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The Gushing Cinephile: August 26, 2013

It’s been a while since I’ve posted in The Gushing Cinephile so I won’t waste time with an introduction. I’ve got too much to tell you with too little time. So let’s get right to it.

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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.

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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.

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“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.

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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

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A Single Shot

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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.

Unknown

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.”

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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.

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“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.

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

Top 10 Superhero Flicks

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Another week, another top 10!

With “Man of Steel” released recently, I figured now would be as good a time as any to deliver my 10, all-time favourite superhero films. I didn’t want to jump the gun just in case “Man of Steel” managed to crack the list and then have to go back and edit it, that’s why I waited. No doubt a lot of you will not agree with my choices, so let me explain a little before hand. I am a huge fanboy and while that does have its perks, it certainly comes with its own set of disadvantages. Such as being unable to admit a film is subpar due to my misplaced sense of invincibility and obsession. So please, while gazing at this top 10, be gentle :) .

I’m getting real close to completing this segment’s header image so please bare with me at least for this week. Inevitably, “Captain America” did not make the list but I felt a powerful need to include him in this post whichever way I could.

Also, guys please follow The Cinema Monster on facebook and twitter. There are links to both on the right side of the page. It would mean a lot to me. I know its a hassle, but I just created them and if no one follows, they bare no purpose. I followed everyone on the blogroll already, so just simply go to your followers and follow me back…please :) .

One last thing before we get started. Next Friday I will be unable to post a top 10. Would anyone like to contribute a top 10 of their own to the segment? I’ve been wanting to have a guest rank a top 10 for some time now, so I guess there is no time like the present. I’d like to start off with just one guest top 10 a month, at least until its popularity grows. So, if you would like to be the first to post a top 10, please e mail me with your idea for the top 10 and your website so I can quickly select one and we can prepare for next week. The email is [email protected]

Enough witty banter and self-publicity, let’s start the top 10.

 

10: “X-2″

Why?: Easily the best in the trilogy. “X-2″ sees the mutants band together to defeat a common foe, and while this may be a comic book cliche, I love when it happens. Also, Wolverine vs Lady Deathstrike is enough on its own.

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9: “Thor”

Why?: I am a huge Thor fan and I feel that he is the best Avenger. I was a little weary of his own full-length feature series, but the original proved me wrong and its sequel “Thor: The Dark World” looks fantastic. And…c’mon…Chris Hemsworth.

Thor

 

8: “Iron Man”

Why?: Seeing Tony Stark fight his way out of capture, build a formidable, almost indestructible suit, and destroy Jeff Bridges is enough. Let alone the fact that this film without question has the most heart and believability.

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7: “Spider Man 2″

Why?: I’ll admit I am not a huge fan of Raimi’s “Spider Man” trilogy. I did enjoy the first film, but the third and final entry was a complete bust. However, the second film is outstanding.

Spiderman-2

 

6: “Man of Steel”

Why?: Remember when I said I’m a fanboy and essentially go into the cinema with blinders on, well, yeah, that’s why. But seriously, this film was amazing, I don’t understand why it’s taking so much heat. Sure, it wasn’t perfect, but it was still epic and utterly captivating.

Man-of-Steel-2013-Movie

 

5: “Batman Begins”

Why?: Odds are, if you’re not a fan of Christopher Nolan’s introduction to his reboot of the Batman franchise, I don’t much care for you as a person. Just kidding…sort of. Between Cillian Murphy’s Scarecrow and the fact that my last name is Falcone, I couldn’t resist.

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4: “The Avengers”

Why?: Directed and written by the masterful Joss Whedon. “The Avengers” is everything you’d expect it to be, and so much more.

the_avengers_movie_2012-HD

 

3: “X-Men: First Class”

Why?: Honestly, this flick blew my mind. The origin stories of essentially every single mutant, it’s clever, witty dialogue, and insatiable heart. “X-Men: First Class” is a no brainer for me. “I prefer…Magneto.”

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2: “The Dark Knight”

Why:? Many argue that it is the greatest superhero movie of all-time. While it’s hard to argue, I must insist there is one better. Nonetheless, with Heath Ledger’s Joker portrayal, the bat-pod, and everything in between, “The Dark Knight” is down-right perfect.

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1: “The Dark Knight Rises”

Why?: Christopher Nolan’s immaculate ending to his epic “Dark Knight” trilogy. Many thought he could never top “The Dark Knight,” but I, like many others, feel he did the job.

Bane

 

Honourable Mentions: “Captain America,” “Spider Man,” “Iron Man 2,” “X-Men,” “Unbreakable,” “Watchmen,” “Kick Ass.”

 

If you feel that I’ve overlooked a flick or that a film made the list that shouldn’t have, feel free to comment below. Also, if you are interested in contributing a top 10, please let me know. Have a great weekend!

The Gushing Cinephile: June 3, 2013

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Here we are yet again, another week of The Gushing Cinephile. I would like to clarify exactly what this segment consists of, other than my sheer excitement for cinema, obviously. I know that many of you are very busy from day to day and might miss something significant. So, with this weekly post, I compile what I feel to be relevant to the cinematic community and display it for all to see, well, whoever chooses to read it. I know that this week has been relatively slow for the film industry, as I assume other weeks will also be, but I will also do my best. So, let’s just get started.

We are now mere days away from the release of one of the most anticipated films in recent memory, Man of Steel. There is this slowly building, ascending excitement or anxiousness in my gut that gets stronger with each passing moment we get closer and closer to its release. My pre-purchased tickets are starting to burn a hole in my pocket! Well, at least the soundtrack, composed by Hans Zimmer, is set for release in a week. I am eagerly looking forward to that. Here is something to tide us over another 10 days or so. It is possibly the greatest thing I have ever seen.

Speaking of Hans Zimmer. He has officially signed on to score Christopher Nolan’s upcoming picture “Interstellar.”  Having previously worked together on countless films and combining to create revolutionary and addictive cinematic combinations, I am eagerly looking forward to this collaboration as well.

Hans-Zimmer

Speaking of Christopher Nolan, the rumours have died down regarding his possibly direction of Bond 24. It seemed earlier in the week that big name directors such as Ang Lee (Life of Pi) and Nicholas Winding Refn (Drive), amongst others, were being contacted about signing on to helm the next James Bond picture. However, now it seems that Sam Mendes is returning after his successful go-around “SkyFall.” Who would you like to see direct the new Bond film? Regardless, at least we can take solace in the fact that Skyfall scribe John Logan is returning and has already started working on the new script.

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Sticking with Christopher Nolan a bit, check out this video inside Heath Ledger’s Joker diary, found recently. It is a really haunting, eerie look into the immense investment Ledger put into the character.

In other news, Dan Harmon is finally making his return to Community. This is a huge turn around for the show considering it was losing momentum and one its lead characters in Chevy Chase. Now, it seems more likely it will make its quota of “6 seasons and a movie.”

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Finally, we may not know much about Lars Von Trier’s upcoming picture “Nymphomaniac,” but we do know the title of its chapters which were released earlier this past week. Check them out below.

Chapter 1: The Complete Angler, Chapter Two: Jerome, Chapter 3: Mrs. H, Chapter 4: Delirium, Chapter 5: The Little Organ School, Chapter 6: The Eastern & Western Church (The Silent Duck), Chapter 7: The Mirror, Chapter 8: The Gun.

That concludes The Gushing Cinephile for this week. Please comment below on the content because I am, oh, so lonely…haha…kidding…have a great week!

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