CASTING NEWS:

Matt Damon added to “Interstellar”

As if Christopher Nolan’s hotly anticipated next project “Interstellar” didn’t have enough high-profile talent. The sci-fi epic added Matt Damon in a limited role. The film already stars Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Casey Affleck, Michael Caine, and John Lithgow. Set for release on November 7, 2014, the film will follow a group of explores who make use of a recently found wormhole to travel vast distances across space.

James Spader is Ultron

When news broke at Comic-Con that the title of Joss Whedon’s sequel to the overwhelmingly successful blockbuster “The Avengers” would be The Avengers: Age of Ultron.” Speculation was never in short supply as to who would voice the menacing robot. Well, we finally have our answer. James Spader will be dismantling the Avengers on May 1, 2015.

Tom Hiddleston Replaces Benedict Cumberbatch in “Crimson Peak”

Tom Hiddleston will be stepping in for fellow Brit Benedict Cumberbatch in Guillermo Del Toro’s upcoming gothic horror “Crimson Peak.” The film already stars Jessica Chastain, Mia Wasikowska, and Charlie Hunnam. The film is set to begin shooting February 2014 in Toronto for a 2015 release date.

Cumberbatch Joins “The Lost City of Z”

Is there a hotter commodity than Benedict Cumberbatch as of the moment? According to Brad Pitt, there isn’t. Cumberbatch is set to star as Percy Fawcett, an explorer trekking through the Amazon Jungle during 1925 who claims to have discovered a lost, mythical city. The film is spearheaded by Brad Pitt’s production company Plan B and is yet to set a release date.

Michael Shannon in “99 Homes”

Shannon has officially signed on to star opposite Andrew Garfield in the upcoming drama, “99 Homes.” The film centres around a young man who is in severe debt and has his home foreclosed. In order to get his life back, he takes a job with the real estate broker who took away his home in the first place. The film does not have a release date.

POSTERS:

What was arguably the sleeper hit of the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival for me personally. Ti West’s “The Sacrament” officially has a poster, check it out below. I’ll have my review for the film up as soon as I can.

TRAILERS:

Check out the first trailer for the cannibal horror “We Are What We Are.”

“The Last Days On Mars” might appear a bit generic through this first trailer, but still looks like so much fun.

Another sleeper hit of TIFF 2013 was “Under the Skin” starring Scarlett Johansson. Check out a brief teaser below. I will be posting my review as soon as possible.

CLIPS:

Ridley Scott’s “The Counselor” has released a couple of new, incredible clips. Check them out below.

DIRECTING NEWS:

In some positive news regarding “Snowpiercer,” Joon Ho-Bong edited the American release. It still sucks that the film will be edited at all for North American viewers, but it’s not as bad as it could have been.

Derek Cianfrance, director of “Blue Valentine” and “The Place Beyond the Pines” is set to direct the film adaptation of “The Light Between Oceans.” The film is based around a man who takes his young wife to live on a secluded island as a lighthouse keeper. After several miscarriages and a still-birth, the woman hears a baby’s cries on the wind. Soon, they find a shipwreck with a living baby inside.

Ben Wheatley will direct the adaptation of “High Rise.” A story about the denizens of a luxury high-tech tower who descend willingly into a murderous melee of chaos and destruction.

NEW J.K ROWLING SERIES

J.K Rowling and Warner Bros announced that they will adapt the author’s Hogwarts textbook “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” into a full length feature about the book’s scribe Newt Scamander.

HOME VIDEO

“Pacific Rim” will be hitting home video on October 15, 2013.

“The Conjuring” will be getting its home release on October 22, 2013.

JURASSIC PARK 4 GETS A RELEASE DATE AND TITLE

Jurassic Park 4 gets an official title and release date. Set for release now on June 12, 2013, the newly titled “Jurassic World” is no longer hopelessly delayed!

That’ll do it for this week’s edition of The Gushing Cinephile. Hope you all enjoyed it!

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!

