Rian Johnson Tapped to Direct 'Star Wars Episode VIII'

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June 20, 2014

The Star Wars news just keeps rolling in. While we already know that both Gareth Edwards and Josh Trank have been tapped for two of the new spin-offs in the universe, and that J.J. Abrams is directing the highly anticipated Star Wars Episode VII. But with the ambitious plan to have a new trilogy film every other year, it was only a matter of time before we learned who the director for Star Wars Episode VIII was going to be. While many, myself included, believed that J.J. Abrams would be directing the entire trilogy, it now seems that will not be the case, as director Rian Johnson (Looper, Brick) has just signed on to write and direct the eighth film in the ever expanding Star Wars saga.

Deadline broke the news about Johnson’s involvement in the film. But it doesn’t appear that’s where his work will stop, as he writes and directs the next film, as he will also be writing the treatment for Star Wars Episode IX as well, according to The Wrap. Johnson’s involvement is an incredibly exciting turn of events, and also proves something I’ve been noticing for a long time now, that Lucasfilm is really looking to get some of the most creative minds in Hollywood to join the series and bring their visions to life. Johnson is one of my favorite directors, and he’s got a very specific vision and style that will really lend itself well to the Star Wars universe, and it’s going to be great to see what he does here.

It’s even better to hear that he will also be writing the treatment for Episode IX, because it means there will be some sort of cohesion between the last two films in the trilogy. It’ll be interesting to see if Abrams is also involved in these last two films as well, but if he isn’t, it’s not a deal breaker, because it’s really Kathleen Kennedy who is spearheading the new series. As long as she’s involved, the series will be in great hands, but letting Johnson script out the final two stories will give the films a familiar voice, and really brings them together.

While Lucasfilm has yet to confirm the news yet, Johnson did on his twitter with this:

https://t.co/z0T140SzXv

— Rian Johnson (@rianjohnson) June 20, 2014

It’s really great to see Lucasfilm getting such talented filmmakers and giving them a chance to shine in the Star Wars universe now. This is a vast and open universe that really needs to be explored, and giving these different directors the freedom and opportunity to do it speaks volumes of what they’re hoping for. So far, all these directors have all made very character driven films, much like the original trilogy, and they’ll fit into the grand Star Wars universe. The only question I have now about Johnson’s involvement is does this mean Joseph Gordon-Levitt will be joining the Star Wars universe, because they’ve continually worked together over the years. Here’s to hoping!

Are you excited by Johnson’s involvement in Star Wars Episode VIII and Star Wars Episode IX? Sound off in the usual place!

Movie Review 'JERSEY BOYS'

By

Loretta Garcia - Contributing Writer

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June 20, 2014

I had the opportunity to attend the media preview of the Jersey Boys Movie at LA Live on Thursday, June 20th and absolutely loved it. Having just enjoyed the Vegas show at Paris Hotel and Casino, last week, the movie brought together several key points missing in the stage show.

Jersey Boys, the Movie starts out in Bellevue, New Jersey where Tommy DeVito (VINCENT PIAZZA) is part of a band which includes his brother Nick DeVito (JOHNNY CANNIZZARO) and friend, Nick Massi (MICHAEL LOMENDA). Tommy also works for mobster Gyp DeCarlo (CHRISTOPHER WALKEN). The group not only sings, but does their fair share of breaking the law and in the case of brothers, Tommy and Nick, spending time behind bars.

During one of the group’s performances, Tommy brings up little Frankie Castelluccio (JOHN LLOYD YOUNG) to the stage and the audience is instantly mesmerized by his voice. A blotched robbery sends Nick and Tommy DeVito to jail, leaving Frankie, who has changed his last name to Valli, and Nick Massi to struggle along. After Tommy’s release, he returns to the group and continues as a member and manager in charge of setting up gigs and running the group. Unfortunately Tommy also has a gambling problem which causes his downfall and subsequent departure from the group.

A fellow Jersey friend, Joey Pesci (JOSEPH RUSSO) introduces a young kid named Bob Gaudio (ERICH BERGEN) who after hearing Frankie sing, turns to the camera and says, “… I know I need to write for this voice”. Gaudio already has a hit record called “short shorts” on the charts and joins the group.

