With the explosive premiere this week of the Guardians of the Galaxy trailer, the world is suddenly quite intrigued by this quintet of bad-asses and who they are… and where they come from.
The least known of the Marvel universe to hit the big screen, the studio has done a masterful job of introducing them to the world, through the trailer, but also through a newly released quintet of video vignettes where we hear from the stars who play them.
Oh, and we’ve got the film’s first poster too!
Guardians of the Galaxy hits theaters August 1 and we’re sure we’ll be hearing a lot more about this rag-tag group of heroes.
The cast alone is astounding. The five main characters are Peter Quill/Star Lord (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax (Dave Bautista), Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper) and Groot (Vin Diesel).
And then there’s the rest of the cast that includes Glenn Close, John C. Reilly and Benicio del Toro.
So, click through and meet our latest friends from Marvel!
The latest 300: Rise of an Empire trailer gets right to the heart of the story with Lena Headey and her voice-over narration: War is coming to Greece!
Thanks to the evil Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro), Sparta and the other city states of Greece must band together to defeat a common foe. And in the process, they may unite a country and give rise to an empire. Given that the title of the movie is 300: Rise of an Empire... we're guessing that happens!
We love how Marvel keenly knows how to use its universe and that is made clear in the newest TV spot to hit for Captain America: The Winter Soldier. As we saw in Iron Man 3, Tony Stark was having trouble dealing with the aftermath of New York and what happened in The Avengers. In Thor: The Dark World, he had his own issues with life post-Avengers (like Loki and his relationship with Natalie Portman!).
It appears that Captain America is no different. As Robert Redford says in the below TV spot, “Are you sure you’re ready?” So, it appears that even superheroes can suffer from PTSD.
The weekend movie preview features two big releases this week, the thriller 3 Days to Kill with Kevin Costner and Pompeii with Kit Harrington and Emily Browning.
Pompeii: Director Paul W.S. Anderson (Resident Evil series) turns his camera on the iconic disaster that was the volcano laying waste to the community of ancient Pompeii. He casts Harrington (Game of Thrones) and Browning (Sucker Punch) as star-crossed lovers who find love... all under the shadow of a natural disaster that will kill everyone. As we stated in our Pompeii review, the film is good escapist fun and never tries to be a Titanic set in Roman times.
3 Days to Kill: Costner is back in action as a forced-into-retirement CIA assassin, who is brought back to work by Amber Heard when a terrorist he was pursuing gets away. The core of the film and where the true heart and laughs lie, as we report in our 3 Days to Kill review, is in the reconnecting effort Costner's character makes to try to get to know his estranged teenage daughter (an awesome Hailee Steinfeld).
If you're planning on skipping the cinemas this weekend, why not check out these titles that are new to digital download, and they are Oscar nominees too!
With The LEGO Movie a bona fide blockbuster, we were not surprised when it was announced that a The LEGO Movie sequel had been green lit.
Now news has arrived that Warner Bros. has wasted no time claiming a weekend and given its follow-up a release date of May 26, 2017.
Jared Stern and Michelle Morgan have been hired to write the screenplay. The first film was written by directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller. No word on whether those two will be back, but we suspect they will be passing those duties on to someone else, just as they did with the sequel to their last animated film, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.
When we talked exclusively to the animation director for the film, he told us he’d like to see the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have a full role in the sequel.
We suspect they will be in it, as will a slew of others, and hopefully Will Arnett as Batman will return as well. You can count on Chris Pratt’s Emmet and Elizabeth Banks’ Wyldstyle coming back too.
2017 is a long way off, but until then... click through and enjoy some of our favorite The LEGO Movie quotes!
Batman: Relax, everybody. I'm here. Emmet: Batman? Awesome! Could you make one of these in orange? Batman: I only work in black. And sometimes, very, very dark gray.
Batman's Batmobile is currently unavailable... so is Wonder Woman's plane!
Green Lantern: Don't worry Superman, I'll get you out of there Superman: No,don't... Green Lantern: Oh my gosh, my hands are stuck. My legs are stuck as well. Superman: I super hate you.
President Business: [On TV] Hi, I'm President Business, president of the Octan Corporation and the World. Let's all take care to follow the Instructions President Business: , or you'll be put to sleep. President Business: AND DON'T FORGET TACO TUESDAY'S COMING NEXT WEEK!
Vitruvius: We are entering your mind. Emmet: What? Lucy: I don't think he's ever had an original thought. Emmet: That's not true. Introducing, the double decker couch so everyone could watch TV together and be buddies. Lucy: That's literally the dumbest thing I ever heard. Vitruvius: Let me handle this. That idea is just the worse.
Emmet: [to the Master Builders] I have no experience fighting, leading or making plans. It's going to be really hard, but I... Metalbeard: [Gets up from his seat, yelling] Really hard? Metalbeard: WIPING YER BUM WITH A HOOK FOR A HAND IS REALLY HARD! Emmet: Woah... OK.
Usually the word classic is attached to a movie after decades and decades have passed since its release.
We present 15 movies that were classics as soon as they arrived on screens.
