Film Lovers Guide to Comic-Con 2012

Cross-posted on and commissioned by Film.com

It's that time of year again! The week in July when 130,000 fans descend on to San Diego to celebrate all that is Geek. We've decided to take a look at the film related panels making at appearance at Comic-Con 2012 to aid you attendees in knowing when to line up, or you non attendees in knowing when to take to Twitter to search for real time reactions. Whether you like big budget - high anticipation studio panels, fun to discover indie panels, or lively discussions about film in general, here is the guide that directs you to them all.

Thursday

The Big Guns

If you have never experienced a Twilight panel, folks, now is your last chance. Start your morning off right with all the squealing and shrieking you could ever wish for (and fingers crossed a look at Warm Bodies too?), then follow it up with some healthy nostalgia courtesy of Disney, Tim Burton, L. Frank Baum and old school video games - and don't be surprised if the wonderful looking Wreck it Ralph steals Thursday completely - then finish up with the MOST testosterone as every famous man with muscles ever takes the stage to talk Expendables. The big question on lots of people's minds - will Lionsgate show a clip from Dredd (I think yes) or announce the casting of Finnick Odair (I think no) - show up or stay tuned to find out.

12:45-1:45 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn-Part 2— Summit Entertainment presents a sneak peek at the highly anticipated conclusion of The Twilight Saga films. This is a must-see for fans interested in the story's final chapter. You will be shown exclusive footage from The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn-Part 2 and be treated to a cast and filmmaker Q&A session providing details on the epic finale. Hall H 


2:05-3:05 Walt Disney Studios: Frankenweenie, Oz The Great and Powerful, and Wreck-it Ralph— Walt Disney Studios hosts a Q&A panel featuring the imaginative director of Frankenweenie, Tim Burton (Alice in Wonderland); a special look at the world of Oz The Great and Powerful with director Sam Raimi (Spider-Man trilogy); and the illustrious voice cast of Walt Disney Animation Studios' Wreck-It Ralph, including John C. Reilly (Step Brothers) and Sarah Silverman (The Sarah Silverman Program), and director Rich Moore (Futurama). Hall H

4:45-5:45 The Expendables 2-Real American Heroes— Sylvester Stallone and the legendary cast of the sequel to 2010's smash hit film preview the real-deal muscles, weapons, skills, and explosions that went into making a film even bigger and badder than the original. Terry Crews, Randy Couture, Dolph Lundgren, Jean Claude Van Damme, and Arnold Schwarzenegger will join the panel discussion.Hall H 

Discover Me!

A whole slew of movies you might not have heard of will be making their case to the fan community on Thursday. Although Jackie Chan's latest is in Hall H, it still remains a bit of a mystery, and those are always a delightful time (remember Twixt last year? Anyone?) and returning for its second year is the Virtual Drive In, which takes a look at smaller genre films and hosts a discussion with their filmmakers. Plus, the panel will kick off with trailers, clips and intros from indie films other than the three featured, so make a point to get there right at 6:15 to maximize your ability to discover and brag a year from now that you knew a movie would be awesome first (see: Tucker and Dale vs Evil.)

11:00-12:00 Twisted Twins: American Mary— Jen and Sylvia Soska (of Twisted Twins Productions and the makers of Dead Hooker in a Trunk) and Todd Masters (of MASTERSFX and make-up effects producer on True Blood) will discuss the use of prosthetics in horror. The Soskas will also address the challenges of working in a male-dominated genre. They will unveil a sizzle reel from their new film American Mary. Paula Lindberg (Ruby in American Mary) will also be on the panel, which is moderated by Beth Accomando (author of the KPBS blog Cinema Junkie). Room 5AB 





3:00-4:00 Hotel Transylvania—Animation superstar and 12-time Emmy nominee Genndy Tartakovsky, who previously created Dexter's Laboratory, Samurai Jack, Sym-Bionic Titan and Star Wars: Clone Wars, makes his directorial debut this year with Sony Pictures Animation's Hotel Transylvania. Join Genndy for an exclusive sneak peek at footage from Hotel Transylvania and an exciting look behind the scenes of this very unique project, which boasts a hilarious voice cast.

Welcome to Hotel Transylvania, Dracula's lavish five-stake resort, where monsters and their families can live it up, free to be the monsters they are without humans to bother them. On one special weekend, Dracula has invited some of his best friends -- Frankenstein and his bride, the Mummy, the Invisible Man, the Werewolf family, and more -- to celebrate his beloved daughter Mavis's 118th birthday. For Drac, catering to all of these legendary monsters is no problem – but everything could change for the overprotectiv e dad when one ordinary guy stumbles on the hotel and takes a shine to Mavis.

Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront 


3:25-4:25 CZ12— Jackie Chan & JJ Productions Limited are happy to bring you Jackie Chan's upcoming classical full-action feature movie CZ12, which is produced and directed by Jackie Chan. The movie stars Jackie Chan, Kwone Sang Woo and with a special guest appearance by Oliver Platt. It is filmed in multi-territories including China, France, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vanuatu, Australia, and  Latvia. Trailers will be presented and a Q&A will be held for the film. Hall H 




6:15-8:15 The Virtual Drive-In— Come with us again to those thrilling days of yesteryear where one of the few places you could see offbeat genre films was at your local drive-in, huddled safely in your car as the summer sky darkened around you. At least that was the germ of an idea that gave birth to this panel last year, and the reception by those fans who attended was so positive they're doing it again. So, welcome to the second edition of the Virtual Drive-In, where you will preview three twisted tales by some talented filmmakers who will all be appearing on the panel to discuss their work and take your questions. Moderated by Robert Meyer Burnett. The featured films are:

Branded -- A dark and mind-bending journey into a surreal, dystopian society where mega-corporations have unleashed a monstrous global conspiracy to get inside our minds and keep the population deluded, dependent and passive. One man's quest to unlock the truth behind the conspiracy will lead to an epic battle with the hidden forces that really control our world. Appearing on stage is director Jamie Bradshaw.

Crave -- Aiden (Josh Lawson) fantasizes about a better life away from his gruesome job as a crime scene photographer working alongside his detective friend Pete (Ron Perlman)-a heroic life where he falls in love with the perfect woman and dispenses justice on the hard streets of Detroit. When he meets the alluring young Virginia (Emma Lung) and steals a gun from a crime scene, the line between his darkest fantasies and reality begins to blur, with deadly consequences. This visually arresting psychological noir begins its festival run with its world premiere at the Fantasia Film Festival and continues on to other festivals around the world. Appearing on stage: Josh Lawson (House of Lies) and director Charles de Lauzirika, with other guests to be announced.

Coldwater -- "Make sure the past isn't watching you." Andre agrees to help out his friend Robert by taking over a housesitting job at an unusual house nestled in the heart of Coldwater Canyon. As the day turns into night, Andre experiences strange things that lead him to believe he is not alone and that someone or something is watching him. Appearing in person are writer/director Dave Parker (The Hills Run Red) and star Ivan Djurovic (24).

Hall H 


8:00-9:00 The Image Revolution Documentary— Twenty years ago, the seven biggest artists in comics created a company that revolutionized comics. Now, director Patrick Meaney (Grant Morrison: Talking with Gods) and producer Jordan Rennert (Warren Ellis: Captured Ghosts) are telling the company's story in a new documentary produced by Sequart and Respect Films. Get a first look at the film, and talk about the highs and lows of Image history with a couple of special guests. Moderated by F. J. De Santo (The Spirit). Room 32AB 

Let's Discuss

Thursdays opportunities for discussion range from fan gabbing about one property, to multiple artists with something in common discussing their work, to professionals remisicing about one golden year in science fiction, to advice on low budget filmmaking, to movie bloggers having a blast talking about what they love and hate and why, to the process of creating a blu-ray. If you can't make it into any of the giant panels, there is still plenty to whet the whistle of a major film fan.

10:15-11:15 TheOneRing.net: The Truth About The Hobbit— The Hobbit movie is imminent just at the book turns 75. With on-set visits, intrepid reporting, and the pulse of fans worldwide, the TORn staff shred rumors, answer questions, share New Zealand images-but not as part of the official publicity machine. Also featuring a special visual presentation from Weta Workshop and an account of Fandalf traveling the world and (all that is the tip of the iceberg!). Featuring Cliff Broadway (Ringers: Lord of the Fans) and Larry D. Curtis (Hobbit embedded reporter) and additional staff and guests. Room 6DE 


11:15-12:00 DreamWorks Animation— DreamWorks Animation's chief creative officer Bill Damaschke anchors a diverse group of filmmakers to demo and discuss the artistic ambition and technical innovation that goes into moviemaking at DreamWorks Animation. Moderated byAnthony Breznican from Entertainment Weekly.Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront 



3:00-4:00 1982: It was 30 Years Ago Today-Greatest Geek Year Ever!— It's time to stand up and cheer the greatest geek year ever-three decades later-and the editors of Geek Magazine and guests are here to tell you all about it on this nostalgic trip down memory lane in which they go back to the future. Geek editors Jeff Bond andDavid E. Williams are joined by screenwriter Ashley E. Miller (Thor, X-Men: First Class), director Robert Meyer Burnett (Free Enterprise, The Hills Run Red), writerSteve Melching (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Transformers: The Series), Steve Kriozere(V.I.P., Elvis Van Helsing), Bill Hunt, Todd Doogan and Dr. Adam Jahnke (The Digital Bits, Geek), and Mark A. Altman (Free Enterprise, Femme Fatales, Castle) to discuss the year that gave us Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Blade Runner, E.T., Tron, Poltergeist, Conan: The Barbarian, The Road Warrior, The Thing, Liquid Sky (Liquid Sky? Really?!?),The Sword and the Sorcerer, Diner, 48 Hours, Dexy's Midnight Runner's "Come On Eileen" and many more. What's your favorite? And can 2012 possibly compare? You be the judge. On second thought, they'll be the judge. Moderated by Geek Magazine(geekexchange.com). Room 5AB 



