entertainment buzz

Don 2 (2011) CAM 500MB 100% Clear Hall Print

2011-12-24T13:30:00.000-08:00

MOVIE INFO:

Info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1285241/

Release Date: 23 December 2011 (India)
Genre: Action
Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Florian Lukas and Om Puri
Quality: CAM
Encoder: Demitos
Source: HDSCAM Rip -Xvid – Team IcTv
Release Info: NFO
Subtitle: English (N/A)

SCREEN SHOTS:

Download Links

http://www.mediafire.com/?6bnnkwpb1bf25x5

http://www.mediafire.com/?d9h8kbkegp8777w

http://www.mediafire.com/?g82y31vq9ip84t4

Bruce Greenwood Back For Star Trek 2

2011-12-22T06:00:00.001-08:00

He’s a terrific actor who usually gets the ‘him out of that’ response, but Bruce Greenwood looks locked on to return as Admiral Pike in J.J. Abrams STAR TREK sequel due to begin shooting next year. Writer and producer Robert Orci has confirmed Greenwood’s father-like character has been written into the script and even commented:-

We wrote a part for Greenwood. Let us hope he says Yes!

Greenwood has had major starring roles in the likes of DOUBLE JEOPARDY, THE CORE and I, ROBOT. He also appeared in J.J. Abrams ‘Spielberg homage’ SUPER 8, although you would have struggled to see him on screen as his performance was that of extraterrestrial ‘Cooper’ – in motion-capture.

Source: Trekmovie

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo Review

2011-12-22T05:59:00.000-08:00

Director: David Fincher

Starring: Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Christopher Plummer, Stellan Skarsgård, Steven Berkoff, Robin Wright, Yorick van Wageningen, Joely Richardson

Certificate: 18

Synopsis: “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” is the first film in Columbia Pictures’ three-picture adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s literary blockbuster “The Millennium Trilogy.” Journalist Mikael Blomkvist is aided in his search for a woman who has been missing for forty years by Lisbeth Salander, a young computer hacker.

Billed as the ‘feel bad movie of the holiday season,’ or something along those lines in a trailer that debuted many months ago, THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO is based on the first part of the 65 million copy-selling Millennium trilogy of books by the late Scandinavian author Stieg Larsson. This is in fact the second time that THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO has indeed found its way to the big screen following the 2008 Swedish-language version, a film that in its own right, was pretty darned good. Usually an English language version of a very recently released movie would make me shudder with sheer annoyance at its presence, but at the helm of this epic is one David Fincher, director of such gems as SEVEN, FIGHT CLUB and last year’s THE SOCIAL NETWORK.

The story of THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO is as follows. Journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) has fallen foul of a pretty serious libel lawsuit, seeing as a result him losing his life savings and indeed his professional reputation. After taking a sabbatical from the magazine in which his libelous work was printed, Blomkvist takes a hard casghprivate case for rich tycoon Henrik Vanger (Christopher Plummer) who wants him to investigate the death of a women nearly forty years earlier. During his investigation, Blomkvist enlists the help of young computer hacker Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara), and together they unearth more they bargained for…

As I said earlier, should David Fincher and indeed SCHINDLER’S LIST screenwriter Steven Zaillian, had not been attached as director to this project, I could have quite happily let this pass by. For me, the Swedish version more than impressed me. That said, thinking about it more, any further version would have to go some to better that movie in my opinion, no matter who the filmmaker at the helm. Even though Fincher and Zaillian more than deliver the goods, this isn’t their movie, and as much as the original ‘Dragon Tattoo’ belonged to Noomi Rapace, Fincher’s two-years-on English language update, belongs to Rooney Mara. It’s that character that makes this franchise, and Mara, despite my early preconceptions is simply outstanding.

As with all of Fincher’s films, the film has a very distinct look, and the tone of the piece, both in terms of story and visual look. Yellow features very prominently in the film, and clearly stands out against the very dull, monotone colours of Fincher’s modern day Sweden. True, Jeff Cronenweth’s cinematography is excellent, and a very different look has been applied to this film than the previous film, which I will add is unfair to compare it to as Fincher has gone right back to the source material, the original novel, rather than rehash the Swedish version.

Be warned, Fincher’s ‘Tattoo’ is much darker than the last effort, and even I (knowing what was coming) found some scenes a little difficult to watch, particularly when we are first introduced to Lisbeth and that scene with her new guardian Nils Bjurmanm takes place around a third of the way in. That scene took me back to Fincher’s work in SEVEN, where the crimes are described after they happen, a lot of which happens here too (in much detail). You have been warned.

Combine Fincher’s wonderful direction, the fantastic, atmospherics, dirty sounds of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross and some fine acting from Mara and Craig (who’s wonderful way of wearing his reading glasses when not using them really baffles), plus the support of veterans Christopher Plummer and Stellan Skarsgård and glorified cameos from Joely Richardson, an almost unrecognisable Robin Wright and perfect turns from Steven Berkoff, Goran Visnjic and even Alan Dale, you get possibly one of the best films of 2011, hitting the screen in the final hours of the year.

It’s graphic, it’s violent, it’s got tons of nudity – everything a proper adaptation of the novel should be. Most importantly, it’s another outstanding piece of filmmaking from Fincher, adding another masterpiece to his distinctive cannon of work.

A must see this Boxing Day…

THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO is released in the UK on 26th December 2011.

ACTRESS KATRINA KAIF IS THE PERSON MOST SEARCHED IN INDIA

2011-12-21T06:02:00.000-08:00

Like every year, this year too Google Zeitgeist has announced the results of the Most Searched People, Topics, Movies of the year 2011.

The Google Zeitgeist 2011 for India throws up quite a few interesting results. The person topping the list of Most Searched People is none other than Katrina Kaif who believe it or not has even beaten the likes of Anna Hazare who created a nationwide revolution this year. This indeed shows that India is a Bollywood crazy nation.

While Katrina topped the list, her one time beau Salman Khan was not far behind either and came in at No.3 in the list of Most Searched People. Surprisingly, Salman is the only male actor to feature in the list of Top 10 Most Searched People in India. Despite the whole Ra.One frenzy, SRK doesn’t make it to the list of Top 10 Most Searched People in India for the year 2011.

Starlet Poonam Pandey, who shot to fame for promising to strip for the Indian cricket team, is ranked at No. 4 ahead of actors like Aishwarya Rai (No. 6), Kareena Kapoor (No. 8 ) and Priyanka Chopra (No. 10)

The Google Zeitgeist 2011 for Most Searched Movies in India too reveals some interesting stats. Needless to say, its Salman Khan starrer Bodyguard which tops the list followed by Shah Rukh Khan’s ambitious venture Ra.One.

Among other films, Delhi Belly makes it to No.4 in the list of Most Searched Movies in India beating the likes of Singham (No.5), Ready (No.6) and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (No.10).

SONALI RAUT AND RANVEER SINGH HOT PHOTOSHOOT FOR MAXIM MAGAZINE

2011-12-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

Sonali Raut and Ranveer Singh Hot Photoshoot For Maxim Magazine

SEQUEL FOR SAHEB BIWI AUR GANGSTER ON THE WAY

2011-12-21T05:58:00.001-08:00

There’s no denying that SAHEB BIWI AUR GANGSTER was one of the best films of 2011. Enthused by the tremendous response to the film, Tigmanshu Dhulia is now attempting its sequel, which is titled SAHEB BIWI AUR GANGSTER RETURNS. Now here’s the latest on this film.

Though Randeep Hooda’s character in the first part was shown as dead, the actor will be an integral part of the sequel. Also, besides Jimmy Shergill and Mahie Gill, SAHEB BIWI AUR GANGSTER RETURNS will have an additional lead actor and actress enacting pivotal roles. “We are in the process of finalizing the names,” Tigmanshu says. The scripting of the film is underway and is expected to begin filming in February next year.

DELAY IN HEROINE MOVIE DUE TO SAIF-KAREENA WEDDING?

2011-12-21T05:57:00.000-08:00

His first Heroine (Ash) was expecting a baby and had to go on maternity leave, temporarily halting the shoot of the film. And now Madhur Bhandarkar’s lead actress is getting married, which again alters the plans for his ambitious project. Mumbai Mirror has learnt that even before the current schedule of Heroine can end, the second leg of the shoot has been rescheduled as Kareena is to wed her beau Saif Ali Khan around the same time. A friend of the director revealed to us that the second schedule, initially slated to start from the end of January, has been pushed ahead to the middle of February.

The film’s producer Siddharth Roy Kapoor of UTV, who had announced last week that the next schedule of Heroine was to commence “from the end of February to April-May” and then later stated the change in the filming dates, refrained from divulging any further details. When contacted, Bhandarkar also confirmed the change in schedule, saying, “Yes, the second schedule of Heroine will now start in the middle of February instead of the end of January.”

Bhandarkar’s friend explained, “The idea is to complete the second schedule by the middle of March instead of the end of April, so that Kareena can attend to her wedding and personal life in March and April before she returns to work in May.”

According to the director’s friend, Kareena was reluctant to take a break in the middle of the schedule for her wedding. “There is a reason why this decision has been taken. The plan is to complete the schedule, so that Kareena’s performance remains consistent and doesn’t lose the intensity the role demands amidst her wedding plans. This way she gets to enjoy her wedding and honeymoon, before resuming work,” added Bhandarkar’s friend.

Fast And Furious Six Will Need A Seventh

2011-12-21T05:54:00.001-08:00

FAST AND FURIOUS 5′s final scenes (along with it’s mega box-office takings) made sure a sixth entry would almost be a certainty. Now one of the franchises stars and producers, Vin Diesel, has confirmed not only this, but also a seventh film will be needed to complete the story.

With the success of this last one, and the inclusion of so many characters, and the broadening of scope, when we were sitting down to figure out what would fit into the real estate of number six, we didn’t have enough space. We have to pay off this story, we have to service all of these character relationships, and when we started mapping all that out it just went beyond 110 pages. The studio said, ‘You can’t fit all that story in one damn movie!’

Screenwriter Chris Morgan is currently putting the finishing touches to the script, which will now be split into two features, much to the studios delight. Director Justin Lin is also expected to return to the franchise. The last instalment changed it’s genre format from the series’ dazzling fast car chases to a heist/getaway film and received it’s best reviews yet.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Warner Bros Worried About ‘The Bane Problem’

2011-12-21T05:53:00.000-08:00

The six-minute prologue for Christopher Nolan’s eagerly awaited third Batman film, THE DARK KNIGHT RISES, debuted last week in four IMAX screens around the country. The trailer was uploaded last night. For most of us at THN and across the web, their reception was nothing short of fantastic. But one issue has been raised: that of Bane’s voice.

A source at Warner Bros is reported to be ‘scared to death [about] the Bane problem’ – referring to the fact that the film’s primary antagonist is pretty difficult to understand, what with his mask covering most of his face and all. Studio execs are eager for Nolan to change the sound levels, but the esteemed director claims to only want to change the sound slightly.

‘Chris wants the audience to catch up and participate rather than push everything at them. He doesn’t dumb things down,’ says an anonymous studio executive. ‘You’ve got to pedal faster to keep up.’

It took a few watches to grasp what Bane was saying in the new trailer, even though he only had one line – ‘when Gotham is ashes, you have my permission to die’ – and concerns are not unreasonable. With Christian Bale lending Bruce Wayne’s superhero alter-ego a ridiculously deep monotone voice that can often be difficult to follow itself, a conversation between Batman and Bane might not be something to look forward to.

Though judging by the trailer, it doesn’t look like Bane’s really one for talking anyway…

THE DARK KNIGHT RISES is in cinemas 20th December 2012, and stars Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Michael Caine and Gary Oldman.

Source: batman-news.com

The Wrath Of The Titans Trailer Arrives

2011-12-21T05:51:00.000-08:00

What with yesterdays official release of THE DARK KNIGHT RISES trailer and that of THE HOBBIT coming very soon, one can’t help but feel sorry for THE WRATH OF THE TITANS trailer, which seems to have been lost in the hype. This is a shame, particularly as it looks like a lot of swords, sandles and CG silliness. Regarding the plot, think the last fifteen minutes of Disney’s HERCULES and you’re there.

Sam Worthington, Ralph Feinnes and Liam Neeson all reprise their roles from the previous CLASH and are now joined by a badass looking Rosamund Pike.

And for the wrestling fans among you, I SWEAR someone does a suplex at 1.43!

WRATH OF THE TITANS is released in March 2012.

Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows Review

2011-12-21T05:38:00.000-08:00

Director: Guy Richie

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Noomi Rapace, Rachel McAdams

Jared Harris, Stephen Fry, Paul Anderson, Eddie Marsan, Kelly Reilly

Certificate: 12A

Synopsis: Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Dr. Watson join forces with gypsy Madam Simza to outwit and bring down their fiercest adversary, Professor James Moriarty.

