Author: Derek Kraneveldt

Derek Kraneveldt is Geekscape's managing editor. A media, comic, and technology enthusiast, he's happy to call Geekscape home. Looking for more from Derek? Keep up with him on twitter or email him here!

Watch ‘The Expendables 3’ Roll Call!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: Following the awesome set of character posters released just yesterday, LionsGate has just debuted a short new trailer for this Summer’s The Expendables 3.

The trailer, titled “roll call” is pretty self explanatory, as it takes us through the film’s stellar cast (while showing off a bit of action too).

Take a look at the preview below, and let us know what you think!

Barney (Stallone), Christmas (Statham) and the rest of the team comes face-to-face with Conrad Stonebanks (Gibson), who years ago co-founded The Expendables with Barney. Stonebanks subsequently became a ruthless arms trader and someone who Barney was forced to kill… or so he thought. Stonebanks, who eluded death once before, now is making it his mission to end The Expendables — but Barney has other plans. Barney decides that he has to fight old blood with new blood, and brings in a new era of Expendables team members, recruiting individuals who are younger, faster and more tech-savvy. The latest mission becomes a clash of classic old-school style versus high-tech expertise in the Expendables’ most personal battle yet.

The ‘Godzilla’ TV Spots Just Keep Getting Better!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: We were sure that we couldn’t possibly be more excited for Legendary’s upcoming Godzilla (our captivation with the film began at the Godzilla Encounter at last year’s SDCC), but then these amazing TV spots began airing, and our excitement absolutely skyrocketed.

Seriously, this movie looks unbelievably epic.

The just-released spot, titled, ‘Whatever it takes’, features a bunch of intense new footage, and a new look at the king of monsters.

Take a look at the spot below, and let us know what you think! Godzilla hits theatres on May 16th!

An epic rebirth to Toho’s iconic Godzilla, this spectacular adventure pits the world’s most famous monster against malevolent creatures who, bolstered by humanity’s scientific arrogance, threaten our very existence.

Gorgeous New ‘Mario Kart 8’ Trailer Shows off New Courses and Items

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: We’re barely a month and a half away from a new killer app for Nintendo’s Wii U, Mario Kart 8, and the publisher has just debuted a new trailer for the anticipated title.

The trailer showcases the absolutely beautiful new game (who said that the Wii U didn’t have good graphics), and gives us a peek at some of the new tracks in the game, including a spectacular looking Rainbow Road. You’ll also notice a couple of new items in the mix, and we can’t wait to try them out.

Here are some of the game’s new features, which were just announced by the big N:

– Spin Boost: While racing upside down or on walls, players can bump into other racers or certain track obstacles to get a speed boost. The Spin Boost fundamentally redefines the way that players compete, and makes anti-gravity racing even more exhilarating.

– Returning Characters: In Mario Kart 8, players can race with returning characters Metal Mario, Lakitu and Shy Guy. These newly revealed returning characters join a host of previously announced favorites, including all seven of Bowser’s Koopalings, who are playable for the first time in video game history.

– New Items: Two new items join the fray in Mario Kart 8. First, the Piranha Plant attaches to the front of the player’s kart and chomps at other characters, banana peels on the track or even shells thrown by other characters. Each time the Piranha Plant lunges forward to bite, the player receives a brief boost of speed. The second new item is the Boomerang Flower. After acquiring it, racers can throw a Boomerang at opponents to stun them, and its arc allows players to strike multiple opponents with a single toss. The Boomerang can be thrown three times – forward or backward.

– New Courses: Remixed classic courses make a return in Mario Kart 8, with favorites such as Moo Moo Meadows from Mario Kart Wii, Toad’s Turnpike from Mario Kart 64 and Donut Plains from Super Mario Kart, among others. The graphics and layout of these courses have been redesigned and re-imagined. For example, Toad’s Turnpike now allows players to drive up certain walls in anti-gravity mode. Mario Kart 8 will include 16 new courses and 16 remixed classic courses.

– Live Recorded Music: For the first time in the Mario Kart series, select courses in Mario Kart 8 feature music recorded by live performers.

– Control Scheme: Mario Kart 8 will support a variety of control schemes, including the Wii U GamePad, the Wii U Pro Controller, the Wii Wheel and the Wii Remote and Nunchuk. The game can also be played in off-TV mode using just the Wii U GamePad.

Take a look at the new trailer below, and let us know just how excited you are to pick this one up.

Toby Kebbell In Talks For ‘Fantastic Four’s Doctor Doom

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: The upcoming Fantastic Four reboot’s controversial cast was revealed back in February, announcing our new heroes, but leaving out our new villain (both in character and actor).

