25 Ghostbusters II Flashbacks For Its 25th Anniversary

As sequels go, Ghostbusters II is one of the better examples of followups to beloved kids movies. Released five years after the original, Ghostbusters II arrived in the summer of 1989 -- 25 years ago today, in fact -- reuniting the quartet of ghost battling scientists. Or three scientists and one guy willing to believe anything for a steady paycheck. Does this sequel need a sequel? That's certainly debatable, but since today is the 25th anniversary of the release of Ghostbusters II, we decided to put together twenty-five flashbacks of the film.

Before we get to that, I'm going on record as saying I like Ghostbusters II. As a kid of the 80s, the original Ghostbusters will always hold a special (and higher) place in my heart. But I loved the sequel, growing up. So if you're with me, read on and enjoy the flashbacks!

We'll kick this off with a little tune to set the mood...

3. And this not-quite-as-big entrance...

"Suck in the guts guys, we're the Ghostbusters?"4. And then we'll do a little dance......for the ungrateful yuppie larvae who think He-Man is cooler...

Eva Green's Sin City 2 Poster Shot Down By The MPAA For Excessive Nudity

 

How can a poster for a movie called Sin City offer up a poster that?s too risqu?? The word "Sin" is in the title! You better bring some edgy material, or fans won?t care. And yet, the MPAA rejected the above one-sheet showing Eva Green and her chest "for nudity." Imagine that.

The NY Post picked up on the story, reporting that the "curve of under breast and dark nipple/areola circle visible through sheer gown" was more than enough to ensure that this Sin City: A Dame to Kill For poster doesn?t make it to your local multiplex. Not that the poster is any less suggestive than past Sin City one-sheets featuring the likes of Jessica Alba or Rosario Dawson. Sex has always been used to sell Robert Rodriguez?s guns-and-babes franchise.

 

And it?s worth pointing out that the fact that Eva Green is holding a gun has no bearing on the MPAA on whether the Sin City: A Dame to Kill For poster is inappropriate or possibly offensive to sensitive viewers. We can?t show kids or impressionable people the female body. But weapons, blood, or severed body parts are totally fine. Right, Saw 2?

 

The irony of the MPAA banning Eva Green?s Sin City: A Dame to Kill For poster is that they are giving the movie ? and the image ? far more publicity than if they had just let it slide. I can almost guarantee that very few movie sites and news outlets would pick up on this relatively blas? one-sheet if not for the built-in MPAA controversy. Instead? It?s on the home page of almost every entertainment site you surf today. Robert Rodriguez really needs to send the MPAA a fruit basket.

And if the Eva Green poster piqued your interest in Rodriguez?s sequel, here?s the latest trailer. Sin City: A Dame to Kill For is eyeballing an August 22 release date.

Seth Rogen and James Franco star in first trailer for The Interview: watch now

The first trailer has arrived for The Interview, in which James Franco and Seth Rogen play a pair of journalists afforded the opportunity to interview North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un.

However, what they don't initially realise is that the interview has been set up by the US government, who want our hapless heroes to assassinate their subject as soon as the opportunity presents itself.

Cue comedy misadventures aplenty as possibly the two least qualified men for the job look to pull off the hit without being gunned down in the process…

Take a look at the new trailer, below…



This first trailer doesn't give us too much footage of Franco and Rogen's back and forth, but there are enough traces of their usual bromance to give us an idea of what we're in for...

Directed by Rogen and Evan Goldberg and co-starring Lizzy Caplan and Randall Park, The Interview will open in the UK on 29 October 2014.

Source: Sony

What do you think of the new trailer? Tell us, below!

Steve Martin quashes Father Of The Bride 3 rumours

Steve Martin has moved to quash stories concerning a potential Father Of The Bride threequel, claiming that he has received no contact over the rumoured project.

It had initially been reported that the second sequel would see Martin spluttering and stammering through another wedding, with the twist being that it would be his son getting married to the son of a US Navy Seal.

However, Martin took to Twitter yesterday to say, "so excited to read I'm doing Father Of The Bride 3 since I haven't seen a script or been offered the role."

Sounds like a case of jumping the gun then, although we might point out that Martin doesn't deny the existence of the film, merely the notion that he'd already signed on to star.

The gay marriage angle actually sounds like quite a good way to freshen up an old idea, so don't be surprised if there are further developments on this one a little way down the track…

Source: Steve Martin

Gareth Edwards Still Attached To Godzilla 2 and 3

Last night, a bombshell of a story landed on our desks: Gareth Edwards is directing the first Star Wars spinoff, and it's set for release on December 16th, 2016. Fitting in with Disney's ultimate franchise plan, this spinoff of an undisclosed character's story will be the first in a line of independent stories told in the odd years between the proper franchise's installments. However, the success of one plan was thought to have caused the failure of another, as Edwards was also assumed to be returning to the Godzilla franchise he successfully rebooted last weekend. Surely, something would have to give, would it not?

Apparently The Hollywood Reporter has reported that the answer to that question is, no. In fact, in the eyes of Legendary Pictures' CEO Thomas Tull, this announcement changes nothing at all. As it turns out, a break from the franchise was always part of the plan:

"Gareth's filmmaking talent makes him one of his generation's most creative and visionary directors. The plan has always been for Gareth to direct a different film before we started on another Godzilla, but who knew it would be a Star Wars installment? We have a great plan in store for Godzilla fans and I am looking forward to seeing Gareth?s imprint on the Star Wars universe."

It's comforting to know that with Godzilla moving forward, it will move forward with the director who started the ball in motion. This doesn't seem like too taxing of a schedule, as it's assumed that Godzilla 2 doesn't even have a script yet and the Star Wars standalone film has a set date of 12/16/16. Keeping that in mind, it is assumed that the script to the mystery spinoff project is being polished at the moment, with Gareth Edwards beginning pre-production by the end of the year, at the latest. Filming and post-production will take up 2015, and more than likely the first few months of 2016; at which point a Godzilla 2 script will probably deliver itself to his doorstep for perusal, putting the film on track for a possible 2018-19 release date. Could the Star Wars movie involve this dude?

Speculation aside, Gareth Edwards and Legendary Pictures need to take their time for Godzilla 2 to work as well as the first picture did. This new project in the director's queue might be just the thing to help give all involved the time needed to craft a well tuned script that trumps the original. Here's hoping not only that Boba Fett's story is the one that Edwards focuses on telling, but also that Frank Darabont is brought on full time to write the Godzilla sequel, as his rewrites on the first film undoubtedly helped sell the true dramatic weight of the film. Also, if anyone knows a thing or two about emotionally devastating monsters, it's surely Frank .

Steven Spielberg's BFG adaptation will arrive in 2016

Steven Spielberg's next two projects have been officially locked in, with his untitled Cold War film and an adaptation of The BFG set to keep him occupied for the foreseeable future.

