ScreenCrave.com » Robert Downey Jr

New Photos of The Avengers Looking At Things

Damon Houx — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:22:28 +0000

Marvel wants to get you excited about their upcoming film The Avengers. Really excited, as much of the future of their cinematic empire rests on its success, and so prepare to be inundated with ads and trailers and such until it hits theaters on May 4. Until then, Marvel.com has issued five new pictures that show stars Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Jeremy Renner, Mark Ruffalo, and Scarlet Johansson looking at things. But, you know, looking intently. Take a look…

As you can see from this gallery, much of the movie involves looking at things. Some of those things include files and paperwork, while others include cast members. They talk, they stare at the camera, and perhaps perform unnecessary surgeries on unsuspecting patients. This was always a concern when Joss Whedon was hired, as he’s known for his gab-fests and elective surgery bent.

In case you forgot, the film is in 3-D. It’s interesting to note that this is rarely a selling point any more, and sometimes you have to study a poster to know for sure if what you’re seeing is going to be offered in more dimensions than two. Such should make the film’s intense “looking at things” moments all that more realistic and engaging.

If you see The Avengers, will opt for 2-D or 3-D?

Latest Avengers Pictures and Superhero Cameo Rumors

Damon Houx — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:12:50 +0000

With less than four months to go until the launch of the The Avengers, we’re getting all sorts of stories, pictures and rumors about the film, which has a May 4 release date. Of late, Empire Magazine has had four character-specific covers, there’s hints at what the film’s Hulk might look like, and a completely baseless rumor about a possible Marvel franchise cross-over. Take a look….

Empire has four covers for the movie with Robert Downey Jr., Scarlet Johansson, Chris Evans, and Chris Hemsworth, and you can view those on their site, or right here:

Empire also has a sculpture for the upcoming Hulk Toy, and here’s some artwork from the likely film-approved comic-book tie-in.

But the most iffy news to come out is that Jenny Agutter (best known for her work in such films as Walkabout and An American Werewolf in London) was interviewed by The Radios Times, and talked about her role in the film where she mentioned how much secrecy was involved in making the movie. Though Agutter is not directly quoted, she supposedly shared Winnebagos with Iron Man and – more interestingly Spider-Man. Spider-Man is currently owned cinematically by Sony, and though it’s possible that the companies could work out some sort of cross-over for promotion, it seems more likely that the journalist or Miss Agutter are not all that comic-book savvy and thought the web-slinger was in the film. But what is the internet for if not baseless speculation?

What is the internet for if not baseless specualtion?

Robert Downey Jr. To Star In Tim Burton’s ‘Pinocchio’ Adaptation?

traviswoods — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:07:37 +0000

Tim Burton certainly is on a remake/adaptation tear lately—the Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands director knocked out a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory adaptation in 2005, a Sweeny Todd adaptation in 2007, and an Alice in Wonderland remake in 2010, as well as currently filming a Dark Shadows update with Johnny Depp, and is set to helm an adaptation of Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, along with a remake of his very own Frankenweenie. And now, news has broke that Burton has his eye on a live-action version of Pinocchio starring Robert Downey Jr.

But no, don’t worry, he doesn’t want Downey Jr. quirking it up as a living wooden dummy boy—he wants the Iron Man star to play the woodcarver Geppetto, who acts as a father figure to the living puppet. Now, keep in mind that “neither Burton nor Downey has a deal with Warners, but sources say Burton is keen to direct the film and has begun talks with the studio, so it’s just a question of whether Pinocchio will be his next movie.” That said, Downey has apparently expressed interest in working with Burton.

It seems to all be down to a matter of timing. Pushing Daisies creator Bryan Fuller has already written the script, but Burton’s heavy schedule may keep the film from happening any time soon—which may kill the project, as both Guillermo Del Toro and Shawn Levy are already making their own respective Pinocchio films. Stay tuned, we’ll keep you updated!

What do you think of the Burton news?

Source: /Film

Sherlock Holmes: A Games of Shadows — Movie Review

Laura Aguirre — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 23:04:37 +0000

Robert Downey Jr. reprises his role as the legendary fast-talking intellectual sleuth Sherlock Holmes in Guy Ritchie‘s sequel Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. Jude Law also returns as Holmes’s faithful best friend and sidekick Dr. Watson. This time, the two travel to exotic places like Paris and Switzerland with the sole purpose of taking down the villainous Professor Moriarty (Jared Harris), an influential scholar and close friend to the British prime minister. Joining them in their journey is Noomi Rapace, the Swedish actress who became an international success thanks to her portrayal of Lisbeth Salander in the original The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo; comedian Stephen Fry plays Holmes’s snobby older brother. Let’s see if this blockbuster is worth your jolly golly time this Holiday season.