With Gaudio writing songs for Frankie’s voice, the group signs up with songwriter and producer Bob Crewe (MIKE DOYLE ) and finally get their first hit “Sherry”. The group’s popularity takes off and Bob writes hit after hit. Everything appears to be going great, until Tommy’s gambling debt is discovered and Frankie with the help of Gyp steps up to cover. As part of the deal, Tommy leaves the group and in a moment of anger, Nick also quits, leaving Bob and Frankie to pick up the pieces and continue touring. Although the movie focuses on the group struggles and rise to fame, Frankie’s relationship and marriage to first wife, Mary Delgado (RENÉE MARINO) are also featured as is the death of his daughter, Francine and his relationship with Lorraine (ERICA PICCININNI) his second wife.

The film combines the trials and hardships of four young kids from New Jersey from the early years through their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, with the music from their incredible hits, like, Sherry, Dawn, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Walk like a Man, Rag Doll, December 1963, and many more, including my favorites, My Eyes adored you and Can’t take my eyes off of you. The movie gives us insight into how being on the road caused the destruction of Frankie’s home life and what fame and fortune can do to a person. It shows how spending time together as a group is never easy and finally it gives us a look into the strength and dedication of true friendship “Jersey Style”.

My favorite scene in the movie and there were many to chose from, has to be the finale. Choreographer, Sergio Trujillo put together the equivalent of a stage curtain call based on Mr. Eastwood’s vision. The finale gives us all of the actors in their respective decades wardrobe, singing and dancing down the streets of New Jersey (or in this case Warner Brothers backlot), to the biggest Four Seasons hits.

The actors did an amazing job portraying Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons and for me growing up with their music, it was a wonderful trip down memory lane as I sang along to all my favorite songs. JOHN LLOYD YOUNG who stars as Frankie Vallie won a Tony Award, a Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Theatre World Award for his Broadway role in Jersey Boys. ERICH BERGEN as Bob Guadio, starred in the first touring production as well as the Las Vegas and Los Angeles productions of Jersey Boys. MICHAEL LOMENDA, who played Nick Massi, also starred in the first touring production of Jersey Boys, while VINCENT PIAZZA playing Tommy DeVito, was the only one of the four that did not have a musical background. Every one of these actors, made me feel, I was watching and listening to the real Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

Director / Producer Clint Eastwood along with producers Robert Lorenz and Graham King and Screenwriters Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice and the crew took the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons to a new level. From Mr. Eastwood’s decision to have the actors sing the hits live on camera to the scenes where they use the fourth wall (talking into the camera), Eastwood, and his crew along with Frankie Valli and Bob Guadio as Executive Producers, have taken the stage production and turned it into a Hit Movie that will have you dancing and singing in your seats, yet also have you walk away with the knowledge of the hard work and sacrifice made by so many to bring us the music of the Four Seasons.

Don’t miss Jersey Boys, the Movie NOW in theatres. #jerseyboysmovie

My name is Loretta Garcia and I am a contributing writer for Socalthrills. I am also a travel agent with Destinations in Florida. Email me at [email protected] to book your next Amazing Magical Adventures to your favorite destinations.

Is Matt Damon Returning for 'Bourne 5'?

By

Patrick Campbell

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June 19, 2014

It’s no secret that fans have been clamoring for Matt Damon to return to the role of Jason Bourne following the ending of The Bourne Ultimatum. The series, based on the series of books by Robert Ludlum, followed Damon’s amnesic secret agent as he uncovers the truth about his past, while trying to run from it. But as the third film came to a close, so did Damon’s ties to the franchise. But that wasn’t the end of the series, as Universal launched a fourth film in 2012 film, The Bourne Legacy, that saw Jeremy Renner picking up the mantle as a new character named Aaron Cross, who had ties to Bourne’s past. The film had many connections and references to Jason, but we never once saw him in the film.