To get a feeling of what we mean, watch Pulp Fiction online or watch Goodfellas online and you'll see that those are both classics, and no passage of time is needed for them to earn that moniker.
Click through and discover 15 modern movies that Movie Fanatic believes are classics... right now!
The Wachowskis took an action movie genre and completely turned it on its head. Upon first viewing, audiences knew they were watching a film for the ages.
The Wachowskis took an action movie genre and completely turned it on its head. Upon first viewing, audiences knew they were watching a film for the ages.
2.
Pulp Fiction
Pulp Fiction came out of nowhere and changed how Hollywood made movies. Quentin Tarantino announced himself as a filmmaker and we were never the same again.
3.
Toy Story
Toy Story landed in the mid-1990s and immediately put Pixar on the map. Animation houses across the world were put on notice that this is how you make an animated movie. Between its story, characters and message... it was the perfect movie, animation or otherwise.
4.
The Silence of the Lambs
It is the rare film of the modern era that sweeps the Oscars. The Silence of the Lambs won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress. Instant classic.
5.
Die Hard
There's a reason why every film that came after Die Hard would be described as Die Hard on a plane, Die Hard on a boat, etc. It's because Die Hard broke the action movie mold and became an iconic flick almost immediately.
6.
Do The Right Thing
Spike Lee's Do The Right Thing was revolutionary in so many ways. The way it was shot. The subject matter. Its explosive ending. All classic.
7.
Fight Club
Fight Club arrived and immediately penetrated the pop culture consciousness. I know we're not supposed to talk about Fight Club, but unfortunately... we could not stop.
8.
Brokeback Mountain
Brokeback Mountain revolutionized the romance and it was a sweeping romance at that. And that has nothing to do with the fact that the hearts involved were both men's. It should have won Best Picture, it was just ahead of its time... another sign of a classic.
9.
Juno
What's not to love about Juno? Heartwarming and hilarious, it is the rare small film that feels huge and that's what made it such a... classic.
10.
Memento
What makes Memento such a classic is when you watch it, you feel like you have been truly taken to another world, another time, heck... another plane. Christopher Nolan announced himself as a filmmaker for the ages and crafted a classic that will continue to blow minds as the decades pass.
11.
Goodfellas
When you ask a gangster what the best mob movie of all time is, and we have, they answer Goodfellas. Yes, The Godfather is great. But, Goodfellas is simply astounding.
12.
Donnie Darko
Donnie Darko not only introduced us to the power that is Jake Gyllenhaal, but also how a film can get deep inside your head, and never let you go.
13.
Boogie Nights
When you think about it, Boogie Nights is kind of a small story. Yet, it feels so epic. Mark Wahlberg exploded as a movie star and Paul Thomas Anderson let the world know that a classic can be made about any subject matter, if it is told right.
14.
Saving Private Ryan
Crafting a World War II classic is something Hollywood has done for years. But, rarely did it happen as quickly as it did when Saving Private Ryan landed on screens from Steven Spielberg. It is as pure of a classic as there comes.
15.
Children of Men
Sure, Alfonso Cuaron crafted an astonishing piece of filmmaking with Gravity. But, if you look at his Children of Men, now there you have an instant classic starring Clive Owen in the story over the battle of the future of humankind.
Hot on the heels of the announcement that Anchorman 2 will be released for a one-week-only run this Friday, February 28, for a Super-Sized R-Rated version with 763 more jokes, we have news about the arrival of the Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues DVD and Blu-Ray on April 1.
And considering we’re talking the world of Anchorman, you know there is a bevy of bonus features that’ll keep you busy for days on end!
The Anchorman 2 Blu-Ray/DVD combo pack will feature three versions of the hit movie including that Super-Sized version, the theatrical version (that gave us those brilliant Anchorman 2 quotes) and an unrated cut by director Adam McKay.
Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, William Koechner and Christina Applegate all return in a sequel to the film that gave us those beloved Anchorman quotes that have sustained us all those years until we got the sequel. They have left the 1970s behind and have moved to Manhattan to work for a 24-hour news channel and are embracing the 1980s. Well, as much as these guys can.
The Anchorman 2 DVD and Blu-Ray features over four hours of bonus features. Among the highlights for us has to be the Anchorman 2: The Musical, the film that almost was, as well as the Welcome to the Dolphin Show. Anyone that saw the film in theaters knows that scene where Ron is at his lowest and hosting a Dolphin Show at a Sea World-type place in San Diego is beyond hilarious. His battles with the crowd, like the Burgundy name itself, are legendary.
Here’s a full list of the bonus features for the Anchorman 2 DVD and Blu-Ray release and while you’re getting ready for it… why not go back to the beginning and watch Anchorman online!
