Films offer some of the best explorations of isolation and loneliness, argues James...
"In space no one can hear you scream." . The tagline for Alien, and the sad truth for anyone who's crying out for company in the wider cosmos beyond our stratosphere.
The following is a true story - many winters ago I decided that it'd be a good idea to leave behind my loved ones and wider society and go into solitary exile. I made an agreement with a stranger online and said I would spend the whole of that December looking after her two cats while she was away in Australia.
I then headed off to a cottage in the Welsh Valleys to fulfil this responsibility and, aside from those two indifferent kitties, I had no company at all. In my mind I'd envisioned this as a perfect retreat from a Christmas season I couldn't be mithered...
"In space no one can hear you scream." . The tagline for Alien, and the sad truth for anyone who's crying out for company in the wider cosmos beyond our stratosphere.
The following is a true story - many winters ago I decided that it'd be a good idea to leave behind my loved ones and wider society and go into solitary exile. I made an agreement with a stranger online and said I would spend the whole of that December looking after her two cats while she was away in Australia.
I then headed off to a cottage in the Welsh Valleys to fulfil this responsibility and, aside from those two indifferent kitties, I had no company at all. In my mind I'd envisioned this as a perfect retreat from a Christmas season I couldn't be mithered...
- 9/29/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
Shared universes are big business right now, and here are seven franchises that could, and should be expanded...
It's likely that by the time you finish reading this sentence a new cinematic universe will have been born. In fact, it may be one of the cinematic universes I propose later in this article. If that's the case, I apologise for my obsolescence. Furthermore, if you're reading this in the future and any of my proposed cinematic universes have come to pass and turned out awful, I also apologise.
Just know that I'm sorry, and I've a feeling that many of us are going to be sorry and that the film industry could be in a sorry and confusing mess in five years time thanks to 'Cinematic Universe Fever' (a real affliction, and currently a very common complaint on the casebooks of doctors and private physicians in Hollywood). Right now, really...
It's likely that by the time you finish reading this sentence a new cinematic universe will have been born. In fact, it may be one of the cinematic universes I propose later in this article. If that's the case, I apologise for my obsolescence. Furthermore, if you're reading this in the future and any of my proposed cinematic universes have come to pass and turned out awful, I also apologise.
Just know that I'm sorry, and I've a feeling that many of us are going to be sorry and that the film industry could be in a sorry and confusing mess in five years time thanks to 'Cinematic Universe Fever' (a real affliction, and currently a very common complaint on the casebooks of doctors and private physicians in Hollywood). Right now, really...
- 5/14/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
James argues that instant dread may not be the best initial reaction to a sequel announcement...
There's a new Pitch Perfect movie coming out next week. I knew that they were making Pitch Perfect 2 but I didn't realise it was coming around for general release so soon. I became aware when I saw a poster for the film in the lobby of my local multiplex last week.
My first thought was "Oh, Pitch Perfect 2 is coming out". My second thought, sadly, was "Hurm. Do we really need a Pitch Perfect sequel?" (This is the crucial thought so remember this). My third thought was "Ah, it's coming out on the same week as Mad Max: Fury Road." I then had fantastical visions of Max singing a capella mash-ups in the haze of the post-apocalyptic outback, bustin' rhymes and bustin' feral thug-brains in perfect harmony. There's your sequel pitch - 'Mad Max: The Rockatansky Rock-Off'.
There's a new Pitch Perfect movie coming out next week. I knew that they were making Pitch Perfect 2 but I didn't realise it was coming around for general release so soon. I became aware when I saw a poster for the film in the lobby of my local multiplex last week.
My first thought was "Oh, Pitch Perfect 2 is coming out". My second thought, sadly, was "Hurm. Do we really need a Pitch Perfect sequel?" (This is the crucial thought so remember this). My third thought was "Ah, it's coming out on the same week as Mad Max: Fury Road." I then had fantastical visions of Max singing a capella mash-ups in the haze of the post-apocalyptic outback, bustin' rhymes and bustin' feral thug-brains in perfect harmony. There's your sequel pitch - 'Mad Max: The Rockatansky Rock-Off'.
- 5/9/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
As well as the BBC series, there’s now another TV take on Robin Hood on the way (based on The Outlaw Chronicles books)…
We’ve reported before on the Robin Hood: Origins movie that is in the works with Lionsgate and Leonardo DiCaprio’s company. There’s also the BBC America TV series Nottingham (with its bizarre premise) in development.
Now, there’s another Robin Hood project on the way – a TV series from FremantleMedia (specifically their North American branch), based on The Outlaw Chronicles novels by British author Angus Donald.
FremantleMedia is a bit of a behemoth, with everything from The Bill to The X-Factor - and Wizards Vs. Aliens, on a geekier note – coming from their UK team. We’d expect this series to be a bigger budget affair, though, to be honest, if the American market is the target.
Michael Koyves – who’s dabbled in the Middle Ages before,...
We’ve reported before on the Robin Hood: Origins movie that is in the works with Lionsgate and Leonardo DiCaprio’s company. There’s also the BBC America TV series Nottingham (with its bizarre premise) in development.
Now, there’s another Robin Hood project on the way – a TV series from FremantleMedia (specifically their North American branch), based on The Outlaw Chronicles novels by British author Angus Donald.
FremantleMedia is a bit of a behemoth, with everything from The Bill to The X-Factor - and Wizards Vs. Aliens, on a geekier note – coming from their UK team. We’d expect this series to be a bigger budget affair, though, to be honest, if the American market is the target.
Michael Koyves – who’s dabbled in the Middle Ages before,...
- 4/24/2015
- by rleane
- Den of Geek
Rules Of Engagement’s Adhir Kalyan will play a ‘quiet and brilliant internet billionaire’ in Fox’s Frankenstein series…
Right, here’s an interesting one - Adhir Kalyan, an expert in awkward/nervy comedy, is joining Fox’s Frankenstein TV series. Not to be confused with ITV’s The Frankenstein Chronicles (which also revealed some casting recently), or either of the two Frankenstein movies in production, this American telly version is a rather radical reimagining.
Fox’s Frankenstein will see Rand Ravich’s script borrow the basic elements of Mary Shelley’s iconic horror yarn and spin them in to something quite different. For starters, the protagonist is a ‘morally corrupt retired cop’ called Ray Pritchard, who is ‘given a second chance at life when he is brought back from the dead.’
So how does Adhir Kalyan feature? Well, the comedy actor – who has also featured in Youth In Revolt,...
Right, here’s an interesting one - Adhir Kalyan, an expert in awkward/nervy comedy, is joining Fox’s Frankenstein TV series. Not to be confused with ITV’s The Frankenstein Chronicles (which also revealed some casting recently), or either of the two Frankenstein movies in production, this American telly version is a rather radical reimagining.
Fox’s Frankenstein will see Rand Ravich’s script borrow the basic elements of Mary Shelley’s iconic horror yarn and spin them in to something quite different. For starters, the protagonist is a ‘morally corrupt retired cop’ called Ray Pritchard, who is ‘given a second chance at life when he is brought back from the dead.’
So how does Adhir Kalyan feature? Well, the comedy actor – who has also featured in Youth In Revolt,...
- 2/10/2015
- by rleane
- Den of Geek
While promoting Black And White, Anthony Mackie has been building up the hype for Marvel's Captain America 3...
Returning to reprise the role of Sam Wilson/Falcon in Marvel's upcoming Captain America: Civil War is Anthony Mackie. He took on the part in last year's hit sequel Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and it seems that big things are planned for Mackie in the Marvel cinematic universe.
Mackie has been promoting his latest film, Black And White, and was chatting to Wttg Fox 5 as part of that. And as you might expect, the subject of Captain America 3 came up. "I will tell you this", he teased, "Cap 3 is going to be everything you can imagine".
Revealing that he's getting a new costume for this one (presumably for Falcon, rather than just a simple wardrobe change), Mackie added that "Cap 2 was really Avengers 1.5 and Cap 3 is going to be Avengers...
Returning to reprise the role of Sam Wilson/Falcon in Marvel's upcoming Captain America: Civil War is Anthony Mackie. He took on the part in last year's hit sequel Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and it seems that big things are planned for Mackie in the Marvel cinematic universe.
Mackie has been promoting his latest film, Black And White, and was chatting to Wttg Fox 5 as part of that. And as you might expect, the subject of Captain America 3 came up. "I will tell you this", he teased, "Cap 3 is going to be everything you can imagine".
Revealing that he's getting a new costume for this one (presumably for Falcon, rather than just a simple wardrobe change), Mackie added that "Cap 2 was really Avengers 1.5 and Cap 3 is going to be Avengers...
- 1/20/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
The arrival of Taken 3 leaves James pondering the appeal of vigilante movies...
Taken 3 is set to take cinemas by storm, with force and with Bryan Mills showcasing that particular set of skills and his especial resolve. Mills is, of course, played by the indomitable Liam Neeson, and the plot for this threequel revolves around the battle to clear his good (?) name.
He's been accused of a brutal murder that he didn't commit or witness, so now Mills is going to use that infamous skillset to hunt and find the real killer, all while evading the authorities who'd put him behind bars and his film franchise on hiatus. Oh, and the murder victim was his ex-wife Lennie (Famke Janssen), so there's bonus devastation and a whole can of emotional worms for the man to wrestle with.
For the third movie, then, it isn't just a family member that's been...
