Pirates of the Caribbean 4

Worst 5 Films of 2011

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: December 28th, 2011 at 5:44 pm

Every year, I wonder why I feel the need to call out five films that were the worst of the worst.  No studio exec is going to read this article think, “Matt Goldberg, that voice of sage wisdom, has spoken, and now we must cease production on all of our banal romantic comedies.”  But I make myself sit through a lot of junk every year because I have the idiotic policy of finishing every movie I start.  And these movies were not only a trial, but they managed to waste a potentially good aspect and be shockingly offensive at the same time.  Don’t look for The Zookeeper or Jack and Jill on this list; I prefer not to shove toxic waste into my eye sockets.  The five movies on this list had at least one enticing aspect: the talent involved, the premise, the success of previous entries in the franchise.  And then that lure brought me into a grueling slog where my only solace was knowing the film’s running time and having a wristwatch.  These films punched me for no reason.  This is me hitting back with good cause.

Hit the jump to check out my picks for the worst five films of 2011.

VFX Men Aaron McBride and Ben Snow Talk PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES; Plus 15 Things I Learned on My Visit to ILM

by Hunter Daniels    Posted: October 27th, 2011 at 7:02 am

 

Recently, I was invited to visit the ILM Campus in the Bay Area to discuss the development of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and see some of the new Blu-ray features that Disney has developed for the disc. While touring the effects house, I got to talk to visual effects art director Aaron McBride and visual effects supervisor Ben Snow.

During the interviews, Snow and McBride told me about how pirate maps influence the design of the films, why they can’t reuse digital armatures, what it’s like to be nominated for an Oscar, how the director influences the effects work, and more.  Read on for the complete interviews and a list of the 15 things I learned.

ILM Reveals Alternate Mermaids from PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES

by Hunter Daniels    Posted: October 19th, 2011 at 8:08 am

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides was a very different film than its three predecessors. Whereas Gore Verbinski’s trilogy traded on the charm of Johnny Depp’s anti-hero swashbuckling his way through some of the biggest effects ever committed to film, this latest entry took a more intimate approach, focusing on the love story of a mermaid and a young missionary who fights to protect her.

Read on to find out why what became of the most extreme monsters.

Collider Visits ILM for PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES Blu-ray

by Hunter Daniels    Posted: October 18th, 2011 at 7:13 am

To promote the upcoming Blu-Ray release of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, hitting stores on October 18, Disney invited myself and a few other journalists up to the Bay Area to visit the Industrial Light and Magic campus and see how the film was made.

During my visit, I got to tour ILM, see concept art, some of which differs wildly from the finished product, and interview visual effects supervisor Ben Snow and visual effects director Aaron McBride. We’ll have write ups on the disc’s unique iPad-based interactive features as well as the interviews everyday this week, but today I just want to tell you about what it’s like to walk through the halls of ILM.  Hit the jump for the full story.

Exclusive: Producer Jerry Bruckheimer and Director Rob Marshall Talk PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES at CinemaCon

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: March 30th, 2011 at 3:25 pm

Shortly after Disney’s presentation at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, I got to talk to producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Rob Marshall about Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.  While the studio has released a number of trailers, images and posters from the 4th installment, yesterday was the first time the studio had shown any significant amount of footage.  While we’ve been asked not to reveal anything specific, I can tell you we got to see three sequences: the first took place in London, the second was out at sea, and the third came from the end of the film and it featured many cast members searching in a jungle for the Fountain of Youth.

As you might expect, the footage was loaded with action, and it featured Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow having to escape from a variety of unique situations.  Also, with the presentation for theater owners, Disney showed us the footage in 3D and it looked fantastic.  Since the movie was shot using 3D cameras, I wasn’t surprised.

Anyway, hit the jump to see Bruckheimer & Marshall talk about making the film, how they choose what footage to show, and what’s their go to karaoke song:

New Official Images from THE MUPPET MOVIE and PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 4: ON STRANGER TIDES

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: January 19th, 2011 at 5:54 am

Disney has released new images from both The Muppet Movie and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. While it’s taken Walt Disney a number of years to get a new Muppet movie off the ground, every official image they release and every leaked photo from the set is getting me more excited to see Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the rest of the gang back on movie screens.  I really think The Muppets is going to be a huge hit for the studio.  I know I can’t wait to see it.  Hit the jump for the new images:

Disney Releases Updated Synopsis for PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES

by Jason Barr    Posted: December 22nd, 2010 at 1:05 pm

Disney has sent out an updated synopsis for Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.  In case you’re new to the film, On Stranger Tides stars Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Ian McShane, Geoffrey Rush, Kevin R. McNally, Astrid Berges-Frisbey, and Sam Claffin.  Briefly, the film will focus on Captain Jack Sparrow’s search for the Fountain of Youth and will hit 3D theaters on May 20th, 2011.

