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First Official Photo of Johnny Depp in Dark Shadows

Damon Houx — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 19:17:31 +0000

Spooky Scary. Johnny Depp stars in Tim Burton‘s Dark Shadows, and we saw spy photos from the set recently, but Empire has the first official stills from the production, also highlighting co-stars Michelle Pfieffer, Johnny Lee Miller, and Helena Bonham Carter. Take a look…

Though it’s easy to beat up on Burton – especially after his Alice in Wonderland – the nice thing about Dark Shadows is that it’s drawn from a television show (soap opera, to be fair), and so there’s a lot of character development and story arcs that the writers and Burton could draw from. And though Depp’s gothic look plays right into Burton’s cult appeal, if the movie doesn’t work it won’t be because they had weak material.

This also introduces more of the family, and gives us a look at Eva Green, Jackie Earle Haley and Chloe Grace Moretz. But it’s Johnny Lee Miller’s hair that gets us most excited for the film – less so with Eva Green as a Blond . If nothing else, this is one heck of a cast. But it’s understandable to be cynical about Tim Burton. Sleepy Hollow would seem to have been a slam dunk title for the maestro, but other than its look, it’s not very memorable. The picture is scheduled to open May 11, 2012.

Do you still like Tim Burton?

The PG-13 version of The King’s Speech to be Released April 1

Damon Houx — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 19:26:33 +0000

In an attempt to squeeze the last few coins out of the domestic box office of the Academy award-winning film The King’s Speech, The Weinstein Company will put out a PG-13 cut of the film which changes the four letter words that got the film rated R. The sanitized version will come out April 1 on 1000 screens and will be the only version in theaters. The film won Best Picture, and won Oscars for director Tom Hooper and star Colin Firth, and got co-stars Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter nominated.

There was a time when other R rated films that became phenomenons were recut, most notably Saturday Night Fever, but this is the first instance of this sort of recutting in a long while. For the most part – for the last ten years – the studios have favored putting out director’s cuts or “Unrated Versions” on DVD and Blu-ray, but no notable censored versions after the fact.

The news of this may bring some new audiences to the theater, or perhaps there’s some younger audience members denied by theater staff from seeing the Oscar winner. Mainly, this puts the film back in theaters with a new ad campaign after its long run was nearly over, and may generate a couple extra million theatrically for the stunt.

Regardless, the film is coming out on DVD and Blu-ray on April 19, so it should be out of theaters after three weeks. As there will be a DVD in that time this alternate version will never again be available, unless it proves so successful the studio feels the need to put out a new home video edition.

In the original cut, Colin Firth’s King George VI is warming up to speak and says the word “fuck” repeatedly. This word has been replaced with “shit.” As I understand, the rules from the MPAA are that a PG-13 film can have a use of the word “fuck” but no more than three. There are also rules about intent – if you direct the use at someone (“fuck you”), it’s an automatic R. The arbitrariness of this rule has never been clearer.

Do the MPAA rules make sense on this one?

Michelle Pfeiffer, Helena Bonham Carter Join Dark Shadows

Krystal Clark — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 18:07:32 +0000

Who’s really surprised by this latest casting for Tim Burton’s Dark Shadows? The director has roped in two frequent collaborators for the project in the form of Michelle Pfeiffer and Helena Bonham Carter. According to a report from Heat Vision, both actresses are in talks to fill two primary female roles. Find out what they are…

“Pfeiffer would play Elizabeth Collins Stoddard, the reclusive matriarch of the Collins family which runs the Maine town. The character has not left the mansion since the disappearance of her husband a decade earlier.” The last time the actress starred in a Burton film it was in 1992′s Batman Returns where she played Selina Kyle aka Catwoman.

Carter, who previously appeared in Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, “is likely to play Hoffman, a specialist in psychology and rare blood disorders who moves into Collinwood. While she initially is a threat to the vampire Barnabas, she eventually becomes his ally, who might be able to cure him of his thirst for blood” according to Deadline.