Taken 3 is set to take cinemas by storm, with force and with Bryan Mills showcasing that particular set of skills and his especial resolve. Mills is, of course, played by the indomitable Liam Neeson, and the plot for this threequel revolves around the battle to clear his good (?) name.
He's been accused of a brutal murder that he didn't commit or witness, so now Mills is going to use that infamous skillset to hunt and find the real killer, all while evading the authorities who'd put him behind bars and his film franchise on hiatus. Oh, and the murder victim was his ex-wife Lennie (Famke Janssen), so there's bonus devastation and a whole can of emotional worms for the man to wrestle with.
For the third movie, then, it isn't just a family member that's been...
- 1/9/2015
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Could 1990 comedy Home Alone be the best Christmas movie of all time? James lays out his argument...
Gremlins is great and Elf is ace. Bad Santa is bitchin' and The Muppets Christmas Carol is sensational, inspirational, celebrational and Muppetational. Die Hard is dead good, Miracle On 34th Street is magic and It's A Wonderful Life is truly, erm, wonderful.
None of them, though, can confidently state that they are the Best Christmas Movie of All Time. Only one film can claim that title, and that film is Home Alone, which is undoubtedly and without question the Best Christmas Movie of All Time. There's legitimate space for a debate as to whether Home Alone 2: Lost In New York deserves the prestigious label but, really, with Home Alone being the original article I think it's only right that we let it stand as number one.
There's a chance that this might be news to you,...
Gremlins is great and Elf is ace. Bad Santa is bitchin' and The Muppets Christmas Carol is sensational, inspirational, celebrational and Muppetational. Die Hard is dead good, Miracle On 34th Street is magic and It's A Wonderful Life is truly, erm, wonderful.
None of them, though, can confidently state that they are the Best Christmas Movie of All Time. Only one film can claim that title, and that film is Home Alone, which is undoubtedly and without question the Best Christmas Movie of All Time. There's legitimate space for a debate as to whether Home Alone 2: Lost In New York deserves the prestigious label but, really, with Home Alone being the original article I think it's only right that we let it stand as number one.
There's a chance that this might be news to you,...
- 12/18/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
As The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies lands in cinemas, James looks back at what the Middle Earth movies have managed to do...
The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies has arrived in cinemas, and it's here to bring what started as An Unexpected Journey to an end - an end with Dwarves, Elves, Men, Orcs and Eagles all going at it on the slopes of The Lonely Mountain. This hasn't just been an unexpected journey for Bilbo Baggins, though - his sedate life in The Shire abruptly swapped for epic adventure questing alongside a wily wizard and Thorin Oakenshield's company in search of their long-forgotten gold.
The truth is that the The Hobbit's arrival on screen was something of a surprise for all of us - a very nice surprise, I'd say, and definitely the kind of surprise I like. I don't think anyone would have...
The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies has arrived in cinemas, and it's here to bring what started as An Unexpected Journey to an end - an end with Dwarves, Elves, Men, Orcs and Eagles all going at it on the slopes of The Lonely Mountain. This hasn't just been an unexpected journey for Bilbo Baggins, though - his sedate life in The Shire abruptly swapped for epic adventure questing alongside a wily wizard and Thorin Oakenshield's company in search of their long-forgotten gold.
The truth is that the The Hobbit's arrival on screen was something of a surprise for all of us - a very nice surprise, I'd say, and definitely the kind of surprise I like. I don't think anyone would have...
- 12/11/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
From Gone Girl's Tanner Bolt to the ladies of Pride, James lists a few more of 2014's supporting characters who deserve their own movie...
Look at the calendar and you'll see that time is marching on and moving us ever deeper into the deep, bleak midwinter. Christmas is coming and then the New Year will be hitting us, and such concurrent happenings are liable to combine and make some folk get all reflective. "'Tis the season to be pensive," as the old carol says.
It's at this time of year that people start to glance in the rearview mirror and ruminate on what's happened over the course of the past twelve months. Focusing specifically on cinema, it's time to think on the Film Year 2014 and make some lists. Movie fans need to decide which blu-rays they want as Christmas presents so they can write it down in a list to post to Santa.
Look at the calendar and you'll see that time is marching on and moving us ever deeper into the deep, bleak midwinter. Christmas is coming and then the New Year will be hitting us, and such concurrent happenings are liable to combine and make some folk get all reflective. "'Tis the season to be pensive," as the old carol says.
It's at this time of year that people start to glance in the rearview mirror and ruminate on what's happened over the course of the past twelve months. Focusing specifically on cinema, it's time to think on the Film Year 2014 and make some lists. Movie fans need to decide which blu-rays they want as Christmas presents so they can write it down in a list to post to Santa.
- 12/4/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
We all enjoy speculating about future movies, but can this distract from the films already out now, James wonders...
When World War Z broke out in 2013, it all happened very fast. Brad Pitt and his family were just driving along, slowly inching their way through a traffic jam in the Philadelphia streets and suddenly - zoompf! The zombie apocalypse just came out of nowhere.
Rabid rakshasas started ripping all vestiges of modern western civilisation to shreds, attacking people who were simply going about their regular daily business. From there the whole planet is revealed to be falling to hell, Brad Pitt and fellow survivors of the viral uprising engaged in continent-crossing combat to repel the bloodthirsty hordes and find a cure for the contagion.
For Pitt's character, though, the turning point was that moment of realisation back in the Philly gridlock, back in the driving seat of his family's SUV.
When World War Z broke out in 2013, it all happened very fast. Brad Pitt and his family were just driving along, slowly inching their way through a traffic jam in the Philadelphia streets and suddenly - zoompf! The zombie apocalypse just came out of nowhere.
Rabid rakshasas started ripping all vestiges of modern western civilisation to shreds, attacking people who were simply going about their regular daily business. From there the whole planet is revealed to be falling to hell, Brad Pitt and fellow survivors of the viral uprising engaged in continent-crossing combat to repel the bloodthirsty hordes and find a cure for the contagion.
For Pitt's character, though, the turning point was that moment of realisation back in the Philly gridlock, back in the driving seat of his family's SUV.
- 11/27/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
As The Hunger Games nears its end with Mockingjay - Part 1, James looks at the side effects of the billion-dollar franchise...
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 is now in the cinemas and that means that we've reached the beginning of the end. With the climactic novel of Suzanne Collins' trilogy split into two movies, this first part will take eager audiences into the end game and start to detail a denouement that, frustratingly, we'll have to wait until next autumn to finally witness.
I have no idea what's going to happen because I haven't read the books. (It's keeping the movies surprising, I guess.) Still, what I do know is that things are building up in Panem and that Mockingjay will up the stakes and drama several notches in what has already been a gripping series. We have rebellion against the Capitol! We have heartrending separations! We...
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 is now in the cinemas and that means that we've reached the beginning of the end. With the climactic novel of Suzanne Collins' trilogy split into two movies, this first part will take eager audiences into the end game and start to detail a denouement that, frustratingly, we'll have to wait until next autumn to finally witness.
I have no idea what's going to happen because I haven't read the books. (It's keeping the movies surprising, I guess.) Still, what I do know is that things are building up in Panem and that Mockingjay will up the stakes and drama several notches in what has already been a gripping series. We have rebellion against the Capitol! We have heartrending separations! We...
- 11/20/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Media financier Ingenious Investments CEO James Clayton has left the company to join Simon Fuller’s management and production company Xix Entertainment as president. During him time with Ingenious, Clayton had been instrumental in overseeing the financier’s equity relationship with Fox Searchlight as well as Pathe through its raising of an Enterprise Investment Scheme for the Paris-heaquartered film company.
Also leaving Ingenious in recent weeks are former managing director of the media division Nik Bower and investment director Michael Shyjka, who oversaw the Senior Film Fund. Bower has moved on to Riverstone Pictures, with Reliance Entertainment’s Deepak Nayar, which will produce up to 10 feature films per year.
News of the exec departures was first reported by Screen International .
Ingenious is also currently locked in a bitter court case in the UK with tax authorities Hmrc over hundreds of millions of pounds allegedly owed in unpaid tax. Ingenious’ tax-based funds,...
Also leaving Ingenious in recent weeks are former managing director of the media division Nik Bower and investment director Michael Shyjka, who oversaw the Senior Film Fund. Bower has moved on to Riverstone Pictures, with Reliance Entertainment’s Deepak Nayar, which will produce up to 10 feature films per year.
News of the exec departures was first reported by Screen International .
Ingenious is also currently locked in a bitter court case in the UK with tax authorities Hmrc over hundreds of millions of pounds allegedly owed in unpaid tax. Ingenious’ tax-based funds,...
- 11/14/2014
- by Ali Jaafar
- Deadline
Exclusive: Ingenious Investments CEO James Clayton joins Simon Fuller’s Xix Entertainment.
Media financier Ingenious has seen three senior members of its film and media team depart in recent weeks.
Former Ingenious Media Investments chief executive James Clayton has left the company to become president of Simon Fuller’s production and management powerhouse Xix Entertainment, which handles the likes of David Beckham and The Spice Girls.
Clayton will report directly to Fuller, creator of the Idol franchise, and be based in La and London.
During his tenure at Avatar-backers Ingenious Clayton was key to securing the private equity firm’s lucrative production and finance relationship with Fox Searchlight from 2011 and ensuring its successful investment relationship with Pathe through the Ingenious Pathe Eis Film Fund.