To check out the updated synopsis, hit the jump.  In case you missed them, you can click here to check out some recent images of a cool Pirates theater standee and here to check out a new trailer for the film.  You can also find our write-up of the trailer’s Disneyland premiere here.

Awesome Theater Display for PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: December 21st, 2010 at 3:51 pm

Earlier today, I came across an awesome new theater standee for Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.  While I’ve seen many theater standees over the years, the level of detail on this one was really impressive. Instead of one main piece which just said the name of the film, Walt Disney marketing has created a standee with tons of loose parts that are begging to be stolen.  If I wasn’t being watched while I took these pictures, I would have absolutely “borrowed” the beaded necklace on the right side of the skull.  The standee even has Johnny Depp’s braided beard, his red bandana, and an exact replica of the beads that hang from his hair.  As I said, the level of detail is very impressive.

I was told this standee is only going to select theaters so this might be your only chance to check it out.  If anyone sees this in their theater lobby, let me know how long it survives….Hit the jump to check out of the pictures.

Disneyland Goes All-Out for the PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 4 Trailer Premiere – UPDATED With Video

by Rob Vaux    Posted: December 13th, 2010 at 12:40 pm

Swashbucklers of all varieties swarmed the Disneyland Resort this morning, eager to watch the world premiere of the Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides trailer. Fans and contest winners lined up in front of the AMC theaters in Downtown Disney, braving the icy cold California morning (in which temperatures plunged into the low 50s) in order to be the first to catch a glimpse of Jack Sparrow’s new adventures. “Official” pirates from the park sang sea shanties and conducted costume contests, while director Rob Marshall appeared beforehand to introduce the trailer. In the midst of it, he dropped a few tantalizing hints about the content  of the new film. (Avast mateys! Thar be spoilers ahead. Fairly warned thee be, says I.)

After the trailer screening, guests were taken into the Disneyland park just before the gates opened for the day. The sailing ship Columbia appeared—complete with crew—who sang more sea shanties and swore in the new “crew members” with a lengthy pirate oath. They were joined by none other than Jack Sparrow himself,  who seemed confused as to whether the guests were to be conscripted or executed. Once the issue was cleared up (thankfully with no blood being spilt), the guests took a trip on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, followed by a breakfast and after-party at a nearby pavilion. While Disney provided bacon and eggs, the guests could take pictures with Jack and his crew, as well as with the huge mock-up of the film’s teaser poster, featuring a grinning silver Jack skull. Hit the jump for more.

UPDATE: Disney has provided us with some footage from today’s event as well as an interview with director Rob Marshall. Both are after the jump:

New Images from PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES; Plus Quotes from Johnny Depp and Co-Writer Terry Rossio [UPDATED]

by Jason Barr    Posted: December 8th, 2010 at 8:58 pm

Conveniently sandwiched in between the first footage from the film and its upcoming trailer debut, some new images from Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides have landed online.  One of the images, which features Captain Jack Sparrow being led away by friendly persuasion, comes courtesy of a recent on-set interview in which Depp said of his character:

There’s a side to Captain Jack that’s a wheeler-dealer, where he can talk his way out of anything, get out of any situation. But there is also a side to him that can’t stand for grave injustice.

To check out the two new images, as well as a few quotes from co-writer Terry Rossio, hit the jump.  In addition to Depp, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides also stars Penelope Cruz, Ian McShane, and Geoffrey Rush.  The film, directed by Rob Marshall (Chicago), hits 3D theaters on May 20th, 2011. [Update: Disney has released four more photos from the film.  Check them out after the jump]

First Teaser Poster for PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES [UPDATED]

by Jason Barr    Posted: November 14th, 2010 at 6:33 pm

The first teaser poster for Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides has landed online.  Boasting a cast that includes Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Geoffrey Rush, Ian McShane, Gemma Ward, Stephen Graham, and Richard Griffiths, Disney’s fourth Pirates installment is being helmed by Oscar-nominated director Rob Marshall (Chicago).  The film hits theaters in 3D on May 20th, 2011.  Over the summer, Disney sent us this brief synopsis:

Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) finds himself on an unexpected journey to the fabled Fountain of Youth when a woman from his past (Penelope Cruz) forces him aboard the Queen Anne’s Revenge, the ship of the formidable pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane).