Blu-ray Disc 1
Feature film in high definition (Unrated Version)
Commentary by Adam McKay, Judd Apatow, Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd & David Koechner
Feature film in high definition (Theatrical Version)
Behind-the-Scenes: Newsroom -- Inside the making of the film
Gag Reel, Parts 1 & 2
Line-O-Rama, Parts 1 & 2 -- Non-stop alternate lines from the film
Welcome to the Dolphin Show -- Ron Burgundy takes on the crowd
Catfight -- Christina Applegate vs. Meagan Good with hilarious one-liners
News-O-Rama -- Ron and the News Team bring you the headlines
Kench-O-Rama -- Mashup of Kench Allenby’s most Australian moments
Cast Table Read
Blu-ray Disc 2
Feature film in high definition (Super-Sized R-Rated Version)
Behind-the-Scenes Anchorman 2: The Musical -- A look at the musical sequel that almost was
RV -- Dissecting the RV tumble
Baxter & Doby -- The lovable animals of Anchorman 2
News Fight -- Inside the biggest, baddest all-star celebrity brawl
Deleted Scenes
Extended & Alternate Scenes
Previsualizations -- RV, Shark Attack and News Fight sequences
Auditions -- Featuring Meagan Good, Dylan Baker and Amy Poehler
Benefit for 826LA: “Spoiler Alert” -- A special tribute to Anchorman 2
Trailers
DVD
Feature film in standard definition (Theatrical Version)
Sometimes the media can jump all over a certain movie and label it a failure for a multitude of reasons and then finally put a dagger in its heart by calling it a "bomb."
Oftentimes if you look closely at some of Hollywood's most notorious box office disasters that have become pop culture punching bags, you see that actually isn't the case at all.
Johnny Depp has had that happen to him a lot lately, and he has a trio of movies on our list of 9 box office "bombs" that were actually hits.
One of our more recent box office bombs was The Lone Ranger. This must be some kind of "new" math because last time we checked making $260 million off of a $215 million budget is a profit.
One of our more recent box office bombs was The Lone Ranger. This must be some kind of "new" math because last time we checked making $260 million off of a $215 million budget is a profit.
2.
The Last Airbender
For a film that could have been a franchise, fans were crushed that The Last Airbender was such a failure. Artistically, maybe. Commercially, not even close. Budget: $150 million... Gross: $319 million!
3.
Batman and Robin
Batman and Robin was thought to be an overstuffed disaster that ended the Batman franchise until Christopher Nolan could revive it. Yes, it was overstuffed, but a failure it was not. With a budget of $125 million, its gross of $238 million spells success to us!
4.
The Tourist
Ricky Gervais even railed against this film when hosting the Golden Globes as a running joke about its failure. Last time we checked, making $278 million off of a $100 million budget was a good thing.
5.
Superman Returns
Superman Returns was meant to usher in a new era of Superman with Brandon Routh as the lead. We thought he was an awesome Man of Steel, but alas, no sequel. The film was deemed a failure. In what world? With a budget of $270 million and a gross of $391 million... we'd say that is a hit.
6.
Cars 2
Cars 2's perceived lack of success almost turned Pixar off of doing sequels. Then, they looked at the bottom line: $200 million budget, $559 million gross... gee, let's open Carsland at Disneyland and get a Cars 3 revving!
7.
The Dictator
When The Dictator finished in theaters, it was thought that Sasha Baron Cohen should go back to supporting roles. Why? The Dictator made $177 million on a $65 million budget. That's almost a three-times profit!
8.
Waterworld
Waterworld is considered the movie that ended Kevin Costner's run as a box office leading man. Why? Sure, it was expensive, But, we'd take a $264 million profit off of a $175 million investment any day of the week.
9.
Dark Shadows
Something about Johnny Depp movies lately have people thinking they're bombs, when they're not. Dark Shadows, for instance, was thought to be proof that the Depp-Tim Burton tandem should stop. Seriously? It made $245 million with a $150 million budget. Keep making movies together, you two!
Harold Ramis, best known for his work on Ghostbusters and Stripes opposite Bill Murray, has passed away. Ramis also worked heavily as a writer and director and reports say he died from complications of autoimmune inflammatory vasculitis at his home at 12:53 a.m., surrounded by family.
Ramis was a beloved performer and creator in the comedy world and besides the two iconic films that he starred in mentioned above, he also was a writer/director on Caddyshack, Groundhog Day and Analyze This.
As an actor, he also appeared in Animal House, Vacation, Multiplicity, The Ice Harvest, Stuart Saves His Family and Year One.
What this means for the already tenuous future of Ghostbusters 3 is anyone’s guess.
In the meantime, let’s celebrate the life of a comedy master and click through and enjoy some of his greatest moments on film in the below slideshow.
After news arrived that one of comedy’s most beloved talents had passed away, Harold Ramis, we thought we’d comb through one of his biggest hits – Ghostbusters -- and present some of his best work.
Ramis co-wrote the film, and what better way to remember Ramis than through the words he penned?
The supernatural comedy gave us so many amazing quotes that have lasted decades and are still often quoted in some corner of the world every day. Let’s look at some of the best.
Ramis made dozens of films, both as an actor (including Stripes) and writer-director (he gave us those Groundhog Day quotes).
But there is little doubt that the man who passed away at the age of 69 today will be most remembered for his work fighting the paranormal in Ghostbusters.
In a classic Murray line, he utilizes his skills of explaining the obvious!
Dana Barrett: You know, you don't act like a scientist. Dr. Peter Venkman: They're usually pretty stiff. Dana Barrett: You're more like a game show host.