The former project will be first on the agenda, and will tell the true story of attorney James Donovan, who is sent to negotiate the release of a captured pilot during the Cold War.

The Tom Hanks-starring project remains title-less, but does now have an official release date, with the film set to open in US cinemas on 16 October 2015.

After completing work on that one, Spielberg will then move almost immediately on to his take on Roald Dahl's The BFG, with the film now pencilled in for 1 July 2016.

No casting has taken place for that film as yet, although E.T.screenwriter Melissa Mathison is currently penning a script, with Frank Marshall on production duties. Gleeful childhood nostalgia, ahoy...

Source: Deadline

Which of the two films are you more excited by? Tell us, below!

Tom Hardy stars as the Kray twins in first image from Legend

(Image: Greg Williams)

The first image has arrived online from Legend, the forthcoming biopic of notorious East End criminals, the Kray twins.

As you can see from the image, Tom Hardy will be pulling double-duty, starring as both Ronnie and Reggie, on the left and right of the picture respectively.

Very dapper he looks too, although behind the sharp suits, there's a barely concealed physicality that's appropriately menacing. They might have loved their old mum, but the Krays were not to be trifled with...

Based on John Pearson's book, The Profession Of Violence, the film will be set in 1960s London, and is thought to focus upon the attempts of marginally-older twin Reggie to keep his younger brother's psychotic tendencies in check.

Hardy will be joined by a starry cast including the likes of Emily Browning, David Thewlis, Christopher Eccleston and Chazz Palminteri, withL.A. Confidential scribe Brian Helgeland on writing and directing duties.

Legend is expected to open in the UK in 2015.

What do you think of the first image? Tell us, below!

Win a 50" TV with The Monuments Men Blu-ray/DVD!

To celebrate the release of The Monuments Men out on Digital HD, Blu-ray and DVD this week, we want your nominations on who your most #MonumentalMan is for our fabulous Father’s Day competition!

Is it your favourite movie star, your favourite World Cup hero or even your own dad?

To be in with a chance of winning this incredible Panasonic  50" TV worth £1000, tweet your nomination to us @totalfilm using the hashtags #MonumentalMan and #TheMonumentsMenBluray.

The Monuments Men starring George Clooney, Matt Damon and Bill Murray focuses on an unlikely World War II platoon, tasked by United States President Franklin Delano Roosevelt with the seemingly impossible mission of going into Germany to rescue artistic masterpieces from Nazi thieves and returning them to their rightful owners. They find themselves in a race against time to avoid the destruction of 1000 years of culture, risking their lives to protect and defend mankind’s greatest achievements. The Monuments Men is out now on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD. Full terms and conditions below.

 Terms and Conditions for [Monumental Man Twitter Competition] 1. The competition is open to UK [and Republic of Ireland if needed] residents who are aged [12] years or over except employees of [Total Film] Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment (UK) Ltd, and their affiliated. The Promoter reserves the right to verify the eligibility of entrants. companies, their families or agencies or anyone professionally connected with the promotion. 2. To enter tweet using hashtags [#MonumentalMan] and [#DigitalHD] or [#TheMonumentsMenBluray] to [@totalfilm] -  The winner will be announced on Monday and be required to DM Total Film with details including name, address, age, daytime contact telephone number and email address of the entrant. 5. The winner will be drawn based upon Total Film’s favourite Tweet from all correct entries received and the judge’s decision is final. Prize details below*. 6. Closing date for entry is [23.59] on [14/06/2014]. Any entries received after the closing date will not be accepted.  7. The winner will be notified by email on Monday, 16 June 2014 8. Only one entry per person permitted  9. Judges decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into regarding the outcome of the Prize awarded.  10. The prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative is available. The Promoter reserves the right to substitute the prize for one of equal or greater value.  12. The Promoter reserves the right to terminate, amend or extend this promotion in the event of exceptional circumstances outside its control which affect its ability to operate the promotion. 13. It is the responsibility of the winner to ensure they are available to collect the prize on the agreed dates. 15.In administrating this promotion the Promoter will not collect more of your personal information than absolutely necessary and will only use your personal information for the purposes of this promotion. 16. The rules of this competition shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales and the courts of England shall have exclusive jurisdiction in relation to any disputes arising therefrom. Promoter: [Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and Premier Public Relations 

X-Men: Apocalypse will be set in 1983

 

Simon Kinberg has revealed the exact year in which forthcoming sequel X-Men: Apocalypse will be set, with the events of the new film to kick off in 1983.

For those who haven't been paying attention, that is ten years after the (early) events of Days Of Future Past, leaving the writers plenty of room to re-draw the newly retconned universe our heroes are inhabiting.

It also means we'll be following the characters some 20 years after they first appeared in First Class, which might see the likes of Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy beginning to be aged up.

Just how Apocalypse himself will be introduced into proceedings remains to be seen, but something is clearly set to happen in the intervening ten years that awakens the world's oldest mutant…

Directed by Bryan Singer, X-Men: Apocalypse will open in the UK on 19 May 2016. We're excited already!

Source: CBM

Rose Leslie, Justin Bartha, Gina Rodriguez Join Ray Liotta in 'Sticky Notes' (Exclusive)

Game of Thrones actress Rose Leslie, The Hangover's Justin Bartha and Filly Brown actress Gina Rodriguez are joining Ray Liotta in indie Sticky Notes, the directorial debut of screenwriter Amanda Harlib.

The film, currently shooting in New Orleans, centers on a backup dancer (Leslie) who returns home to Florida to help care for her estranged father, Jack (Liotta), after he's diagnosed with cancer.

PHOTOS: 'Game of Thrones': 20 Game-Changing Quotes

The project is produced by Katie Mustard and Joe Jenckes under the Mustard & Co. banner.

Harlib most recently adapted the novel Sorta Like a Rockstar by Silver Linings Playbook writer Matthew Quick for Gotham Group, which is set up with Temple Hill at Fox Searchlight. She also is the creator of the Web series Haute and Bothered, which ran on Teen.com for two years. She's repped by Mosaic.

Leslie currently appears on HBO's hit Game of Thrones as wildling Ygritte and has previously appeared on Downton Abbey. The Scottish actress also appeared in indie film Honeymoon, which premiered at SXSW and played at the Tribeca Film Festival. She's repped by UTA, Anonymous Content and Hamilton Hodell in the U.K.

Bartha played Doug in The Hangover trilogy and most recently appeared in CBGB and TV's The New Normal. He's repped by CAA and The Schiff Co.

Rodriguez starred in 2012 Sundance film Filly Brown and will star in upcoming TV series Jane the Virgin. She's repped by APA, Intellectual Artists Management and Jackoway Tyerman.