For some time now, Damon has been adamant that the only way he would return was with director Paul Greengrass, who helmed the second and third films in the franchise:

“I’ve always been open to it if Paul Greengrass is the director. We’ve just never been able to come up with a story. So if any of your viewers have a story, please call Universal and submit it. It felt like such a good way to end it the last time… But having said that, I love that character and I’d love to see what happened to him.”

Well, it seems like Damon may have finally changed his mind, because Elmayimbe over at Latino Review has just unleashed a new scoop that Damon will certainly be back for the currently untitled Bourne 5, and that his involvement is what has delayed the film almost a full year. His article goes on to say that the studio stating that the change of date was to accommodate their new film Straight Out of Compton, the real story about the Rap group N.W.A., but Elmayimbe goes on to refute the claim, saying it is common studio misdirection. He then goes further and adds this tidbit:

Also think about the following, the last Bourne movie (The Bourne Legacy) made $276 million worldwide at the box office. So why is the studio slotting Bourne 5 against Ice Age 5 whose last entry made $877 million?! Does that make any sense? Universal must have a serious ace card up its sleeve. You know what that ace card is?

Matt f**king Damon.

I don’t know how Justin Lin convinced Damon to come back to Bourne or why Damon changed his mind but I’m sure we will get to know why in the months to come. I’m sure they found a story they both liked. My source believes that Damon recent misfires at the box office has a lot to do with it as well.

It all makes a lot of sense, and Damon’s recent failures, plus the fan demand, and Universal knowing that Damon’s Jason Bourne is really the reason people love the franchise, bringing him back is a no brainer. But what about his talk about only coming back if Greengrass was involved? Well, to be frank, I think it’s safe to say that with director Justin Lin involved with the film, that was reason enough to make Damon comfortable enough to return. Lin was the driving force behind the recent revitalization of the Fast and Furious franchise, directing the third through sixth installments in the series, and making it a truly high profile series again. His direction and story really brought the series back from extinction, and I’m sure Universal is hoping he can do the same thing here. Lin probably has a pretty big story set up, and one that makes Damon excited to return, and his prior work had to have made him comfortable enough to finally say yes to returning.

What will this mean for Jeremy Renner’s Aaron Cross character though? Many fans are worried that this could be the end of his character already, but as many who saw The Bourne Legacy know, Cross was on a mission to find Damon’s Jason Bourne. This would be the best of both worlds scenario, where fans of both characters get to see them together on screen, fighting each other, and then eventually side by side. My gut says that is the way the film will go, and when I asked Elmayimbe directly about it on twitter, this is what he had to say:

@pj_campbell NO COMMENT :)

— Umberto Gonzalez (@elmayimbe) June 20, 2014

It’s not a yes, but I’m cautiously optimistic that he knows there’s a team up on the horizon, and he doesn’t want to spill it to the fans just yet. This is all great news, and while nothing has been officially confirmed by the studio, Elmayimbe is willing to be the house on that his source is right, and that we will once again see Jason Bourne back on the big screen again. Also, one thing to consider is that expanded universes are all the rage right now in Hollywood, with things like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and soon to be the expanded Star Wars and DC universes, adding a layer of that to the Bourne series, as we’ve see they’ve begun to establish, just makes sense. It would be beneficial not just for the fans, but for the studio as well.

Are you excited about the prospect of seeing Matt Damon back as Jason Bourne, and the possibility of a team up with Jeremy Renner’s Aaron Cross? Sound off in the usual place.

Robert Downey, Jr. Returns to Drama in 'The Judge' Trailer

By

Patrick Campbell

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June 19, 2014

Robert Downey, Jr. has tweeted the first trailer for his new film, The Judge, which he he produced and stars in, alongside Robert Duvall. It’s the first time in a long while we’ve seen Downey, Jr. in a role outside of his larger than life, super egotistical, and superheroic characters he’s been playing since his return to stardom in 2008’s Iron Man, which put him back in the spotlight. So to see him returning to his roots, in a film closer in tone to Chaplin, has me absolutely giddy with anticipation. He’s done great work as Tony Stark and Sherlock Holmes, but it’ll be great to see Downey, Jr. really sinking his teeth into a new film that gives him a chance to flex his dramatic muscles again.