3:15-4:15 Low Budget/Big Genre: Making it Fun— Script developers, producers, writers, and actors discuss lower-budget genre movies and some of the tools they use to make them so much fun that people keep coming back for more. Panelists include writer/director Eric Forsberg (Syfy, The Asylum, Active Entertainment), Micho Rutare(development executive, The Asylum), actress Gabriel Womack (Triassic Attack, Copperhead), Mark Beltzman (Re-Animator, the Musical), Karen Goodman Forsberg (producer and co-founder, Big Bear Horror Film Festival), and Bill Lundy (writer, Silent Warning, Alien Siege on SyFy; head of Scriptwriters Network).Marriott Hall 2, Marriott Marquis & Marina 


4:30-5:30 Masters of the Web— The annual gathering of some of the most prominent and influential film pundits on the web discuss the film industry, writing for film online, film fandom, and a whole lot more. Moderated by star of the new Lionsgate film Dredd, Karl Urban (Star Trek, Lord of the Rings: Return of the King), with special surprise cast members from the film. Panelists include Mike Sampson(ScreenCrush.com), Jen Yamato (MovieLine.com), Mali Elfman (ScreenCrave.com),Erik Davis (Movies.com), Steve "Frosty" Weintraub (Collider.com), Grae Drake(Fandango.com), Jenna Busch (Cocktails with Stan Lee), and Edward Douglas(ComingSoon.net), and hosted by John Campea (AMC Theatres). AMC is generously providing free movies passes to all attendees of the panel this year! Room 24ABC 


5:00-6:00 Blu-ray Producers 2012— Bill Hunt, Todd Doogan, and Dr. Adam Jahnke ofThe Digital Bits.com and Geek Monthly discuss the process of making great Blu-ray special editions with producers Charles de Lauzirika (Prometheus, The Amazing Spider-Man), Cliff Stephenson (The Hunger Games, The Expendables 2), and Robert Meyer Burnett (Star Trek: The Next Generation-Seasons One and Two), as well as Warner Home Video's senior VP of theatrical catalog marketing George Feltenstein. Audience participation is encouraged. Room 5AB 



Your Daily Trailer Park

What's Comic-Con without a trailer park?

11:30-12:30 Trailer Park— A Comic-Con tradition comes home to Hall H! See the latest in trailers from your upcoming soon-to-be-favorite films, including some in that new-fangled 3D contraption (glasses provided, but please give them back as you exit the hall).Hall H 

The rest of the week after the jump!

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July at the Movies

Cross-posted on and commissioned by Film.com


Now smack dab in the middle of the Summer movie season, July gives us the last two giant superhero flicks of the year, along with raunchy comedies, adult dramas, and two giant handfuls of festival darlings. Plus the biggest box office war of all time begins when 'The Dark Knight Rises' steps in to challenge Avengers for the all time throne. So what do we have to look forward to?

Marvel vs DC

"The Amazing Spiderman" - Tuesday, July 3rd

Peter Parker finds a clue that might help him understand why his parents disappeared when he was young. His path puts him on a collision course with Dr. Curt Connors, his father's former partner.

Marc Webb's sadly mostly unnecessary reboot of the Spider-Man franchise finally hits theaters on Tuesday. While Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone make a stellar Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy, and the film's fight and flight sequences are fantastic, the story falls a little flat, as it feels way too well tread already, not rebooting the series truly from the ground up the way Batman did or to a certain extent, X-Men did with 'First Class'. Still, the ingredients are there and I feel positive that an origin-less sequel, will bring out the best in the new series.

"The Dark Knight Rises" - Friday July 20th

Eight years after Batman took the fall for Two Face's crimes, a new terrorist leader, Bane, overwhelms Gotham's finest, and the Dark Knight resurfaces to protect a city that has branded him an enemy.

If any movie this summer has the potential to break the 'Avengers' 600 million worldwide record, it's the final installment in Chris Nolan's Batman franchise. I've tried my damnedest to know nothing about this film as I want to see everything for the first time when I plop down in my cushy IMAX chair, but I can tell you this - early world is that the film is a masterpiece and even better than 'The Dark Knight'. If it meets these expectations, maybe Oscar will finally give this series the Oscar nod it so richly deserved the last time around.

More after the jump!

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Hell Walk 2012 : Josh Tate Takes Doing Good To the Extreme Once More

For the second year in a row, Bad Robot employee and all around great guy Josh Tate is pushing the limits by walking 100 miles straight in 24 hours for a good cause. This year, instead of completing the 100 miles by walking around in a circle, he is taking to the streets and turning Los Angeles itself into his course, starting at USC Saturday and ending at the Dirt Cheap Sound Stage where the whole event took place last year, on Sunday, where it will be followed by a giant party. Oh, and he's walking for 32 hours - not 24. Whats his course look like? It must be seen to be believed. Follow the red. And then follow the jump.

