ScreenCrave - Passionate About Movies

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• Sundance 2011: Festival Press Conference w/ Robert Redford
• No Strings Attached: Movie Review
• Annie Ilonzeh Cast in Charlie’s Angels TV Pilot
• The Way Back: Movie Review
• Sundance 2011: ‘Chefdance’ Culinary Arts Flavor the Festival
• Clint Eastwood to Direct A Star is Born With Beyonce
• Marvel Hires Writer for Black Panther
• Sundance 2011: Westboro Baptist Church to Protest Red State
• Photos From Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 – Harry and Hermione
• New Kung Fu Panda 2 Photos!
• Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher Talk No Strings Attached
• Liam Neeson Returning to Star Wars as Qui-Gon Jinn

Sundance 2011: Festival Press Conference w/ Robert Redford Posted: 20 Jan 2011 07:23 PM PST The 30th Annual Sundance Film Festival kicked off with a discussion between festival founder Robert Redford, current festival director John Cooper, and 2012 festival director Keri Putnam.  The trio talked about the state of Sundance today with regard to its history, and where it may be headed in the future.  It’s clear that they all care very deeply about their work here, and really want to maintain its vision of support for artists and filmmakers.  To find out more about what they discussed, and to see exactly what they said, check out the rest of the article after the jump… This year marks a milestone anniversary for the Sundance Film Festival: 30 years!  Rather than discuss the films being shown this year, they decided to focus on the mission and vision of the festival.  Robert Redford began the chat by posing a reflective question the Sundance leaders are constantly considering: “We ask ourselves a question of ourselves that nobody asks of us:  Why are we here?  What's our point?  In 1980, I wanted to create a space and a place for independent artists with new ideas and new voices to have a place to go.” The fact that this thought is always in the back of their minds has been reflected in the ever expanding programs and categories offered at Sundance, including the NEXT category, which showcases low and no-budget films, to make the festival accessible to those who find a way to make movies without funding, as well as recent partnerships with Youtube to make online distribution and rentals available for films that pass through the hallowed halls of the Park City theaters.  This sentiment will continue, according to future festival director Keri Putnam: “We've been really focused on how we can support the impact of [artists'] work, how we can connect it with more audiences…We're increasing our public programming, We're doing screenings and workshops across the country, in partnership with many organizations…We really work to promote the role that film, theater, and all of the arts in supporting our culture, and connecting people across perceived boundaries.” John Cooper, who is handing off the festival reigns to Putnam after two years as festival director, discussed some of the challenges of this year’s festival: “We've lost a theater, and I think we are going to feel that with the seats we've lost in Park City…And we can tell from ticket sales & the word on the street that it's going to be a very big year, and be very crowded on the streets…Also, I fear that this constant ongoing situation of ambush marketers are back…I honestly wish they could contribute to independent film, or art in general…but I believe, truthfully, that the magic happens in the theaters of Park City, and not out on the streets.” The loss of a Racquet theater, a tennis club gymnasium converted into a 600 seat theater, is a big deal.  Last year this theater was home to the premiers of such impressive films as Splice and Exit Through the Gift Shop, which might not have ended up in front of as many eyeballs in real theaters without the extra buzz generated by having an extra 600 people running around Park City talking about them.  Furthermore, no one likes to see an event they hold so personally dear taken over by advertising from corporate sponsors that are involved with the festival only peripherally, at best. When taking questions from the assembled press, Mr. Redford discussed the growing influence of the internet over film in general, but asserted that it wouldn’t affect the fest’s mission: “The democratization of the internet has created all kinds of opportunities, as well as some negative stuff, like too much information.  But I'm very excited by that.  The opportunities that are coming are great, because as long as we adapt and stay focused on the principal of our mission, which is to do whatever we can do to help filmmakers get their work out, and create more audiences for the work.  