Derek Kraneveldt | Geekscape

Check Out Five Grisly New Posters For ‘Bates Motel’

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 14, 2013

I am ridiculously excited for Bates Motel to start. As far back as I can remember, I don’t remember any television series’ (aside from LOST possibly) having such an insanely effective marketing campaign.

Every teaser, every trailer, every image has been absolutely outstanding. I’ve got very high hopes for this one, so I certainly hope that when Bates Motel premieres on March 18th, the show is at least close to as good as the marketing is.

Check out five new teaser posters for the series below, and let us know what you think!

I know, phenomenal right?

Source: Crave

Scott Gimple In Talks To Become Showrunner Of ‘The Walking Dead’

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 14, 2013

Late last month, arguably the biggest show on television, The Walking Dead, was unsurprisingly renewed for a fourth season. The news did come with one unexpected tidbit however, that current showrunner Glenn Mazzara would be leaving the show.

This of course, wasn’t the first time this happened on the The Walking Dead. In production of show’s second season, then showrunner and director of The Shawshank Redemption Frank Darabont quit the series, leaving Mazzara to take over.

The web has been ripe with speculation of who would be taking Mazzara’s place once his duties were complete, and it looks like we now may have an answer. Scott Gimple, a current writer and supervising producer on the series is in final talks for the promotion.

If that name sounds familiar to you, it should! Scott sat down with Jonathan back in March to talk Walking Dead, Ghost Rider, and plenty of other worthy topics! Listen to the episode if you haven’t, and let us know how you feel about the new (likely) showrunner!

The Walking Dead (and Walking Dead Weekly) return on February 10th!

Source: Variety

Check Out The Teaser Poster For ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 14, 2013

On Sunday, Entertainment Weekly released a batch of photos from the highly anticipated The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Today, distributor MGM followed up with an official teaser poster for the film, as well as some higher resolution versions of the EW images.

Check them out below!

What do you think? The Hunger Games: Catching Fire opens on November 22nd.

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE begins as Katniss Everdeen has returned home safe after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark. Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a “Victor’s Tour” of the districts. Along the way Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) – a competition that could change Panem forever.

Julianne Moore Goes Gruesome In A New ‘Carrie’ Poster

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 14, 2013

MGM has just revealed a new character poster for the upcoming (though delayed) Carrie remake. While the previous teaser poster gave us a look at Chloe Moretz as the film’s titular character, this time we get a nice peek at her mother, Julianne Moore as that damned Margaret White.

Carrie creeps its way into theatres on October 18th. Are you looking forward to this remake?

The quiet suburb of Chamberlain, Maine is home to the deeply religious and conservative Margaret White (Moore) and her daughter Carrie (Moretz). Carrie is a sweet but meek outcast whom Margaret has sheltered from society. Gym teacher Miss Desjardin (Greer) tries in vain to protect Carrie from local mean girls led by the popular and haughty Chris Hargenson (Portia Doubleday, Youth in Revolt), but only Chris’ best friend, Sue Snell (Gabriella Wilde, The Three Musketeers), regrets their actions. In an effort to make amends, Sue asks her boyfriend, high school heartthrob Tommy Ross (newcomer Ansel Elgort), to take Carrie to prom. Pushed to the limit by her peers at the dance, Carrie unleashes telekinetic havoc.

Here Are The Winners Of The 2013 Golden Globes!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 13, 2013

Tonight, thousands of pretty and talented Hollywood bigwigs gathered to give recognition to the best performances, films, shorts, and television series’ of 2012. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler hosted this year’s gathering, and though I haven’t yet watched the presentation myself, I’ve heard nothing but positive things about the duo.

Of course each year has its standout moments (aside from all the winners of course). This year twitter is ripe with folks who, instead of talking about awards and snubs, are chatting about Jodi Foster’s emotional acceptance speech, and an angry Tommy Lee Jones. Check out Jodi’s speech below, and head here for Tommy’s already famous face:

Of course, along with all of that fun stuff, there were also movie awards! Check out the complete list of winners below, and let us know what you thought of the show!

BEST PICTURE, DRAMA
Argo – Winner
Django Unchained
Life of Pi
Lincoln
Zero Dark Thirty

BEST PICTURE, MUSICAL OR COMEDY
Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Les Miserables – Winner
Moonrise Kingdom
Salmon Fishing in the Yemen
Silver Linings Playbook

BEST DIRECTOR
Ben Affleck, Argo – Winner
Kathryn Bigelow, Zero Dark Thirty
Ang Lee, Life of Pi
Steven Spielberg, Lincoln
Quentin Tarantino, Django Unchained

BEST ACTOR, DRAMA
Daniel Day-Lewis, Lincoln – Winner
Richard Gere, Arbitrage
John Hawkes, The Sessions
Joaquin Phoenix, The Master
Denzel Washington, Flight

BEST ACTRESS, DRAMA
Jessica Chastain, Zero Dark Thirty – Winner
Marion Cotillard, Rust and Bone
Helen Mirren, Hitchcock
Naomi Watts, The Impossible
Rachel Weisz, The Deep Blue Sea

BEST ACTOR, COMEDY OR MUSICAL
Jack Black, Bernie
Bradley Cooper, Silver Linings Playbook
Hugh Jackman, Les Miserables – Winner
Ewan McGregor, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen
Bill Murray, Hyde Park on Hudson

