News for
Tom Woodruff Jr. More at IMDbPro »

2009 | 2008

11 articles from 2009

---

Updates on Robert Rodriguez’s Predators

5 November 2009 4:50 PM, PST | Fangoria | See recent Fangoria news »

The original Predator inspired more American Film Market-screened knockoffs than just about any other movie, and the word on the street here at the sales event is that the upcoming Robert Rodriguez production Predators will also jumpstart a whole new stream of human-vs.-aliens movies. And those who gotten a look at the Predators screenplay have been raving.

These sources tell Fango that this sequel ignores Predator 2 as well as both Alien Vs. Predator movies, and is a direct sequel to the Arnold Schwarzenegger-starrer. The script, by Michael Finch, Alex Litvak and Rodriguez, not only takes place on Earth, but its human characters also travel to the Predators’ planet to hunt the extraterrestrials. We will see new species—including Predator dogs!—and there’s going to be a Berserker Predator, the meanest badass of them all. And in some surprising FX news, Knb Efx’s Howard Berger and »

- no-reply@fangoria.com (Tony Timpone)

Permalink | Report a problem

---

Monsterpalooza Guest List Begins Filling Up

2 November 2009 | shocktillyoudrop.com | See recent shocktillyoudrop news »

Although it's still several months away, Monsterpalooza 2010 is already shaping up to be one of the must-hit events of the next year. Mark your calendars, the dates are April 9th-11th at the Marriott Burbank Convention Center in beautiful Burbank, California. Appearing at the now annual event in April for the FX-laden convention will be Mr. Verne Langdon (Famous Monsters, Decca LP An Evening With Boris Karloff And His Friends), five-time Emmy Award-winning make-up artist Thomas R. Burman, FX artist Michael G. Westmore, Barney Burman of Proteus FX , Rob Burman of Sticks and Stones FX, FX artist Tony Gardner ( Michael Jackson's Thriller , Seed Of Chucky ), Alec Gillis and Tom Woodruff of Amalgamated Dynamics Inc., Howard Berger and Greg Nicotero of Knb Efx, Allan Trautman, Beverly »

Permalink | Report a problem

---

‘Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant’ With John C. Reilly Not Freaky Enough

23 October 2009 12:54 PM, PDT | HollywoodChicago.com | See recent HollywoodChicago.com news »

Chicago – For everything that Paul Weitz’s “Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant” does right, there’s something about the film that just doesn’t work. More manic than quirky and more cluttered than consistent, “Cirque” features a few great performances and interesting characters but they’re sabotaged by the other members of this cinematic freak show.

Rating: 2.0/5.0

With a plot that plays like what “Beetlejuice”-era Tim Burton might have done with the current vampire craze (“True Blood,” “The Twilight Saga’s New Moon”), “Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant” is an adaptation of the books by Darren Shan that is constantly shooting itself in the foot through bad editing, a distracting supporting cast, a super-dull lead, and far too much expository dialogue. A non-ending that tries to set up the franchise a la “The Golden Compass” doesn’t help the feeling that you’ve »

- adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)

Permalink | Report a problem

---

Cirque Du Freak (Film Review)

28 September 2009 2:07 PM, PDT | Fangoria | See recent Fangoria news »

For no explicable reason, high hopes were had going into Cirque Du Freak, Paul Weitz’s adaptation of the popular young-adult novels (the Vampire’S Assistant subtitle appears only in the ads). Perhaps it was because the film looked like family fun that would nonetheless be a tad dangerous (a la similarly themed ’80s flicks), or because the cast inspired a certain amount of excitement, or because the recipe for something magical yet frightening is there. But as a result of one huge flaw and other smaller missteps, Cirque Du Freak just falls flat and leaves one underwhelmed.

The film follows Darren Shan (Chris Massoglia, whose character is named for the author of the source books), a cleancut teen with a relatively normal (i.e., boring) life of good grades and doing chores. His best friend Steve (Josh Hutcherson) lives a little more on the edge, skipping class and making »

- no-reply@fangoria.com (Samuel Zimmerman)

Permalink | Report a problem

---

Stake Out The Vampire's Assistant- October 23

27 September 2009 8:30 AM, PDT | HollywoodNorthReport.com | See recent HollywoodNorthReport.com news »

Universal's Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant is the upcoming feature adapting the first three novels in the "Saga of Darren Shan" fantasy-adventure series by author Darren Shan. The film follows a teenager who unknowingly breaks a 200-year-old truce between two warring factions of vampires, before being pulled into an undead life, populated by sideshow freaks and grotesque creatures. "...16-year-old 'Darren' (Chris Massoglia) was like most kids in his suburban neighborhood. He hung out with his best friend 'Steve' (Josh Hutcherson), got decent grades and usually stayed out of trouble. But when he and Steve stumble upon a traveling freak show, things begin to change inside Darren. That.s the exact moment when a vampire named 'Larten Crepsley' (John C. Reilly) turns him into 'something wicked' and Darren joins the 'Cirque Du Freak', a touring spectacle filled with monstrous creatures, including 'snakeboy' (Patrick Fugit), 'wolfman' (Tom Woodruff, Jr. »

Permalink | Report a problem

---

Race to Witch Mountain - Blu-ray Review - Clips Added!

