Anthony Hopkins

TIFF 2011: 360 Review

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: September 10th, 2011 at 9:06 pm

360 is not a movie I’d expect from Fernando Meirelles and I don’t mean that as a compliment.  Mierelles’ previous films (City of God, The Constant Gardener, Blindness) have an energy to them and they tackle serious subject matter in a way that’s tense, gripping, and unexpected.  360 is none of those things.  It’s another tired anthology of uninspired vignettes that show us how we’re all connected especially if the script is written that way.  The movie manages to waste a talented cast, its director’s abilities, and two hours of the viewer’s time.

Anthony Hopkins to Star in Serial Killer Drama SOLACE

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: September 6th, 2011 at 5:39 pm

Hannibal Lecter returns! Kinda. Anthony Hopkins, who won the Oscar for his chilling role in The Silence of the Lambs, is set to return to the serial killer genre with Solace. Variety reports that Hopkins is in final negotiations to star in the film, though this time he’ll be the good guy. The thesp will play a former doctor with psychic abilities who works for the FBI. He gets drawn into a serial killer case where his gift is put to good use (because a psychic doctor/FBI agent is a terrible thing to waste). A director has yet to be set, but the script has a nice pedigree. Sean Bailey and Ted Griffin wrote the first draft, which was subsequently rewritten by James Vanderbilt (Zodiac, The Amazing Spider-Man). Peter Morgan (The Queen) made the most recent pass, and production is now set to begin sometime early next year.

First Images from Steve McQueen’s SHAME, Jamie Linden’s TEN YEAR, Fernando Meirelles’ 360 and Ralph Fiennes’ CORIOLANUS

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: July 26th, 2011 at 10:40 am

Continuing our assault of all the new movie images that hit the net this morning, we’ve got our first official looks at Steve McQueen’s Shame (starring Michael Fassbender, Carey Mulligan, James Badge Dale and Nicole Beharie), Fernando Meirelles 360 (starring Jude Law, Anthony Hopkins, Rachel Weisz and Ben Foster), Jamie Linden’s Ten Year (starring Channing Tatum, Rosario Dawson, Justin Long, Kate Mara, Anthony Mackie and Chris Pratt) and Ralph Fiennes’ directorial debut Coriolanus (which stars Fiennes and Gerard Butler).

While many Film Festivals hope to land a few big movies, this year’s Toronto International Film Festival is an insane lineup that’s loaded with huge actors and high profile projects.  Like the past few years, I’ll be at TIFF, so you can expect plenty of reviews/interviews during the Festival which runs from September 8-18th.  Hit the jump to check out all the new images.

THE RITE Blu-ray Review

by Scott Wampler    Posted: June 1st, 2011 at 2:33 pm

The exorcism sub-genre got off to a grand start all the way back in 1973 with William Friedkin’s masterful horror film The Exorcist, and since then, we’ve had a neverending parade of progressively tedious, hackneyed exorcism flicks.  But last year’s The Rite has just arrived on Blu-ray (and DVD, if that’s your preferred format), and maybe you’ve found yourself gazing at that oddly-similar-to-Tommy-Wiseau’s-The-Room cover box at your local movie retailer.  Maybe you’ve gotten it into your head that The Rite is worth renting, maybe even buying.  Hey, you think, maybe the inclusion of Anthony Hopkins indicates that The Rite will be a step above, say, The Exorcism of Emily Rose.  Maybe you’re possessed, and the Devil’s the one whispering this madness in your ear.  Read on for our Blu-ray review of The Rite, after the jump….

Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston and Anthony Hopkins Interview THOR

by Christina Radish    Posted: May 3rd, 2011 at 7:37 pm

At the heart of the epic adventure Thor is a story of family, and the struggles between a father and his two sons. King Odin (Anthony Hopkins) is looking to hand over the throne of Asgard to Thor (Chris Hemsworth), a mighty warrior whose arrogance and reckless actions reignite an ancient war that leads his father to banish him to Earth. Meanwhile, the highly intelligent and cunning Loki (Tom Hiddleston) sets out to prove why he is more worthy of the power and unleashes dark forces on the unsuspecting human population.

