John Cusack is Edgar Allen Poe in the thriller The Raven. A madman in Baltimore has taken inspiration from the poet and is systematically going through his work, killing innocents as they were murdered in Poe’s poems. We’ve got a new clip from the film featuring Poe’s love interest, played by Alice Eve, unfortunately living out the icon’s legendary work A Tell Tale Heart.

The Raven Trailer: A Tell Tale Heart

Stay with Movie Fanatic for our interviews with Cusack, Eve and our review that will premiere on the film’s release day of April 27.

We will say this: Cusack is a marvel as the legendary writer. Fans of the actor will find what he does in The Raven mesmerizing. Also, the idea of the story is brilliant. A killer modeling himself after the darkest works of one of our nation's greatest poets? Who better to help solve the mystery than the man who penned the words that are inspiring a murder spree?

We first met Danny Trejo’s Machete in the “fake” trailers featured in Grindhouse. Robert Rodriguez successfully busted the reluctant hero out of his humble beginnings and gave him a film of his own, 2010’s Machete. As Movie Fanatic reported, Machete Kills -- the sequel -- is set to film this spring and we’ve got some casting news. Set to return to the franchise with Trejo is Jessica Alba and Michelle Rodriguez.

Alba’s immigration agent comes back, most likely ready to help Machete through another jam. Meanwhile, Rodriguez’s Luz, also known as She, will return as the rebel leader who helps Machete fight off his enemies.

The only question remaining is… will Lindsay Lohan return?

Sacha Baron Cohen is taking over Manhattan's Central Park in the new poster for his upcoming comedy The Dictator. The one-sheet debuted over at EW and features Cohen’s North African tyrant’s face firmly planted over every inch of the famed park in New York City.

We’ve seen the latest trailer and can see there is much more to Cohen’s latest than a one-note look at a foreign authoritarian leader. Through a series of comic events, he is stripped of his iconic beard and uniform and sent into the streets of the city. Lost, he runs into Anna Faris’ character… perhaps a love interest? She runs an organic food stand and puts our dictator to work while he tries to prove to the world he is who he says he is.

Cohen’s follow up to Bruno and Borat hits theaters May 16.

Prepare to have a Meltdown, as that's the title of the new trailer for Chernobyl Diaries. The film is from the mind of Paranormal Activity’s Oren Peli and follows a group of extreme tourists who have spent their hard earned dollars to go to Russia and get a personal tour at the site of the worst nuclear meltdown in decades. The site is deserted… or so they think. Prepare for the Diaries when the film premieres May 25.

Chernobyl Diaries Meltdown Trailer

The Cabin in the Woods has thrilled fans of thrillers and horror films with screenwriters Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard (who also directed) wildly original concept. The film took the above two genres and turned them completely on their heads. The film, starring Chris Hemsworth, Richard Jenkins and Bradley Whitford, was seriously smartly written and as such has given us a scream-worthy batch of movie quotes.

Look for audiences to become entranced by the flick as the weeks go on, spurned on by the army of individuals who are repeating the best of The Cabin in the Woods quotes.

Curt: Let's get this party started! | permalink

Marty: Ok, I'm drawing a line in the (expletive) sand. Do not read the Latin! | permalink

Dana: Thanks for... being decent.
Holden: Least I could do, since Curt and Jules have sold you to me for marriage. | permalink

Curt: I think we should split up. We can cover more ground that way!
Marty: Really? | permalink

Hadley: I'm never going to see a Mer-man. | permalink

Marty: It was the pioneer days; people had to make their own interrogation rooms -- out of cornmeal. | permalink

Mordecai: Cleanse them. Cleanse the world of their ignorance and sin. Bathe them in the crimson of [pauses]
Mordecai: Am I on speakerphone?
Hadley: No, no of course not.
Mordecai: Yes I am. I can hear the echo. Take me off. Now.
Hadley: Okay, sorry.
Mordecai: I'm not kidding. It's rude. I don't know who's in the room. | permalink

Curt: What is that? [spoken seriously while staring at the lake]
Dana: What?
Curt: In the lake, I swear to god I...
Dana: Yeah, right...
Curt: No seriously. Right there. Don't you see it? There. It looks just like my girlfriend. | permalink