He was executive producer on Matthew Warchus’ well-received Cannes debut Pride as well as films including Happy-Go-Lucky, Amazing Grace and Hannibal Rising.
Also to recently depart Ingenious are former managing director of the...
Media financier Ingenious has seen three senior members of its film and media team depart in recent weeks.
Former Ingenious Media Investments chief executive James Clayton has left the company to become president of Simon Fuller’s production and management powerhouse Xix Entertainment, which handles the likes of David Beckham and The Spice Girls.
Clayton will report directly to Fuller, creator of the Idol franchise, and be based in La and London.
During his tenure at Avatar-backers Ingenious Clayton was key to securing the private equity firm’s lucrative production and finance relationship with Fox Searchlight from 2011 and ensuring its successful investment relationship with Pathe through the Ingenious Pathe Eis Film Fund.
He was executive producer on Matthew Warchus’ well-received Cannes debut Pride as well as films including Happy-Go-Lucky, Amazing Grace and Hannibal Rising.
Also to recently depart Ingenious are former managing director of the...
- 11/14/2014
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Ingenious Investments CEO James Clayton joins Simon Fuller’s Xix Entertainment.
Media financier Ingenious has seen three senior members of its film and media team depart in recent weeks.
Former Ingenious Media Investments chief executive James Clayton has left the company to become president of Simon Fuller’s production and management powerhouse Xix Entertainment, which handles the likes of David Beckham and The Spice Girls.
Clayton will report directly to Fuller, creator of the Idol franchise, and be based in La and London.
During his tenure at Ingenious Clayton was key to securing the private equity firm’s lucrative production and finance relationship with Fox Searchlight from 2011 and ensuring its successful investment relationship with Pathe through the Ingenious Pathe Eis Film Fund.
He was executive producer on Matthew Warchus’ well-received Cannes debut Pride as well as films including Happy-Go-Lucky, Amazing Grace and Hannibal Rising.
Also to recently depart Ingenious are former managing director of the media...
Media financier Ingenious has seen three senior members of its film and media team depart in recent weeks.
Former Ingenious Media Investments chief executive James Clayton has left the company to become president of Simon Fuller’s production and management powerhouse Xix Entertainment, which handles the likes of David Beckham and The Spice Girls.
Clayton will report directly to Fuller, creator of the Idol franchise, and be based in La and London.
During his tenure at Ingenious Clayton was key to securing the private equity firm’s lucrative production and finance relationship with Fox Searchlight from 2011 and ensuring its successful investment relationship with Pathe through the Ingenious Pathe Eis Film Fund.
He was executive producer on Matthew Warchus’ well-received Cannes debut Pride as well as films including Happy-Go-Lucky, Amazing Grace and Hannibal Rising.
Also to recently depart Ingenious are former managing director of the media...
- 11/14/2014
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
With Benedict Cumberbatch playing Alan Turing in The Imitation Game, James explores the importance of a good biopic...
Benedict Cumberbatch is Alan Turing. Benedict Cumberbatch is also the most popular Sherlock Holmes in history, the terrible and stupendous dragon Smaug in The Hobbit film adaptations and the ultimate nemesis that is Khan in the alternate-timeline that constitutes the Star Trek reboot movie cycle.
Benedict Cumberbatch is also set to become Doctor Strange in the Marvel Cinematic Universe - the hottest multi-franchise in the galaxy (several galaxies, actually) and the multifaceted pop-cultural entity magnetically attracting the most fascination and speculation right now (even more than the upcoming Star Wars sequels, which Cumberbatch has also been heavily linked with. In all likelihood, for all we know, Benedict Cumberbatch is also a Star Wars secret).
Benedict Cumberbatch is also Benedict Cumberbatch - one of the most in-demand actors alive with a cult-like fan...
Benedict Cumberbatch is Alan Turing. Benedict Cumberbatch is also the most popular Sherlock Holmes in history, the terrible and stupendous dragon Smaug in The Hobbit film adaptations and the ultimate nemesis that is Khan in the alternate-timeline that constitutes the Star Trek reboot movie cycle.
Benedict Cumberbatch is also set to become Doctor Strange in the Marvel Cinematic Universe - the hottest multi-franchise in the galaxy (several galaxies, actually) and the multifaceted pop-cultural entity magnetically attracting the most fascination and speculation right now (even more than the upcoming Star Wars sequels, which Cumberbatch has also been heavily linked with. In all likelihood, for all we know, Benedict Cumberbatch is also a Star Wars secret).
Benedict Cumberbatch is also Benedict Cumberbatch - one of the most in-demand actors alive with a cult-like fan...
- 11/13/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
He may have retired from feature filmmaking, but Hayao Miyazaki's pledged to carry on making animated shorts for the foreseeable future...
When Hayao Miyazaki announced his retirement from feature filmmaking last year, it signalled the end of a remarkable career, stretching from his debut, The Castle Of Cagliostro, to his swansong, The Wind Rises.
That body of work, which includes the Academy Award-winning Spirited Away, was celebrated at a private ceremony last week, in which Miyazaki was awarded an honorary Oscar for his filmmaking achievements. The ceremony also handed awards to writers Jean-Claude Carriere, Jean Hersholt, actress Maureen O'Hara and singer, actor and social activist Harry Belafonte.
Happily, Miyazaki's retirement from feature animation isn't quite the end of his filmmaking career - something many suspected, given his tireless dedication to his work in the past.
At a press conference in Los Angeles, Miyazaki said that he will concentrate his energies on making short films,...
When Hayao Miyazaki announced his retirement from feature filmmaking last year, it signalled the end of a remarkable career, stretching from his debut, The Castle Of Cagliostro, to his swansong, The Wind Rises.
That body of work, which includes the Academy Award-winning Spirited Away, was celebrated at a private ceremony last week, in which Miyazaki was awarded an honorary Oscar for his filmmaking achievements. The ceremony also handed awards to writers Jean-Claude Carriere, Jean Hersholt, actress Maureen O'Hara and singer, actor and social activist Harry Belafonte.
Happily, Miyazaki's retirement from feature animation isn't quite the end of his filmmaking career - something many suspected, given his tireless dedication to his work in the past.
At a press conference in Los Angeles, Miyazaki said that he will concentrate his energies on making short films,...
- 11/10/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
As Interstellar arrives in cinemas, James salutes those films that take us, well, somewhere else...
(Note: this article discusses the ending of Gravity and 2001: A Space Odyssey and it will also hurl you into the void of outer space. Don't panic, and remember: "In space no one can hear you scream".)
We're going Interstellar. Finally, one of the most-eagerly awaited films of the year has landed in cinemas to pick us up and take us beyond the stratosphere and out of Earth's orbit. Interstellar will then, as the title suggests, propel us even further and push us beyond the outer reaches of the Solar System.
That's an exhilarating prospect but, putting the conceptual idea aside for a moment, Interstellar is exciting simply because it's a Christopher Nolan movie. For his first feature since The Dark Knight trilogy's finale he's assembled a cast of high-calibre stars (Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway,...
(Note: this article discusses the ending of Gravity and 2001: A Space Odyssey and it will also hurl you into the void of outer space. Don't panic, and remember: "In space no one can hear you scream".)
We're going Interstellar. Finally, one of the most-eagerly awaited films of the year has landed in cinemas to pick us up and take us beyond the stratosphere and out of Earth's orbit. Interstellar will then, as the title suggests, propel us even further and push us beyond the outer reaches of the Solar System.
That's an exhilarating prospect but, putting the conceptual idea aside for a moment, Interstellar is exciting simply because it's a Christopher Nolan movie. For his first feature since The Dark Knight trilogy's finale he's assembled a cast of high-calibre stars (Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway,...
- 11/6/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Just in time for Halloween, James considers the weird tales of Hp Lovecraft, and the ones that could make great films...
(Warning: this article contains spoilers for several H.P. Lovecraft stories and also contains material that may upset the balance of your sanity. "Tekeli-li! Tekeli-li!")
Dear readers, I am writing this under an appreciable mental strain since by tonight I may be no more. The end is near and soon will come the oblivion which is my only refuge from the unnamed and unnameable. Hallowmas has arrived and I hear the howling from that awful reef, the horrible croaking voices and the slippery bodies lumbering against the door.
The nauseous fishy odour seems to have mounted suddenly, the shrill whippoorwills have burst into a kind of pandaemoniac cachinnation which fills the countryside and I am certain that everything is coming to a head. Or, at least, a gibbering mockery of a head.
(Warning: this article contains spoilers for several H.P. Lovecraft stories and also contains material that may upset the balance of your sanity. "Tekeli-li! Tekeli-li!")
Dear readers, I am writing this under an appreciable mental strain since by tonight I may be no more. The end is near and soon will come the oblivion which is my only refuge from the unnamed and unnameable. Hallowmas has arrived and I hear the howling from that awful reef, the horrible croaking voices and the slippery bodies lumbering against the door.
The nauseous fishy odour seems to have mounted suddenly, the shrill whippoorwills have burst into a kind of pandaemoniac cachinnation which fills the countryside and I am certain that everything is coming to a head. Or, at least, a gibbering mockery of a head.
- 10/31/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Nineties giant snake movie Anaconda comes under James's microscope. Could it be more than just another scaly B-movie?
"You don't know shit about the shit we're in here!" Gary Dixon (Owen Wilson) in Anaconda. That sentence pretty accurately sums up most people's appreciation of both the movie Anaconda, life in general and the state of the Universe. When you've finished reading this article, you will know some shit.