Dark Shadows is expected to begin filming sometime this year. The film is based on the Gothic themed soap opera that ran on ABC from 1966 to 1971. It reappeared briefly in the early nineties on NBC as a weekly prime time series, but the new format didn’t stick and neither did the viewers.

What do you think of the latest additions to the Dark Shadows cast?

The King’s Speech: Movie Review

Mali Elfman — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 16:00:19 +0000

There’s not much to say about this film — other than so far, this is the best screenplay, with the best performances in the best film of the year. That’s all! The best piece of advice I can give you is to go and see this film as soon as you possibly can. This film is the whole package, every part of it from the tiny details about driving through fog to the grand speeches given by a King declaring WWII to the necessary comedic swearing that helps the Kind overcome his stutter — everything in this film is perfectly executed. Colin Firth (read interview), who rightfully was nominated for an Oscar and won a Golden Globe and Independent Spirit Award for his role in A Single Man last year, is set to win that golden statue this year. Don’t let people tell you about this film, go and see it for yourself.

If you still need convincing, find out more about the film below…

Players:

Director: Tom Hooper
Writer: David Seidler (screenplay)
Actors: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter
Original Music by: Alexandre Deplat
Cinematography by: Danny Cohen

The Plot:

The King’s Speech tells the story of the man who became King George VI after his brother for the first time in history abdicated the thrown. Though his journey was not easy, he was a King unable to speak to his people due to a severe speech defect. In order to overcome his problem and deal with the matters at hand (a little thing called WWII) he calls upon the help of a rather unorthodox speech therapist named Lionel Logue. Through a set of unexpected techniques, and as a result of an unlikely friendship, the two are able to boldly lead the country through war.

The Good:

WWII in the Background: Very few films that take place during WWII can have Hitler play a supporting role to a speech impediment, AND have jokes about Hitler’s strong speech play so well. The film is able to balance the severity of the situation with a very honest and realistic perspective. At times they tread on some possibly dangerous ground, but because they handle the topic with such grace, what could be considered rude or offensive is actually quite interesting, important and even at times humorous.
Colin Firth: Not only does he have a stutter, a lisp, an accent different from his, he also has to sound like the real King himself who has a very distinct voice. Not only does Firth give an incredibly compelling emotional performance, but the way he physically transforms himself is beyond impressive. So far, Ryan Gosling might be able to give Firth a run for his money in Blue Valentine, but this is THE BEST performance I’ve seen this year. It’s extremely complex and since his character is a stoic King he has very little room to express himself. A slight grimace or a tonal shift in his voice has to speak volumes and luckily, due to his grasp of the character, it does. He should have won the Oscar last year for A Single Man – if he doesn’t win it this year for this film, I’m going to have to write a strongly worded letter to Mr. Oscar.
Empathy for the King: It’s hard to make people really side with a person they feel is so distant from them. This is one of the best representation of what a King really has to go through that has been put on the screen. It’s on par with The Queen with Helen Mirren. You are able to find empathy for the man beneath the crown and somehow relate to the pressures that he has to face.
Supporting Cast: Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter both give stellar performances that help to add to the films chemistry. Rush’s great timing and Carter’s endearing demeanor both help to round who King George VI is and more importantly the people who helped make him the great king he was.
The Score: This was a really beautiful, subtle yet powerful score that once again added to the grace of the film without ever distracting from what was taking place.

The Bad:

The Trailer: DON’T watch the trailer for this film. Trust me, this might be the best package you see all year – its got it all and the trailer ruins some of the best moments in the film.

Overall:

Best film of the year all around. Go see it!

Rating: 10/10

The King’s Speech in theaters November 26th!