So I'm all in favor of it.” Mr. Cooper went on to elaborate that with so much accessibility for films these days, artists are creating work that appeals less to specific audiences, but rather rings true to their creative vision: “Artists are staying more personal, more real to themselves, because they know that they're not going to have to perform for [a specific] somebody else, it's between them and the audience, and they know instinctively that there's an audience for their films.  When we look back at some of our more difficult films like Precious and Winter’s Bone, they keep making it…and it's not just for these 10 days; there's a real hunger for these types of films.” The most awkward moment of the press conference came when some one asked Redford if he might follow the leads of Larry King and Regis Philbin (both, like Redford, in their seventies) and considered retirement.  Taken aback some, Redford replied: “I have not thought about retiring… I mean, I'm gonna die, but… I would like to put a nod to the people who have started at the bottom, and worked their way to the top…and I am very proud of John Cooper.” So Redford, aware that he is now in the sunset of his life, expressed complete confidence in his successors’ ability to maintain the true spirit of Sundance. Finally, when asked about some of the controversy and protests surrounding Kevin Smith’s new film Red State, Redford expressed what seemed like indifference, disregarding their rhetoric and ideals by saying: “I'm kind of anti-ideology…our work really tries to transcend politics in one way or another, whatever side you're on…we’re not beholden to any power above us, be it religion or government.” John Cooper followed up with the following reflection, quoting a prior Sundance Film These Amazing Shadows: “‘Stories unite us; theories divide us.’”  Filmmaking is about stories, so being here is about uniting around these ideas.” So there you have it:  Sundance remains about creating an opportunity for new and unique voices to share their ideas with audiences eager for something out of the ordinary.  Though the scope of the festival may have expanded far beyond anything they could have dreamed at its inception, it has managed to adapt and evolve to suit the tastes of increasingly sophisticated and challenging film-goers.  The world can continue spinning…for now. Related Posts Sundance 2011 Preview: What are we excited for? (2) Sundance 2011: Photos and Info For Dramatic Thriller ‘Margin Calls’ (0) Sundance: Robert Redford and John Cooper Talk Sundance (0) Sundance: An Amazing Moment with Ebert and Redford (0) Sundance 2011: ‘Chefdance’ Culinary Arts Flavor the Festival (0) Sundance 2011: Ben Stiller Executive Produces Indie ‘Submarine’ (0) Off To Sundance We Go!!!! (0)

No Strings Attached: Movie Review Posted: 20 Jan 2011 05:30 PM PST It’s been a mighty successful month for Ms. Natalie Portman with her engagement, pregnancy and Golden Globe. There’s nothing like destroying a streak of victory with a shitty rom-com! The Oscar-nominee teams up with the painfully one dimensional Ashton Kutcher in Ivan Reitman’s, No Strings Attached. The film pollutes theaters nationwide Friday, January 21st. Check out the review below… The Players: Director: Ivan Reitman Writers: Elizabeth Meriwether, Michael Samonek Cast: Natalie Portman, Ashton Kutcher, Olivia Thirlby The Plot: Adam (Kutcher) a television writer and bona-fide “dude” has the hots for Emma (Portman) a Doctor. Emma’s total disinterest in a relationship makes her enormously appealing to Adam, and in his desperation he agrees to partake in strictly sexual interactions with her. No snuggling, breakfast, or labeling…a dream for most young men, but not for Adam. Buckle up as Kutcher puts his abs and recycled jokes to work to snag the girl! The Good: Supporting Roles: When supporting characters outshine your leads (…leads as famous as Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher) it’s time to call cut and toss the production. The few bursts of laughter from the audience came directly after deliveries by Mindy Kaling and Greta Gerwig, who play Emma’s roommates. Chicks That Don’t Want Commitment: At risk of leaving anything overly feministic in my tracks, I’ll be brief. I’m pleased that a rom-com FINALLY acknowledges that, as shocking as it may seem, not all women are pining for outrageously serious relationships. The Good/Bad: Ashton Kutcher: I place equal certainty in both my knowledge of the sun rising tomorrow and Ashton Kutcher movies being utterly stupid. For this, he earns a gold start for consistency with his unwavering ability to be precisely himself. There are zero surprises here. Cheesy: I like to maintain that rom-com’s invite the cheese. If you’re into that, you’ll potentially find this picture amusing. The Bad: Natalie Portman: Really? You’re vying for an Oscar nod while promoting this horrifying display of cinema? I send condolences to her publicity team. Portman, who rarely fails to please, came up short this time around. She hasn’t really scratched the