Dr. Egon Spengler: I have a radical idea. The door swings both ways, we could reverse the polarity flow through the gate. Dr. Peter Venkman: How? Dr. Egon Spengler: [hesitates] We'll cross the streams. Dr. Peter Venkman: 'Scuse me Egon? You said crossing the streams was bad! Dr Ray Stantz: Cross the streams... Dr. Peter Venkman: You're gonna endanger us, you're gonna endanger our client - the nice lady, *who paid us in advance*, before she became a dog... Dr. Egon Spengler: Not necessarily. There's definitely a *very slim* chance we'll survive. [pause while they consider this] Dr. Peter Venkman: [slaps Ray] I love this plan! I'm excited it could work! LET'S DO IT!
Dr. Peter Venkman: I'll take Miss Barret back to her apartment and check her out. [Dana Barret looks up confused] Dr. Peter Venkman: I'll go check out Miss Barret's apartment. OK?
Dr. Peter Venkman: Egon, this reminds me of the time you tried to drill a hole through your head. Remember that? Dr. Egon Spengler: That would have worked if you hadn't stopped me.
Egon, ever brilliant, may have had one lapse of judgment.
Dr. Egon Spengler: I'm worried, Ray. All my readings point to something big on the horizon. Winston Zeddemore: What do you mean, big? Dr. Egon Spengler: Well, let's say this Twinkie represents the normal amount of psychokinetic energy in the New York area. Based on this morning's reading, it would be a Twinkie thirty-five feet long, weighing approximately six hundred pounds. Winston Zeddemore: That's a big Twinkie.
Sigourney's turned into something that could be on Wild Kingdom.
Dr. Egon Spengler: There's something very important I forgot to tell you. Dr. Peter Venkman: What? Dr. Egon Spengler: Don't cross the streams. Dr. Peter Venkman: Why? Dr. Egon Spengler: It would be bad. Dr. Peter Venkman: I'm fuzzy on the whole good/bad thing. What do you mean, "bad"? Dr. Egon Spengler: Try to imagine all life as you know it stopping instantaneously and every molecule in your body exploding at the speed of light. Dr Ray Stantz: Total protonic reversal. Dr. Peter Venkman: Right. That's bad. Okay. All right. Important safety tip. Thanks, Egon.
As Ted 2 moves forward, it appears that the Mark Wahlberg character John will be getting a new love interest. News arrives that Seth MacFarlane has cast Amanda Seyfried, his star seen in the Million Ways to Die in the West trailer, as the paramour for the man who has a BFF that is a 30-year-old teddy bear.
So, clearly that means that Mila Kunis has a reduced role in the sequel to the film that gave us those hysterical Ted quotes.
Given that Kunis made John choose between her and that bear at a certain point in the first film, guess in the period between the two movies… John chooses the bear. Thunder buddies for life!
Look for Ted 2 to open on June 26, 2015. Until then, remind yourself why the first film was so hilarious and watch Ted online.
Free Birds might have been a surprise hit when it landed on screens in late October, but in hindsight, no one should have been surprised at the joy shared by millions who took in the animated treat. The film is now out on DVD and Blu-Ray and stars Owen Wilson and Woody Harrelson as a couple of time-traveling turkeys who go back to the first Thanksgiving, all the while hoping to get turkey off the holiday menu… forever!
The Oscar-winning producer of Shrek is behind the film, so its pedigree is top notch. After viewing it -- check out our theatrical Free Birds review for more -- we have to say the film has a surplus of charm, humor and positive messages for kids and adults alike.
Wilson and Harrelson are impeccably cast together, and throughout the film they make magic and hit all the right notes. Amy Poehler is gold as well as a turkey they meet before the first Thanksgiving who, when she finally believes that they are from the future, becomes integral to their mission.
It is one of those animated movies that parents and kids will both enjoy. It doesn’t pander to kids and it is not something parents have to just “get through.”
The only issue could be when the family has completed watching Free Birds, your kids may never want to eat turkey again! But, let’s be clear… this is not a message movie. It tells its story with fun and flair.
When it comes to bonus features, there are quite a few, highlighted by Birds Flipping History, which is a hilarious and informative featurette on our favorite duo and how they might have changed other aspects of our time.
Animating Free Birds: The Main Course is a fascinating look at how the movie came together that ought to speak to all the wanna-be animators out there. A companion piece to that featurette is Winging It: Animators in Action. Between the two, the viewer (young and old) gets a solid view of how an animated movie comes together.
With the Oscars coming at us on Sunday, some of us may feel there are still some movies to catch up on at the theaters.
Several Oscar-nominated films are still in theaters -- such as 12 Years a Slave, The Wolf of Wall Street and American Hustle!
Movie Fanatic is giving away three Fandango gift cards, good for two tickets each, to three lucky readers so that you can head to the theaters and check out one of the fantastic nominated films. Enter now... we'll announce our winners on February 27.
Oscars are pretty good at getting it right. But, then again, when they're wrong, they're way wrong! Click through and see our 11 biggest Oscar mistakes!
In what universe is Dances with Wolves a better movie than Goodfellas? Time has not made the pain of this error any easier.