Photo Gallery:

Trailer:

Harry Potter Posters: Dobby and Bellatrix

Krystal Clark — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 20:08:11 +0000

More character posters have been released for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The last batch included Harry, Hermione, Ron, Snape, Voldemort, and several others. Today Warner Bros has unveiled one sheets for Dobby and Bellatrix, which is interesting considering that she already has a character banner for herself. Take a look at all three below…

We’re very happy to see Dobby get some time to shine. He’s like a more adorable version of Gollum from Lord of the Rings. He’s small, lanky, and has that old man look to him. In his one sheet he looks terrified. You can always tell when something is wrong with him. He knows that a storm is coming or in the words of the ad campaign, the hunt is on.

As usual, Bellatrix looks mischievous and ready for battle. That woman just can’t be trusted and the gleam in her eye shows us that.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I opens in theaters on November 19th and Part II opens on July 15, 2011. Both films are directed by David Yates.

Further Reading:

What do you think of the new character posters for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows? Which one is your favorite?

Source: ComingSoon

The King’s Speech Trailer With Colin Firth

Krystal Clark — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 17:49:37 +0000

The King’s Speech is a drama that won the top prize at the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival. For those of us who didn’t get the opportunity to see an early screening of it, the first official trailer has been released over at Yahoo, and it allows us to get an idea of what all the fuss is about. Check it out…

This period drama follows the young King George VI — the father of the current Queen Elizabeth II — as he reluctantly assumes the throne after his brother, Edward, abdicates. Considered unfit to rule and cursed with a nervous stammer, the unprepared monarch turns to an unorthodox speech therapist, Lionel Logue. The two men form an unlikely friendship as King George finds his voice and leads the country into war against the Nazis.

The cast is led by Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, and Helena Bonham Carter and it looks pretty damn good. Firth is one of my favorite actors so I might be a bit biased, but he has a quality that always makes you want to root for his characters. Rush and Carter also look engaging, which makes this premiere Oscar bait.

The King’s Speech hits theaters on November 24th.

What do you think of the first trailer for The King’s Speech?

Interview: Helena Bonham Carter for Alice in Wonderland

Krystal Clark — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:21:03 +0000

Helena Bonham Carter returns to the big screen this weekend with a larger than life performance in Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. It’s the latest in a long line of films that the pair have worked together on alongside frequent collaborator Johnny Depp. When the actress attended the press conference for the feature she was laid back and open with the press about her thoughts on her character, the film, and whether or not the movie should be seen by young children.

In the film, Carter stars as the Red Queen, the sole tormentor of Wonderland, who’s been prophesied to fall from power at the hands of Alice. She’s a caricature in ever sense of the word, but Carter has fun with it and makes her enjoyable to watch. She’s aided by several supporting actors most notably Crispin Clover as The Knave of Hearts, but for the most part she’s a one woman show.

Over the span of Helena Bonham Carter’s career she’s been known to tackle a wide range of characters. She’s been the sweet optimistic girl, the careless free-spirit, and the beautiful sex symbol. In Alice she stars as the frightening villain, which makes you wonder if there’s a specific type of role she gravitates towards more than the other.

Because I’m older, I only get villains. It’s about whatever is well written and has somebody behind the camera that knows what they’re doing and is a really good storyteller.

In this case, the story was well known and versed by the general public so she knew exactly what she was getting into. It was the physical stuff, including the makeup and the digital work that surprised the actress. The Red Queen is known for having a big head but they wanted her body to still be petite. They went through several methods to get the ratio between the two just right.

Because they [journalists] go on about my head, but my waist is digitized. He [Burton] told me that right at the beginning. He said, ‘Don’t worry. You’re going to have it obviously. Don’t go for the full pull-in with the corset every morning.’ And so, I didn’t. And then, halfway through, he said, ‘You know, the waist is going to cost too much.’ So then, halfway through, suddenly I went for the pull and then luckily at the end somebody just told me ‘No, we did. We could do the waist.’

If Carter had to deal with that type of back and forth debate with her costume, we can only imagine what happened with her hair and makeup. The Red Queen has a very unique look, which took a couple of hours everyday to put complete.