Do you remember Anaconda? The 1997 killer snake film starring Jennifer Lopez, Ice Cube and Jon Voight? It had the tagline "When you can't breathe you can't scream"? It got nominated for six Razzies but, in spite of such ignominy, went on to become a cult hit and spawned three sequels?
Until a couple of weeks ago I didn't remember Anaconda because I'd never seen it. Somehow this pleasure had passed me by, and it existed as a sizeable hole in my pop...
"You don't know shit about the shit we're in here!" Gary Dixon (Owen Wilson) in Anaconda. That sentence pretty accurately sums up most people's appreciation of both the movie Anaconda, life in general and the state of the Universe. When you've finished reading this article, you will know some shit.
Do you remember Anaconda? The 1997 killer snake film starring Jennifer Lopez, Ice Cube and Jon Voight? It had the tagline "When you can't breathe you can't scream"? It got nominated for six Razzies but, in spite of such ignominy, went on to become a cult hit and spawned three sequels?
Until a couple of weeks ago I didn't remember Anaconda because I'd never seen it. Somehow this pleasure had passed me by, and it existed as a sizeable hole in my pop...
- 10/23/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Have modern movies increased our ability to accept outlandish heroes like the Ninja Turtles? Yes, and it's a good thing, James writes...
There's a new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie out. It's a franchise reboot, bringing the iconic brand back to the big-screen in a fresh live-action feature. You're probably familiar with Tmnt having consumed the Turtletastic mythos in some format - comics, cartoons, older movies, videogames, action figures, Lego and/or Vanilla Ice music videos.
Don't worry if you're not clued up on this cowabunga business, though, because I'm going to break it down and run over the basics on which this mighty multimedia property is built. Here's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in a nutshell - or rather, in a turtle shell - as conceived by comics creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird way back in 1984.
The basic story - or at least, the high concept - goes like...
There's a new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie out. It's a franchise reboot, bringing the iconic brand back to the big-screen in a fresh live-action feature. You're probably familiar with Tmnt having consumed the Turtletastic mythos in some format - comics, cartoons, older movies, videogames, action figures, Lego and/or Vanilla Ice music videos.
Don't worry if you're not clued up on this cowabunga business, though, because I'm going to break it down and run over the basics on which this mighty multimedia property is built. Here's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in a nutshell - or rather, in a turtle shell - as conceived by comics creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird way back in 1984.
The basic story - or at least, the high concept - goes like...
- 10/16/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
If the Annabelle doll can get a The Conjuring spin-off, what other movie objects are primed for future stardom, ponders James?
Move your mind back through the mists of time to summer 2013 and you may recall the moment that The Conjuring manifested itself in movie theatres. James Wan's film fictionalisation of an astoundingly creepy case handled by American paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren (played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga) was a huge critical and commercial hit. In fact, earning over $300 million off the back of a budget estimated around $20 million, it's one of the highest-grossing horror flicks of all time.
Naturally, a sequel was ordered and that's due to surface and scare us all over again just before Halloween 2015. Before that, though, audiences itching for more of this particular world (and threatening other worlds) have something novel to enjoy while they wait for the return of the Warrens.
Move your mind back through the mists of time to summer 2013 and you may recall the moment that The Conjuring manifested itself in movie theatres. James Wan's film fictionalisation of an astoundingly creepy case handled by American paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren (played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga) was a huge critical and commercial hit. In fact, earning over $300 million off the back of a budget estimated around $20 million, it's one of the highest-grossing horror flicks of all time.
Naturally, a sequel was ordered and that's due to surface and scare us all over again just before Halloween 2015. Before that, though, audiences itching for more of this particular world (and threatening other worlds) have something novel to enjoy while they wait for the return of the Warrens.
- 10/9/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Dracula Untold bites the UK box office this week, but are we reaching vampire overload, James wonders...
Drac is back (in, erm, black, but we're not going to crank AC/DC because it's cliché, it's anachronistic in this medieval setting and it might be mistaken as a reference to Iron Man). If you go to your local cinema this weekend you can see Dracula Untold which has Luke Evans vamping it up as the latest incarnation of the most infamous bloodsucker in cultural history.
Once the movie has been seen the title should be changed to 'Dracula Told' because then it won't be a story 'Untold' but, ah, I digress. The important thing to know is that audiences are going to get to enjoy a new movie expanding the Dracula mythos and this one has a lot to offer cinemagoers getting into the horror mindset in the Halloween month.
We're...
Drac is back (in, erm, black, but we're not going to crank AC/DC because it's cliché, it's anachronistic in this medieval setting and it might be mistaken as a reference to Iron Man). If you go to your local cinema this weekend you can see Dracula Untold which has Luke Evans vamping it up as the latest incarnation of the most infamous bloodsucker in cultural history.
Once the movie has been seen the title should be changed to 'Dracula Told' because then it won't be a story 'Untold' but, ah, I digress. The important thing to know is that audiences are going to get to enjoy a new movie expanding the Dracula mythos and this one has a lot to offer cinemagoers getting into the horror mindset in the Halloween month.
We're...
- 10/2/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
The release of Sin City: A Dame To Kill For inspires James to look back at its film noir roots, and some classic examples of the genre...
"Things go dark. I don't mind much. It's okay." John Hartigan, Sin City.
We're at the shadowy back-end of the summer blockbuster season and darkness is entering the frame. Here comes ultraviolence, sleaze, crime and death, all beautifully shot in macabre high-contrast monochrome. Just when you thought you'd got yourself clean and were all peppy after some upbeat family-friendly popcorn thrills, here's Sin City: A Dame To Kill For to darken up the doorways. (And it will light up a cigarette in those doorways and spit out some tough dialogue from between its bloodstained teeth while it's lingering there.)
We're back in the Basin City of Frank Miller's graphic novels again, once more brought to vivid screen life by the comics creator...
"Things go dark. I don't mind much. It's okay." John Hartigan, Sin City.
We're at the shadowy back-end of the summer blockbuster season and darkness is entering the frame. Here comes ultraviolence, sleaze, crime and death, all beautifully shot in macabre high-contrast monochrome. Just when you thought you'd got yourself clean and were all peppy after some upbeat family-friendly popcorn thrills, here's Sin City: A Dame To Kill For to darken up the doorways. (And it will light up a cigarette in those doorways and spit out some tough dialogue from between its bloodstained teeth while it's lingering there.)
We're back in the Basin City of Frank Miller's graphic novels again, once more brought to vivid screen life by the comics creator...
- 8/21/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
The arrival of The Expendables 3 leads James to the conclusion that, when it comes to being an action hero, age is just a number...
"All I have produced before the age of 70 is not worth taking into account. At 73 I have learned a little... a little about the real structure of nature, of animals, plants, trees, birds, fishes and insects. In consequence when I am 80, I shall have made still more progress. At 90 I shall penetrate the mystery of things; at 100 I shall certainly have reached a marvellous stage; and when I am 110, everything I do, be it a dot or a line, will be alive." - Hokusai, the Japanese artist who painted the famous 'Great Wave off Kanagawa' and kept on creating astounding art until his death at the age of 88.
"I'm too old for this shit." - Roger Murtaugh, the Lapd homicide detective played by Danny Glover...
"All I have produced before the age of 70 is not worth taking into account. At 73 I have learned a little... a little about the real structure of nature, of animals, plants, trees, birds, fishes and insects. In consequence when I am 80, I shall have made still more progress. At 90 I shall penetrate the mystery of things; at 100 I shall certainly have reached a marvellous stage; and when I am 110, everything I do, be it a dot or a line, will be alive." - Hokusai, the Japanese artist who painted the famous 'Great Wave off Kanagawa' and kept on creating astounding art until his death at the age of 88.
"I'm too old for this shit." - Roger Murtaugh, the Lapd homicide detective played by Danny Glover...
- 8/14/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
In this week's column, James looks at the tricky task of retaining movie surprises in modern cinema...
Feature
"Please, accept the mystery..." Mr Park, A Serious Man.
Last week I went to the cinema. I booked my ticket in advance and reserved a place at a screening. So far this story isn't very unusual, but bear with me because there are surprises in store. Or, at least, there were surprises in store. And there are also surprises coming up in this column because it's all about surprises. Whoa, it's Bill Murray! There. That was a surprise.
Anyway, I go to the cinema a lot and normally I know what I'm going to see. This kind of prior knowledge is useful and has practical benefits. For instance, you know when you need to arrive, whether you want to invite anyone else or whether you need to adjust your clothing or mood...
Feature
"Please, accept the mystery..." Mr Park, A Serious Man.
Last week I went to the cinema. I booked my ticket in advance and reserved a place at a screening. So far this story isn't very unusual, but bear with me because there are surprises in store. Or, at least, there were surprises in store. And there are also surprises coming up in this column because it's all about surprises. Whoa, it's Bill Murray! There. That was a surprise.
Anyway, I go to the cinema a lot and normally I know what I'm going to see. This kind of prior knowledge is useful and has practical benefits. For instance, you know when you need to arrive, whether you want to invite anyone else or whether you need to adjust your clothing or mood...
- 7/24/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
The James Clayton column: James explores the path to Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes, and where we might be heading next...
Feature
Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes is a film about apes. The title isn't misleading or a metaphor or anything. This is a movie about primates and though there are human protagonists sharing screentime and functioning as significant pieces in the plot, it's very much an ape affair. Key characters - Caesar, Cornelia, Koba - are all chimpanzees.