The Players:

Director: Guy Ritchie
Writer: Michele Mulroney, Kieran Mulroney, and Arthur Conan Doyle
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Jared Harris, and Noomi Rapace
Cinematography: Philippe Rousselot

The Plot:

Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Dr. Watson take on a new criminal mastermind, Professor Moriarty. When the Crown Prince of Austria is found dead, the evidence points to suicide. But Sherlock Holmes concludes that the prince has been the victim of a murder designed to look like a suicide by Professor Moriarty. Holmes and the Doctor set out to expose Professor Moriarty for what he really is, but he proves to be a fierce adversary.

The Good:

Robert Downey Jr. Is A Star: The true star of this movie is RDJ. With his charm and wit, RDJ’s Holmes keeps this movie alive. Whether he’s dressed in drag or covered in dirt, he is always entertaining to watch.
The Sleuth And His Sidekick: RDJ and Jude Law have mastered their brother-like relationship on the screen. They know each other better than they know themselves. In this sequel, Holmes is sad – though he denies it – to see his best friend and partner in crime-solving get hitched. Unfortunately, because of the lack of story (see below), that’s all we see. The film doesn’t explore how things will be now that Dr. Watson is married. Sometimes the two talk about their future, but these conversations are overshadowed by plot and action. Still, the chemistry is there. RDJ may be the star, but behind every great detective, there’s a great sidekick. Jude Law brings out the best in RDJ.
Noomi Rapace: Sherlock Holmes is Rapace’s first American movie. It’s endearing watching her play with two Hollywood big shots. Despite being a relatively newcomer, Rapace never allows herself to be overshadowed by RDJ or Jude Law. In part, this is thanks to Ritchie who didn’t cast Rapace as a replacement for Rachel McAdams, instead she plays a badass gypsy who needs no looking after. Here, she’s doing the saving.
Professor Moriarty: Although Jared Harris isn’t as charming as our hero, he’s the perfect match – intelligent, arrogant and, he’s even got an evil grin.

The So-So:

Clever Cinematography: Throughout the movie, there’s this recurring sequence where Holmes calculates the outcome of a certain fight seconds before it happens. While this is a unique way to play out a fighting scene, it could be a bit distracting and insulting. The big problem with this clever cinematography is that it’s not just showing us what is going to happen, but Holmes is describing his every move. Filmmaking 101: Show, don’t tell. Yes, the slow motion, attention to detail and loud sound effects look and sound amazing, but by the end, Ritchie’s method is exhausted. He’s spoon-feeding his audience and that’s insulting. He doesn’t allow his audience the chance to figure anything out.

The Bad:

They Forgot About The Story: Despite the great performances in the movie, it’s sad to say that each character, with the exception of Holmes, is mostly used to move the plot forward. At a glance, Sherlock Holmes has some great topics both political and personal, but none of these are ever explored. It’s always about solving the murder and getting rid of the bad guy.

Overall:

Sherlock Holmes is a movie for the masses – there’s exotic locations, tons of action and a charming and witty hero. Though some of us may want more story than plot, let’s face it, 70% of the box office revenue will come from overseas audiences where plot is king. Does Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows entertain? You bet it does.

Rating: 6.5/10

See Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows in theaters on December 16, 2011.

Photo Gallery:

Trailer:

Will you watch Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows?

Jamie Foxx, Mel Gibson and Garry Shandling Mock Robert Downey Jr.

Damon Houx — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:42:41 +0000

The American Cinematheque recently honored Robert Downey Jr. for his contributions to cinema, and got his friends Jamie Foxx, Mel Gibson and Garry Shandling to roast him in a video before the presentation. Starting with Foxx complaining about Downey going for black roles after Tropic Thunder, the piece goes into his drug use and prison stint, and covers the most famous troubled incidents the actor has had. It’s also pretty funny. Check it out.

The Brain Storm with Mel Gibson, Jamie Foxx & Garry Shandling from Mel Gibson

One of the great things about videos like this are that they relieve the tension. Downey gets to be made fun of by his friends, and they cover all the bad stuff so it’s brought up and put out of the way. The elephant in the room is addressed and is now able to walk out slowly.

But what it also brings up is that Robert Downey Jr. has had a varied career and interesting life, the sort that doesn’t always lead to being on the most famous and successful stars in Hollywood. Perhaps part of his appeal is connected to that checkered past, and audiences like that he’s someone who’s gone through the ringer and come out on the other side. Or perhaps being exceptionally talented – as it often does – washes away sins.

Do you think about Robert Downey Jr.’s prison stint when you see Iron Man?