They had to get rid of my hair line so you put a bald cap on, that takes about two-in-a-half-hours, then they have to paint it, and then they put my beauty make-up on, that took some time, and my huge wig, so yeah. They didn’t blow my head up every morning, they did that on the camera. I had this one camera, there are two cameras in the world that do this and they just blow your head up. That’s all it does. I had this huge camera dedicated to me. He [Burton] likes to deform me. I like it. I always like looking as different as I can.

Alice in Wonderland uses a lot of heavy CGI for the majority of the characters. There’s only a choice few that aren’t altered in a huge way, Anne Hathaway’s White Queen is a prime example. Every actor didn’t always have the opportunity to perform opposite a human being when the camera’s started rolling. Sometimes they had to improvise.

It was all green, but I don’t know, when you’re acting you have to imagine anyways. The unsung heroes of it are these various green people who gave us their lines off and we had real proper actors who were dressed in leotards. They gave us, if like for instance — I’ve only met Michael Sheen in the last 12-hours, I mean I have met him in life before, but he wasn’t there, I just had like a 12-inch drawing of a rabbit. Behind him was a green screen, green actor, that’s what we had to act opposite. I would have appreciated if [Sheen] would have come in his bunny outfit once, but he didn’t.

She also had to star opposite an unconventional version of Matt Lucas who starred as the Tweedles and talked about how Anne Hathaway improvised her own effects.

Matt had to be like always hunched over, on the floor, whenever I had to look at Matt, he was always in deepest conflict because he had to try to make himself smaller. [Hathaway] is the one who does her own special effects because she doesn’t have anything special done to her, she just does her own gliding, but Matt and me, and Crispin [Glover], I don’t know how he did it. He was on crutches, had no eye and somehow managed to remain upright, I don’t know how he did that. And you all have to act opposite tennis balls and bits of tape, but you do that anyway. Actually, tennis balls and bits of tape can be good actors, the minimal.

The movie has a lot of fantastical elements and does center on the basic story of Alice, but we wanted to know if Carter considered it a family film. There are a lot of Gothic themes and darker moments that take place that might scare small children.

Tim always has this theory that it’s us that have the problem, that we impose fears on our kids and the kids are actually quite robust. But it depends on your kid. I don’t know. We were trying to find a nursery school for our son, Bill. Apparently, according to the Montessori method, they can’t tell the difference between reality and fantasy until age 6. They had recommended no fairytales so that’s why we didn’t send Bill to Montessori because having Tim Burton and fairytales and his world of ideas. Oh! Okay!

Alice in Wonderland debuts in theaters this Friday, March 5, 2010.

Alice in Wonderland: Movie Review

Krystal Clark — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 22:00:41 +0000

Down the rabbit hole you go to visit Disney’s latest adaptation of the classic tale, Alice in Wonderland. The film is drenched with 3D visuals and the signature Gothic style of master filmmaker Tim Burton. The basic premise along with the talented cast led by newcomer Mia Wasikowska sounds like a recipe for cinematic gold, but overall it comes across as a bit uneven.

The Players:

Director: Tim Burton
Writer: Linda Woolverton, Lewis Carroll (Books, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass)
Cast: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Mia Wasikowska, Anne Hathaway, Crispin Glover, Michael Sheen, Matt Lucas, Alan Rickman, Stephen Fry, Barbara Windsor, Paul Whitehouse, Timothy Spall
Original Score: Danny Elfman
Cinematography: Dariusz Wolski

The Plot:

The film is based on a combination of Lewis Caroll’s books Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and the unofficial sequel, Through the Looking Glass. The story centers on a 19-year-old Alice, who makes a dramatic return to the fantasy land she visited as a child. She’s the only hope the inhabitants have against the rising threat of the evil Red Queen (Carter). She must fulfill a prophecy that names her as the savior of the suppressed kingdom, while trying to find her way back home to her would-be fiance.