BEST ACTRESS, COMEDY OR MUSICAL
Emily Blunt, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen
Judi Dench, Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Jennifer Lawrence, Silver Linings Playbook – Winner
Maggie Smith, Quartet
Meryl Streep, Hope Springs

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Alan Arkin, Argo
Leonardo DiCaprio, Django Unchained
Philip Seymour Hoffman, The Master
Tommy Lee Jones, Lincoln
Christoph Waltz, Django Unchained – Winner

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Amy Adams, The Master
Sally Field, Lincoln
Anne Hathaway, Les Miserables – Winner
Helen Hunt, The Sessions
Nicole Kidman, The Paperboy

BEST SCREENPLAY
Mark Boal, Zero Dark Thirty
Tony Kushner, Lincoln
David O. Russell, Silver Linings Playbook
Quentin Tarantino, Django Unchained – Winner
Chris Terrio, Argo

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
Brave – Winner
Frankenweenie
Hotel Transvylvania
Rise of the Guardians
Wreck-It Ralph

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
Amour – Winner
A Royal Affair
The Intouchables
Kon Tiki
Rust and Bone

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
Mychael Danna, Life of Pi – Winner
Alexandre Desplat, Argo
Dario Marianelli, Anna Karenina
Tom Tywker, Reinhold Heil, Johnny Klimek, Cloud Atlas
John Williams, Lincoln

BEST ORIGINAL SONG
“For You”, Act of Valor
“Not Running Anymore”, Stand Up Guys
“Safe and Sound”, The Hunger Games
“Skyfall”, Skyfall – Winner
“Suddenly”, Les Miserables

TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
Breaking Bad
Boardwalk Empire
Downton Abbey: Season 2
Homeland – Winner
The Newsroom

ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
Connie Britton, Nashville
Glenn Close, Damages
Claire Danes, Homeland – Winner
Michelle Dockery, Downton Abbey
Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife

ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
Steve Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad
Jeff Daniels, The Newsroom
Jon Hamm, Mad Men
Damian Lewis, Homeland – Winner

TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
The Big Bang Theory
Episodes
Girls – Winner
Modern Family
Smash

ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
Zooey Deschanel, New Girl
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep
Lena Dunham, Girls – Winner
Tina Fey, 30 Rock
Amy Poehler, Parks And Recreation

ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES — COMEDY OR MUSICAL
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
Don Cheadle, House Of Lies – Winner
Louis C.K., Louie
Matt Leblanc, Episodes
Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory

MINISERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Game Change – Winner
The Girl
Hatfields & McCoys
The Hour
Political Animals

ACTRESS IN A MINISERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Nicole Kidman, Hemingway & Gellhorn
Jessica Lange, American Horror Story: Asylum
Sienna Miller, The Girl
Julianne Moore, Game Change – Winner
Sigourney Weaver, Political Animals

ACTOR IN A MINISERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Kevin Costner, Hatfields & Mccoys – Winner
Benedict Cumberbatch, Sherlock
Woody Harrelson, Game Change
Toby Jones, The Girl
Clive Owen, Hemingway & Gellhorn

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINISERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Hayden Panettiere, Nashville
Archie Panjabi, The Good Wife
Sarah Paulson, Game Change
Maggie Smith, Downton Abbey – Winner
Sofia Vergara, Modern Family

ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINISERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Max Greenfield, New Girl
Ed Harris, Game Change – Winner
Danny Huston, Magic City
Mandy Patinkin, Homeland
Eric Stonestreet, Modern Family

Agree with the winners? Disagree? Let us know who you think deserved it, and who you think got snubbed!

Jennifer Lawrence sure is great, but I'm glad her movie didn't win best picture. — Jennifer Lawrence sure is great, but I’m glad her movie didn’t win best picture.

Geekscape Games Reviews: ‘Under Defeat HD: Deluxe Edition’

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 13, 2013

In 2006, it had likely been years since you’d last thought of Sega’s ill-fated Dreamcast. The sexy, powerful console died on our continent long before its time, largely because you and yours decided to wait for the Playstation 2 instead. Things went a little differently in Japan, as the honourable folks in the East decided that the Dreamcast was worth their time (and money). The console retained a strong following due to a steady stream of clever, classy titles (all while you were busy playing your first-person shooters).

What I was STILL playing in 2006... — What I was STILL busy playing in 2006…

Under Defeat hit shelves in Japan that year, and was among the final retail games to be released for the system. The title was an excellent port of a popular arcade shoot ’em up (or schmup). Unsurprisingly, Under Defeat never made it stateside, so unless you were an importer who didn’t mind paying several hundred dollars for the title (the Dreamcast edition is both rare and sought after), you never got a chance to play (or even hear of) the game.

The original, vertical scrolling version of the game.

Until now that is. In October of 2011, publisher Rising Star Games and original developer G.Rev announced that an HD remake of the title was in the works. Along with its original market, the acclaimed schmup was finally coming stateside (and to European gamers too). Watch the launch trailer for the updated edition below, and read on!

Like most games in the genre, Under Defeat HD doesn’t waste your time with plot or characters (who needs any of that crap). Once you press start it’s just you, your helicopter, and hundreds upon hundreds of baddies between you and your goal. Between waves you’ll be greeted by huge, frustratingly hard (but not cheap) boss battles. You’ll be firing a barrage of endless machine-gun rounds, clearing the screen with a (very) limited amount of bombs, as well as plenty of other clever power-ups. Prepare for war.

