Jonathan Liebesman

TOP 5: ANCHORMAN 2, WRATH OF THE TITANS, Debut of our Podcast THE COLLISION, THE DARK KNIGHT RISES in Lego Form, Trailer Recap

by Jason Barr    Posted: March 31st, 2012 at 1:17 pm

Last week presented me with the first opportunity I’ve had in a while to catch two movies in a theater within 24 hours of one another (cue the scoffing of real cinephiles). While I’ll sure that I’ll be hammered for that previous statement when it comes time to renew my movie blogger certification, the truth is that, in the small market I call home, only the most mainstream of the mainstream films ever make it to the silver screen. So, with that said, I’d just like to thank the creative forces behind 21 Jump Street and The Hunger Games for giving me the opportunity to spend 1/6 of a day at the movies with films that, while drastically different in almost every conceivable metric, were solid from beginning to end.

Moving on, in this week’s installment the Top 5 is offering modest coverage of Anchorman 2‘s forward progress, Wrath of the Titans interviews with Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson, director Jonathan Liebesman and more, the debut of our new podcast, The Collision, The Dark Knight Rises trailer in Lego form, and a recap of some of the week’s top trailers. Per usual, you can find a brief recap and link to each after the jump.

WRATH OF THE TITANS Review

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: March 29th, 2012 at 2:45 pm

2010′s Clash of the Titans was an absolute mess.  The story made no sense, the movie wasted its cast, and the film was clearly cut to hell with perhaps a more interesting tale left on the editing room floor.  The problems were compounded by thoughtless action scenes and atrocious 3D.  Wrath of the Titans solves the confusing-story problem by making the plot stolid and obstinate.  The action scenes are just as big but even more pointless, and the 3D looks fine but adds nothing to the experience.  There are some brief, glorious moments where strong performances peak through, and we get a glimpse at some imaginative designs.  These few moments help the sequel barely clear the low bar set by its predecessor.

Director Jonathan Liebesman Talks WRATH OF THE TITANS, TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES, His Julius Caesar Movie, ODYSSEUS, and More

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: March 29th, 2012 at 1:34 pm

Opening tomorrow is director Jonathan Liebesman’s (Battle: Los Angeles) Wrath of the Titans.  In the sequel to Clash of the Titans, Perseus (Sam Worthington) is tasked with stopping the titans and saving Zeus (Liam Neeson) from Hades’ stranglehold (Ralph Fiennes). The film also stars Rosamund Pike, Bill Nighy, Edgar Ramirez, Toby Kebbell and Danny Huston.  And for those wondering how the sequel turned out, Wrath of the Titans is what I hoped Clash of the Titans would be.  It’s got a solid story, incredible effects, and the 3D is really well done.  I’ve seen it twice (including IMAX 3D) and it’s definitely recommended.  For more on the film, here’s five clips.

At last week’s press junket in New York City, I got to sit down with Liebesman for an extended interview.  During our wide-ranging conversation we talked about how he got involved in Wrath of the Titans, his process for addressing the things that didn’t work in the first film, the visual effects, editing, the monsters, how important was it to be accurate with the mythology while still being able to take dramatic license to make the story work, and more.  In addition, Liebesman talked about Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (officially titled “Ninja Turtles”), Odysseus, his untitled Julius Caesar movie with producer Basil Iwanyk, the Battle Los Angeles sequel, and a lot more.  Hit the jump to watch.

Michael Bay Confirms Live-Action TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES Movie Will Be Called “NINJA TURTLES” and More

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: March 27th, 2012 at 7:34 am

Last week, producer Michael Bay and director Jonathan Liebesman had to wade through the overblown reaction to making the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in the upcoming live-action movie originate from an “alien race” even though that’s where the infamous ooze comes from in the original comics.  Then a new spat came about from the rumor that the live-action film would simply be called “Ninja Turtles“.  On his official website, Bay has confirmed the new title, and Paramount dropped the “teenage” and the “mutant” for simplicity (read: marketing).  He also added that “The characters you all remember are exactly the same, and yes they still act like teenagers.”

