DC Adds Two Big Pieces and a Release Date:

You know, it’s rather funny. This past Thursday I was at the theatre watching You’re Next and I put my phone away as every good cinephile does when the lights go down. Now, usually I get big movie news instantly, whether it be from Twitter, Facebook, fellow bloggers, etc…essentially what I’m getting at is that my phone is a big player in me receiving news, new posts, comments, likes, followers, again etc…but it was a mere two hours spent without looking at it, “what’s the worst that can happen?” I thought to myself. So, after the movie, which was terrific by the way, I begin scrolling through twitter until something caught my eye. Lo and behold, Ben Affleck had been officially cast as Batman and apparently I was the last to know. I may start thinking twice about putting the device away during screenings from now on…but I digress.

Officially, the next film DC is set to release with Affleck under the cowl is the untitled “Batman vs Superman” flick which is scheduled to begin shooting in Toronto sometime in February. However, it now appears that Affleck has signed on to play Batman in multiple upcoming releases, much to the dismay of fanboys and critics everywhere. When news broke regarding Batfleck, the negative backlash and harsh criticism was abundant and chaotic. Yet, if you recall, fans everywhere were adamant when Heath Ledger was cast to play the Joker in “The Dark Knight” and similar outage followed Anne Hathaway when she officially became Catwoman…look how those castings turned out. Everyone just needs to relax and give Ben a chance, he is an outstanding filmmaker and has the potential to create a formidable caped crusader. Listen to Val Kilmer and Joss Whedon who both tweeted their support of Ben.

Not long after the announcement that shook the world, rumours began to swirl regarding Bryan Cranston stepping in as Superman’s nemeses, Lex Luthor. And what began as hearsay seems to have been all but officially announced. Cranston has been very vocal in his desire to play the role and appears to be well on his way to getting his wish. News is floating around that his casting isn’t merely a one film deal but a package that could include up to ten appearances. “Batman vs Superman” is scheduled to hit theatres July 17, 2015, whether you like it or not.

“Man of Steel” Home Video Release:

Speaking of Superman, “Man of Steel” will be hitting home video November 12th across all platforms, including a special collectors edition that’ll feature a metal “S” casing. Check out all the images and all the special features here.

If this happens to be your sort of thing, it’ll run you $59.99. I…honestly…whatever, just shut up and take my money.

First Look at Christopher Nolan’s “Interstellar”

Below you’ll find just a brief video recorded on what appears to be a cell phone of Christopher Nolan shooting Matthew McConaughey in Alberta for his upcoming film “Interstellar.” The flick also stars Jessica Chastain, Anne Hathaway, Casey Affleck, John Lithgow, and Michael Caine.

Magnolia to Distribute “Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa”

For us Partridge fans in North America, it’s been difficult to see the release of “Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa” go over so well in the UK, but fear not. Magnolia has picked up the film and is going to distribute the film in North America with a release date set for early 2014. You can check out a few clips below to hold you over.

New Trailers:

I’ve got a few new trailers for you all. Click on the title for all you need to know about the film.

“The Counselor“

“Inside Llewyn Davis“

“All the Boys Love Mandy Lane“

New Posters:

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

A Single Shot

Kirsten Dunst Joins Jeff Nichols “Midnight Special”

With Michael Shannon and Joel Edgerton already confirmed, Nichols follow up to “Mud” adds Kirsten Dunst. Not much is known about the film other than the fact it has a sci-fi edge and is about a father and boy, who has special powers, on the run.

Cotillard is Fassbender’s Lady Macbeth:

Natalie Portman was originally slated for the role but bowed out for reasons unknown. Not to be mean but I’d prefer Marion Cotillard for this role any how. Cotillard will star alongside Michael Fassbender in this Justin Kurzel directed pic. If you recall, Kurzel directed the incredibly unsettling but overly outstanding flick, “Snowtown.”

Ridley Scott’s “Exodus” Adds Some Big Names:

Reports are trickling in that Christian Bale will portray Moses in Scott’s biblical epic “Exodus.” Starring opposite Bale is Joel Edgerton as Ramses.

“Her” Set for Winter Release:

Spike Jonze “Her” will open in Toronto, New York and Los Angeles on December 18, 2013 and then get a wider release on January 10, 2014.

That’ll do it for this week’s edition of The Gushing Cinephile, everyone have a great week!

Following up Gone Baby Gone and The Town, Ben Affleck’s Argo was released with seemingly insurmountable expectations. But the dark, satirical humour, unbearable tension, and outstanding performances by its entire cast is what separated Argo from a pack of dramatized history films in 2012. Argo further cements Ben Affleck as a force both on and off camera. A political thriller that had some tough competition in 2012, all heavily based on historic significance. However, despite this disadvantage, Argo was able to walk away with top honours at the Oscars. Featuring Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, John Goodman, Alan Arkin, and a slew of supporting stars, Argo is sound from top to bottom. The retro look and immersive story make Argo glow and full of intensity.

The American embassy in Iran was invaded and lost to Iranian revolutionaries in 1979. Numerous Americans were taken hostage. However, during the carnage and chaos, six managed to escape. The six Americans took refuge at the Canadian Ambassador’s house and stayed, waiting for the CIA to work out a way to bring them home. Tony Mendez (Affleck) with the help of Lester (Arkin) and John (Goodman), devised a plan to extract the six using a fake movie as a cover. The six Americans were to be various crew members and producers from Canada on a location scout. With the revolutionaries slowly beginning to realize Americans missing and the White House getting cold feet, time begins to run out.

Depending more on the source material than making it appeasing. Argo is rewarded for staying true to the past, investing in the audiences tolerance, and choosing intelligence over appearance. In the lead role, Ben Affleck’s work ethic and exterior are impenetrable, exactly what they should be. You’d want someone calm and composed holding your life in their hands. Affleck is immovable and should have earned an Oscar nomination for his performance. Cranston and Goodman are equally as impressive in their supporting roles, but are an afterthought to Arkin’s Oscar nominated performance. With its strong cast and durable, yet entrancing script. Argo is proof that quality over quantity is the best policy, deservedly winning best picture.

Argo: 9 out of 10.