I’m not sure that I’ve ever yelled at my television as much as I do while playing Under Defeat HD. The game is fun as hell, but its also hard as HELL. I’m breaking into a cold sweat just thinking about the constant frustration; even after hours and hours of playtime, it’s still tough to get through the first few stages without dying. Dozens of enemies litter the screen at all times, and if you stop, even to blink, your copter will go up in flames (though at least you won’t need to keep popping in quarters).

It can sometimes be tough to tell just what is going on.

One of the standout mechanics of Under Defeat HD is its unique control scheme. In nearly every other shoot ’em up, the craft you control, while being moveable in any direction, can only shoot straight ahead. While not shooting, Under Defeat allows you to tilt and lock your helicopter to the left and right, which allows you to fire diagonally at enemies that may otherwise be unreachable. It’s a fantastic feature that greatly differentiates the game from others in the genre.

Diagonal fire. It's what's for dinner. — Diagonal fire. It’s what’s for dinner.

Now, as smooth as the game can be, like most things in this world, it isn’t perfect. Games like Under Defeat HD typically have an insane amount of things happening onscreen, which the PS3 (and its futile amount of RAM) has a hard time keeping up with. Slowdown is abundant, and the more enemies you’re dealing with at one time, the more apparent the reduced speed can be. That being said, the slowdown has saved my ass at numerous points, so at least for me, it doesn’t ruin the experience. The only other negative aspect of the presentation is the drab colour scheme of the title, though this was likely due to the limitations of the original arcade machine more than anything else.

Any imperfections the game may have are more than made up for by the intense, breakneck gameplay and the slew of different options at your disposal. In addition to the new HD (and 16:9) adaptation, you can also play the original version in its vertical orientation (feel free to rotate your television). two-player local co-op is also an option and an absolute blast. Each stage can also be played in a neat test mode, which lets you nail the pattern of the level and dispersion of the enemies before taking them on in the full campaign.

Possibly the calmest moment you'll ever see in this game. — Possibly the calmest moment you’ll ever see in this game.

Under Defeat HD is a great port of the 2006 classic. If you’re a fan of the shoot ’em up genre, or think you may like to try it out, Under Defeat is a great place to start. Be warned however, the game is relentless and can be frustratingly difficult at times. If you love a challenge and like to see stuff blow up, you’ll have a nostalgic blast with Under Defeat HD.

Under Defeat HD: Deluxe Edition scores a relentless 3.5/5. Sorry Xbox 360 owners (at least in North America), this one’s only available on PS3, and costs a cool $29.99.

PS3 only in NA, UK gamers are lucky enough to score an Xbox version too!

Play the game already? Let us know what you think! Now I’m hankering to power up my Dreamcast again; anyone up for some Virtua Tennis?

‘Arrow’ Returns January 16th, Check Out A New Poster!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 12, 2013

We’re just a few days away from the anticipated return of The CW’s Arrow (along with our weekly column, The Mark), and the network has just treated us to a sexy new poster.

Everyone digs scars right? They fall front and center on Stephen Amell’s ripped, ripped chest in the shows latest advertisement.

Are you currently watching Arrow? Does Amell’s body make as many appearances as you’d like it to? How is the rest of the show? Again, Arrow returns on Wednesday, January 16th at 8pm.

After a violent shipwreck, billionaire playboy Oliver Queen was missing and presumed dead for five years before being discovered alive on a remote island in the Pacific. When he returns home to Starling City, his devoted mother Moira, much-beloved sister Thea, and best friend Tommy welcome him home, but they sense Oliver has been changed by his ordeal on the island. While Oliver hides the truth about the man he’s become, he desperately wants to make amends for the actions he took as the boy he was. Most particularly, he seeks reconciliation with his former girlfriend, Laurel Lance. As Oliver reconnects with those closest to him, he secretly creates the persona of Arrow – a vigilante – to right the wrongs of his family, fight the ills of society, and restore Starling City to its former glory. By day, Oliver plays the role of a wealthy, carefree and careless philanderer he used to be – flanked by his devoted chauffeur/bodyguard, John Diggle – while carefully concealing the secret identity he turns to under cover of darkness. However, Laurel’s father, Detective Quentin Lance, is determined to arrest the vigilante operating in his city. Meanwhile, Oliver’s own mother, Moira, knows much more about the deadly shipwreck than she has let on – and is more ruthless than he could ever imagine.

‘Jurassic Park 4’ Gets An Official Release Date!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 11, 2013

What.

Just days after revealing that Jurassic Park 3D would be hitting IMAX, Universal Pictures has set an official release date for Jurassic Park 4.

Steven Spielberg is attached to produce the film, which is being written by Rise of the Planet of the Apes scribes Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver. Nothing else is currently known about the project.

Jurassic Park 4 is scheduled to hit theatres on June 13, 2014. I certainly hope that after the abysmal third film, Spielberg and company can knock it out of the park with this one.

Excited? Planning to see Jurassic Park 3D when it hits this April?

Source: Deadline

Winter Is Coming: Watch A Tiny Teaser For ‘Game Of Thrones’ Season 3!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 11, 2013

With no actual footage and not a hint of plot, this video serves as less of a teaser (seeing as it isn’t really teasing anything pertaining to the upcoming season), and more of a reminder that Winter is just a few months away. That being said, I haven’t thought about Game of Thrones for some time now, so maybe that reminder is a good thing.

Season three of Game of Thrones premieres on March 31st. After that Season two cliffhanger, how excited are you to see what happens? Or were you one of those folks clever enough to simply go read the book to find out what was next?