surface of comedy since Garden State, and it’s quite clear why. Not only was she completely un-hilarious but generally speaking, she simply couldn’t commit to her character. There was nothing fluid about this performance stocked with conversations destitute of believable sentiment and poorly delivered one-liners. Each scene presented what seemed to be a different version of the same character. Overall: Here’s the sad fact: Plenty of teenage girls will DIG this movie for it’s eye candy and “aww” moments. Those of you looking for something with a little more substance should kindly purchase a ticket to another film. Rating: 4/10 No Strings Attached opens nationwide Friday, January 21st. Photo Gallery: Trailer: Will you be seeing No Strings Attached this weekend? Related Posts Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher Talk No Strings Attached (0) The Office: Season 7 Episode 5: The Sting – TV Review (0) Sundance 2010: Hesher (1) The Way Back: Movie Review (0) No Strings Attached To Win Weekend Box Office (0) 1-1 Interview with Ivan Reitman for No Strings Attached (0) Every Day: Movie Review (0)

Annie Ilonzeh Cast in Charlie’s Angels TV Pilot Posted: 20 Jan 2011 05:02 PM PST Last week it was announced that ABC had plans to produce a remake of the popular television series “Charlies Angels.” Before we could adjust to the idea, they’ve already started casting the main characters. The first actress to land a slot is Annie Ilonzeh. One Angel down, and two more to go. Who will join her? Deadline reports that Ilonzeh has been cast as Kate, “a very smart and very athletic ex-cop and a master of martial arts. She is the most serious of our 3 Angels but also knows how to let her hair down and have a great time.” She’ll be joined two other detectives named Abby and Marisa. The new show will be set against the Miami backdrop so one can imagine the wardrobe these women will sport each week. For those of you who watch soap operas, Ilonzeh’s face may look familiar. She currently stars as Maya Ward on ABC’s “General Hospital.” Her character on that show in a strong willed medical intern, who’s fallen in love with an Australian bad boy. Since this is only the pilot, we’re not sure if she’s leaving the daytime drama completely. What do you think of the first new Angel? Who else should they cast? Related Posts ABC Green Lights Charlie’s Angels Pilot (3) Regis Philbin Leaving TV, Retiring From Regis and Kelly (0) ABC Picks Up Modern Family, Grey’s Anatomy, Castle For Another Season (0) Castle: Season 3 Episode 11: Nikki Heat – TV Review (0) Matt Dillon to Guest Star on Modern Family With Shelley Long (1) Castle: Season 3 Episode 10: Last Call – TV Review (1) Sandra Oh Says Tonight’s Grey’s Anatomy ‘Adrift in Peace’ is a Must See! (0)

The Way Back: Movie Review Posted: 20 Jan 2011 05:00 PM PST This week in theaters Peter Weir’s epic The Way Back featuring a stellar ensemble cast with Jim Sturgess, Ed Harris, Colin Farrell, Saoirse Ronan freezing in the Himalayas and scorching across the Siberian desert hits theaters this Friday January 21st. The film is an example of a cinema master at work. Everything about this film was exceptionally well crafted. I guess that’s what happens when the film is lead by a director who has been nominated for six Academy Awards. The film literally takes you on the journey with this group of survivors and engrosses you in their experience — the problem is, is this a journey you want to go on? Let’s take a look…. The Players: Director: Peter Weir Screenplay Writers: Keith R. Clarke and Peter Weir Novel By: Slavomir Rawicz Cast: Jim Sturgess, Ed Harris, Saoirse Ronan, Colin Farrell, Gustaf Skarsgård, Alexandru Potocean, Mark Strong, Sebastian Urzendowsky, Dragos Bucur Original Music by: Burkhard von Dallwitz Cinematography by: Russell Boyd The Plot: Based on the novel, “The Long Walk: The True Story of a Trek to Freedom” a group of Concentration Camp survivors escape a Siberian gulag and walk over 4000 miles to freedom in India. The Good: The Acting: Many of us fell in love with Saoirse Ronan when we first saw her in Atonement, and she just keeps on impressing us, over and over again. I could highlight every member of this cast, but the truth is, this is truly an ensemble piece led by Jim Sturgess and Ed Harris, but really it’s about the group. The trick with ensemble casts is that everyone has to be good all the time. Whether it be the actors, the casting director, or Weir’s directions, the entire cast worked wonderfully together and literally carried the film on their weary shoulders. Farrell got a bit pushy with his acting in the start, but once he starts drinking he’s back on track! The Craftsmanship: I would say the cinematography immediately jumps out at you, but the truth is that everything from the use of sound design, to lightly played music, to the make-up, to every detail of the film was extremely well