Over the years Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic creation Sherlock Holmes has been adapted countless times. Growing up I watched with my father on sunday afternoons, both the great Basil Rathbone’s smokey gothic-style incarnation, and Jeremy Brett’s long-running television take. Even Disney got in on the act with their own animated-inspired BASIL: THE GREAT MOUSE DETECTIVE and as much as I love Peter Cook and Dudley Moore, the less said about their comic take on arguably Homes’ most famous adventure THE HOUND OF THE BASKEVILLES, the better. That’s also not forgetting the current BBC hit show SHERLOCK starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman as a modern day Holmes and Watson.

Which brings me to 2009′s SHERLOCK HOLMES starring Robert Downey Jr. as Baker Streets finest. I was hesitant to say the least when the project was first announced, a director famed for gritty Brit gangster films (albeit ones with a lot of humour in them), Guy Ritchie on one hand seemed a strange choice to helm a new reboot of Holmes, but then again who better to bring to the big-screen, the great London sleuth, than a ‘cockney’ to capture the spirit and times of the character and location. SHERLOCK HOLMES was a smash hit both commercially and critically and I for one, had a blast watching Downey Jr. and Jude Law (as loyal partner Dr. Watson) team up to thwart a devious plot involving Mark Strong’s Lord Blackwood. The final scene set up the possible further exploits, with Holmes’ equally iconic criminal mastermind and nemesis Moriarty.

Sequel time, and SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS is as bold and brilliant as the original and fans wanting more of the same will get just that, and then some. Downey Jr. is again given free reign as the super smart but unorthodox detective, this time obsessed with whom he sees and the evil genius behind a series of assassinations and bombings in Europe, Professor James Moriarty. Of course along for the ride once more is trusted put-upon friend John Watson, which is the least thing Watson wants when he is about to marry his sweetheart Mary played by EDEN LAKE’s Kelly Reilly.

New characters, played by Noomi Rapace and Paul Anderson, add great support and of course British National Treasure Stephen Fry as Holmes brother Mycroft is a hoot. However this sequel is given greater substance by the presence of Jared Harris as the dastardly Moriarty. The actor is superb as the criminal mastermind and is perfect foil for Downey Jr. You can see the actor relishes playing the villain and eats up the scenery whenever on screen, without going over-the-top and hamming it up.

Fans of the previous film will – and should – flock to see this sequel. The film has more than enough action sequences and explosions thrown in amongst the plot to rival a Bond or Bourne adventure. The lovely Rachel McAdams returns again (unfortunately only too briefly) and the great Eddie Marsan, who was a highlight in the original, is wasted and barely noticeable in this follow-up, which is a shame. Its not a perfect film but it does what it does well and is a very worthy sequel to the unexpected blockbuster hit from two years ago.

Great fun and more of the same for fans of the iconic detective, which isn’t a bad thing with Downey Jr. in the lead.

SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS is released today in cinemas

Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol (2011) FULL CAM 500MB

2011-12-18T11:53:00.000-08:00

MOVIE INFO:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1229238/

Release Date[........................]: 16 December 2011 (Indonesia)

Genre:[........................] Action | Adventure | Thriller

Stars: [........................]Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner and Paula Patton

Quality[........................]: TS

Encoder:[........................] Demitos

Source: [........................]TS XviD-GENER8XiON

Release Info[........................]: NFO

Subtitle: [........................] English (N/A)

SCREEN SHOTS:

PASSWORD FOR MEDIAFIRE:

behunt.com

DOWNLOAD LINKS:

Click here to download part 1

Click here to download part 2

Click here to download part 3

Download Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol (2011) TS 450MB

2011-12-17T12:29:00.000-08:00

INFO:

Released : 2011
Genre : Action | Adventure | Thrille
Starcast : Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner and Paula Patton
Desc :
The IMF is shut down when it's implicated in the bombing of the Kremlin, causing Ethan Hunt and his new team to go rogue to clear their organization's name.
Duration : 133 min

Hot Download

SCREEN SHOTS:

DOWNLOAD LINKS:

Click here to download part 1

Click here to download part 2

Click here to download part 3

Extract This files using Winrar or 7zip

New Amazing Spiderman Photos And Sequels Confirmation

2011-12-16T08:45:00.000-08:00

The new website for next years SPIDERMAN reboot has gone live at

THEAMAZINGSPIDERMAN.COM

and with it, some great new character profiles, photos and a plot outline which confirms the plan for sequels. We all knew this would be a relaunched franchise but confirmation is always a pleasure for us geeky presshounds.

The Story

Like most teenagers his age, Peter is trying to figure out who he is and how came to be who he is today. In his journey to put the pieces of his past together he uncovers a secret that his father held, a secret that will ultimately shape his destiny as Spider-Man. This is the first in a series of movies that tells a different side of the Peter Parker story and on July 3rd, 2012, the untold story begins.

Peter Parker

Ever since Peter’s parents disappeared 13 years ago, he has struggled to find his purpose in life. Now, on the brink of unlocking the mystery about what happened to them, he must face the ultimate challenge – one that has been created within the laboratories of Oscorp.

www.ifrebuzz.blogspot.com

Gwen Stacy

Smart, charismatic and rebellious, Gwen is the chief intern at Oscorp, a position she takes very seriously. But her life takes a complicated turn as she watches both her boyfriend, Peter, and her mentor, Dr. Connors, undergo radical transformations.

www.ifrebuzz.blogspot.com

Captain Stacy

An esteemed police officer for over twenty years, Captain Stacy is the public face of the NYPD who leads the department’s investigation into Spider-Man’s vigilantism. The only thing Captain Stacy vows to protect more than the city is his family – and particularly his only daughter, Gwen.

www.ifrebuzz.blogspot.com

Dr. Curt Connors

One of the leading scientific minds, Dr. Connors attempts to engineer a revolutionary regeneration serum to help re-grow limbs and human tissue. His motivations are unclear as to why he elects to be the first human test subject – but what becomes evident is that something goes horribly wrong.

The full gallery can be seen below.

2012 is going to be a colossal year for superhero movies, with Spidey, THE DARK KNIGHT RISES and THE AVENGERS all hitting the big screen.

Rumours that the long awaited BANANAMAN movie will also be released are, alas, fictional.


Sources: THEAMAZINGSPIDERMAN.COM, COMINGSOON.NET

The Expendables 2 Poster. Boom.

2011-12-16T08:43:00.001-08:00

Although Stallone’s THE EXPENDABLES was relatively underwhelming, one can’t help but be excited for another all-action reunion. Featuring most of the original cast and new additions Chuck Norris, Liam Hemsworth, and Jean-Claude Van Damme, hopes are high for THE EXPENDABLES 2.

Check out the new official poster.

THE EXPENDABLES 2 is directed by Simon West and co-stars Sylvester Stallone, Dolph Lundgren, Jet Li, Randy Couture, Jason Statham, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Bruce Willis.

Source: Ain’t It Cool

Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol Review

2011-12-16T08:41:00.000-08:00

Director: Brad Bird

Cast: Tom Cruise, Simon Pegg, Paula Patton, Jeremy Renner, Michael Nyqvist, Josh Holloway

Running Time: 133 min

Certificate: 12A

Synopsis: The IMF is shut down when it’s implicated in the bombing of the Kremlin, causing Ethan Hunt and his new team to go rogue to clear their organization’s name.

Action? Check. Quick quips and stylish comebacks? You know it. Tom Cruise hanging off edges and clinging onto buildings like a man mad? Absolutely.

Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) has been locked up in a Russian prison for killing people he wasn’t supposed to and doesn’t have a way out. But thankfully there’s a crack IMF team out to save his skin before he ends up bouncing a stone against a prison wall for the rest of his cramped life. The opening breakout scenes comprise of humour, close combat fighting and a very unique way out for Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and a friend he wants to take on the journey. You know it’s not going to be straight forward but luckily his IMF team of tech virtuoso Benji (Simon Pegg) plus the astute and feisty Jane (Paula Patton) help aid his eventual escape.

When the film really starts to kick off, the IMF team believe they are on a mission to stop the Russians finding nuclear codes but there’s something suspicious going on and before they know it, the Kremlin blows up and they’re the key suspects. Now the team only have one choice, to go rogue and find the people who framed them and pick up government analyst Brandt (Jeremy Renner) on the way to support them.

Like its predecessors, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – GHOST PROTOCOL is an ensemble piece and although Cruise is at the front, there is no doubt that Pegg, Patton and Renner are a crucial part of the narrative. Whilst Paula Patton’s stunning Jane outwits opponents with both her looks and intellect, Benji (Simon Pegg) offers a mix of perfect comic timing entwined with being the ultimate back up for all their technology needs. Jeremy Renner is a new face to the franchise but does fit in perfectly, the rumours that he’s being considered for BOURNE-type roles after THE AVENGERS

could be a very safe bet indeed.

Brad Bird’s first venture into live action is bold and he passes valiantly. Those fast cut action sequences you know so well from THE INCREDIBLES are ever-present in this non-stop action thriller. The Burj Khalifa in Dubai for example is a unique moment in recent film history. We’re all very much aware that Mr Cruise does his own stunts but this will test the best of you with vertigo and without knowing, you will be clinging onto whatever you can find.

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – GHOST PROTOCOL is essentially what you’d anticipate but this isn’t remotely a negative. Whereas some recent action-thrillers try to be clever and look for that (sometimes obsessive) twist, M:I-4 knows exactly what it is and doesn’t try to alter the formula. When you blend in a great cast, who all work off each other and the fact that everyone has a part to play then you’ve got all the right ingredients for an impressive addition to the MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE franchise.

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – Ghost Protocol is released on the 26^th December in the UK. It’s directed by Brad Bird and stars Tom Cruise, Simon Pegg, Paula Patton, Jeremy Renner, Michael Nyqvist, Tom Wilkinson, Miraj Grbic and Josh Holloway.

Check Out This Lengthy Look At Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows

2011-12-16T08:38:00.000-08:00

One of the best blogs out there in the internetsphere (if that’s a word) is the mightly Collider.com, an essential read for yours truly here at THN. The site have posted a lovely montage of clips from the upcoming sequel from Guy Ritchie, SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS, which arrives on these shores on 16th December 2011. I particularly liked the first film, and am especially anxious to see this one because of that superb action slow-mo thing that Ritchie has done with the chase through the woods scene. And Noomie Rapace.

Here’s the [detailed] synopsis:

Robert Downey Jr. reprises his role as the world’s most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, and Jude Law returns as his formidable colleague, Dr. Watson, in “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.”Sherlock Holmes has always been the smartest man in the room…until now. There is a new criminal mastermind at large—Professor Moriarty (Jared Harris)—and not only is he Holmes’ intellectual equal, but his capacity for evil, coupled with a complete lack of conscience, may actually give him an advantage over the renowned detective. When the Crown Prince of Austria is found dead, the evidence, as construed by Inspector Lestrade (Eddie Marsan), points to suicide. But Sherlock Holmes deduces that the prince has been the victim of murder—a murder that is only one piece of a larger and much more portentous puzzle, designed by one Professor Moriarty. Mixing business with pleasure, Holmes tracks the clues to an underground gentlemen’s club, where he and his brother, Mycroft Holmes (Stephen Fry) are toasting Dr. Watson on his last night of bachelorhood. It is there that Holmes encounters Sim (Noomi Rapace), a Gypsy fortune teller, who sees more than she is telling and whose unwitting involvement in the prince’s murder makes her the killer’s next target. Holmes barely manages to save her life and, in return, she reluctantly agrees to help him. The investigation becomes ever more dangerous as it leads Holmes, Watson and Sim across the continent, from England to France to Germany and finally to Switzerland. But the cunning Moriarty is always one step ahead as he spins a web of death and destruction—all part of a greater plan that, if he succeeds, will change the course of history.

Check out Collider’s nine-minute long series of clips by hitting play on the player below.

VEENA MALIK'S NAKED PHOTOSHOOT ON FHN WAS A PUBLICITY STUNT

2011-12-16T08:34:00.000-08:00

Ever since the Veena Malik-FHM nude photoshoot controversy broke out, there were contradictory versions given by both, the Pakistani starlet and the international magazine, about her nude cover shoot, shot by photographer Vishal Saxena.

There were legal notices and counter notices sent by Veena and FHM to each other. It seemed like a never-ending puzzle till recently, when prominent fashion designer Umair Zafar decided to spill the beans.

Speaking to The Times of India, Umair states, “A few days before the FHM cover was out, photographer Vishal Saxena told me to be prepared for a big dhamaka.”

Umair reveals to the paper that “Veena Malik did the shoot topless with her hands covering the upper part of her body. She was wearing a bikini panty below, which was later on morphed and removed electronically by photographer Vishal Saxena. All this was pre-decided and agreed upon by all concerned.”

He adds, “In order to save face and avoid the repercussions that it could have - both in Pakistan and in India and yet avail of all the publicity Veena Malik and FHM magazine had pre-decided that Veena Malik would send a defamation notice to the magazine and the magazine in turn would then send her a counter-notice. Yeah sab mili bhagat hein.”