2.
Al Pacino Beats Denzel Washington
Al Pacino got his Oscar for Scent of a Woman for a lifetime of work. Who should have won? Denzel Washington and his fiery performance as Malcolm X!
3.
Crash Beats Brokeback Mountain
Perhaps Brokeback Mountain was ahead of its time. But, that still doesn't excuse the upset of Crash defeating the timeless romance for Best Picture. Shame on you, Academy!
4.
How Green Was My Valley Bests Citizen Kane
Citizen Kane has routinely been named the best film of all time. So... how did it not win Best Picture?
5.
Mira Sorvino Beats Kate Winslet
Sure, Woody Allen writes great roles for women. But in no way did Mira Sorvino deserve to win over Kate Winslet in Sense and Sensibility. No way!
6.
Rocky Beats... Everyone!
We LOVE Rocky! But, it was a Best Picture winner over Taxi Driver, Network & All the President's Men? Really?? No, really?!
7.
Stevie Wonder Wins for I Just Called to Say I Love You
Stevie's fabulous, but check out who he beat that year to win Best Song: Purple Rain, Footloose, Against All Odds and Ghostbusters. Who you gonna call? I guess Stevie Wonder!
8.
Adrien Brody Beats Daniel Day Lewis
Adrien Brody did great work in The Pianist. But, compared to the hurricane that was Daniel Day Lewis in The Gangs of New York... please, not even close.
9.
Gwyneth Bests Cate
Yes, Gwyneth was fabulous in Shakespeare in Love. But her victory had more to do with that film's Best Picture win than anything. Surely she was not as powerful as Cate Blanchett was in Elizabeth. Never. In. A. Million. Years.
10.
Ordinary People Beats Raging Bull
The lack of justice for Martin Scorsese is long documented at the Oscars. But how was Ordinary People deemed a better picture than Raging Bull?
11.
Tommy Lee Beats Ralph Fiennes
Tommy Lee Jones made The Fugitive the thriller it was. But surely he didn't turn in a better performance than Ralph Fiennes as a sick Nazi in Schindler's List! Recall!
A slew of Captain America: The Winter Soldier photos have landed, hot on the heels of Friday's Captain America: The Winter Soldier TV spot that has some wondering if Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury perishes. Don't worry, he doesn't... Jackson has several more Marvel films on his contract!
The seven Captain America: The Winter Soldier stills we got from Marvel include a look at Anthony Mackie's Falcon suit, a mask-off look at our villain, Sebastian Stan's Winter Soldier, as well as Cobie Smulder's return as Agent Maria Hill!
Oh, and there's Captain America, Black Widow and even one of Cap and Falcon after a Capital workout.
Click through for all seven stills and keep checking back as we add more to this gallery as the April 4 release date gets closer!
The duo that works out together fights together! Chris Evans and Anthony Mackie star in Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
2.
Cap & Black Widow in plain clothes!
The superheroes dress for casual Friday.
3.
Anthony Mackie is Falcon
Cap has help in the form of Anthony Mackie's Falcon.
4.
Sebastian Stan is the Winter Soldier
Sebastian Stan is our villain, the Winter Soldier.
5.
Scarlett Johansson is Black Widow
Scarlett Johansson is back as Black Widow. She and Cap had such great chemistry in The Avengers, watch for sparks to fly in Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
6.
Anthony Mackie is Armed and Dangerous
Anthony Mackie is Falcon, and he's ready to take flight.
7.
Cobie Smulders is back!
Cobie Smulders continues her role from The Avengers in Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
And don’t miss our annual pick-every-category predictions, going live February 27. Not to toot our own horn, but our accuracy rate is usually higher than 80 percent!
So, without further ado… let’s look at those Best Picture nominees!
American Hustle
With each successive film that director David O. Russell makes, he gets closer to winning the top prize. Starting with The Fighter (which was nominated for Best Picture, but won for Best Supporting Actress and Best Supporting Actor) and then last year’s Silver Linings Playbook (which won for Best Actress), perhaps this is the year he breaks through and wins Best Picture.
Many believe it is the front-runner as it has 10 nominations along with Gravity and that would be correct. Russell’s film is based on a true story and a powerful one at that. He impeccably captured the era it took place in and arguably had one of the best ensembles of the year.
American Hustle is one of the three films that we think could take the top prize. As for the others…
Captain Phillips Captain Phillips is a harrowing true story and features Tom Hanks giving one of the greatest performances of his life, and yes, that is saying something after he won for Forrest Gump and Philadelphia. Director Paul Greengrass has helmed a taut thriller that celebrates bravery as few films have this year. But, it will not hear its name called for Best Picture. You can watch Captain Phillips online now and watch Hanks make movie magic!
Dallas Buyers Club Watch Dallas Buyers Club online and you’ll immediately see that this is a film that screams acting awards. It will win for Best Actor for Matthew McConaughey and Best Supporting Actor for Jared Leto.
The true story of a rodeo cowboy turned AIDS advocate is powerful, but will have to be thrilled with its acting honors.