What a week it has been! For those of you lucky enough to have attended Comic-Con, know that I secretly despise you with all my heart. I’m sorry, that isn’t entirely fair…I’m just extremely envious, not being able to reap the benefits and experience it and all. Hopefully next year will be fortuitous for me and I can head to San Diego for the big event…but I digress.

Speaking of Comic-Con! Let us get into this week’s edition of The Gushing Cinephile so I can get you up to speed on what’s been going on in the world of cinema. Now, unless you’ve been living under a rock this past week, you’ll know that Comic-Con dropped some BIG news.

“Man of Steel” sequel:

First up, Zach Snyder (pictured above) made an appearance at Comic-Con and brought with him a sliver of news that…simply put…brought tears and screams of joy to all in attendance. Playing it out rather lackadaisical, Snyder stated officially that there will be a “Man of Steel” sequel. Then, Snyder brought up Harry Lennix to read the quote below, then proceeded to reveal the following image.

“I want you to remember, Clark. In all your most private moments, I want you to remember my hand around your throat. And I want you to remember the one man who beat you.”

In case you were wondering, the quote is from Frank Miller’s graphic novel “The Dark Knight Returns.” So, supposedly, Batman will be making an appearance in the sequel to “Man of Steel! The film is set for release sometime in 2015.

“The Avengers” sequel.

Next, Joss Whedon (pictured above) showed up and took the stage at the end of Marvel’s panel and revealed a brief teaser trailer for the newly titled “Avengers” sequel, “Avengers: Age of Ultron.” For those of you who don’t know, Ultron is a rogue, sentient robot determined to exterminate humanity. In addition, Ultron has much to do with the origin of Ant-Man, which is scheduled to have its own spin-off directed by Edgar Wright in the near future.

Okay everyone, take a breather…let’s get back to business.

“Warcraft” film officially announced.

Warner Brothers officially announced the “World of Warcraft” film and screened some test footage of a warrior facing down an Orc. The film will be directed by Duncan Jones (Moon, Source Code) and is scheduled to start production early next year.

“Sherlock”

The hit television series “Sherlock” also had a panel at this year’s Comic-Con. While no spoilers for the upcoming season were released, Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman did record a playful video for everyone in attendance, check it out below. The new season is scheduled for release overseas in October and should hit North American televisions early in 2014!

“Insidious: Chapter 2″ clips.

With the successful release of “The Conjuring” this weekend, I thought I’d post a couple of clips from James Wan’s “Insidious: Chapter 2″ which will be released on Friday, September 13…oooo…spooky!

John Lithgow joins Christopher Nolan’s “Interstellar”

In other news, John Lithgow joined Christopher Nolan’s “Interstellar” which also stars Matthew McConaughey, Jessica Chastsin, Casey Affleck, and Anne Hathaway. The film is set for release on November 7, 2014.

Trailers:

Finally, a slew of new trailers hit this past week. It’s about time we got our first look at big Oscar contenders such as Steve McQueen’s “12 Years a Slave” and “The Fifth Estate” which stars Benedict Cumberbatch as wiki leaks founder Julian Assange. There are also trailers for Ridley Scott’s “The Counselor” and ”Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom.” I smell a possible early Oscar nomination coming for Idris Elba who stars as Nelson Mandela. Check out all the trailers below.

“12 Years a Slave”

“The Fifth Estate”

“The Counselor”

“Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”

Okay all, that’ll do it for this week’s edition of The Gushing Cinephile, hope everyone enjoyed it! Have a great week!

Hello all and welcome to another week of The Gushing Cinephile. I’ve got a bunch of awesome news to share so let us jump right in, shall we?