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Brave Thoughts

SPOILERS. ALL OVER THE PLACE. EVERYTHING. SPOILED. 

I just saw the 9:45 showing of Brave in 2D at 86th and 3rd. I didn't want the animation to be muddied or dark, and I'm very glad I saved the three bucks and forewent seeing it in 3D.

The movie is utterly charming. It's funny, it's madcap, it's sweet, it is absolutely stunningly beautiful. I was actually jarred a few times by the photorealism. The score is lovely- the second song less memorable and moving than the first- but in general it's a movie that fits together beautiful. After all, look at the people who made it.

Because it is a Pixar film, it is extremely easy to find the faults, because they stick up from the surrounding landscape like great stone monoliths. There's a lull in the middle. Some of the mad cap is too mad cappy, some of the gags were obvious and not particularly clever. The humor aimed at small children was the weakest, but the younger members of my audience laughed boisterously through them, so clearly those jokes hit their mark, just like the impeccably rendered arrows Merida lets fly with such abandon and skill. BAM. LIKE A WRITER,YO.

The core of the film is the relationship between Merida, a sixteen year old tomboy who has only ever treated her future title as a distantly looming annoyance, and her mother Queen Eleanor, who is so steeped in tradition she believes in magic. They are both awesome. Their story is fantastic- they love each other deeply, amuse and vex and exasperate each other endlessly, and for all the world cannot get the other to hear what they mean to say, because they're both so busy trying to do that that neither one of them is listening to the other. They war, come to an understanding, and forgive each other. Both grow in the process. I cried like a baby at the end. Like ya do, it's Pixar (full disclosure: I have seen neither of the Cars movies, nor do I... particularly intend to. If you cried during either of them, please tell me so in the comments below).

The parts of the film that confused me were the MacGuffins. Or didn't confuse me, exactly, I just felt they weren't entirely necessary.

Find them after the jump

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The Top Documentaries of LA Film Fest 2012

Cross-posted on Film.com


This past Sunday marked the end of the 2012 Los Angeles Film Festival, which boasted the world premieres of big ticket films like “To Rome With Love”, “Magic Mike,” “Brave” and “Seeking a Friend For the End of the World.” But the heart of the fest is in its lesser-known titles, the indie flicks without distributors or making festival rounds and the docs that may be destined for Oscar nominations.

Here we take a look at the latter of these categories with my top five documentary features of L.A. Film Fest 2012.

The Person — “Beauty is Embarrassing”

“Beauty is Embarrassing,” a profile on artist Wayne White, was perhaps the most personal doc of L.A. Film Fest. While others follow stories, movements or profile many people at once, “Beauty” follows the story of one man and his success and struggle as an artist. White himself is our narrator of sorts, providing the thrust of the narrative; doubly so as the film is framed by snippets of his one-man show. Any artist can relate to the circumstances that got White started and guided his life, and the film secretly acts as inspiration for anyone out there aspiring to make a living from their artistry.

Director Neil Berkeley’s adventurous directing — which includes a couple of animated sequences-as-flashbacks that I adored — reflects White’s style in many ways and links the story and filmmaking in a way documentaries rarely do. When especially considering the current state of pop art, which has birthed the wildly lucrative pop culture art of Mondo, Gallery 1988 and more, this doc pays proper due to the man who was in many ways the founder of the movement, the man who made comedy, irreverence and entertainment acceptable in the art world. It it also worth noting that White looks and sounds like both Zach Galifianakis and LAFF entry “Red Flag” actor Onur Tukel, and the three of them should start a band/ comedy troupe/ experimental theatre company as soon as possible.

The Movement — “Birth Story: Ina May Gaskin and the Farm Midwives”

You know you’re in for something special when right before a movie starts the director asks, “Who here hasn’t seen a birth before?” As my arm shot up, I began to realize I was about to witness something intense. “Birth Story: Ina May Gaskin and the Farm Midwives” does more to solidify the relationship between mother and daughter than any part of this weekend’s top release, “Brave,” did. The film tracks the history of Ina May Gaskin and the group of midwives that live on The Farm in Tennessee, a community originally born by a giant group of San Francisco-based hippies in the ’70s. After directors Sara Lamm and Mary Wigmore got through their births naturally with the help of Gaskin’s “Spiritual Midwifery,” a book read by any birth specialist who knows what’s what, they knew they had to tell her story and show off the beauty of the natural birthing she fights for in the process. Luckily for them, a chockful of archival photos and videos were uncovered, including footage of some of the more complicated births like Breach or Shoulder dystocia. In a hospital, situations like this would have led to an immediate knife, but these midwives argue steadfastly that women’s bodies were meant to bear children and the caesarean rate is out of control, a fact exemplified by the statistic that the U.S.’s childbirth mortality rate for mothers has drastically increased as the caesarean rate has.

“Birth Story” is unique because it both acts as an educational tool, teaching us about the history of the Farm and midwifery as a profession and skill, and as an emotional journey into assisting and experiencing motherhood. I found myself moved to tears by every birth in the film and when the Breach birth is a success, the whole audience burst into applause, overcome with an empathetic wave of relief and joy. Do you know how crazy it is to watch a tiny human come out of a big human?