done. There’s no doubt that Weir is an expert filmmaker who surrounds himself with an an exceptional crew. Severity Without Violence: Though this film is extremely serious in nature, the one thing that it’s missing is graphic violence and all I can say is hallelujah! We get what happens when we see an animal, they pull out a knife and then they’re eating, we don’t need any more information than that! What’s nice about this film is that they don’t go for shock value or gory effects in order to make this the experience that it is. The Good/Bad: The LOOONG Walk: You have to give Weir credit for really making you FEEL like you’ve gone on such an extreme journey with these characters, but it’s not one that is always easy to watch nor enjoyable — though that is the point! This journey was extraordinarily difficult and near impossible, sadly at times the weight of the film rests on your shoulders and makes for a very heavy experience. They did a good job at making the audience a part of the film, I just don’t know if it’s the type of journey people are going to be eager to take. The Bad: The After Effects: I think this film actually took about 6 minutes of my life just out of pure sadness. As I said, it’s a journey, and it’s well made, but it’s not enjoyable and I found that it stuck with me for sometime after and wouldn’t let me out of that state of mind for some time. Now some people may love this, I respect it, but it just wasn’t for me. Overall: This is a powerful film made by some of the finest filmmakers currently working. The craftsmanship is remarkable and the cinematography is stunning. Rating: 6.5/10 Check out The Way Back in theaters January 21st. Photo Gallery: Related Posts Interview: Director Peter Weir Talks The Way Back (0) The Lovely Bones: Movie Review (3) No Strings Attached: Movie Review (0) Every Day: Movie Review (0) The Green Hornet: Movie Review (1) Barney’s Version: Movie Review (1) The Dilemma: Movie Review (1)

Sundance 2011: ‘Chefdance’ Culinary Arts Flavor the Festival Posted: 20 Jan 2011 04:46 PM PST For the past 6 years, Chefdance has brought a star lineup of chefs to cook for the celebrities and film-makers at the festival. This year, Kate Bosworth, Steve Buscemi, and James Franco are just a few of the celebrities taking advantage of the chance to taste food from famous chefs like Brian Malarkey (Top Chef, Season 3) and Kerry Simon (Palms Palace in Las Vegas). The dinner series lasts for 5 nights, giving each chef a chance to showcase their talents in a four course meal for 250 people. The event’s creator, Kenny Griswold, designed Chefdance as a culinary compliment to the films, and no doubt also to take advantage of the brief but considerable concentration of artistic talent and international fame that descends upon Park City, UT each winter. 2011 Confirmed Chef Line-Up Friday, January 21 – Brian Malarkey, Season 3 Top Chef Saturday, January 22 – Jared Van Camp, Quality Social in Chicago Sunday, January 23 – Kerry Simon, Palms Palace in Las Vegas Monday, January 24 – Michael Chow, Mr. Chow (receiving ChefDance Legend Award 2011) Tuesday, January 25 – Jared Young, Winner of Utah Chef Competition 2011 Dinner Party Line-Up Friday, January 21: Hobo with a Shotgun starring Rutger Hauer and Gregory Smith Vampire starring Rachel Leigh Cook, Kevin Zegers, and Keisha Castle-Hughes Worst Enemy starring Lake Bell Saturday, January 22: Higher Ground starring Vera Farmiga, Joshua Leonard, John Hawkes Grab starring Parker Posey The Music Never Stopped starring Julia Ormond, Lou Taylor Pucci, H.K. Simmons, Bob Weir, and Mickey Hart Becoming Chaz starring Chaz Bono Sunday, January 23: Slash starring Slash Like Crazy starring Anthon Yelchin and Jennifer Lawrence Kaboom starring Thomas Dekker, Haley Bennett, and Juno Temple Page One: A Year Inside the New York Times Monday, January 24 sponsored by GYPSY05: Little Birds starring Kate Bosworth, Juno Temple, Leslie Mann, and Kay Panabaker Beats, Rhymes & Life directed by Michael Rapaport and featuring A Tribe Called Quest Tuesday, January 25: The Lie starring Joshua Leonard and Jess Weixler 2011 After Party Line-Up Friday, January 21 Three's Company: The Drama starring James Franco Downstairs Pete Small is Dead starring Steve Buscemi, Peter Dinklage, and Pete Roth Downstairs Martha Marcy May Marlene After-Party at Chefdance THOR Lounge Saturday, January 22 The Lie After-Party at Chefdance THOR Lounge The Catechism Cataclysm starring Steve Little and Robert Longstreet Sunday, January 23 TBD Monday, January 24 The Perfect Sense starring Ewan McGregor and Eva Green To find out more about Chefdance and how to take part, visit their website at www.chefdance.com. Related Posts Sundance 2011: Ben Stiller Executive Produces Indie ‘Submarine’ (0) Sundance 2011 Preview: What are we excited for? (2) Sundance 2011: Festival Press Conference w/ Robert Redford (0) 2011 Sundance Jury Announced – Jason Reitman, America Ferrera, and More (0) Sundance 2011: Photos and Info For Dramatic Thriller ‘Margin Calls’ (0) James Franco to Write and Direct Faulkner and McCarthy (1) Sundance 2011 First Looks: Terri, Silent House, The Greatest Movie Ever Sold (0)