Andy Serkis talks Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes storyline

Andy Serkis has been talking about what we can expect from Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes, outlining how the film picks up with the apes some ten years after the events of the first film.

"It sets up a world where you’re finally in a beautiful, utopian Garden of Eden," explains Serkis, "that is suddenly shattered in a violent and dramatic way."

"Caesar has galvanised all these tribes of apes, and it’s succeeding, it’s working," he continues. "The next generation is becoming educated; the design of their community reflects their intelligence."

"They are resourceful, they can build aqueducts, they have plentiful food supplies, they respect each other as different species: gorilla, orangutan, chimpanzee can all speak equally and communicate equally. Until the arrival of human beings…”

As to the continuing popularity of the series, Serkis is convinced that the film's political message is one that continues to resonate with the release of each new film in the franchise.

"I think these films were always about civil rights," he says, "and I think that metaphor carries through and resonates with audiences worldwide. Why do you think the Apes franchise has endured so long?"

Directed by Matt Reeves and co-starring Gary Oldman, Jason Clarke and Keri Russell, Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes will open in the UK on 17 July 2014.

Source: Dread Central

Oliver Stone planning Edward Snowden film

In news that should surprise nobody at all, it has emerged that Oliver Stone is set to direct a film about NSA leaker, Edward Snowden.

The man responsible for blowing the whistle on the National Security Agency's global surveillance practices, Snowden's story is documented in Luke Harding's book, The Snowden Files, which will serve as inspiration for the film.

The film will represent Stone's latest foray into the murkier side of American history, with the rabble-rousing director seeming an obvious choice to tackle what remains a distinctly sensitive subject in the US.

"To me, Snowden is a hero," said Stone last year. "He revealed secrets that we should all know, that the United States has repeatedly violated the fourth amendment."

Stone is reportedly looking to begin production by the end of the year, mindful of the fact that a rival Snowden project is in the works, based on another account of the NSA leaks, No Place To Hide. A release date has yet to be confirmed.

Source: The Guardian

The Fault In Our Stars

When you're a teenager, the world seems chronically unfair, and any little drama can be blown up to feel like a life-or-death scenario. Both of these relatable elements of adolescence have become clich? in coming-of-age narratives, but the tender and tragic romance The Fault In Our Stars gives new weight to these themes through the story of two teenagers who find love while coping with cancer. And remarkably, it's more uplifting than depressing.

Based on the beloved novel by John Green, The Fault In Our Stars centers on sixteen-year-old Hazel Grace Lancaster (Shailene Woodley), who has earned her angst fair and square by suffering through terminal cancer since she was thirteen. Wrapped in sweatpants and self-induced isolation, she's worrying her loving parents (Laura Dern and Sam Trammell). So they push her to make friends via a cancer kids support group.

There, Hazel, who has given up on life, meets Augusts "Gus" Waters (Ansel Elgort), a cancer-survivor/basketball player with an indomitable spirit and an undeniably charming smile. The two instantly connect. And even as Hazel tries to push him away to spare him the heartbreak of her inevitable death, Gus is tireless in his devotion and love. No matter what happens.

This will be a love story that girls cling to and cry over for decades to come. It's got the works: a relatable every-girl wracked with insecurities and fears, a dreamy boy who's kind and endlessly charismatic; an enviable romance; a winsome and sometimes weepy soundtrack; and a finale guaranteed to make you pull out the tissues. Woodley is affable even in Hazel's sharp-tongues angst. Elgort is pretty-boy perfection, with just the right sprinkling of humor. The Fault In Our Stars didn't need to be especially good to pull in teen girls, it just needed to exist in a lull between YA releases. But remarkably--and thankfully--director Josh Boone didn't just strive to make a decent tearjerker. He made a movie that is buoyant with the bitter and the sweet, crafting a concoction that is devastating and exhilarating.

This is a film that was smartly built from the start. Adapting Green's adored story was Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber, the scribes behind similarly sharp films like (500) Days of Summer and The Spectacular Now. These guys not only get how it feels to be a teen girl, but also have an extraordinary gift for balancing comedy and drama, plus a fantastic ear for dialogue. The Fault In Our Stars' script shines on its own. Then you bring in Boone's outstanding cast.

Woodley is predictably wonderful as Hazel. The actress who cut her teeth in The Secret Life of the American Teenager is an old hand at portraying teen turbulence and trauma. Whether grappling with her own mortality, her "first time," or how to say goodbye, Woodley pulls us through with Hazel, offering weighted looks and a breathy, sometimes broken narration. Hazel is our center to this world; Woodley grounds her with great care and (fittingly) grace. And her chemistry with Elgort is instantly electric.

Elgort proves he's much more than a pretty face, painting Gus as a young man of great bravado, but deep fears. While much of his performance is non-threatening flirtation and goofing around with his wisecracking bestie, Isaac (Nat Wolff, in a lively and neat performance), Elgort likewise nails Gus' dark moments with an unsettling stillness. In doing so, he makes the threads of The Fault In Our Stars even richer and more vibrant with emotion.

While parents are often shunted to the sides of teen stories, The Fault In Our Stars keeps Hazel's in the mix. And the movie is all the better for it, as Dern and Trammell radiate with love, edged with grief. Too frequently, teen girl stories have their heroines running from their mother's influence, or laughing them off as clowns. But Hazel and her mother are close, and it?s a bond that feels as real and important as her connection to Gus. Trammell is adorable as the well-meaning dad, but its Dern and Woodley's scenes together that really sing. There's a push-and-pull there that many will recognize. It's inherent in the parent-child relationship as you get older, and the dynamic of who takes care of who shifts back and forth. And here, that teeter-totter sensation builds momentum to a fantastic and bright confrontation that rings with the movie's dual tones of tragedy and hope.

I had hoped to enjoy The Fault In Our Stars, but I didn't expect it to hit me quite the way it did. Yes, I cried. But moreover, watching Hazel confront the finite nature of life, realizing how life owes and promises us nothing, so what joys we get should be reveled in while they can be--that hit me at my core. I left the theater feeling light, warm, and happy. It reminded me of the sensation I experienced seeing About Time, where the tragedies just made the victories all the more radiant. I went home buzzing with joy, and feeling deeply grateful for the victories--big and small--in my own life.

All in all, The Fault In Our Stars is a fantastic film. It offers a compelling story told with a great deal of wit, verve, and heart. Its ensemble--from the lovely Woodley to the ire-raising Willem Dafoe--gives its all, fleshing out this romance with zeal and tenderness. Its tone does zig from earnest drama to romantic comedy and back again, but Boone handles these turns with a keen awareness that makes them feel like an inherent part of Hazel's journey. My only complaint is that the final act drags a bit. But even with this flaw, The Fault In Our Stars is a love story that is funny yet heartbreaking, and ultimately wondrous.