Actually, that's not completely true. In fact it's a damn dirty ape lie for Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes is a work of great deception. This fresh bestial blockbuster employs the most state-of-art moviemaking technology to achieve its trickery, ironically bringing the primitive world to visceral life on screen by using the most advanced techniques available.
The truth about those convincing, hyper-real chimpanzees? Caesar is played by Andy Serkis,...
Feature
Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes is a film about apes. The title isn't misleading or a metaphor or anything. This is a movie about primates and though there are human protagonists sharing screentime and functioning as significant pieces in the plot, it's very much an ape affair. Key characters - Caesar, Cornelia, Koba - are all chimpanzees.
Actually, that's not completely true. In fact it's a damn dirty ape lie for Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes is a work of great deception. This fresh bestial blockbuster employs the most state-of-art moviemaking technology to achieve its trickery, ironically bringing the primitive world to visceral life on screen by using the most advanced techniques available.
The truth about those convincing, hyper-real chimpanzees? Caesar is played by Andy Serkis,...
- 7/17/2014
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
The distributor has pounced on Us rights to Pathe International’s comedy drama set during the Margaret Thatcher regime that closed the recent Directors’ Fortnight section in Cannes.
Pride will launch in limited release on September 19 and stars Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton, Dominic West, Paddy Considine, Andrew Scott, Joseph Gilgun, George MacKay and Ben Schnetzer.
Matthew Warchus directed from a screenplay by Stephen Beresford about gay activists who head off to donate their fundraising efforts to striking miners in Wales.
David Livingstone produced with Cameron McCracken, Christine Langan and James Clayton serving as executive producers.
Pathe is distributing directly in the UK and France.
Pathe International handles international sales and has concluded agreements with Germany (Senator), Italy (Teodora), Spain (Golem), Australia (Entertainment One), Benelux (Lumiere), Czech Republic and Solvenia (Film Europe), Denmark (Camera Films), Finland (Cinemamondo), Israel (Lev), Norway (Arthaus), Portugal (Lusamondo), South Africa (Videovison) and Sweden (Triart).
Pride will launch in limited release on September 19 and stars Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton, Dominic West, Paddy Considine, Andrew Scott, Joseph Gilgun, George MacKay and Ben Schnetzer.
Matthew Warchus directed from a screenplay by Stephen Beresford about gay activists who head off to donate their fundraising efforts to striking miners in Wales.
David Livingstone produced with Cameron McCracken, Christine Langan and James Clayton serving as executive producers.
Pathe is distributing directly in the UK and France.
Pathe International handles international sales and has concluded agreements with Germany (Senator), Italy (Teodora), Spain (Golem), Australia (Entertainment One), Benelux (Lumiere), Czech Republic and Solvenia (Film Europe), Denmark (Camera Films), Finland (Cinemamondo), Israel (Lev), Norway (Arthaus), Portugal (Lusamondo), South Africa (Videovison) and Sweden (Triart).
- 7/10/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Annual event to be held on June 18 on the topic of Great British Film, Television and Games Event - Striving for Diversity Nirvana.
Lenny Henry is to introduce this year’s National Film and Television School’s (Nfts) Gala.
The Great British Film, Television and Games Event - Striving for Diversity Nirvana will take place on June 18 at Old Billingsgate.
Baroness Floella Benjamin, OBE, is chairing the Gala committee, which includes Paralympic medalist Ade Adepitan, director Alrick Riley, Fujitsu UK and Ireland chairman Simon Blagden, MBE, Ingenious Investments CEO James Clayton, Wall to Wall TV founder Alex Graham, Coutts & Co’s media banking division director Judith Chan, Global Group executive president and founder Ashley Tabor and Nfts director Nik Powell.
Henry recently launched a nationwide campaign to increase diversity on our screens by calling for a change in the law to boost the number of Black and Minority Ethnic workers in British broadcast media.
The Gala aims...
Lenny Henry is to introduce this year’s National Film and Television School’s (Nfts) Gala.
The Great British Film, Television and Games Event - Striving for Diversity Nirvana will take place on June 18 at Old Billingsgate.
Baroness Floella Benjamin, OBE, is chairing the Gala committee, which includes Paralympic medalist Ade Adepitan, director Alrick Riley, Fujitsu UK and Ireland chairman Simon Blagden, MBE, Ingenious Investments CEO James Clayton, Wall to Wall TV founder Alex Graham, Coutts & Co’s media banking division director Judith Chan, Global Group executive president and founder Ashley Tabor and Nfts director Nik Powell.
Henry recently launched a nationwide campaign to increase diversity on our screens by calling for a change in the law to boost the number of Black and Minority Ethnic workers in British broadcast media.
The Gala aims...
- 6/11/2014
- by ian.sandwell@screendaily.com (Ian Sandwell)
- ScreenDaily
The arrival of X-Men: Days Of Future Past leaves James wondering: are we suffering from superhero overkill?
Feature
Superheroes. Superheroes. Superheroes and more superheroes. Oh, and supervillains as well. Superheroes and supervillains and some of the superheroes are teaming up with other superheroes and assembling superhero teams. Likewise, some of the supervillains are getting together with other supervillains to create supervillain supergroups.
And some superheroes are aligning themselves with supervillains in order to fight the really supervillainous supervillains though it may be difficult to identify just who is really the genuine supervillain or genuine superhero in some cases. Erm, S.H.I.E.L.D.? Hail Hydra?
All of these superheroes are encountering more superbeings and their names and superpowers are subsequently adding to the ever-expanding super-index. I think this is what scientists - like Bruce Banner or Reed Richards - call exponential growth. Significant proliferation has occurred and, as a result,...
Feature
Superheroes. Superheroes. Superheroes and more superheroes. Oh, and supervillains as well. Superheroes and supervillains and some of the superheroes are teaming up with other superheroes and assembling superhero teams. Likewise, some of the supervillains are getting together with other supervillains to create supervillain supergroups.
And some superheroes are aligning themselves with supervillains in order to fight the really supervillainous supervillains though it may be difficult to identify just who is really the genuine supervillain or genuine superhero in some cases. Erm, S.H.I.E.L.D.? Hail Hydra?
All of these superheroes are encountering more superbeings and their names and superpowers are subsequently adding to the ever-expanding super-index. I think this is what scientists - like Bruce Banner or Reed Richards - call exponential growth. Significant proliferation has occurred and, as a result,...
- 5/22/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Godzilla's cinematic return leaves James pondering the power of monster movies and how they give us a sense of perspective...
Feature
Human beings live little lives. We sweat the small stuff. We get bogged down in minor trivialities and teeny-tiny insignificances.
And then, oh my Godzilla, a gargantuan kaiju creature rises up and walks right through it all, stomping all over our little lives and smashing the feeble structures of our civilisation without any difficulty at all. When an almighty entity forces itself into the frame and presents a mortal threat, all the things that are amped up as 'big deals' cease to be 'big deals' as humans get a view of just how altogether small they really are.
By re-adjusting the scales, messing with proportional ratios and shifting paradigms, perspective is wholly altered. This is one of the great things about special effects cinema, or 'tokusatsu' to use the Japanese categorical term.
Feature
Human beings live little lives. We sweat the small stuff. We get bogged down in minor trivialities and teeny-tiny insignificances.
And then, oh my Godzilla, a gargantuan kaiju creature rises up and walks right through it all, stomping all over our little lives and smashing the feeble structures of our civilisation without any difficulty at all. When an almighty entity forces itself into the frame and presents a mortal threat, all the things that are amped up as 'big deals' cease to be 'big deals' as humans get a view of just how altogether small they really are.
By re-adjusting the scales, messing with proportional ratios and shifting paradigms, perspective is wholly altered. This is one of the great things about special effects cinema, or 'tokusatsu' to use the Japanese categorical term.
- 5/15/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
With The Wind Rises out in the UK now, James salutes the work of its legendary animator, Hayao Miyazaki...
Feature
The Wind Rises gets its UK release this week, and that's very good news for those of us who've been waiting patiently for Hayao Miyazaki's new movie. Studio Ghibli's latest - a fictionalised biopic of the aircraft engineer and designer Jiro Horikoshi - came out last July in its native Japan. Now, finally, we arrive at the point where we can see the acclaimed anime feature though, indubitably, the experience will be a bittersweet one.
After this one there will be no new Miyazaki films. The man responsible for such cinematic masterpieces as My Neighbour Totoro, Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away announced his retirement from moviemaking last autumn. Though the animation auteur has made similar statements in the past and subsequently returned to direct again, it appears that...
Feature
The Wind Rises gets its UK release this week, and that's very good news for those of us who've been waiting patiently for Hayao Miyazaki's new movie. Studio Ghibli's latest - a fictionalised biopic of the aircraft engineer and designer Jiro Horikoshi - came out last July in its native Japan. Now, finally, we arrive at the point where we can see the acclaimed anime feature though, indubitably, the experience will be a bittersweet one.
After this one there will be no new Miyazaki films. The man responsible for such cinematic masterpieces as My Neighbour Totoro, Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away announced his retirement from moviemaking last autumn. Though the animation auteur has made similar statements in the past and subsequently returned to direct again, it appears that...
- 5/8/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Feature James Clayton 2 May 2014 - 06:25
What could the much-anticipated May the 4th Star Wars announcement reveal? James makes a few tongue-in-cheek predictions...