First and foremost, the news that I feel to be the most important of the past week. Steve McQueen’s “Twelve Years a Slave” released a plethora of new images which you’ll find below, well a few anyway. In addition, the first trailer for this highly-anticipated Oscar contender is rumoured to be premiering on July 4th, so keep an eye out for that. For those who don’t know about McQueen or his new film, I’ll supply a breakdown. Steve McQueen has directed two full-length features to this point, “Hunger” and “Shame.” Michael Fassbender has stared in both of these flicks. These two films have been met with critical acclaim and McQueen is being hailed as one of the to filmmakers to look out for in the future and for McQueen, the future is now.

Essentially, “Twelve Years a Slave” is about a free black man who is abducted and sold into slavery before the civil war. McQueen’s latest project, which also stars Fassbender and an abundance of high profile talent such as Benedict Cumberbatch, Brad Pitt, and Chiwetel Ejiofor, just to name a few. While Pitt’s role is somewhat limited, his action behind the scenes really secured this films fate. As the main producer, Pitt was insistent that this film be made, which should speak a lot to the charisma and talent of McQueen and company. Not only does this film have the all-star cast both on and behind the camera. “Twelve Years a Slave” is scored by none other than the supremely gifted Hans Zimmer. I don’t know what else to say, look out for this flick cause it is going to take the world by storm, a seemingly major Oscar contender. Check out the images below.

Let’s keep this train chugging. Next up, the radiant and mesmerizing Sarah Gadon has been added to the cast of “The Amazing Spider Man 2.” I couldn’t resist putting this news up, as a fellow Canadian, I am so proud. Gadon has starred in such films as “A Dangerous Method” and “Cosmopolis, she is insanely talented. Also, how many beautiful women does this film need? Emma Stone, Felicity Jones, and now Sarah Gadon. “The Amazing Spider Man 2″ has officially secured my ticket.

All right, next, Wally Pfister, the cinematographer for the majority of Christopher Nolan’s films, directorial debut “Transcendence” is set for release in 2014 and its scribe Jack Paglen is already moving on to bigger and better things. He is set to write the hotly-anticipated sequel to “Prometheus” and I think it is safe to say that Michael Fassbender is equally as excited as I am.

Finally, it seems I can never have a week of The Gushing Cinephile without some Christopher Nolan news and that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Casey Affleck recently joined Mr. Nolan’s next blockbuster entitled “Interstellar.” Affleck is set to co-star alongside Jessica Chastain, Anne Hathaway, and Matthew McConaughey. I am so excited for this flick I think I’m going to scream!

Oh, I almost forgot. “Sin City: A Dame to Kill For” has been pushed back again, but seriously, what else is new? It seems like this film will never be made. In all honesty, after so many setbacks, does anybody really care about this sequel anymore? I was skeptical of a follow up to 2005s hit “Sin City” from the get-go so this is really destroying any hope I have for this film. Plus, Clive Owen isn’t returning, what’s up with that? Anyway. there is a picture below of his replacement Josh Brolin.

A harrowing, instant classic that, without any doubt, blossoms into legend. Mud is a charming, captivating, irresistible coming-of-age yarn that transcends and disarms. Rich with dynamic visuals, a sweet, at times cunning script, and superlative performances from its entire cast. Mud is comprised upon an endless source of infallibility and revered assets. Filmed entirely in the state of Arkansas, rooted along the Mississippi River and its tangents. Mud’s locations are a breathtaking backdrop evoking a sense of wonder and serenity. Written and directed by up-and-comer Jeff Nichols who continues his rise to fame with this, his third full length feature. The only thing more reliant than the unsurpassable portrayals and unmatched scenery throughout Mud is Nichols sturdy, visionary direction. Despite some heavy, dark subject matter and clinging to innocence for effectiveness, Mud never loses its way.

Ellis (Sheridan) is 14 years old and lives in a houseboat on the banks of a river in Arkansas with his mother Mary Lee (Paulson) and father Senior (McKinnon). One morning, after he sneaks out past his parents, Ellis meets up with his best friend Neckbone (Lofland), who is also 14 and lives with his uncle Galen (Shannon). The boys set out to an island on the Mississippi river where Neckbone has discovered a boat stuck high in a tree, believed to have been put there by an extreme flood. Soon after climbing the tree and into the boat, they discover footprints and fresh food. Upon returning to their boat, figuring it best to leave before the inhabitant returns, they are surprised to see a rugged man fishing. The stranger, who is soon revealed to be named Mud (McConaughey), asks the boys for food in exchange for the boat in the tree. As time passes, the three become close friends and begin to trust one another. This is when Mud and the boys enter into an agreement that will change their lives forever.