According to Variety, The East and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes star Toby Kebbell is in negotiations to play Doctor Doom in the upcoming film. I’m sure that most of us had guessed that Doctor Doom would be the film’s antagonist, and… it looks like we were right and that Fox isn’t taking any more chances with the film.

We’ll be sure to let you know when it’s official, and to fill you in on any more Fantastic Four news as it surfaces.

Are you looking forward to the film? Why or why not? Sound out below!

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‘The Expendables 3’ Gets 16 New Character Posters

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: We haven’t heard much from The Expendables 3 camp since the debut of its first teaser back in December, but today Lionsgate released 16 new character posters for the film.

The images feature the film’s expansive cast, who all look to be having an absolutely blast doing whatever it is that they’re doing, and they’re are stark reminder of just how bad-ass the film is set to be.

Take a look at the images below, and let us know what you think! The Expendables 3 hits theatres on August 15th!

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Barney (Stallone), Christmas (Statham) and the rest of the team comes face-to-face with Conrad Stonebanks (Gibson), who years ago co-founded The Expendables with Barney. Stonebanks subsequently became a ruthless arms trader and someone who Barney was forced to kill… or so he thought. Stonebanks, who eluded death once before, now is making it his mission to end The Expendables — but Barney has other plans. Barney decides that he has to fight old blood with new blood, and brings in a new era of Expendables team members, recruiting individuals who are younger, faster and more tech-savvy. The latest mission becomes a clash of classic old-school style versus high-tech expertise in the Expendables’ most personal battle yet.

Source: Collider, ComingSoon, JoBlo, IGN

Telltale Games Announces Next ‘The Wolf Among Us’ Release Dates!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: Almost like a kind of cruel joke, Telltale Games yesterday released the launch trailer for the third episode of The Wolf Among Us… but didn’t actually give us any release dates.

Today, the developer/publisher rectified the issue with the following tweet:

Obviously exciting news, and from the image, it looks as though Bigby may completely wolf-out this time around.

How are you liking The Wolf Among Us thus far? How does it stack up to The Walking Dead? Sound out below!

Zombie Studios’ ‘Daylight’ Has Been Delayed

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: Zombie Studios’ today announced that their upcoming procedurally-generated survival-horror title Daylight, which looks freaky as shit and should be an absolute blast, has been delayed.

Luckily, it’s only for a few weeks.

The game, which was originally set to launch on April 8th, will now release on April 29th. Here’s what the developer had to say about the delay:

Let’s not mince words. First news you need to know about Daylight is that we had to delay the release date by several weeks. Here’s the thing: the way Daylight is developed is completely different because of its procedural generation. In a lot of ways it really helped the team by streamlining the environment creation, but it’s taken extra time to make sure all the scare cues are properly implemented for maximum player effect.

 

Tl;dr: we’re fine tuning Daylight to make it scarier.

Sounds like a worthy reason, doesn’t it? The delay also comes with a silver lining; because of the delayed release, for the game’s first two weeks of availability, it’ll cost just $9.99 for PC and Playstation plus players, and $11.99 for non-Playstation Plus subscribers. Then it’ll jump back up to $14.99.

I’m really looking forward to the title, but with the recent resurgence of the survival horror genre, which game are you most looking forward to this year?

Cory Michael Smith Joins Fox’s ‘Gotham’ As Edward Nygma

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: The cast of Fox’s Gotham has grown yet again.

This time, Cory Michael Smith has joined the project as Edward Nygma (who, of course, goes on to become The Riddler). His official character description states that “Nygma is a brilliant young forensic scientist working for Gotham PD and a penchant for speaking in … rather cryptic language. Inquisitive, eccentric and outgoing — yet socially awkward — he wants to be liked, but he doesn’t quite know how.”

Are you looking forward to the project so far? What other characters would you like to see? Sound out below!

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Source: EW

‘Godzilla’ Can’t Be Stopped, Watch A New Promo!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: We already have the King Kong vs. Godzilla announcement from this morning, and now Warner Bros. has debuted a new Godzilla TV spot showcasing just how unstoppable the king of monsters is.

The movie is just over a month away at this point, and every piece of footage that we’ve seen so far has been fantastic. We also had a blast at the Godzilla encounter event at SDCC last year, so we’re really excited to see the full feature.

Take a look at the new spot below, and let us know what you think! Godzilla hits theatres on May 16th!

An epic rebirth to Toho’s iconic Godzilla, this spectacular adventure pits the world’s most famous monster against malevolent creatures who, bolstered by humanity’s scientific arrogance, threaten our very existence.

