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Hercules Photo: Dwayne Johnson Carries a Big Stick

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Hercules star Dwayne Johnson took to Twitter again to give fans another look at his work in progress. This time out, we see Johnson carrying an enormous club and looking rather ready to battle. Recently, Johnson posted a photo of the Hercules helmet, the Hercules costume and set and one of a Hercules army looking fierce.

Hercules Dwayne Johnson Carries Club

Johnson sent out the picture to his Twitter followers with the following message:

“No ‘over-intellectualized actor speak, straight gut talk..bring it on.”

Someone is just a little excited about playing the iconic character! Too bad we have to way until July 25, 2014 to see the fruits of his labor. 


Planes Review: Kids Will Find it Soaring

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The world of Cars taking to the air could not be more of an apt way to describe Planes. The feel is the same. The themes are the same. It's just that the entire story takes place at thousands of feet elevation. Is that such a bad thing? If you’re a young child, it is frankly a little slice of heaven.

Dane Cook is Dusty in Planes

Planes is meant to be a spin-off of the popular Pixar franchise. Wings have replaced tires. Yet it is solely from Disney and one cannot help but feel a simultaneous case of delightful deja vu and the feeling that something is a little different -- and it has nothing to do with the altitude. Whereas Cars would find a quite broad audience, Planes has zeroed its engines squarely at the youngest members of the Disney fan club.

As seen in the Planes trailer, Dane Cook is Dusty, a crop duster who has daydreams of speed racing victories against the best. His aviator partner continually reminds him while they’re dusting crops of the reality of the situation and the importance of coming to terms with accepting one's limitations.

Dusty won't hear it and with the help of his mechanic (who comes in the form of a purple forklift voiced by Teri Hatcher) he readies to participate in an upcoming qualifying race. The goal: To make the grade for a cross-the-globe race.

Whether he makes it or not and how far he goes if he qualifies, you won’t get answers here. But what is interesting is how John Lasseter, a former head of Pixar who now runs Disney Animation, and screenwriter Jeffrey M. Howard have crafted a world that could not be more razor sharp when it comes to knowing its audience.

Planes Cast Photo

Inspiration flies left and right and it is easy to see how children will come flying out of the theaters ready to soar in whatever endeavor they seek to master. As a parent, that is a priceless shot of encouragement for a generation too often bombarded with negativity in today’s world. Adults may not enjoy Planes as much as Cars or other animated movies, but that was never really the point.

Finding the courage to fly when others seek to see you stay grounded can not be a better mantra for a young child to hear. And when told with vibrant and rich characters with a color palette that is exploding off the screen in 3D, for the young Movie Fanatic out there, Planes will feel like pure stimulation with a side of popcorn. But, it must be said that adults will not enjoy the film nearly as much. 

The only thing that might concern those seeking to take their children to see the film, our Planes review can report, is that the film shares a theme with a recent animated movie about a snail who dreams of racing in the Indy 500. Planes is no Turbo and their differences are clear in tone and message. And besides, nobody crafts stories for kids like the wonderful world of Disney.

You’re Next Clip: They Are Axing for It

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The latest slice of horror is ready to be served in the form of You’re Next. As seen in the You’re Next trailer, the film is not your standard stranded in a secluded house while people are trying to kill you movie.

A family reunion is violently broken up by a band of psychos who begin their assault on the house with a crossbow attack. Oh, and you can see by the You’re Next poster, these crazies wear animal masks. Thanks, now I have a new breed of nightmare… thanks to Lionsgate for their film that is hitting theaters August 23.

The animals are ready, are you? 

Weekend Movie Preview: August 9, 2013

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The weekend movie preview bets that the movie houses of the land are going to be busy places this second weekend in August. From the latest Disney movie, Planes, and Matt Damon's sci-fi thriller Elysium, to Jennifer Aniston and Jason Sudeikis' R-rated comedy We're the Millers, and the tween set being thrilled about the return of Percy Jackson, there is something for every taste at the cinemas this weekend. 