Filled with the vibrancy and uncertainty of life and youth. Nichols honest take on the struggles of growing up is both refreshing and astoundingly accurate. Managing to convey the hardships and vulnerability that comes with being young and wide-eyed. Mud places the world at your feet, just to render you helpless when you reach out to grasp it. To accomplish this feat while simultaneously leaving the viewer content and without being overly sappy is stupefying. Yet, the theme most prominent and riveting in Mud deals with the emotion that leaves us confounded and in a daze, love. Stating that regardless of age, we always succumb to the idea of love and will always stumble over and sacrifice ourselves and one another for a taste of it. Mud is undeniably one of the best films of 2013 and will undoubtedly stand the test of time.

With a plethora of symbolism, lyricism, and dynamism, it’s easy to get caught up in the ripples of Mud and lose sight of its heart…If you can keep track of each, individual storyline strand, Mud has so much more to behold. For instance, the forests and rivers ingeniously resemble the appeasing exteriors of Mud’s characters. And like these peaceful settings and docile people, there are unforeseen dangers that lie beyond them. Just a quick note on Mud’s tranquil soundtrack which is composed by David Wingo, who also wrote the score for Nichols 2011 hit, Take Shelter. Wingo’s ability to match Nichols ideals with music is unparalleled and I’m overjoyed that the two continue to work with one another.

Even though Mud might not be as psychologically exhausting as Take Shelter or disconcertingly ferocious as Shotgun Stories, it is certainly just as visual and rewarding. Nichols continues to grow with each release and every single outing of his sheds a little more light into his bright, limitless future. The most reassuring and remarkable trait of Nichols films is that the newest chapter is stronger than the last. Nichols effortlessly and eloquently absorbs the natural and elemental beauty of Arkansas, the surrounding terrain, and vast skyline. There is no denying that Mud’s numerous, incredible performances and original script would be useless without Nichols keen, eccentric direction.

Finding a pair of young, close-knitted, and talented leads is imperative to Mud’s success and Nichols found them in Jacob Lofland and Tye Sheridan. Mud again reunites Nichols with Michael Shannon, who stared in both of Nichols other films, Shotgun Stories and Take Shelter. Now, even though his role is certainly smaller than the duo’s previous collaborations, Shannon is equally as effective. Also starring Matthew McConaughey, Sarah Paulson, Ray McKinnon, Reese Witherspoon, and Sam Shepard. Mud’s ensemble easily gives one of the best collective efforts of the year.

It is quite astonishing when an actor, let alone an ensemble breaks through the screen, allowing the viewer to discard the notion that what they’re watching is just a film, Mud has this effect. McKinnon and Paulson’s portrayal of a couple who’s marriage is on the rocks reaches a new level of believability. As they fight against the closing inevitability and try, relentlessly to keep their son stable regardless of their current circumstance causes a profound euphoria of respect to rush over the viewer. As for Shepard, who’s role is somewhat typical, is able to surpass its regularity with an unusually strong, aching performance. Witherspoon, who garners very little screen time, makes terrific use of her limited role. To be honest, I had very limited respect for Witherspoon as an actress, but after Mud, it has grown substantially.