Gravity Gravity is nothing short of a movie miracle. Director Alfonso Cuaron has done the impossible and crafted a story that is heavy on special effects, action, thrills and suspense, but at its heart is a tale of the human spirit and our uncanny will to survive.
Sandra Bullock gives a performance that is even more powerful than the one she won an Oscar for in The Blind Side. Gravity reminds us why we adore the movies. There is the spectacle, the power and elegance of the cinema, coupled with the drama that recalls some of our greatest tales ever told.
Yes, Gravity is one of the three films that will likely win.
Her
Spike Jonze redefined the Hollywood romance in this story of a man (Joaquin Phoenix) who falls in love with his operating system (voiced by Scarlett Johansson). Her is a revolutionary film that we are beyond thrilled that the Academy honored with a nomination for Best Picture, but we’re afraid that is all it will get -- although it could win a writing award for Jonze and his wildly original screenplay.
Nebraska
Alexander Payne’s black and white family drama brought back Bruce Dern into the spotlight and showed that SNL alum Will Forte can act dramatically with one of the best of our time. It is a mesmerizing study in family and living in the Midwest, and as someone who has both, Payne simply nailed it. Although Sideways and The Descendants were Oscar darlings, we think that Nebraska will have to be happy with the title of Oscar nominee only.
Philomena Philomena is the true story of a woman (Judi Dench) who decides to find her son after a convent made her give him up over 50 years ago. She enlists the help of a journalist (Steve Coogan) as they cross the pond and come to America. Not only is the search supremely touching, but the pair form the most unlikely of friendships. It’s a delightful film, full of heart. But the miracle of this treat of British cinema is that it earned an Academy Award for Best Picture.
12 Years a Slave
The last of the three films we think are front-runners for Hollywood’s biggest night is 12 Years a Slave, the true story (sense a theme this year with true tales?) of a free man who is kidnapped and taken to the South where he would spend 12 horrifying years as a slave for some of the most evil of owners, including Michael Fassbender.
The cast is beyond incredible and the story is harrowing (it is one of our 13 great movies that we can never see again). Steve McQueen has crafted an astounding film that has to go down as one of the must-sees when it comes to capturing the national blight to American history that is slavery. Is Oscar ready to give the award to such a tough film? We think absolutely yes. But, will it?
The Wolf of Wall Street
Now, The Wolf of Wall Street is a tough film to watch, but in such a different way. It’s a story of excess and debauchery and all courtesy of Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio) and the hundreds of millions he swindled from investors. Belfort spent time in jail for what he , and the story, as told by director Martin Scorsese, is incredibly entertaining, even at three hours.
It won’t win March 2, but it isn’t because of the controversy surrounding its Sodom and Gomorrah themes. It’s just that there are three other films that will simply beat it.
So… who will win?
Best Picture Winner:Gravity
Why: In the last 25 years, three quarters of the winners of Best Director also had their movie win Best Picture. With Alfonso Cuaron an absolute lock to win Best Director, score one for Gravity. The other element: The Producer’s Guild winner for Best Picture each of the last six years has gone on to win Best Picture at the Oscars. This year’s PGA winner? 12 Years a Slave and Gravity (a rare tie!).
Also… Movie Fanatic thinks Gravity is the best movie of the year. Period.
Will Oscar get it right this year? Click through and check out 11 of Oscar’s biggest mistakes!
In what universe is Dances with Wolves a better movie than Goodfellas? Time has not made the pain of this error any easier.
2.
Al Pacino Beats Denzel Washington
Al Pacino got his Oscar for Scent of a Woman for a lifetime of work. Who should have won? Denzel Washington and his fiery performance as Malcolm X!
3.
Crash Beats Brokeback Mountain
Perhaps Brokeback Mountain was ahead of its time. But, that still doesn't excuse the upset of Crash defeating the timeless romance for Best Picture. Shame on you, Academy!
4.
How Green Was My Valley Bests Citizen Kane
Citizen Kane has routinely been named the best film of all time. So... how did it not win Best Picture?
5.
Mira Sorvino Beats Kate Winslet
Sure, Woody Allen writes great roles for women. But in no way did Mira Sorvino deserve to win over Kate Winslet in Sense and Sensibility. No way!
6.
Rocky Beats... Everyone!
We LOVE Rocky! But, it was a Best Picture winner over Taxi Driver, Network & All the President's Men? Really?? No, really?!
7.
Stevie Wonder Wins for I Just Called to Say I Love You
Stevie's fabulous, but check out who he beat that year to win Best Song: Purple Rain, Footloose, Against All Odds and Ghostbusters. Who you gonna call? I guess Stevie Wonder!
8.
Adrien Brody Beats Daniel Day Lewis
Adrien Brody did great work in The Pianist. But, compared to the hurricane that was Daniel Day Lewis in The Gangs of New York... please, not even close.
9.
Gwyneth Bests Cate
Yes, Gwyneth was fabulous in Shakespeare in Love. But her victory had more to do with that film's Best Picture win than anything. Surely she was not as powerful as Cate Blanchett was in Elizabeth. Never. In. A. Million. Years.
10.
Ordinary People Beats Raging Bull
The lack of justice for Martin Scorsese is long documented at the Oscars. But how was Ordinary People deemed a better picture than Raging Bull?