Elysium: Damon joins the world of District 9 helmer Neill Blomkamp and portrays a man living in 2154 where life, honestly, is not very good. Damon is on Earth where the wealthy have long abandoned it by heading to an orbiting paradise called Elysium. When Damon is injured at work, he learns he only has five days to live. If he lived on Elysium, he would be cured in 15 seconds. What's a guy to do? That is where the thrills begin as Damon does whatever he has to do to make it up there to save his life. As we stated in our Elysium review, the film is powerful, resonant and as timely as can be. Jodie Foster is steely as the antagonist, and boy, is she evil! 

We're the Millers: Aniston and Sudeikis make quite a comedic dream team as a "couple" who pretend to be married so that Sudeikis can bring back pounds of weed in an RV from Mexico. As our We're the Millers review stated, this is a little more than a one-note comedy, and the laughs haven't all been seen in teasers. Yet, there is something kind of missing from the film but when it comes to summer comedies... you could do worse -- much worse than We're the Millers.

Percy Jackson Sea of Monsters: Percy Jackson has a complex. He's worried he's a one-quest wonder! After saving the world in the first movie, Percy is having trouble maxing his mojo. But, when the barrier that protects the demigod's home is broken and their way of life is threatened, Jackson must venture to the Sea of Monsters to fight for what's right. Our Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters review finds that the film is good fun, filled with great action... even if the special effects leave a lot to be desired. Elementary school kids will adore it!

Planes: Planes is a spin-off of Cars and it shares the same themes and look as that Pixar/Disney smash. But, this time out Planes is solely from Disney... Pixar is not involved. As such, it suffers in the sense that the appeal is squarely for young kids. Adults may have a hard time finding anything interesting in the film... but kids will soar from the inspiration. For more, check out our Planes review.

Man of Steel Sequel: Will Mark Strong be Lex Luther?

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Given that there was so much, if you looked for it, that referenced Lex Luther in Man of Steel, it is not surprising that rumors are flying that the iconic Superman villain will appear in the sequel. Sure, we know that Batman will be in the Man of Steel sequel, but who is the antagonist for our superheroes to find common ground against? If it is Luther, word on the street is he’ll be played by British thespian Mark Strong.

Mark Strong Stars in Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

Strong was asked about it recently and gave the coyest of answers. “All I can say is… watch this space.” Now, what does that mean? Well, if you read between the lines, ladies and gentlemen, we’ve got our Lex Luther, it’s just that Strong can’t comment yet.

If you look closely at Man of Steel, LexCorp Easter Eggs could be found throughout.

The only issue that might prevent Strong, who we think would be a perfect Luther, is that he is already part of another DC Comics universe: Green Lantern. But, with that franchise not going anywhere… Movie Fanatic thinks Strong could be free to be the bald villain who has tormented Superman for generations. 

Expendables 3: Mel Gibson and Antonio Banderas Sign Up

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As Movie Fanatic previously reported, Harrison Ford has joined The Expendables 3, and now he has company as a newbie to the franchise. It has been announced that Mel Gibson and Antonio Banderas have joined the cast of The Expendables 3.

We’re guessing Sylvester Stallone is thrilled. Although Bruce Willis will not be back, losing Mr. Die Hard for Mr. Lethal Weapon and Mr. Zorro is a trade he’d make every day of the week.

Mel Gibson Nabs Machete Kills

We’re not sure what role Banderas will play, but we can report that Gibson will portray The Expendables 3 villain. We adore Jean Claude Van Damme and his turn as the evildoer in The Expendables 2, but something tells us that Gibson will find a new level of awfulness.

The Expendables 3 is set to start shooting this fall for an August 2014 release. 

Catching Fire International Trailer: Victory Tour Short Lived

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Katniss and Peeta should be enjoying life on their victory tour for winning The Hunger Games. But, President Snow has other ideas for these two who appear to be spawning a revolution in Catching Fire.

