Barry Sonnenfeld

TOP 5: SKYFALL Trailer, MEN IN BLACK 3 Interviews, G.I. JOE: RETALIATION Pushed Back, THE GREAT GATSBY Trailer, More THE DARK KNIGHT RISES Coverage than You Can Imagine

by Jason Barr    Posted: May 26th, 2012 at 10:27 am

Remember a few weeks back when I kicked off the summer movie and wedding seasons simultaneously? Well, I wasn’t kidding about the whole wedding thing. Today marks my second ceremony in three weeks and let’s just say that I’m writing portions of today’s Top 5 from a church while awaiting pictures. To make matters even worse, said church is located on a stretch of old highway that is nowhere near an Internet connection that can support anything better than up to 128k up or down. I never thought I would say this, but I’m currently missing my home DSL connection that is slow and unreliable at best. But enough of my bandwidth-starved complaints…

On tap in this week’s Top 5 is the first trailer for the latest Bond film, Skyfall, Men in Black 3 video interviews with Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones and more, G.I. Joe: Retaliation‘s new release date/third dimension, the first trailer and poster for The Great Gatsby, and a plethora of coverage for The Dark Knight Rises. Join me after the break for a brief recap and link to each.

DOMINION: DINOSAURS VERSUS ALIENS to Feature Talking Aliens and Cultured Dinosaurs

by Dave Trumbore    Posted: May 25th, 2012 at 6:56 pm

How exactly did the dinosaurs go extinct? Was it the scientifically supported theory of a prehistoric bolide smashing into Earth and causing a gradual extinction? Or was it aliens? If you are excited by the prospect of the latter, then Barry Sonnenfeld and Grant Morrison’s new collaborative project, Dominion: Dinosaurs Versus Aliens, is for you! But just how are those aliens and dinosaurs going to communicate with the audience, you ask. Well, Sonnenfeld has graciously provided an answer to that burning question in a recent interview with io9.  His answers are almost weirder than you can imagine.  Hit the jump to see what he says.

MEN IN BLACK 3 Review

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: May 24th, 2012 at 12:40 pm

Fifteen years ago, Men in Black was released in theaters.  It further cemented Will Smith‘s star status, gave his high-energy style a perfect foil with Tommy Lee Jones‘ dour-yet-playful performance, and provided a fun, upbeat experience that was delightfully silly and bizarre (I still crack up when Smith tells Jones, “Awww.  You brought that tall man some flowers!”).  Strangely, Men in Black 3 doesn’t draw strength from anything that made the original film an enjoyable experience.  Instead, the latest sequel finds its heart in supporting characters, and letting special-effects makeup guru Rick Baker run absolutely wild as he swings his marvelous alien creations into the 1960s.  It’s a shame that Mr. Smith and Mr. Jones’ performance, and the humor can’t match Baker’s bravado and creativity.

Director Barry Sonnenfeld Talks MEN IN BLACK 3, His Oscar Caliber Performance in the Film, Filming in NYC, and More

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: May 23rd, 2012 at 7:44 pm

Opening this weekend is the third film in the Men in Black franchise.  Barry Sonnenfeld returns as director and the story finds Will Smith’s Agent J travelling back in time to save Tommy Lee Jones’ Agent K.  In addition to Bill Hader as Andy Warhol, Josh Brolin plays a younger version of Jones’ character and does an incredible job.  You’ll absolutely think you’re watching Jones as a young man.  Men in Black 3 also stars Jemaine Clement, Alice Eve, and Emma Thompson.  In addition, make-up effects artist Rick Baker returns to the franchise and you can see some of his creature work here.  For more on the film, here’s all our previous coverage.

Last week I got to speak with most of the cast and every day this week I’ve been posting new interviews.  If you missed them, here’s Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith. Up next is director Barry Sonnenfeld.  During the interview we talked about his Oscar-caliber performance in MIB3 where he’s falling alongside Will Smith, the pros and cons of filming in NYC, what people might be surprised to learn about Smith, Tommy Lee Jones and Josh Brolin, and more.  Hit the jump to watch.