I don’t mind the title change.  However, it does seem like they’re moving away from making the characters teenagers.  It looks like the Turtles will be adults who “act like teenagers.”  You know, like the adults who are losing their shit over a title change.  Hit the jump for Bay’s full quote.  Ninja Turtles is set to open on December 25, 2013.

Director Jonathan Liebesman Talks WRATH OF THE TITANS and the BATTLE LOS ANGELES Sequel

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: March 25th, 2012 at 7:43 pm

Opening next weekend is director Jonathan Liebesman’s (Battle: Los Angeles) Wrath of the Titans.  In the sequel to Clash of the Titans, Perseus (Sam Worthington) is tasked with stopping the titans and saving Zeus (Liam Neeson) from Hades’ stranglehold (Ralph Fiennes). The film also stars Rosamund Pike, Bill Nighy, Edgar Ramirez, Toby Kebbell and Danny Huston.  And for those wondering how the sequel turned out, Wrath of the Titans is what I hoped Clash of the Titans would be.  It’s got a solid story, incredible effects, and the 3D is really well done.  I’ve seen it twice (including IMAX 3D) and it’s definitely recommended.

During my interview with Liebesman, we talked about what was the most complicated special effect, the difference between sunlight and darkness for making effects look real, whether he felt added pressure with the 3D conversion after the negative reaction to the 3D in Clash of the Titans, and what’s his favorite director, actor and movie.  In addition, I also got an update on the Battle Los Angeles Sequel.  Hit the jump for more.

Director Jonathan Liebesman Talks Untitled Julius Caesar Movie, ODYSSEUS, and a Sequel to WRATH OF THE TITANS

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: March 24th, 2012 at 2:40 pm

Though 2010’s Clash of the Titans wasn’t exactly a critical success—and despite a pretty hefty shellacking for the film’s rushed 3D post-conversion—the action epic rounded up quite a substantial box office haul.  As a result, the studio is taking another shot at the sword and sandals story with the sequel Wrath of the Titans.  Director Jonathan Liebesman (Battle: Los Angeles) was brought in to take the helm, and star Sam Worthington has said that he’s been given the chance to rectify everything he felt they got wrong with the first go-around.  I’ve actually heard really good things about Wrath, and all signs point to a sufficiently entertaining Greek epic.  For more on the film, here’s five clips.

Steve recently got the chance to sit down with Liebesman at the Wrath of the Titans press day, and the director provided updates on a couple upcoming projects on his plate including an epic take on the Julius Caesar story, Odysseus, and his thoughts on returning for a sequel to Wrath. Hit the jump to see what he had to say.

TOP 5: THE HUNGER GAMES Interviews, Michael Bay Turns TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES into Aliens, Teaser Trailer and Poster for COSMOPOLIS, New PROMETHEUS Trailer, WonderCon 2012 Coverage

by Jason Barr    Posted: March 24th, 2012 at 11:14 am

In this week’s opening paragraph I want to use a few lines to encourage reader feedback. The “Top 5″ weekly feature has been up and running since May of 2011 and has undergone very few presentation and/or aesthetic changes along the way. Because I’m thrilled when you, the reader, chooses to spend a few weekend minutes with me, I want to make sure that I’m consistently delivering something you look forward to checking out. That said, I invite any and all “Top 5″ feedback be e-mailed to me directly at colliderjason@gmail.com. Don’t worry, constructive criticism isn’t required. We could all use a good “you suck because you suck” sentiment to keep us honest every now and then.

Awaiting you in this week’s “Top 5″ is a slew of interviews for The Hunger Games, a recap of Michael Bay‘s campaign to turn Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles into aliens so as to make them more believable (yes, you read that right), a NSFW international teaser trailer for David Cronenberg‘s Cosmopolis, a sparkling new Prometheus trailer, and all of our WonderCon 2012 coverage. In case you don’t know the drill, I’ll remind you that a brief recap and link to each follows after the jump.