Clint Eastwood to Direct A Star is Born With Beyonce Posted: 20 Jan 2011 04:20 PM PST Who saw this coming? Director Clint Eastwood has signed on to direct the umpteenth remake of A Star is Born for the big screen and guess who’ll play the lead? Beyonce Knowles! The Grammy winner and former Dreamgirl has snagged the part that’s been previously played by Barbra Streisand, Judy Garland, and Janet Gaynor. Ever since it was announced that a new version of the film was on the horizon, Beyonce’s name has been attached to it, and according to Deadline she’s landed the part. Eastwood will both direct and produce the film that will feature a screenplay from Will Fetters. No male lead has been cast at this time. The previous actors to play that role include Fredric March, James Mason, and Kris Kristofferson. The basic story of the film centers on a young naive ingenue who falls in love with an established male star, but while her career rises his begins to decline. Does Eastwood have what it takes to make this movie happen? We know he likes to have multiple irons in the fire but who the heck saw this one coming?! Does Beyonce have to star in everything music related? Granted she appeared in Obsessed, which was a dramatic thriller but other than that all of her performances have been related to music in some way. Even though we don’t agree with her casting, we are interested in seeing who they’ll get to play her husband. We think her and Hugh Jackman should just go for it. What do you think of Beyonce and Eastwood teaming up for a musical? Nay or yay? Related Posts Hereafter: Movie Review (0) Joaquin Phoenix Won’t Join Leonardo DiCaprio in Hoover (3) Clint Eastwood Wants Joaquin Phoenix to Play DiCaprio’s Lover in Hoover (2) Hereafter Trailer Hits with a Bang AND a Whimper (1) Clint Eastwood’s Hereafter to Close New York Film Fest (0) Confirmed: Leonardo DiCaprio to Play J. Edgar Hoover (3) Leonardo DiCaprio to Star in J. Edgar Hoover Biopic? (1)

Marvel Hires Writer for Black Panther Posted: 20 Jan 2011 03:53 PM PST The Black Panther is back! The Marvel superhero has had a film adaptation slide in and out of development for years and it looks like the studio is finally buckling down to make it. According to a report in THR, Marvel has hired a writer to pen a movie about the African King who moonlights as a superhero. Marvel’s screenwriter of choice is Mark Bailey, who comes from a documentary background. “The Black Panther first appeared in the pages of the Fantastic Four comic in 1966 and is considered the first black hero in mainstream comics.” Talk of a feature film first sprung up in the 1990’s when Wesley Snipes (who went on to do Blade) was attached to play the part. It does seem strange that the studio would hire a documentary writer to pen a comic adaptation. Perhaps they’re looking for him to bring a certain level of grittiness and honesty to the character that a narrative writer can’t create. We’re not sure who they plan on casting as the superhero, but we know who has our vote. Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje! What do you think of Bailey writing Black Panther? Are you interested in seeing the film? Related Posts Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as Marvel’s Black Panther? (0) International Release Dates for Marvel’s Thor (1) Disney Developing 3 Live Action Marvel TV Series (2) Photos: Lebron James, Kobe Bryant as Marvel Superheroes (0) Iron Man 3 Release Date Announced, Disney Will Distribute (0) The Incredible Hulk Headed Back to TV (0) Will Thor’s Idris Elba Play Luke Cage or Blade Next? (2)

Sundance 2011: Westboro Baptist Church to Protest Red State Posted: 20 Jan 2011 02:54 PM PST The abhorrent hate group known as the Westboro Baptist Church (you know them as the jerks behind all those “God Hates Fags” signs), have announced in a press release that they will be protesting the premiere of Kevin Smith’s new film Red State. The film, which premiers at the Sundance Film Festival on Sunday, January 23rd, has been picking up steam as rumors over its content and the hush-hush nature of its release has gained buzz. To read the press release, learn about counter-protests, and hear festival director John Cooper’s take on the controversy, check out the rest of the story after the jump… Red State is the story of a group of teenagers on a quest to get laid, but they fall prey to a hateful religious group’s (guess who this is meant to be?) increasingly violent actions. For a group of such shameless publicity whores, the rhetoric of their Red State protest press release is surprisingly tame: Eccles Theatre – Sundance Film Fest Red State Screening in Park City, UT    January 23, 2011  6:00 PM – 6:30 PM WBC will picket the Sundance Film Festival Screening of Kevin Smith’s Red State, a movie dedicated to mocking the servants of God for preaching His word in season and out of season. WBC rejoices that, of one accord and one voice, the motion picture industry mocks and scoffs and rejects the Gospel message. Our Lord promised that if we preached the truth this is exactly what would happen! Jude 17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; 18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. 