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN Six-Minute Preview at Midnight Showings of MEN IN BLACK 3D in IMAX

by Dave Trumbore    Posted: May 21st, 2012 at 7:21 pm

If you needed an additional excuse to go see Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones and Josh Brolin in Men in Black 3 this weekend, how about this one: you’ll also see a six-minute preview of The Amazing Spider-Man.  Theater-goers who attend Thursday’s midnight showings of Men in Black 3D in IMAX will also get a sneak peek of one of the most anticipated movies of the summer.  Perhaps the trailers, clips, featurettes, images, posters, viral videos and interviews weren’t enough for you; maybe even this four-minute extended trailer hasn’t satiated your appetite.  If that’s the case, go buy your tickets for the midnight showing of MiB3 and get set to enjoy six minutes of Spidey!

Oh yeah, there’s also the third installment in the Men in Black franchise to enjoy.  Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, Men in Black 3 also stars Emma Thompson, Jemaine Clement, Alice Eve, and Nicole Scherzinger. Hit the jump for more information on the preview of  The Amazing Spider-Man and Men in Black 3.

Three Clips from MEN IN BLACK 3

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: May 2nd, 2012 at 11:11 am

The first two clips from director Barry Sonnefeld’s Men in Black 3 have gone online.  Both clips are heavy on the action and light on the dialogue, but one of them gives us a look at those strange single-wheel vehicles in motion.  When we first caught a glimpse of the vehicle, I was instantly reminded of this South Park episode.  Now that we’ve seen them in action, well, they still look like that God-forsaken machine.  The other clip highlights a short conversation between Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones before they get to blastin’ aliens.  Nevertheless, I’m mainly excited about three things for Men in Black 3: Josh Brolin’s spot-on Tommy Lee Jones impression, Rick Baker’s incredible alien make-up, and Bill Hader.  If you missed them, be sure to check out over 40 images from the film that include some fantastic looks at Baker’s aliens, as well as Steve’s wide-ranging interview with Sonnenfeld.

Hit the jump to watch the clips.  The film also stars Jermaine Clement, Alice Eve, and Emma Thompson and opens in 3D on May 25th. [Update: A third clip has gone online and is now included after the jump.]

Over 40 New Images from MEN IN BLACK 3 Highlight Rick Baker’s Incredible Alien Make-Up

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: April 30th, 2012 at 12:43 pm

A giant batch of new images from Men in Black 3 have hit the web.  Though we get our fair share of looks at stars Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, and Jermaine Clement, the real highlight of the group is a handful of peeks at legendary makeup artist Rick Baker’s inspired alien designs.  We saw a few of these in a recent batch of alien-centered pics, but this group is of much better quality.  Baker took his inspiration from the sci-fi films of the 50s and 60s, so the impressive group of aliens on display in Men in Black 3 have that retro look down-pat.

Hit the jump to check out the images, but be warned that a few of them might be considered minor spoilers.  The film also stars Alice Eve, Bill Hader, Michael Stuhlbarg, Nicole Scherzinger, and Emma Thompson.  Men in Black 3 opens in 3D on May 25th.

Barry Sonnenfeld Talks MEN IN BLACK 3, Cameos, and Runtime; Updates on DOMINION: DINOSAURS VERSUS ALIENS and More

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: April 17th, 2012 at 11:00 am

As we look towards the next few months, we’ve got plenty of sequels and popcorn fare ahead of us. One of the biggest properties arriving this summer is the third film in the Men in Black franchise. Barry Sonnenfeld returns as director and the story finds Will Smith’s Agent J travelling back in time to save Tommy Lee Jones’ Agent K. In addition to Bill Hader as Andy Warhol, we get Josh Brolin playing a younger version of Jones’ character for much of the film. Judging by the trailer, he’s done a remarkable job.  Men in Black 3 also stars Jemaine Clement, Alice Eve, Emma Thompson, and Johnny Knoxville. In addition, make-up effects artist Rick Baker returns to the franchise and you can see some of his creature work here.