The international trailer for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire has landed from eOne films, hot off the news that Coldplay will do the Catching Fire theme. The latest teaser gives us a few moments more than we’ve seen so far from the first The Hunger Games: Catching Fire trailer that premiered at Comic-Con.

Catching Fire opens in theaters and IMAX on November 22 and brings back Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss, Josh Hutcherson as Peeta and Liam Hemsworth as Gale.

The cast has added some names since the first film in the Suzanne Collins page-to-screen effort including Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amanda Plummer and Jeffrey Wright.

Katniss is Jennifer Lawrence in Catching Fire

Lovelace Review: Empowering & Inspiring

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Amanda Seyfried is Linda Lovelace in Lovelace. One would think Lovelace would be a film that sensationalizes her journey from average American girl to porn star to one who rallies against the entire adult film industry. Yes, it does cover all those points with a razor sharp edge. But, as teased in the Lovelace trailer, the film is truly a story about how one woman’s abusive marriage nearly destroyed her and how she triumphed despite it.

Amanda Seyfried is Lovelace

Even looking at the Lovelace poster, one can feel that Seyfried is a revelation. She effortlessly plays the woman across the various incarnations of her life. From awkward older teenager living with her parents (Sharon Stone and Robert Patrick), through her early days married to Chuck (Peter Sarsgaard), to her starring in Deep Throat and how it made her a sensation -- and then as a woman who got out of a violently abusive relationship and became a force of nature in fighting what the porn industry does to women.

Lovelace’s story is well chronicled, but what many may not know is how much Chuck was responsible for her pursuing a career in the adult industry. She resisted making sequels and pretty much had it with that industry as soon as it made her a star. Directors Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman, from a script by Andy Bellin, have succeeded in making the rare biopic that manages to hit all the right notes without leaving out anything while still managing to bookend a life that deserves the spotlight.

And their Lovelace cast is top notch. Beyond Seyfried, Sarsgaard, Stone and Patrick, Lovelace features Juno Temple, Chris Noth, Bobby Cannavale, Hank Azaria, Adam Brody, James Franco (as Hugh Hefner!), Debi Mazar, Wes Bentley and Chloe Sevigny. A story of this kind of importance is what compelled all those stars to appear, but it is the film itself that feels as if it has a life of its own.

Amanda Seyfried in Lovelace

In many ways, Lovelace reminds us of What’s Love Got to Do With It. Both Lovelace and Tina Turner became famous while being married to men who were controlling and forced them to say “how high” when they said “jump.”

And each managed, extraordinarily, to get out of those horror shows of a marriage and triumph on their own. Sure, each chronicle very different women in very different fields. But they do share an empowering journey, ripe with powerful themes and messages with each serving as inspiration where there could have only been desperation. 

Our Lovelace review believes that this is an important film and although it was a struggle to get made, it is a true gift that it has finally arrived.


Pixar Updates from D23: Finding Dory Casting Updates and More

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D23, the Disney fan event held every two years, is going on this weekend in Anaheim and first to the stage was John Lasseter, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios Chief Creative Officer.

Lasseter updated the world on the various Pixar projects and filled in some blanks, including casting details for the Finding Nemo sequel Finding Dory, introduced the voice cast of The Good Dinosaur and Pete Docter’s Inside Out, teased the new special Toy Story of Terror and showed off the Monsters University short that will appear with The Good Dinosaur when it hits theaters.

Finding Dori Still

We know that Finding Dory will of course feature Ellen DeGeneres returning to a role that she made unforgettable. We now know a few others that will be joining her in the voice booth for the Finding Nemo sequel. Diane Keaton and Eugene Levy signed on to be Dory’s parents Jenny and Charlie and Modern Family star Ty Burrell will be voicing a beluga whale who goes by the moniker of Bailey.

The audience was then treated to an introduction into the world of Pete Docter’s Inside Out. It is the most unique of ideas as it tells the story of a little girl named Riley… from inside her head! She has had to move to San Francisco away from all her friends. The lead actors will each be playing the five different emotions that exert her feelings inside her noggin. Few were surprised that Lewis Black was cast as Anger, Mindy Kaling tackles Disgust, Bill Hader is Fear, Amy Poehler is charged with finding Joy and Phyllis Smith (The Office) embodies Sadness.

