Top 5 Moments: Pacific Rim Main Trailer

May 21, 2013 at 6:25 pm

Top 5 Moments: Pacific Rim Main Trailer

TOO MASSIVE FOR YOUR COMPUTER SCREEN!

I still can’t get over it…  This movie exists!?

A movie about giant robots fighting giant monsters created by one of the most imaginative directors of our time; Guillermo Del Toro.

XTRA | Top 5 Moments: Pacific Rim Trailer #1

A new trailer has arrived that’s full of action but also a few intriguing character moments I can’t wait to learn more about.  Could this be a giant robot movie with heart?  If you’ve seen Del Toro’s masterful Pan’s Labyrinth then you already know he brings equal amounts of emotion to go along with his monstrous creations.

The marketing campaign didn’t have to release a trailer this awesome.  They had me at Del Toro…   According to a recent article on /Film, Del Toro had this to say when asked about money shots in his trailers:

“If I showed you all the money shots [in Pacific Rim], you’d have a 70 minute orgasm.”

5. GIMME A HUG

I highly doubt this is in fact intended to be part of an ending where we make peace with the monsters.  These battles look relentless and I’m most definitely okay with that.

Top 5 Moments: Pacific Rim Main Trailer

4. ELECTRIC MONSTERS, FLYING MONSTERS AND MORE

Kitchen.  Sink…  No other words are necessary.

Top 5 Moments: Pacific Rim Main Trailer

Top 5 Moments: Pacific Rim Main Trailer

3. FACE OFF: MAN VS MONSTER

No way in hell am I getting out of a giant robot to face a massive monster on my own…  But this guy does…  Courage? Stupidity? We’ll find out in July

Top 5 Moments: Pacific Rim Main Trailer

2. GIANT ROBOTS IN SPACE?

These battles take place in the ocean, on the shore, in the snow, in cities AND in space!?

Top 5 Moments: Pacific Rim Main Trailer

1. IN THE FACE!!!  WITH A BOAT!?

The robot smashes a BOAT into a monsters face.  How will this movie suck?  Give me one good reason why this won’t be FUN to watch on the big screen.  I can’t think of any.

Top 5 Moments: Pacific Rim Main Trailer

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10 Summer Blockbusters To Look Forward To in 2014

May 20, 2013 at 8:44 am

10 Summer Blockbusters To Look Forward To in 2014

THE HYPE IS BUILDING…

Every summer, as the big movies approach, I always feel like the following summer won’t stack up. In 2012, we got the ultimate superhero team up as Marvel unleashed The Avengers. Christopher Nolan completed his legendary Batman trilogy with The Dark Knight Rises. Spider-Man returned to the big screen with a completely new look. How would 2013 top that?

How about Iron Man 3, Star Trek Into Darkness, Man of Steel, Pacific Rim & The Wolverine?

COUNTDOWN | Top 10 Summer Movies 2013

Now that Marvel’s Cinematic Universe has kicked off with Iron Man 3, I think it’s time to look ahead and see what’s coming. Here are 10 big 2014 summer movies to look forward to:

10. ALL YOU NEED IS KILL

Tom Cruise returns to science fiction after saving the world in 2012′s Oblivion.  All You Need Is Kill is based on a novel of the same name by Hiroshi Sakurazaka with illustrations by Yoshitoshi ABe.  Here is a brief plot description from Amazon.com:

“There’s one thing worse than dying. It’s coming back to do it again and again… When the alien Gitai invade, Keiji Kiriya is just one of many raw recruits shoved into a suit of battle armor and sent out to kill. Keiji dies on the battlefield, only to find himself reborn each morning to fight and die again and again. On the 158th iteration though, he sees something different, something out of place: the female soldier known as the Bitch of War. Is the Bitch the key to Keiji’s escape, or to his final death?”

Sounds wonderfully strange.