‘The Walking Dead’s Fourth Season Just Ended, So Here’s The First Teaser Poster For Season 5!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: The Walking Dead‘s fourth season ended just a few days ago, and while we won’t talk about it here (I know a myriad of people who won’t have a chance to watch the episode until later this week), AMC has already debuted the first teaser poster for the series’ fifth season.

The image, of course, reveals nothing about what’s to come this Fall, but is a pretty cool shot of Rick (and he’s totally holding a gun).

Take a look at the image below, and let us know what you thought of Sunday’s finale!

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This New Evian Commercial Just Ruined Spider-Man Forever

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: I don’t really know what to say about this. It kind of reminds me of a Scotty Young cover… gone terribly, terribly wrong.

Evian just launched this The Amazing Spider-Man 2 water commercial, and it features a dancing Spider-Man, and a dancing Spider-Baby. You can watch it below if you dare.

http://youtu.be/pyV57QlGUGI

Don’t say that I didn’t warn you.

‘The Wolf Among Us’ Third Episode, “A Crooked Mile” Gets A Launch Trailer

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: We still don’t have a release date for the third episode of Telltale’s amazing The Wolf Among Us, but the developer has just debuted the chapter’s launch trailer.

It does contain spoilers to past episodes, so if you’re not yet caught up I’d definitely not watch the video below. Then, I’d definitely go play the damned game, because it’s wonderful.

Take a look at the trailer below, and let us know what you think. As soon as we hear a release date, we’ll be sure to let you know! As always, the next chapter is looking top notch.

Watch Hugh Jackman Sing A Hilarious Wolverine Themed ‘Les Mis’ Spoof

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: This is too funny not to share.

BBC Radio 1 has published a YouTube video titled ‘Wolverine The Musical – Hugh Jackman’, and it’s… well, exactly that. The video features Wolverine himself singing a rewritten (and unrehearsed) song from Les Mis, adapted, of course, to the life of Wolverine and Jackman.

Take a look at the video below, and let us know what you think.

The First ‘X-Men: Days Of Future Past’ TV Spot Is Here!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: We’re just over a month away from the release of Bryan Singer’s X-Men: Days of Future Past, and Fox has just debuted the film’s first TV spot.

The video features some footage that we haven’t seen before (mixed, of course, with footage that we have, like last week’s awesome new trailer), and does a great job of reminding us that this is a merger of the characters that we knew and loved in the first films, as well as everything that was fantastic about X-Men: Days of Future Past.

It’s probably going to rock (probably), and we can’t wait. Take a look at the spot below, and let us know what you think. X-Men: Days of Future Past hits theatres on May 23rd!

The ultimate X-Men ensemble fights a war for the survival of the species across two time periods in X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST. The beloved characters from the original “X-Men” film trilogy join forces with their younger selves from “X-Men: First Class,” in an epic battle that must change the past – to save our future.

‘Sin City: A Dame To Kill For’ Gets 8 New Stills

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: It’s been a long time coming, but a few weeks ago, we were finally treated to the first trailer for Sin City: A Dame to Kill For, and today eight new stills from the film have debuted online.

I still remember being a 15 year old kid, absolutely falling in love with the first film, and being so excited when it was announced that a sequel would be put on the fast track. Now, it’s 9 years later, and it still hasn’t released. But it’s coming, and soon!

The new images offer a pretty great look into the film, so take a look at all eight below, and let us know if you’re looking forward to the full feature! Sin City: A Dame to Kill For hits theatres on August 22nd!

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Source: The Playlist

The First ‘Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes’ TV Spot Is Damned Epic!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: This is one sequel that we can’t freaking wait for.

20th Century Fox today debuted the first TV spot for this Summer’s highly anticipated Rise of the Planet of the Apes sequel, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (if you missed it, you can check out the first trailer here).

The spot is an epic, thought provoking look at the advantages that an army of apes would have over us humans, and it certainly leaves us wanting more footage (which we’ll hopefully see very soon).

Take a look at the spot below, and let us know if you’re excited. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes hits theatres on July 11th!

In ‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes’, a growing nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar is threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier. They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth’s dominant species.

New ‘Transformers: Age Of Extinction’ Poster Features A Big-Ass Spaceship

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: Following the IMAX poster from a few weeks back, Paramount has debuted a new one-sheet for this Summer’s Transformers: Age of Extinction.

The image looks to feature the same gigantic spaceship as the IMAX poster did, but instead of new character Lockdown looking cool and walking away calmly, we have human stars Mark Wahlberg and Nicola Peltz running for their lives.