The film follows Downey, Jr.’s character, Hank Palmer, as he returns home, to find his father, Joseph Palmer (Duvall), who is the town’s judge, is being accused of murder.

The Judge, directed by David Dobkin, opens October 10, 2014.

Check out WB’s full press release below:

From Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures comes “The Judge,” starring Oscar® nominee Robert Downey Jr. (“Tropic Thunder,” the “Sherlock Holmes” films, the “Iron Man” franchise), Oscar® winner Robert Duvall (“Tender Mercies,” “Crazy Heart”) and Oscar® nominee Vera Farmiga (“Up in the Air,” “The Conjuring”). The film is directed by David Dobkin (“Wedding Crashers”).

In “The Judge,” Downey stars as big city lawyer Hank Palmer, who returns to his childhood home where his estranged father, the town’s judge (Duvall), is suspected of murder. He sets out to discover the truth and along the way reconnects with the family he walked away from years before.

Starring alongside Downey, Duvall and Farmiga are Vincent D’Onofrio (TV’s “Law & Order: Criminal Intent”), Jeremy Strong (“Zero Dark Thirty,” “Lincoln”), Dax Shephard (TV’s “Parenthood”), and Oscar® winner Billy Bob Thornton (“Sling Blade,” “Friday Night Lights”). The film also stars Oscar® winner Melissa Leo (“The Fighter,” “Prisoners”), Leighton Meester (TV’s “Gossip Girl”), Ken Howard (“J. Edgar,” “Michael Clayton”), Emma Tremblay (“Elysium”), Balthazar Getty (TV’s “Brothers & Sisters”), David Krumholtz (“This Is the End”), Sarah Lancaster (TV’s “Chuck”), Grace Zabriskie (TV’s “Big Love”) and Denis O’Hare (TV’s “True Blood”).

“The Judge” is being produced by Susan Downey (the “Sherlock Holmes” films), David Dobkin, and David Gambino (“The Brave One”), with Herbert W. Gains, Robert Downey Jr., Jeff Kleeman and Bruce Berman serving as executive producers. The screenplay is by Nick Schenk (“Gran Torino”) and Bill Dubuque, story by Dobkin & Schenk.

Dobkin’s behind the scenes creative team includes Oscar®-winning director of photography Janusz Kaminski (“Saving Private Ryan,” “Lincoln”), production designer Mark Ricker (“The Way Way Back,” “The Help”), editor Mark Livolsi (“The Blind Side”) and costume designer Marlene Stewart (“Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters,” “Tropic Thunder”). The music is by 12-time Oscar® nominee Thomas Newman (“Saving Mr. Banks”).

A Warner Bros. Pictures presentation, in association with Village Roadshow Pictures, a Big Kid Pictures/Team Downey production, a film by David Dobkin, “The Judge” is scheduled for release on October 10, 2014, and will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures.

Fight to Survive With the Final 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes' Trailer

By

Patrick Campbell

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June 18, 2014

20th Century Fox has unveiled the final trailer for their Rise of the Planet of the Apes sequel, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. As with every new bit of marketing the studio has released, the film looks bigger, badder, and more intense than its predecessor, and Matt Reeves seems to have really gone all out for this installment.

Picking up ten years after the Rise, Dawn sees the world ravaged by the spread of the virus outbreak that begins at the close of the last film. The apes and humans are living in separate colonies, with Caesar (Serkis) leading the apes, trying to live out their lives in peace. But as the tension between the two factions grows, the very existence of their respective species hangs in the balance, as war looms on the horizon, and Caesar finds himself caught in the middle.

The new trailer really drives that point home, and the action, the scope, and the tension seems even better than before, and this really looks like the Planet of the Apes film I’ve been waiting to see for some time. If this ends up being even nearly as good as Rise was, this film could be a triumph. Check out the new trailer below.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, directed by Matt Reeves, stars Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Keri Russell, Gary Oldman, Toby Kebbell, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Kirk Acevedo, Enrique Murciano, and Judy Greer will be released in 2D and 3D on July 11, 2014.

A growing nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar is threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier. They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth’s dominant species.

