For Your Consideration: Watch the Trailer For Best Picture 2014: LEFT BEHIND

 

The Nicolas Cage rapture-themed drama debuted it's first trailer today on the heels of yesterday's poster drop, and it actually looks pretty good.
Based on the New York Times Best Selling series, LEFT BEHIND follows Academy Award-Winner and Ghost Rider Nicolas Cage as airline pilot Rayford Steele as he deals with half of his plane vanishing (along with half of the world entirely) as the Biblical Rapture begins 30,000 feet in the air.

It's been a good time for spiritual movie-goers, with such films as Son of God raking in over $70 million off it's $20 million budget, God's Not Dead raking in $60 million off it's $2 million budget, and Heaven is for Real gaining almost $90 million off a modest $12 million budget. 
One thing is for sure, faith-based films are getting bigger and bigger, and I doubt if LEFT BEHIND leaves anything behind when it opens this October. 

The film also has a good boost from being based off the 16 book series (selling over 63 million copies) as well as having 3 films already in it's franchise with 2 PC games as well as graphic novels and audio-books.

The final book in the series, Kingdom Come: The Final Victory was released in 2007. 

Without warning, millions of people around the globe simply vanish.

All that remains are their clothes and belongings … and an overwhelming sense of terror. The vanishings cause unmanned vehicles to crash and burn. Emergency forces everywhere are devastated. Gridlock, riots and looting overrun the cities. And there is no one to help or provide answers. In an instant, the earth has been plunged into darkness. For RAY STEELE, the pilot of a jumbo jet, it means trying to calm his hysterical passengers who saw loved ones vanish before their eyes. It also means trying to land his damaged plane when every airport is jammed with burning wrecks, all while wishing that he could talk to his family one last time. For BUCK WILLIAMS, the world-renowned journalist trapped at 30,000 feet, it means a struggle to understand the incomprehensible, the most devastating event in history. And for CHLOE STEELE, Ray’s daughter back on the ground, it means trying to find her mother and brother. Lost in a post-apocalyptic landscape, she is forced to head home through a world where despair and rage rule the day. This is the story of the Rapture, the story of those LEFT BEHIND.

LEFT BEHIND releases October 3, 2014. 

Set Photos of TERMINATOR: GENESIS Give Us First Look at Arnold and Co: Don't Want No Scrubs

Thanks to the Daily Mail by way of Flickering Myth comes our first look at A Good Day to Die Hard star Jai Courtney, Game of Thrones' Mother of Dragons Emilia Clarke, and Arnold Schwarzenegger reprising his role as the T-800 in the upcoming seq-preq-boot of James Cameron's TERMINATOR franchise.

 

These come from the set of the current filming location in New Orleans. 

I would use my best apex-predator movie knowledge to conclude this scene takes place at a Hospital; but I've been wrong before, maybe they're at a costume party and Kyle Reese and Sarah Connor are dressing up as J.D. and Elliot from the popular sitcom Scrubs.

One thing is for sure, Arnold looks suave as hell, ready to beat some ass.

Alan Taylor directs the all-star cast, which also includes Byung Hun-Lee (Storm Shadow in G.I. JOE: RETALIATION), J.K. Simmons (Spider-Man), Jason Clarke (Dawn of the Planet of the Apes), Matt Smith (Dr. Who, The Lost River) and Dayo Okeniyi (The Hunger Games).

TERMINATOR: GENESIS will shoot it's way into theaters July 1st, 2015.

Edgar Wright Might Move Back to NIGHT STALKER with Depp/Disney Combo

 

After Friday's announcement that the Marvel Studios War-Machine (no pun intended) and British director Edgar Wright had broken up due to "creative differences" over Wright's 2015 ANT-MAN, the internet has been abuzz from not only the 42 or 43 people who actually care about Ant-Man; but from the rest of us wondering what the Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World director was going to tackle next.

Following up on their exclusive story from over two years ago, Deadline once again is reporting Wright is eying a big-screen adaption of the 1970's hit science-fiction horror series: Kolchak: The Night Stalker that he developed as a vehicle for Johnny Depp. 

 I’m told that the script by D.V. DeVincentis is in strong shape. Of course, much of this depends on the availability of Depp, who’s playing Whitey Bulger in Black Mass right now and is supposed to make another Pirates Of The Caribbean movie either later this year or early next. 

Of course there is talk already of Wright being "restricted" to Disney's PG-13 mandate for their releases; but as many should be reminded, Depp's 2012 film The Lone Ranger also with Disney was PG-13 and is as dark as they come.

This will be the first time Carl Kolchak comes to screens since the early 2000s failed reboot series on ABC where was portrayed by Stuart Townsend.

First Trailer for Denzel Washington's THE EQUALIZER Adaption

Sadly absent from the big-screen since August's Mark Wahlberg co-starrer 2 Guns, Denzel and his Training Day director Antoine Fuqua are re-teaming with their bloody adaption of the CBS TV series that ran for 4 years back in the late 1980s. 

Joining Washington are Chloe Grace Moretz (CARRIE, Let the Right One In) and Melissa Leo (The Fighter, OBLIVION) with frequent-baddie Marton Csokas (XxX, The Amazing Spider-Man 2) as the antagnost.