Jonathan Liebesman Talks TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES Reboot; Addresses “Alien Race” Comments and Hints at Motion-Capture

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: March 23rd, 2012 at 9:20 am

Michael Bay caused quite the hubbub the other day with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fans.  He’s producing a new iteration of the lovable characters in the form of a live-action reboot directed by Jonathan Liebesman (Wrath of the Titans).  Said hubbub was caused when Bay commented that the turtles in the reboot would be “from an alien race.” Fans were perplexed given that the word “mutant” is right in the title of the series, and “alien race” would imply that these new martial arts-inclined turtles weren’t mutated, but are actually extra terrestrial beings.

Steve got the chance to speak with Liebesman at the press junket for Wrath of the Titans earlier today and the director took the time to clear the air about his version of TMNT.  He addressed the “alien race” comments, talked about his approach to the characters, revealed whether they’re thinking CGI or practical effects to bring the turtles to life, and said when he thinks they’ll start filming and where.  Hit the jump to see what he had to say.

Nearly 40 Hi-Res Images from WRATH OF THE TITANS

by Dave Trumbore    Posted: March 13th, 2012 at 6:15 pm

We’ve previously brought you four exclusive images and 19 new images from Clash of the Titans sequel, Wrath of the Titans, along with posters, trailers and interviews.  Now we’ve got nearly 40 hi-res images from the swords-and-sandals sequel that features all of your favorite gods and mortals. Wrath of the Titans stars Sam Worthington, Edgar Ramirez, Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Bill Nighy, Rosamund Pike, Toby Kebbell and Danny Huston. The sequel opens in 3D on March 30th. Hit the jump to check out the images.

Jonathan Liebesman in Talks to Direct TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES Reboot

by Brendan Bettinger    Posted: February 14th, 2012 at 9:46 pm

Paramount is in development on a live-action reboot of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.  It has been a rough transition so far from comic to feature, but the studio is taking the project in an unexpected direction.  Michael Bay, Brad Fuller, and Andrew Form of Platinum Dunes—the production company behind horror remakes such A Nightmare on Elm Street and Friday the 13th—are shepherding the reboot.  The studio assigned the script to Josh Appelbaum and Andre Nemec, the writers who most recently penned the whip-smart Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol.  Now Variety reports Jonathan Liebesman is in negotiations to direct.  Liebesman directed Battle: Los Angeles, and his next project is Wrath of the Titans.  He’s the up-and-comer you call when you want a big action film.  Tone will always be tricky when your main characters are anthropomorphic turtles who know martial arts.  But if they can reinvent TMNT on the level of, say, Bay’s Transformers… well, that sounds like a blast.

First Trailer and Poster for WRATH OF THE TITANS [Updated With New Posters]

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: December 19th, 2011 at 11:04 am

The first trailer for Wrath of the Titans has gone online.  I was disappointed by Clash of the Titans, but the trailer has somewhat restored my interest in the sequel.  Jonathan Liebesman (Battle: Los Angeles) has taken the reigns from Louis Leterrier and obviously the action scenes are bigger because that’s what sequels do.  But I was taken with the imaginative design for the sets and the creatures.  Presumably the 3D will be much better this time around since it’s not a post-converstion.  But the larger question remains: Is the script any better?  Here’s hoping. [Correction: It is a post-conversion. I was under the impression the filmmakers didn't want to do something so blatantly stupid.]

Hit the jump to check out the trailer and poster.  The film stars Sam Worthington, Ralph Fiennes, Liam Neeson, Danny Huston, Edgar Ramiez, Bill Nighy, Toby Kebbell, and Rosamund Pike.  Wrath of the Titans opens March 30, 2012. [Update: A couple of crazy banners a new image have been released, which are now included after the jump.]

CLASH OF THE TITANS 2 Now Officially Titled WRATH OF THE TITANS

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: November 16th, 2011 at 12:55 pm

To the surprise of no one, Warner Bros. has won the battle to use the title of Wrath of the Titans for their upcoming sequel to 2010’s Clash of the Titans. The studio had already settled on the name when the announcement of a sequel was first made, but they ran into a bit of trouble as “Wrath of the Titans” had already been trademarked by comic book publisher Bluewater Productions. Today it was announced that an agreement has been reached and the studio wil be able to use the moniker after all in exchange for licensing rights to the name.