The Good:

Helena Bonham Carter: The Red Queen was the most interesting character to watch in this film, and it wasn’t just because she’s the villain. Carter manages to show a lot vulnerability regardless of her tough exterior that makes the audience relate to her. Even though she does heinous things, you feel compassion because you know deep down she’s acting out of the hurt and rejection she’s felt most of her life.
Use of 3D: Unlike most films that come out these days, the 3D element wasn’t the biggest selling point for Alice. It’s there, it’s present, but it’s not overwhelming. It serves a purpose and gives you that depth of field without being over the top. It’s no Avatar.
Music: The score is one of the most important parts of this film because it keeps you interested with the story when the narration starts to drag. It takes your mind into this mystical world and you feel like a kid again. Similar to Beetlejuice or even Edward Scissorhands, it transports you to that special place.
Humor: Like most Burton films there were a lot of humorous moments mixed in with the darker portions of the story. The Red and White Queen both have their time to shine, and there’s an interesting use of dance that Alice and the Mad Hatter exhibit at key moments in the film that was hilarious. There’s only one word that can be used to describe it, “Futter-wacking.” Believe me, when you watch the movie you’ll get what it means.

The Bad:

The Mad Hatter: Johnny Depp did a great job in this film, but the character of the Mad Hatter was the uneven element I referred to earlier. He was a bipolar British man who turned Scottish when he got upset. The Mad Hatter is essentially crazy, but in an attempt to alter him for a new generation they risk confusing the hell out of fans of the original.

Overall:

Alice in Wonderland is a fun ride that you wouldn’t mind getting on once, but you’d hold off until the DVD to get on again. The performances are great, the music is fantastic, the visuals are polished, but the story is essentially the same. It’s the same Alice she’s just in a new outfit. But even though it’s not the greatest movie it’s still worth a viewing and the youngsters will definitely enjoy it.

Rating: 7.5/10

Alice in Wonderland debuts in theaters nationwide on March 5, 2010.

Photos:

Trailer:

Alexander McQueen And His Hollywood Connection

Krystal Clark — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 17:50:19 +0000

The entire world has been at a stand still since hearing about the death of one of fashion’s most innovative designers. Alexander McQueen was found dead in his apartment last Thursday devastating many of his fans and customers from all over the globe. Even though he was known for dressing runways and he had a knack for working with some of Hollywood’s most creative actors and directors.

It’s been highly publicized that McQueen worked alongside pop superstar Lady Gaga on her signature look, but how many of you knew about his collaborations with Tim Burton? The director mostly known for his Gothic motif shared some sketches with the late designer on several projects. Burton’s partner Helena Bonham Carter spoke about McQueen and his raw talent after the news of his death broke on Friday.

“It’s absolutely tragic. What horrible news. It’s just horrendous to think that someone was so devastated by his mother dying. I loved McQueen. Tim did some drawings for one of his shows, did a shirt with him together. He had such lovely vision; originality comes quite hard these days.”

McQueen was also known for mixing it up with the ladies from the Sex and the City cast most notably, Sarah Jessica Parker.

“In my brief but honored time spent with him I learned he would never let even the tiniest and seemingly inconsequential detail be unfinished. That’s why his death is so haunting. Godspeed, Lee. It has been a privilege for all of us to know you.”

McQueen was just 40 years old when he was found hanging in his wardrobe. The latest updates claim that a suicide note was found near his body, which explained his depression regarding his mother’s recent death.

Are you familiar with any other film work that McQueen has done?

Source: Hollywood.com

Helena Bonham Carter Cast in The King’s Speech

Krystal Clark — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:03:21 +0000

The King’s Speech is turning out to be a film of epic proportions in terms of its cast. The movie already had Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush taking on the lead roles, and now according to Variety, a slew of new actors have joined in on the fun. We’re talking Academy award nominees, winners, and a few stage and screen legends.

