Film News>>. More Muppets… Yippie!

The filmmaking team behind 2011’s celebrated film The Muppets reunites as Disney’s The Muppets … Again! kicked off production last week in London. The all-new global Muppets adventure welcomes Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell and Tina Fey to the mayhem, along with Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Walter and rest of the Muppets. The film is directed by James Bobin (Flight of the Conchords, Da Ali G Show), who was just nominated for a BAFTA for The Muppets (Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer), and produced by the Academy Award®-nominated team of David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman (The Fighter, The Proposal). With a screenplay by Bobin and Nicholas Stoller (The Five-Year Engagement), who is also executive producer with John Scotti, The Muppets … Again! will feature music from Academy Award®-winning songwriter Bret McKenzie (Flight of the Conchords), who won an Oscar® for best original song for The Muppets (“Man or Muppet”). The new film will hit the big screen March, 2014.

Disney’s The Muppets …Again! takes the entire Muppets gang on a global tour, selling out grand theaters in some of Europe’s most exciting destinations, including Berlin, Madrid and London. But mayhem follows the Muppets overseas, as they find themselves unwittingly entangled in an international crime caper headed by Constantine—the World’s Number One Criminal and a dead ringer for Kermit—and his dastardly sidekick Dominic, aka Number Two, portrayed by Ricky Gervais. The film stars Golden Globe-, Emmy- and SAG Award®-winning actress and writer Tina Fey as Nadya, a feisty prison guard, and Emmy Award winner Ty Burrell as Interpol agent Jean Pierre Napoleon.

Featuring a slew of surprising celebrity cameos, Disney’s The Muppets … Again! will shoot on location in London and in Hollywood, as well as in the famed Pinewood Studios in Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire, just outside of London.

Film News>> A Special Message from Dwayne The Rock Johnson about G.I.Joe Retaliation

EXCLUSIVE 3D FOOTAGE OF “G.I. JOE: RETALIATION” TO PLAY IN ADVANCE OF

“HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS” IN THEATERS ACROSS THE GLOBE

THE 4-MINUTE PREVIEW WILL BEGIN PLAYING JANUARY 31^st IN

IMAX 3D, REALD 3D AND DIGITAL 3D LOCATIONS IN NEW ZEALAND

Paramount Pictures, MGM and Skydance Productions, in association with Hasbro, will release a 4-minute preview of the highly anticipated “G.I. JOE: RETALIATION” in IMAX 3D, RealD 3D and digital 3D theaters in advance of Paramount and MGM’s “HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS.”

This first-look at the film will play across the globe beginning January 24^thand run throughout “HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTER’S” theatrical engagement.

//www.youtube.com/get_player

A message from the Rock and the trailer

Based on the best-selling HASBRO characters, this follow-up to the 2009 release of “G.I. JOE: THE RISE OF COBRA,” which grossed more than $300 million worldwide, is di Bonaventura production and is presented by Paramount Pictures, MGM and Skydance Productions, in association with Hasbro.

In this sequel, the G.I. Joes are not only fighting their mortal enemy Cobra, they are forced to contend with threats from within the government that jeopardize their very existence.  The film stars D.J. Cotrona, Byung-hun Lee, Adrianne Palicki, Ray Park, Jonathan Pryce, Ray Stevenson, Elodie Yung, Channing Tatum with Bruce Willis and Dwayne Johnson.  Directed by Jon M. Chu, and produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Brian Goldner of Hasbro, from a screenplay by Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick, based on Hasbro’s G.I. Joe® characters.

“G.I. JOE: RETALIATION” is in cinemas everywhere March 28^th, 2013.

“HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS” stars Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton as Hansel and Gretel, who, after getting a taste for blood as children, become the ultimate vigilantes, hell bent on retribution.  Now, unbeknownst to them, Hansel and Gretel have become the hunted, and must face an evil far greater than witches… their past.  In addition to Renner and Arterton, the film stars Famke Janssen and Peter Stormare.  Written and directed by Tommy Wirkola and produced by Will Ferrell, Adam McKay, Kevin Messick and Beau Flynn.

“HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS” opens in New Zealand on 31^st January, 2013

Win Hotel Transylvania on Bluray or DVD

I vant to suck your blood… bluh, bluh bluh…

We have Hotel transylvania on Bluray or DVD for you to win.

To be in to win simply answer this question…

What are names of three of the actors who voice characters in Hotel Transylvania?