“The entire episode had been meticulously planned by Veena Malik, photographer Vishal Saxena and FHM magazine representatives. Even the defamation notice was prepared in advance, ” Umair further revealed.

Umair, who has done many shoots with Vishal Saxena and styled clothes for Sayali Bhagat, Nisha Kothari and others, points out that Vishal specializes in nude shoots and has done several such shoots with Sherlyn Chopra, Priya Soni and more.

Bollywood publicist Dale Bhagwagar, because of whom Veena Malik received an offer for India’s most popular reality show Bigg Boss, isn’t surprised at Umair’s revelation.

When asked about the fashion designer’s expose on Veena, Dale says, “I am reminded of a song in an old Mithun Chakraborty film called Mujrim. It went, ‘Mujrim na kehna mujhe logon, mujrim toh saara zamaana hai. Jo pakda gaya, who chor hai, jo bach gaya, who sayana hai.’ And Veena Malik seems to be caught.”

Dale and Veena a long way! Before Bigg Boss happened to her, the Pakistani actress had falsely alleged that Dale’s PR client and Bollywood actress Neetu Chandra was involved with Pakastani cricketer Mohammad Asif in the international match fixing scandal.

Safeguarding his client, the PR expert had vehemently denied Veena’s claims in national media through a press meet, ensuring that the denial became bigger news than Veena’s frivolous claims.

So huge was the uproar that both Neetu Chandra and Veena Malik were offered Bigg Boss. While Neetu did not participate, Veena gladly accepted the offer. Incidentally, she attained more fame by romancing actor Ashmit Patel on the show; another of Dale’s PR clients, who he handled for a specific period of three months during Bigg Boss.

After returning from the show, Veena even met up with the public relations specialist for her branding in Indian media, but they never worked together. Now it is also rumoured that Dale has a hand in bringing out the truth through Umair.

Though Dale admits that he did chat with photographer Vishal Saxena as well as FHM editor Kabeer Sharma last week, the PR says, “I do not know Umair Zafar personally. Veena and I were in touch long ago after Bigg Boss Season 4. But we moved on and I have rarely spoken to her after that.”

Meanwhile, a birdie tells us that Veena Malik’s visa for her stay in India is about to expire on December 24 and she has not received an extension, meaning, she might be forced to return to her home country Pakistan amidst the controversy and widespread protests about it in her country.

RAKESH ROSHAN CASTS MODEL SHAURYA CHAUHAN FOR THE PART OF KRRISH

2011-12-16T08:30:00.000-08:00

Rakesh Roshan has managed quite a casting coup for the sequel to his superhero franchise Krrish. However, getting a sexy actress to play a negative role was proving to be tough for the filmmaker. Insiders reveal that senior Roshan's search is now over. The filmmaker has got on board television host and model Shaurya Chauhan to play the glam negative female role in the project.

Shaurya, who is all set to make her Bollywood debut with Sadda Adda, will now be seen in the Hrithik Roshan starrer.

An insider revealed to Mirror, “The Krrish team was looking for a sexy actress to join the cast. Shaurya is already known as the feisty stunt girl in the industry due to her stint as a host of a reality television show.”

Incidentally, Shaurya has already shot for the first schedule of Roshan's film. “The Krrish makers have asked her to get into an extreme workout regime. They have also enrolled her for three months of gymnastic training,” added the insider.

New Year’s Eve Review

2011-12-16T08:27:00.000-08:00

Director: Garry Marshall

Cast: Michelle Pfeiffer, Ashton Kutcher, Robert De Niro, Jon Bon Jovi, Hilary Swank, Sarah Jessica Parker, Lea Michelle, Sarah Jessica Parker, Zac Efron, Halle Berry, Cary Elwes, Alyssa Milano, Common, Jessica Biel

Running Time: 117 mins

Certificate: 12A

Synopsis: NEW YEAR’S EVE tells the story of a group of New Yorkers whose lives come together on one night in late December…

Where indeed do I begin with NEW YEAR’S EVE? Well, let’s take a look at the talent that is on display in this seasonal flick… We have (deep breath), Michelle Pfeiffer, Ashton Kutcher, Robert De Niro, Jon Bon Jovi, Hilary Swank, Sarah Jessica Parker, Lea Michelle, Sarah Jessica Parker, Zac Efron, Halle Berry, Cary Elwes, Alyssa Milano, Common, Jessica Biel, and many more in a film by Garry Marshall, he who has brought us the likes of PRETTY WOMAN, FRANKIE AND JOHNNY, THE PRINCESS DIARIES and VALENTINE’S DAY, his last effort that shares the format, and indeed quite obviously aimed at the same target audience. Personally, I have not had the pleasure of seeing that movie, so it’s safe to say that I had no preconceptions going into the film on Monday evening. Now, I love a good chick flick, almost as much as the next woman, and was looking forward to seeing what this A-list cast, and perhaps one of Hollywood’s most successful romantic comedy directors had delivered for ‘this holiday season.’

I try not to get carried away with the event and try to absorb the film on its own merit, but the lovely folks at the WB did put on a fine spread with Doritos, party bags and as much champagne as a seasoned film critic could want on hand for us to throw down our throats. The top room of the Vue in Leicester Square was decked out in helium filled balloons, photo booths and enough cheesy music to get even the most hardened journalist’s foot a tapping. Great start. Then they played the film.

It’s bad. Really bad, though not in that ‘so bad it’s good’ way. The appearances of nearly every actor starring in this film are mostly glorified cameos. There are too many of them, all angling for screen time pulling (fair dos) all that they possibly can from this awful, awful screenplay. The dialogue is so so cheesy, and the little teeny stories so contrived and not thought through in any way or fleshed out at all, that all fall flat on their face. I was not interested or engaged with any of the characters in this film and I couldn’t give a darn about any of them. Saying that, the sequence where Zac Efron takes Michelle Pfeifer around the city trying to fulfill a pointless bucket list almost had me. Almost. Most of the characters actually really annoyed me rather than provoke any sort of sentimental reaction or emotion from within me. It tries to be LOVE ACTUALLY, but it’s fails miserably on all counts. I actually quite like that movie, so that tells you the kind of enjoyment that this critic can get from a good seasonal romance story. That film is not perfect, but it’s CASABLANCA compared to this. NYE plays like some kind of TV movie of the week, the script not that much better than that your average TV soap opera. In fact, I’d rather watch a feature length Emmerdale farm special than this tosh again.

I noticed the heavily female audience laughing at some points during the film, so maybe there’s something that I’m missing. I found myself turning to see who was responsible… and almost mouthing ‘really?’

In addition, I take great offence in having a massive film poster for SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS thrusted in my face, not once but three times during the heavy Times Square scenes. ‘Shadows’ is an upcoming WB movie, and the studio seem to have taken product placement to a whole new level placing the equivilent of a full page ad in another of their movies, just a week before the one on display is released. Not cool.

Wooden acting, terrible script, overlong, overblown, very irritating and indeed boring; and I really wanted to like it… but very obviously didn’t.

Who would have thought we’d have to wait all of the way until NEW YEAR’S EVE to see the worst film of the year?

NEW YEAR’S EVE is playing in UK cinemas from Thursday 8th December 2011.

WATCH CHIKNI CHAMELI VIDEO SONG

2011-12-16T08:20:00.000-08:00

Take Shelter Review

2011-12-16T08:15:00.000-08:00

Directed by: Jeff Nichols

Starring: Michael Shannon, Jessica Chastain, Shea Whigham.

Running Time: 120 minutes.

Certificate: 15

Synopsis: Plagued by a series of apocalyptic visions, a young husband and father questions whether to shelterhis family from a coming storm, or from himself.

TAKE SHELTER is a film that was one of the first that I managed to catch at this year’s London Film Festival, and indeed on of the most interesting. The film revolves around Michael Shannon’s character Curtis, a husband and father who has terrifying visions of an incoming post apocalyptic storm.

Mainstream fodder this is not, and writer/ director Jeff Nichols has crafted a truly unique film that raises many questions, but unfortunately its one of those movies that you cannot really talk about without releasing spoilers.

The film is actually a psychological drama that opens with a series of scenes that would tell you that it is not. There’s some wonderful use of CGI early on, and the slow pacing of the film, along with the jumpy elements could lead you to believe that the piece is almost a kind of psychological horror. Essentially what the film does turn out to be is a cleverly crafted, superbly acted, slow burning, thought-provoking character study that will have you glued to the screen until the very end. Michael Shannon is outstanding in the role of the tortured Curtis, equally matched by the superb Jessica Chastain in the role of his adoring wife. The relationship between husband, wife and daughter is the key to the movie, with the heart of the piece focussing in on the interferences of the outside world and indeed inside world of Curtis’s mind. I was engrossed in this movie from start to finish. The visual effects were superb, the sound used to tremendous effect, and the direction steady by well paced in line with the subject matter.

Unfortunately the film will not be for everyone, and I have spoken to people in the relevant professional field who had issues with how the film ended. Obviously I will not go into detail here, but the comments were that the happenings at the climax underminded the rest of the film. I can see where they are coming from, and I agree to an extent, but that doesn’t take away the fact that this is quite possibly one of the finest films of the year. At the end of a very good year for film, and at the start of a big awards season build-up, TAKE SHELTER is a movie that will be mentioned on red carpets in the lead up to Oscar for sure, and I will be dissappointed if there aren’t a series of nods for the film in award ceremonies in the coming months leading up to those big ones in February.

A must see this weekend.

TAKE SHELTER opens in the UK on Friday 25th November 2011

Arthur Christmas Review

2011-12-16T08:07:00.000-08:00

Director: Sarah Smith

Cast: James McAvoy, Jim Broadbent, Hugh Laurie, Ashley Jensen and Bill Nighy.

Running Time: 97 minutes.

Certificate: U

Synopsis: On Christmas night at the North Pole, Santa’s youngest son looks to use his father’s high-tech operation for an urgent mission.

One of the main drawbacks of being a film critic or reviewer, and believe me, there are not a lot of drawbacks at all, is that you have to watch a lot of movies out of their seasonal context. ARTHUR CHRISTMAS is a prime example of this, and I sat down to watch this film in mid-October; before Halloween, bonfire night, and all those other things that kind of get you in the mood for Christmas. I went into this movie very cold, with not even the slightest hint of festive cheer about me.

The film is brought to the screen by Aardman Animation, or to refer to them in a different way, the British Pixar. Their name has been made predominantly in the claymation side of the art, kicking off with that cute little brown piece of lovable plasticine Morph, who appeared on Tony Hart’s children’s art show in the eighties, and then his own series shortly afterwards. They are perhaps most famous for their many TV specials and subsequent movie featuring Wallace and Gromit, CHICKEN RUN, and their Creature Comfort spots, which continue to entertain to this very day. ARTHUR CHRISTMAS is their second foray into the world of CGI-animation following the rather luke-warm FLUSHED AWAY a couple of years back.

As with a lot of Christmas themed movies, the story is set around an unlikely hero, in this case Arthur (James McAvoy), son of current Santa (voiced by Jim Broadbent), who has to deliver a Christmas parcel to a young girl in deepest, darkest Cornwall before the sun comes up on Christmas morning. The task falls at his feet after super-duper, regimental in type, tech heavy older brother Steve fails to see the point in making the 6,000 mile plus trip just to deliver one present to one little girl. So, Arthur seeks the help of his grandfather, voiced wonderfully by a movie-stealing Bill Nighy, an old school Santa who has his own ways of doing things in a slightly more traditional way, with slightly older less-high-tech equipment.

I may have gone into this movie very un-festive, but by a third of the way in I was hooked, and my Christmas had indeed come early. Aardman and its creative team have crafted a wonderful film that in the true tradition of modern CGI-animated films will captivate both young and old audiences alike. The animation is top notch, and the characters are well developed and very well voiced by the likes of McAvoy, Broadbent, Nighy (particularly Nighy), EXTRAS star Ashley Jensen and Hugh Laurie as the pretentious older brother, and indeed Santa in waiting, Steve. It’s charming, engrossing, funny, hugely enjoyable and very watchable in every sense of the word. Even the 3D is pretty good, and I HATE 3D.

When I was a kid, and when Santa Claus was very real to me (still is really), I always wondered just how on Earth does one man deliver presents to children all over the world in just one night. This film answers that, and delivers the legend and wonder that is Father Christmas in aces. In coming years, this will be the film that slots into that growing list of flicks that are a must watch in the weeks leading up to the big day, just to get you in the mood. It worked for me, and I loved it. A film that is a must-see this holiday season.

ARTHUR CHRISTMAS is in cinemas from Friday 11th November 2011.

