I don’t know about you but the anticipation is killing me! We are now weeks away from returning to Middle Earth. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey has been an incredible movie to follow. Now we’ll finally be able to see what Peter Jackson has in store for us.
Dear December 14th… Hurry up!
The Lord of the Rings trilogy is precious to me. (Forgive the pun) It’s packed with so many unforgettable moments. And here we are, about to go back to J.R.R Tolkien’s world. Today I spent some time watching the trailers for the film and decided to collect them in one place. I did this for two reasons. First, so I can continually watch them without having to search again. Second, to save you all the trouble if you’re as excited as I am.
So click play and let the anticipation soar!
Check out The One Ring & The Hobbit Blog for the latest news, Peter Jackson’s Video Diaries, Posters and more.
Growing up, I was always interested in showing my family the latest technology. Imagine playing with an iPad having been around when television was just getting warmed up. I’m starting to get that feeling myself. I still remember our first modem and what it meant. Back then, I used to log in to a primitive forum that only let you online for an hour a day. Even then, I was interested in movies. That was the first forum I visited and the majority of my hour was spent discussing movies.
Technology kept getting better. The world got faster modems, better websites, more engaging content and up to the minute second information. Just before I graduated high school, I remember scouring the web for any piece of information I could find on The Matrix sequels. I had to know details immediately. This desperate search led me to many of the websites I still visit every day. Since that time, technology evolved and movie news has never been easier to consume.
Now I look back on how I used to get my movie news and I’m blown away by how far we’ve come. Now there are thousands of websites and blogs out there. The internet has a pulse and I’m no longer solely a reader, I’m a contributor. It’s so much fun.
Looking back, I decided to focus on 5 announcements that blew my mind and kick started my addiction to movie news.
My favorite Superhero. When I found out that Sam Raimi was creating a live action Spider-Man movie I was speechless. CG technology was exploding and the very thought of live action web slinging was too good to be true.
I still get goosebumps watching that trailer. It’s Spider-Man! I still can’t believe it’s been over 10 years since Peter Parker changed the Superhero movie forever. I also can’t believe the series has already been rebooted but I enjoyed The Amazing Spider-Man and I’m looking forward to following the ‘electrifying‘ sequel.
THE MARVEL CINEMATIC UNIVERSE
“Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, Hulk, Nick Fury, Black Widow & Hawk Eye are on stage together!”
Marvel had done it. 4 movie franchises would come together in the biggest Superhero movie of all time: The Avengers. Years later, I’m still stunned they not only pulled it off but exceeded expectations. The ‘official’ hype began with a press conference at Comic Con in 2010…
I loved The Avengers but beyond that, I loved following the film’s development. I loved the Easter eggs they built into the movies that preceded it. What threat could possibly exist that would challenge these larger than life heroes? I was actually sad after I saw The Avengers. I had so much fun reading about the film. Then I remembered PHASE TWO! Another round of phenomenal Marvel movies is on the way and it all leads to The Avengers 2 in 2015.
Until then, we must wonder what Thanos will do to make these heroes assemble again.
The Lord of the Rings. Three movies that I watch at least twice a year. That includes the hours of amazing special features included in the extended editions. LOTR is a remarkable achievement and an adaptation that captured the imaginations of millions around the world. I absolutely adored The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
The next logical step was the Hobbit but the film was plagued with legal issues causing endless delays. Not to mention the concern fans had knowing Peter Jackson planned on handing over the keys to Middle Earth to another filmmaker. Those concerns were alleviated when they announced that Guillermo Del Toro was on board. Unfortunately, the production ran into more delays and Del Toro departed. Heart break once again…
Until Peter Jackson himself stepped up and vowed to return to Middle Earth. That was an unbelievable announcement. Then they announced three movies instead of two! Another trilogy directed by Peter Jackson featuring the same dedicated team of filmmakers. A dream come true.
THE MATRIX GETS TWO SEQUELS
“They are making a sequel to The Matrix!? … Hold on… There is going to be two AND they are filming them back to back?”
The Matrix Reloaded. Some people love it, others think the original should have been left alone. Even those who hated the sequels were still curious at some point. Where will the Wachowski’s take Neo next? I was obsessed. I read every article I could. I was searching for Matrix news before I checked my own email on a daily basis for months. How could they possibly continue such a complex story? (Insert Architect joke here)
When The Matrix Reloaded came to an abrupt end, I was even more addicted to news and rumors. Thousands posted theories on what could happen next and I read all of them. Speculation was as endless and I was addicted. The Matrix Revolutions delivered a fitting end even though it wasn’t as spectacular as I hoped. The Matrix will always be my favorite but I loved Reloaded because it inspired the movie nerd in me.