REVIEW | Oblivion, Prometheus, Moon & Independence Day

10 Summer Blockbusters To Look Forward To in 2014 | Movie Preview

9. GODZILLA

I loved Gareth Edwards ‘Monster’.  Now he gets to make the mother of all monster movies (with respect to Guillermo Del Toro’s Pacific Rim.)  Godzilla is THE monster.  Hopefully they can erase the memory of Roland Emmerich’s 1998 adaptation starring…  Mathew Broderick.

10 Summer Blockbusters To Look Forward To in 2014 | Movie Preview

REVIEW | A Monster amount of character

8. DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES

Speaking of erasing bad memories… Rise of the Planet of the Apes was one of my favorite surprises of 2011.  It was a brilliant reboot that made me forget all about Tim Burton’s attempt.  This was Ceasar’s story and I loved his story.  Andy Serkis gave us one of the best motion capture performances of all time.  I can’t wait to see what the apes have planned for us in 2014.

10 Summer Blockbusters To Look Forward To in 2014 | Movie Preview

REVIEW | Rise of the Planet of the Apes

7. FAST & FURIOUS 7

Rumor has it, Jason Statham will join the cast for the seventh installment as a villain.  This time, Saw alum James Wan takes over for director Justin Lin.  This series has seen unprecedented longevity and now boasts a cast that may rival The Expendables by Fast 9.  Will see if a new director can keep things fresh for Dom and his team.

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6. TRANSFORMERS 4

I loved the first Transformers but I really hated the sequel Revenge of the Fallen.  The third installment was a return to form but now all bets are off.  Michael Bay is currently redesigning Autobots and Decepticons.  He’s bringing in an entirely new cast including Pain & Gain‘s Mark Walberg.

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10 Summer Blockbusters To Look Forward To in 2014 | Movie Preview

5. CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDER

Marvel’s Cinematic Universe will certainly get a big boost when Captain America returns to the big screen.  I say that because the film will feature many prominent members of S.H.E.I.L.D.  The organization was one of the main ways Marvel connected their films from Phase One.  S.H.I.E.L.D was absent from Iron Man 3 and more than likely won’t be a major part of Thor: The Dark World either.  This may be the film that updates us on the universe as a whole as well as Captain America’s adjustment to the modern world.

Note: This isn’t technically a summer movie with an April release date but lets face it…  It is.

COUNTDOWN | Top 10 Moments: Marvel’s The Avengers

10 Summer Blockbusters To Look Forward To in 2014 | Movie Preview

4. THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2

I enjoyed The Amazing Spider-Man.  The reboot managed to retell Peter Parker’s origin story without feeling like a shot for shot remake.  Andrew Garfield IS Spider-Man now.  His next challenge?  How about Jamie Foxx as Electro and Paul Giamatti as Rhino?  Not too mention the first appearances of Mary Jane Watson, Harry Osborn and his famous father Norman.

This has all the makings of a fantastic summer movie.

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10 Summer Blockbusters To Look Forward To in 2014 | Movie Preview

3. X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST

When Brett Ratner created X-Men: The Last Stand…  He literally destroyed the series.  Major characters were killed off and the whole thing felt like a rushed mess.  When you do that, it’s pretty difficult to create a sequel.  What did they do?  They brought in Matthew Vaughn to create a prequel.  The result was X-Men: First Class.  A fantastic movie that reminded us that the X-Men franchise has a lot left to give.

I don’t think anyone saw Bryan Singer returning for the follow up.  Regardless, the man who brought the X-Men to life before Ratner killed them all is back!  Now we get to see mutants from the past and present in one giant movie.  It may not be as big as The Avengers but this movie will definitely flex it’s Superhero muscle.

10 Summer Blockbusters To Look Forward To in 2014 | Movie Preview

2. TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES

I still can’t believe this movie is happening.  I grew up with Ninja Turtles.  I had the action figures, the bed sheets, the Halloween costumes…  You name it.  I absolutely love the movies as well. (The first two at least.)  The thought of seeing the Turtles in a new live action movie with TODAY’S technology is thrilling to say the least.  The child in me is smiling.  I’ll be there on opening day.