Kill Keith Review

2011-12-16T08:03:00.000-08:00

Director: Andy Thompson

Starring: Susannah Fielding, Marc Pickering, Keith Chegwin, Tony Blackburn and Simon Phillips

Certificate: 15

Running Time: 93 Minutes

Synopsis: Kill Keith: Volume 1. Keith ‘Cheggers’ Chegwin is a household name and has been at the top of his game for nearly 40 years. He’s an all round entertainer and has lived with us via our TV screens on Swap Shop as kids through to GMTV as parents. He is undoubtedly a national treasure, and for nearly four decades has been much loved by viewers young and old. The year is 2010 and hidden away in a damp dark and blood stain cellar is a stranger, a man, a figure in the dark, someone we’d rather not know. He sits through the small hours torturing himself watching Swap Shop on fast forward over and over again. Cheggers Plays Pop posters decorate the cellar walls. The stranger moves slowly around his memorabilia filled shrine; terrifying equipment of torture fill the cellar together with several slabs of dead meat hanging from meat hooks. In the corner a man is bound and gagged in a cage while being subjected to archive TV clips of Keith Chegwin. The stranger is on an evil crusade. What is this unhealthy obsession with Keith Chegwin? Is the stranger plotting to kill our much loved Keith? Innocent victims from around the country slowly start to disappear. The damp cellar accrues more bodies. The news headlines build of reports of a serial killer. Cheggers continues his daily TV show while the nation lives in fear of evil roaming the country. Body parts begin to surface hundreds of miles from where they disappeared. How safe is Keith? How long before the stranger fulfills his obsessive desires?

So, KILL KEITH. Where do I begin? I went into this movie with the lowest expectation ever. This film has literally everything going against it. It has a very limited run in cinemas in the UK, perhaps the only theatrical market in which it will play, it has a largely unknown cast, a very small budget, and a very tacky feel about it. It’s one of the those films that you get an invite to in your inbox and literally bury your face in your palms and do everything that you can possibly do to get out of going to see it. As the founder of this site, I generally get to pick and choose what I get to go and see. I try and offer everything out to my glorious team of writers and critics first, and then pick up if there is nobody available to attend. That’s just the way it works here, and that what happened in the case of this movie. Nobody available. Over the course of one damp Tuesday a couple weeks ago, I viewed three films in one, which I will add am more than happy to do. They were ARTHUR CHRISTMAS, KILL KEITH and IMMORTALS (all released today), in that order. I dreaded the middle movie. I was not looking forward to it; I didn’t want to see it… but I had to. It’s the way it works here. So see it I did.

The film revolves around a breakfast TV show called The Crack Of Dawn (the main presenter is named Dawn… geddit), and the story goes that the male presenter on this breakfast TV show is leaving; being given the push, so, when a group of replacements are lined up to fill his shoes (they including Keith Chegwin, Joe Pasquale and Tony Blackburn), one by one they are picked up, and it’s up to hapless hero, runner-boy Danny to find the killer and save the day.

Five minutes into the film, I sat there in a relatively small auditorium with no more than ten other critics present, and I thought to myself… I hate it. I hate everything about it. Then I started to think, as I watched it… why do I think that I hate it? Even when I left, I continued to think, why did I hate it? I thought, and I thought…why? I couldn’t, and still can’t answer that, and the reason being is that I don’t hate it. In fact, KILL KEITH is the second best film that I saw that day (after ARTHUR CHRISTMAS, which is totally different altogether). Yes, I rank it above IMMORTALS (also out today folks), which had a production budget ten times the size of KILL KEITH. It’s the movie equivilent of all of Keith Chegwin’s TV career, and I don’t mean it by him physically doing on film what he did on TV, but metaphorically. It’s the movie equivilent of a TV gunging. What is the point in gunging somebody on TV? It’s fun. It’s funny. That what the point of this film is. It’s not going to win any awards, or stay in your mind for days, hours or even minutes after you leave, but if you take it for what it is… it’s actually pretty good. Yes, you read that right. It’s good, so to turn the previous statement from myself on its head and say why I thought it was good as opposed to why did I hate it… here’s why… The filmmakers, and by that I mean writer/ director Andy Thompson has gone out there with an idea… a title for a film even, KILL KEITH, and built a movie around it. He’s obviously got the financial backing, written a script, got the likes of Keith Chegwin, as well as non-actors Tony Blackburn, Russell Grant and Joe Pasquale involved and build a movie, and got it out there. That’s an achievement in itself, and come on; when was the last time that we saw a really good British spoof? Granted, I did wince at some lines in the script, and I wasn’t particularly fond of the Carry On type jokes, like the Crack Of Dawn line; in terms of comedy I think we’re way more advanced than that these days, but generally I thought that it was a solid little Brit film; technically sound with some great camerawork, editing and pace. Nothing outstanding, but we’re not looking for CITIZEN KANE here.

I failed this movie by having preconceptions… something that a film critic should never have, and I let the film down because of that.

It’s a shame that this won’t be playing in more cinemas across the country as I think that after a couple of pints down the pub on a Friday or Saturday night there’s a lot to get out of KILL KEITH. As I said, it’s no work of genius, but it does do exactly what it says on the tin… If it’s not playing near to you, get on the phone to your cinema manager to find out why…

Because of my above statement, I’m going to go and see KILL KEITH again, and I’m going to pay to see it… I suggest you do also…

KILL KEITH is released in limited UK cinemas from Friday 11th November 2011

PRIYANKA CHOPRA EXCITED ABOUT HER MUSIC ALBUM

2011-12-16T08:01:00.000-08:00

Priyanka Chopra had been talking about her debut in the global music scene for a while. And now that her much awaited album is nearing completion, the actress has been meeting her friends and gushing about her first music album whenever she can get the time, reveal industry insiders. Mumbai Mirror has learnt that when Priyanka was shooting for Kunal Kohli’s Teri Meri Kahani in London, she had dropped in on the sets of London Paris New York to discuss ‘music’ with her good friend Goldie Behl. On the sets of that film, she met Ali Zafar and started chatting with him about music.

When contacted, Ali Zafar confirmed the news and added, “She seemed very excited about her music album.”And Zafar was not the only one who had to discuss the actress’ new love ‘music’ with her. After she returned to India, she played it for Ranbir Kapoor on the sets of Anurag Basu’s Barfee.

Goldie, Zafar and Ranbir were followed by Vishal Bhardwaj.

When contacted, Priyanka, who was busy shooting said, “I’m very fortunate that my friends in the industry have shown such genuine interest in my upcoming foray. It is now part of all the conversations (laughs). There is still a long way to go for the album to be completed. Yes, I have played the demos to friends in the industry.”

SISTERS KAREENA AND KARISMA KAPOOR UPCOMING CLASH IN THE SUMMER OF 2012?

2011-12-16T07:59:00.000-08:00

Sisters Kareena and Karisma Kapoor Upcoming Clash in the Summer of 2012?

Aah, now how much do we love clash between the biggies when it comes to box office battles! However, this one could well turn out to be a clash of the decade if this indeed happens. Though one has seen two mega stars bringing their biggies opposite each others and sometimes even friends forced to arrive on the same date due to professional reasons, this would be for the first time ever that two siblings would clash with each other. They are none other than Kareena Kapoor and Karisma Kapoor whose Talaash and Dangerous Ishq respectively are aiming for arrival in June next year.

“Yes, this is strange, unfortunate, but true”, says an insider, “It would be a precarious situation for Bollywood if this clash indeed happens and that too over the same weekend. Talaash has been confirmed for 1st June release while Dangerous Ishq too has announced its arrival in the same month. Though it is yet to close on a date, it still risks an arrival which would be way too close for comfort. This clash has to be avoided by all means.”

The worry doesn’t come without a strong reason. After all, Rowdy Rathore has already been confirmed for 15th June and neither would the film budge from its spot nor would Dangerous Ishq think of releasing alongside a film that has names like Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Prabhu Deva involved. The very next week arrives Teri Meri Kahani and that one is a biggie too with Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra in lead. The week to follow is open and as long as Dangerous Ishq is willing to contend with a one week open run, it should be fine since all eyes would be on Bol Bachchan which arrives next.

“Really, there are too many calculations at play and there has to be good thought given to the arrival ofDangerous Ishq. Kareena won’t have to worry for her film since Talaash being an Aamir Khan starrer won’t change its plans. It would be Karisma who would have to play smart and while it is out of question that she would clash with her younger sister, an arrival on the very next week is ruled out as well. With the kind of packed schedule that June is anyways carrying, it is all the more surprising that the makers even thought of coming in the same month. They would have to wait”, says a trade expert.

While both sisters too would want to stay away from each other by all means as none would wish to jeopardise each other’s plans, there could well be a situation when the makers use this very scenario as a good enough promotional tool that would help their film. As for Kareena, she is pretty much waiting for her sister’s comeback with a bated breath. She says, “I am sure she would recreate the magic she has always been famous for whenever she appears on screen again.”

Hope that happens a few weeks before or after you have weaved your magic Bebo.

A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas Review

2011-12-16T07:53:00.000-08:00

Director: Todd Strauss-Schulson

Cast: John Cho, Kal Penn, Neil Patrick Harris, Danneel Harris, Paula Garcés

Running Time: 90 mins

Certificate: 18

Synopsis: It’s been six years since the stoner pair’s last outing, and things have changed quite a bit. But it wouldn’t be a HAROLD & KUMAR movie without a bit of sex, drugs and rock n’ roll, as the duo cause a Christmas panic when they burn down Harold’s father-in-law’s prized tree on Xmas Eve…

It’s a depressing world we live in. The economy’s doomed, employment opportunities are a thing of the past and war is being waged all around us. So it’s not easy to get into the Christmas spirit. But of all the things to finally trigger the Xmas mood, I never expected it to be HAROLD & KUMAR.

The boys are back in town for their third outing, which sees them grow up, settle down and start a family. Not together though. That’s probably an important point to mention. And strictly speaking it’s only the Harold ‘Harry’ Lee half (played once again by an extremely capable John Cho, also of STAR TREK fame) that manages this. But AVH&K3DC – let’s just call it HAROLD & KUMAR’S CHRISTMAS – definitely has its fair share of surprisingly mature moments.

That’s not to say the spirit of previous outings HAROLD & KUMAR GO TO WHITE CASTLE and HAROLD & KUMAR ESCAPE FROM GUANTANAMO BAY is lost. Kumar, played once more by returning lead Kal Penn, is pretty much in the same place he was six years ago (despite GUANTANAMO BAY being released three years ago… yeah, I don’t get it either), smoking himself into infertility and an early grave. Or so it would seem. Kumar’s personal dilemma for this film revolves around his ex-girlfriend, Vanessa, who he’s managed to impregnate.

On the other hand we have Harold, who’s off the drugs, and has settled down with a wife and is trying for children. Only his father-in-law can’t stand the sight of him. That father-in-law is Danny Trejo, who excels as he does in most all his roles. Thus Harold has to win his respect… so it doesn’t help when Kumar inadvertently burns down the aggrieved father-in-law’s homegrown Christmas tree. Havoc ensues as the pair attempt to track down another tree, and it’s in the typical brazen fashion we’ve come to expect from the franchise.

Of course, the measure of enjoyment that you take from HAROLD & KUMAR’S CHRISTMAS will depend entirely on your level for appreciating, well, the lowest level of humour. Think accidentally blowing out Santa’s brains with a stray shotgun blast, penis-frozen-to-lamppost gags and an infant on drugs. Actually, that last one was a bit too far even for me. Thomas Lennon plays the baby’s father, Todd, and he’s suitably hysterical, if a tad grating, when his child winds up dancing on the ceiling from a mixture of cocaine and weed.

The film’s plotline is nothing to complain about; sure, it’s slightly contrived and a bit thin on the ground, but for a comedy film – especially one of this calibre – it doesn’t need to be anything more than that. And because of this, HAROLD & KUMAR’S CHRISTMAS doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard; it doesn’t take itself seriously at all, as well it shouldn’t – and it is here that it finds its success.

There’s Soviet mafia bosses, there’s naked ladies, there’s Neil Patrick Harris attempting to rape someone… yeah, that last one was definitely too far, and didn’t fit the tone of the film at all. But mostly it’s standard Harold and Kumar hijinks. Where things get interesting is during a scene somewhere around the three-quarter mark, whereupon Harold and Kumar, about to die at the hand of hired goons, launch into an emotional speech that allows for surprising maturity and development of the characters. It’s unexpected but a welcome change of pace and really helps to grind the film into reality.

It’s worth noting the 3D elements; heck, it’s in the title. And just like in the title, the 3D here is very much not simply tacked on the end. The less-than-subtle jabs at the format voice what we’ve all been thinking the past couple of years, but HAROLD & KUMAR’S CHRISTMAS takes full advantage of the technology to properly propel all manner of objects at us. It’s extremely effective, and the only logical or otherwise beneficial use of 3D I’ve seen since AVATAR.

Take this film at face value, for what it is, and you might be pleasantly surprised. I know I was. HAROLD & KUMAR’S CHRISTMAS is essentially one big slap in the face of anyone who’s ever worn a suit to work, but it still carries a few [emotionally] mature themes that ground the story and give plenty of character development. Best Christmas film of 2011? Well, I can’t pretend to have seen ARTHUR CHRISTMAS yet, but I’m willing to hedge my bets that it won’t top this for sheer enjoyment.