‘Community’ Premieres February 7th – Watch A Sneak Peek!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 10, 2013

Bearing further delays, Community fans (like me!) are just 28 days away from FINALLY seeing a new episode.

NBC today released a sneak peek of the season four premiere History 101; the clip features a hilarious parody of The Hunger Games, which looks to work perfectly in the given context.

How freaking excited are you for this show to come back? As hard of a year as it’s been for Community and its fans, I can’t wait for it to be back on air. After all that’s happened: Dan Harmon’s firing (and many of the show’s writers quitting in protest), numerous delays, and Chevy Chase quitting, hopefully at its core, Community won’t have changed too much.

Check out the clip and episode synopsis below! Sound out below on your excitement (or wariness) of the upcoming season!

Again, the long awaited fourth season of Community premieres on ~~October 19~~ February 7th. If you haven’t seen the show, I’d wholeheartedly recommend it. You can watch the existing three seasons on Hulu (US only), or seasons one and two on Netflix in Canada!

Hungry For More ‘Hunger Games’? Check Out The First Batch Of Images From ‘Catching Fire’!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 10, 2013

The first images for the hugely anticipated sequel to The Hunger Games have made their way online. They’ll premiere on paper in Friday’s issue of Entertainment Weekly, but are posted below for your hungry, hungry eyes.

Seeing as the first film raked in nearly 700-million at the box office, it’s no surprise that a rush was put on a sequel. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire follows the second book of the novel series by Suzanne Collins.

Check out the new images below (one being the cover of tomorrow’s EW issue), and let us know what you think! Did you like The Hunger Games? Are you looking forward to reuniting with Katniss?

I’ve never read the novels myself, but generally enjoyed the first film, so I’m quite looking forward to this one. Plus, Jennifer Lawrence is super-cute.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is slated to hit theatres on November 22nd.

Source: EW

Watch The First Trailer For Danny Boyle’s ‘Trance’

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 10, 2013

This looks damn cool.

Fox Searchlight has just released the first trailer for Danny Boyle’s (Slumdog Millionaire, 127 Hours) next film, Trance. The upcoming thriller seems to have a lot going for it, including an awesome cast rounded out by James McAvoy, Rosario Dawson, and Vincent Cassell.

Watch the trailer below, and let us know what you think! Trance is set to hit UK theatres on March 27th, while a North American release has not been set.

TRANCE, directed by Oscar®-winning filmmaker Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire, 127 Hours) and co-written by Oscar®-nominated long term collaborator John Hodge (Shallow Grave, Trainspotting) is a seductive and enigmatic thriller starring James McAvoy, Vincent Cassel and Rosario Dawson.

Fine art auctioneer Simon (McAvoy), in league with a gang led by underworld boss Franck (Cassel), plots the audacious theft of a masterpiece by Goya from a major public auction. When Simon double-crosses the gang during the robbery, Franck retaliates violently and knocks him unconscious.

In the aftermath of the heist, Simon sticks stubbornly – and perhaps shrewdly – to his claim that the violent trauma has left him with no memory of where he stashed the artwork.

Unable to coerce the painting’s location from Simon, Franck and his associates reluctantly join forces with a charismatic hypnotherapist (Dawson) in a bid to get him to talk. But as they journey deeper into Simon’s jumbled psyche the boundaries between reality and hypnotic suggestion begin to blur and the stakes rise faster and far more dangerously than any of the players could have anticipated.

‘The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct’ To Release In March!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 10, 2013

The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct just got a release date. Activision today that the anticipated FPS will find its way on (and likely flying off) store shelves on March 26th (March 29th in Europe).

Also revealed today is that Wii U owners won’t be left out of this zombie apocalypse. The gameplay will be identical to other versions of the title, but Wii U owners will get a more elegant inventory system thanks to the large touchscreen on the Wii U controller.

Gameplay footage for the game was released a few weeks ago, and while the trailer turned out to be fan-made, it still gives a pretty good indication of what the game might look like:

I really hope the video above featured some very early footage. The game is just a few months away, and at this point looks pretty underwhelming.

At least if it’s bad, there’s another Walking Dead game that’s already available! Are you looking forward to this one?

Source: DigitalSpy

The 85th Annual Academy Awards Nominations Are In! Check Out The Full List!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 10, 2013

Earlier today, the talented dup of Seth Macfarlane and Emma Stone announced all the nominees of the 85th Annual Academy Awards.

Unsurprisingly, Stephen Spielberg’s Lincoln leads the pack with 12 nominations, and Life of Pi (which was on of Jonathan’s favourite films this year) trails close behind with 11. Somehow, Silver Linings Playbook was nominated for 7 awards, as was the wonderful Les Misérables.

There’s over a month to go until the ceremony airs (on February 24th, to be exact), so you’ve got plenty of time to see them all and decide for yourself, what were the best films of 2012?

Here’s the list!