However memorable and powerful the supporting casts performances may be. They are simply outdone by Mud’s three leads Jacob Lofland, Tye Sheridan, and Matthew McConaughey. As McConaughey’s stock continued to rise throughout 2011 with his roles in The Lincoln Lawyer and Bernie, it slowly became apparent that there was no stopping his rapid ascension. Following up another hit in Magic Mike with Mud, McConaughey seems to have finally found his muse. McConaughey is now gearing up for another high-profile role as he is set to star alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street, ready for release late in 2013. There is now, no denying McConaughey’s brilliance as he recently signed on to tackle the lead in the magnificent Christopher Nolan’s next film Interstellar, which will also feature Jessica Chastain and Anne Hathaway. Thankfully, there seems to be no end in sight for the once discredited Matthew McConaughey.

Lofland and Sheridan, who were ultimately hired because of their abilities on a boat, knowledge of the area, and the time it would save not having to teach these facets to two other young leads, undoubtedly earn their spots. With a combined age that doesn’t equal some of their co-stars time of acting experience, let alone years on this planet, Lofland and Sheridan prove they’re not intimidated by underestimation. Having performed in Terrence Malick’s, The Tree of Life, Sheridan continues on his path to a fortuitous career. As for Lofland, Mud is his first full length feature, but you wouldn’t know it from his calm and confident performance. Both flourish in this highly advantageous opportunity and look to have extremely bright futures.

With its unyielding, heavenly toxic imagery, phenomenal performances, and spot-on portrayal of love, death, and youth. It may be a bit premature, but Mud has eked its way into my top 10 all time favourite films and I don’t see it falling out anytime soon. It is a must see for anyone, cinephile or not.

Mud: 9.5 out of 10.

Where to begin with a film that is so entrancing and cataclysmic it sets off air raid sirens to everyone of its viewers senses. Christopher Nolan once again manages to spawn a villain more loveable than the superhero. As destructive and necessary his evil may be, Bane has a method to his madness and somehow this insanity is acceptable and cheer worthy. The scale of the entire film is stupefying and the entire ensemble is out of this world. Literally featuring one of the greatest casts ever assembled. Leading The Dark Knight Rises is Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway, Michael Caine, Tom Hardy, Gary Oldman, Marion Cotillard, Morgan Freeman, and Joseph Gordon Levitt. Directed by the previously mentioned Christopher Nolan or otherwise known as the series saviour. The Dark Knight trilogy’s beginnings may have grown from a simple comic book, but what the cast and crew have done is not that of the imagination from a few colourful pages. The trilogy has shattered stereotypes and the box office, redefined a genre, and set the bar for every comic book film to follow.

Eight years after the events in The Dark Knight, Bruce Wayne (Bale) is a recluse trying to recover mentally and physically from his arduous battles for Gotham. At the anniversary party of Harvey Dent’s death at Bruce’s manor, a seemingly normal maid steals from Mr. Wayne’s safe and proves elusive in his attempts to capture her. Bruce later finds out that this thief is career burglar Selina Kyle (Hathaway), however he is unaware that she is the least of his problems. Commissioner Gordon (Oldman) and a hot headed cop named Blake (Levitt) out on a call run into trouble. The commissioner is taken captive by the evil force named Bane (Hardy). While dealing with his financial problems with Mr. Fox (Freeman) and Miranda Tate (Cotillard), his return to the world, and the absence of Alfred (Caine), Bruce Wayne now must deal with the terrorist, Bane.

One would have figured it safe to assume that it would be impossible for The Dark Knight’s follow up to compete, so most would watch The Dark Knight Rises with low standards. When in actuality the bar along with our expectations should have continued to rise (no pun intended). Yes Heath Ledger’s performance was delightfully mad and morally impartial, but he wasn’t the only aspect of that great cinematic achievement. Regardless of his tragic death, would the story have continued with the Joker? Calculating the way Nolan and his crew function, I think it’s a safe bet that they would have gone in a new direction. Therefore, for any of those who dismissed the sequel without giving it a chance or those not respecting Nolan and cast. it is your loss. The Dark Knight Rises, one of the best films of all time, let alone 2012 is an electric and stirring thrill ride that is deserving of our praise, its runtime, and to hold the Batman legacy for eternity.

The Dark Knight Rises: 9 out of 10.