A VERY HAROLD & KUMAR 3D CHRISTMAS is released in UK cinemas on Friday December 9th 2011.

Hugo Review

2011-12-16T07:49:00.000-08:00

Director: Martin Scorsese

Cast: Sir Ben Kingsley, Sacha Baron Cohen, Asa Butterfield, Chloë Grace Moretz, Ray Winstone, Emily Mortimer, Christopher Lee, Helen McCrory, Richard Griffiths, Jude Law, Kevin Eldon

Running Time: 122 mins approx.

Certificate: PG

Synopsis: Hugo Cabret (Butterfield) is a resourceful orphan who lives and works within the walls of a Parisian train station in the 1930s. His main objectives are to remain cloaked in anonymity in order to avoid the unsympathetic Station Inspector (Cohen), and to solve a mystery left to him by his father before he died. However, his actions lead to encounters with many wicked and wonderful characters who work in, or frequent, the station, and after meeting Isabelle (Moretz) and Georges (Kingsley), Hugo’s life is complicated further still. As the pressure mounts, Hugo must overcome many problems and unlock his full potential in order to finally find a place he can call home.

Scorsese is perhaps best known for his ability to cut to the core of the darker side of humanity with great insight and innovation. His long list of directing credits include TAXI DRIVER, GOODFELLAS and SHUTTER ISLAND; all of which delve into the minds of the broken and wretched beasts of the world. Therefore, initially, a 3D film falling into the family-adventure genre did forge some doubts about the potential of this new direction. However, all of this was needless worrying, because, not only is HUGO thoroughly enjoyable and educational, it is not afraid to show children a wide range of what life has to offer; from the downright grim to the inherently magical.

The opening of the film, which is based on Brian Selznick’s novel ‘The Invention of Hugo Cabret’, sees Hugo in one of the worst situations imaginable when his father (Law) dies and he is left to fend for himself; his mother having already passed on. His sinister and cold-hearted uncle, Claude (Winstone), takes him to live in the station, before manipulating him into taking on his maintenance duties. Claude then leaves Hugo to fend for himself again, primarily against the Station Inspector and his Doberman Pinscher, Maximillion, both of whom see him as a worthless, troublemaking vagrant. The conflict between the physically limited Station Inspector (who has got a heart, deep deep down) and Hugo, provides comic relief at times, making it is easy to forget the serious undertones of the plot.

Even if the mistreated-orphan theme does borrow slightly from tried and tested formulae – OLIVER TWIST and the HARRY POTTER saga springs to mind – the characters’ other attributes and quirks, as well as the nuanced performances, renders the effort worthy of note. Sir Ben Kingsley is captivating as Papa Georges (Georges Méliès), whose vastly complex character and immense personal journey is compellingly portrayed with expert subtlety. Furthermore, Butterfield and Moretz, though comparatively inexperienced, have an onscreen chemistry that lulls the viewer into surrendering their disbelief. The elite of British acting pull together to create a wonderful and enthralling world inside the station, which is frequently buzzing with activity. These characters and relationships are only improved by the all-seeing eye of the director.

Scorsese – whether this new direction was desired by his fans or not – at least proves he is avoiding the comfort zone that hinders so many directors. He experiments with themes and the imagination of children, as well as the 3D film medium, which, after such a long and illustrious career, is a commendable attribute. Although the 3D aspect of the story is not crucial to the narrative or the nature of the film, it does make for several visually exciting moments, and in no way subtracts from the end product. The 3D discipline also helps to bring the humble beginnings of the moving image to a new generation, via the Méliès character. Extracts of Méliès’ films, as well as the work of the Lumière brothers, are shown in 3D within the context of the story; a unique and enlightening look at the full circle of the evolution of cinema.

HUGO is an affectionate celebration of the medium of film, and it has the potential to entertain, educate and nurture the minds of children who may be fostering a love for the art form. At times the plot points are easily foreseen by adult viewers who are familiar with the basic structure of a typical narrative, but the characters, the actors who portray them, and the passionate sentiments of the director ensure an experience that is definitely recommended for people of all ages.

HUGO opens today in cinemas across the UK and Ireland.

First Shot Of Arterton And Renner As Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters

2011-12-05T03:03:00.001-08:00

Due in cinemas on the 2nd of March 2012, fans The Brothers Grimm fairytale will not have long to wait to finally see the sibling pair Hansel and Gretel all grown up and knocking off the evil wenches on the big-screen. British actress Gemma Arterton and THE BOURNE LEGACY and MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – GHOST PROTOCOL star Jeremy Renner play the revenge-seeking leads in the new film HANSEL AND GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS and in this new image look serious and ready for action.

DEAD SNOW director Tommy Wirkola helms the fantasy horror film that also features Peter Stormare, Famke Janssen, Zoe Bell and Derek Mears.

Source: Entertainment Weekly

Baby of the year!

2011-12-05T03:02:00.000-08:00

Mumbai, Nov. 20 -- Ever since her parents tied the knot in April 2007, she's been one of the most anticipated babies in the world. She finally arrived on November 16, at around 9.50 am, after proving wrong all astrological predictions and journalistic speculations.

Over the last four years, every time her mommy Aishwarya put on or lost a few kilos, there was immediately a 'pregnant pause'. This year, in June, when grandpa, Amitabh Bachchan finally confirmed the rumour, Ash's 'baby bump' came under close scrutiny as specialists and star-gazers debated on whether it was going to be one B or two.

Abhishek's assertion that his wife wasn't carrying twins fell on deaf ears. It was more romantic to believe that she'd complete the 'humdo-hamare-do' family picture in one shot. Getting the date right was tricky business but once it was public knowledge that the baby would arrive in November, popular opinion swung to the first day of the month. 1.1.11 came and went, and only Aishwarya celebrated a quiet birthday.

Next up: 11. 11. 11. This day that came once in a century was considered auspicious by 'pandits' (priests) and worthy of a C-section by a city tabloid. The normally affable Abhishek dismissed the story as a great piece of fictional writing, entertaining and wonderfully ironic given that two years ago the same paper had written that Aishwarya would never be able to conceive.

"It's preposterous to suggest that any husband or parent would induce the birth of a child on a particular day because it is considered auspicious," he argued heatedly, adding that no 'pandits' had been consulted. "I don't believe in numerology or astrology. If you do, I respect that. But I don't and you should respect that." Was anyone listening? No, because on November 11, around 11 minutes past 11 pm, my Blackberry was buzzing with news that Aishwarya had delivered a baby boy.

When I called manager, I was told she was home in her own bed. Around 11.30 pm, her father-in-law tweeted that the rumour was "incorrect and false". He went on to say that he was watching Saawariya and eulogised over Ranbir Kapoor rather than the ninth Bachchan.

Two days later, he wrote that the family was gathering in Jalsa for the 'arrival'. No one believed the baby would come on Sunday, an unlucky 13th. Bets were being laid for a Children's Day child. Aishwarya did land up at the Seven Hills Hospital on November 14 but she didn't deliver on that day or the next. It was only around 9 am that she was reportedly wheeled in for a 'normal' delivery without painkillers and epidural. And it wasn't two Bs or even a boy as had been agreed. It's a girl!!!!! Abhishek tweeted at around 9.55 am. Just five days old with her mother's fair skin and light eyes, Beti B, as her Pa has dubbed her on twitter, has silenced the know-alls. She's proved that in a country where a boy takes the family line forward, a daughter is as much-wanted by Bollywood's first family. She's shown through her 38year-old Miss World mother that a woman is never too old or too posh to push. So will the media now let the Bachchans be. Unlikely! The speculations continue uninterrupted.

A couple of hours after her birth someone insisted she'd been named Viveka because the conjunction of alphabets is lucky. A couple of days a morphed photograph of a heavily-made-up Aishwarya on a hospital bed cradling a newborn in her arms started making the rounds. On my part, I'd rather wonder if her already mesmerised grandpa will be able to introduce her to the Billy Bunter classics he read as a child. Laugh with her over fat man Hardy and thin man Laurel's antics. Share a kulfi with her and may be a gola, candyfloss and bhutta too. And one monsoon show her how to do the Paa rain dance!

By Hindustan Times

Sonam turns south?

2011-12-05T03:01:00.000-08:00

Mumbai, Nov. 25 -- My jasoos from Juhu has just walked into my den to tell me that either Sonam Kapoor will head to the south for a Tamil movie with the Ghajini director AR Murugadoss or the director will head to Bollywood again with a south actor called Vijay and make the film he's contemplating in Hindi with the actors.

The filmmaker has been chasing Sonam for a few months now. He's had a couple of narration sessions with her too and even the money offered is higher than her usual sum. But Sonam seems to be facing some date issues and is yet to agree to do the project. Muru wants to start filming around the time when she'll be shooting for Run Milkha Run with Farhan Akhtar in Delhi.

Last heard, the actor was making amendments to her date diary to squeeze both the movies in. Dekho kya hota hai!

By Hindustan Times

Jacqueline turns scuba diving pro

2011-12-05T03:00:00.000-08:00

Mumbai, Nov. 25 -- She raised temperatures with her sultry act in Murder 2, but Jacqueline Fernandez not many know also has a deep love for travel. Jacqueline has also become an advanced scuba diver.

"Yes, I learnt scuba diving from Ko Samui in Thailand and advanced scuba diving from Marbella in Spain," she says. Adventure sports are, in fact, always high on Jackie's list. "Whenever I'm on a holiday, I see to it that I indulge in adventure sports, since it is something that I really enjoy doing," says the Aladin (2009) actor, who now plans on taking up night diving and diving with sharks in Maldives on her next trip.

"And I'm excited just by the thought of it," says the actor. Even as Jacqueline gets ready for Abbas-Mustan's Race 2, she is also looking to dabble in not just water sports, but sky diving and bungee jumping as well. "Yes, it's something I would love to try," says Jacqueline, adding that scuba diving is her hobby.

She also counts road trips as thoroughly enjoyable outings. "It gives you personal space to explore as well as a lot of time to think," says Jacqueline, who is also wrapping up alleged boyfriend Sajid Khan's Housefull 2.

By Hindustan Times

Starship Troopers To Be Rebooted

2011-12-05T02:58:00.001-08:00

What’s that buzzing noise? Why, it’s the sound of an upcoming STARSHIP TROOPERS reboot. Sony Pictures producer Neil H. Moritz has announced his intention to bring us a new version of Paul Verhoeven’s bug splatting war epic. The 1997 original, starring Casper Van Dien (SLEEPY HOLLOW) and Denise Richards (WILD THINGS) was, and is, loved and loathed in equal measure. But, by bringing on board screenwriting duo Zack Stentz and Edward Miller, the men behind this years THOR and X-MEN: FIRST CLASS, this could actually be pretty good.

This is not the first Verhoeven movie to be updated by Moritz. Alongside Toby Jaffe, he is currently producing a remake of TOTAL RECALL (1990) with Colin Farrell assuming the role of Doug Quaid, made famous by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Much like that film is reported to refer back to the source novel, WE CAN REMEMBER IT FOR YOU WHOLESALE by Philip K. Dick, this TROOPERS remake will likely do the same. The book by Robert A. Heinlein differed greatly from the big screen adaptation, though critics at the time said that may have been for the best.

The big question must be whether it will feature Casper Van Dien and give his career a much needed boost? For all our sakes, I pray the answer is yes.

THN Advent Calendar Day Five: Bad Santa

2011-12-05T02:57:00.000-08:00

Welcome to The Hollywood News Advent Calendar! Join us for the next 24 days as we run down the top Christmas movies and guide you to the perfect festive viewing. Featuring some of your favourite Christmas movies and some you’d probably forgotten (maybe even on purpose), but hey, it is Christmas after all… to see the calendar so far, click here.

Billy Bob Thornton’s unexpected meteoric rise to Hollywood stardom first began with a supporting role in Carl Franklin’s effective1992 independent thriller ONE FALSE MOVE (co-written by Thornton himself) in which he played the psychotic villain opposite a brilliant Bill Paxton. It wasn’t until his incredible turn as mentally-challenged murderer Karl Childers in SLING BLADE five years later – a role originated from the short film SOME FOLKS CALL IT A SLING BLADE which Thornton wrote and directed – that the actor began to turn heads. The role won Thornton a best screenplay Oscar at the 1997 Academy Awards as well as a best actor nomination. Since then, he has had notable roles in ARMAGEDDON, Sam Raimi’s A SIMPLE PLAN and Marc Forster’s Oscar-winning drama MONSTER’S BALL.

This brings us to the next of THN Christmas favourites – a film that many would not have expected to become as cherished and loved as much as it is. Directed by GHOST WORLD’s Terry Zwigoff, BAD SANTA was released in 2003 to a mixed reaction: the film sets out to shock and disgust and does just that. But it’s brilliantly hilarious too, and much, much more.