Action Packed Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows Trailer

Damon Houx — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:51:58 +0000

Will Robert Downey Jr. wear out his welcome? Hard to say, but he’s now got two franchises where he plays a smart jerk. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows is Guy Richie‘s sequel to 2009′s surprisingly successful (it was overshadowed by Avatar, but made over $200 Million domestic) reworking of Arthur Conan Doyle’s most famous character. The newest entry co-stars Jude Law, Noomi Rapace, and Jared Harris. Check out the latest trailer…

The trailer suggests the return of Rachel McAdams, but as she is not top billed you can expect her either to leave the story for much of the film or to be killed off dramatically (though a vengeful Holmes sounds like less fun). I thought the first film was likeable, the sort of film that is rousing while you watch it and clever enough to make it not insulting – but not the sort of film that inspires great enthusiasm.

But the first film made over half a billion worldwide, so it’s probably worth going back for more. I like Downey Jr., and he’s done a better job than most comic book film stars in positioning himself as more than just the man behind the mask. Perhaps his success is similar to comedians like Will Ferrell, where as long as he does what people like him for they’ll turn out. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows opens December 16.

Will you watch everything Downey Jr.?

Robert Downey Jr. to Reboot Perry Mason

Damon Houx — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 18:36:37 +0000

Hollywood: Now making movies for grandparents! Robert Downey Jr.‘s production team and Warner Brothers are currently trying to relaunch Perry Mason for the big screen, with Downey eyeing the lead role, according to Variety. Nothing else is set, but we’ve seen a number of these sorts of projects lately, with Johnny Depp on The Thin Man, Fox relaunching Mr. Ed, and now this.

And what we’re witnessing is the extent of branding and its borderline-corrosive effects on Hollywood. It’s much easier to get a project going that’s called Perry Mason with Robert Downey Jr. than it is a random lawyer movie starring him. Why? Because the name Perry Mason is familiar, even if the audience hasn’t seen the show. That makes executives happy, and everyone knows that you only have to do lip service to the original.But from a creative point of view it suggests that the industry is afraid of doing something original, which means it will have to remake remakes in 2035.

The Variety story suggests that the film may be done as a period piece – with the film set in the 1930′s – which may be done because it avoids the traps of cell phones and DNA evidence. Those things make it harder to not only create mysteries but also feel television. But that then turns this into a film that costs $200 Million before a page is shot. We shall see.

Did you see Perry Mason growing up? For me it was always on at noon when I stayed home sick as a kid and was boring as all get out.

The Avengers Are Assembled (Via Photoshop)

Damon Houx — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 19:25:45 +0000

Marvel studios has been building to Joss Whedon‘s The Avengers since 2008, when Robert Downey Jr. and Samuel L. Jackson had an end credit scene that laid out the possibility of Tony Stark working with a team. Since then we’ve seen Chris Hemsworth cast as Thor, Scarlett Johansson cast as Black Widow, Chris Evans cast as Captain America, Jeremy Renner cast as Hawkeye, and Edward Norton cast as the Hulk. Six out of seven isn’t bad. All of The Avengers save Jackson grace the latest Entertainment weekly cover, and features the new Hulk Mark Ruffalo. Check out the cover….

The Avengers has a teaser poster out, and we’ve been hearing word that an official trailer may hit as soon as next week on Real Steel. Which means shooting is about done, and post is already under way for the film, which opens May 4, 2012. AND THIS is the best they can come up with? What the heck is that look on Mark Ruffalo’s face?

The Entertainment Weekly story has more pictures of the shooting and suggests that the shoot went well-ish (though Robert Downey Jr. asked for lots of rewrites) which may get people excited. Bottom line is that the fanbase is pre-sold, so though this may be putting the wrong foot forward, it does get across what to expect from the film. An ensemble. Hopefully they work together better than this cover suggests.

There’s no way this would dissuade you from seeing The Avengers, right?

D23: Avengers Footage Description – Robert Downey Jr. points out that “We Have a Hulk!”

Damon Houx — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 22:34:11 +0000

Saving the best for last, D23‘s movie panel concluded with footage from The Avengers, which is still shooting and has two weeks left to go. Though some of the cast was unavailable, Disney brought out Robert Downey Jr., Scarlet Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston and Colbie Smulders to wave at the crowd before they showed the footage twice. Here’s the breakdown…

The footage

Loki (Hiddleston) is locked in a glass cage, while Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) taunts him about how the container will drop him 30,000 feet into steel if he so much as scratches the glass “Ant. Boot.”
Loki then notes why they have the cage in the first place (to hold The Hulk) as it cuts to Black Widow (Johansson), Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Hemsworth) and Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) watching (and possibly Tony Stark, though he’s kept off screen).
Loki taunts Fury that they’re so close, but don’t have what they’re looking for.
Banner notes that Loki “grows on you.”