Inside Out Photo

The Pixar film The Good Dinosaur imagines a world where that asteroid missed the planet and they continued living here and never became extinct. Lasseter introduced his voice cast that will include Lucas Neff (Raising Hope) as the main character Arlo, John Lithgow as Poppa dinosaur, Bill Hader and Neil Patrick Harris as Arlo’s best friends, Frances McDormand as Momma and Judy Greer as Arlo’s sister Ivy. The Good Dinosaur will open May 30, 2014.

Good Dinosaur Photo

Before Good Dinosaurs' opening credits, a new Monsters University short will premiere. It features the return of Billy Crystal and John Goodman and follows the frat OZ as they try to throw a party… to disastrous results. When they raid a neighbor’s party… the fun really starts!

Lastly, Pixar announced that the gang from Toy Story will be back for a Halloween special airing October 16 at 8 p.m. on ABC. Tom Hanks and Tim Allen return in Toy Story of Terror and we can only imagine the “horrors” the toys will experience. The synopsis for Toy Story of Terror was also released:

Toy Story of Terror

“What starts out as a fun road trip for the Toy Story gang takes an unexpected turn for the worse when the trip detours to a roadside motel. After one of the toys goes missing, the others find themselves caught up in a mysterious sequence of events that must be solved before they all suffer the same fate in this Toy Story of Terror! "

Elysium Edges We’re the Millers: Weekend Box Office Report

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There were four new films that came at audiences this past weekend, and in a rare moment in box office history, they finished one through four. Usually when four new films debut on a busy weekend, particularly during the summer season, one or two don’t find an audience and land in the bottom five of the box office top 10.

Not this week, as Elysium won the weekend with $30.4 million, followed in order by new releases We’re the Millers, Planes and Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters.

Matt Damon Elysium Clip

We’re the Millers, starring Jason Sudeikis and Jennifer Aniston, scored quite well for a summer comedy, landing in second place with $26.6 million. The Disney animated film Planes found itself in third place with $22.5 million -- not bad for a film that was originally scheduled to go straight to DVD as a spin-off of Cars.

Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters had the distinction of being in last place amongst the new films, scoring fourth place with a $14.6 million take. The fifth spot went to last week’s number one film, 2 Guns, which added another $11.1 million to its haul, bringing its total earnings in two weeks of release to $48.5 million.

And the biggest news, frankly, of the summer is the monster success of Despicable Me 2. The Steve Carell-starring film remained in the top 10 in its sixth week of release with total earnings of $338.3 million. That buys a lot of Minions.

Box office top 10:

1. Elysium, $30.4 million
2. We’re the Millers, $26.6 million
3. Planes, $22.5 million
4. Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters, $14.6 million
5. 2 Guns, $11, 1 million
6. The Smurfs 2, $9.5 million
7. The Wolverine, $8 million
8. The Conjuring, $6.7 million
9. Despicable Me 2, $5.7 million
10. Grown Ups 2, $3.7 million

Maleficent: Angelina Jolie Surprises Fans at D23!

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The untold story of the infamous Disney villain from the 1959 animated classic Sleeping Beauty is getting the spotlight. At this past weekend’s D23 Disney fan event, the star of that film shocked the audience and took the stage, Angelina Jolie.

Angelina Jolie at D23

“Thank you so much. I’m so excited to be here,” Jolie said to the thousands gathered in Anaheim. “Since I was a little girl, Maleficent was always my favorite character. No surprise!”

If there is anyone working in Hollywood today who is more perfect to play that character, we’d be hard pressed to find them. Her thrill was palpable. “I was terrified of her, but I was so drawn to her. I wanted to know more about her,” Jolie admitted. Now, with her starring in Maleficent, we all get to know more about the most dastardly of Disney villains. “She had this elegance and grace and yet, she was so cruel… so deliciously cruel!”