Zoinks! WB Looking to Reboot Scooby-Doo

By

Patrick Campbell

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June 17, 2014

Zoinks! It looks Warner Bros. is looking at reviving the Mystery Inc. gang once again in live action. Deadline has broken the news that the studio is looking to reboot the series once again for the big screen, and they’ve hired Randall Green to write the script. The question then becomes, who is Randall Green, and what will be in store for the Mystery Inc. gang this time around? Green seems to be a relatively fresh face to the industry, who doesn’t have any prior credits to his name.

It’s been ten years since Scooby and the gang have been on the big screen, where they were last seen in Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed, which was written by Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn, and directed by Raja Gosnell. The two films in the series starred Matthew Lillard as Shaggy, Linda Cardellini as Velma, Freddy Prince, Jr. as Fred, and Sarah Michelle Gellar as Daphne. While the first was a box office success, the second wasn’t, and plans for the third film were scrapped. It’s too bad, really, because the cast was good, and both of Gunn’s scripts were quirky and fun, very reminiscent to the show’s roots. The films led to a series of Cartoon Network prequel films instead, with a new cast, but the films weren’t quite the same.

It’s hard to make too much of this news right now, because without any other talent attached, it’s hard to get an idea of what the film will be going for. As the production moves along, and we get a director and a cast in place, we’ll be able to get of a feel for what WB wants. We can only hope the dark and gritty route won’t be followed here, because it would lose the core of what made the series so fun. One way to go though could be to follow the more recent TV series, Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorprated, which had a more central mystery at the core of the show, while still keeping the mystery of a week aspect in tact. It’ll be very interesting to see where the movie goes, and who they get involved with the production. For now though, we’ll just have to wait and see what comes of it, and I’ll leave you with the teaser from the 2002 film.

Fox Releases First Clip From 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes'

By

Patrick Campbell

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June 17, 2014

20th Century Fox has released the first clip for their upcoming sequel, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, starring Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman, and Keri Russell. The new film sees the world ten years after the events of Rise of the Planet of the Apes, as Caesar (Serkis) leads the surviving apes in the aftermath of the deadly virus that spread across the world, eradicating much of the human race.

The new clip is tense and serious, as a group of humans, led by Jason Clarke, stumble into the territory that belongs to the apes. Caesar is non too happy with the human arrivals, and begins to assert his dominance on them. Check it out below.

The clip comes courtesy of MTV:

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Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, directed by Matt Reeves, and which also stars Keri Russell, Gary Oldman, Toby Kebbell, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Kirk Acevedo, Enrique Murciano, and Judy Greer will be released in 2D and 3D on July 11, 2014.

A growing nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar is threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier. They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth’s dominant species.

Marvel Releases Final Trailer for 'Guardians of the Galaxy'

By

Patrick Campbell

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June 17, 2014

With just six more weeks left until the release Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, it seems we’re getting into the crunch time for the marketing campaign. So with that, Marvel Studios has released the final full length trailer for the film, which is much more serious trailer, focusing on the film’s story, and the bigger implications the film will have on the Marvel universe. Check it out below.

The film, directed by James Gunn, stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Lee Pace, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, John C. Reilly, Glenn Close, and Benicio del Toro, and will be released on August 1, 2014.

From Marvel, the studio that brought you the global blockbuster franchises of Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and The Avengers, comes a new team—the Guardians of the Galaxy. An action-packed, epic space adventure, Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” expands the Marvel Cinematic Universe into the cosmos, where brash adventurer Peter Quill finds himself the object of an unrelenting bounty hunt after stealing a mysterious orb coveted by Ronan, a powerful villain with ambitions that threaten the entire universe. To evade the ever-persistent Ronan, Quill is forced into an uneasy truce with a quartet of disparate misfits—Rocket, a gun-toting raccoon, Groot, a tree-like humanoid, the deadly and enigmatic Gamora and the revenge-driven Drax the Destroyer. But when Quill discovers the true power of the orb and the menace it poses to the cosmos, he must do his best to rally his ragtag rivals for a last, desperate stand—with the galaxy’s fate in the balance.