Laugh it up, fuzzball! Time for a celebration, it is. Cantina Band music and Ewok dancing, there must be. Movie screenings, mock lightsaber fights and cosplay events, we shall have. Yes, hmmm, talk like Yoda we will for on Sunday it shall be May 4th so, yes hrrrrm, Intergalactic Star Wars Day it is and - dropping the annoying Yoda-speak now - it's one of the most important annual dates on the geek culture calendar.
"May the Fourth be with you!" It's a lispy homophonic pun on "May the Force be with you". I hope you see how that works and are going to have a moment celebrating the saga on Sunday. If you are, I embrace you as a fellow Star Wars fan and send an...
What could the much-anticipated May the 4th Star Wars announcement reveal? James makes a few tongue-in-cheek predictions...
Laugh it up, fuzzball! Time for a celebration, it is. Cantina Band music and Ewok dancing, there must be. Movie screenings, mock lightsaber fights and cosplay events, we shall have. Yes, hmmm, talk like Yoda we will for on Sunday it shall be May 4th so, yes hrrrrm, Intergalactic Star Wars Day it is and - dropping the annoying Yoda-speak now - it's one of the most important annual dates on the geek culture calendar.
"May the Fourth be with you!" It's a lispy homophonic pun on "May the Force be with you". I hope you see how that works and are going to have a moment celebrating the saga on Sunday. If you are, I embrace you as a fellow Star Wars fan and send an...
- 5/1/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Feature James Clayton 25 Apr 2014 - 06:27
The arrival of Transcendence leaves James pondering AI computers in the movies and our post-human future...
Johnny Depp undergoes a metamorphosis and inhabits the persona of someone or something completely different. He does this frequently and is so renowned for it that he's come to be acclaimed and appreciated as a 'chameleon' actor. This very talented and charismatic man completely immerses himself in his roles, his essential Johnny Depp-ness very present but clothed in the form of someone or something wholly other than himself.
Flicking back through his varied and colourful career, we find that Depp has become real people like gonzo journalist Hunter S Thompson, children's author Jm Barrie and transvestite B-movie director Ed Wood, Jr. He has become an artificial man with scissors for hands. He has become a rogue rock star pirate. He has become a Mad Hatter, a loopy Comanche,...
The arrival of Transcendence leaves James pondering AI computers in the movies and our post-human future...
Johnny Depp undergoes a metamorphosis and inhabits the persona of someone or something completely different. He does this frequently and is so renowned for it that he's come to be acclaimed and appreciated as a 'chameleon' actor. This very talented and charismatic man completely immerses himself in his roles, his essential Johnny Depp-ness very present but clothed in the form of someone or something wholly other than himself.
Flicking back through his varied and colourful career, we find that Depp has become real people like gonzo journalist Hunter S Thompson, children's author Jm Barrie and transvestite B-movie director Ed Wood, Jr. He has become an artificial man with scissors for hands. He has become a rogue rock star pirate. He has become a Mad Hatter, a loopy Comanche,...
- 4/24/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Feature James Clayton 11 Apr 2014 - 06:14
With The Raid 2 arriving in UK cinemas too, James wants a word about violent movies...
The Raid 2 is now out in cinemas. I really recommend that you go and see this film. In fact, I urge you to stop whatever you're doing right now and head directly to the nearest movie theatre so that you can experience it immediately. True, it may not be showing for several hours, but that just means you'll get there early and that would be ideal. You're going to need time to settle into your seat and get comfortable before the carnage unfolds.
Still here? Get up, get out and go see The Raid 2. I am mentally slapping you across the face (with a dash of silat martial arts style) as I write this in the hope that I can telekinetically shock some sense into you...
With The Raid 2 arriving in UK cinemas too, James wants a word about violent movies...
The Raid 2 is now out in cinemas. I really recommend that you go and see this film. In fact, I urge you to stop whatever you're doing right now and head directly to the nearest movie theatre so that you can experience it immediately. True, it may not be showing for several hours, but that just means you'll get there early and that would be ideal. You're going to need time to settle into your seat and get comfortable before the carnage unfolds.
Still here? Get up, get out and go see The Raid 2. I am mentally slapping you across the face (with a dash of silat martial arts style) as I write this in the hope that I can telekinetically shock some sense into you...
- 4/10/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Feature James Clayton 4 Apr 2014 - 06:39
As Noah arrives in cinemas, and with Ridley Scott's Exodus around the corner, James ponders the return of the biblical epic...
"Then God said, 'Let there be Industrial Light & Magic'; and there was Industrial Light & Magic." (Genesis: A New Hope. 1:3)
It is the Year of our Lord 2014 (other Lords and religiously-orientated calendar systems are available) and things are getting old-school. To be precise, things are getting Old Testament. They're bringing the Bible back into movie theatres, for this year sees the release of two major movie adaptations of Judeo-Christian scripture.
Those two film events are a Noah - currently sailing into cinemas worldwide - and an Exodus, which is set to occur in December. Though it feels a bit disrespectful to compare holy writ with public transport, the well-known idiom about waiting for buses feels apt here. Perhaps singing "the Old Testament films came two-by-two,...
As Noah arrives in cinemas, and with Ridley Scott's Exodus around the corner, James ponders the return of the biblical epic...
"Then God said, 'Let there be Industrial Light & Magic'; and there was Industrial Light & Magic." (Genesis: A New Hope. 1:3)
It is the Year of our Lord 2014 (other Lords and religiously-orientated calendar systems are available) and things are getting old-school. To be precise, things are getting Old Testament. They're bringing the Bible back into movie theatres, for this year sees the release of two major movie adaptations of Judeo-Christian scripture.
Those two film events are a Noah - currently sailing into cinemas worldwide - and an Exodus, which is set to occur in December. Though it feels a bit disrespectful to compare holy writ with public transport, the well-known idiom about waiting for buses feels apt here. Perhaps singing "the Old Testament films came two-by-two,...
- 4/3/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Feature James Clayton 28 Mar 2014 - 06:15
As its sequel makes its debut in UK cinemas, James looks back at the 2011 The Muppets movie...
"We're doing a sequel!" they sing and, indeed, Muppets Most Wanted is now in theatres and folks really do want to see The Muppets... Again! (The sequel's working title). In fact, if you scan most 'most wanted' lists you're likely to eventually find the Muppets somewhere in the midst of the myriad desired items.
Kermit, Miss Piggy and the rest of Jim Henson's ragtag felt-and-foam-based gang of handmade heroes are in demand and universally loved. Even so, it's probably reasonable to suggest that, for a while, people forgot just how much they loved them.
This is where the 2011 movie The Muppets comes in. Easily the most sensational, inspirational, celebrational, Muppetational reboot ever made, the James Bobin-directed comeback flick brought the whole band back together again...
As its sequel makes its debut in UK cinemas, James looks back at the 2011 The Muppets movie...
"We're doing a sequel!" they sing and, indeed, Muppets Most Wanted is now in theatres and folks really do want to see The Muppets... Again! (The sequel's working title). In fact, if you scan most 'most wanted' lists you're likely to eventually find the Muppets somewhere in the midst of the myriad desired items.
Kermit, Miss Piggy and the rest of Jim Henson's ragtag felt-and-foam-based gang of handmade heroes are in demand and universally loved. Even so, it's probably reasonable to suggest that, for a while, people forgot just how much they loved them.
This is where the 2011 movie The Muppets comes in. Easily the most sensational, inspirational, celebrational, Muppetational reboot ever made, the James Bobin-directed comeback flick brought the whole band back together again...
- 3/27/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Feature James Clayton 21 Mar 2014 - 06:02
As Captain America: The Winter Soldier arrives, James considers the future phases of the Marvel Cinematic Universe...
Captain America: The Winter Soldier is imminent, and it's only a matter of days until the movie lands at your local multiplex. It will be a massive hit. After the second Steve Rogers solo outing, the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Phase Two will continue later in the summer with Guardians Of The Galaxy. That will also be a massive hit.
Phase Two finishes with Avengers: Age Of Ultron and that's going to arrive on May Day 2015. That will be a massive hit, as will Ant-Man - directed by Edgar Wright - which will follow a couple of months later to get Phase Three of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (the McU if you're into the whole brevity thing) underway.
Meanwhile, a string of upcoming live-action Netflix series will join...
As Captain America: The Winter Soldier arrives, James considers the future phases of the Marvel Cinematic Universe...
Captain America: The Winter Soldier is imminent, and it's only a matter of days until the movie lands at your local multiplex. It will be a massive hit. After the second Steve Rogers solo outing, the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Phase Two will continue later in the summer with Guardians Of The Galaxy. That will also be a massive hit.
Phase Two finishes with Avengers: Age Of Ultron and that's going to arrive on May Day 2015. That will be a massive hit, as will Ant-Man - directed by Edgar Wright - which will follow a couple of months later to get Phase Three of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (the McU if you're into the whole brevity thing) underway.
Meanwhile, a string of upcoming live-action Netflix series will join...
- 3/20/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Feature James Clayton 14 Mar 2014 - 06:37
With Terry Gilliam's The Zero Theorem out today, James ponders the meaning of life and the movies...
In The Zero Theorem, Christoph Waltz plays Qohen Leth - a hairless and reclusive computer programmer who lives in his pyjamas in a cavernous ancient cathedral in a dystopian future. This sounds a bit like a midlife crisis. In fact it is a whole life crisis and, for Qohen, that existential despair isn't just a pastime - it's his job. The main protagonists search for the meaning of life forms the narrative core of Terry Gilliam's new film.