10 Summer Blockbusters To Look Forward To in 2014 | Movie Preview

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1. GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

Who are The Guardians of the Galaxy?  I struggled putting this above Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles but it’s the unknown that intrigues me.  What does Marvel have up it’s sleeve?  No doubt this film will set the stage for The Avengers 2 and the villain Thanos.  Big superhero movies are normally reserved for well known franchises.  This is definitely a risk but I’m on board.  I love the idea of a Marvel movie set in space with characters I know nothing about.

10 Summer Blockbusters To Look Forward To in 2014 | Movie Preview

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COUNTDOWN | Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase Two: 10 Things I’m looking forward to.

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Which Summer movie are you excited for?

Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase Two: 10 Things I’m Looking Forward To

April 10, 2013 at 9:49 am

Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase Two: 10 Things I'm Looking Forward To

Marvel set out to create a massive cinematic universe and delivered on that promise.  Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Captain America: The First Avenger & Thor told separate stories but everything led to The Avengers.  To say that Phase One was a success is an understatement.  It’s not everyday you get to see 4 major franchises come together so brilliantly.  Bring on Phase Two!

How will Tony Stark overcome the events of The Avengers in Iron Man 3?  What threat will the Dark Elves pose against Thor in Thor: The Dark World.  Captain America continues to adjust to the modern world in Captain America: The Winter Soldier.  We will meet a new team of cosmic heroes in Guardians of The Galaxy.  Last but not least, The Avengers take on the Mad Titan Thanos in The Avengers 2.

It’s an amazing time to be a Marvel fan.

Here are 10 things I’m looking forward to in Phase Two:

10. CAPTAIN AMERICA EXISTS NOW

The only thing that kept Captain America from being my least favorite Phase One film was Iron Man 2.  The reason is because of the origin story.  It took a really long time before we finally got a look at Cap in action.  Understandably, it was a necessary story to tell and I understand that.  I didn’t like it as much as I wanted to but he exists now.

Thanks to The Avengers, we got many glimpses of what The First Avenger can do…  And it’s pretty awesome.

I can’t wait to see a full Captain America movie without the need to establish his origin.  It’s time for a full tilt, action filled hero fest!

Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase Two: 10 Things I'm Looking Forward To

9. IRON MAN VS MANDARIN

The final battles in Iron Man and Iron Man 2 weren’t the greatest in my opinion.  I doubt Iron Man will fight The Mandarin in a fist fight but there’s no way the finale won’t be massive.  Just look at all the Iron Man suits in the second trailer:

I think Iron Man 3 will kick start Phase Two in a BIG way and I can’t wait to see it.

COUNTDOWN | Top 5 Moments: Iron Man 3 Trailer #2

8. SO…  LOKI…

How will Loki fit into Marvel’s Cinematic Universe after his action in The Avengers.

“….  Sorry?”

I think he will still be a force to be reckoned with especially with Thor distracted by Maleketh.  I’m also curious to see if Loki mentions anything about his connection to Thanos and what lies ahead.  Love him or hate him, he has answers…  And I want those answers.

Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase Two: 10 Things I'm Looking Forward To

7. THE CAMEOS

Which major characters will appear in other movies?  Are The Avengers truly disassembled until The Avengers 2 in 2015?

We really got a sense of what Marvel had up it’s sleeve when Nick Fury appeared at the end of Iron Man.  Whether it’s Tony Stark in the Incredible Hulk or Hawkeye in Thor you never knew who would appear next.

That trend will most certainly continue in Phase Two.  Part of the fun will be catching all the subtle references they will include in the next slate of films.

6. A POST INVASION WORLD

We’ve already seen glimpses of New York after the events of The Avengers as well as the effect it’s had on Tony Stark.  I can’t wait to see how the world has changed after Loki opened a portal and unleashed an alien army on the world.

What’s different?  How has humanity evolved now that these threats have been revealed?  What do people think of The Avengers now?  I think the majority of the answers will be dealt with in Iron Man 3 and Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

But what about the rest of the universe?