But far from crazy, the act is a beautiful experience, and this film details the importance of understanding that, of not being afraid, of laughing, smiling, trusting and knowing that *you* are in control, not a surgery-happy doctor. Especially after seeing the HBO doc about aging models, “About Face,” I found myself filled with emotion hearing these older women note that though midwifery is sadly a dying profession (even illegal in Alabama), it is also one of the only ones where grey hair in a woman is respected, a sign that she is better at her job than most anyone else. “Birth Story” is a must-see for any woman — and, frankly, any human — and will make you appreciate that the female body is capable of so much more. Beautiful, entertaining, and inspiring, it’s no surprise “Birth Story” won L.A. Film Fest’s Documentary Audience Award.

The rest after the jump!

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Shakespeare Forum's Hamlet

The Shakespeare Forum presents their inaugural production Hamlet at the Theater for the New City.

Lead by co-founders and directors Sybille Bruun and Tyler Moss, The Shakespeare Forum offers a weekly open workshop that allows New York artists to share pieces they're working on or just watch their peers. It is an ever-growing community of artists offering each other support and constructive criticism. Private classes are also available and the Forum is also developing an outreach program to public schools in need of theater arts education.

Hamlet marks The Forum's first ever production and having personally attended several of their Tuesday meetings, I am extremely excited to watch this fine ensemble (many Forum regulars) take on one of Shakespeare's finest plays. For whom better to perform Shakespeare than those regularly engaging with his work?


Hamlet
Directed by: Sybille Bruun
Starring: Dan De Jesus, Pat Dwyer, Adam Goodman, Dylan Kammerer, Erin Keskeny, Tyler Moss, James Patrick Nelson, Andrus Nichols, Tom O'Keefe, Chris Seiler, Brian Smolin, Claire Warden

Theater for the New City
155 First Avenue (between 9th & 10th St)

June 21-24, 26-30 at 7:30pm
June 23, 24, 30 & July 1 at 2pm

For more information and tickets, go here. See full post

Someone Who'll Watch Over Me @ Canal Park Playhouse

The TRUF and The Canal Park Playhouse present a new production of Frank McGuiness' Tony Award nominated play Someone Who'll Watch Over Me. The play involves three Westerners--an American, Irishman, and Englishman--imprisoned as hostages in Lebanon, whose constant seesaw between hope and fear are revealed in their conversations and storytelling.

Someone Who'll Watch Over Me captures the duality and reciprocity of both faith and communication; with each conversation had and story told, the characters grow to feel responsible for each other, while the audience is tied to them as the ultimate watchers of their tale. Directed by Justin Lauro, this intimate and well-paced production features Lauro, Timothy Riley, and Alex Teachey who all wonderfully capture the intensity of their characters' circumstances, while keeping the audience invested in their emotional turmoil and wondering about their futures.

Someone Who'll Watch Over Me is paired with the play Sarazad and The Monster-King, a retelling of the frame tale of Arabian Nights, which also deals with themes on the power of storytelling. Both can be seen at Canal Park Playhouse.




Someone Who'll Watch Over Me
Written by: Frank McGuinness
Directed by: Justin Lauro
Featuring: Justin Lauro, Timothy Riley, and Alex Teachey


Running now until July 20th
Wednesday-Saturday, 8PM

Canal Park Playhouse
508 Canal Street (between Greenwich and West St)

For tickets go here See full post

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World Prize Pack! WE LOVE CONTESTS!

We're contest FIENDS at this point!

So what's this one?!

You know the drill! Enter the handy dandy rafflecopter and win a prize pack!

One (1) winner will receive:

·         $25 Visa

·         Official Soundtrack (CD)

·         T-Shirt

·         Tote Bag

·         Lip Balm

·         Shot Glass

·         Glow Stick & Bracelet

·         Key Chain

One (1) additional winner will receive the official Soundtrack, T-shirt, Tote Bag, Lip Balm, Shot Glass, Key Chain, Glow Stick & Bracelet