Take a look at the poster below, watch the trailer here if you haven’t, and be sure to let us know if you’re looking forward to the film. Transformers: Age of Extinction releases on June 27th.

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Michael Chiklis Joins ‘American Horror Story: Freak Show’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: It was just a few days ago that the official subtitle for American Horror Story‘s fourth season was announced, and FX has already begun to announce new cast members.

During today’s PaleyFest panel it was revealed that The Shield and No Ordinary Family (which shouldn’t have been cancelled) star Michael Chiklis has joined the series, and will play the father of Evan Peters’ character, and ex husband of Kathy Bates’ (as Peters confirmed in the tweet below).

Details on the season are still scarce, but we do know that ”Set in Jupiter, Florida, in 1950, Freak Show finds Jessica Lange playing a German ex-pat who is managing one of the last freak shows in the U.S.”

What do you think of the news? Are you excited for the new addition? Sound out below!

 

The Full Trailer For ‘The Purge: Anarchy’ Is Here, And Exponentially Better Than The Original

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: As MCDave noted in his review of the original film, last year’s surprise hit The Purge held an absolutely brilliant premise and a stellar cast, but faltered in its execution, leading to a mess of a film that isn’t even worth watching.

Last night, the theatrical trailer for its sequel, The Purge: Anarchy hit the web, and it’s exponentially better than anything that we saw in the first film.

There’s no synopsis for the film yet, but star Zach Gilford has stated that ““it’s the same day of the year and it takes place in the city where there are no security systems and it’s just like a war zone where people are just trying to survive.”

Take a look at the trailer below, and let us know what you think! The Purge: Anarchy hits theatres on July 18th!

http://youtu.be/Nx5c5-vcJYQ

The ‘Sharknado 2: The Second One’ Premiere Date Has Been Announced

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: Sharknado 2: The Second One, the highly anticipated sequel to last year’s so-bad-that-it’s-amazing Syfy original, Sharknado, just got its premiere date.

In the sequel, “a freak weather system turns its deadly fury on New York City, unleashing a Sharknado on the population and its most cherished, iconic sites – and only Fin (Ian Ziering) and April (Tara Reid) can save the Big Apple. Vivica A. Fox, Judd Hirsch and Mark McGrath also star.”

Sharknado 2: The Second One will premiere on Syfy on July 30th. The first film (and the newly announced sequel) had a huge presence at last year’s San Diego Comic Con, so it’ll certainly be interesting to see what the network has planned for this year’s convention.

Are you looking forward to the sequel? Did you enjoy the original? Sound out below, and if you’re looking for more Sharknado, check out Geekscape #299, featuring Sharknado screenwriter Thunder Levin.

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‘Into The Storm’ Looks Scary As Hell, Watch The First Teaser Trailer!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: This may be the scariest teaser trailer I’ve seen since Gravity.

It’s been some time since we’ve seen decent disaster flick, and Into The Storm looks as though it may soon fill that void. The found footage film (though you wouldn’t guess that from this trailer) features a pretty stellar cast too, including Richard Armitage (The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug), Sarah Wayne Callies (The Walking Dead), Matt Walsh (Ted), Alycia Debnam-Carey (Where the Devil Hides), and more.

Here’s the official plot synopsis:

In the span of a single day, the town of Silverton is ravaged by an unprecedented onslaught of tornadoes. The entire town is at the mercy of the erratic and deadly cyclones, even as storm trackers predict the worst is yet to come. Most people seek shelter, while others run towards the vortex, testing how far a storm chaser will go for that once-in-a-lifetime shot.
Told through the eyes and lenses of professional storm chasers, thrill-seeking amateurs, and courageous townspeople, “Into the Storm” throws you directly into the eye of the storm to experience Mother Nature at her most extreme.

You can take a look at the trailer below, and be sure to let us know what you think. Into The Storm hits theatres on August 8th!

Seven Beautiful New ‘Batman: Arkham Knight’ Screenshots Have Debuted Online!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: Arkham Knight may just be my most anticipated not-yet-released game of 2014.

Following its awesome announcement trailer from the start of the month, plus a myriad of new images just a few days later, Warner Bros. has just debuted seven new screenshots from the anticipated title. The screenshots showcase Batman and the Batmobile, as well as the new villain, Arkham Knight.

The plot synopsis for the game states that “In the explosive finale to the Arkham series, Batman faces the ultimate threat against the city he is sworn to protect. The Scarecrow returns to unite an impressive roster of super villains, including Penguin, Two-Face and Harley Quinn, to destroy The Dark Knight forever. Batman: Arkham Knight introduces Rocksteady’s uniquely designed version of the Batmobile, which is drivable for the first time in the franchise. The addition of this legendary vehicle, combined with the acclaimed gameplay of the Batman Arkham series, offers gamers the ultimate and complete Batman experience as they tear through the streets and soar across the skyline of the entirety of Gotham City.”