19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely,  for my sake. The actors, directors, producers and fans of the Doomed American motion picture industry celebrate the nation-destroying sin of sodomy with all their might. Then they castigate the humble sheep of WBC who warn them to flee the wrath to come just as the ancient men of Sodom harassed just Lot for his timely warning before God rained down fire and brimstone on them. Of the city of Hollywood, and indeed of every city in Doomed America, it can be said: Castigate. That’s an awfully big word from a group whose family tree likely has one branch. Also, at the annual Sundance Film Festival press conference, when asked about the scheduled protests, festival director John Cooper said: “I think there are two protests scheduled for that day, one for Red State and another for a different film.  I think they’re more protesting the fact that over the years Sundance has shown a lot of films that feature prominent homosexuality, which is their big sticking point.” He must not follow Smith’s twitter account. He went on to quote prior festival film These Amazing Shadows, and said: “‘Stories unite us, and theories divide us.’ Film is all about stories, and we rally around stories here, to bring people closer together.” Smith himself has called upon fans to stage their own peaceful counter protests. We at ScreenCrave are currently brainstorming what our signs are going to say.  So far we’ve got: God Hates Gags Smod Hates Hags God Hates Frogs God Hates Figs God Hates Signs God Hates Irony I don’t know what we’re yelling about! God Loves Lamp Crackpots for Christ Got any more ideas for our silly posters? Let us know! Most Commented Posts Person Item Page (1174) Project Item Page (526) New Moon Special Edition 2 Disc DVD Giveaway!!! (364) Saw 3D Prize Pack Giveaway!!! (219) Supernatural Season 6 Might Be Awkward (210) Update: Jeff Goldblum NOT Dead; Reports Of Hoax Surface (150) Avatar: Movie Review (149)

Photos From Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 – Harry and Hermione Posted: 20 Jan 2011 02:42 PM PST The long running Harry Potter film franchise will come to an end this summer with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II. The film will feature the battle we’ve all been waiting for and it will truly mark the end of an era. Warner Bros has released two photos from the movie that feature stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson in some highly stressful situations. What’s going on?! Take a look… Sorry guys! The Potter photos have been removed at the request of Warner Bros Pictures. What are Harry and Hermione looking at in the close up photo? The object seems to be blurred at the edge of the picture. Whatever it is, they’re concerned about it. The other photo shows them standing in a tossed room, where they’ve been backed into a corner. Someone is after them and they’re scared, just look at Harry’s face! What the heck happened in that room?! Everything appears to be upside down and disoriented. Does this scene play out in the book? If so, where? If you have any advanced Potter knowledge, please share! Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II will be released in 3D and 2D on July 15, 2011. What do you think of the two photos from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II? Source: The Daily Blam Related Posts 9 New Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Photos (0) 12 New Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Photos (7) Two More Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Photos (0) New Harry Potter Photos: Harry, Hermione, and Ron Hit the Road (2) New Photos From Harry Potter and Sucker Punch (1) Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Photos – Ron and Hermione Get Close (0) Photos From Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Trailer (0)