"Seeking a Friend For The End Of the World.", directed by Lorene Scafaria, previously best known for writing the charming "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist," rather than the raunchy comedy marketing suggests, is in fact very much a romantic drama, littered with comedic moments. The film follows Dodge (Steve Carell), a corporate drone whose wife leaves him the moment it's announced that an asteroid is headed straight for Earth and everyone has three weeks left to live. He soon encounters his free spirited neighbor Penny (Keira Knightly in full Manic Pixie Dreamgirl mode), who herself has just left her simpering wannabe musician loser of a boyfriend. The two strike up an unlikely friendship as they try to help the other, getting Dodge to "the one that got away" who recently wrote him a letter professing her love, and getting Penny back to family across the pond, who she hasn't been very good at keeping in touch with while playing records and wrecking havoc on men's hearts across the US. The film shows how even in the face of The End, when people primarily cling to a pointless routine or revel in rallying against it, two souls can still find each other and that fulfillment they always dreamed of, but gave up on long ago. "Seeking a Friend..." is extremely sweet, perhaps to his detriment, as at times it is primarily ruled by a sentimentality some may find inauthentic, though it spoke greatly to me. As Knightly and Carrel don't have a sexual chemistry per se, the audience must do some reaching to fully buy their burgeoning romance, but I wouldn't go so far as to say it doesn't work on its face. These are lonely people who find each other in the heightened emotional landscape of a disaster. If you connect to that and to them, the film works. If you don't, I can feel you wincing already. Still, the script is strong and accomplishes what it sets out to do, paying off everything it sets up in unpredictable, if not slightly schmaltzy ways. "Seeking a Friend..." certainly won't be for everyone, and succeeds far more as a romantic drama than a comedy, but it will no doubt find an audience who connects with its message.

Enter here!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Link Up!

Visit the Official website         

Follow Seeking a Friend on Twitter #seekingafriend

Become a fan of Facebook

Pin Your End of the World Lists!

Create a Playlist and share it with Friends!

"Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World" Soundtrack Tracklisting

1. Wouldn't It Be Nice (The Beach Boys)

2. Devil Inside (INXS)

3. Sex Tourists (French Kicks)

4. In The Time Of My Ruin (Frank Black)

5. Set Adrift On Memory Bliss (Radio Edit) (P.M. Dawn)

6. The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine (Anymore) (The Walker Brothers)

7. The Air That I Breathe (The Hollies)

8. Dance Hall Days (Wang Chung)

9. Ooh (Scissor Sisters)

10. This Guy's In Love with You (Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass)

11. Stay With Me (The Walker Brothers)

12. Dodge Walks Home/The Beach (Rob Simonsen & Jonathan Sadoff)

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EPIC ALERT: Support Hell Walk 2012 And Win Cool Ass Geek Shit

GUYS!

Remember Hell Walk 2011??

Well it's back for round two next Saturday, June 30th-July 1st when Bad Robot employee and all around awesome dude Josh Tate will walk 100 miles around Los Angeles before concluding with a giant party in Santa Monica. But more on that when we post a full interview later in the week.

For now, I want to draw your attention an event happening tomorrow night in LA to support Hell Walk being held at Hell Walk birthplace Sonny McLean's in Santa Monica. I went last year, had a great time, won awesome stuff, met great people, danced to fantastic music, and now you can do the same!

So what makes this fundraiser so great? It's free to attend, but once inside you have the option of buying raffle tickets that can win you some of the following BEYOND EPIC ITEMS AHH

• Silent Auction Item: Signed hockey stick by the entire 2012 LA Kings Stanley Cup Winning Team
• Signed Dark Knight script by Christopher Nolan and Jonah Nolan
• Signed Star Trek poster by J.J. Abrams
• Signed Super 8 poster by J.J. Abrams
• Signed Star Trek poster by Leonard Nimoy
• Signed Avengers poster by Stan Lee
• Signed MIB3 poster by Rick Baker
• Signed Iron Man poster by Jon Favreau
• (4) Field-level tickets to an LA Dodgers game + VIP Parking + Batting Practice
• Box set of LOST
• Box set of Alias
• Box set of Felicity
• Seasons 1, 2, 3 of Fringe
• Bad Robot Movies DVD Collection including Star Trek, Super 8, Mission Impossible: III, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, Cloverfield, Morning Glory
• Bowling pin signed by NBA superstar Chris Paul
• Two gift certificates from A.O.C. Winebar
• Two gift certificates from True Food Daily
• Gift certificate for 3-course dinner for four prepared by Chef Mike Doutt (who makes Bad Robot's amazing food)
• CDs and sheet music signed by Michael Giacchino
• SO MUCH MORE

Yeah. You don't wanna miss this. I WANT TO WIN ALL OF THE THINGS AHHHHH!!!!

RSVP on Facebook here. More info on the event below!

Holy Slapstick Batman! Hell Walk 2 Fundraiser Raises the Bar with Geek-tastic Raffles! 

Santa Monica, CA (June 21, 2012) - After walking around a 100-foot circle for 24 consecutive hours and succeeding in raising $25k for Children's Hope Chest for Hell Walk 1, Co-creator, and "Hell Walk-er", Josh Tate has a mission to push himself even further for Hell Walk 2. On June 30, 2012, instead of walking for 24 hours around a 100-foot circle, he's going to walk for 100 miles throughout Los Angeles and then end up at the Hell Walk 1 site: Dirt Cheap Soundstage (3019 Olympic Stage B, Santa Monica, CA) to conclude Hell Walk 2.  Josh will be walking with a goal to raise $50k to create scholarships for Special Operations Warrior Foundation. This organization (www.SpecialOps.org) benefits the children of military personnel who have lost parents in combat. 