With Rocksteady back behind the wheel, Arkham Knight should be glorious. The game is set to launch this October for PS4, Xbox One, and PC. Take a look at the screenshots below, and let us know what you think!

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Watch Eliza Dushku Star In Kevin Tancharoen’s ‘The Gable 5’!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: Following the launch of Enormous just last week (check out Jonathan’s interview with producer Adrian Askarieh here), the network is continuing its launch of original programming with today’s launch of The Gable 5.

The awesome short stars Eliza Dushku (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Dollhouse), and was directed by Mortak Kombat: Legacy director Kevin Tancharoen (who we had on the show back in September).

Here’s the plot synopsis:

In a remote location, a secret facility exists unlike anything the world has ever seen. Run by Dr. Conrad Gable, a renowned neurologist, the facility is years ahead of it’s time when it comes to the technology it’s using to research the human body. With an unlimited budget backed by a classified department of the government, Dr. Gable’s motives appear to be for the greater good of humanity. – The chance to create a drug so powerful it could be used to win every battle, every war, with no casualties.

Now all he needs are, 5 test subjects…

I thoroughly enjoyed the short, and I certainly hope that we get to see more from this universe in the future. You can check out The Gable 5 below, and be sure to let us know what you think!

http://youtu.be/VrHVBFHsUW0

The First Trailer For ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ Is Here…

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: The first trailer for Jonathan Liebesman’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has just hit the web.

I usually try to reserve judgement until I can see the full feature, but I’m finding that just a little tough this time around. Take a look at the trailer below, and see if you can see what I mean.

The trailer has a severe lack of both pizza and cowabunga’s, doesn’t it (though yes, I know that the original comics did too)?

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles stars Megan Fox, Alan Ritchson, William Fichtner, Will Arnett, Whoopie Goldberg, and plenty of others, and hits theatres on August 8th.

Michael Reeves Is Heading To Cannes To Raise ‘Blood Kiss’ Awareness!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: Back in May of last year, we featured an incredible project called Blood Kiss in our ‘Crowdfund This’ column. By the end of its campaign, Blood Kiss had surpassed its Kickstarter goal by more than $38’000! Pretty amazing, right?

Now, with production set to begin this Summer, Blood Kiss creator Michael Reeves (who did a lot of work on a ton of amazing projects, including Batman: The Animated Series), along with the film’s production crew are heading to the Cannes International Film Festival in France to help market his vampire-themed film.

The film has been getting much attention in part because award-winning author/screenwriter Neil Gaiman (who needs no introduction here), will be making his acting debut in the film. Also joining the team will be acclaimed comic book artist Tom Mandrake who will create original artwork for the film.

Mandrake even drew Jonathan's character in the show.
Mandrake even drew Jonathan’s character in the film.

On the trip, Reaves said that he’s “thrilled to bring our vision for ‘Blood Kiss’ to Cannes and bring it one step closer to fruition. So far we’ve received a lot of support for the film and we want to bring some of that energy to this great film festival.”

Blood Kiss is set in 1940s Hollywood with a classic film noir tale of a sexy jazz singer in distress and a private investigator who gets a little more than he bargained for when he takes on a case involving mysterious vampires.

If you’re looking for more from the film, you should definitely check out Geekscape 292, producers Daniela Di Mase and Leah Cevoli chat with Jonathan about the film. We’re unbelievably excited that Michael and everyone involved are able to make the film a reality, and we really can’t wait to see more.

Excited for the movie? Be sure to sound out below!

The New ‘Jupiter Ascending’ Trailer Is Totally Gorgeous

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow Pictures today debuted the second trailer for this Summer’s anticipated Wachowski film, Jupiter Ascending.

The trailer (like the last one) shows a return to sci-fi-action for the directors, whose previous venture, Cloud Atlas failed to capture critics and viewers alike. I thought the film looked absolutely brilliant from its trailers and advertising, but felt that the full feature was an unmemorable, dull mess.

I certainly hope that the very sci-fi film can bring the spark of The Matrix back once again. Only time will tell of course, but for now, at least we have this damn cool trailer.

Take a look at Jupiter Ascending‘s second trailer below, and let us know if you’re excited! The film stars Mila Kunis, Channing Tatum, Sean Bean, Douglas Booth, and plenty of others, and hits theatres on July 18th, 2014!