'Runoff' Trailer Tells a Story of Rural Drama (Exclusive Video)

Open to a sunny close-up of a field in rural Kentucky as a plane descends -- and from there, let chaos ensue.

So kicks off the trailer for Runoff, debuting exclusively here at The Hollywood Reporter.

The movie -- directed by Kimberly Levin, produced by Kurt Pitzer and starring Joanne Kelly (Warehouse 13) -- centers on Betty Freeman (Kelly), who must take desperate measures to save her family as her husband falls ill and the government threatens to foreclose her property.

STORY: Relativity's 'Earth to Echo' to Have World Premiere at Los Angeles Film Festival

The result: danger and sacrifice. As ominous tones reverberate in the background, the trailer features shots of everyday farm life interspersed with moments of terror -- everything from a cow getting milked, to the mysterious plane, to frantic hand-washing, to a suggestive frame of a small child exclaiming, “Bang, bang!”

Levin’s directorial debut will have its world premiere during the Los Angeles Film Festival on Thursday, June 12, at 7:10 p.m. at LA Live Regal Cinemas.

The Los Angeles Film Festival runs June 11-19.

Scott Derrickson in talks to direct Doctor Strange

Marvel looks to be making moves towards bringing its Doctor Strange adaptation to fruition, with Variety reporting that Scott Derrickson is in talks to occupy the director's chair.

According to the report, Derrickson is the studio's first choice to take on the project, ahead of rival candidates Jonathan Levine and Mark Andrews.

Having made his name on horror films like Sinister and The Exorcism Of Emily Rose, Derrickson looks a decent fit for the material, which focuses on the titular "master of the mystic arts".

A former neurosurgeon who loses his hands in a terrible car accident, Strange travels to the himalayas to locate "the Ancient One", who schools him in the ways of the occult.

According to Variety, should Derrickson take the gig he will assist Marvel with the search for a leading man, with Johnny Depp having previously been linked to the role.

Derrickson took to Twitter to confirm his appointment:

My next movie will be STRANGE: pic.twitter.com/5pdbO6Op6j

— Scott Derrickson (@scottderrickson) June 3, 2014

Source: Variety

Dwayne Johnson stars in new trailer for Hercules: watch now

Dwayne Johnson stars in new trailer for Hercules: watch nowYou cannot deny what you areJun 4th 2014By George Wales

A brand new trailer has arrived online for Hercules, in which Dwayne Johnson stars as the titular musclebound hero.

The film picks up with a washed-up Hercules, embittered by the loss of his family and trading on his reputation as a well-paid, but ultimately unfulfilled mercenary.

However, the chance to recapture his heroic past soon presents itself when an evil warlord begins to wreak havoc with an army of demonic nasties.

Take a look at the new trailer, below…



Naturally, Herc's scuffles with a raft of mythical monsters are the most attention-grabbing scenes on show here, but it's also nice to see Ian McShane and John Hurt bringing some gravitas to proceedings as a pair of wise old heads.

Directed by Brett Ratner and co-starring Joseph Fiennes, Rufus Sewell and Peter Mullan, Hercules will open in the UK on 25 July 2014.

Source: IGN

New Guardians Of The Galaxy plot details explain Thanos' involvement

New Guardians Of The Galaxy plot details explain Thanos' involvementMild spoilers aheadJun 4th 2014By George Wales

With Josh Brolin reportedly cast as Thanos in a host of upcoming Marvel movies, some new Guardians Of The Galaxy plot details have emerged online, explaining how he will appear in that film.

Naturally, said details are a mite spoilery, so if you want to go into Guardians as cold as possible, best stop reading now…

Vulture reports that Guardians will see Thanos make his first appearance in the form of a hologram, communicating with his underlings, the villainous Nebula and Ronan the Accuser, who will be acting on his orders throughout.

However, the report also claims that Thanos will make an appearance in the flesh later in the film, although just what he'll be arriving to do remains to be seen…

In the comics, Thanos's power derives from the Infinity Gauntlet, powered by the Infinity Stones Benicio del Toro's character, The Collector, has been hoarding. We'd suggest that's what stage one of Thanos's big plan revolves around…

Directed by James Gunn and co-starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana and Lee Pace, Guardians Of The Galaxy will open in the UK on 1 August 2014.

Source: Vulture

SXSW Film 'That Guy Dick Miller' Gets North American Distribution (Exclusive)

That Guy Dick Miller, which made a splash after its world premiere at SXSW in March, has been picked up for North American distribution by Canada’s IndieCan Entertainment. The film is slated for a theatrical release in the winter of 2014/2015.

PHOTOS: The Scene at SXSW 2014

The documentary -- directed by Elijah Drenner (American Gridhouse) and co-produced by Drenner and Lainie Miller (The Perfect Game) -- follows the life and career of character actor Dick Miller, from his childhood, to his first big onscreen role (Bucket of Blood), to his artwork. Miller’s career spanned six decades with more than 175 motion pictures, four TV series and more than 2,000 TV appearances.

“Being able to release films in the United States is a big and exciting new step for IndieCan and one that I truly welcome,” IndieCan's Avi Federgreen said in a statement. “IndieCan was launched back in 2011 to give indie films like That Guy Dick Miller a real boost to reach audiences everywhere.”

The movie includes 47 interviews, notable clips from Miller’s career, his personal home movies and numerous segments with animation and illustration.

“I was just staying alive making movies,” Miller says in one excerpt from the film. “I think I must’ve done four or five pictures before I realized I was a movie actor.”

Kuku Mathur Ki Jhand Ho Gayi

Till a few monsoons ago, a majority of film-makers in Bollywood would be petrified of experimenting, scared to step out of the comfort zone. Out of the box concepts and quirky titles were considered 'risky propositions' or 'professional harakiri' and those taking the road less travelled were often scoffed, derided and ridiculed for taking risks. Not anymore!

These days, leading production houses are churning out movies that defy the stereotype. Balancing mainstream films with A-listers with wacky/innovative subjects starring newcomers is the new fad. Balaji/ALT, a key player, has been dabbling with quirky plots since quite some time. Their latest offering, KUKU MATHUR KI JHAND HO GAYI [made in association with Bejoy Nambiar], makes an effort to give the spectator a slice of life experience. Does the winning mantra of 'small is big' work in favor of KUKU MATHUR KI JHAND HO GAYI, let's find out...

First, the premise. KUKU MATHUR KI JHAND HO GAYI narrates the story of two friends in a middle class colony of New Delhi. Kuku Mathur [Siddharth Gupta] and Ronnie Gulati [Ashish Juneja] are thick friends. Kuku comes from an ordinary service class family. His father is a 'Babu' at a government office, a typical one who wants his son to study hard and get a good job, whereas the Gulatis are a household name for sarees and dress material in this part of the capital. Hence, it doesn't take Dada Gulati [Ronnie's authoritative grandfather] much time to surprise his grandson with a shop of his own - Ronnie Blouse & Petticoat Matching Center.