During a press conference for the film, co-stars Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hilddleston and Anthony Hopkins talked about heroes and villains in the world of Thor, working with director Kenneth Branagh at the helm of this big superhero movie, how costumes can inform character, and the importance of having humor on set. Hemsworth and Hiddleston also talked about how they’re looking forward to starting on The Avengers in a couple of weeks, and how Joss Whedon has turned the conflict and egos of the characters that will be teaming up for that film into the film’s strength. Check out what they had to say after the jump:

4 Clips and 10 Minutes of Behind the Scenes Footage from THOR

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: April 30th, 2011 at 8:28 am

With Thor finally arriving in America next weekend (it’s already playing around the world), Paramount/Marvel have released the EPK and included are four clips and ten minutes of behind the scenes footage.  While the clips have all been previously released, this is the first time we have all four in one place.  In addition, if you’re curious what it’s really like on a movie set, the behind the scenes footage is great to watch.  However, if you are trying to avoid spoilers, you might want to check it out after you’ve seen the movie.

As I said when I posted my review/video blog on Thor, I thought the movie was great.  Also, while Thor is not an easy transition from comic books to movie screens, director Kenneth Branagh made it work and I cannot wait to see everyone together in The Avengers next summer.  Hit the jump to watch the clips and look for new interviews next week.  Thor stars Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Rene Russo, Stellan Skarsgard, Jaimie Alexander, Kat Dennings, Ray Stevenson, Josh Dallas, Tadanobu Asano, Idris Elba, Clark Gregg and Colm Feore.

14 New Images from THOR

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: April 21st, 2011 at 12:39 pm

Marvel has released some more new images from Kenneth Branagh’s Thor.  Among the new images we have a good look at Rene Russo as Frigga as well as a nice photo of the Warriors Three (Tadanobu Asano, Josh Dallas, and Ray Stevenson).

Hit the jump to check out the new images.  Thor stars Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Stellan Skarsgard, Jaimie Alexander, Kat Dennings, Idris Elba, Clark Gregg, and Colm Feore.  It opens in 3D on May 6th.

Some Thoughts on Kenneth Branagh’s THOR; Plus Video Blog Review

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: April 17th, 2011 at 2:00 pm

If you were nervous that Marvel would somehow not be able to bring Thor into the same universe their previous movies occupy, don’t be.  I’m happy to report Thor is not only great, but it kicks open the door to so many other characters.  If audiences respond (which they should), over the next few years, look for many other larger than life characters on movie screens.

But let me back up a second.

A few days ago, on the Paramount lot, I was part of a very small group that got an early look at director Kenneth Branagh’s Thor.  Since my set visit, I’ve known Thor had a great story and it was extremely respectful to the way Jack Kirby and Walter Simonson brought the character to life.  What I was unsure about was the CGI.  Could I believe that Asgard was real?  When Thor throws Mjolnir in battle, would it do the damage I’ve always imagined?  Could Marvel bring Thor into the same universe as Tony Stark and make it work?  Would the movie explain Bifrost, Heimdall and the Rainbow Bridge to average movie goers and make them believe it wasn’t science fiction?  I had so many questions going in, but I’m so happy to say that while I do have some nitpicks with the movie, overall I walked out of the theater extremely happy.  Continued after the jump.

22 Images and 10 Posters from THOR

by Jason Barr    Posted: April 11th, 2011 at 4:12 pm

With the film set to hit theaters on May 6^th, Paramount has released a number of new images from Kenneth Branagh’s Thor. To make it easier for those of you who may have previously missed an official image and/or poster from the film, you can find the new images as well as all of the film’s previous materials (for a total of 22 images and 10 posters) after the jump. Thor stars Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Rene Russo, Stellan Skarsgard, Jaimie Alexander, Kat Dennings, Ray Stevenson, Josh Dallas, Tadanobu Asano, Idris Elba, Clark Gregg and Colm Feore.

Five New Posters for THOR [Updated Yet Again]

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: March 25th, 2011 at 9:02 am

Marvel has released two character posters for Thor.  The posters are simply the slices of a previously released character banner made into individual images.  However, if Anthony Hopkins’ giant Odin-mug staring you down doesn’t make audiences want to see Thor, nothing will.  In a related story, nothing will want to make audiences see Thor.  [Update: There is now also a poster for Idris Elba's character Heimdall, which you can check out after the jump.] [2nd Update: And now there's one of Natalie Portman's character Jane Foster.  I should have just been patient and waited until they were all released.  Anyway, I've added the new poster after the jump.] [3rd Update: Now there's a poster of Jaimie Alexander as Sif.  Who wants to take bets on how many more posters there will be before the day is over?]

Hit the jump to check out the posters.  Thor stars Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Rene Russo, Stellan Skarsgard, Jaimie Alexander, Kat Dennings, Ray Stevenson, Josh Dallas, Tadanobu Asano, Idris Elba, Clark Gregg,  and Colm Feore.  The film opens in 3D on May 6th.