The superstar actress then shared a personal story about the making of Maleficent. “Somebody said to me, ‘What was it like when you got all dressed up? To be a Disney character must have been so exciting,’” Jolie said.

“It really was, but the strange thing was people with little kids would visit the set and I would think that I’m a Disney character. I would go over to the children and they’d scream and they would run off. One kid even said, ‘Mommy, please tell the mean witch to stop talking to me.’”

Jolie than admitted she had a kinship with the thousands gathered for the every-two-year event D23, which celebrates the fans of Disney.

“I was a fan of Disney since I was a little girl. My children love Disney. As a parent there is something wonderful -- you know you can bring your kids to a Disney film and you know it’s going to be good for them. You know it is going to have some good heart,” Jolie said. “It’s going to be beautiful. Now, we can give this magic to our kids.”

Maleficent arrives in theaters July 2, 2014.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Is Vin Diesel Voicing Groot?

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Movie Fanatic previously reported that Vin Diesel met Marvel Studios executives and that he would be involved in some capacity with one of their upcoming films. We thought it was Avengers: Age of Ultron, but it seems that Diesel will be in the currently shooting Guardians of the Galaxy and it appears he’s voicing the character Groot.

Guardians of the Galaxy Groot

The above photo was featured on Diesel’s Facebook page… guess that answers the speculation!

Diesel must be having a ball teasing fans and the press about his meeting with Marvel. When he announced he had met with the comic book studio’s brass, he posted a photo of himself in front of the second issue of The Avengers, leading us to believe he would be in the sequel to The Avengers.

But with the above picture posted on his Facebook page and the words, “I am Groot!," there's our answer!

Diesel joins the already impressive Guardians of the Galaxy cast (arriving in theaters August 1, 2014) including Chris Pratt, Benicio del Toro, John C. Reilly, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Lee Pace, Michael Rooker, Djimon Hounsou and Glenn Close. 

The World’s End Exclusive Giveaway: Blood & Ice Cream Prize Pack

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The World’s End, the final chapter in Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost’s Blood and Ice Cream trilogy, is hitting theaters August 23.

The World's End Nick Frost, Simon Pegg, Martin Freeman

To celebrate, Movie Fanatic is giving one lucky reader a double feature Blu-Ray of the first two films in the trilogy -- Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz -- as well as a $25 Visa gift card to see The World’s End in theaters, and something that truly fits the film: A The World’s End pint glass and a T-shirt with all the logos of the twelve pubs featured in the movie.

The World's End Prize Pack

As teased in The World’s End trailer, Pegg and Frost are two-fifths of a group of friends who in their early twenties, attempted to complete “the golden mile.” The golden mile is a challenge to drink a pint in each of the twelve pubs in their small English hometown. The only thing, they never finished.

Pegg, now an adult who is utterly lost, believes that if he had finished the golden mile, he would have gone further in life. So, he gets the five mates back together and they head back to their hometown to finish what they started decades ago.

Things don’t exactly go as planned. As seen in this The World’s End featurette, much of the town has been turned into robots or aliens… or maybe they’re both!

Use the widget below to enter on Facebook or Twitter. There are three unique ways to enter, and by entering all three ways you can increase your chance at winning!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Why No Star Wars News at D23?

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A curious thing happened this past weekend at Walt Disney’s every other year fan fest D23. The Mouse House revealed the Finding Dory voice cast, brought out Maleficent star Angelina Jolie and updated fans on the latest from Marvel movies such as Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Thor: The Dark World. But, what was conspicuously absent: Anything to do with Star Wars other than the Lucasfilm logo appearing with Disney’s other properties on a banner.

D23 Disney Presentation

Given the blockbuster news that Disney bought LucasFilm and that this was the first D23 event since that monumental merger, one would have thought that a bone would have been tossed to fans in terms of what has to be the studio’s most anticipated upcoming project, Star Wars Episode VII.