Email your answer with your contact details to win@bigscreennz.com 

(Please put “hotel” in the subject line)

Terms and Conditions>> Entries close Friday 1st of February 2013. You must be a Resident of New Zealand to win and judges decision is final.

The Premise>> Welcome to the Hotel Transylvania, Dracula’s lavish five-stake resort, where monsters and their families can live it up, free to be the monsters they are without humans to bother them. On one special weekend, Dracula has invited some of the world’s most famous monsters – Frankenstein and his wife, the Mummy, the Invisible Man, a family of werewolves, and more – to celebrate his daughter Mavis’ 118th birthday. For Drac, catering to all of these legendary monsters is no problem – but his world could come crashing down when a human stumbles on the hotel for the first time and takes a shine to Mavis.

Read the Review Here

Hotel Transylvania Trailer

In-store Now
Rated PG – Contains some scenes may scare very young children

Win Tickets to see Anna Karenina

To celebrate the release of Anna Karenina, we have 5 double passes for you to win.

To be in to win simply answer this question…

Who stars as the Anna Karenina?

Email your answer with your contact details to win@bigscreennz.com

(Please put “Karenina” in the subject line)

Terms and Conditions>> Entries close Monday 4th of February 2013. You must be a Resident of New Zealand to win and judges decision is final.

The Premise>> Anna Karenina is acclaimed director Joe Wright’s bold, theatrical new vision of the epic story of love, stirringly adapted from Leo Tolstoy’s great novel by Academy Award winner Tom Stoppard (Shakespeare in Love).  The timeless story powerfully explores the capacity for love that surges through the human heart, while illuminating the lavish society that was imperial Russia.  

The time is 1874. Vibrant and beautiful, married to a high-ranking government official Anna Karenina’ social standing in St Petersburg society could scarcely be higher.  When Anna is introduced to a friend’s son, the dashing cavalry officer Vronsky, there is a mutual spark of instant attraction that cannot – and will not – be ignored.  A passionate affair ensues, which scandalizes St. Petersburg society. Anna’s husband is forced to give his wife an ultimatum. In attempting to attain happiness, the decisions Anna makes pierce the veneer of an image-obsessed society, reverberating with romantic and tragic consequences that dramatically change her and the lives of all around her.

Anna Karenina Trailer

In Cinemas 31st January 2013
Rating M – Contains Sex Scenes
www.annakarenina.co.nz

Win an Awesome Hitchcock Prize Pack

To celebrate the release of Hitchcock, we have an awesome prize pack for you to win.
It includes a double pass to see the movie 
plus a 14 title Blu-ray boxed set ‘Alfred Hitchock Masterpiece Collection’   

To be in to win simply answer this question…

What are three other films that Hitchcock has made for us to enjoy?

Email your answer with your contact details to win@bigscreennz.com

(Please put “Hitchcock” in the subject line)

Terms and Conditions>> Entries close Wednesday 6th of February 2013. You must be a Resident of New Zealand to win and judges decision is final.

The Premise>> In 1959, Alfred Hitchcock and his wife, Alma, are at the top of their creative game as filmmakers amid disquieting insinuations about it being time to retire. To recapture his youth’s artistic daring, Alfred decides his next film will adapt the lurid horror novel, Psycho, over everyone’s misgivings. Unfortunately, as Alfred self-finances and labors on this film, Alma finally loses patience with his roving eye and controlling habits with his actresses. When an ambitious friend lures her to collaborate on a work of their own, the resulting marital tension colors Alfred’s work even as the novel’s inspiration haunts his dreams.

Hitchcock Trailer

In Cinemas 6th February 2013
Rating – M

Hitchcock Movie Review

Hitchcock

Releases: 7^thFebruary 2013 

(Advanced Screenings from 2nd of February)

Rating: M

Duration: 98 minutes 

Genre:  Biographical Drama

Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren and Scarlett Johansson

Director: Sacha Gervasi (Anvil: The Story of Anvil)

Reviewer: Sean O’Flaherty 

The Premise>> In 1959, Alfred Hitchcock and his wife, Alma, are at the top of their creative game as filmmakers amid disquieting insinuations about it being time to retire. To recapture his youth’s artistic daring, Alfred decides his next film will adapt the lurid horror novel, Psycho, over everyone’s misgivings. Unfortunately, as Alfred self-finances and labors on this film, Almafinally loses patience with his roving eye and controlling habits with his actresses. When an ambitious friend lures her to collaborate on a work of their own, the resulting marital tension colors Alfred’s work even as the novel’s inspiration haunts his dreams.