Anyone who's ever searched for the meaning of life will be able to tell you that it's a terrible, soul-destroying business unless it's turned into a Monty Python movie. It's therefore a huge relief to know that Gilliam is handling this headspinning sci-fi feature. The quest for...
With Terry Gilliam's The Zero Theorem out today, James ponders the meaning of life and the movies...
In The Zero Theorem, Christoph Waltz plays Qohen Leth - a hairless and reclusive computer programmer who lives in his pyjamas in a cavernous ancient cathedral in a dystopian future. This sounds a bit like a midlife crisis. In fact it is a whole life crisis and, for Qohen, that existential despair isn't just a pastime - it's his job. The main protagonists search for the meaning of life forms the narrative core of Terry Gilliam's new film.
Anyone who's ever searched for the meaning of life will be able to tell you that it's a terrible, soul-destroying business unless it's turned into a Monty Python movie. It's therefore a huge relief to know that Gilliam is handling this headspinning sci-fi feature. The quest for...
- 3/13/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Feature James Clayton 7 Mar 2014 - 06:08
As The Grand Budapest Hotel arrives in cinemas, James dreams of a world fabricated by Wes Anderson...
The Grand Budapest Hotel is directed by Nadia Cavalcanti. Actually it's not. That was a lie and Nadia Cavalcanti is a made-up person. Still, I'll say it again because if you say things enough times they eventually become tangibly real in your own physical world (it's a bit like Beetlejuice). The Grand Budapest Hotel is directed by Nadia Cavalcanti. How does that make you feel?
Of course, you're probably aware that, in truth, The Grand Budapest Hotel is written, co-produced and directed by Wes Anderson (full name, Wesley Wales Anderson). Now, how does that make you feel? Personally, I'm feeling very happy about this because I'm a Wes Anderson fan and I really like all his movies. In all likelihood The Grand Budapest Hotel is going to...
As The Grand Budapest Hotel arrives in cinemas, James dreams of a world fabricated by Wes Anderson...
The Grand Budapest Hotel is directed by Nadia Cavalcanti. Actually it's not. That was a lie and Nadia Cavalcanti is a made-up person. Still, I'll say it again because if you say things enough times they eventually become tangibly real in your own physical world (it's a bit like Beetlejuice). The Grand Budapest Hotel is directed by Nadia Cavalcanti. How does that make you feel?
Of course, you're probably aware that, in truth, The Grand Budapest Hotel is written, co-produced and directed by Wes Anderson (full name, Wesley Wales Anderson). Now, how does that make you feel? Personally, I'm feeling very happy about this because I'm a Wes Anderson fan and I really like all his movies. In all likelihood The Grand Budapest Hotel is going to...
- 3/6/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Feature James Clayton 21 Feb 2014 - 06:09
Editors are a vital yet oft-overlooked part of filmmaking. James takes a closer look at the work of these mystery craftspeople...
Here's a pretty disturbing proposition for you to mentally chop down into easily digestible chunks - Lars Von Trier's Nymphomaniac makes its way into cinemas this week. The controversial Danish director's new ensemble movie revolves around the reminiscence of a sex addict named Joe (Charlotte Gainsbourg) who's found in the street by an academic (Stellan Skarsgård). Joe proceeds to tell him her personal story and the film plays out in flashbacks across different time periods, fleshed out by an array of well-known actors who engage themselves in graphic carnal activity.
In truth, however, none of the stars - among them Shia Labeouf, Jamie Bell, Uma Thurman and Willem Dafoe - have sex in this frank, visceral feature, even though it may appear that they are.
Editors are a vital yet oft-overlooked part of filmmaking. James takes a closer look at the work of these mystery craftspeople...
Here's a pretty disturbing proposition for you to mentally chop down into easily digestible chunks - Lars Von Trier's Nymphomaniac makes its way into cinemas this week. The controversial Danish director's new ensemble movie revolves around the reminiscence of a sex addict named Joe (Charlotte Gainsbourg) who's found in the street by an academic (Stellan Skarsgård). Joe proceeds to tell him her personal story and the film plays out in flashbacks across different time periods, fleshed out by an array of well-known actors who engage themselves in graphic carnal activity.
In truth, however, none of the stars - among them Shia Labeouf, Jamie Bell, Uma Thurman and Willem Dafoe - have sex in this frank, visceral feature, even though it may appear that they are.
- 2/20/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Feature James Clayton 14 Feb 2014 - 05:49
With Her out on Valentines Day, James considers the topic of romance in the movies, and love in the techno-savvy 21st century...
Happy Valentine's Day! Hip hip hooray for the over-commercial super-sappy celebration of romance and close personal relationships! I hope that this column finds you all swept up in sweet emotions and lovely feelings. I hope that you're now breathless and gasping for air having been submerged beneath a sea of affectionate greeting cards, chocolate boxes and sexual propositions from attractive strangers.
If not, use your imagination - it's so much better than reality, especially if reality is disappointing you on Valentine's Day. Today you should be feeling the love and experiencing things that are 'romantic'. Romantic action might be quite rare for many and that probably makes this novel - albeit, suspect - cultural event all the more worthwhile. Love needs to...
With Her out on Valentines Day, James considers the topic of romance in the movies, and love in the techno-savvy 21st century...
Happy Valentine's Day! Hip hip hooray for the over-commercial super-sappy celebration of romance and close personal relationships! I hope that this column finds you all swept up in sweet emotions and lovely feelings. I hope that you're now breathless and gasping for air having been submerged beneath a sea of affectionate greeting cards, chocolate boxes and sexual propositions from attractive strangers.
If not, use your imagination - it's so much better than reality, especially if reality is disappointing you on Valentine's Day. Today you should be feeling the love and experiencing things that are 'romantic'. Romantic action might be quite rare for many and that probably makes this novel - albeit, suspect - cultural event all the more worthwhile. Love needs to...
- 2/13/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Feature James Clayton 7 Feb 2014 - 06:15
With the new RoboCop out now, James considers some sci-fi films that might, just might, benefit from an imaginative remake...
They remade RoboCop. I'm still finding it hard to get my head around that fact, even as I arrive at the moment I get to see the new reboot in cinemas. RoboCop remade. Paul Verhoeven's dystopian masterpiece of 1987 - the ultimate techno-tinged sociopolitical action movie - remade. Really? I mean, really?
I'm pretty sure that in ancient aeons past a divinely-appointed prophet laser-scribed "Thou shalt not remake RoboCop, creep!" on a titanium slab of commandments to be observed by obedient future generations. Nothing is sacred though and, alas, RoboCop is remade, rebooted and upgraded in line with modern filmmaking standards for today's drastically altered multimedia marketplace.
To fill you in on the details you probably already know, the PG-13 rated reboot (really?) is...
With the new RoboCop out now, James considers some sci-fi films that might, just might, benefit from an imaginative remake...
They remade RoboCop. I'm still finding it hard to get my head around that fact, even as I arrive at the moment I get to see the new reboot in cinemas. RoboCop remade. Paul Verhoeven's dystopian masterpiece of 1987 - the ultimate techno-tinged sociopolitical action movie - remade. Really? I mean, really?
I'm pretty sure that in ancient aeons past a divinely-appointed prophet laser-scribed "Thou shalt not remake RoboCop, creep!" on a titanium slab of commandments to be observed by obedient future generations. Nothing is sacred though and, alas, RoboCop is remade, rebooted and upgraded in line with modern filmmaking standards for today's drastically altered multimedia marketplace.
To fill you in on the details you probably already know, the PG-13 rated reboot (really?) is...
- 2/6/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Feature James Clayton 31 Jan 2014 - 07:30
The arrival of I, Frankenstein leaves James pondering the enduring phenomenon of Mary Shelley's seminal creation...
"We belong dead." Frankenstein's Monster in Bride Of Frankenstein (1935).
No, friend, you don’t belong dead. The masses definitely disagree with the Monster. (Ignore the mob of parochial peasants bearing pitchforks and flaming torches, because they're only film extras and their opinion on anything doesn't matter.)
Time has proved that Frankenstein's Monster (a.k.a. The Creature) is eternally popular and ever- relevant and, thus, should never be allowed to just die.
He's easy to revive. A few zaps of electricity and some dramatic lighting and, oh God! It's alive! It's alive! He is, indeed, alive again, shaped like Aaron Eckhart and gracing the big screen now that fresh release I, Frankenstein has found its way into theatres. You needn't worry if you don't get a chance...
The arrival of I, Frankenstein leaves James pondering the enduring phenomenon of Mary Shelley's seminal creation...
"We belong dead." Frankenstein's Monster in Bride Of Frankenstein (1935).
No, friend, you don’t belong dead. The masses definitely disagree with the Monster. (Ignore the mob of parochial peasants bearing pitchforks and flaming torches, because they're only film extras and their opinion on anything doesn't matter.)
Time has proved that Frankenstein's Monster (a.k.a. The Creature) is eternally popular and ever- relevant and, thus, should never be allowed to just die.
He's easy to revive. A few zaps of electricity and some dramatic lighting and, oh God! It's alive! It's alive! He is, indeed, alive again, shaped like Aaron Eckhart and gracing the big screen now that fresh release I, Frankenstein has found its way into theatres. You needn't worry if you don't get a chance...