Kuku begins his struggle to get into colleges and the Physical Educational mark sheet doesn't help much, whereas Ronnie gets real busy attending beautiful girls and quizzing them on the favourite colours of their dupattas.

Life takes a sudden turn for Kuku -- he fails to get admission, has to work as a spot boy in a film unit, senior members of the Gulati family insult him, his secret crush has found a boyfriend, his dream of starting a restaurant looks impossible as there is no way to get money -- and during all this, his best friend is too busy to even talk to him. At this point of time, Prabhakar Bhaiya [Amit Sial] makes an entry in Kuku's life.

Prabhakar Bhaiya, from Kanpur, who has a solution to all the problems, is a big jugadu. He takes on the responsibility of bringing Kuku's life back on track. He suggests a solution to Kuku, a shortcut which could sort all his problems as well as settle his score with the Gulatis. This plan makes Kuku successful, but at the same time, plants seeds for a bigger mess…

KUKU MATHUR KI JHAND HO GAYI not only boasts of a hatke title, but makes an attempt to provide humor and entertainment in the alternate landscape. Like DELHI BELLY and FUKRAY, the backdrop is Delhi, the storyline is simplistic and relatable, but the humor is not over the top. This one's a drama-driven film, while the laughs are interspersed where necessary. In fact, debutant director Aman Sachdeva sets the plot in a familiar landscape, gives it a fresh coat of paint and gives the clichés a spankingly fresh look.

Frankly, it takes time to get absorbed in the world of Kuku and Ronnie, but once into it, you quite enjoy the joyride. The good part is, there's no heavy-duty drama, forced humor or gags to entice the spectator. The director keeps it subtle, shying away from over the top, slapstick humor or tomfoolery that's getting synonymous with this genre of films. The middle act [intermission point] is when the film gathers momentum and Aman makes sure he holds your attention all through the third act, right till the culmination.

Since KUKU MATHUR KI JHAND HO GAYI has a quintessential Delhi flavor, the locations, the characters and the dialect give it an authentic feel. The hiccup is that the screenplay, in the first hour specifically, could've been engaging. Also, the soundtrack is plain humdrum.

Siddharth Gupta, who plays the protagonist, is decent, a few scenes notwithstanding. Ashish Juneja exudes the right amount of confidence required for the character. Simran Kaur Mundi doesn't get much to do. Amit Sial gets his character spot-on. Siddharth Malhotra, who enacts the part of Ashish's brother, sparkles in a brief role. Brijendra Kala [enacting the part of a god man, who gives absurd advices] is efficient.

I'd like to make a mention of the actors portraying the part of Kuku's father [Somesh Agarwal], Ronnie's grandfather [Anoop Puri], the watchman [Alok Chaturvedi] and the actress [Pallavi Batra]. They're natural to the core! Rajesh Sharma appears in a cameo.

On the whole, KUKU MATHUR KI JHAND HO GAYI is a light entertainer that's simple-n-sweet, charming and most importantly, entertaining for most parts.

Will Smith In Talks To Star In Ridley Scott-Produced NFL Concussion Drama

Will Smith is about to blow a whistle. The one-time Ali star hasn't been a fixture in sports films over the years, shying away from them to focus on larger-than-life genre stories with the occasional weepie thrown in. But now, Will Smith is going behind the scenes to expose the corruption of the NFL, thanks to producer Ridley Scott.

According to Variety, Will Smith is in talks to star in an untitled football drama based on the GQ article Game Brain by Jeanne Marie Laskas. Smith would play Doctor Bennett Omalu, a forensic neuropathologist who became the first person to discover Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy in a football player's brain. CTE, as it's known, is a degenerative disease caused by severe trauma to the head that can only be discovered after death. Naturally, this afflicted several football players as they entered their twilight years, and those that suffered from CTE either died from the condition or failed to manage the pain and committed suicide.

Of course, this sounds boring as shit to most people, even sports fans. The main conflict in the story, however, comes from the fact that Dr. Omalu's findings were eventually suppressed by the NFL. The league repeatedly tried to intimidate and threaten Dr. Omalu, discrediting his findings, ultimately lying to former players who sought the truth about their rapidly deteriorating health. This led to a mammoth lawsuit brought upon the league by former players seeking damages. Unfortunately, the league's settlement offer of $765 million was accepted by the players, but rejected by a US district judge for representing inadequate compensation for the 20,000 participants in the lawsuit. And this isn't a case affecting retired forty year olds with years old damage: high school and college athletes have also been revealed to be affected by CTE.

Peter Landesman, the writer and director of the recent President Kennedy drama Parkland, will write and direct this film for Ridley Scott's Scott Free Films. There are two other projects about this issue currently in development. One, based on the book League Of Denial: The NFL, Concussions And The Battle For Truth, may still happen. The other, an indie film with Isaiah Washington called Game Time Decision, is an indie film that will likely have a much more specific focus. The question is, with this case ongoing, is anyone going to be allowed to use NFL logos or branding? And if not, won't that take away from the necessary element of this story, that a major sports league is freely turning it's players into gruel?

Will Smith's involvement is mostly due to his last-minute exit from the sci-fi drama Brilliance, and he's bringing a lot of star power with him. It's also a sign that maybe the suddenly-reclusive actor is ready to return to the mainstream. Though he had a minor (and hilarious) role in Winter's Tale, his last leading role was 2013's dubious After Earth. And he's not going to be seen onscreen until 2015's Focus, which teams him with Margot Robbie. This is a pretty interesting project to take on, so hopefully Will Smith joins this project and shooting begins soon.

'The Giver' Trailer: Meryl Streep, Jeff Bridges Face Off (Video)

Meryl Streep sports a gray wig and a bad attitude in the newest trailer for the star-studded film adaptation of The Giver
.
In this second, longer trailer, Jonas (Maleficent
's Brenton Thwaites) meets The Giver (Jeff Bridges) and starts to learn some shocking secrets about their seemingly perfect community. "Our people chose to do away with emotions," The Giver explains to Jonas. "Those morning injections take them away."
PHOTOS: 35 of 2014's Most Anticipated Movies

Once Jonas starts avoiding the injections, he can finally see the world in color.  But the Chief Elder (Streep) isn't particularly thrilled about Jonas's curiosity. "I'm surprised you're not more worried about him -- I would be," she warns Jonas' mom (Katie Holmes).