The Review>> This is as much a story about the relationship between an eccentric character with amazing talents and his similarly talented wife as it is about the making of an iconic movie, Psycho.  It is a story well told with Hopkins transforming himself into Hitchcock in the flesh!  With flashes of the lengths Hitchcock went to in achieving his result there is action, stunning ladies and conspiracy.

There is tension a plenty as Hitchcock has more than a professional relationship on his mind with his leading lady and contemplates the possibility of his wife having an affair. Helen Mirren is stunning as Alma and as an amazing presence on screen.  At the heart of it this is another example of “behind every great man is a great woman”. 

The Verdict>> This is one for all the mature members of the family. Given the dark themes of Physco this is not one for the youngsters but will appeal to anyone with an interest in relationships (that’s everyone right?).  This is a great movie that I would highly recommend.   

Some extra bits to know about the film and to look out for>> Real-life murderer Ed Gein inspired the character Norman Bates in the original Robert Bloch novel ‘Psycho’; Gein also inspired the character of Jame Gumb (Buffalo Bill) in Thomas Harris’ novel ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ which featured Anthony Hopkins in the film version.

Anthony Hopkins is one of a number of several top British and American actors who actively pursued the role of Alfred Hitchcock.

The film was shot in 36 days.

Anthony Hopkins actually met Alfred Hitchcock when he was younger. Hopkins was accompanied by his agent who introduced him to Hitchcock in a restaurant.

Scarlett Johansson portrays Janet Leigh in this film. Johansson and Leigh’s daughter Jamie Lee Curtis share the same birthday.

In the end scene, a crow lands on Hitch’s shoulder, indicating that his next project will be The Birds. That film, and his relationship/obsession with leading lady Tippi Hedren were the basis for another film about Hitchcock, The Girl, broadcast this same year.

Looper DVD Review

Looper

DVD Releases: 24^th January 2012

Rating: R16 – Contains Graphic violence & offensive language

Duration: 118 minutes 

Genre:  SciFi Action

Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis, Jeff Daniels, Paul Dano and Emily Blunt

Director: Rian Johnson (The Brothers Bloom, Brick)

Reviewer: Jon E Clist 

Special Features>>

Featurettes- “Looper: From the Beginning”, “Scoring Looper“, and “The Science of Time Travel”, commentary track with director Rian Johnson, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Emily Blunt. Plus a whopping 22 deleted scenes 

The Premise>> In the futuristic action thriller Looper, time travel will be invented – but it will be illegal and only available on the black market. When the mob wants to get rid of someone, they will send their target 30 years into the past, where a “looper” – a hired gun, like Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) – is waiting to mop up. Joe is getting rich and life is good… until the day the mob decides to “close the loop,” sending back Joe’s future self (Bruce Willis) for assassination.

The Review>> I love a good Sci-Fi time traveling film. However there really haven’t been a large number of really good ones over the years. I think the only other one that I really rated would have to be Twelve Monkeys. The clever nature of the script, visual layers and insanely great acting created this wonderful cinematic experience that I could watch over and over again and most likely still see elements that I had never seen before. So I have been waiting patiently for another film to come along and challenge my senses with the same veracity. That film has arrived in the form of Looper. I really cannot begin to express how much I enjoyed this film. For me it was a unique and refreshing take not only on how time travel could be utilised but also in it’s dealings with the consequences of time travel.

Firstly let me say how absolutely amazing Joseph Gordon-Levitt is. Thoroughly awesome and wonderfully layered performance by him throughout the film. If it wasn’t weird enough that he doesn’t really look like himself thanks to the incredible makeup done on him, but also he wonderfully portrays this emotional inner battle between doing the right thing and self preservation. This in itself adds some excellent depth to the plot in a delicately unpredictable manner, that truly does take you on a dynamic journey. I do want to say that this at times is not a fast paced film, which is a great thing. There are moments when you get to sit in the moment and kind of loose yourself in the complexities of the storyline. That is all that I will say of the storyline, because it is well-crafted and you need to be left to experience it for yourself.