Marty: Somethin' weird is going on. | permalink

Sitterson: That's not fair! I had zombies too!
Wiry Girl: Yes, you had Zombies. But this is Zombie Redneck Torture Family. Entirely separate thing. It's like the difference between an elephant and an elephant seal. | permalink

Marty: He's got a husband bulge. | permalink

Dana: I'm so sorry I almost shot you. I probably wouldn't have.
Marty: Hey, shush, no. I totally get it. I'm sorry I let you get attacked by a werewolf and then ended the world. | permalink

In Baytown Disco, Eva Longoria has been clearly wronged by Billy Bob Thornton. What’s a girl to do? Why not hire three of the biggest lowlifes in town to extol revenge. Only thing is our three misfits have no idea what avalanche of horror Thorton’s character can bring and from the looks of the first film’s trailer, they are in for one wild ride.

Baytown Disco Trailer

The film, due in August, is based on a short film and is from filmmaker Barry Battles.

Having a music legend, Paul McCartney, provide the score and a screen icon, Meryl Streep, lend her voice as narrator and To The Arctic already is a winner. Yet the subject matter is what is the most compelling aspect of this nature doc. The wildlife at the center of the movie will rock your world and do so much more, like steal your heart.

The filmmaking team of Greg MacGillvray and Stephen Judson have created a love letter to one of the most unexplored parts of the Earth. What will pull at your soul is how the melting of the Arctic glaciers are causing serious problems for the residents of this icy community. The crux of the film follows polar bears, although other wildlife is chronicled. They are all coping as they can to the changing environment, but it is making survival extremely challenging.

The storyline of the female polar bear and her two seven month old cubs is the big selling point here. Watching mom do her best to feed and protect her cubs is inspiring. Witnessing her do it with all the cards stacked against her with food more scarce, predators possessing a stronger sense of urgency, and knowing that this is all due to humankind’s greenhouse gases can be devastating to watch. But, To The Arctic has a message of hope that it is not too late to reverse the trend and it is something that every single individual on the planet can do… right now.

That has to be the biggest thing I took away from the screening -- the motivation to do something… anything. This ecosystem is as important to the planet’s survival as air is for us to breathe. After experiencing To the Arctic, it is easy to wonder why the nations of the earth are not launching a campaign akin to the effort to topple Hitler in World War II to make the changes necessary to ensure the Arctic’s survival.

To the Arctic Trailer

And yes, McCartney’s music is as perfect a fit as could be asked. The angelic choral singing of Maybe I’m Amazed alone at the end of the picture is emotionally powerful. With Streep and her motherly vocal talents providing the narration, the message of the film could not be brought home any more personally and effectively.

To the Arctic is not only a must see this Earth Day for families, but for every soul on the planet.

The first trailer for Magic Mike has finally arrived! The film that is based on the humble male stripper beginnings of superstar Channing Tatum has assembled quite a cast and an Academy Award winning director as well. Tatum is joined in the film by Matthew McConaughey, Alex Pettyfer, Joe Mangianello, Adam Rodriguez, Gabriel Iglesias, Cody Horn, Olivia Munn and is directed by Steven Soderbergh.

Magic Mike Trailer

The latest film to pair Soderbergh and Tatum (after this winter’s Haywire) may seem like an interesting choice for the helmer. But, he was so moved by Tatum’s story -- that he had to direct the film himself, rather than simply producing.

Magic Mike arrives June 29 and we have a feeling there are more than just a few ladies out there eager to see the Southern fried kin of The Full Monty.

The Skyfall production has moved to Shanghai and the producers have released a new video blog taking us inside the shooting of the twenty-third James Bond movie. So far, much of the action has taken place in London (as seen in a previous Bond video blog). With the filming moving to Asia, we get that exotic feel to the film that is so trademarked Bond.

Skyfall Video Blog: Shanghai

Daniel Craig is returning for his third go-around as the British super agent and Judi Dench is back for her record-tying seventh film as M (Roger Moore has also appeared in seven flicks). Joining the franchise as the always iconic bad guy is Javier Bardem!