2 New Posters for THOR

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: March 18th, 2011 at 7:46 am

Two more posters for Kenneth Branagh’s Thor have been released.  Both posters bear the tagline “Courage Is Immortal”.  Also immortal: floating heads.

Hit the jump to check out the posters.  Thor stars Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Rene Russo, Stellan Skarsgard, Jaimie Alexander, Kat Dennings, Ray Stevenson, Josh Dallas, Tadanobu Asano, Idris Elba, Clark Gregg, and Colm Feore.  The film opens in 3D on May 6th.

French Trailer for THOR

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: March 7th, 2011 at 12:15 pm

If you’re hard-up for new Thor footage, then you’ll want to check out the new French trailer for the film.  It has a whopping three or maybe even four seconds of stuff that wasn’t in the teaser trailer or theatrical trailer.  Plus, you get to hear all of the actors re-dubbed in French!  Magnifique!

Hit the jump to check out the trailer.  Thor stars Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Rene Russo, Idris Elba, Kat Dennings, Clark Gregg, Jaimie Alexander, Ray Stevenson, Joshua Dallas, Tadanobu Asano, and Anthony Hopkins. The film opens in 3D in France on April 27th and in the U.S. on May 6th.

New Poster and Banner for THOR (Updated)

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: March 4th, 2011 at 10:45 am

Marvel has released two new posters for Kenneth Branagh’s Thor.  Taking a turn away from the previous posters of “Tall bearded man holds mallet”, these new posters give audiences what they really want: words over the actors’ faces.  Yes, whether you’re white, old, female, or black, the word “Thor” makes the perfect addition to your gigantic mug.

Hit the jump to check out the posters.  Thor stars Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Rene Russo, Stellan Skarsgard, Jaimie Alexander, Kat Dennings, Ray Stevenson, Josh Dallas, Tadanobu Asano, Idris Elba, Clark Gregg, and Colm Feore.  The film opens in 3D on May 6th.

Update: Paramount has sent over high resolution versions of both posters

CHAPLIN 15th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray Review

by Andre Dellamorte    Posted: February 25th, 2011 at 6:00 am

Bio-pics are the scourge of modern filmmaking. Most lives don’t fit into an easy narrative, and putting lives into a two to three hour narrative often means compromising the truths of the people involved. Great artists are even more difficult as many are total shits, and often terrible human beings. For Sir Richard Attenborough’s biography of Charlie Chaplin – titled Chaplin – the rough edges are unavoidable, but the filmmakers attempt to sand them down. Chaplin (as played by Robert Downey Jr.) is a pedophile and a terrible father, and the film makes excuses for him. Perhaps audiences don’t want to see that artists they love are sometimes terrible human beings. It may ruin the illusion of great art, but it does no favors to the truth. Attenborough wants to print the legend, and that’s entertaining enough if you accept the format and the inherent dishonesty – which the narrative  hope to at least game a little by suggesting that the narrator is dishonest. With an all star cast (including Kevin Kline, Dan Aykroyd, Milla Jovovich, Diane Lane, Nancy Travis, Anthony Hopkins, Moira Kelly, Marisa Tomei, and more) it’s at least diverting. My review of the Blu-ray of Chaplin follows after the jump.

New Trailer for THOR

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: February 17th, 2011 at 4:00 pm

Marvel has released a new trailer for Thor.  Some of the stuff I love, especially the look of Asgard and Thor (Chris Hemsworth) chucking Mjolner in to the face of a frost giant. But then there’s other stuff that makes the scale of the picture look dinky. Watching Destroyer (the metal, fire-faced guy) blow up the local Piggly-Wiggly doesn’t seem to fit with the epic tone director Kenneth Branagh seems to want. And as for the humor, it’s also a mixed bag. I chuckled at Thor smashing a coffee cup and demanding more of the delicious beverage, but then Kat Dennings’ joke about putting him on Facebook feels tired. I want Thor to be good, but I’m currently more optimistic about Marvel’s other big flick this summer, Captain America: The First Avenger.

Hit the jump to check out the trailer.  You can also click here to see the first trailer and here to see the Super Bowl spot.  Thor stars Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Rene Russo, Idris Elba, Kat Dennings, Clark Gregg, Jaimie Alexander, Ray Stevenson, Joshua Dallas, Tadanobu Asano, and Anthony Hopkins. It opens in 3D on May 6, 2011.

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