5 August 2009 8:48 AM, PDT | Monsters and Critics | See recent Monsters and Critics news »

The Rock now is a cab driver and finds two of his passengers are aliens. He agrees to drive them to their destination, but finds himself immersed in their pursuit from an evil alien and government officials. He also finds himself responsible for having to keep aliens from invading Earth. Jack Bruno (Dwayne Johnson) is a Las Vegas cab driver who gets two children as passengers in his cab. Sara (AnnaSophia Robb) and Seth (Alexander Ludwig) offer Jack a large amount of cash to take them to their destination. It turns out that the two children are aliens and an alien assassin called a Siphon (Tom Woodruff, Jr.) is after them as well as Major Henry Burke (Ciaran Hinds). »

- Jeff Swindoll

Permalink | Report a problem

---

[DVD Review] Dragonball Evolution

28 July 2009 5:45 AM, PDT | JustPressPlay.net | See recent JustPressPlay news »

I’m going to judge Dragonball Evolution not as an adaptation, but solely as a film. And, as a film – as a work of cinema – Dragonball Evolution succeeds. To be more specific, it succeeds in entertaining kids. If I were 10 years old, I’d surely marvel at the swirling blue and red auras and the Matrix moves. The bullet time is executed no better than most of the other films it’s been featured in for the last ten years, but I suppose if you were born the year after The Matrix came out, this might be a new experience for you. In any case, I’ll bet you can guess where I’m gonna take the review from here.

My greatest criticism of Dragonball Evolution is one that’s really unfortunate to see nowadays. With all the CGI action going on, it seems less emphasis was put on making »

- Saul Berenbaum

Permalink | Report a problem

---

Tomorrow: A Tribute to Dick Smith: The Godfather of Special Makeup Effects

17 June 2009 2:27 AM, PDT | ESplatter.com | See recent ESplatter news »

Taking place tomorrow, June 17, at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater, 8949 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90211, a Tribute to Dick Smith will honor the make-up effects legend behind "Scanners" and "Altered States." Robert De Niro’s Mohawk in “Taxi Driver,” Linda Blair’s satanic transformation in “The Exorcist,” Marlon Brando’s jowls in “The Godfather” and F. Murray Abraham’s deterioration in “Amadeus” all have one artistic hand in common, that of the makeup effects master Dick Smith. Smith’s creation of new makeup techniques throughout his career not only transformed the art of motion picture makeup, but inspired a new generation of makeup and visual effects artists who have embraced him as a true visionary and mentor. Smith’s work on the “Old Salieri” makeup for “Amadeus” (1984) earned him an Oscar and he received an additional nomination for his makeup work on “Dad” (1989). Scheduled Panelists Linda Blair (Actress, “The Exorcist,” “Exorcist II: The Heretic »

Permalink | Report a problem

---

FX Legend Dick Smith to be honored June 17th!

10 June 2009 11:02 PM, PDT | Fangoria | See recent Fangoria news »

The work of Fangoria Hall Of Famer Dick Smith has been covered in the pages of Fango throughout the past 30 years (including a cover story on his work for The Hunger, pictured left on Fangoria #26), and on June 17th, Fango Fiends and Film Fans alike can attend a special celebration of the man and his work when The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presents A Tribute to Dick Smith: The Godfather of Special Makeup Effects.

Our good friend Pam Koller sent over the full details on this star-studded presentation, which will feature an appearance by Dick Smith himself!

Hosted By Six-time Oscar® Winner For Makeup, Rick Baker

Robert De Niro’s Mohawk in “Taxi Driver,” Linda Blair’s satanic transformation in “The Exorcist,” Marlon Brando’s jowls in “The Godfather” and F. Murray Abraham’s deterioration in “Amadeus” all have one artistic hand in common, that of the makeup effects master Dick Smith. »

- no-reply@fangoria.com (James Zahn)

Permalink | Report a problem

---

Academy Honors Smith.s Work

20 May 2009 11:00 AM, PDT | makeupmag.com | See recent MakeupMag news »

Program Change (as of May 18, 2009) The event is no longer free: It's $5 for the general public and $3 for academy members and students with a valid ID. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is hosting .A Special Tribute to Dick Smith. this summer, with Rick Bakeras master of ceremonies. The event will be held June 17, 2009, in the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Los Angeles. Members of Local 706, the West Coast union members, are invited, and the public is welcome to attend.The tribute will feature guests who have worked with, or been influenced by Smith, including director Guillermo Del Toro, actor Hal Holbrook and make-up artists Richard Taylor, Greg Cannom, Kazuhiro Tsuji, Kevin Haney, Andrew Clement, Mike Elizalde, Tom Woodruff, Alec Gillis, Shane Mahan, John Rosengrant, Lindsay McGowan and Alan Scott. Appearances by director Peter Jackson and actress Linda Blair are pending. »

Permalink | Report a problem

---

Monsterpalooza Coming To Burbank This May!

26 February 2009 8:36 AM, PST | iconsoffright.com | See recent Icons of Fright news »

Now here's a really cool event that we're definitely going to hit up! The Rubber Room Presents Monsterpalooza, a 3 day event taking place at the Burbank Airport Marriott Hotel, dedicated to the art & FX of monsters!

The convention is taking place the weekend of May 29th-31st, 2009 and guests will include Verne Langdon (Don Post Studios), Jim Warren, Tom Woodruff Jr & Alec Gillis of Amalgamated Dynamics Inc., Greg Nicotero & Howard Berger from Knb FX, Basil Gogos, Sid Haig, Michael Rooker (a true gentleman, donated proceeds completely to charity), the Chiodo Brothers, Bernie Wrightson, William Malone and many, many more!

Below are more details for the show! As it gets closer, we'll be giving away tickets courtesy of Eliot Brodsky. If you're an aspiring FX artist, you can Not miss this show!!!

More details at the official website Here!

The Marriott Burbank Convention Center

                                     May 29 –31 2009

          

An F/X Driven Convention  Bringing »

Permalink | Report a problem

---

2009 | 2008

11 articles from 2009

---