Billy Bob Thornton stars as Willie T. Stokes, who every year, along with his dwarf partner (in crime) Marcus makes a living as a department store Santa and Elf. But aside from any festive joy, the duo have devious intentions. Never hitting the same store twice, the pair work over the festive period effectively ‘casing the joint’ up. When the store closes for the holidays, Marcus steals as much as he can carry (for his demanding wife) while safecracker Willie does what he does best. Unfortunately Willie is now a washed up alcoholic so unhappy with his life he just wants to drink himself to death. His miserable existence now threatens the two criminals’ plans when his erratic foul-mouthed behaviour – in front of children and shocked parents – make them the target for the ever-watchful security manager Gin Slagel (the late Bernie Mac).

Redemption comes in the form Brett Kelly’s heartbreaking and hilarious turn as ‘The Kid’ (his actual name is as funny and tragic as you can imagine), a bullied teen whose belief in Santa gives Willie the perfect excuse to stay with the boy (rent free of course) and his dementia-suffering grandmother (Cloris Leachman) during the build-up to the all important robbery. Lauren Graham’s attractive bar waitress (with a Santa fetish) also gives Willie hope that maybe all is not lost with his looks and love life. These changes begin to make Willie think (not too much mind!) of the downward spiral his life has taken and the terrible way he treats people even when sober.

The film has a huge number of terrific scenes that all border between the hilarious and heart warming; even with all the gross-out gags and strong language it has as much heart as it does humour. The whole cast are fantastic, along with the great John Ritter (a close friend of Thornton and co-star of SLING BLADE) as the perfectly awkward store manager Bob Chipeska, in his last big-screen feature before his untimely death in 2003.

BAD SANTA is film that has gained a huge cult following over the years and becomes a firm festive favourite amongst the masses. So much so in fact, that in recent interview, Billy Bob Thornton has actually stated his desire to revisit the loveable and loathsome character of Willie T. Stokes in a future sequel. Lets hope so!

Bryan Singer To Direct The Munsters Pilot For NBC

2011-12-05T02:54:00.001-08:00

THE USUAL SUSPECTS and X-MEN director Bryan Singer is in talks to helm the pilot for NBC’s new series THE MUNSTERS. PUSHING DAISIES creator Bryan Fuller has been working on bringing the beloved comedy series that originally aired in 1964, back to the small screen. Having an acclaimed A-list director directing the pilot episode will certainly help as the likes of THE WALKING DEAD (Frank Darabont) and BOARDWALK EMPIRE (Martin Scorcese) will testify.

THE MUNSTERS featured a friendly family of familiar looking characters each based on iconic horror figures. The great Fred Gwynn lead the cast as Herman, a lovable father sporting a Frankenstein style look. His wife Lily was the obvious ‘ Bride of Frankenstein’ while Grandpa was modelled on Dracula and son Eddie on ‘The Wolfman’.

Singer is actually no stranger to the television world having seen his hit show HOUSE starring Hugh Laurie win numerous awards and more importantly for the network viewers over its eight seasons.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Freida Pinto so skinny!

2011-12-05T02:52:00.001-08:00

Mumbai, Dec. 5 -- Kareena Kapoor may have moved on from size zero to her chammak challo avatar, but Freida Pinto seems to be hell bent on remaining skeletal.

My sakhi from the suburbs claims that she saw the actor, all skin and bones, checking out the wares at a popular desi apparel store in the vicinity. Sakhi claims that she recognised the actor only because she'd watched her extremely brief outing in Rise of the Planet of the Apes the previous day, but it wasn't the case with the store's other patrons.

No one seemed to notice Freida's presence in their midst. But how can you blame them, I ask sakhi. The term 'blink-and-you-miss-it' probably extends beyond her appearance in the film!

By Hindustan Times

Mallika goes back to roots for KLPD

2011-12-05T02:51:00.000-08:00

Mumbai, Dec. 5 -- She is famous as Bollywood's sultry queen. And now, Mallika Sherawat is set to do KLPD. Well, the Murder girl is set to act in Sanjay Khanduri's next film, KLPD Kismat Love Paisa Dilli opposite Vivek Oberoi.

And what's interesting is that the Rohtak girl for the first time will revisit her Haryanvi roots for the film.

"Mallika is the perfect choice because she comes from the Haryanvi-Punjabi milieu. So, she can easily carry off the typical attitude and the body language of a North Indian girl, besides the natural grasp over the lingo," says producer Amit Chandrra of Invincible Entertainment.

The makers were actually "looking for an actor who could fit into the 'tez, tarrar' bracket" easily. "And considering the film's theme, its setting and Vivek's 'Delhi ka munda' character, no one else could have fit the role better than Mallika," says Chandrra.

At the same time, unlike most of Mallika's films, KLPD doesn't aim to focus only on her sensual side. Mallika's role will be more on the lines of Pyaar Ke Side Effects. She is also very excited because she also feels that after a long time, she has got a performance oriented role," says Chandrra.

Although the actor hails from Haryana, she will go through workshops to get into the character. "We've already started the preparations with Vivek. Once Mallika is back from the US, she too will go through language workshops and story sessions along with him," says the producer.

Contrary to reports, Chandrra clarifies that KLPD is not exactly a sequel to Gyrah Chalis Ki Last Local (GCKLL). "The only similarity with GCKLL is that KLPD is also a story of one night and how it affects the lives of its protagonists. But that's where the similarity ends," he says. KLPD goes on floors later this month and will be shot extensively in Delhi around January-February. "We are going to shoot the film in a start-to-finish schedule," says Chandrra.

By Hindustan Times

I love bikes, but not more than women: John

2011-12-05T02:49:00.000-08:00

John Abraham, who was recently in the capital for Van Heusen store launch, revealed all about his relationship status, chiselled body and of course his love for motorbikes and women.

John's action hero avatar

After Dhoom, I haven't done any action film. People asked me why you haven't attempted any action film when you have the physique and the body for it. Force is my answer to a lot of people out there who finally want to see the action hero. The film has great content, song, dialogues and screenplay.

Beefed up avatar

I have undertaken special training for this film. When we finalised the film, my director Nishikanth Kamath told me you have 8 months to build up a body that looks international, like a machine, like Sylvester Stallone. So with Force, we have tried to create a look that is unbelievable in terms of physique.

Every actor is visually fit today and has a presentable body. Cinema is a visual medium. I have always been fit, right from my first film Jism. Now there is a new concept of abs- 6 pack, 8 pack.

Similarity with original

When Vipul Shah showed me Kaakha Kaakha one-and-a-half years back, I really liked it. There's a lot of difference in this and the original. We have kept the romance portion same but we have converted it into an action film to a large extent.

Lifting a heavy bike

It was just a 110-120 kilos bike very honestly. ACP Yashwardhan is supposed to be like a machine, very powerful who can lift and break anything. That's my character in the film. That's why I had to lift the bike. You need cables to balance it but finally you need your strength to lift the bike and throw it. So yeah, I have thrown the bike. If someone upsets me, you know what will happen (laughs).

Message in Force

There's a lot of similarity between me and my character. He's a narcotic bureau officer, totally anti-drugs. Personally, I don't believe in drugs. People who do drugs are escapists. I want to tell my young audience that drugs are the most dangerous thing, more than smoking and drinking. Cocaine destroys your system completely. That's the message we want to give to through the film.

Your body is your temple. Eat right, work-out right. Don't do drugs. It's not fun, it's not right. A healthy lifestyle is very important.

Chemistry with co-stars

My chemistry with all my co-stars, be it Genelia (Force), Katrina (New York) or Vidya (Salaam-e-ishq), usually works onscreen. I have a sizzling chemistry with Abhishek Bachchan and Akshay Kumar also. Good chemistry is important for a good film.

Cop fever in B-Town

It's co-incidental that we are all playing cops in our films. A film is planned a long time back, so it's just a co-incidence that these films are releasing one after the other. Salman and Ajay's films have done unbelievable business and I hope that I can do at least decent business.

Movies in the pipeline

After Force, I'm doing a comic flick with Akshay- Desi Boyz (6 years after Garam Masala), Housefull 2 with Akshay again, Race 2 with Saif, another sequel Shootout at Wadala and I, Me Aur Main which is about a guy who loves himself more that he loves women. But I am not like that character.

Bikes or ladies

I love motorcycles but not more than women (laughs). Women are the most beautiful creation of mankind.

Enjoying singledom

I am happy that I have time by myself. When I get married, it'll be different. Hopefully I'll get married someday. Till then, I'm enjoying my space and time.

After I got into acting, I have not spent enough time with my parents. When we get busy with our careers or get into relationships, we don't give our parents enough time. So now I'm spending as much time with my parents as possible to make up for the lost time but you can never make up for it.

Every relationship in your life matures you as an individual. So now I'm a much more matured individual.

On terror attacks

If we look within our own country, there's a big terror problem. It happened in Delhi recently and in Mumbai before that. I hope the government is doing what they can. There are serious security lapses. The common man suffers the most. We have become insensitive to what is happening. We need to get serious about it and the government needs to pull up their socks. As individuals, we need to be serious and vigilant and look around. If you notice, after 9/11, there has been no attack in America. Can you imagine the level of security they have. Government and we as citizens should be more complacent.

On Van Heusen

When V Dot came to me, they knew what my personal statement is. The colours I'm wearing now, gray trousers and blue jacket, it's very understated and yet it makes a style statement. There have absolutely simple designs, some are bling but still they are very classy. I'm actually comfortable in what I'm wearing. And I wouldn't say that for a lot of other clothes and what other people wear. My whole wardrobe is by them.

By Hindustan Times

The Dark Knight Rises Prologue Screening Details

2011-12-05T02:46:00.000-08:00

It’s been churning in the rumour mill for some time, but Warner Bros have officially announced that the THE DARK KNIGHT RISES prologue will be shown before selected IMAX screenings of MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: GHOST PROTOCOL this month. Details are listed below in an official press release from the studio;

Warner Bros. Pictures’ “The Dark Knight Rises” — the epic conclusion to filmmaker Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy — is one of the most anticipated films of 2012, but moviegoers won’t have to wait until next year to see the six-minute opening sequence of the film. The film’s prologue will be unveiled exclusively in select 70mm IMAX® theatres worldwide. The Prologue will be released in North America on December 16, and in the UK on December 21, 2011. Additional international dates vary by territory and will be announced soon.

In making the 2008 blockbuster “The Dark Knight,” Nolan was the first to use IMAX® cameras in a major motion picture release, and, as now, audiences were given an advance look at that film’s prologue months prior to the Summer 2008 opening. Nolan employed the extremely high-resolution cameras even more extensively on “The Dark Knight Rises”—including the film’s prologue—to achieve unprecedented crispness and clarity and a truly immersive experience for the moviegoers.

Christopher Nolan stated, “Our experience on ‘The Dark Knight’ shooting and projecting IMAX 15 perf 65mm/70mm film was inspiring. The immersive quality of the image goes beyond any other filmmaking tool available, and in revisiting Gotham, we were determined to shoot even more of the movie in this unique format. Giving the fans an early look at an IMAX sequence is a great way to draw attention to what I believe will be an incredible way to experience our story when it comes out next summer.”