According to the trade, Helena Bonham Carter, Guy Pearce, Jennifer Ehle, Derek Jacobi, Timothy Spall and Michael Gambon have all joined the cast of Tom Hooper‘s film, The King’s Speech.

This period drama follows the young King George VI — the father of the current Queen Elizabeth II — as he reluctantly assumes the throne after his brother, Edward, abdicates. Considered unfit to rule and cursed with a nervous stammer, the unprepared monarch turns to an unorthodox speech therapist, Lionel Logue. The two men form an unlikely friendship as King George finds his voice and leads the country into war against the Nazis.

Colin Firth will play the king in question and Rush will play his therapist. Hooper will direct from a script written by David Seidler. The film recently began shooting in England and upon completion will be distributed by the Weinstein Company in North America.

This movie has prestige written all over it, and hopefully it has a kick ass screenplay to match its gifted cast. One can only hope that this would be the film that places Oscar gold in Firth’s hands. He’s a great actor, so why is it taking so long for him to get his proper recognition?

What do you think of the latest casting for The King’s Speech?

2 New Harry Potter Clips

Mali Elfman — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:41:28 +0000

Warner Brothers just sent over two new clips from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The first one is of Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint), Hermoine (Emma Watson), and Ginny (Bonnie Wright) all trying to find out what’s inside Harry’s new book, which asks “Who is the Half-Blood Prince?” The second clip involves Bellatrix Lestrange (Helena Bonham Carter) shooting out of the sky and yelling “I Killed Sirius Black”and then tricking the Harry and Ginny into a sticky situation. How will they ever get out (again)!

Now, you should know my opinion on clips by now. I think you should just wait for the movie so that there are as many surprises as possible. BUT! If nothing can spoil it for you and you need a Potter fix, check out the two new clips below…

“Who is the Half-Blood Prince”:

“I Killed Sirius Black”:

I have nothing left to saw. I want my Potter and I want it now!

Official Alice in Wonderland Character Photos!

Krystal Clark — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:08:14 +0000

This is why I love Tim Burton and Johnny Depp! Several quality photos have been released for Burton’s upcoming take on the classic children’s tale Alice in Wonderland. As you can see in the miniature photos above three of the main character’s have taken front and center. Depp as the Mad Hatter, Helena Bonham Carter as The Red Queen, and Anne Hathaway as The White Queen. We also have a photo of Tweedledee and Tweedledum as portrayed by British comedian Matt Lucas. USAToday recently ran a feature where they debuted the images and an interview from the film’s producer Richard Zanuck who says the story has been officially ”Burton-ized.”

Check out the full sized photos after the jump.

Tim Burton is known for his Gothic inspired films and Alice in Wonderland in no different. Zanuck went on to say that his interpretation is pretty dark, but then again so was the original story.

There is the usual Burton-esque ghoulishness (Helena Bonham Carter’s Red Queen, whose favorite retort is “Off with their heads,” has a moat filled with bobbing noggins), but Zanuck assures most kids can handle it. “The book itself is pretty dark,” he notes. “This is for little people and people who read it when they were little 50 years ago.”

The film was shot in 40 days and they are beginning to merge the live action with the CG and motion capture footage. I’m more than just a little excited about this. As usual Depp decides not to trade in on his good looks but his talent, by creating a character who Zanuck says is “Off his rocker.” His eyes, his pale face, his infamous hat all scream terrifying but watchable. Anne Hathaway looks stunning as the White Queen, and Bonham Carter looks devilish just as The Red Queen should.

Alice in Wonderland is scheduled for release on March 5, 2010, and will be available in 2D as well as Disney Digital 3-D.

What do you think about the first official set of character photos from Alice in Wonderland?

ScreenCrave.com » Helena Bonham Carter

First Official Photo of Johnny Depp in Dark Shadows

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Overall:

Rating: 10/10

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