Now that we know that a Sin City sequel is happening, we’ve got word that two of the original film’s stars are returning. Mickey Rourke and Rosario Dawson have signed on the dotted line and will be back for Sin City: A Dame to Kill For with Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez back behind the camera.

The filming will start this summer and we’ve got an initial synopsis of what to expect from the sequel to the 2005 smash.

We do know that Dwight McCarthy is still the central character in the second film in the series. What we don’t know is whether Clive Owen will be back to play him. As the first film combined books one, three and four of Miller’s graphic novel, it looks as if the second film will focus solely on Miller’s second book, A Dame to Kill For. Since Dwight has a different face in the second book, perhaps the role will be recast.

The Avengers have released two new TV spots that focus on two of our Marvel superheroes. The Thor and Iron Man trailers give us 30-seconds of Chris Hemsworth and Robert Downey Jr. specific looks at the film and their role in the sure-to-be-blockbuster.

First up, we present our favorite of the gang, Iron Man. Downey’s in top form as evidenced by the latest spot.

The Avengers Trailer: Iron Man

Next… is the demigod, Thor! Chris Hemsworth truly comes into the character even more so than he did in his own film. Perhaps it’s the direction of Joss Whedon, or maybe it is that his onscreen brother is the one causing havoc and he has taken this battle personally. Either way, Hemsworth rises to the occasion and gives the performance of his career.

The Avengers Trailer: Thor

As stated in the latest trailer for Battleship, “The ocean is the perfect place to hide.” The teaser for the film, arriving May 18, gives us some new insight into what to expect from the Peter Berg directed sci-fi thriller. It appears that Taylor Kitsch may be mankind’s last hope for survival! What's so special about this latest spot is it's our first glimpse at the alien invaders beyond their massive ships that arise out of the water.

Battleship Trailer: Ocean

The movie, based on the Hasbro board game, also stars Liam Neeson, Rihanna and Brooklyn Decker.

Jeremy Renner is stepping into the Bourne franchise in The Bourne Legacy as Matt Damon takes a little break. He’s playing a new character, someone who went through the same program that erased Damon’s memory and turned him into the killing machine we all know and love. Our latest look at Renner in action appears through the international trailer that has landed today.

The Bourne Legacy International Trailer

Look for the first Renner chapter of the Bourne series to hit theaters August 3.

The band of superstars that make up the cast of Rock of Ages are all present and accounted for in the film’s latest poster. Tom Cruise leads the way as rock star Stacee Jaxx, with Alex Baldwin, Paul Giamatti, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta, Russell Brand, Mary J. Blige and Malin Akerman staring intently at the camera behind him.

The film is based on the wildly successful Broadway play and given that it is being brought to the screen by Hairspray director Alan Shankman, we have a feeling this Rock of Ages will rock when the good times roll June 15.

Zac Efron is making a huge jump in his career with his role in The Lucky One. The young actor visited with Movie Fanatic recently and told us about how important this film was to him. After meeting with a group of combat veteran Marines, he felt a kinship to his role of a returning vet, as well as immense pressure to do our servicemen and women proud. There was also the added stress of knowing he was appearing in a Nicholas Sparks page to screen effort. This is the author’s seventh film and to say he has a huge audience is a gross understatement. Efron is ready for the next chapter in his career that started with High School Musical mania. He hopes that The Lucky One… is simply the beginning.

Movie Fanatic: To get ready for the role, you met with Marines at Camp Pendleton. What did you most take away from that experience?

Zac Efron: Coming into that first talk with the marines, it goes unsaid, but in the room there's a palpable -- I mean we'll never truly understand what it was like. I think that everyone in the room is aware of that, but at the same time after a couple of hours with them Scott was able to communicate just how much we cared, and that we wanted to have the most accurate portrayal. It took a while, but finally they opened up and saw that really the more honest they were -- the more that they could give us. That's what we really cherished. We wanted so hard to be able to give an accurate portrayal. Watching them open up and sort of blossom in front of our eyes, and being able to tell these stories, recount, it was the most powerful moment. It was on the first day. I mean that was the first day that we had hung out at all. That was the biggest part I think.

Movie Fanatic: Where there things you noticed about them without a word being said?