New Kung Fu Panda 2 Photos! Posted: 20 Jan 2011 02:17 PM PST DreamWorks Animation has released some photos and posters from their upcoming sequel, Kung Fu Panda 2. The film is just one of the tentpole projects that will make its debut this summer, so the studio is really revving up the marketing for it (view the first teaser poster). Check out Po, and his pals below… Are we the only ones who get weirded out by Po’s super-flexibility? Why can he kick so high with that much weight on his frame? We’re excited to see the return of all the zany cast of characters and we can’t wait to watch what trouble they get into next. Official Synopsis: Po is now living his dream as The Dragon Warrior, protecting the Valley of Peace alongside his friends and fellow kung fu masters, The Furious Five – Tigress, Crane, Mantis, Viper and Monkey.  But Po's new life of awesomeness is threatened by the emergence of a formidable villain, who plans to use a secret, unstoppable weapon to conquer China and destroy kung fu. It is up to Po and The Furious Five to journey across China to face this threat and vanquish it.  But how can Po stop a weapon that can stop kung fu?  He must look to his past and uncover the secrets of his mysterious origins; only then will he be able to unlock the strength he needs to succeed. Kung Fu Panda 2 is scheduled to hit theaters on May 27, 2011 and it will be in 3D. What do you think of the new photos and posters for Kung Fu Panda 2? Related Posts New Kung Fu Panda 2 Poster Packs a Punch! (1) Kung Fu Panda 2 Teaser Trailer and Synopsis (1) Michelle Yeoh, Jean Claude Van Damme Join Kung Fu Panda 2 (2) Photos From Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 – Harry and Hermione (3) New Photos: The Three Musketeers 3D (0) Matthew Vaughn ‘Freaked Out’ Over Leaked First Class Photo, Debuts Two More (1) More X-Men First Class Photos: Kevin Bacon’s Got Sideburns! (0)

Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher Talk No Strings Attached Posted: 20 Jan 2011 01:31 PM PST Veteran director Ivan Reitman returns to the big screen this weekend with his latest film, No Strings Attached . It’s a non-romantic comedy about two friends, who decide to use each other for sex and nothing more. The film stars Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher as the unconventional couple, who act out some strange scenarios as their characters. We sat down and spoke with the duo about their latest feature, which centers heavily on casual sex. Despite all the debauchery they assure you that safe sex is the best sex, and at the end of the day, this movie is more about female empowerment than anything else. Check out the interview… Thanks for having safe sex in the movie. Can you guys comment on the prevalence of sex in films, how that affects teens, and how it’s been glorified in the media recently? Natalie, as a pregnant person can you comment on that? Natalie Portman: Well, I’m not a teen. That’s the first thing I’ll say. I’m a grownup. Obviously, it is really prevalent in our country and I think that’s part of what the movie addresses. We have so much sex in our media that’s disassociated from emotions. We have so much separation between feeling, the emotional and the physical side of sex. They really do belong together. Yes, condoms were fake used, in the fake sex scenes in this movie. Ashton Kutcher: I think there’s so much that's not said about sex in our country. One of the things that I find really interesting in looking at this, and I don’t want to veer off on a weird human trafficking thing, but one of the interesting things, especially for women, in the sex education process in schools. The one thing that they teach about is how to get pregnant and how to not get pregnant. But they don’t really talk about sex as a point of pleasure for women. So from a purely entertainment point of view, to create a movie with a female lead that is empowered with her own sexuality I think is a really powerful thing. I think if we can give teenage people something to think about from a sex perspective I would say that it would be to start opening up a conversation where women are empowered with their own sexual experiences from an educational level as well as an entertainment level. With so much of this being movie being about sex, do the two of you have perimeters about it? How you do approach those scenes and get through them? Is it still embarrassing? Portman: I’m pretty immature. So I think I get pretty embarrassed easily. I would check out once in a while certain shots to make sure that I felt okay because sometimes once you see it, like, there was one of the panties coming off that we did and after I watched I was like, ‘Oh, that’s not bad,’ because it was really quick and it wasn’t lingering on anything that I felt modest about. So I checked a little. You do sort of go the opposite direction between takes, like, ‘So, what are you doing this weekend?,’ like totally benign conversations to make it a little normal. Kutcher: I just start by apologizing. You sort of try to set some ground rules and apologize for them. Someone told me, and I’m not sure who the actor was – I think it was Sir Lawrence Olivier that said…I always use Sir Lawrence Olivier. When in doubt use Sir Lawrence Olivier. I think he said something to the affect of, like, ‘I apologize if I get aroused and I apologize if I do not get aroused,’ and you have to say it with the accent. But there’s sort of always that kind of awkward state of, like, ‘Is this okay? Is that okay?’ Then in between its like, ‘Let’s act like nothing happened,’ and then you see how good of an actor you are. Do you guys think that friendship can survive sex? Kutcher: I wouldn’t know. I haven’t been fortunate enough to try one of those relationships out. I really think that whoever you’re with ultimately needs to be your friend. So all the really successful, happy relationships that I know of, the people that are together are friends anyway. And I don’t know that sex always has to have feelings, but I think that friendship always does. So if you’re friends you’re going to have feelings of some sort, some layer, some level of a deeper feeling. I don’t know that it’s completely possible. This is Natalie’s first rom-com. So, Ashton, did you try to make it easy for her or did you tease her mercilessly? Kutcher: I learned more from Natalie in one day of being on set together than I can ever possibly teach her in a billion years. She may not have done a rom-com before, but she’s done so much work on so many different levels. I even watch Garden State or something like that’s comedic in and of itself, but also has true and specific organic performances. I don’t know that there’s anything I can really teach her. Natalie, did you create a back story for this character, something for how she got to this point? Portman: Absolutely, but a lot of it was provided to me in Liz’s script which was really wonderful about sort of having this incredible loss early on and not really wanting to be the sort of pillar for her family and not wanting to get hurt. Also, I think that most women know someone like this if they’re not like this themselves. They know what happens, that thing that leads you to a point where you’re not even looking for intimacy anymore. You’re just looking for the physical side of it and not the emotional side of it. Something breaks a little bit before you get to that point. It’s not just a way that you’re born. Natalie, you were also an executive producer on this film. How did you balance that with being in the movie? Portman: Well, it was a really exciting process to get to be involved for the first time so early, working with Liz [Meriwether] and Ivan [Reitman]. I came on a couple of years I think before the project. So to get, to sort of watch their process and to get to talk to them about the script, they were definitely controlling that process, but it was fun to be included in the evolution of the script and seeing how it changed and why it changed, to have Ivan’s expertise in pacing and figuring out, like, ‘At the end there needs to be more movement,’ because in the original script that was written it was sort of a contained scene at the end. He said, ‘No. We have to get them moving, on the road.’ To learn those things through the process was really exciting. No Strings Attached opens in theaters on Friday, January 21. 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Liam Neeson Returning to Star Wars as Qui-Gon Jinn Posted: 20 Jan 2011 12:52 PM PST Liam Neeson was the lead actor in the first installment of George Lucas’ Star Wars prequel series. He played a Jedi Master named Qui-Gon Jinn, who was a mentor to Ewan McGregor’s young Obi-Wan Kenobi. If you haven’t seen the film, and have been living under a rock, this post will be a bit spoilery so continue reading at your on risk. In Stars Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace, Neeson’s character died after a battle with Darth Maul (Ray Park), but thanks to the magic of animation, he’s back! Qui-Gon Jinn will reappear on the Cartoon Network series, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.” People were already excited about the show, but this is just icing on the cake. Neeson will voice the character on the January 28th and February 11th episodes. When asked about his dramatic return to the Star Wars universe Neeson said that he feels that "these characters resonate…even after all these years." He continued "Growing up, my heroes were cowboys; they were strong and mysterious, and it seemed like they always rode off into the sunset. For kids today, Star Wars has that same kind of magic. I really wanted to be a part of that." You can watch a video sneak peek of Neeson over on EW. What do you think of Neeson’s return? Are you excited? Related Posts Robot Chicken Star Wars Episode III Video Clip (0) Liam Neeson Confirmed for Taken 2, TV Series on the Way (3) How to Train Your Dragon TV Series Headed to Cartoon Network (2) Star Wars To Become An Animated Comedy Series (3) Annie Ilonzeh Cast in Charlie’s Angels TV Pilot (0) Ricky Gervais Will Appear on NBC’s The Office (0) Paleyfest Line Up Announced, Freaks and Geeks, Undeclared Reunion! (0)

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