11.
Tommy Lee Beats Ralph Fiennes
Tommy Lee Jones made The Fugitive the thriller it was. But surely he didn't turn in a better performance than Ralph Fiennes as a sick Nazi in Schindler's List! Recall!
As the news spread of the death of a comic movie legend in Harold Ramis, his co-stars and those he influenced have taken to social media and released statements reacting to his passing. The man who wrote, directed and starred in such comedy classics as Ghostbusters, Stripes, Vacation, Groundhog Day, Back to School and so much more had clearly touched millions of people -- judging by the outpouring that has spanned the world today.
Bill Murray, who starred with Ramis in Stripes, Ghostbusters and uttered those fantastic Groundhog Day quotes written by Ramis:
“Harold Ramis and I together did The National Lampoon Show off-Broadway, Meatballs, Stripes, Caddyshack, Ghostbusters and Groundhog Day. He earned his keep on this planet. God bless him.”
Chevy Chase, who starred in the Ramis-penned Caddyshack and Vacation:
“I’m shocked and heartbroken to hear of Harold’s passing. He was truly a great friend and a great man who shunned unnecessary Hollywood-type publicity and lived with a wonderful wife, Erica. I’m deeply saddened for Erica, Violet, Julian and Daniel. Harold directed me in Caddyshack and the first Vacation. It was Harold who acted out and gave me the inspiration for the character of Clark Griswold. I was really copying Harold’s impression of Clark. He was a truly funny and highly intelligent man with great honesty and a great appreciation for the best kind of comedy. It’s just awful to lose Harold, there is just no one like him, he was so kind, so caring and so smart. God Bless him and God Bless his family.”
Dan Aykroyd, with whom Ramis collaborated on those unforgettable Ghostbusters quotes:
“Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my brilliant, gifted, funny friend, co-writer/performer and teacher Harold Ramis. May he now get the answers he was always seeking.”
Billy Cyrstal, who starred in Analyze This, which was written and directed by Ramis:
“Sad to hear my friend Harold Ramis passed away. A brilliant, funny, actor and director. A wonderful husband and dad. Big loss to us all. Harold was a gentle funny man. He found the perfect tone for Robert De Niro and I in Analyze This. He was a good man and I am shocked and saddened at his passing."
Judd Apatow cast Ramis as Seth Rogen’s father in Knocked Up, and made it clear he would not have the career he has today without the legendary funnyman:
“Harold Ramis made almost every movie which made me want to become a comedy director. Animal House, Stripes, Ghostbusters, Vacation, Groundhog Day. These films are the touchstones of our lives. I interviewed him when I was 16 years old for my high school radio station and he could not have been more gracious and hilarious. I looked up to him as a director but even more so as a man,” Aptaow said.
“We hired him to play Seth’s father in Knocked Up because we all saw him as the dream dad – funny, warm and wise. Harold was one of the nicest people I have ever met and he inspired countless people to go into comedy. His brilliant work will make people happy forever.”
What Ramis has left us is his movies, and click through and see what were some of his greats... and watch Ghostbusters online for one of his absolute best!
No one ever said that the Shrek series would be done with five movies. When a series does as well as that one does ($1.4 billion and counting), why would DreamWorks Animation stop making them?
But, the studio head -- Jeffrey Katzenberg -- has been smart about these films and has only released four since the first film debuted in 2001.
Katzenberg was talking to Fox Business about the opening of a Shrek theme park in London in the near future and the topic of future Shrek movies starring Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz and that awesome donkey voiced by Eddie Murphy came up and his answer… was magic to our ogre ears!
"We like to let them have a little bit of time to rest, but I think you can be confident that we’ll have another chapter in the Shrek series,” Katzenberg said. “We're not finished, and more importantly, neither is he."
Just in time for the Oscars, Nebraska has landed on home video and we have a chance for three lucky readers to take home a copy of the Blu-Ray/DVD combo pack. Star Bruce Dern is nominated for Best Actor and turns in a mesmerizing performance as an older gentleman who is determined to get to the titular state to claim his lottery prize.
Will Forte plays his son with fellow Oscar nominee June Squibb playing his wife. Both know the contest is a fraud, but nothing can stop Dern and his mission. So Forte packs up the car and decides to hit the road with his father. They have some unexpected father-son bonding time and the Alexander Payne-directed film becomes quite touching and powerful.
Bruce Dern gets the comeback of the year award for his work on Nebraska. Whether he wins Oscar gold, that we're not so sure about.
2.
Matthew McConaughey
Matthew McConaughey scored his first Oscar nomination of his career for his work in Dallas Buyers Club. Some think his first nod will lead to his first win.
3.
Chiwetel Ejiofor
Chiwetel Ejiofor made us weep from the power of his performance in 12 Years a Slave. He was an early favorite to win, but will he?
4.
Christian Bale
Christian Bale did more than sport a beer belly and a comb over in American Hustle. He dazzled in every sense of the word.
5.
Leonardo DiCaprio
Leonardo DiCaprio was a firecracker in The Wolf of Wall Street. He gave the best performance of his career.