Heading into D23, Movie Fanatic would have bet on the fact that we would at least have a title for the seventh film in the series begun by George Lucas. Heck, I thought there would also be news in terms of Star Wars Episode VII casting other than the confirmed, but not quite confirmed, news that Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill are back.

That cricket sound heard throughout the Anaheim Convention Center Arena was otherwise known as Star Wars news.

Star Wars Logo

After being a no-show at Comic-Con, again we would have been certain that Disney was saving their first ever news announcement in terns of Star Wars Episode VII for D23. Both could not have been a more perfect venue to make some Star Wars news.

Sitting here at this moment, looking back, it is jaw-dropping that we’re not writing anything about Star Wars this first Monday after D23. That’s two pop culture events that gather the movie world’s media, fans and exhibitors that came and went with nothing to report on the galaxy far, far away.

Astounding… but honestly, it has shot our anticipation level for the series through the roof. What on earth could be coming? The less we hear, the more we get excited. And maybe that’s the plan. After all, I would never underestimate Disney or Lucasfilm's ability to generate buzz.

Then again, if you looked closely… real closely, there was something Star Wars at D23. There were crates seen that were spray-painted with the words (in orange): Orange Harvest.

Orange Harvest Boxes

If you know Star Wars history, Blue Harvest was the code name given to Return of the Jedi while it was being filmed. See… there was a Star Wars presence at D23. Kind of. 

Who Should Play Lex Luthor in Man of Steel Sequel?

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News arrived on August 9 that Mark Strong was a favorite to play Lex Luthor in the Man of Steel sequel. Now, we’re hearing that Bryan Cranston is being considered. He has the time, since his Breaking Bad has completed shooting its final season. Cranston also has a solid relationship with the Superman studio, Warner Bros., with him starring in the upcoming Godzilla.

Kevin Space Superman Returns

There is so much interest in this role, and with all the Easter eggs of the Luthor nature in Man of Steel, it is almost a certainty that the classic Superman villain will appear in the film that will be most known for having Batman in the Man of Steel sequel.

We’re conducting a new Movie Fanatic poll to ask our esteemed readership who they would like to see sporting that bald head of utter badness in the Man of Steel sequel.

We think Mackenzie Gray, who played an aged Luthor clone in the final season of Smallville, should be considered too. There’s also the idea that Kevin Spacey was such a killer Luthor in Superman Returns that perhaps he could be tapped. He was amazing in the role, just had the misfortune to appear in a lackluster film.

Does Strong do it for you? Or maybe you are partial to Cranston. Either way, it’s time to let your voice be heard.

Who should play Lex Luthor in the Man of Steel sequel?

 

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2: Anna Faris, Benjamin Bratt & Bill Hader Tease Sequel

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Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 hits theaters September 27 and Movie Fanatic was given an early glance at several scenes, then got to speak with three of the big stars of the sequel to Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. Anna Faris, Bill Hader and Benjamin Bratt sat down for an interview at the Sony Pictures Animation headquarters.

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 Anna Faris Benjamin Bratt Bill Hader

Sure, we know that Terry Crews stepped in for Mr. T in the role of Earl, but what else did we find out from our visit to Sony Pictures Animation?

We learned that the sequel picks up literally 60 seconds after the first film ended. Bill Hader’s Flint and Faris’ Sam are now an item, but how serious do they get? The duo are called back to Flint’s hometown of Swallow Falls as his invention that sent food falling from the sky has spawned an invasion on the island of food of the most terrifying kind – including frightening Tacogaters … oh my!

“Who would have thought that a taco could be menacing?” Bratt asked and laughed.

When asked where Sam and Flint’s relationship has gone in the second film, ever the comedians, Hader and Farris have fun with the question. “I think they’re living with each other,” Hader said. “No. I’m joking.”

“He’s leaving stuff at her house. He’s trying. No,” Faris said and smiled. “They’re boyfriend-girlfriend maybe. I think they’re going with each other.”