Prior to the start of Hell Walk 2, a fundraiser, with a raffle & silent auction items, will be held on Saturday, June 23^rd at Sonny McLean's (2615 Wilshire Boulevard) in Santa Monica, CA. Raffle tickets can also be purchased online or in-person at the event. It will be a fantastic night of live music, great food, cold drinks and AWESOME PRIZES so please come on by starting at 6 pm! The list of raffles keeps growing, so check out the updated page onwww.HellWalk.com/Fundraiser/ to find out what items are available.  

About Hell Walk 2Hell Walk is a transparent organization with no bureaucracy. None of the funds raised will go to supporting any infrastructure or pay any salaries or expenses. All funds raised for Hell Walk 2 will go to fund five college scholarships (at $10,000 each) for military children who have lost their parents due to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Josh explains, "as the son of an Air Force veteran, I have always understood the immense sacrifices that our servicemen, servicewomen, and their families make every day. Too often, the sacrifice is the ultimate one. I know in my heart, [that raising $50k to go towards scholarships] will be the best thing I have EVER done in my life." Follow Hell Walk 2 on Twitter at @HellWalk2012 and "Like" Hell Walk 2 on Facebook at:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hell-Walk-2/269714799753130.

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Fiona Apple is still fantastic

Fiona Apple's new album, The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do, is her most adventurous album yet. And it'll probably be her least profitable album too.



The inaccessibility of her album (to a larger, mainstream audience) is exactly what marks her phenomenal evolution as a musician. Fiona Apple always challenged her listeners with her whimsical yet deep, angry yet tender, and full of archaic diction lyrics. This time, even more so than her last effort, Extraordinary Machine, she confronts listeners with the beautifully subtle yet jarring pace and tone of her music. It is the type of album that invites multiple listens; an album that one sinks into rather than merely floats on top of. Between recordings of screaming schoolyard children ("Werewolf") and decrescendos that sound like complete pauses ("Valentine"), Apple continues to prove that she's still eager to experiment musically rather than rely on her sweeping piano sounds that made her a success at 19 with the release of Tidal. With each album she's experimented with different music, while always finding a fit with her poignant lyrics. On this new album, the music punctuates the themes and mood of her lyrics, rather than harmonize with them. There are no potential single hits on The Idler Wheel..., no catchy melodies (although maybe one could argue that "Hot Knife" has potential to be a Summer jam but I won't make that digression). She sings--with the most unabashed rough and vulnerable vocals I've ever heard from her--about the push and pull of emotions and the need to be loved but also be free in solitude; she wants to feel everything ("Every Single Night") but she doesn't want to talk about anything ("Jonathan"). The album plays like an improvised, deconstructed jazz session where words and music don't always seem to piece together, phrase by phrase, but somehow swirl together cohesively by the end of each song. Even the songs with familiar vocal harmonies and conventional tempos still have a refreshingly offbeat quality. Equally blissful and brooding moments punch out but then fall back again into the strangely subdued intricate flow of the entire album. Her lyrics convey that she's still prone to bouts of anger and sullenness but her music shows signs of growth and maturity because she's not relying on melodic tunes or her long-time collaborator/producer Jon Brion to communicate with her audience.

The Idler Wheel... is whole but fragmented; a beautiful contradiction that sounds raggedly bare and minimalistic at first but peels back to show its smooth complexion beneath its layers. It has what I deem to be imperfections but it feels so authentic to me that I love it despite its flaws (which are just few songs I prefer to skip). It's not an easy listen because Apple is not making perfectly popular, packaged music. But it's a rewarding listen because she's conveying her contradictory nature through her work, while continuing to refuse to conform to anyone's standards or expectations. Although it is a delicate album, it's also her most bold statement since When the Pawn... and it deserves your full attention.

Recently, the debate over illegally downloading music has been re-sparked on the internet. So with that discussion refueled, I urge you to please legally buy Fiona Apple's album! She is an artist that so needs the financial support of her audience, in order to prove to her record company that she's still worth investing in and that her music should never be shelved mid-production or delayed in its release (like it has been on her last two albums). I'd like my prediction that this will be her least profitable album to be proven wrong! I highly recommend buying the deluxe edition of The Idler Wheel... on iTunes because it comes with an awesome digital journal/flipbook with Apple's handwritten lyrics and sketches:
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Moonrise Kingdom Prize Pack Giveaway WHAT!!!!!

Beyond words excited for this one.

We are super duper excited to be giving away two prize packs for one of my favorite movies so far this year, Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom. THIS MOVIE MAKES ME SO HAPPY. And aren't Sam and Suzy kind of a little bit alt Sally and Glen from Mad Men? Just a teensy bit? MOONRISE KINGDOM IS ALL OF THE BEST.

One lucky winner will receive:

·         $25 Fandango Gift card

·         T-Shirt

·         Patches (set of two)

·         Cooler

·         Canteen

·         Soundtrack

And an additional winner gets:

         T-Shirt

·         Patches (set of two)

·         Cooler

·         Canteen

·         Soundtrack

Yeah, I KNOW, I want it too.