How to Train Your Dragon 2 Movie Review

By

Patrick Campbell

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June 17, 2014

“C’mon, bud. There’s a whole other world of dragons out there.”

*Caution, there will be spoilers ahead. So please, if you want to go into the film spoiler free, don’t read ahead*

If Dreamworks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon was the studio’s Toy Story, then How to Train Your Dragon 2, the highly anticipated sequel, is easily the studio’s Toy Story 2. Much like the aforementioned Pixar films, the new Dreamworks film has raised the stakes considerably, both in the film’s action and adventure, but in its emotional core as well. The filmmaker’s behind the movie really wanted to take the characters and the story to the next level, and it shows.

As the film opens, we learn five years have passed since the first film, and a lot has changed in Burke in that time. Hiccup and Toothless have become adventurers, flying out into the unknown and charting the world as they come across new places, as Hiccup continues to run from his duties on Burke. As their explorations grow, they stumble upon a group of Dragon Trappers, men bent on capturing Dragons to turn them into mindless creatures in an army, led by a man named Drago. But that encounter sets off a chain reaction in Hiccup’s life that he could never imagine.

Director Dean DeBlois, who helped write the first has taken over sole directional duties this time around, and it seems he was more than up to the task. He also wrote the film, and you can tell he’s fully invested in the world and the characters, He’s really taken a foot forward to make sure the universe’s expansion and storytelling feels natural, and all the characters have grown well. The time gap never feels out of place and doesn’t hurt the film, and it jumps on in a place that just feels right. It honestly works to the film’s advantage, and it catches up so effortlessly you’re swept up in it and the exposition never feels like too much.

Really, the film works so well, not just because for DeBlois’ storytelling, but the film’s actors as well. Jay Baruchel completely and utterly embodies Hiccup. There’s no other actor who could play the character the way he does. He just gets how he ticks, and the character’s mannerisms even reflect Baruchel’s, and there’s a fun moment in the film that actually makes fun of that a little bit. He’s the heart and soul of this film, and it’s Baruchel and his relationship with the characters around him that makes the heart of the film work. Hiccup and Toothless continues to grow and evolve, and is just so well defined here. It’s impressive how far it goes, and how dark it twists at one point, but to let their friendship grow, and it works in favor of the story.

He really get a chance to bring a lot of emotion to the role this time around, more than the first time around, which really works in the film’s favor. A lot of that plays into the fact that the relationship between not just his father, who is played so well by Gerard Butler, but with his mother, who he discovers isn’t dead, is huge as well. Cate Blanchett plays Valka, and she’s great in the role. She and Baruchel play off each other so well, and the relationship between them is so sweet. But it’s actually the scenes between Stoick and Valka that really tug on the heart strings.

It really makes it all the more tragic that he is killed so soon after they’re reunited while saving Hiccup, and it’s even worse that Toothless is the one who kills him. Toothless falling into being a pawn for the villain, as he’s brainwashed by his instincts, is a truly heartbreaking and moving moment in the film, and a direction you wouldn’t expect the film to go. But it’s good to see Dreamworks taking risks like this, because it’s making their film’s much more mature and much more emotionally investing. This is Pixar quality storytelling, and it absolutely sticks the landing. Of course, the way it all concludes puts us in a much happier and better place, but for a good portion of the third act, the film really takes an Empire Strikes Back approach, and it really works well.

The animation is also absolutely breathtaking, and leaves you feeling completely immersed in this world. It’s amazing how far the technology has advanced in the short time since the first film. Characters and dragons alike just look incredible, and the designs are so well done. It’s hard not to just look slack jawed at the whole thing as it plays out in front of you. The 3D is some of the most immersive, as well as beautiful, to be seen on film in some time.

How to Train Your Dragon 2 is a perfect follow up to the original. Dreamworks is really flexing their storytelling and dramatic muscles in a way that they have never done before, and they seem to be maturing as a studio. There’s very little to complain about with the film. It’s smart, funny, dramatic, and a film that just fires on all cylinders. This is Dreamworks going to Pixar’s level, and it’s good to see them stepping up their game. This is certainly turning out to be the year of sequels, and once again, this film not only capitalizes on what came before, but finds a way to build off it and become better. This is filmmaking at its finest, and it’s even better its a family film that doesn’t talk down to the audience. What a rare, and special, film this is.