Bratt, whose role as Manny gets an expanded role in the sequel -- even teased in the Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 trailer -- adds his two cents on the Flint-Sam romance and says, “In the 60 seconds that have lapsed between the first one and the second, he actually said to her, ‘Will you go with me?’”

“It’s like, ‘We’ve got 60 seconds. Will you go with me?’" Hader chimes in.

The comic, who recently left SNL for the Hollywood spotlight, then gets serious about the question and how the relationship change alters his character’s perspective. “Well, Flint wants to get the girl in the first movie, and in the second movie, he doesn’t know how to hold on to her.”

Faris concurs. “He sort of takes Sam Sparks for granted,” she added.

“He takes her a little bit for granted,” Hader interjects. “They start dating and he immediately takes her for granted.”

“As boys are wont to do,” Bratt added.

Where Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs was directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller, the sequel is helmed by Cody Cameron and Kris Pearn. How did Faris and Hader think the change in directors affected things?

"They both have similar sensibilities in terms of enjoying bizarre humor and living in an animated world,” Faris said. “It’s so impressive how truly they immerse themselves in these stories and how they live it for however long they do it, two-and-a-half years or whatever.”

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 Still

Hader, who is used to playing characters on SNL that are essentially animated in all ways except being physically drawn, found the leap to voice-over for animation a welcoming, albeit shock.

“I was surprised," Hader said. "You’re just screaming all day. You’re screaming for four hours. It really is. You stand in one place and you scream for four hours.”

Hader then talked about how the different directors shared a comic sensibility that played to his strengths. “Chris and Phil on the first movie, their sensibility was so unique and they were allowed to do it in such a big movie, and that’s carried over into the second movie. They’re really in touch with their inner child," Hader added. "Cody and Kris, and the first two directors in the first film, they’re all about silliness.”

Bratt is having one incredible season of animation. His Despicable Me 2 is breaking box office records, and within weeks, he will be seen again in animated form in Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2.

“The coolest part about it obviously is that it’s an opportunity to have my kids who are ten and seven finally participate in what I do on some level,” Bratt said. :They’re getting a big kick out of their old man being in some of their favorite movies in that this is the sequel to one of their favorites and the other one, Despicable Me 2, is a sequel. It’s a pretty fun summer so far.”

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 Cast Photo

Before we let this terrific trio go, we wanted to know which one of their past characters would they like to see in the world of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.

“I’ve got to do Jane from Smiley Face. I mean, she would freak out,” Faris said.

Hader turns to one of his SNL creations. “I’d do Stefon,” he said. “He would want it.”

Bratt goes in a completely different direction. “Is there room for a gangbanger in this place? El Gallo Negro from Blood In Blood Out,” he said as he started to mimic El Gallo Negro. “‘What the (expletive) is going on here? There’s a bunch of Tacodiles trying to eat me! That Barry is talking, man!’”

Captain America The Winter Soldier: Chris Evans & Anthony Mackie Talk Upping Ante

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Chris Evans is certainly comfortable in the Captain America suit after playing the Marvel superhero twice now, in Captain America: The First Avenger and then The Avengers.

Anthony Mackie on the other hand, is new to this fanatic-filled world and portrays The Falcon and his alter ego Sam Wilson for the first time. The duo, along with the film's directors, talked about the sequel experience backstage at D23 over the weekend and we bring you those video interviews below.

First up, we have to start with Cap himself… Evans. The second solo movie for Steve Rogers and his alter ego Captain America found the actor having a sense of deja vu. It was merely a few weeks ago that he was at the annual San Diego-based popular culture convention. “It’s very similar to Comic-Con. You’re up on the stage and everyone’s screaming,” Evans said. “It’s exciting. It’s people really wanting to see what we’ve worked on and that’s rewarding.”

Mackie was thrilled to have the D23 crowd check out a new clip. “We showed me and Captain America kicking some butt,” Mackie proudly stated.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier is the achievement of a dream for the actor. “When I got into this business, it was a dream of mine to be a superhero. The Marvel franchise is great to be a part of. Their projects tend to have a Midas touch about it.”