The film co-stars Taylor Swift (conspicuously imperceptible in the first two trailers), Alexander Skarsgard and The Odd Life of Timothy Green
's Odeya Rush.
The Giver
was directed by Phillip Noyce, whose last film was 2010 spy thriller Salt. Michael Mitnick wrote the screenplay, based on the 1993 novel of the same name by Lois Lowry. Lowry's novel won the 1994 Newbery Medal for children's literature.
The Weinstein Company will release the film on August 15 and is clearly hoping that it touches the zeitgeist like dystopian YA film adaptations The Hunger Games
and Divergent. 

Holiday - A Soldier Is Never Off Duty

Akshay Kumar returns to the silver screen after a hiatus. Known for having a film release every few months, this move has, expectedly, garnered positive reception by the film fraternity as well as the multitude of fans. In his newest outing HOLIDAY - A SOLDIER IS NEVER OFF DUTY, the actor teams up with A.R. Murugadoss, who made his Hindi debut with GHAJINI [2008], starring Aamir Khan. Incidentally, Murugadoss too returns to the Hindi film arena after a gap of almost six years.
HOLIDAY - A SOLDIER IS NEVER OFF DUTY is a remake of the Tamil action-thriller THUPPAKKI [2012; starring Vijay and Kajal Aggarwal], which won immense critical acclaim and reaped a rich harvest at the box-office. Obviously, the expectations are humungous since Murugadoss' GHAJINI was the *first Hindi film* to waltz past the Rs 100 cr mark in the domestic market. Besides, THUPPAKKI has been a Blockbuster and one expects the Hindi adaptation to repeat history.

When one attempts to remake South Indian hits in Hindi, one makes modifications to suit the Northern sensibilities, which only enhances the project in question. Murugadoss does exactly that in HOLIDAY - A SOLDIER IS NEVER OFF DUTY. THUPPAKKI was a hugely admired and engrossing entertainer and evidently ranks amongst Murugadoss' finest works. Does the able craftsman deliver a far superior product in HOLIDAY - A SOLDIER IS NEVER OFF DUTY? Does Akshay slip into Vijay's shoes with as much ease? Is the new antagonist Farhad as merciless and cold-blooded as the original baddie Vidyut Jammwal? Most importantly, does Murugadoss take a leap forward as he recreates his bonafide Hit?

Let's shed light on the premise! Captain Virat Bakshi [Akshay Kumar], an army man, returns home to Mumbai for his holidays. His family takes him to see Sahiba [Sonakshi Sinha], but he rejects her. Later, on another occasion, he finds out that she is actually a boxer and is surprised by her personality. The story takes a turn when an anti-social activity in the heart of Mumbai city gets him involved into something huge.

Secret Cinema goes Back To The Future

In pretty much the best news for film fans since Robert Zemeckis changed a fridge into a DeLorean, Secret Cinema is set to revolve their biggest production to date around Back To The Future
.
Secret Cinema will build the town of Hill Valley which will allow audiences to travel back in time and become citizens of Hill Valley living between 1955 and 1985, with secret alleys and entrances in the town that will allow them to travel to 1985 and 2015.

As in previous productions such as Dirty Dancing
, Grease and Top Gun – the event will follow the familiar interactive format of immersing audiences into the world of Back to the Future and Hill Valley in the first half of the evening followed by a screening of the classic 80s film alongside extra experiential surprise elements.

A Battle of the Bands contest will determine who will play on stage each night, as well as a secret headline high profile band. The famous ‘Enchantment under the Sea’ Prom dance will take place at an after party venue near the secret location.

Audience participation will feature heavily throughout each event, with audiences becoming characters inside Hill Valley, with some being thrown into a time machine and transported into another existence, and others will become part of the worlds of 1955 and 1985.
Tickets are on-sale tomorrow
, and your kids will probably vanish if you don't get one.  

Marilyn Manson Takes A Role In Sons Of Anarchy's Final Season.

Marilyn Manson is kind of a strange guy. Like other celebrity weirdos, he likes to get up to a lot of interesting nonsense, and over the past few years, he?s begun to try his hand at acting, popping up in both dramas and comedies. This week, we learned that Manson?s next gig will take him over to FX, where he will appear in the show?s intense drama Sons of Anarchy.

If you are a fan of Marilyn Manson?s acting work, there is even better news. Instead of a guest gig, the musician-turned-actor has signed on for a recurring role in Sons of Anarchy?s seventh and final season. According to Variety, during this fall?s episodes, Manson will play a white supremacist named Ron Tully. Tully will be incarcerated during the series, but will somehow get involved with lead character Jax, who uses him to expand his network and gain power. Needless to say, sweet dreams are definitely not made of this.

Early acting roles for Marilyn Manson have included The Heart is Deceitful Above All Things and Party Monster, but recently the man has increased his pedigree quite a bit, popping up in HBO?s hit comedy Eastbound & Down and taking a voice acting role in ABC?s popular fairytale drama Once Upon a Time. Regardless, not only does the Sons of Anarchy gig seem like it will be a bigger deal, the man also seems genuinely enthused to have landed the role, citing his pops as a big reason he wanted to take the job.

?Sons has been such a big part of my life, as well as my father?s. So I was determined to make him proud by being involved in what will probably be remembered as the most amazing piece of television cinema. After all, the very heart of SOA is about that relationship. So, now all I need is a motorcycle.?

Sons of Anarchy is expected to air its seventh and final season this September. We don't know a ton about the new season, but you can read about Drea De Matteo's promotion and more here. Or, you can be like everyone else on the Internet and speculate wildly. Last season, of course, ended in pretty epic fashion. As a result, there's quite a few messes to clean up and quite a few problems to sort out. Regardless of what happens, FX is probably pretty confident that a lot of people will be around to see it. Ratings have increased pretty steadily since the first season, and it's hard to imagine that upward trajectory will change anytime soon, especially with the guaranteed conclusion on the horizon.

Sons of Anarchy airs on Tuesday nights at 10 PM EST on FX.

'Twilight's' Bill Condon to Direct Live-Action 'Beauty and the Beast'

Twilight helmer Bill Condon has signed on to direct Disney's live-action Beauty and the Beast film.

The news comes on the heels of Disney's latest live-action success, Maleficent, which hit theaters May 28. The film, starring Angelina Jolie, topped the box office its opening weekend, earning north of $170 million worldwide.

Disney also released the live-action Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland films to much success, and currently has a live-action Cinderella film coming up in 2015 as well as a Jungle Book film in development.

PHOTOS: 'Maleficent': Inside the Costumes of Angelina Jolie's Disney Villain

The animated Beauty and the Beast film opened in theaters in 1991, and went on to earn $425 million worldwide.

Condon, whose name had been circling the Beauty and the Beast project for several months, directed Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 and The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2, and most recently helmed The Fifth Estate.

Condon's musical chops were proven with the 2006 hit Dreamgirls, based on the Broadway musical. He's repped by WME, Anonymous Content and Alexander, Lawrence.