5. HULK SMASH…  AGAIN

It’s very unlikely we will see The Hulk again until The Avengers 2 premieres.  He isn’t getting a standalone movie any time soon but I think saving him is a good move.  Watching Hulk punch giant alien snakes in the face was part of the fun of The Avengers.  We may see Bruce Banner pop up at some point before then but I’m willing to wait.  It’s going to be awesome when the Hulk is unleashed again.

4.  THE CREDITS

No one will ever leave at the end of a Marvel movie again.  We all know the extra scene is coming.  A teaser of what’s to come.  A few moments that connect these movies together in ways that frustrate and delight fans.  (I say frustrate because the wait for answers can be painful.)

When we last left a Marvel movie, they gave us a glimpse of the villain who will be the center piece of Phase Two…  Thanos.

The ending of Iron Man 3 is rumored to introduce The Guardians of the Galaxy.  I know it’s a lot to ask but it would be nice if they at least mentioned Thanos.  Either way, I’m really looking forward to the bonus scenes.  Especially double bonus scenes like this:

3. THE GUARDIANS

A brand new Marvel franchise!?

I don’t know much about The Guardians of the Galaxy but I’m looking forward to learning more about them.  A Marvel movie directed by James Gunn set in space with talking Trees and Raccoons might seem risky but I’m excited.

Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase Two: 10 Things I'm Looking Forward To

XTRA | I’m glad I don’t know anything about Guardians of the Galaxy

The very idea that Marvel’s is expanding their universe is exciting enough.  What’s more exciting is the connection this movie will have with Thanos.  It will no doubt lead directly to The Avengers 2.

I'm glad I don't know anything about Guardians of the Galaxy | Preview

2.  THANOS

Who doesn’t love a good villain?  When Marvel announced The Avengers people wondered who the villain might be.  It was ultimately revealed to be Loki but it wasn’t his plan.  It’s always been Thanos.  We may not have seen him but he’s been around the whole time plotting against humanity.

Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase Two: 10 Things I'm Looking Forward To

It’s unprecedented to have not one but many films to set up a villain.  Especially one as powerful as The Mad Titan Thanos.  I’ve read about the history surrounding the character and his connections to The Avengers & The Guardians but what will the cinematic version of Thanos be like?

Will he impact the events of the films leading up to The Avengers 2 directly?  Or will he take a back seat and allow pawns like Loki take center stage.  When will we see him again?  What’s his plan?

…  I want answers!!!

Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase Two: 10 Things I'm Looking Forward To

1. THE AVENGERS 2

It took years to set up the events of Marvel’s The Avengers and we are in for another long but entertaining ride.  Along the way, we’ll catch up with Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and the rest of shield.  We’ll get updates on Bruce Banner and the ‘other’ guy.  We will meet the Guardians of the Galaxy and learn more about the looming threat known as Thanos.

Through all of these fantastic adventures we will all be wondering how it will all end.  How will these films connect?  What does Marvel really have planned for Phase Two?

Everything leads to The Avengers 2 and it’s going to be an amazing adventure indeed.

Phase Two is about to begin.  Cinematic history is about to be made.

Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase Two: 10 Things I'm Looking Forward To

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Top 10 Moments: Jurassic Park

March 12, 2013 at 7:45 pm

Top 10 Moments: Jurassic Park

WELCOME TO JURASSIC PARK

To steal a line from Seth MacFarlane, Jurassic Park needs no introduction…

10. GENNARO

This…  This is just unfortunate.

9. SICK TRICERATOPS

This entire scene is breathtaking but my favorite moment is Dr. Grant’s fascination with the dino’s breathing.  I’m not sure I’d be in a rush to give an actual Triceratops a hug though.

8. HOLD ONTO YOUR BUTTS

Samuel L. Jackson.  His role isn’t big but, as always, he makes the most of it.  Just think, if the system reset DIDN’T work, he might have survived.

7. T-REX VS RAPTORS

The penultimate moment in the film is fantastic.  Who doesn’t get excited thinking about a T-Rex hurling a Raptor into a fossil display?