The directors of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Joe and Anthony Russo, then talked about bringing Cap back and what is different about it this time around, as well as what fans can expect when Cap 2 storms into theaters.

Disney Releases Logos to Muppets Most Wanted, Maleficent & More

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Disney has been one busy studio of late. As their D23 fades into the past, we got Pixar updates on all their upcoming releases including Finding Dory, the surprise appearance of Angelina Jolie for Maleficent as well as Chris Evans and Anthony Mackie talking up Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

The live action slate got a big boost as Disney released the logos for four of their most anticipated movies in the next two years. First up is the highly anticipated sequel to The Muppets -- Muppets Most Wanted.

Muppets Most Wanted Logo

The first Muppets Most Wanted teaser trailer has premiered, and as you can see, it looks like a madcap, hilarious and musical journey through Europe as the gang is reunited and out on a European tour. Ricky Gervais, Tina Fey and Ty Burrell play the human parts.

Maleficent tells the story of the villain of Sleeping Beauty that has never before been told. Jolie could not have been a better choice and there is something about that film’s logo that truly fits the dark, yet compelling world.

Maleficent Logo

A film that has to be close to the hearts of everyone at Disney is Saving Mr. Banks. The movie, teased in the Saving Mr. Banks trailer, follows the story of how Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) secured the rights and made Mary Poppins an instant classic.

Saving Mr. Banks Logo

Finally, Tomorrowland made a splash, and for a film we know so little about, it was nice to get a bit of a scoop from the D23 fan fest. Brad Bird is directing from a script by Damon Lindelof that stars George Clooney, Hugh Laurie, Raffey Cassidy and Britt Robertson. All we know, other than the creative team is that Sean Bailey, head of Disney, announced that the film will be an “action-packed adventure” and will debut December 12, 2014.

Tomorrowland Logo

Anchorman 2 Photos: Ron Burgundy Still Classy

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Two new photos have arrived from Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues and the first shows just how classy Ron Burgundy still is after all these years. The film, teased in this full length Anchorman 2 trailer, illustrates how our favorite scotch-swilling anchor has put the 1970s behind him and is greeting the 1980s with open arms.

Well, he’s doing his best! As soon as he became comfortable with a female anchor (Christina Applegate), he now has to deal with the earthquake that is 24-hour cable news. Is it us, or do you hear Stayin’ Alive in your head as you look at the photo below of Will Ferrell and Applegate strutting down the street?

Anchorman 2 Christina Applegate Will Ferrell

The next photo shows Burgundy and his Channel 4 news team (who looked so cool in this Anchorman 2 poster) back and better than ever. Steve Carell returns as the less than bright Brick, Paul Rudd is man on the street Brian Fantana, and David Koechner returns as sports guy Champ Kind.

Anchorman 2 Will Ferrell Paul Rudd Steve Carell

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues lands later this year as the perfect Christmas present on December 20 for all those Anchorman fans who have patiently waited for an update from their favorite news anchor.

Paranoia Exclusive Giveaway: Get Paranoid and Win a Prize Pack!

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As one can tell from the Paranoia trailer, Liam Hemsworth has gotten in over his head and it’s no wonder he is suffering from the titular feeling. Harrison Ford and Gary Oldman portray competing tech giants in a corporate espionage game that has Hemsworth fighting to keep his life together… and frankly his sanity.

Movie Fanatic is marking the August 16 release of Paranoia by offering one lucky reader a Paranoia prize pack with a few tools to help you in a struggle to stay free of paranoia!

Paranoia Harrison Ford Gary Oldman Liam Hemsworth

The grand prize winner will take home a $30 Fandango gift card, a Paranoia portable cell phone charger so you can keep in touch on the run, an invisible ink pen so no one else can see your notes, a cell phone skin and a Paranoia T-shirt.

Enter now because our Paranoia has us keeping this prize period short… all entries must be received by August 23.

Use the widget below to enter on Facebook or Twitter. There are three unique ways to enter, and by entering all three ways you can increase your chance at winning!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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