Best Picture
Amour – TBD
Argo – Grant Heslov, Ben Affleck and George Clooney, Producers
Beasts of the Southern Wild – Dan Janvey, Josh Penn and Michael Gottwald, Producers
Django Unchained – Stacey Sher, Reginald Hudlin and Pilar Savone, Producers
Les Misérables – Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Debra Hayward and Cameron Mackintosh, Producers
Life of Pi – Gil Netter, Ang Lee and David Womark, Producers
Lincoln – Steven Spielberg and Kathleen Kennedy, Producers
Silver Linings Playbook – Donna Gigliotti, Bruce Cohen and Jonathan Gordon, Producers
Zero Dark Thirty – Mark Boal, Kathryn Bigelow and Megan Ellison, Producers

Directing
Michael Haneke – Amour
Benh Zeitlin – Beasts of the Southern Wild
Ang Lee – Life of Pi
Steven Spielberg – Lincoln
David O. Russell – Silver Linings Playbook

Actor in a Leading Role
Bradley Cooper – Silver Linings Playbook
Daniel Day-Lewis – Lincoln
Hugh Jackman – Les Misérables
Joaquin Phoenix – The Master
Denzel Washington – Flight

Actress in a Leading Role
Jessica Chastain – Zero Dark Thirty
Jennifer Lawrence – Silver Linings Playbook
Emmanuelle Riva – Amour
Quvenzhané Wallis – Beasts of the Southern Wild
Naomi Watts – The Impossible

Actor in a Supporting Role
Alan Arkin – Argo
Robert De Niro – Silver Linings Playbook
Philip Seymour Hoffman – The Master
Tommy Lee Jones – Lincoln
Christoph Waltz – Django Unchained

Actress in a Supporting Role
Amy Adams – The Master
Sally Field – Lincoln
Anne Hathaway – Les Misérables
Helen Hunt – The Sessions
Jacki Weaver – Silver Linings Playbook

Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
Argo – Screenplay by Chris Terrio
Beasts of the Southern Wild – Screenplay by Lucy Alibar & Benh Zeitlin
Life of Pi – Screenplay by David Magee
Lincoln – Screenplay by Tony Kushner
Silver Linings Playbook – Screenplay by David O. Russell

Writing (Original Screenplay)
Amour – Written by Michael Haneke
Django Unchained – Written by Quentin Tarantino
Flight – Written by John Gatins
Moonrise Kingdom – Written by Wes Anderson and Roman Coppola
Zero Dark Thirty – Written by Mark Boal

Foreign Language Film
Amour – Austria
Kon-Tiki – Norway
No – Chile
A Royal Affair – Denmark
War Witch – Canada

Animated Feature Film
Brave – Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman
Frankenweenie – Tim Burton
ParaNorman – Sam Fell and Chris Butler
The Pirates! Band of Misfits – Peter Lord
Wreck-It Ralph – Rich Moore

Production Design
Anna Karenina – Production Design: Sarah Greenwood; Set Decoration: Katie Spencer
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey – Production Design: Dan Hennah; Set Decoration: Ra Vincent and Simon Bright
Les Misérables – Production Design: Eve Stewart; Set Decoration: Anna Lynch-Robinson
Life of Pi – Production Design: David Gropman; Set Decoration: Anna Pinnock
Lincoln – Production Design: Rick Carter; Set Decoration: Jim Erickson

Cinematography
Seamus McGarvey – Anna Karenina
Robert Richardson – Django Unchained
Claudio Miranda – Life of Pi
Janusz Kaminski – Lincoln
Roger Deakins – Skyfall

Costume Design
Jacqueline Durran – Anna Karenina
Paco Delgado – Les Misérables
Joanna Johnston – Lincoln
Eiko Ishioka – Mirror Mirror
Colleen Atwood – Snow White and the Huntsman

Film Editing
William Goldenberg – Argo
Tim Squyres – Life of Pi
Michael Kahn – Lincoln
Jay Cassidy and Crispin Struthers – Silver Linings Playbook
Dylan Tichenor and William Goldenberg – Zero Dark Thirty

Documentary (Feature)
5 Broken Cameras – Emad Burnat and Guy Davidi
The Gatekeepers – Nominees to be determined
How to Survive a Plague – TBD
The Invisible War – TBD
Searching for Sugar Man – Nominees to be determined

Makeup
Hitchcock – Howard Berger, Peter Montagna and Martin Samuel
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey – Peter Swords King, Rick Findlater and Tami Lane
Les Misérables – Lisa Westcott and Julie Dartnell

Music (Original Score)
Dario Marianelli – Anna Karenina
Alexandre Desplat – Argo
Mychael Danna – Life of Pi
John Williams – Lincoln
Thomas Newman – Skyfall

Music (Original Song)
“Before My Time” from Chasing Ice – Music and Lyric by J. Ralph
“Everybody Needs A Best Friend” from Ted – Music by Walter Murphy, Lyric by Seth MacFarlane
“Pi’s Lullaby” from Life of Pi – Music by Mychael Danna, Lyric by Bombay Jayashri
“Skyfall” from Skyfall – Music and Lyric by Adele Adkins and Paul Epworth
“Suddenly” from Les Misérables – Music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, Lyric by Herbert Kretzmer and Alain Boublil

Sound Mixing
Argo – John Reitz, Gregg Rudloff and Jose Antonio Garcia
Les Misérables – Andy Nelson, Mark Paterson and Simon Hayes
Life of Pi – Ron Bartlett, D.M. Hemphill and Drew Kunin
Lincoln – Andy Nelson, Gary Rydstrom and Ronald Judkins
Skyfall – Scott Millan, Greg P. Russell and Stuart Wilson

Sound Editing
Argo – Erik Aadahl and Ethan Van der Ryn
Django Unchained – Wylie Stateman
Life of Pi – Eugene Gearty and Philip Stockton
Skyfall – Per Hallberg and Karen Baker Landers
Zero Dark Thirty – Paul N.J. Ottosson