And enter now for your chance to win the Oscar-nominated film on home video.
To enter, 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!
The latest Godzilla trailer is a stunner. It features what essentially serves as a manic voice-over by star Bryan Cranston that truly sets the tone for the upcoming monster movie. Godzilla makes landfall in theaters May 16 and also stars Elizabeth Olsen and Aaron Taylor Johnson (who will reunite in Avengers: Age of Ultron).
As can be seen in the above trailer, the film pays tribute to the Godzilla story that has come before, made famous in some seriously iconic Japanese movies. We learn how the monster even came to be!
Cranston could not be a more perfect choice for this film as he clearly is the moral fiber that holds this thing together. As all hell is breaking loose, look for his character to be the voice of reason… if any can be found.
Although Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone and Bruce Willis are still kicking butt on the big screen, Hollywood has been in a constant search for the next generation of action heroes that can match the staying power of those big three.
We present 15 actors and actresses who fit the bill and with the passage of time could prove to be the ones who take the mantle of Hollywood action star from those titanic three who show no willingness to slow down. And who can blame them? Until someone steps up, the title is still theirs.
Watch 21 Jump Street online and you have an idea of who we think should lead this pack! Watch Magic Mike onlineand you'll see him again, along with another we think could wear the crown of Hollywood action hero of the future.
With roles in G.I. Joe, White House Down and 21 and 22 Jump Street, Tatum is on his way. Of anyone on this list... we'd put money on Tatum being the next big action movie hero. That is... if he wants it.
With roles in G.I. Joe, White House Down and 21 and 22 Jump Street, Tatum is on his way. Of anyone on this list... we'd put money on Tatum being the next big action movie hero. That is... if he wants it.
2.
Jai Courtney
He's starred with Bruce Willis in A Good Day to Die Hard and is set to take to action in Divergent and as Kyle Reese in the Terminator reboot (a film series that had something to do with Schwarzenegger). He's got the cred!
3.
Gina Carano
With her background in MMA fighting, Gina Carano could waltz into the action movie world. She just needs the right movie. Haywire could have done it, but no one saw it!
4.
Liam Hemsworth
Although he hasn't had to do much action in The Hunger Games, he's poised to in Mockingjay! He could easily be the next action hero, he just needs the right role in the right movie. His short turn in The Expendables 2 does not count!
5.
Michael B. Jordan
Having just signed on to the Fantastic Four reboot, Michael B. Jordan is on his way. The fact that he is a powerhouse of acting ability should only help in the effort to become a huge action star.
6.
Kellan Lutz
Although Hercules did not do so well, there is no question that Kellan Lutz has the physique for the action hero roles that could come his way. In the Twilight Saga, he got a little action, but look for this stud to kick some serious ass in the future.
7.
Alex Pettyfer
Being a stripper in Magic Mike could qualify as action, but not the type we're talking about here. Pettyfer did solid work in I Am Number Four and if he wanted to segue into an action hero role, he could easily do it.
8.
Jennifer Lawrence
An Oscar winner to boot? Sure, why not... Jennifer Lawrence has shown she can do it all, so why not add action hero to her resume? With her work on The Hunger Games, she's kind of already there!
9.
Chris Hemsworth
Wouldn't that be awesome if both Chris and Liam Hemsworth were to become bona fide action heroes with dozens of credits under their belts like Stallone and Willis do now? It could happen and with Chris' work in Red Dawn and the Thor and Avengers movies, he may be even more qualified than his little brother.
10.
Chris Pine
Chris Pine has natural talents that make him a shoe-in for action hero in the making. His work on Star Trek, Jack Ryan and even This Means War shows that he can simultaneously charm and swoop into action hero mode. Plus, he is the rare "thinking person's" action hero that we think audiences crave in the 21st century.
11.
Sam Worthington
Sam Worthington has done action, even as an all-blue creature in Avatar! He has the build, the screen persona and the moves to be an action star of the new century. His passion for smaller films also keeps him grounded. He is a strong candidate for action hero of the future for sure!
12.
Chloe Moretz
Chloe Moretz already showed us that she can Kick-Ass. As Hit Girl in the action franchise, Moretz fought tough alongside the big boys. With a little more experience, she could easily embody characters like Linda Hamilton in the Terminator movies.
13.
Garrett Hedlund
Garrett Hedlund is another star that, if he wants it, could take the title of future action hero. He showed his chops in Tron: Legacy, but has avoided action movies since. Hedlund has what it takes.
14.
Chris Evans
Whether in his own Captain America movies or in The Avengers, Chris Evans knows action. Outside of the Marvel world, he's done smaller movies more often than not. But, if there is anyone who could command the dramatic power of an action hero, along with the phycial prowess to command in that role, it is Evans.
15.
Jason Momoa
Jason Momoa is an action hero awaiting the right action movie. Period. Sure, Conan was a misfire, but it would have been for anyone playing that role. Look for more from Momoa as he has a Schwarzenegger meets Stallone persona and physique.
![[to Emmett] Come with me if you want to not die.](http://images.moviefanatic.com/iu/t_slideshow/v1392138397/the-lego-movie-wyldstyle.jpg)