Directed by Jonathan Liebesman (Battle: Los Angeles), the sequel takes place 10 years after the frist film and finds Perseus (Sam Worthington) called back into action when Zeus (Liam Neeson) is captured by Ares (Edgar Ramirez) and Hades (Ralph Fiennes) in a plot to unleash the titans. The cast also includes Rosamund Pike, Bill Nighy, and Danny Huston. Hit the jump to read the full press release regarding the title. Wrath of the Titans will be released in 3D on traditional screens and IMAX on March 30th.

Jonathan Liebesman to Direct Epic Julius Caesar Film

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: July 13th, 2011 at 2:22 pm

Warner Bros. has picked up a pitch for an epic Julius Caesar film as a directing vehicle for Battle: Los Angeles director Jonathan Liebesman.  According to Deadline, the film wouldn’t be a biopic as much as a “Patton­-like approach” and would cover Caesar’s Spanish campaign, his formation of the 10th Legion, and the battles that would eventually establish Caesar as ruler of the Roman republic (Rome didn’t become an empire until Augustus, Caesar’s heir, took over following his uncle’s assassination).   The concept is to create a sweeping drama with a major movie star playing Caesar and to leave the door open for a second film that would cover Caesar’s journey to Egypt and his assassination.  Chris Boal will write the script and Liebesman will produce alongside Basil Iwanyk (Clash of the Titans 2).

Liebesman recently wrapped shooting on the Clash of the Titans sequel, which is due out March 30, 2012.  Last year we reported that 17 Again director Burr Steers was working on a Caesar film that would focus on the historical figure’s teenage years.

Bill Nighy and Danny Huston Join CLASH OF THE TITANS Sequel; Full Synopsis Revealed

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: March 23rd, 2011 at 8:23 am

Production has begun on Jonathan Liebesman’s untitled sequel to Clash of the Titans.  Warner Bros. has sent out a press release confirming the film’s cast.  Returning actors Sam Worthington (Perseus), Liam Neeson (Zeus), Ralph Fiennes (Hades), and Danny Huston (seen in the first film for half-a-second as Poseidon), will be joined by Edgar Ramirez (Ares), Toby Kebbell (Argenor, Posiedon’s demigod son), Rosamund Pike (Andromeda), and Bill Nighy (Hephaestus). It’s worth noting that Gemma Arterton, who was rumored to return as Io, isn’t mentioned in the press release.

Warner Bros. has also sent out a full synopsis for the sequel.  The story takes place 10 years after the first film with Perseus attempting to lead a quiet life.  But he’s called back into action in order to rescue Zeus after the god is captured by Ares and Hades in a deal to unleash the titans.  The plot clearly has a major role set up for Kronos, the leader of the titans, but no actor has been linked to the role at this point.

Hit the jump for the full press release and synopsis.  Clash of the Titans 2 is set to be released in post-converted 3D (ugh) on March 30, 2012.

BATTLE: LOS ANGELES Review

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: March 11th, 2011 at 7:36 am

The Marines used to run commercials that would show a young man taking a sword and battling a fire-breathing dragon.  I was always left wondering if anyone ever saw one of those ads, thought “I need to get in on that dragon-fighting action” and were left sorely disappointed when they discovered that the job was short on dragon-slaying, but long on getting shot at.

That recruitment ad has now been expanded to a feature length film with Jonathan Liebesman’s Battle: Los Angeles.  While it’s slightly more realistic than sword-fighting a dragon, a platoon of marines taking on space aliens isn’t really what the actual job entails.  On a technical level, the film is a dazzling special effects punch of sight and sound that will keep you pinned to your seat and rooting for a small band of soldiers to complete their mission.  But there’s nothing thoughtful underneath and the hollowness of the undertaking that may support our troops, but doesn’t provide them with the honesty they deserve.

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