising to me is that the film is directed by Joe Carnahan, who's previous directorial work has been mostly action-packed fare like 'The A-Team' and 'Smokin' Aces'.  Regardless I'm excited to see how he handles a different pace and a more human story. 

The trailer definitely shows that he has some impressive tricks up his sleeve.  A lot of the imagery from the trailer is unique and impressive, especially the quick 'bed-sheet-to-snow' transition. 

I personally can't wait for this to come out and I won't have to wait for long as it releases January 27, 2012.

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John Carter Must Fly (... Or Just Jump Really High. I Can't Tell)

A new trailer for Disney's 'John Carter' has been released, this time showing much more of the visual aspects of the film.

The story follows John Carter (Taylor Kitsch), a Civil War vet, as he is somehow transported to Mars which is inhabited by a variety of creatures.

Here he mets Dejah Thoris (Lynn Collins) and must lead a fight against the evil Matai Shang (played by Mark Strong, because he apparently is contractually obligated to just play bad guys the rest of his life).

I think that the trailer as a whole is effective, even if it gives off an Avatar vibe with a touch of Return of the Jedi-esque visuals.  The CG martians could use some cleaning up, but other than that the design team made the dusty red terrain of Mars actually seem interesting and inhabitable.

I'm not sure how the reception to this will be.  It's based off of an old sci-fi novel, so it could bring in some fans of the series, but it lacks the big name stars that usually sell a movie like this.

It releases March 9, 2012, so we could be in for another early start to summer (which has been becoming more and more common as more movies are scattered around the months before and after summer).  Or we could see the failed attempt of a new franchise by Disney.

Fortunately, it stars Taylor Kitsch and Lynn Collins, who both starred in 'X-Men Origins:  Wolverine', so at least 'John Carter' won't be the worst movie they made in their careers.

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Daniel Day-LINCOLN

The first picture of Daniel Day-Lewis ('There Will Be Blood') in Steven Spielberg's Abraham Lincoln biopic has surfaced online.

The picture, assumed to not be taken from filming, shows Day-Lewis eating at a table.  It also shows his uncanny resemblance of the 16th president.  From the beard to the facial structure the two look like twins. 

The film, simply titled 'Lincoln', is set to show how Lincoln guided the North toward victory during the civil war.

 Day-Lewis is infamous for getting deep into character during filming.  He often refuses to respond to his actual name during the entire shooting schedule, choosing instead to remain in character.  Its even reported that at one point during filming 'There Will Be Blood' he threw real bowling balls at an actor instead of using props.

Originally, Liam Neeson ('Taken') was supposed to take the role, but had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts.  He was quickly replaced by Day-Lewis.

Daniel Day-Lewis joins an established and very impressive group actors and filmmakers including; Steven Spielberg at director, John Logan ('Gladiator' and the upcoming James Bond film 'Skyfall') at screen writer, as well as, Joseph Gordon-Levitt ('Inception'), Tommy Lee Jones ('No Country for Old Men'), James Spader ('Boston Legal'), and Jackie Earle Haley ('Watchmen').

Phew!

The movie is slated to arrive during the holiday season of 2012.

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Netflix Stepping into Production Game in a Big Way

Netflix landed itself in some particularly hot water earlier this year with their proposed price hike.  After that they fumbled the ball yet again with a series of business announcements (ie. the failed "Qwikster") that not many supported.

It was definitely a dark time for Netflix.  It wasn't a secret that many analysts were suspecting that the end of the brand was near.

Jump forward to now, Netflix has seemingly regained its footing and has announced two high-profile projects that they will be producing and will get first-air rights for.

The first of the two is the long-awaited return of "Arrested Development".  Originally airing for only three seasons on Fox, the show focuses on Michael Bluth (Jason Bateman) who takes over the affairs of his recently imprisoned father.

The show met with little viewership, but received many awards and nominations, as well as critic support.  Ever since it's cancelling it has garnered a cult following that should scare up some renewed interest in Netflix.

The second project is "House of Cards".  Though the name might not be familiar now it is a guarantee that this show will get people talking.  Starring award-winner Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright and is set to be a political thriller.  Beside the main headliners the man behind the series, David Fincher, is just as big of a draw.  Fincher, famous for directing films such as 'Fight Club' and 'The Social Network', is set to direct the pilot and has said that he wants to "do as many of them as [he] can." 