Zac Efron: I mean at first I walked into the room full of marines and these guys stand like -- striking physical differences. A lot of them were my height, my build, but they looked like superheroes. In my eyes at least, I was looking at real life heroes. I'm a musical theater geek walking in there, and I knew there was so much work to be done. It was overwhelming at that point. I was just like, "How am I going to do this." But, every time I get really scared like that -- it’s a sign that I'm on the right track.

Movie Fanatic: Because you were playing a Marine, fictional yes, but it must feel so real for soldiers witnessing The Lucky One… did you feel any pressure?

Zac Efron: I feel pressure with everything. That's why I love what we do. Everything is heightened and makes your spine tingle. That's why I was scared when I the script for The Lucky One, because I was like, "Dude I like this. It's going to be real hard, and you have a big chance to fail here." 

Movie Fanatic: You seriously buff up for the movie. Did you train like a Marine?

Zac Efron: I did all kinds of stuff. But the first thing I wanted was to just spend as much time around the Marines and the troops as possible. Physically there was a lot to be done. [Laughs] Yes, that was the hardest part about this was the physical transformation.

Movie Fanatic: Do you carry any lessons learned from that meeting with you through life?

Zac Efron: I mean the principles I learned absolutely. I carry them with me, and I still try to apply them on a lot less vigorous agenda.

Movie Fanatic: In the film, as it is a Nicholas Sparks book, there are some seriously romantic lines. Some may say that although they may aspire to, most people don’t talk like that.

Zac Efron: There's a cynical part of you. The red flags go off with just a couple of lines for me anyway. But then I think back to moments when I've been in, you know, and I've said things way crazier than that. It's all relative. There was a little bit of shiver when I realized I was going to do that on camera, but I think a little bit of pride too you know?

The Lucky One Trailer

Movie Fanatic: Your career evolution has been so organic appearing. Do you have a set in stone plan for how you want it to go?

Zac Efron: I mean it's been incredibly fun and educational. I set out very early on. I look back and I said I was going to do this ages ago, and I was young. I didn't know what I was getting myself into. I think that’s it’s proven to be everything I dreamed it would be. It's been great, but it's very different. If you would've asked me when I was auditioning for High School Musical if I was ever going to play a Marine.

Movie Fanatic: What do you think is the secret to Sparks’ success?

Zac Efron: Nick creates such grounded characters. Everything is set completely and totally in reality. I mean it’s heightened, but all for a purpose.

For father and son filmmaking team of Greg and Shaun MacFillivray, making To the Arctic was a labor of love. At the same time, the passion project was something they knew the world had to see… and sooner rather than later. Their film lands April 20 and there could be no better way to mark Earth Day than by witnessing the majesty of their documentary on what humankind is doing to the top of the Earth. In our exclusive video interview, the duo talk about their experiences making the film as well as how they possibly scored Meryl Streep to narrate and Paul McCartney to provide the music.

To the Arctic Filmmakers Exclusive Interview

The future is now for Robert Pattinson. With his buzzing turn in Bel Ami and his work on David Cronenberg’s Cosmopolis, the actor is busting out of his Edward from Twilight persona. The latest trailer for Cosmopolis has premiered and it clearly shows the British performer in a whole new light.

Cosmopolis Trailer 2

The flick also stars Jay Baruchel, Samantha Morton, Paul Giamatti and Juliette Binoche as it follows the story of a newlywed billionaire (Pattinson) who loses his bride and his money in one fateful day.

The Moth Diaries has arrived on the SundanceNOW on demand channel before it hits theaters April 20 and Movie Fanatic has an opportunity for two of our readers to win a super secret code to be able to witness the movie at home!

The story of the film follows the goings-on at an all-girls boarding school where Rebecca (Sarah Bolger) is suspicious of Ernessa (Lily Cole), the school’s newest student who has immediately hit it off with Rebecca’s best friend Lucie (Sarah Gadon). Is the jealousy of the school neophyte justified? She appears to possess a more sinister motive than friendship.

All you have to do to enter is register for Movie Fanatic (or login if you already have) and then in the comments section below, let us know what your favorite movie is that has ever come out of Sundance. It could be anything from Blair Witch Project to Little Miss Sunshine, or even the fest's most recent triumph, Martha Marcy May Marlene!