The other night I landed an exclusive interview with Barry Sonnenfeld.  While most interviews take place during the day at a hotel, we spoke by phone close to midnight.  With his busy post-production schedule, it was the one time he could fit in the interview.  During our wide ranging conversation we talked about the way he shot the 3D, how the project came together, whether he prefers film or digital and why, what his cameo in the film entails (he plays a man who jumped off a building during the stock market crash of 1929), Easter eggs, if he misses being a cinematographer, why he doesn’t shoot his own movies, what parts of the film changed on set, casting Josh Brolin, IMAX, deleted scenes, the running time (it’s currently 97 minutes without titles), his favorite movie, director and actor, and so much more.  In addition, he gave me updates on his future projects like Dominion: Dinosaurs Versus Aliens and The How-To Guide for Saving the Planet.  Hit the jump for a few new images of Sonnenfeld on set and the interview.

Barry Sonnenfeld Comments on Shooting MEN IN BLACK 3 without a Finished Script

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: February 29th, 2012 at 8:15 am

Scripts for blockbuster movies tend to go through multiple writers, and even on set there are tweaks to the pages.  But it’s rare that movie will start shooting if the script isn’t finished.  We like to joke about movies not having scripts, but really we’re making fun of a threadbare/stupid plot.  Barry Sonnenfeld‘s Men in Black 3 literally started shooting without a finished script.  As we previously reported, the movie took a hiatus so that various screenwriters could figure out a way to wrap up the story, which centers on Agent J (Will Smith) going back in time to team up with past K (Josh Brolin) and save the world.  The movie took a pause to try and take advantage of tax breaks in New York City (Sony was worried the tax incentives would expire; they didn’t) and the spring weather.

So what does Sonnenfeld think about this unusual and risky approach to making a blockbuster feature?  Hit the jump for what he and make-up effects artist Rick Baker had to say on the matter along with a possible spoiler.  Men in Black 3 opens in 3D on May 25th.

New Posters for MEN IN BLACK 3 and BATTLESHIP with a New Mondo IMAX Poster for JOHN CARTER

by Dave Trumbore    Posted: February 21st, 2012 at 11:32 pm

We have three new posters from three big movies for you today. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I’ll be brief and let the artwork speak for itself:

• First up is a new poster for Men in Black 3 featuring Josh Brolin, Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones. The film, by director Barry Sonnenfeld, opens in 3D on May 25^th.
• Next is an up-close-and-personal look at star Taylor Kitsch in his second of three 2012 releases, Battleship. Also starring Liam Neeson, Alexander Skarsgard, Brooklyn Decker and Rihanna, Battleship opens May 18^th.
• Saving the best for last is the Mondo poster that is supposedly being given away at special IMAX screenings of John Carter. Starring Taylor Kitsch, Willem Dafoe, Mark Strong, Ciaran Hinds and Bryan Cranston, John Carter opens March 9^th.

Hit the jump to check out the posters.

MEN IN BLACK III Will Open in IMAX 3D

by Jason Barr    Posted: September 12th, 2011 at 4:14 pm

Just because Men in Black III has experienced some bumps and bruises along the course of its production doesn’t mean that the MIB franchise isn’t still a Hollywood heavyweight. Released in 1997 and 2002 respectively, let us not forget that the first two installments in the franchise garnered more than a combined $1 billion at the worldwide box office against an approximate combined budget of $230 million. With this blockbuster status in mind, Sony Pictures Entertainment and IMAX Corporation apparently have similarly high hopes for the third installment as they have announced that Men in Black III will be digitally remastered and released in IMAX 3D when it hits theaters worldwide on May 25, 2012. According to Sony Pictures Releasing president Rory Bruer:

“Releasing a film in IMAX 3D signals an event release, and Men in Black III on Memorial Day weekend certainly qualifies in a big way. We couldn’t be more excited about how MIB III will look and sound in IMAX theatres.”