Dreamworks considering making two more How To Train Your Dragon films

Dreamworks Animation is reportedly mulling over the possibility of making two more films in the How To Train Your Dragon series, according to comments made by composer John Powell.

The series had initially been conceived as a trilogy, but the wild popularity of the first film, plus a batch of positive early reviews for its follow-up has apparently got the studio looking further down the track…

"I saw Dean [DeBlois, the film's director] in Cannes," says Powell. "We had a premiere of the film there, and he was very merry and a bit drunk and I think it was mentioned to him by Jeffrey [Katzenberg, head of Dreamworks Animation] that maybe they would do four."

"It might be good because he’s got a lot of story left to tell," continues Powell, "so maybe splitting it into two will work, but I just don’t know about that yet. I’m supposing that at the moment, Dean has an idea for the third one and he isn’t telling any of us."

Directed by DeBlois and co-staring the vocal talents of Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler and Cate Blanchett, How To Train Your Dragon 2 will open in the UK on 27 June 2014.

Total Film's Sci-Fi Preview cover is here!

Issue 221 of Total Film hits newstands/digital download/the interwebs 6 June 2014, and we've got a sneak peek of our amazing Sci-Fi Preview cover right now.

And you're guaranteed to be ex-Sci-ted (sorry).

Inside the issue we've got a host of Sci-Fi goodness, including exclusive access and reports on Guardians Of The Galaxy, Dawn Of The Planet of the Apes, The Maze Runner, and an amazing Alien/HR Giger special, not to mention your complete guide to Star Wars: Episode VII.

Not only that, but Channing Tatum and Mila Kunis grace the cover, leading the charge on a mega in-depth look at the Wachowskis' Sci-Fi opus Jupiter Ascending. We've just heard that the movie has been postponed from 18 July 2014 to 6 February 2015, with Warner Bros citing additional time needed to complete visual effects work on the sci-fi actioner.

But you can get the exclusive scoop on one of the weirdest, most visually stunning and intriguing blockbusters in recent years right now, in our mega new issue.

Click on the normal and subscriber covers below for big, shiny hi-res versions.

Check back every day this week for a sneap peek at the many exclusives we have in store.

Lost's Mark Pellegrino Reunites With Carlton Cuse For The Returned

Not long after word has come down that CW would not be moving forward with a second season of The Tomorrow People, Mark Pellegrino has already found his next role. The Lost alum will be reuniting with Carlton Cuse for A&E's planned adaptation of the French drama The Returned.

Last last month, we learned that A&E had given a 10-episode order for The Returned, a drama from True Blood's Raelle Tucker and Lost's Carlton Cuse, based on the French drama >Les Revenants. This week, Deadline reports that Mark Pellegrino has joined the series. He'll play the role of Jack, the father of two teen twins who were killed in a school bus accident four years ago, and are among the people why mysteriously return from the dead, now twenty years old.

The premise of The Returned sounds pretty similar to ABC's Resurrection, however, unlike ABC's series, which has been renewed for a second season, A&E's drama is a direct remake of the French series...

Word that Mark Pellegrino has joined the cast of The Returned is the first big casting update we've heard about the A&E series. As mentioned, the actor is coming off a run on CW's The Tomorrow People, in which he played Dr. Jedikiah Price. With The Tomorrow People cancelled, that leaves Pellegrino free to pursue other series, and it looks like it's a return to basic cable. Among his other recent credits, Pellegrino recurred as Bishop in Syfy's Being Human and he played Jeremy Baker in Revolution. Both series were cancelled this year.

Pellegrino has also recurred as Lucifer on Supernatural and he recurred as Gavin Baker on The Closer, but it's likely that he's best associated with his role as Jacob on Lost. And it's that connection that seems most relevant here, factoring in Lost writer Carlton Cuse, who's been keeping busy on basic cable himself. He's executive producing Bates Motel already for A&E, and he's also credited as an executive producer for FX's upcoming drama The Strain.

Factoring in his experience and demonstrated talent with past roles, Mark Pellegrino's casting is a really positive sign for The Returned, and hopefully this is an indication that we'll be hearing more great casting news about the A&E drama in the near future. In the meantime, those who want to check out the series on which The Returned is based can find it on Netflix.

Monster High Movie Coming For Your Daughters In 2016

 

First they were freaky fashion dolls. Then they had their own webseries, books, and straight-to-DVD movie. Now the terrifying teens of Monster High are gearing up for their big screen debut. And for this one, they'll be in the flesh.

Variety reports Universal has announced a release date for a live-action Monster High movie. It will open opposite Ben Affleck's Live By Night on October 7, 2016. No talent or director has yet been attached to the project, but its producers include Josh Schwartz (Gossip Girl, The Carrie Diaries), Stephanie Savage (The O.C., Endless Love), Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (Footloose, Drop Dead Diva).

Monster High's story will follow a cast of characters that basically blend Barbie with Universal's classic monsters. For instance, the Monster High class includes Frankie Stein, Clawdeen Wolf, Draculaura, Lagoona Blue, as well as Cleo de Nile, Deuce Gorgon, Ghoulia Yelps, Abbey Bominable, and Spectra Vondergeist. No screenwriter has been tipped just yet, but the plotline will be a coming-of-age tale of self-discovery.

I'm frankly surprised to learn Universal is going live-action for Monster High, as the style of the animated version seems to be firmly defined. Here's a little intro for the uninitiated, featuring a quick story about Jane Boolittle that seems to pull some inspiration from Mean Girls:

As to how it might look in live action, here's a music video that could prove a low-budget preview:

Monster High is a hot property, the second-best selling dolls in the world (behind Barbie, naturally). But it's one that also has had its share of controversy. The dolls' look -- which features a big bobble head and very lean limbs, and narrow waist -- was attacked by some mommy bloggers who felt the fashion dolls send a dangerous message to little girls. The Day of the Dead doll Skelita Calaveras, especially, drew ire from those who felt she'd promote anorexia.

However, I suspect that Universal can sidestep these and other criticisms of the dolls' looks by going live-action. Under their development, Monster High could prove a powerful franchise, not only spurring a new branch of movie marketing for the studio, but also re-invigorating interest in their classic horror titles. Plus, the success of Twilight has shown there is an audience for teen stories with a dose of monster magnetism.

From here, it'll be interesting to see who Universal brings on board to helm and star. I'd suspect a peppering of TV tween stars. But hopefully Monster High's producers will also remember what a key element fashion is to a movie like this. Consider Clueless. Actually, just hire Amy Heckerling immediately.

Filmistaan

There's a sequence in FILMISTAAN, towards the second half, when the septuagenarian haqim sahab, who migrated to Pakistan during the partition, reminisces about the pre-partition days in Amritsar [India], while the protagonist, an Indian, recalls his [now deceased] grandfather's desire, who was uprooted from his homeland, to visit his birthplace Lahore [Pakistan]. That moment, which the first-time director of FILMISTAAN [Nitin Kakkar] captures brilliantly on celluloid, is sure to make many Indians and Pakistanis moist-eyed, especially those who vividly recall the partition.