Following is a list of the theatres in the UK in which the Prologue of “The Dark Knight Rises” will be revealed on December 21st:

UK – BFI London – London

UK – National Media Museum IMAX – Bradford

UK – Glasgow Science Centre IMAX Cinema – Glasgow

UK – Odeon Manchester IMAX @ The Printworks – Manchester

Below is a list of the theatres in North America in which the Prologue of “The Dark Knight Rises” will be revealed on December 16th:

Austin, TX – IMAX Theater Austin – Austin

Boston, MA – Jordan’s IMAX – Natick

Boston, MA – IMAX 3D Theatre in Reading – Reading

Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Theatre Chinook 16 – Calgary

Chantilly, VA/Washington, DC – Udvar-Hazy Center IMAX – Chantilly

Chicago, IL – Navy Pier IMAX Theatre – Chicago

Des Moines, IA – SCI IMAX Dome Theater – Des Moines

Detroit, MI – Henry Ford IMAX – Dearborn

Edmonton, AB – Scotiabank Theatre Edmonton – Edmonton

Harrisburg, PA – Whitaker Center for Science & the Arts – Harrisburg

Houston, TX – Houston Marq*e Stadium 22 + IMAX – Houston

Indianapolis – White River IMAX – Indianapolis

Los Angeles, CA – Irvine Spectrum 20 + IMAX – Irvine

Los Angeles, CA – RAVE 18 + IMAX – Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA – Ontario Palace Stadium 22 + IMAX – Ontario

Los Angeles, CA – Citywalk Stadium 19 with IMAX – Universal City

Madison, WI – Star 18 Fitchburg with IMAX – Fitchburg

Miami, FL – AutoNation IMAX – Fort Lauderdale

Minneapolis, MN – Great Clips IMAX – Apple Valley

Montreal, QC – Cinema Banque Scotia Montreal – Montreal

Nashville,TN – Opry Mills Stadium 20 + IMAX – Nashville

New York, NY – Lincoln Square 13 with IMAX – New York

New York, NY – Palisades IMAX – West Nyack

Omaha, NE – Star Cinema 16 with IMAX – Council Bluffs

Orlando, FL – Pointe Orlando Stadium 20 + IMAX – Orlando

Ottawa, ON – Silvercity Gloucester + IMAX – Gloucester

Palm Springs – Desert IMAX Theatre – Cathedral City

Philadelphia, PA – IMAX & the Tropicana – Atlantic City

Philadelphia, PA – Tuttleman IMAX–Franklin Institute – Philadelphia

Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Mills 25 with IMAX – Tempe

Providence, RI – Providence Place 16 with IMAX – Providence

Quebec City, QC – IMAX Le Theatre At Quebec – Quebec City

Sacramento, CA – Esquire IMAX – Sacramento

San Antonio, TX – IMAX at RiverCenter – San Antonio

San Francisco, CA – Metreon 16 with IMAX & ETX – San Francisco

Seattle, WA – Boeing IMAX–Pacific Science Center – Seattle

Tampa, FL – Museum of Science and Industry – Tampa

Toronto, ON – Coliseum 12 Mississauga + IMAX – Mississauga

Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Theatre Toronto + IMAX – Toronto

Toronto, ON – Colossus 18 Woodbridge + IMAX – Woodbridge-Vaughan

Vancouver, BC – Colossus Langley + IMAX – Langley

Vancouver, BC – Silvercity Riverport 18 + IMAX – Richmond

Opening on July 20, 2012, “The Dark Knight Rises” features an international all-star cast, led by Oscar® winner Christian Bale (“The Fighter”) in the dual role of Bruce Wayne/Batman. The film also stars Anne Hathaway, as Selina Kyle; Tom Hardy, as Bane; Oscar® winner Marion Cotillard (“La Vie en Rose”), as Miranda Tate; and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, as John Blake. Reprising their roles from both “Batman Begins” and “The Dark Knight,” Oscar® winner Michael Caine (“The Cider House Rules”) plays Alfred; Gary Oldman is Commissioner Gordon; and Oscar® winner Morgan Freeman (“Million Dollar Baby”) plays Lucius Fox.

Nolan directed “The Dark Knight Rises” from a screenplay by Jonathan Nolan and Christopher Nolan, story by Christopher Nolan & David S. Goyer. The film is produced by Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan and Charles Roven, who previously teamed on “Batman Begins” and the record-breaking blockbuster “The Dark Knight.” Benjamin Melniker, Michael E. Uslan, Kevin De La Noy and Thomas Tull are the executive producers, with Jordan Goldberg serving as co-producer. “The Dark Knight Rises” is based upon characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. Batman created by Bob Kane.

“The Dark Knight Rises” will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. The prologue has been rated PG-13 by the MPAA for “some violence.”

Source: Warner Bros.

Sam Worthington Has Longer Hair In This First Look At ‘Wrath Of The Titans’

2011-12-05T02:45:00.000-08:00

I will go out on a limb here and say that I didn’t think that the first CLASH OF THE TITANS was all that bad. Then again, I saw it on Blu-Ray nearly a year after its release and not in 3D. The movie made a ton of money at the box office and its sequel, WRATH OF THE TITANS, is already in the can and will make it to picture houses on March 30th (USA). The very first look at the film’s star, Sam Worthingon who returns as Perseus, has made it to the hallowed pages of Entertainment Weekly, and we see that Mr. Worthington is sporting a slightly lengthier barnet.

Ralph Fiennes, Liam Neeson, Danny Huston, Edgar Ramirez, Bill Nighy, Toby Kebbell and Rosamund Pike also star in ‘Wrath,’ which is directed by Jonathan Liebesman (BATTLE L.A.).

The mag also printed a full synopsis for the film, which is as follows:-

A decade after his heroic defeat of the monstrous Kraken, Perseus—the demigod son of Zeus—is attempting to live a quieter life as a village fisherman and the sole parent to his 10-year old son, Helius.

Meanwhile, a struggle for supremacy rages between the gods and the Titans. Dangerously weakened by humanity’s lack of devotion, the gods are losing control of the imprisoned Titans and their ferocious leader, Kronos, father of the long-ruling brothers Zeus, Hades and Poseidon. The triumvirate had overthrown their powerful father long ago, leaving him to rot in the gloomy abyss of Tartarus, a dungeon that lies deep within the cavernous underworld.

Perseus cannot ignore his true calling when Hades, along with Zeus’ godly son, Ares (Edgar Ramírez), switch loyalty and make a deal with Kronos to capture Zeus. The Titans’ strength grows stronger as Zeus’ remaining godly powers are siphoned, and hell is unleashed on earth.

Enlisting the help of the warrior Queen Andromeda (Rosamund Pike), Poseidon’s demigod son, Argenor (Toby Kebbell), and fallen god Hephaestus (Bill Nighy), Perseus bravely embarks on a treacherous quest into the underworld to rescue Zeus, overthrow the Titans and save mankind.

Source: Entertainment Weekly

Bollywood is not a big bad world: Vidya Balan

2011-12-05T02:42:00.000-08:00

Contrary of what people perceive of Bollywood, Vidya Balan says she doesn't feel the industry is a “big bad world”. “I had heard film industry is a big bad world, but I lead my world my way and on my own terms. I was very clear from the beginning and had made it a point that others also know that I was only and only interested in work and nothing more than that,” said Vidya in the capital Saturday, attending the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit.

“I became an actor to live life of many actors. I have dabbled in all the mediums. I have done ad-films, I have done television and I have done films, because that is what I wanted to do - be an actor. I grew up as a film fan. I had a burning desire to show my skills to the world,” she added.

The 32-year-old also feels that newcomers need to keep their foot down and be clear with their own thinking process.

“I don't think it's a bad world. Now that I have been here, I can say this with my experience. One does get to hear about other peoples' experience, stories of exploitation, casting couch. But trust me, all is in your own hands. It all depends on how you present yourself and approach,” she said.

Filmmaker-actor Farhan Akhtar, who too was one of the speakers at the conference, shared the same sentiments.

“I completely agree with Vidya, every industry has an underbelly. It is important for you to make your own choice and stand for it,” said Farhan.

By Hindustan Times

Tom Cruise’s big fat Indian bash!

2011-12-05T02:36:00.000-08:00

Hollywood actor Tom Cruise partied with the who’s who of the Indian film industry till 1.30am on Saturday night in Mumbai.

The party, hosted by actor Anil Kapoor, was held in the ballroom of the Taj Mahal Palace and Towers in Mumbai. Cruise is in India to promote his film Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol. After a quick stopover in the Capital on Saturday morning, a short photo-op at the Taj Mahal in Agra the same afternoon, Cruise and Kapoor flew to Mumbai.

Though actors Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar gave it a miss, actors Aamir Khan, Farhan Akhtar, Sonam Kapoor, and filmmaker Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra were among the 150 guests. “He was charming and even posed for photographs with a lot of people,” said a source.

“Just finished dinner with Anil, Tom Cruise & their guests! What a Gracious host Anil is & OMG ! Tom used to be my heart throb in Top Gun! (sic)” tweeted Preity Zinta. “Want to thank Anil Kapoor for the lovely evening, met Tom Cruise, a super cool guy...” tweeted Arjun Rampal.

For the duration of Cruise’s stay, Kapoor and his wife Sunita moved into the same hotel. “Tom’s schedule is very tight, and travelling from Juhu everyday would be cumbersome. So, we decided to move into the hotel for as long as he is here,” said Kapoor. “Tom was absolutely mesmerised by the Taj. He loved the fact that such a monument could be built in the 15th century. He loved it.”

Tom Cruise who?

On Sunday, an online paper reported that the hundreds of fans waiting for Cruise at the Mumbai airport were actually junior artists who were hired for Rs 150 a day. As per the report, they were not even aware that a big Hollywood star was arriving and were simply asked to be there. An artist quoted says she has no idea who Tom Cruise is. Neither Kapoor nor anyone with the international team of MI4 could be contacted for a quote.

By Hindustan Times

Harry Potter Retrospective: Part 8: The Deathly Hallows Part 2

2011-12-05T02:28:00.001-08:00

To celebrate the release of HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART II on DVD and Blu-Ray, we conclude this epic retrospective with a look at that very film. The excitement, the tears, the (occasionally unintentional) laughs, HPatDHp2 is the finale we hoped it would be. Join me, won’t you, as we conclude our Harry Potter retrospective.

Also, Daniel Radcliffe gets his top off. Splendid.

We start with a recap of the dying moments of part 1, as Voldemort robs Dumbledore’s grave and claims the Elder Wand, then shoots his silvery load into the sky. And that’s all you get by way of a recap. Haven’t seen the previous films? You may, MAY, not understand all that occurs. But you will get to see Emma Watson in a corset. So, y’know, swings and roundabouts.

Events pick up right where we left them, with Harry burying Dobby and leaving the epitaph ‘HERE LIES DOBBY, A FREE ELF.’ He then talks to the recovering Olivander and discovers that, through a convoluted set of circumstances, Voldemort wants to claim the Elder Wand which is destined to kill him.

Up next, in what is fast resembling a Harry Potter chat show, is Griphook, played by everyone’s favourite dwarf, Warwick Davis. Like Olivander, Griphook hasn’t appeared since the first movie, and was then played by fellow famous little man, Verne Troyer, though Davis provided the voice. This time, he assumes the physical role, while also playing Professor Flitwick, at least we assume it’s Flitwick. In the first film, he sported a large white beard, where as now he has slicked back hair and a wee moustache. So, either Flitwick had a massive/mini make-over OR Davis is actually playing three parts. Either way, fair play to him.

So, Griphook agrees to help them break into Gringotts (the wizarding equivalent of HSBC) and it’s a corker of a heist sequence. The tension builds up and up for fear they may get discovered and when they grab the Horcrux/McGuffin, they escape on the back of a dragon.

Also, it features Hermione disguised as Bellatrix, so Bonham-Carter playing Hermione playing Bellatrix is a great comedy vehicle. And, embodying Ms. Granger’s awkwardness in heels, hair, make-up and outfit, stumbles around looking EXACTLY like Amy Winehouse. That’s not a distasteful jibe, go watch the scene now and see for yourself.

I’ll wait.

See? Uncanny! I kept expecting her to say Ascendio, Blaaaaaake!

One of the things I love about the Potter series, both the books and films, is how they relate back to plot points from previous stories that were either so small we didn’t think they mattered or that were seemingly resolved. In this case, Harry’s occasional insights into Voldemort’s mind, which were all the rage in ORDER OF THE PHOENIX and the GOBLET OF FIRE (or as Dumbledore would put it, DE GOBLET O’FOIRE! Ye feckin eejit! …because he sounds a bit Irish sometimes). But now, these visions have returned, and give Harry a clue as to where to go next, Hogwarts. I missed Hogwarts in the last film. Not only because Hermione really should be in school uniform (she really should) but all the characters there are so loveable. McGonagall, Neville, Hagrid etc. It simply feels like home, and now we’re going back, for the most anticipated showdown since Luke Skywalker developed daddy issues.

When Neville appeared to sneak them back into the school, a small cheer arose in the cinema. A cheer! In the cinema! How rare is that! And young Mr. Longbottom, played in every movie by the utterly lovely Matthew Lewis, sure has come a long way. Gone are the days of the cherubic, perennial victim. He is now one handsome, sword swinging, giant snake slaying, badass cardigan wearing motherfunker. And a cinema audience cheered his arrival. Genuinely heart warming.

After his arrival and reunion with his dearly missed chums, Potter prepares to confront Snape, The Half Blood Prince of Pauses, whose been running the school with an iron fist (covered in mascara). This is the first time we’ve seen Snape in quite a while and man oh MAN, does Rickman go to town.

Now, here is a man who is famous for his pauses. Be they as the Sheriff of Nottingham, the great Hans Gruber, or our own Severus Snape. When he turns it on, Rickman’s pauses would cause Christopher Walken to balk (en). And when Snape addresses the assembled students to find out whether they are protecting Potter, he reaches the prime, apex epitome of the Pinter pregnant pause. POW!

“If anyone here has any knowledge of Mr. Potter’s movements this evening, I invite them to step forward……………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………….. now.”

God, I love that man.

It’s then Potter presents himself, stepping out to an awed collection of gasps, and Snape looks like he’s seen a specky, awkwardly handsome ghost. He prepares to duel, but Harry is defended by McGonagall who proves, once and for all, that she is badassssssss. She lays the smackdown on Snape and he flees, to the cheers of the children surrounding them. During a walk and talk, she discusses ways of protecting the castle with her students, and they provide some of my favourite dialogue in the entire series:

NEVILLE: [discussing a battle strategy] Are you really giving us permission to do this?

MCGONAGALL: Yes, Longbottom.