- 1/29/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Feature James Clayton 24 Jan 2014 - 06:03
Inside Llewyn Davis leaves James pondering the role of cats in films, and whether the Coens can make him learn to love the furry moggies...
Llewyn Davis is a New York musician pawing around the early 60s Greenwich Village folk scene. He's a pretentious mewling creative-type who can't connect with others around him, and he's caught up in the questions of artistic integrity versus commercial success. He's a lost soul with some hair going on. Llewyn Davis has a lot in common with a certain Barton Fink, and in my mind I can picture the forlorn pair performing "Man of Constant Sorrow" as a duet.
In spite of their similarities, though, the lead of the Coen Brothers' fresh folk yarn is arguably better off than John Turturro's doomed screenwriter. Llewyn Davis (played by Oscar Isaac) has something that Fink lacks and that is a pet.
Inside Llewyn Davis leaves James pondering the role of cats in films, and whether the Coens can make him learn to love the furry moggies...
Llewyn Davis is a New York musician pawing around the early 60s Greenwich Village folk scene. He's a pretentious mewling creative-type who can't connect with others around him, and he's caught up in the questions of artistic integrity versus commercial success. He's a lost soul with some hair going on. Llewyn Davis has a lot in common with a certain Barton Fink, and in my mind I can picture the forlorn pair performing "Man of Constant Sorrow" as a duet.
In spite of their similarities, though, the lead of the Coen Brothers' fresh folk yarn is arguably better off than John Turturro's doomed screenwriter. Llewyn Davis (played by Oscar Isaac) has something that Fink lacks and that is a pet.
- 1/23/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Feature James Clayton 10 Jan 2014 - 06:24
The new year brings with it a wave of sombre dramas. James provides a solemn guide to these serious movies...
Real talk: it's high time you wiped that silly smile of your face, sunshine. We're in serious and sombre season and a cheery disposition is inappropriate during this difficult period. Please show some respectful decorum and put on your best po-face. Act accordingly, for these are grave times and we're grappling with grave issues.
Now that you've adopted the expression of an Easter Island statue you're ready to trip off to the cinema and watch all the sobering films that are being screened. Indeed, if you look at the release schedule for the next few weeks you'll found that there are a lot of solemn affairs on the slate and making their way into movie houses to exert an ominous presence. Expect much...
The new year brings with it a wave of sombre dramas. James provides a solemn guide to these serious movies...
Real talk: it's high time you wiped that silly smile of your face, sunshine. We're in serious and sombre season and a cheery disposition is inappropriate during this difficult period. Please show some respectful decorum and put on your best po-face. Act accordingly, for these are grave times and we're grappling with grave issues.
Now that you've adopted the expression of an Easter Island statue you're ready to trip off to the cinema and watch all the sobering films that are being screened. Indeed, if you look at the release schedule for the next few weeks you'll found that there are a lot of solemn affairs on the slate and making their way into movie houses to exert an ominous presence. Expect much...
- 1/9/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Feature James Clayton 20 Dec 2013 - 05:58
As the season of Yule approaches, James lists the film-related gadgets he'd love for Christmas...
(Nb: This column contains spoilers for Iron Man 3, Star Trek Into Darkness and possibly your own Christmas Day if you do actually get certain presents that you were not expecting at all. I'm sorry if I blew the surprise and I'll make it up to you by letting you win all the Christmas cracker-pull contests.)
Christmas is coming! Deck the halls! "Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal!" Yippee-kay-ay and let's watch Die Hard! Fa la, la la la!
Carol singing! Baby Jesus! Overly-rich food! Family board games! It's A Wonderful Life! Giving presents! Getting presents! Getting presents? Oh, damn.
I knew I'd forgotten something. You may have overlooked it as well. The crucial pre-Christmas questions are: What gifts are you getting and what gifts have you got (or...
As the season of Yule approaches, James lists the film-related gadgets he'd love for Christmas...
(Nb: This column contains spoilers for Iron Man 3, Star Trek Into Darkness and possibly your own Christmas Day if you do actually get certain presents that you were not expecting at all. I'm sorry if I blew the surprise and I'll make it up to you by letting you win all the Christmas cracker-pull contests.)
Christmas is coming! Deck the halls! "Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal!" Yippee-kay-ay and let's watch Die Hard! Fa la, la la la!
Carol singing! Baby Jesus! Overly-rich food! Family board games! It's A Wonderful Life! Giving presents! Getting presents! Getting presents? Oh, damn.
I knew I'd forgotten something. You may have overlooked it as well. The crucial pre-Christmas questions are: What gifts are you getting and what gifts have you got (or...
- 12/19/2013
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Baroness Floella Benjamin [pictured] will chair the event, which is about improving diversity.
Screen International and its sister publication Broadcast have been confirmed as media partners for the National Film and Television School’s 2014 Gala.
Baroness Floella Benjamin is to chair Gala, which aims to improve diversity in the film, television and games industries.
The Nfts 2014 Gala will be held at Old Billingsgate on June 18, 2014 and includes live entertainment, a quiz and live and silent auctions.
Joining Benjamin on the Gala Committee are Simon Blagden (Chairman, Fujitsu, UK and Ireland); James Clayton (CEO, Ingenious Investments); Alex Graham (founder of Wall to Wall TV); Judith Chan (Director, Media Banking Division, Coutts & Co); Ashley Tabor (Executive President and Founder, Global Group); Alrick Riley (Nfts graduate, BAFTA-winning director of Hustle, Hotel Babylon and Spooks), Ade Adepitan, (Paralympic gold medalist and television broadcaster) and Nik Powell (Director Nfts).
Benjamin, who is also on the school’s Board of Governors, encouraged the industry...
Screen International and its sister publication Broadcast have been confirmed as media partners for the National Film and Television School’s 2014 Gala.
Baroness Floella Benjamin is to chair Gala, which aims to improve diversity in the film, television and games industries.
The Nfts 2014 Gala will be held at Old Billingsgate on June 18, 2014 and includes live entertainment, a quiz and live and silent auctions.
Joining Benjamin on the Gala Committee are Simon Blagden (Chairman, Fujitsu, UK and Ireland); James Clayton (CEO, Ingenious Investments); Alex Graham (founder of Wall to Wall TV); Judith Chan (Director, Media Banking Division, Coutts & Co); Ashley Tabor (Executive President and Founder, Global Group); Alrick Riley (Nfts graduate, BAFTA-winning director of Hustle, Hotel Babylon and Spooks), Ade Adepitan, (Paralympic gold medalist and television broadcaster) and Nik Powell (Director Nfts).
Benjamin, who is also on the school’s Board of Governors, encouraged the industry...
- 12/18/2013
- ScreenDaily
Feature James Clayton 13 Dec 2013 - 06:07
The arrival of Peter Jackson's latest Hobbit film leaves James thinking about long movies, and argues that they're not always a bad thing...
If you visit your local cinema today you'll find that you can watch The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug. If you do by a ticket for the fresh return to Middle-earth your visit to the cinema will be a long one. The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug is a long film.
I fear that I may be understating things, so let me reaffirm that. The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug is a long, long, really long film - 161 minutes, to be precise. Its length is actually quite ironic when you consider that most of the characters are very short. Nevertheless, this movie led by an undersized troupe of Dwarfs and a Hobbit (Bilbo is reckoned to be around 3ft to 3ft 6in,...
The arrival of Peter Jackson's latest Hobbit film leaves James thinking about long movies, and argues that they're not always a bad thing...
If you visit your local cinema today you'll find that you can watch The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug. If you do by a ticket for the fresh return to Middle-earth your visit to the cinema will be a long one. The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug is a long film.
I fear that I may be understating things, so let me reaffirm that. The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug is a long, long, really long film - 161 minutes, to be precise. Its length is actually quite ironic when you consider that most of the characters are very short. Nevertheless, this movie led by an undersized troupe of Dwarfs and a Hobbit (Bilbo is reckoned to be around 3ft to 3ft 6in,...
- 12/12/2013
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Feature James Clayton 6 Dec 2013 - 06:12
This week, James considers the impact of film sequels, and comes up with a few he'd like to see himself. Robot & Frank Rises, anyone?
"This film! I like it! Another!" Thor at the premiere of Thor III: Revenge of the Sif.
"Too much of a good thing is wonderful." - Liberace at the premiere of Behind the Candelabra 2: Attack of the Rhinestones.
"So, when do we start shooting the next one?" - Every major movie studio executive on the Monday following a bumper opening weekend at the box office.
Did you enjoy that? Good, because they're going to make a sequel. This is standard operating procedure and the modus operandi in Hollywood film production. If something is successful you do it again. And then you do it again. And then you do it again and again until it's not successful or until a...
This week, James considers the impact of film sequels, and comes up with a few he'd like to see himself. Robot & Frank Rises, anyone?
"This film! I like it! Another!" Thor at the premiere of Thor III: Revenge of the Sif.
"Too much of a good thing is wonderful." - Liberace at the premiere of Behind the Candelabra 2: Attack of the Rhinestones.
"So, when do we start shooting the next one?" - Every major movie studio executive on the Monday following a bumper opening weekend at the box office.
Did you enjoy that? Good, because they're going to make a sequel. This is standard operating procedure and the modus operandi in Hollywood film production. If something is successful you do it again. And then you do it again. And then you do it again and again until it's not successful or until a...
- 12/4/2013
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
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