6. LIFE FINDS A WAY

Dr. Ian Malcolm is overwhelmed by the science of that place.  It’s a quiet moment that wonderfully foreshadows what can happen when you play with Dino DNA.

5. FEEDING RAPTORS

If I had to choose between the goat or this poor cow, I’d be the goat.  Either way it’s bad but those raptors…  They’re really something.

4. DILOPHOSAURUS

This dinosaur scared me more than any other in Jurassic Park.  There’s something about the sound it makes and that vicious shaking…  head… flap… that I find terrifying.

3. CLEVER GIRL

What must have gone through his mind when he realized he was about to be devoured…  Gross…

2. VISUAL ACUITY

Don’t move and your chances of survival increase.  (Just ask Gennaro)  But NOT moving also created one of the more suspenseful moments during the big T-Rex attack.

1. WELCOME TO JURASSIC PARK

I consider this moment to be one of the most iconic moments in cinematic history.  Everything came together and we all watched in awe as dinosaurs roamed on the big screen.  Truly one of the most memorable movie moments of all time.

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ANOTHER TAKE

No one I know loves Jurassic Park more than my good friend Eric.  I asked him to weigh-in with his top 10 moments as well:

10. THE GOAT
9. SIX FOOT TURKEY
8. CLEVER GIRL
7. CHILEAN SEA BASS/”WHO’S HUNGRY”
6. CHAOS THEORY
5. T-REX VS RAPTORS
4. RAPTORS IN THE KITCHEN
3. FEEDING RAPTORS
2. T-REX ATTACK
1. WELCOME TO JURASSIC PARK

What’s your favorite Jurassic Park Moment?

Top 5 Moments: Iron Man 3 Trailer #2

March 5, 2013 at 1:16 pm

Top 5 Moments: Iron Man 3 Trailer #2

THE FINAL IRON MAN 3 TRAILER HAS ARRIVED!

…  And I thought the first Iron Man 3 trailer was explosive!

The latest trailer begins with Tony Stark as we’ve never seen him.  Weakened.  Scared.  The trailer then evolves into an action packed look at a movie poised to kick start Marvel’s post Avengers universe.  The road to the Avengers 2 has truly begun.  Before we get there, Iron Man has to pick himself up and deal with the deadly Mandarin.

How?  Looks like it’ll take just about every suit he’s every built!

Here are 5 of my favorite moments from the new Iron Man 3 trailer:

5.  “AN EMPTY LIFE OR A MEANINGFUL DEATH?”

While I’m not a fan of Sir. Ben Kinglsey’s Mandarin voice, he is a formidable and intimidating foe.  That one line paints a picture of a ruthless villain bent on creating chaos for Tony Stark and co.  It’s almost time!

Top 5 Moments: Iron Man 3 Trailer #2

4. EXTREMIS IN ACTION

Extremis technology allows Tony to control his armor with his mind.  This new armor can wrap itself around Tony whenever he calls.  You can see it in action a number of times during the trailer.  I can’t wait to see it on the big screen.

Top 5 Moments: Iron Man 3 Trailer #2

3.  BROKEN STARK

It was a given that this movie would be full of action and eye candy.  What will truly make this film worthy of Marvel’s Cinematic Universe is Tony Stark’s journey.  From the looks of this image, he’s in for one hell of a beat down in the third installment.

Top 5 Moments: Iron Man 3 Trailer #2

2.  TONS OF IRON!

Extremis technology plays a huge part in Iron Man 3 and there’s no greater example than an army of remote controlled suits.  Awesome.

Top 5 Moments: Iron Man 3 Trailer #2

1.  THE HULKBUSTER!

writing

Top 5 Moments: Iron Man 3 Trailer #2

When the concept art below leaked on the internet I thought it was awesome but I didn’t think we would see it in Iron Man 3.  Needless to say, this badass armor is front and center in the trailer’s final moments.  I’m happy I was wrong.

Top 5 Moments: Iron Man 3 Trailer #2

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Top 5 Moments: Iron Man 3 Trailer #2