The film looks pretty sick, and considering Washington is the go-to guy for brooding and badass action with such hits as Man on Fire and Safe House it comes as no surprise that Sony is already developing a sequel after test-screenings indicate this is their most highly-recieved R-rated film in the studios' history. 

 In "The Equalizer," Denzel Washington plays McCall, a former black ops commando who has faked his death to live a quiet life in Boston. When he comes out of his self-imposed retirement to rescue a young girl, Teri (Chloл Grace Moretz), he finds himself face to face with ultra-violent Russian gangsters. As he serves vengeance against those who brutalize the helpless, McCall's desire for justice is reawakened. If someone has a problem, the odds are stacked against them, and they have nowhere else to turn, McCall will help. He is The Equalizer.

The Equalizer releases September 26, 2014. 

CINDERELLA Teaser Trailer Is Literally Just A Shoe

 

The teaser trailer for Disney's CINDERELLA dropped online, weeks before Disney ushers in another fairy-tale reimagining with MALEFICENT.

The trailer doesn't show much but promises a magical film, and something that will likely continue Disney's "Early Summer Princess Dominance" streak.

The all star pedigree put behind the film has Kenneth Branagh, no stranger to fairy-tales and Shakesperian-esque tales of love and magic with such releases as THOR and Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit behind the helm directing Hayley Atwell, Helena Bonham Carter, Cate Blanchett, Stellan Skaarsgard, and Richard Madden as well as  Lily James as the titular princess.

The Disney classic releases March 2015. 

The story of "Cinderella" follows the fortunes of young Ella whose merchant father remarries following the tragic death of her mother. Keen to support her loving father, Ella welcomes her new stepmother Lady Tremaine and her daughters Anastasia and Drizella into the family home. But, when Ella's father suddenly and unexpectedly passes away, she finds herself at the mercy of a jealous and cruel new family. Finally relegated to nothing more than a servant girl covered in ashes, and spitefully renamed Cinderella since she used to work in the cinders, Ella could easily begin to lose hope. Yet, despite the cruelty inflicted upon her, Ella is determined to honor her mother's dying words and to "have courage and be kind." She will not give in to despair nor despise those who abuse her. And then there is the dashing stranger she meets in the woods. Unaware that he is really a prince, not merely an employee at the Palace, Ella finally feels she has met a kindred soul. It appears as if her fortunes may be about to change when the Palace sends out an open invitation for all maidens to attend a ball, raising Ella's hopes of once again encountering the charming "Kit." Alas, her stepmother forbids her to attend and callously rips apart her dress. But, as in all good fairy tales, help is at hand as a kindly beggar woman steps forward and, armed with a pumpkin and a few mice, changes Cinderella's life forever.

20th Fox Has Finally Possibly Snagged a Director for ASSASSIN'S CREED

 

With A-list commodity Michael Fassbender still locked in and ready to roll, the hunt for a director has also finally close with Justin Kurzel reported to be taking the helms for Ubisoft and 20th Fox's Assassin's Creed.

Kurzel and Fassbender JUST finished their take on William Shakespeare's Macbeth set to hit theaters in 2015 and according to Deadline:

No deal yet, but they are eager to get this film started, so it’ll come soon. 

Well I'd sure hope so, given the film is slated for an August 7 release in 2015.

Ubisoft is also moving forward with Splinter Cell starring Tom Hardy, based off the critically and financially successful series of games under the late author Tom Clancy's name. 

STAR WARS: EPISODE VII Officially Announces It's Cast WITH An Image!

 

After what seems like years of every single internet site reporting almost every actor under 30 for every and any role in Disney's highly anticipated Star Wars: Episode VII we now have a confirmed cast list straight from the official Star Wars site.

The Star Wars team is thrilled to announce the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII.

Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow will join the original stars of the saga, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film.

Boyega broke into the spot-light back in 2011 with the British sci-fi thriller Attack the Block, with Daisy Ridley being the one almost truly unknown, British actor Domhnall Gleeson broke out from his Harry Potter roles with a brief appearance in 2012's DREDD as well as last year's emotional dramedy About Time which he headlined with Rachel McAdams.
Oscar Isaac and Adam Driver recently co-starred in Inside Llewyn Davis but have both had good success on their own, with Driver starring in HBO's hit GIRLS as well as Isaac starring in such films as Sucker Punch, DRIVE, and The Bourne Legacy.

Andy Serkis is probably (currently) the most well known, starring almost exclusively in motion-capture for The Lord of the Rings, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, and KING KONG.

Max von Sydow is the true veteran here, having acclaimed turns in such films as The Seventh Seal and The Exorcist he's recently starred in big-budget fare such as Shutter Island and Robin Hood.

The release goes on:

Director J.J. Abrams says, "We are so excited to finally share the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII. It is both thrilling and surreal to watch the beloved original cast and these brilliant new performers come together to bring this world to life, once again. We start shooting in a couple of weeks, and everyone is doing their best to make the fans proud."

Star Wars Episode VII will release December 18, 2015. 