Visual Effects
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey – Joe Letteri, Eric Saindon, David Clayton and R. Christopher White
Life of Pi – Bill Westenhofer, Guillaume Rocheron, Erik-Jan De Boer and Donald R. Elliott
Marvel’s The Avengers – Janek Sirrs, Jeff White, Guy Williams and Dan Sudick
Prometheus – Richard Stammers, Trevor Wood, Charley Henley and Martin Hill
Snow White and the Huntsman – Cedric Nicolas-Troyan, Philip Brennan, Neil Corbould and Michael Dawson

Documentary (Short Subject)
Inocente – Sean Fine and Andrea Nix Fine
Kings Point – Sari Gilman and Jedd Wider
Mondays at Racine – Cynthia Wade and Robin Honan
Open Heart – Kief Davidson and Cori Shepherd Stern
Redemption – Jon Alpert and Matthew O’Neill

Short Film (Animated)
Adam and Dog – Minkyu Lee
Fresh Guacamole – PES
Head over Heels – Timothy Reckart and Fodhla Cronin O’Reilly
Maggie Simpson in “The Longest Daycare” – David Silverman
Paperman – John Kahrs

Short Film (Live Action)
Asad – Bryan Buckley and Mino Jarjoura
Buzkashi Boys – Sam French and Ariel Nasr
Curfew – Shawn Christensen
Death of a Shadow (Dood van een Schaduw) – Tom Van Avermaet and Ellen De Waele
Henry – Yan England

That’s it! Where do you agree? Where do you disagree? Who do you think should win?

After reading, I just have a few questions:

1.Where the hell is this guy’s name (pictured above) under ‘Directing’?

2. Was Silver Linings Playbook really that good?

3. Where was Prometheus under ‘Best Picture’? Okay… that one’s a joke.

Sound out below!

Worst Of The Worst? Here Are The Nominations For The 33rd Razzie Awards!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 8, 2013

The nominations for the 33rd Annual Razzie Awards were announced today. Unsurprisingly, one of the biggest films of the year, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part II has been nominated in every category (just like last year’s Jack and Jill). Sean Ander’s That’s My Boy and Peter Berg’s Battleship also walked away with plenty of nominations (8 and 7 respectively).

Check out the nomination announcement video below, or look underneath for the full list! I haven’t seen most of the movies nominated, so I’m not sure how they stack up. One question I have however: where the hell is Silent Hill: Revelation?

Worst Picture
Battleship
The Oogieloves in Big Balloon Adventure
That’s My Boy
A Thousand Words
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part II

Worst Director
Sean Anders – That’s My Boy
Peter Berg – Battleship
Bill Condon – The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part II
Tyler Perry – Good Deeds / Madea’s Witness Protection
John Putch – Atlas Shrugged: Part II

Worst Actress
Katherine Heigl – One for the Money
Milla Jovovich – Resident Evil: Retribution
Tyler Perry – Madea’s Witness Protection
Kristen Stewart – The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part II / Snow White and the Huntsman
Barbra Streisand – The Guilt Trip

Worst Actor
Nicolas Cage – Ghost Rider 2: Spirit of Vengeance / Seeking Justice
Eddie Murphy – A Thousand Words
Robert Pattinson – The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part II
Tyler Perry – Alex Cross / Good Deeds
Adam Sandler – That’s My Boy

Worst Supporting Actress
Jessica Biel – Playing For Keeps / Total Recall
Brooklyn Decker – Battleship / What to Expect When You’re Expecting
Ashley Greene – The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part II
Jennifer Lopez – What to Expect When You’re Expecting
Rihanna – Battleship

Worst Supporting Actor
David Hasselhoff – Pirannha 3DD
Taylor Lautner – The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part II
Liam Neeson – Battleship / Wrath of the Titans
Nick Swardson – That’s My Boy
Vanilla Ice – That’s My Boy

Worst Screen Ensemble
Battleship
The Oogieloves in Big Balloon Adventure
That’s My Boy
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part II
Madea’s Witness Protection

Worst Screenplay
Atlas Shrugged: Part II
Battleship
That’s My Boy
A Thousand Words
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part II

Worst Remake, Rip-Off, or Sequel
Ghost Rider 2: Spirit of Vengeance
Pirannha 3DD
Red Dawn
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part II
Madea’s Witness Protection

Worst Screen Couple
Any two cast members from Jersey Shore in The Three Stooges
Mackenzie Foy and Taylor Lautner in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part II
Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part II
Tyler Perry and his drag in Madea’s Witness Protection
Adam Sandler and Andy Samberg, Leighton Meester, or Susan Sarandon in That’s My Boy

That’s the list! What do you think? Agree with the nominations? Disagree? What was your worst film of the year? Sound out below!

Abalam Returns: Watch The First Trailer For ‘The Last Exorcism Part II’

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 8, 2013

Today, CBS Films released the first trailer for part 2 of The Last Exorcism series. Also today, I remembered that The Last Exorcism existed. The first film was forgettable at best, and this second film looks as though it plans to continue that trend.

In any case, people must have liked it (or at least enough of yousaw it), as the movie did well enough to warrant a sequel. This second chapter looks to take place just shortly after the events of the first film.

The Last Exorcism Part II curses its way into theatres on March 1st.

Continuing where the first film left off, Nell Sweetzer (Ashley Bell) is found terrified and alone in rural Louisiana. Back in the relative safety of New Orleans, Nell realizes that she can’t remember entire portions of the previous months only that she is the last surviving member of her family. Just as Nell begins the difficult process of starting a new life, the evil force that once possessed her is back with other, unimaginably horrific plans that mean her last exorcism was just the beginning.