Jupiter Jones (Kunis) was born under a night sky, with signs predicting that she was destined for great things. Now grown, Jupiter dreams of the stars but wakes up to the cold reality of a job cleaning other people’s houses and an endless run of bad breaks. Only when Caine (Tatum), a genetically engineered ex-military hunter, arrives on Earth to track her down does Jupiter begin to glimpse the fate that has been waiting for her all along—her genetic signature marks her as next in line for an extraordinary inheritance that could alter the balance of the cosmos.

From the streets of Chicago to far flung galaxies whirling through space, “Jupiter Ascending” is written and directed by the Wachowskis. Award-winning producer Grant Hill, with whom they have collaborated since “The Matrix” Trilogy, is producing, together with Lana Wachowski and Andy Wachowski. Roberto Malerba and Bruce Berman serve as executive producers.

‘Doc Of The Dead’ To Open The Stanley Film Festival!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: Following the film’s awesome debut at SXSW (watch the pre-premiere video here), and an epic premiere during Epix’s Zombie-thon, we’re ready to keep sharing Doc of the Dead with as many people as possible.

The Denver Film Society just announced the opening night film for this year’s Stanley Film Festival, and guess what film it is?

Yeah, it’s Doc of the Dead. Awesome, right? You can take a look at the full announcement below, and if you’re in the area, be sure to let us know if you’ll attend!

The Stanley Film Festival (SFF) produced by the Denver Film Society and presented by NBC Universal’s Chiller, announced today its Opening Night film and several special event highlights and experiences taking place at the four-day event (April 24-27). The Stanley Film Festival celebrates the best in independent horror cinema at the hotel that inspired The Shining. The Festival will host a full slate of films, panels, competitions, and special events – all at the beautiful and historically haunted Stanley Hotel.

 

The Stanley Film Festival will open Thursday, April 24 with a Gala Presentation of an original documentary from EPiX, Doc of the Dead. Directed by Colorado filmmaker, Alexandre O. Philippe (The People Vs. George Lucas), the film explores the evolution of the zombie genre in film, television and literature, as well as its impact and influence on pop culture. The film features footage taken at the 35thStarz Denver Film Festival’s “George Romero’s Zombie Town Hall Meeting.”

 

“We are thrilled to open this year’s Festival with a locally-produced film. The Denver Film Society is excited by the strength of the work we are seeing come out of our home state and we cannot think of a better way to celebrate the iconic status of the Stanley Hotel than with a film produced right here in Colorado,” says Denver Film Society Festival Director, Britta Erickson.

 

In addition to the Opening Night film, SFF announced it will host a series of events, sure to satisfy even the most dedicated horror fans. Throughout the Festival, “players” of the Horror Immersion Game will use multiple media platforms and game elements to delve deep into a mystery/horror narrative that uses the Stanley Hotel and the Festival as a vehicle to engage its participants in a story that seamlessly exists concurrently with everyday life. On Friday evening, Fangoria Entertainment and ShockTilYouDrop.com will bring their Dead Right Horror Trivia from Los Angeles to Estes Park. Saturday evening, Glass Eye Pix will present The Stanley Edition of TALES FROM BEYOND THE PALE with hosts, Larry Fessenden and Glenn McQuaid, featuring two brand new tales performed at the Historic Park Theater in town by special guests with films at the Festival. Additional events include a Murder Mystery Dinner Friday evening, Zombie Crawl Saturday afternoon, and a Big Wheel Death Race on Sunday morning, all at the Stanley Hotel.

 

“While we are incredibly excited to announce our full film line-up next week, we are just as ecstatic to unveil some of the atmospheric and interactive special events that will immerse our guests completely in the horror experience” says Landon Zakheim, Stanley Film Festival Program Director. “The entire weekend is designed to work as one big dark carnival.”

 

The Stanley Film Festival will celebrate their programming announcement this evening with an advance screening of the film Oculus at the Reel Mountain Theater in Estes Park. The film will be followed by a post screening Q&A with Director Mike Flanagan, producer and SFF alum Jason Blum and Producer Trevor Macy and an after-party at the Stanley Hotel.

 

FEATURE PRESENTATIONS:

 

● Doc of the Dead – USA (Director: Alexandre O. Phillipe, Featuring George Romero, Simon Pegg, Bruce Campbell, Max Brooks, Tom Savini, Greg Nicotero, Robert Kirkman) – Could there be a real zombie outbreak? If so, Doc of the Dead can help you prepare. This definitive guide to all things undead delves deep into the evolution of the zombie genre in film and literature, as well as its impact and influence on pop culture, to deliver a comprehensive, fast-paced, highly entertaining look at a contemporary social pandemic of global proportions.