To check out the poster as well as a more detailed synopsis, hit the jump. [Update: We have updated this story with a high-resolution version of the poster]

Richard Griffiths Is Royalty in PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 4: ON STRANGER TIDES; Eugene Levy Is a GOON

by Jason Barr    Posted: October 27th, 2010 at 10:36 am

We have two bits of casting news for you today.  First, Richard Griffiths (Harry Potter) is playing King George II in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.  News of Griffiths involvement comes via his Pirates co-star Geoffrey Rush who, in an interview with Empire, discussed shooting scenes with the “wonderful, congenial, and very delightful” Griffiths.  As for the scenes themselves, Rush does not elaborate much past acknowledging that “as a privateer in his court, I mentor him (Griffiths).”  In addition to Rush and Griffiths, Pirates also stars Johnny Depp, Ian McShane, Stephen Graham, Gemma Ward, and Penelope Cruz.  While Disney’s fourth installment isn’t slated to hit theaters until May 20th, 2011, you should be able to check out its teaser trailer in front of Tron: Legacy on December 17th.

To learn about Eugene Levy taking a role that doesn’t involve the American Pie franchise, hit the jump.

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES Teaser Trailer Attached to TRON: LEGACY

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: October 13th, 2010 at 11:19 am

With Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides currently filmed and getting released next May, many have wondered when we might get the first glimpse of Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow in the 4th installment.  Well, thanks to super producer Jerry Bruckheimer (via his twiiter account), it looks like when you go to see Tron: Legacy this December, you’ll also get to see the teaser trailer for Pirates of the Caribbean 4.

While you probably would have guessed this answer if you looked at Disney’s release schedule, it’s always good to have confirmation.  Even though Bruckheimer says in his tweet, “Working to get it done to go in front of Tron,” I’m 100% sure it will be there.  After all, Tron: Legacy is a 3D movie and Pirates 4 is as well. Since most that see Tron will see it in 3D, Disney will have the perfect opportunity to show audiences why they should spend the extra money to see Captain Jack Sparrow in 3D.  Pirates 4 is being shot in 3D, which means that’s how you should see it next May.

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES Docks at Oahu, Hawaii

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: February 23rd, 2010 at 12:37 pm

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides has set sail for the island of Oahu, Hawaii.  AICN reports that The Black Pearl has docked on the island where they’ve filming all six seasons of Lost.  Since both projects fall underneath the Disney banner, having the Black Pearl pass by the Black Rock would be one of the greatest things ever.  You don’t see a lot of pirate ship cameos in movies today.

Filming on the fourth installment in the Pirates franchise is set to begin this summer.  Recent casting announcements include Penelope Cruz as Jack Sparrow’s, “foil and equal in many ways,” and as we reported yesterday, Ian McShane (Deadwood) is in talks to play Blackbeard, the villain of the movie.

Hit the jump to see the video of Hawaii News Now’s report on the arrival of the Black Pearl.  Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger tides is directed by Rob Marshall and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer.  It’s scheduled to hit theaters on May 20, 2011.

Ian McShane May Sail the High Seas as Blackbeard, the Villain of PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: February 22nd, 2010 at 3:00 pm

Johnny Depp says there may not be too much Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, the fourth installment in the POTC series, but he’s getting some great actors to work with.  On February 10th, we reported that Penelope Cruz was in talks to join the cast as Jack Sparrow’s “foil and equal in many ways,” (read: love interest).  Now Heat Vision Blog is reporting even better news: Ian McShane may be playing the villain: Blackbeard aka Edward Teach.  As you can see above, there’s a slight facial resemblance.

Shane is a tremendous actor and his performance of Al Swearengen (another character who was based on a real person) on Deadwood is one of the best in TV history (as is the show).  And when you hit the jump to read some fun facts about Blackbeard, you’ll see that not only is Shane perfect casting, but that writers Terry Rossio and Ted Elliot have some great historical material to work with.

Directed by Rob Marshall (Chicago) and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer (just about everything), Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides is slated to hit theaters on May 20th.

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