To See some Pics of the makeup Transformation that Joseph Gordon-Levitt takes

Click Here

The rest of the cast is rather brilliant too on all levels. From the supporting cast of Bruce Willis, Emily Blunt, Jeff Daniels, Paul Dano and even Piper Perabo there is a well-developed intensity that helps to drag you deep into the story. Paul Dano is one of those actors who you wouldn’t class as super handsome or attractive in his confidence. In fact more along the lines of Paul Giamatti, he is a specialist in playing the more diverse and interesting roles. Characters that are flawed and struggle with the day to day aspects of life. So here he is a brilliant part of the story. Like Joe, he is also a Looper, but unlike Joe he is not as confident or successful, so when he is faced with closing his own loop, things unravel at a high rate of knots.

To See A collection of some of the international Poster artwork for Looper

Click Here

Anyway… No more about it from me… cause this really is one film you need to experience for yourself. However be warned there is a fair amount of violence and it is rated R16 for various reasons.

The Verdict>> This is one of the best Sci-Fi films I have ever seen and for me one of the best films of 2012 so far.

Some extra bits to know about the film and to look out for>> This movie marks the third collaboration between director Rian Johnson and lead actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt, the first being Brick, and the second being a quick cameo in The Brothers Bloom as a bar patron with guitar

Emily Blunt revealed that she agreed to star in the movie after reading half of the script. She didn’t even know what her character was.

This is the third time Bruce Willis’ character time travels and encounters his younger self. The first was Twelve Monkeys and the second was The Kid.

Two Little Boys DVD Review

Two Little Boys

DVD Releases: 24^th January 2013

Rating: R16 – Contains Horror, violence, sex scenes & offensive language

Duration: 105 minutes 

Genre:  Comedy

Starring: Bret McKenzie, Hamish Blake and Maaka Pohatu

Director: Robert Sarkies (Out of the Blue, Scarfies)

Reviewer: Mikey Collins 

Special Features>> Deleted scenes, interviews with the cast and behind the scenes clips. 

The Premise>> An irreverent comedy about Nige, his best mate Deano and their riotous misadventures as they struggle with their imploding long-term friendship which is put under pressure by an unfortunate incident involving a hot meat pie, a ginger cat and the untimely death of a Scandinavian soccer star.

The Review>> Since director Robert Sarkies debuted with his 1999 feature Scarfies, some have been wondering if he would return to the dark comedy which made the film famous in New Zealand, or, stay in a similar vein to his most recent film Out of the Blue (2006). Both films had an entirely different feel, so it was hard to say exactly what it was that Sarkies liked to do. It’s safe to say things are clearer now; he likes inter-social comedies, usually about everyday people finding themselves on the wrong side of the law. Two Little Boys makes this clear, and sees an obvious return to a more Scarfies-like storyline.

Bret McKenzie, from TV’s Flight of the Conchords, plays Nige, a seemly timid young man trying to make the transition from a teenage terror into a man worthy of a girl he’s chasing. On the other side, there’s Deano, played by Hamish Blake from the comedy duo Hamish & Andy, a guy who’s strange fixation on Nige borders on maniac obsession. His main goal; that the pair, and only the pair, remain best of friends till their last, dying breath.

Their worlds are pushed into overdrive when Nige accidentally runs over a Norwegian tourist. As upsetting as it is, the two still want to accomplish their goals, and being thrown in prison for manslaughter isn’t an option. Nige needs Deano’s skills to fish him out of the trouble, and Deano, as clever as he is, sees it as an opportunity to solidify their friendship – let the crazy misadventure begin.

This screwball comedy sees two very fun people in real life, on the big screen for an extended amount of time, which is never a bad thing. They both make very believable mullet-sporting southland goons, trying to make the most out of life. You’ll find yourself squirming at the awkward and laughing at the irreverent, especially during one of their swearing battles.

The Verdict>> If you liked Scarfies, and are after some edgy humor,  with a taste of pre-Scarfies southland history, then Two Little Boys is for you.

Some extra bits to know about the film and to look out for>> Filming started in 2010 in the Southland District, New Zealand and concluded in 2011. Director Robert Sarkies’ brother Duncan Sarkies wrote the novel that predates the film.

It premiered at the Berlin film festival in February 2012.