Thanks for entering our contest... and good luck! And don't forget to check out the film's trailer below.

The Moth Diaries Trailer

Guy Pearce rocks the future in Lockout as a former CIA agent who has to infiltrate a space prison to rescue the President of the United States’ daughter (Maggie Grace is Emilie Warnock). The film reminds us of Die Hard meets Blade Runner and is from the mind of The Fifth Element director Luc Besson.

The movie’s protagonist, like John McClane before him, spouts hilarious quips like it’s nobody’s business. We’ve got a few of his zingers, as well as some of the best Lockout quotes from the entire film.

Snow: I'm getting beat up by a guy named Rupert? | permalink

Snow: You want me to fly? I think I left my cape at home. | permalink

Langral: What's his name?
Snow: (Expletive) you. He's Asian. | permalink

Alex: Come On. It'll be fun. | permalink

Snow: I am bringing you back from the dead. | permalink

Snow: I'm thrilled you would think of me. | permalink

Langral: Again, what happened in that hotel room?
Snow: Oh, it was coupon night and I was trampolining your wife.
[Snow is punched in the face]
Langral: You're a real comedian aren't you, Snow?
Snow: Well I guess that's why they call it the punch line.
[Snow is punched again]
Langral: You don't like me, do you?
Snow: Don't flatter yourself. I don't like anybody.
Langral: With that attitude, I can see why nobody likes you.
Snow: Oh, come on. People love me. Just ask your wife.
[Snow is punched again] | permalink

Emilie Warnock: I'm gonna ask you a few questions. Do you dream while you're under?
Hydell: I'm gonna dream about you.
Hock: Do you wanna test me?
[Hydell stands to retaliate but Hock slams him down on the table]
Hock: Sit down!
Emilie Warnock: He's got a gun! | permalink

Snow: We gotta get out of here.
Emilie Warnock: What if this doesn't work?
Snow: Well, then we're probably gonna die. | permalink

Steve Harvey struck a nerve with his book Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man. The book became a sensation. The page to screen effort debuts with the moniker Think Like a Man. With a stellar cast and the book’s author framing the film with themes from the book throughout -- it achieves a first in the process: It succeeds.

Like He’s Just Not That Into You, Think Like a Man has an encyclopedia of, according to readers, proven to be effective theories on romance. The former film intertwined friendships and love in an overall seemingly unconnected plot and characterizations. The later scores by possessing a compelling and humorous plot with a cast of Los Angeles-based characters who feel real.

Keith Merryman and David A Newman’s script pops around every corner. Movie Fanatic appreciated the film’s ability to hit the right beats when it came to expertly crafted conversation, humor and romance.

The acting ensemble seems to live by the edict of that whole weakest link thing. Each performer after the other is on the A-game. Standouts are Taraji P. Henson as a wildly successful executive looking for the same in a man. She plays her terse and tenacious. Yet, she slowly oozes into her soft and vulnerable side and audiences are treated to a true talent’s lesson in acting arc.

Also stealing scenes left and right is Kevin Hart. He represents the guys (or gals, frankly) who think that the grass is greener on the other side in the sense that he’s married, yet feels his single friends have all the fun. When he winds up close to a divorce, the comic actor sends in his after burner of talent and rides the lightning between comedy explosions and quiet moments of despair… both equally as hilarious.

It is difficult to single out performances in this ensemble that finds Michael Ealy, Jerry Ferrara, Gabrielle Union, Meagan Good, Regina Hall, Terrence Jenkins and Romany Malco each nailing characterization.

Think Like a Man Trailer

That is what sets Think Like a Man apart from not only self help books turned into films, but it stands above the average muck that is out there in the romantic comedy genre. There are so many comic and compelling storylines intertwined through the film by actors who are chewing up a great script and have been inspired by their director Tim Story (Barbershop, Fantastic Four).

It’s probably best that Story’s film did not arrive on Valentine’s Day, although it must have been temping for Screen Gems. This film is an escape from the day-to-day in its illustrating the fun aspects of the battle of the sexes, yet it also can provoke conversation that will make any relationship grow. Hard to find that in a film these days… must have come from a self-help book. Imagine that.