 

SPECIAL EVENTS:

 

● HORROR IMMERSION GAME Bleeding seamlessly into the atmosphere of fear and suspense we are excited to announce the Stanley Film Festival’s Inaugural Immersive Horror Game, a real horror/mystery narrative using the Festival itself as its medium. Those who follow the clues opt in to the game, becoming the protagonists of an engaging and creepy interactive thriller culminating in an irreproducible climax you can never unsee.

 

● Glass Eye Pix Presents TALES FROM BEYOND THE PALE: The Stanley Edition An ongoing series of audio dramas penned by luminaries from the world of contemporary horror from JT Petty (HELLBENDERS) to Simon Barrett (YOU’RE NEXT), and Kim Newman (ANO DRACULA), featuring players from Ron Perlman (HELLBOY), to Angus Scrimm (PHANTASM), and Mark Margolis (AMERICAN HORROR STORY). The Stanley edition will feature performers culled from the film lineup. Join horror impresarios Glenn McQuaid and Larry Fessenden as they invite you to close your eyes and… listen. Learn more at talesfrombeyondthepale.com

 

● DEAD RIGHT HORROR TRIVIA HOSTED BY FANGORIA ENTERTAINMENT AND SHOCKTILYOUDROP.COM Do you consume horror as voraciously as zombies eat flesh? The hit Los Angeles horror event comes to the Stanley Film Festival! Join Fangoria’s Rebekah McKendry and ShockTillYouDrop.com’s Ryan Turek and test your horror knowledge in eight rounds of terrifyingly titillating trivia. Scare yourself with how much you actually know about horror. Trivia will be held early Friday evening at the Wheel Bar in Estes Park. Come with a team or join one there. All are welcome.

 

● MURDER MYSTERY DINNER Murder is afoot at the old Stanley Hotel. Guests of the festival are welcome to register for a night of intrigue and deception unraveling over a wonderful three-course meal as they become their very own detectives.

 

● BIG WHEEL DEATH RACE Guests will racethrough the expansive grounds of the Stanley Hotel on their very own adult sized big wheel, just like Danny Torrance. Festival pass holders will have an opportunity to race using adult sized big wheels on a course that runs the grounds of the Stanley Hotel. Registration will take place at the guest relations table for teams of four for a relay style race between 32 teams to determine one winner who will walk away with a complimentary stay at the Stanley Hotel.

 

● EYE HEART BRAINS ZOMBIE CRAWL When there’s no more room in hell, the dead will walk the Earth. And, now you can too. Converge upon the Stanley Film Festival in style by participating in a good ol’fashioned Zombie Crawl hosted by Eye Heart Brains, purveyors of the world’s largest zombie gatherings. The death march will move along The Stanley Hotel grounds and through the neighboring streets of Estes Park in search of brains. BRAAAAIIIIIIIIINNNNNS!!

 

IMPORTANT DATES:
April 3: Full Program Announced & tickets go on sale to the public
April 7: Press Accreditation closes
April 24: Festival Begins

 

To keep up to date with the Stanley Film Festival visit www.stanleyfilmfest.com, “Like” SFF on Facebook (Facebook.com/StanleyFilmFest), “Follow” SFF on Twitter and Instagram (@StanleyFilmFest), join the conversation using the hashtag #StanleyFilmFest

http://youtu.be/gZHLS2PwMKs

First Official Photo Of Ben McKenzie’s James Gordon In Fox’s ‘Gotham’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: Following yesterday’s look at Robin Lord Taylor as Oswald Cobblepot, Fox today gave us our first shot of Ben McKenzie as James Gordon.

The official plot synopsis reads that “Growing up in Gotham City’s surrounding suburbs, James Gordon (Ben McKenzie, “Southland,” “The O.C.”) romanticized the city as a glamorous and exciting metropolis where his late father once served as a successful district attorney. Now, two weeks into his new job as a Gotham City detective and engaged to his beloved fiancée, Barbara Kean (Erin Richards, Open Grave, “Breaking In”), Gordon is living his dream – even as he hopes to restore the city back to the pure version he remembers it was as a kid.”

Take a look at the photo below, and let us know if you’re happy with the character’s casting.

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Everyone knows the name Commissioner Gordon. He is one of the crime world’s greatest foes, a man whose reputation is synonymous with law and order. But what is known of Gordon’s story and his rise from rookie detective to Police Commissioner? What did it take to navigate the multiple layers of corruption that secretly ruled Gotham City, the spawning ground of the world’s most iconic villains? And what circumstances created them – the larger-than-life personas who would become Catwoman, The Penguin, The Riddler, Two-Face and The Joker?