‘Bioshock Infinite’ Gets Four Infinitely New Screenshots!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 8, 2013

2K Games today released four new screenshots for the much anticipated, oft-delayed Bioshock Infinite. Honestly, my excitement for this game is already through the roof, so these screenshots don’t quantifiably add much to it.

Hopefully, I can pick up my preorder (and you can pick up the game) on March 26th. Are you looking forward to this one?

Pocket Monsters Go Polygonal With ‘Pokémon X And Y’

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 8, 2013

Via a special Nintendo Direct early this morning (my time anyways), Nintendo announced the next generation of the Pokémon series.

Pokemon X and Pokemon Y will hit 3DS handhelds worldwide (for once) THIS October. Watch the announcement trailer below!

Now, I’ve skipped out on the last couple generations on Pokémon titles, but there’s no way I’d miss this for the world. These latest titles look wonderful if only for the fact that after what feels like a million years, we’re getting a 3D Pokémon RPG (plus the protagonist looks just a little bit like Egoraptor).

How about an MMO next Nintendo? Please?

Schwarzenegger Goes Red Band In A New Trailer For ‘The Last Stand’

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 8, 2013

It seems as though a bunch of swearing is all it takes to turn a trailer red band these days. A new preview has just been released for The Last Stand, which is Arnold Schwarzenegger’s first leading role since Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines back in 2003.

The film certainly looks like a fun ride, but since the release of the red band trailer for Evil Dead last week, every trailer that starts with that red warning just feels so… tame.

In any case, check out the trailer below, and let us know what you think! The Last Stand shoots its way into theatres on January 18th.

Okay, I guess a guy did get blown up…

Universal Unveils 10 New ‘Mama’ Stills!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 7, 2013

It seems as though the Mama marketing push is in full force. Less than a day after releasing four creepy new clips from the anticipated horror, Universal Pictures has thrown ten new stills on the pile. The movie looks creepy as hell, and I can’t wait to see it!

Will you be checking out Mama when it hits theatres on January 18th?

Creepy.

Five years ago, sisters Victoria and Lilly vanished from their suburban neighborhood without a trace. Since then, their Uncle Lucas (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) and his girlfriend, Annabel (Jessica Chastain), have been madly searching for them. But when, incredibly, the kids are found alive in a decrepit cabin, the couple wonders if the girls are the only guests they have welcomed into their home.

As Annabel tries to introduce the children to a normal life, she grows convinced of an evil presence in their house. Are the sisters experiencing traumatic stress, or is a ghost coming to visit them? How did the broken girls survive those years all alone? As she answers these disturbing questions, the new mother will find that the whispers she hears at bedtime are coming from the lips of a deadly presence.

R.I.P – Director David R. Ellis Dead At 60

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 7, 2013

Hollywood director David R. Ellis passed away suddenly today in South Africa at the age of 60.

Ellis was in Johannesburg in preparation for his next feature, an adaptation of Japanese anime KITE. Details of his passing are scarce at this time; all that is know is that it was sudden and unexpected. We’ll update you as more information trickles in.

Ellis helmed many popular features during his life including Homeward Bound 2: Lost in San Francisco, Final Destination 2, Cellular, and Snakes on a Plane. He started in Hollywood as an actor and stuntman before first sitting in the (second-unit) director’s chair in 1986.

Rest in peace, David.

Source: Deadline

Watch The First Clip From Pixar’s New Short ‘The Blue Umbrella’

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 7, 2013

Pixar has a new film releasing this Summer. Maybe you’ve heard of it? It’s a little flick called Monsters University, and it’s a prequel to 2001’s hilarious Monsters, Inc.

Of course, a new Pixar film means a new Pixar short. I love my Pixar short films like I love few other things in this world. It is absolutely incredible how much emotion can be conveyed and how much story can be told in just a few short, incredible moments.

Ahead of Monsters University will be a gorgeous looking short film called The Blue Umbrella. Pixar treated The Wall Street Journal to a sneak peak of the short, which I (expectedly) instantly fell in love with. This shit looks beautiful.

Check out the clip below, and let us know what you think! The Blue Umbrella hits theatres in front of Monsters University on June 20th.

Travel To Oz With Seven New ‘Great And Powerful’ Stills!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 7, 2013

Disney today released a handful of new stills for their highly anticipated fantasy ~~Alice In Wonderland~~ Oz: The Great and Powerful. Sam Raimi directs a plethora of stars including James Franco, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, Michelle Williams, and more.

As similar as some of the visuals may look to Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, Oz does look rather gorgeous. The film tells the extremely intriguing story of just how Oscar Diggs became the wonderful wizard. Check out the new stills below, and let us know what you think!

Are you looking forward to this one? Again, Oz: The Great and Powerful hits theatres on March 8th.

Source: Lebanese Cinema Movie Guide

Watch Four Freaky New Clips From Upcoming Horror ‘Mama’

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 7, 2013

Mama looks freaky as hell, and I can’t wait for it to terrify me.

The Guillermo Del Toro produced horror hits theatres on January 18th, and everything we’ve seen so far points to this one being something special.

Del Toro of course, is no stranger to horror. He last produced the promising though flawed Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark in 2010, and the wonderfully horrific The Orphanage in 2007 (the director of which would go on to craft last year’s The Impossible, one of the most enjoyable films of the year).

Universal has just released four new clips as part of the film’s marketing push. Even without context, each clip is extremely creepy and effective. Check them out below!