To enter, just do this Rafflecopter thingie. I love Rafflecopter. They make things easy and awesome. ENTER AWAY!! The contest ends when the film opens nationwide on June 29th.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Top Five Movie Related Games of E3 2012

 Cross-posted on Film.com

This past week E3 returned to our lives, filling our twitter feeds with news about all of the best and worst gaming has to offer. We had the opportunity to check out some of the biggest film related titles on display and narrowed them down to our top five to keep an eye on. Once again, Warner Brothers Interactive takes the big prize, no surprise as it's, you know, Warner Brothers, but every game on this list has the potential to be exceptions to the "any game based on a movie sucks" rule.

5. "Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes"

Following up with the success of the first 'Lego Batman', WB has opened up and expanded the universe to include 50 characters from all across the DC Universe. The open world game even allows characters like Green Lantern, Wonder Woman and Superman the ability to fly, complete with reticle for easy avoidance of Gotham City's architecture! Each character's powers and fighting style reflect them specifically (Wonder Woman throws her tiara like a batarang, Robin fights like the acrobat he is, Green Lantern can manipulate translucent green objects, Superman has heat vision, the Flash is SUPER FAST, which is EPIC FUN etc.) The main storyline involves the Joker and Lex Luthor working together to destroy Gotham City, forcing Batman and Robin to call in some friends to help defend the city. The opening scene, where Joker and Lex meet for the first time, was part of the playable demo. And by scene, I do mean full actual scene where things happen. For the first time ever, a Lego game will feature full voice acting, dialogue and a complete, original story.

Since "Lego Batman 2" is open world, your character is able to explore the city on foot, flying through the air, or via the Batmobile, Batwing or Batboat, following the main storyline, or taking on side missions like solving crimes or completing challenges along the way. While it feels like any other Lego game to play in-level, the new features like flying are a welcome addition, and having such an open world to explore adds a very cool dimension to the experience. Especially for fans of these characters, getting to see a new story and getting to play with all the powers of these beloved superheros should be a blast. The game comes to Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, DS and 3DS June 15th.

More after the jump!

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June at the Movies

Now that we are officially entrenched in Summer Movie season, it's time for the weekend battles for #1 to truly begin. After a May dominated by the Avengers until Men in Black III naturally progressed into the top slot weeks later, in June we will see major film after major film hitting theaters every week, each one hoping to reign supreme. I would be extremely surprised to see any one movie stay at #1 for more than a week during June, as while these films are huge, there is no Avengers-like Spiderman or Batman juggernaut until July. So what should we expect? Let's break it down!


For The Family


Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted (June 8)

Alex, Marty, Gloria and Melman are still fighting to get home to their beloved Big Apple. Their journey takes them through Europe where they find the perfect cover: a traveling circus, which they reinvent - Madagascar style.

I have yet to see a film from the Madagascar franchise (or Ice Age. Or Happy Feet.), but from what I can gather, the films are pretty good and especially beloved by the younger set, so expect it to do fairly well next weekend.
When am I seeing it? One day when I have kids of my own? I'm in no rush. Am I a bad person?


Brave (June 22)

Determined to make her own path in life, Princess Merida defies a custom that brings chaos to her kingdom. Granted one wish, Merida must rely on her bravery and her archery skills to undo a beastly curse.

It's a good year for chicks wielding a bow and arrows. This newest Pixar joint and the first have a female lead already has fantastic buzz after screening a half hour for critics earlier this year. I saw a bunch of footage at D23 way back when and although the somewhat tred storyline has never struck me as anything special, the film has always looked beautiful, with comedy and heart that work, from what I've been able to glean. I'm hoping it's a huge success, proving once and for all that animated films starring women can still be box office bonnanzas they once were.
When am I seeing it? Opening weekend, if not before. 


Indie Fare


Bel Ami (June 8)

A chronicle of a young man's rise to power in Paris via his manipulation of the city's most influential and wealthy women. 

Also known as the incomprehensible movie in which Robert Pattinson has sex with everyone. I can't necessarily say the movie is good, or makes much sense, but it was kind of fun to see Kristen Scott Thomas play bats**t and RPatz play an insanely handsome miserable bastard. The faces he makes alone may be worth the cost of a ticket. Maybe. 
When am I seeing it? I saw it. Meh.


Lola Versus (June 8)

Dumped by her boyfriend just three weeks before their wedding, Lola enlists her close friends for a series of adventures she hopes will help her come to terms with approaching 30 as a single woman.

Daryl Wein's follow up to the beloved Breaking Upwards, also co-written by Zoe Lister-Jones is definitely one of my most anticipated of the month.. I was excited for this movie initially just based on the subject matter - Greta Gerwig always seems to play women dealing with problems a few years away from me, but that still scare the bejesus out of me - but then I found out it's another collaboration between Wein & Lister-Jones, alums of the same NYU program as I am, and am now easily thrice as excited. Plus, Hamish Linklater! aka the best Sir Andrew in Twelfth Night I've ever seen! Can't wait. 
When am I seeing it? Opening week

More after the jump!
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