With these two high-profile shows that will only be available through their service, Netflix is looking to regain many of the customers they lost throughout the year.

"The Dark Knight Rises" to be Set Eight Years after "The Dark Knight"

Seems that the self-imposed hiatus that Bruce Wayne decides on at the end of 'The Dark Knight' is gonna be a bit longer than everyone was thinking.

Reports are out now (coming from an Empire article) that 'The Dark Knight Rises' will start eight years after the events of 'The Dark Knight'.

This is an interesting choice by Christopher Nolan (the series' writer and director) as it will definitely factor into Christian Bale's portrayal of Batman.

This leap in age will also make Bane a bigger threat as he is now decidedly much stronger and more athletic than Batman.  Another factor of Bane's physical dominance is his fighting style.  The same Empire article reports that he will be fighting in a bare-bones and vicious style that will be far more practical than flamboyant.

In one of the several comic storylines, Bane is responsible for breaking Batman's back, causing him to retire from the more active side of crime fighting.  This is rumored to be a possible plot point in Nolan's film as it will perfectly cap the trilogy that he intended to make.  It is also important to note that this is most likely Nolan and Bale's last time with the characters.  Warner Bros. Pictures have also commented that while they have plans on continuing the Batman franchise, it will most likely take place in a different universe, thus leaving Nolan's trilogy untouched.  

When 'The Dark Knight Rises' releases on July 20, 2012 it will no doubt be one of the most anticipated and profitable releases of the summer.

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'Expendables' Sequel Poster gives First Taste of Line-up

When 'The Expendables' released in 2010 it promised an impressive line-up of old and new action stars.  It opened to a modest $34 million weekend and went on to gross $274 million worldwide throughout its run in the theaters.

Now, we are getting a sequel which seems to add even more big names to the already impressive roster.  Jean-Claude Van Damme (Bloodsport) is confirmed to be the lead villian in the film.  Along for the ride this time, as well, is the ever-famous Chuck Norris, who seems to be on the side of the good guys.

Rumor has it that both Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis are signed on for more substantial roles than in the previous movie.  The movie is said to open with Schwarzenegger being rescued by Sylvester Stallone and the rest of the Expendables in a foreign country. 

Interestingly, both John Travolta and Nicholas Cage (both starring in 1997's Face/Off) have also been rumored to be joining the cast.

We'll have to wait until August 17, 2012, however, to see just how accurate these rumors will prove to be.  It is certain though that 'The Expendables 2' will be a treat for action fans.

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Website Mock Up

I want to use my website as a sort of resume/portfolio for myself. I will most likely mess around with the logo as I get closer to finishing.

Troubled 'Lone Ranger' May Finally See Light of Day

Disney has announced that it will start up production on a rendition of "The Lone Ranger", possibly for a 2012 release date.

This coming after, back in August, Disney officially shut down the idea because of the proposed 250 million dollar budget.  Now, producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Gore Verbinski have dropped the budget slightly to $215 million, putting the project back on track.

Along for the ride will be Armie Hammer ('The Social Network') as the masked, titular hero and Johnny Depp as the hero's sidekick, Tonto.  

With the budget being so high and the re-teaming of Verbinski, Bruckheimer, Disney, and Depp ('Pirates of the Caribbean'), it seems that this picture could be another fancy-free 'Pirates'-esque production.

Essentially, this is not a terrible move on Disney's part, due to the insane cash flow that the 'Pirates' movies have gathered for them.  However, with Depp in a sidekick role and the failure of 'Cowboys & Aliens', its questionable how well-received this outing will be.

Initial script reports and interviews with Depp make it seem that the movie will focus on Native American werewolves as the main antagonists.  Its this kind of genre-crossing antics that failed to grab audiences when 'Cowboys & Aliens' came out this summer and one would wonder how this type of action fare would be received at the proposed December 21, 2012 release date.  If history tells us anything, not good.  (For example:  Last winter's 'True Grit' had tremendous critical backing and only managed a $250 million worldwide box office, but comparatively only had a $38 million budget.)

When it comes down to it, the way Disney has flip-flopped on this picture could be an omen as to the popularity of 'The Lone Ranger' when it finally is released.  One blown production obviously will not ruin a powerhouse like Disney, but taking a $215 million risk on an untested property is rarely a great business decision.  That said, 2012 could see a cold winter for Disney and friends.

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