As a quick reminder, the film is directed by franchise mainstay Barry Sonnenfeld and stars Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin and Alice Eve. While plot details are not available in abundance, we do know that the film will feature a time-traveling element that sees Agent J (Smith) go back in time to save a young Agent K (Brolin) while averting a world-ending disaster.

Comic-Con 2011: First Official Banner for MIB3

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: July 20th, 2011 at 3:20 pm

Just a little while ago, I posted the first official posters for Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, Total Recall, Underworld 4, and The Amazing Spider-Man as Sony has them on display at the Hard Rock Hotel here at Comic-Con.  A few minutes after posting the article, I made my way inside the Convention to pick up my press credential and found the first official banner/poster for Will Smith’s Men in Black 3.  While it only features the logo and release date, it’s the first time Sony has released any promotional image for the movie.  Hit the jump to check it out.

Barry Sonnenfeld and Grant Morrison Team for DOMINION: DINOSAURS VERSUS ALIENS

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: May 10th, 2011 at 10:37 am

Director Barry Sonnenfeld and acclaimed comics writer Grant Morrison (The Invisibles) are teaming up for Dominion: Dinosaurs Versus Aliens.  Sonnenfeld will direct and Morrison will write the graphic novel and the screenplay.  The story takes place on a secret pre-historic Earth where aliens invade and super-intelligent dinosaurs are the planet’s only hope.  If the aliens have a device that chucks giant meteors at the planet, then spoiler alert: they won.  Also, I’m not sure how highly-intelligent dinosaurs behave.  Do they smoke pipes and read The Economist?

While the premise does seem like it came about because someone saw a kid playing with his dinosaur and aliens toys, I find it somewhat intriguing since I have no idea how they’ll introduce dialogue into the movie.  Will everything be subtitled?  If the dinosaurs talk, how does that not look silly?  Also, can aliens please get a break?  We mutilated them earlier this year in Battle: Los Angeles, and they’re going to be fighting against cowboys this summer.  Are we sending these movies into space as a warning?  In any event, the graphic novel will be published later this year.  Sonnenfeld is currently at work on another alien flick, Men in Black III.

MEN IN BLACK 3 Set Photos

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: April 29th, 2011 at 1:44 pm

A couple more set photos have surfaced from the set of Men in Black 3. The film has gone through some very public script issues, but it appears that they sorted everything out. These set photos give another look at Will Smith and Josh Brolin as a young Agent K, following the first batch of set photos from earlier this month. Given the diner setting and the car parked outside, it’s safe to assume this takes place in the 60’s (the film involves Smith’s character traveling back in time to find the young Agent K).

Hit the jump to check out the photos. Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, the film also stars Tommy Lee Jones, Alice Eve, Emma Thompson, Nicole Scherzinger, Rip Torn and Johnny Knoxville.  Men in Black 3 opens in 3D on May 25, 2012.

First Look at Josh Brolin as Young Agent K in MEN IN BLACK III

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: April 12th, 2011 at 1:41 pm

It looks like Men in Black 3 must have sorted out its script issues (whether those issues were sorted out successfully remains to be seen) because filming has resumed on the flick and we now have our first look at Josh Brolin who plays the younger version of Tommy Lee Jones’ character, Agent K.  For those unfamiliar with the plot, the story this time around involved Agent J (Will Smith) going back to the 1960s to save K and thus prevent a universe-ending catastrophe.  If you can imagine Josh Brolin with slicked-back hair and wearing a black suit and tie, then you have a pretty good idea of what the character looks like.  If you can’t imagine that, then hit the jump and check out some set photos.

Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, the film also stars Alice Eve, Emma Thompson, Nicole Scherzinger, Rip Torn and Johnny Knoxville.  Men in Black 3 opens in 3D on May 25, 2012.

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