[review]

Time to Reload in the new 'Expendables 3' Trailer

By

Patrick Campbell

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June 17, 2014

The new trailer for Lionsgate Films’s The Expendables 3 has just been released. Up until now, we’d only had two teasers that showed off the cast in the film, but now, we have a story trailer, and it’s looking very good. The film follows Barney Ross (Stallone) as he’s faced with his past coming back to haunt him, in the vein of Conrad Stonebanks (Gibson), the man who helped form the Expendables team, and is now a maniacal arms dealer. The trailer features a lot of great action, some good humor, and a very impressive cast. Check it out below.

The trailer hits all the right beats, and it sure seems like this could be the strongest film in the series. It seems to have found the balance that the first two films, as fun as they are, couldn’t seem to strike. They just don’t make action movies like this anymore, so I certainly can’t wait to see this one.

The film features an all star cast of Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Harrison Ford, Mel Gibson, Terry Crews, Dolph Lundgren, Randy Couture, Kellen Lutz, Ronda Rousey, Victor Ortiz, Glen Powell, Antonio Banderas, Kelsey Grammer, and Wesley Snipes. Directed by Patrick Hughes, the film will be released August 15, 2014.

In THE EXPENDABLES 3, Barney (Stallone), Christmas (Statham) and the rest of the team comes face-to-face with Conrad Stonebanks (Gibson), who years ago co-founded The Expendables with Barney. Stonebanks subsequently became a ruthless arms trader and someone who Barney was forced to kill… or so he thought. Stonebanks, who eluded death once before, now is making it his mission to end The Expendables — but Barney has other plans. Barney decides that he has to fight old blood with new blood, and brings in a new era of Expendables team members, recruiting individuals who are younger, faster and more tech-savvy. The latest mission becomes a clash of classic old-school style versus high-tech expertise in the Expendables’ most personal battle yet.

Marvel's GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Character Posters Now Available!

By

Robbie Bulus

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June 16, 2014

Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” finds space adventurer Peter Quill the object of a bounty hunt after stealing an orb coveted by a treacherous villain, but when Quill discovers the power it holds, he must find a way to rally the quartet of ragtag rivals hot on his trail to save the universe.

For our Marvel Fans out there, Check-out these new Characters posters (click each one to enlarge).

Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy,” which first appeared in comic books in Marvel Super-Heroes, Issue #18 (Jan. 1969), stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, featuring Vin Diesel as Groot, Bradley Cooper as Rocket, Lee Pace, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, with John C. Reilly, Glenn Close as Nova Prime and Benicio Del Toro as The Collector.

James Gunn is the director of the film with Kevin Feige, p.g.a., producing. Louis D’Esposito, Alan Fine, Victoria Alonso, Jeremy Latcham, Nik Korda and Stan Lee serve as executive producers. Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” is written by James Gunn and Nicole Perlman and releases in U.S. theaters on August 1, 2014.

Request an Uber ride with Optimus Prime in LA this Saturday 6/21!

By

Robbie Bulus

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June 16, 2014

If you’re in Los Angeles This Saturday June 21 from 1 pm – 7pm you can use your Uber App to request a ride with the one and only Optimus Prime the original Transformer Autobot.

Here is how it works:

1. Open your Uber app and select the AUTOBOTS option
2. Tap “SET PICKUP LOCATION”
3. Tap “ROLL OUT”

Now since there is only one Optimus Prime and he will be quite busy driving all over LA, be patient, if you’re lucky enough to make contact, he will roll out to your location for a 15-minute experience that surely you won’t forget!

Keep in mind this might take many tries to get the attention of the world famous Autobot, but keep trying. If you do score a ride with Optimus, send us your photos and we will feature them here on our site.

And don’t forget that ‘Transformers: Age of Extinction’ is out in theaters June 27th.

To download the Uber App for your iPhone Click here.

Socalthrills.com

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Request an Uber ride with Optimus Prime in LA this Saturday 6/21!

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