NEVILLE: Blow it up? Boom?

MCGONAGALL: BOOM!

NEVILLE: But how on Earth do we do it?

MCGONAGALL: Why don’t you confer with Mr. Finnigan? As I recall, he has a particular proclivity for pyrotechnics.

SEAMUS: I can bring it down!

MCGONAGALL: That’s the spirit!

Of course it is somewhat troubling that since the very first film, the only Irish student is the only one who seems to blow things up. But we should leave that be I think. Very soon after that, it’s what we’ve been waiting for, the Battle of Hogwarts. And what a battle.

SPOILER ALERT!!

I probably shoulda put that at the beginning, but, y’know. Whatevs.

It says a lot about this film that the staggeringly large scale blockbuster finale is primarily character and plot driven. It’s not just an excuse for the explosions and CG self love that Michael Bay has infected multiplexes with. We’ve watched these characters for ten years, we care about them. So every fight, every near miss and every death have far more emotional impact than these scenes would in most other action films.

When we see the last shot of Tonks and Lupin reaching for each other’s hands before they perish, it breaks our hearts. When we see Fred and George share one last joke before Fred is killed, it’s literally mortifying. We see the bodies of Lavender Brown and one of the Patil twins. Grim, but compelling. The standout sequence of the battle is when our heroes speed across the apocalyptic landscape that their school courtyard has become, evading giants and huge spiders. Alexandre Desplat’s beautiful string arrangements help underlay the emotional impact while heightening the tension. Essentially, action cinema doesn’t get any better than the Battle of Hogwarts. It’s practically perfect.

And it is during this raging battle that, in order to destroy one of the Horcruxes, Hermione and Ron find their way back into the Chamber of Secrets, unseen since the second movie, and using the same set design which creates a great sense of continuity. Herein they find a Basilisk (the big ass snake killed by Harry) fang, which they use to kill this part of Voldemort’s soul. When they do, the impact is so powerful that a tsunami of water erupts over them and… they kiss. Finally they kiss. Let’s use a little Freudian analysis here:

The Horcrux in this instance is a cup. Helga Hufflepuff’s cup. It is destroyed only by a large fang, rather phallic in shape and proportions. So when this phallic object penetrates the ‘cup,’ a rush of fluid occurs, and they are both very wet.

Come on, man! How could they NOT kiss after that?? In actuality, this kiss has been so long awaited and greatly anticipated, and it’s a wonderful moment for the characters and fans alike. It is, frankly, encouraging to see the sidekick get the girl for once, instead of the hero. And the girl here is not a prize to be won, but a strong minded woman who finally gets the person she loves. Hermione is not a princess or a prize, but a person, and one of the better female parts in recent Hollywood memory. All power to Rowling and Watson for giving young girls a great role model.

Less likely to arouse the audience is the scene in which He Who Must Not Be Named confronts his favourite acolyte, Snape. Voldy is under the impression that in order for the Elder Wand to work most effectively, the previous owner must die, and as Snape killed Dumbledore, that makes it Snape (as Batman said to Rachel Dawes,stay with me… RACHEL!!!). So, as Potter and pals watch on, Voldemort orders Nagini to bite poor Severus to death. As they go to help, they find him mortally wounded, but there is just enough time for him to cry a single tear, and tell Harry that he has his mother’s eyes. Then the most popular character in the series dies. But that’s no regular tear, that’s a collection of memories in tear form (hey, we’ve all done it) which Harry collects and, during a brief cease fire, takes to Dumbledore’s office where he can view them in the Pensieve (basically a VHS player for memories. Exactly like that in fact).

In all seriousness, this is probably the best sequence in the entire franchise. We see edited highlights off Snape’s memories from his childhood to his death. We witness the moment he first met and, indeed, fell in love with Lily, Harry’s mother. And in an exquisitely edited montage, we come to understand how Snape grew into the man we know and love to hate. Not only that, but we hear dialogue and see clips from previous films as well as moments intentionally hidden from the viewer, slowly unraveling the enigma of this character. It all ties together beautifully and we realise that not only was Snape a good man, he was in fact a hero. He killed Dumbledore on his orders to spare Draco, as Dumbledore was already dying. We learn that he helped Harry find the Sword of Gryffindor in the previous film, and more over, we learn that Snape never stopped loving Lily, beautifully demonstrated by a flashback of him finding her body. As he cradles her, weeping uncontrollably, we see a side of him we’ve never seen before, a side we never knew existed. Far from being cold and cruel, Snape was an exceptionally good man who sacrificed himself to help the son of the woman he loved. But this was never to be revealed, as he tells Dumbledore, “No-one can know.” To which the great wizard replies, “I will not reveal the best of you, Severus.” And when asked whether he still loves Lily after all this time, he says, stoically, “Always.” Judging from the sniffs around the cinema, Snape was not the only one to shed a tear.

Another revelation in this montage was that Harry has a part of Voldemort attached to his soul and, to kill Voldemort, Harry must die. He accepts this, as both his parents and Snape sacrificed themselves for him, and he will do the same for his loved ones. So he walks past the walking wounded and the grieving friends and family of the fallen towards his fate in the Forbidden Forest. Voldemort greets him with the breathy and insidious comment that captivated us in all the trailers.

“Harry Potter. The boy who lived… Come to die. AVARDA KEDAVRA!” and Harry dies. Sort of. He finds himself in a Heaven-like realm with Dumbledore and sees that Voldemort has killed the part of his soul that was attached to Harry’s. Or something. It’s very convoluted by this point to be honest, I thought we might still be in the middle of an Alan Rickman pause and he would pop up to finish a sentence he started two hours ago. Basically, Harry comes back to life and begins the final battle with Lord Voldemort.

But before he does, he pretends to be dead and is carried by a weeping Hagrid back to the castle courtyard, led by The Dark Lord and his followers. As they are met by Harry’s friends, all of whom are horrified to see the apparently dead boy, Voldemort comes into his own. Laughing, rallying his troops, generally being a chronic douche. He then invites anyone from the (seemingly) losing side to join him. And here we get on the most memorable moments of the film, possibly of the series, POSSIBLY IN THE HISTORY OF CINEMA.

Voldemort hugs Draco Malfoy.

It. Is. Hilarious.

It’s the most awkward moment I recall ever seeing in a film, and I’m sure it’s intentionally so. Ralph Feinnes and Tom Felton play it brilliantly. Draco has, more or less, sided with the good guys by now, and only joins Voldy out of fear and a desire to rejoin his parents. Also, Voldy has clearly never hugged anyone in his life and doesn’t know how to do it. So the embrace is this ice cold, mechanical, strange incident which, on repeated viewing, makes sense. But when you first see it, and don’t know it’s coming, it’s SO funny. It’s so, SO, very funny, which does detract from the drama and tension somewhat, but then Neville rocks up, taking a stand for his beliefs and fallen leader. Once again, this got a cheer in the cinema. I expect sales of cardigans will increase this Christmas thanks to one Neville Longbottom. And with that, and to the amazement of all, Harry springs back to life. Voldy can’t believe it, and neither can most of his cronies who, seeing that Potter is practically immortal, make like a Whomping Willow and leave. The Dark Lord is practically deserted, but chases Potter around the grounds, knowing he is safe as long as his remaining Horcrux, Nagini, is still alive. So it should have slithered away somewhere to hide but, being equally douchey as its Master, goes after Ron and Hermione.

And while Harry and Voldemort are fighting all over the castle, winding their way back to the courtyard, Nagini strikes. It lunges, fangs protruding, at the newly formed couple. Is this the end? Hell no, for the hero of the hour, Neville, leaps to their defense and with one precise swipe with the Sword of Gryffindor, slices the snake’s head clean off. It’s a terrific slow motion shot and cements Neville’s heroic status. Also, it makes for a great animated GIF. Both Harry and his nemesis see this (the beheading, not the GIF), they both realise The Dark Lord is now mortal, and in one final, epic confrontation, they duel, casting spells at each other one very last time. But Harry has fate, honour, bravery and strength on his side, Voldy has nothing, and his wand is sent spinning from his hand and in to that of the victorious Harry Potter. Having his killing curse deflect back upon him, Lord Voldemort dies an agonizing death, as he slowly disintegrates, and the day is won.

The movie seemingly ends with Harry walking among his fellow survivors, exchanging relieved smiles and embraces. Even if a viewer is unfamiliar with the films, this one sequence alone includes such illustrious actors as Emma Thompson, Miriam Margolyes, Jim Broadbent, Robbie Coltrane and Maggie Smith among others, which is impressive in itself. The second great wizarding war is over and Voldemort is never to return.

As the three friends assess the devastation around them, Ron tells Harry that with the Elder Wand, he could be immortal. And with that, Harry snaps it and throws it off a bridge, declaring that nobody should have that much power. And as the sun rises, our three heroes look out together at a brighter future, and the greatest film franchise ever ends in beautiful fashion.

And that’s how I’d like to end this epic retrospective. Really, I would. But I can’t. Because then we have The Epilogue. Now, going into this film, we all knew that the book ended 19 years later, but would this make the film? Would it be necessary and if so, would it be any good? We got our answers. Yes, not really, and no.

After the fade to black, we get a title card saying 19 YEARS LATER, and a ripple of anticipation flowed through the cinema, as we were intrigued to see how they’d do it. It’s Kings Cross and, like the first film, we see young wizards with their pet owls, rolling up to Platform 9 and ¾. Then the camera pans up and we see…

Daniel Radcliffe sporting the least convincing age make up since my brother put talcum powder in his hair aged 6 and pretended to be our grand dad. It looks like the make up people hurriedly drew some wrinkles on his face with a mascara pen and powdered his hair. Sniggers filled the room and what was hopefully going to be an emotional farewell became a chortle riot. And they kept on coming. Seeing Hermione, Ron, Ginny and, best of all, Draco in their respective prosthetics and wigs kept had the audience doubled over with laughter. Which is a shame, really, because that’s not the way we wanted to end this decade long saga. But you know what? When we’d calmed down, the emotional impact did hit us. The sight of the now older trio waving their own wizarding kids off on the Hogwarts Express was very touching. The final shot is of our three heroes’ faces looking on as the train speeds away to their old school, and the original John Williams theme swells as the image fades to black, rounding off the series beautifully.

And there we have it. All good things must come to an end. And by Merlin’s beard! It was over TEN years ago when I worked in Cineworld Feltham, and heard about this new film coming out about a stoned philosopher, or something, which was going to be huge, apparently. Upon my first viewing, my mild skepticism turned to childlike wonder and I was hooked., along with millions of kids and grownups the world over. There will most likely never be anything quite like the HARRY POTTER films ever again, unless they reboot it in three years or so. But let’s hope not, eh? For these films really are a magical experience. Funny, touching, exciting, frightening, we’ve run the emotional gauntlet from PHILOSOPHER’S STONE to DEATHLY HALLOWS. We’ve seen some legendary thespians having a laugh, British TV comedy stalwarts in HUGE blockbuster action scenes, and we’ve watched children grow into stars as well as, more importantly, well rounded adults and lovely people. Watson, Grint and Radcliffe and now screen icons. Where will their careers lead? Well, they all have films in the pipeline. Watson is currently shooting THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER, Radcliffe’s THE WOMAN IN BLACK is already in the can and, most excitingly, Grint has been cast as Eddie the Eagle. And by now it’s been said so often that it’s become a cliché, but it’s true.

Watching them grow up before our eyes is very poignant, not least because most of us know people who grew up with the films. Heck, there’s a good chance that you, dear reader, have had your teenage years run parallel with that of Hogwart’s finest. And, if you’re like me, you’ll have a special place in your heart for the HARRY POTTER films because they, perhaps more than any other movies, show us the magic of friendship, family, fun and will be revered by generations.

As Professor McGonagall once said, BOOM!

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART II as well as the complete boxset of movies 1-8 are available now on BLU-RAY and DVD

New Stills For The Adventures Of Tintin

2011-09-23T04:21:00.000-07:00

A bounty of new Tintin images have appeared online for Steven Spielberg’s THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN: SECRET OF THE UNICORN. It seems Señor Spielberg might have actually succeeded in the difficult task of recreating Belgium’s most famous globe-trotting journalist for the big screen. The visual style looks pretty faithful to Hergé’s original illustrations.

Written by Steven Moffatt (BBC’S SHERLOCK), Edgar Wright (SCOTT PILGRIM) and Joe Cornish (ATTACK THE BLOCK), the script for SECRET OF THE UNICORN is based on three Tintin books; ‘The Crab with the Golden Claws’, ‘The Secret of the Unicorn’ and ‘Red Rackam’s Treasure‘. The cast includes Jamie Bell (THE EAGLE), Andy Serkis (LORD OF THE RINGS), Simon Pegg (PAUL), Nick Frost (SPACED) and Daniel Craig (COWBOYS & ALIENS).

THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN: SECRET OF THE UNICORN is due for release in the UK on 26th October 2011, and in the US on the 23rd December 2011.

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