Haven’t seen the trailer? Don’t fret, it’s right here! Are you planning to visit Mama anytime soon?

Five years ago, sisters Victoria and Lilly vanished from their suburban neighborhood without a trace. Since then, their Uncle Lucas (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) and his girlfriend, Annabel (Jessica Chastain), have been madly searching for them. But when, incredibly, the kids are found alive in a decrepit cabin, the couple wonders if the girls are the only guests they have welcomed into their home.

As Annabel tries to introduce the children to a normal life, she grows convinced of an evil presence in their house. Are the sisters experiencing traumatic stress, or is a ghost coming to visit them? How did the broken girls survive those years all alone? As she answers these disturbing questions, the new mother will find that the whispers she hears at bedtime are coming from the lips of a deadly presence.

Legendary Pictures ‘Godzilla’ Being Rewritten By Frank Darabont

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 7, 2013

That’s right folks. Frank Darabont, director of the incredible adaptation of Stephen King’s The Shawshank Redemption and original (though short lived) showrunner of AMC’s The Walking Dead has a new project on his hands.

Darabont has been tasked with rewriting the script for the film (of which no plot details have yet been revealed). Production is scheduled to begin in March, so he better get to work!

Trouble is also brewing between Legendary Pictures and producers Dan Lee and Roy Lin, who have apparently left the picture. It’s unknown how this will affect the final product, but will likely have a negative impact on the film’s budget (unless some new producers jump on board). For all the details on that kerfuffle (which shouldn’t affect the film creatively), head over to Deadline.

Godzilla is slated to hit theatres (in 3D of course) on May 16th, 2014. Excited?

Ah, nostalgia.

Source: Deadline

Get Cozy With Over 25 New Images From ‘Warm Bodies’

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 6, 2013

Jonthan Levine’s (50/50, The Wackness) Warm Bodies has been pretty high on my radar since the first time I saw the trailer back in November. We’re now less than a month away from its theatrical debut, and subsequent previews (here and here) and stylish posters have only turned my excitement concrete.

Today, Summit Entertainment released over 25 new images from the film. The mixture of stills and behind the scenes gives us a great look into what is bound to be one of the more original romantic comedies of 2013.

Check out the images below (click for larger)! Are you looking forward to this one?

Source: ShockTillYouDrop

Hansel & Gretel Go Hunting On January 25th, Watch Two Clips Now!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 6, 2013

After a new red band trailer earlier this week, Paramount has now treated us to two clips of the upcoming Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters.

The film stars Jeremy Renner (The Avengers) and Gemma Arterton (Prince of Persia, Clash of the Titans) as the brother and sister duo. 15 years after their well documented incident, they’ve become reputable bounty hunters of certain “witchly” beings. It certainly sounds like an interesting twist of the classic tale, and from the footage released so far, Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters looks as though it could almost (almost) be a spiritual successor to Terry Gilliam’s The Brothers Grimm.

Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters hits theatres on January 25th. Will you be checking it out?

‘Grand Theft Auto V’ Cover Art Coming This Month, Check Out A Batch Of New Screenshots Now!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 6, 2013

This one is going to be HUGE. Via their official blog, Rockstar games has revealed that the final box art for the hell-anticipated Grand Theft Auto V will be released later this month. The game is so anticipated in fact, that it made it onto our list of things we’re looking forward to most in 2013.

While box art isn’t typically the most exciting thing (I’d much rather play the game than look at the box it came in), a new batch of screenshots has also made it online, and they look phenomenal.

Check them out below, and get excited. Grand Theft Auto V (and its three protagonists) will hit your PS3 or Xbox 360 this spring.

What do you think?

A&E’s ‘Bates Motel’ Gets A Premiere Date!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 4, 2013

After two creepy teasers and an awesome first look, we now know just when we’ll be able to check in to Bates Motel. A&E revealed today that the 10 episode first season of the modern day Psycho prequel will begin on March 18th, 2012.

Carlton Cuse (Lost) is showrunner on the series. That, coupled with the fact that A&E ordered an entire season without even producing a pilot, gives me high hopes for this one. The footage shown so far has also looked absolutely fantastic.

Will you be checking in?

“Norma Bates buys a motel on the outskirts of an idyllic coastal town seeking a fresh start with her teenage son, the handsome and shy Norman.”

Check Out A New Still From ‘Man Of Steel’

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 4, 2013

It’s not as exciting as the AWESOME trailer that premiered last month, but at least it’s something.

USA Today has unveiled their 13 big movies for 2012, and of course Man of Steel is a part of it. Next to their write-up? Well a brand new still photo of course! The image is a close up of Henry Cavill, with some nicely-bokeh’d army personnel in the background.

Man of Steel flies into theatres (and out hearts) on June 14th.

“In the pantheon of superheroes, Superman is the most recognized and revered character of all time. Clark Kent/Kal-El (Cavill) is a young twentysomething journalist who feels alienated by powers beyond anyone’s imagination. Transported to Earth years ago from Krypton, an advanced alien planet, Clark struggles with the ultimate question – Why am I here? Shaped by the values of his adoptive parents Martha (Lane) and Jonathan Kent (Costner), Clark soon discovers that having super abilities means making very difficult decisions. But when the world needs stability the most, it comes under attack. Will his abilities be used to maintain peace or ultimately used to divide and conquer? Clark must become the hero known as “Superman,” not only to shine as the world’s last beacon of hope but to protect the ones he loves.”