Star Wars: Episode VII is being directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, and John Williams returns as the composer. The movie opens worldwide on December 18, 2015.

Disney's Sierra McCormick To Raise Some Hell in SOME KIND OF HATE

 

From Disney to Damnation, A.N.T. Farm's Sierra McCormick and Teen Beach's Grace Phipps have been cast alongside Indie actor Ronen Rubinstein for Some Kind of Hate which begins shooting this week.

From Variety:

“Hate” begins shooting this week in Los Angeles with Adam Egypt Mortimer directing from a script he co-wrote with novelist Brian DeLeeuw (“In This Way I Was Saved”).

Well every Disney child has to have their break-out or bust, recent stars like Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens of High School Musical fame have had great luck with more daring roles such as Sucker Punch and Springbreakers for Hudgens and this summer Efron has The Neighbors co-starring with Seth Rogen.

“Hate” follows a tightly wound kid who is a favorite target for the local high school bullies. Sent away to a remote desert reform school, the harassed teenager accidentally summons a vengeful spirit to exact revenge on his tormentors.

TRUE DETECTIVE Director and...John legend...Team Up For THE BLACK COUNT

 

Yes, you read that right, and yes it is *that* John Legend who sang 2008's hit "Green Light" and 2013's "All of You". Deadline reports that the acclaimed director of HBO's critically lauded series True Detective, Cary Fukunga, is teaming up with Legend's Get Lifted Film Co. partner Mike Jackson to tackle the award-winning biography of Thomas Alexandre Dumas, based on the 2012 novel The Black Count: Glory, Revolution, Betrayal, And The Real Count of Monte Cristo although I'd wager the title might be shortened a bit for when Sony releases the film.

“Cary’s exceptional talent as a writer/director will bring to life all of the action and drama that have made The Black Count such a compelling read,” Michael De Luca, who is overseeing the pic for Sony told me today. “He’s got a great take on the material and we’re thrilled to be working with him, John, Thais, Troy and Mike,” added the Columbia Pictures President of Production.

While the name might sound familiar, Dumas' son went on to write The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo which have both served as the basis for numerous Hollywood adaptions, most recently for 'Musketeers' in 2011 helmed by acclaimed auteur Paul W.S. Anderson (Pompeii, Resident Evil).

Deadline notes:

Born to a French nobleman and a slave woman of African descent, Dumas became the highest-ranking person of color to ever serve in any European army. A favorite of Napoleon for a time, Dumas was also the first non-white to become a brigadier general in the French military. Dumas’ exploits were used as the basis for the novels of his son Alexandre Dumas. Better known today than his father, the younger Dumas wrote The Three Musketeers and The Count Of Monte Cristo.

This could be the start of a resurgence in bio-pics, with The Great Gatsby and Moulin Rouge! director Baz Luhrman helming Stanley Kubrick's passion project, Napoleon, for HBO. 

ZACK SNYDER Confirmed to Save Cinema with JUSTICE LEAGUE; Plans Revealed

 

Warner Brothers has dropped a pretty big bomb-shell on this quiet Sunday afternoon courtesy of The Wall Street Journal, confirming the obvious that cinematic visionary Zack Snyder will be directing Justice League as well as confirming they have other films in the works from DC/Vertigo.

Speaking with Warner Bro's President of Worldwide Production, Greg Silverman:

Like “Man of Steel” and its follow-up, which starts production next month, “Justice League” will be directed by Zack Snyder. Henry Cavill is expected to return as Superman, along with Ben Affleck and Gal Gadot, who play Batman and Wonder Woman, respectively, in 2016’s “Man of Steel” sequel tentatively titled “Batman vs. Superman.”

“It will be a further expansion of this universe,” said Mr. Silverman. “’Superman vs Batman’ will lead into ‘Justice League.’”

A script for Justice League is supposedly in development, and the article notes that the film doesn't have a set release date but is un-likely to be before 2018 (which would be two years after the Untitled Batman vs Superman film.

In terms of other DC films coming out:

Warner Bros. has several other movies in development unconnected to the Justice League that are based on DC superheroes and fantasy and crime titles from its Vertigo line of genre comics, said Mr. Silverman and Toby Emmerich, president of Warner’s New Line Cinema label. They include “Shazam,” “Metal Men,” “100 Bullets,” and “Fables.”

Also for the angry nerd crowds who have been parroting the "Marvel got a talking raccoon before DC got Wonder-Woman":

And while there are no plans yet for a “Justice League” spinoff featuring Ms. Gadot’s “Wonder Woman,” Warner executives said they are warm to the idea.

“That is our hope,” said Sue Kroll, president of worldwide marketing. “With the right script, that could be viable. The world is ready for her.”

Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, Ben Affleck, and Ray Fisher line up the heroes announced so far, with Jesse Eisenberg set to tackle the role of Lex Luthor in the upcoming Batman vs. Superman film which is set to release Summer 2016.

Obviously Snyder directing Justice League shouldn't be a shock, especially after seeing how well he has previously handled a grounded and more adult themed super-hero team with 2009's masterpiece WATCHMEN.