There’s a montage of action (Thor’s hammer hits Cap’s shield, there’s a chase after Loki, Iron Man flies)
Tony Stark is at a bar at his house, having a conversation with Loki, where Stark talks about having assassins (then it highlights Black Widow and Renner’s Hawkeye), a demi-God (Thor), and ” a living legend, who kind of lives up to the legend” (Cap).
Loki interrupts with “I have an army!” And Stark replies “We have a Hulk.” And then the footage cuts to the Hulk. Boom, title card, end.

The best part of the footage was getting to see Ruffalo’s Banner in action, who’s the newest actor to play the Hulk character, and the one who it’s most exciting to see play in that world. This very much feels like a Joss Whedon script as everyone says snarky, kind of funny things. I was surprised that the footage was not scope (2.35:1), but it’s hard to know if the film is being shot flat (1.85:1), or if that’s just what was available for the footage. Still, it sent everyone out on a high.

How stoked are you for The Avengers?

Robert Downey Jr. Exits Oz, The Great and Powerful, Johnny Depp to Replace Him?

Krystal Clark — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 16:16:43 +0000

Robert Downey Jr. must be a very busy man, because he’s dropping out of projects left and right. First, he left the Alfonso Cuaron sci-fi pic Gravity, and now he’s left Sam Raimi’s Wizard of Oz prequel, Oz the Great and Powerful. But before you get too depressed, THR claims that Disney’s golden goose Johnny Depp might pick up where Downey left off.

Disney will produce Raimi’s version of Oz, and due to their strong relationship with Depp they feel as if he’d be the perfect candidate to play the title character. The actor has already headlined several blockbuster films for the studio including Alice in Wonderland and the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.

Despite their history, Depp’s not a done deal. The actor is a very busy man, and is expected to begin shooting Tim Burton’s Dark Shadows adaptation fairly soon. At the same time, Disney has already hired “a unit production manager and begun the task of creating the world of Oz.”

On another note, if Depp does accept the role in Oz, it would affect another Disney project he has in the works – Lone Ranger. The production will have to be pushed back to accommodate the new feature. What’s a studio to do?

Who do you think should replace Downey?

Video: Sherlock Holmes 2 Behind the Scenes

Krystal Clark — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 22:58:17 +0000

Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law are at it again as the latest incarnations of Sherlock Holmes and his partner John Watson. The duo will reprise their roles for the sequel to the 2009 box office smash and will be joined by a few new faces including Scandinavian actress Noomi Rapace. Entertainment Tonight recently had an opportunity to hang out on the high octane film set, and they’ve posted some risque footage from their visit. Take a look…

Robert Downey Jr. in drag? We’re there! That man could dress up in a bear costume and we’d still be fans. How is it that the lipstick looks slightly appropriate on him?

The cast of Sherlock Holmes 2 also includes Jared Harris, Eddie Marsan, Stephen Fry and Gilles Lellouche. Harris has been named as the villain Moriarty, while Fry will play Holmes’ older brother, and Rapace will star as the female lead. The film will once again be directed by Guy Ritchie and is scheduled to hit theaters on December 16, 2011.

What do you think of the behind the scenes footage from Sherlock Holmes 2? Are you interested in seeing the film?

Robert Downey Jr. Cast in Peabody and Sherman

Krystal Clark — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 19:15:25 +0000

Robert Downey Jr. will step away from his role as an action star, to lend his voice to a 3D animated feature. According to EW, Downey has been cast in the upcoming film Peabody & Sherman. If those names sound familiar they should, they were characters featured on the TV series “Rocky and His Friends” as well as “The Bullwinkle Show.”

Downey will voice Mr. Peabody, the genius of the two, who happens to be a dog. The screenplay for the new Peabody & Sherman was written by Jeffrey Ventimilia and Joshua Sternin, who have done work on “The Simpsons” and the recently adapted Yogi Bear film (we’re not sure if that’s a good sign). The project was just announced internally over at DreamWorks Animation.

The cartoons were created in the late 1950s and ’60s, but remained popular for decades, though they may have fallen off the radar for those under 30. The new animated feature, planned for 2014, aims to bring the duo back to the pop culture mainstream. “Certainly for Boomers, they’re in the sweet spot of our childhood animation memories, but beyond there it gets a little bit, well, not quite as familiar,” says director Rob Minkoff (The Lion King).

When it came to Rocky and Bullwinkle, we didn’t spend a lot of time concentrating on their spin-off/sidekick characters but when you throw in Downey, you’ve got our attention. The story must be somewhat interesting and funny if he’s decided to voice one of the main characters. We wonder who will play his partner Sherman? Any ideas?

What do you think of Downey starring in Peabody & Sherman? Are you interested in seeing the film adaptation?

ScreenCrave.com » Robert Downey Jr

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Sherlock Holmes: A Games of Shadows — Movie Review

The Players:

The Plot:

The Good:

The So-So:

The Bad:

Overall:

Rating: 6.5/10

Photo Gallery:

Trailer:

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