 

“Gotham” is an origin story of the great DC Comics super villains and vigilantes, revealing an entirely new chapter that has never been told. From executive producer/writer Bruno Heller (“The Mentalist,” “Rome”), “Gotham” follows one cop’s rise through a dangerously corrupt city teetering on the edge of evil and chronicles the birth of one of the most popular super heroes of our time.

 

Growing up in Gotham City’s surrounding suburbs, James Gordon (Ben McKenzie, “Southland,” “The O.C.”) romanticized the city as a glamorous and exciting metropolis where his late father once served as a successful district attorney. Now, two weeks into his new job as a Gotham City detective and engaged to his beloved fiancée, Barbara Kean (Erin Richards, Open Grave, “Breaking In”), Gordon is living his dream – even as he hopes to restore the city back to the pure version he remembers it was as a kid.

 

Brave, honest and ready to prove himself, the newly-minted detective is partnered with the brash, but shrewd police legend Harvey Bullock (Donal Logue, “Sons of Anarchy,” “Terriers,” “Vikings,” “Copper”), as the two stumble upon the city’s highest-profile case ever: the murder of local billionaires Thomas and Martha Wayne. At the scene of the crime, Gordon meets the sole survivor: the Waynes’ hauntingly intense 12-year-old son, Bruce (David Mazouz, “Touch”), toward whom the young detective feels an inexplicable kinship. Moved by the boy’s profound loss, Gordon vows to catch the killer.

 

As he navigates the often-underhanded politics of Gotham’s criminal justice system, Gordon will confront imposing gang boss Fish Mooney (Jada Pinkett Smith, The Matrix films, “HawthoRNe,” Collateral), and many of the characters who will become some of fiction’s most renowned, enduring villains, including a teenaged Selina Kyle/the future Catwoman (acting newcomer Camren Bicondova) and Oswald Cobblepot/The Penguin (Robin Lord Taylor, “The Walking Dead,” Another Earth).

 

Although the crime drama will follow Gordon’s turbulent and singular rise through the Gotham City police department, led by Police Captain Sarah Essen (Zabryna Guevara, “Burn Notice”), it also will focus on the unlikely friendship Gordon forms with the young heir to the Wayne fortune, who is being raised by his unflappable butler, Alfred (Sean Pertwee, “Camelot,” “Elementary”). It is a friendship that will last them all of their lives, playing a crucial role in helping the young boy eventually become the crusader he’s destined to be.

Dane DeHaan’s Lookin’ Creepy In The Latest ‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2’ Still

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: Aside from Electro, Sony hasn’t really released a good, close-up shot of any of The Amazing Spider-Man 2‘s other villains.

Today, the studio released a great shot of the usually silly-looking Green Goblin, and he actually looks kind of sinister.

Take a look at the still below, and let us know if this changes your opinion on the character’s look! The Amazing Spider-Man 2 hits theatres on May 2nd!

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We’ve always known that Spider-Man’s most important battle has been within himself: the struggle between the ordinary obligations of Peter Parker and the extraordinary responsibilities of Spider-Man. But in The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Peter Parker finds that a greater conflict lies ahead.

 

It’s great to be Spider-Man (Andrew Garfield). For Peter Parker, there’s no feeling quite like swinging between skyscrapers, embracing being the hero, and spending time with Gwen (Emma Stone). But being Spider-Man comes at a price: only Spider-Man can protect his fellow New Yorkers from the formidable villains that threaten the city. With the emergence of Electro (Jamie Foxx), Peter must confront a foe far more powerful than he. And as his old friend, Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan), returns, Peter comes to realize that all of his enemies have one thing in common: OsCorp.

Geekscape TV: ‘Scott Pilgrim’s Mark Webber Talks ’13 Sins’, Instagram, and More!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: Just over a year ago we hosted Scott Pilgrim vs. the World star Mark Webber on a fan-favorite episode of Geekscape (re-listen, or experience it for the first time here). At the time, Mark was just about to release his directorial effort The End of Love.

Since then, Mark has appeared in a myriad of films (including the now on VOD and soon to hit theatres 13 Sins), and is working towards completing his The End of Love follow-up, The Ever After.

Of course, when we found out that Mark would be in Austin earlier this month for the premiere of 13 Sins, we had to catch up with him. You can take a look at his conversation with Jonathan below, where they chat about 13 Sins, The Ever After, Mark’s Instagram account, and much more. Be sure to let us know what you think, and don’t forget to follow GeekscapeTV for more!

13 Sins sounds pretty cool huh? Here’s the full trailer:

You can follow Mark on Instagram here, and twitter here.