You connect with FILMISTAAN for several reasons...

Notwithstanding the violent partition, the strained relations between the two nations and the wars that the two nations have fought, when an Indian meets a Pakistani in a third country -- on foreign soil -- the topic, generally, veers towards the popularity of Indian films and movie stars in Pakistan [the game of cricket is another fav topic]. The Bachchans, Khans and Kapoors are loved and adored in the neighbouring country as well.

Bollywood continues to magnetize not just Indians, but Pakistanis too -- an aspect that FILMISTAAN integrates in its plot with remarkable ease and honesty.

In retrospect, FILMISTAAN may appear as yet another film that looks at the popularity of Hindi films in the neighbouring country, but scratch the surface and you realize that it highlights the bonding between an Indian and a Pakistani wonderfully, communicating strong signals of love, friendship and brotherhood between the two nationalities. Coincidentally, the timing appears most appropriate, since there's hope that the two nations are aiming to move forward, after Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif attended the swearing-in ceremony of Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of India last week.

Concurrently, director Nitin Kakkar brings to the fore the thorny issue of terrorism and how the common man in Pakistan too desires peace and harmony. Steering clear of sermons and shunning jingoism, Kakkar presents a tale that's truly remarkable in every sense. FILMISTAAN has won accolades across the globe, besides winning the National Award for best feature film in Hindi, and you strongly feel, the praises, rave reviews and awards are most deserving in this case.

Let's enlighten you about the premise of FILMISTAAN. A Bollywood buff and wannabe-actor Sunny [Sharib Hashmi] goes with an American film crew to the remote areas of Rajasthan to work on a documentary film. One night, late after shoot, a terrorist group kidnaps him and takes him to Pakistan. When the leader of the terrorist group meets Sunny, he realizes that the inept terrorists have mistakenly kidnapped an Indian and taken him prisoner, instead of an American crew-member. With little choice, the terrorists decide to keep him hostage until they locate their original target. Sunny finds himself hostage in enemy land, amidst guns and terrorists.

The house Sunny is confined to belongs to Aftaab [Inaamulhaq], a Pakistani, who pirates Hindi films but, like Sunny, loves Indian films and the two of them bond over the pirated Bollywood films that play in the village. Soon, they become close friends and Aftaab promises to help Sunny escape and cross the border from Pakistan back into Rajasthan, India.

FILMISTAAN is one of those rare Hindi films that juxtaposes drama, humor and emotions seamlessly [screenplay: Nitin Kakkar]. An absorbing plotline is spread out splendidly into a 2-hour film and believe me, there's never a dull moment in the entire narrative. Although the film does highlight cross-border terrorism, it also sheds light on the love that people from both sides have for Bollywood. Additionally, while the Indian protagonist is held captive in a hamlet in Pakistan, the film doesn't come across as gloomy or dark. And despite the fact that he faces hardships/atrocities at the hands of his Pakistani captors, the director presents a picture of hope and optimism.

The only time FILMISTAAN falters is during the middle of the second hour, when a couple of episodes seem stretched, but these are passing clouds in an otherwise sunshine film. The penultimate moments, again, leave you mesmerized at the turn of events and you wonder, will the protagonist escape alive? Will he cross over to India?

The locations are delightfully captured by the DoP [Subhransu Das], while the background score [Arijit Datta] is effectual. Dialogue, penned by Sharib Hashmi, are well-worded and most appropriate.

FILMISTAAN stands tall thanks to its superior writing, besides benefiting tremendously from its strong casting. Both Sharib Hashmi and Inaamulhaq are a complete revelation, slipping into their respective parts with astonishing ease. Sharib holds you attentive from the commencement itself, when he impersonates a couple of Bollywood actors with flourish and maintains the sur right till the finale. Inaamulhaq too pitches in a fabulous performance, his performance and body language making you forget you're watching an actor emote.

Kumud Mishra revels in his solidly-written role and delivers a pitch-perfect, dynamic performance as the terrorist. Gopal Datt is another actor to watch out for. He's absolutely believable as Kumud's subordinate. Waseem Khan, portraying the part of Inaamulhaq's father, gets his part spot-on. Habib Azmi is first-rate as the haqim sahab. Sanjay Mehta, the leader of the extremist group, is appropriate. Tushar Jha, as Aftaab's younger brother, is okay. Manoj Bakshi, as the Indian cop, is efficient.

On the whole, FILMISTAAN walks the tightrope between offbeat and commercial with gusto. This is a massively entertaining film. A film that shouldn't be missed at all. Watch it. Now.

Warner delays Jupiter Ascending until 2015

Warner delays Jupiter Ascending until 2015Sci-fi release postponed by seven monthsJun 4th 2014By George Wales

Despite a significant marketing push in recent weeks, Warner has decided to push back the Wachowskis' Jupiter Ascending until 2015.

Having originally been slated to arrive on 18 July 2014, the film will now hit US screens on 6 February 2015, as the studio has decided to shuffle its pack.

Warner revealed the new release date without providing any explanation for the delay, but according to THR, more work is required on the film's special effects.

Starring Channing Tatum and Mila Kunis, the new film follows the adventures of a humble cleaner, who finds herself thrown into a world of danger when it transpires she is heir to planet Earth.

Jupiter Ascending co-stars Eddie Redmayne, Sean Bean and Douglas Booth, and should arrive in the UK around the same time as its new US release date...

The Strain's First Trailer Will Worm Its Way Into Your Heart

I'd be lying if I said I wasn?t at least partly suspicious that FX?s upcoming horror series The Strain wasn?t just some elaborate social media prank, considering the abundance of creepy footage-free teasers that have been raining down upon the Internet in recent weeks. My fears are allayed now with the first actual trailer, giving us a really good look at what this series will be. 30 seconds isn?t nearly enough time, but its point is still well made.

The bulk of this footage apparently comes from the pilot, which was written and directed by the visionary Guillermo del Toro and author Chuck Hogan, who co-wrote the Strain trilogy of novels together. The story begins in New York with a CDC team investigating an airplane that mysteriously stops in the middle of JFK's tarmac and all communication is lost. As you might imagine, everyone on board is dead. Or are they?

The case is being led by Dr. Ephraim ?Eph? Goodweather (Corey Stoll), head of the CDC?s Canary Project, who brings his team out and soon finds that this is no mere humanoid outbreak. Meanwhile, a professor and Holocaust survivor named Abraham Setrakian (David Bradley) has seen this kind of thing before, and it must be destroyed! People begin showing signs of a virus as passed on by vampiric parasites in the form of worms.