Safety Not Guaranteed DVD Review

Safety Not Guaranteed 

DVD Releases: 24th January 2013

Rating: M – Contains Offensive language & sexual references

Duration: 89 minutes 

Genre:  Comedy

Starring: Aubrey Plaza, Jake M. Johnson and Karan Soni

Director: Colin Trevorrow (Gary Under Crisis)

Reviewer: Holly Wiseman 

The Premise>> When an unusual classified ad inspires three cynical Seattle magazine employees to look for the story behind it, they discover a mysterious eccentric named Kenneth (Mark Duplass), a likable but paranoid supermarket clerk, who believes he’s solved the riddle of time travel and intends to depart again soon. Together, they embark on a hilarious, smart, and unexpectedly heartfelt journey that reveals how far believing can take you. Safety Not Guaranteed stars Aubrey Plaza, best-known for her role as April Ludgate in the NBC comedy series Parks and Recreation, as well as New Girl’s Jake Johnson.

The Review>> Going into this film knowing it was made by the same producers as Little Miss Sunshine I kind of expected the unexpected.  Really this is a part of the magic of Safety Not Guaranteed. Just as you think you’ve got an idea of where the story is going, you’re flipped into a new reality.

For the girls there’s a love story and for the guys there’s a freaking time machine! So date night (if not a quirky date night) is sorted.

The end of the film (don’t worry not a spoiler alert) is well a little odd and I did leave the cinema thoroughly having to contemplate what I just saw. You really need to switch off the reality in your head of what is humanly, morally and physically possible and once you’ve done that the end will be awesome!

The Verdict>> Safety Not Guaranteed is definitely an ‘indie’ film.  But since ‘indie’ seems to be in at the moment you’ll have no trouble getting into this one. If you’ve enjoyed things like Little Miss Sunshine or Parks and Recreation then you’ll enjoy this film, if not maybe give it a miss.

Some extra bits to know about the film and to look out for>> The script is based on a classified ad that turned into an Internet meme and was originally featured on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in the “Headlines” segment.

Cameo: When Darius and Arnau are spying on the PO boxes, the first man that walks into the post office is the writer of the original classified ad that the movie is based on.

Hit and Run DVD Review

Hit and Run

DVD Releases: 24^th January 2013

Rating: M – Contains Violence, sexual references & offensive language

Duration: 100 minutes 

Genre:  Action Comedy

Starring: Dax Shepard, Kristen Bell and Bradley Cooper

Directors: David Palmer, Dax Shepard

Reviewer: Jon E Clist  

The Premise>> Former getaway driver Charlie Bronson jeopardizes his Witness Protection Plan identity in order to help his girlfriend get to Los Angeles. The feds and Charlie’s former gang chase them on the road.

The Review>> Dax Shepherd reminds me of Luke Wilson. He’s funny, pretty good looking and actually a not bad film makes either. Perhaps you might not realise that both Luke and his brother Owen actually made their own film called Bottle Rocket for their major film debut. Obviously it’s normally the other way round, an acting career that leads to directing. So when you see that Shepherd who is a relatively newish face on our cinema screens not only stars in this film but also wrote and directed it, I would have to say that I was a little surprised.

In saying that, it’s not really an Oscar worthy film by any stretch of the imagination. After seeing another film about a driver in the past year, it will be hard to put this film here into any similar classification of greatness and to be honest I think that Drive will unfairly disadvantage this film in the eyes of most reviewers.

Overall, it’s not too bad a film. I know that sounds a little like a back handed bit of praise but seriously it’s a Good bit of b-grade action comedy. There are plenty of car chases and loads of cheesy dialogue that for the most part suits this style of film. Granted it is a little over the top at times and does come across a little too try hard.

Dax and Kristen are mostly believable as a couple and certainly have their moments on Screen where their back and forths bring about some solid laughs. Of course there are times when the dialogue attempts to take a more serious tone and it is at this point when you hope that they are doing it tongue in cheek and didn’t mean to really be deep and meaningful. At these times the dialogue does come across as a little chunky and cliché, I found myself laughing at it, while one other reviewer pat verbally scoffing the film out loud. Dude, seriously save it for your review and don’t ruin the experience for the rest of us.

The Verdict>> This film is targeted at the date night audience. Some romance for the girls, car chases for the boys and laughs for everyone.

Some extra bits to know about the film and to look out for>> Both the hot rod Lincoln Continental and the off-road race car belong to Dax Shepard in real life. Also, since the movie was an independent production with no studio supervision, Dax also did his own stunt driving.

Most of the cars seen in this film are from Dax Shepard’s personal collection.

The budget for this film was about $2,000,000. $1,000,000 of that was to secure music rights.

Dax Shepard made this movie with a bunch of his friends in the business. This includes his real-life girlfriend Kristen Bell who plays the same role in this film.