The day I found out they were making two sequels changed everything…
I thought we had seen the last of the galaxy far far away… I didn’t hate Episodes 1,2 & 3 but they definitely didn’t rise to the level of the original trilogy. I never imagined that one day, we would FINALLY get true sequels to Star Wars. Then Disney announced the acquisition of LucasFilm. One single press release literally blew up the internet. The hype began instantly and speculation will dominate movie websites until the day Star Wars Episode VII is released in 2015. This doesn’t even include the sequels and spin offs the mouse house is planning.
I don’t normally cover news on my blog but I couldn’t resist. It’s Star Wars Episode VII!
What will it be about? Will Luke Skywalker and the rest of the original cast return? Who will direct it? When will we find out more!?
There’s also an interesting battle brewing in the Summer of 2015. Which film will gross more? Star Wars 7 or The Avengers 2? The culmination of Marvel Phase 2 and a sequel movie fans have been waiting decades to see. (Disney wins the Summer 2015 box office battle by the way. I’m prepared to make that call now since they own both franchises.)
ARE YOU ADDICTED TO MOVIE HYPE?
I grew up searching for my favorite movies and devouring the articles I found. Every new trailer, tv spot, poster, synopsis, casting announcement, set pic and interview makes me smile. I’m addicted to movie hype. Today, it’s easier than ever to find information on the movies you can’t wait to see. Technology has indeed come a long way since I was young.
However, one thought makes me smile more than all of the massive announcements combined: Back then I used to search for articles. Today, I write my own. It’s funny how people evolve just like the technology we use to tell our stories.
THE AVENGERS HAVE ASSEMBLED AND AVENGED… NOW WHAT?
All of the speculation, rumors, hype, skepticism, anticipation, news, casting, trailers, promos, tv spots, plot details, posters and more are behind us now. After years of planning, Marvel has gathered their movie universe into one action packed 2.5 hour event… So how did it all turn out?
The Avengers delivered on and exceeded everyone’s expectations.
I absolutely loved it. It’ll take a couple repeat viewings but currently, The Avengers may settle into my Top 5 favorite movies of all time. I loved it that much. But something funny happened once the credits rolled and I caught my breath… I was a little sad.
Movie hype is a funny thing… You can spend years looking forward to a movie. Sometimes the film is everything you hoped it would be, other times it isn’t. But the following morning you realize that you don’t have to scour the web for tidbits of new information. You aren’t wishing for a new trailer or clip to be released anymore. You’ve seen the film.
I’m going to miss looking forward to The Avengers…
From the beginning, we’ve all wondered what it would be like if Iron Man, Thor, Hulk and Captain America shared the screen. Would it be a train wreck? Negative, it’s a superheroic masterpiece. It’s a PERFECT summer movie.
When I write reviews, I tend to write about the experience rather than focusing on plot details and specific things I did (or didn’t) like. Honestly, I haven’t that much fun in a theater since the original Paranormal Activity was released. No, I’m not comparing The Avengers to Paranormal Activity creatively. But sitting in both audiences reminded me of how much fun it is to see a film in theaters.
The Avengers is full of wonderful moments. It’s packed with cool things you have never seen before. It was also absolutely hilarious. Throughout the movie, the entire audience was roaring with laughter one moment and stunned the next at the visual marvels on the screen. It was electric in that room. I mentioned Paranormal Activity because the audience behaved similarly. It wasn’t a room full of people. It was one entity reacting to the film together as one. It’s a beautiful experience to have and I was smiling ear to ear for nearly 3 hours as a result.
EVENT MOVIES
Much like the final chapter of Harry Potter, this was an EVENT. It took Marvel years of work spanning 5 films just to set up the events of The Avengers. It all culminated in a film that skillfully balances character with breathtaking action. (Thank you Joss Whedon)
That’s why the movie broke records. It’s a must see. Even the most casual fan won’t be able to wait until it’s available on demand. People want to see what all the fuss is about. The result? Over 200 million dollars in 3 days domestically. That’s impressive enough but when you factor in stellar reviews from both critics and fans it’s hard to ignore the cultural impact this film will have moving forward.
Part of the fun of event movies is the hype. Even now, 2 days after seeing the film, I’m still thinking about how much fun it was to follow the film’s development. Thankfully, it’s not the same feeling I had when the Harry Potter franchise ended because that adventure was over. There was a finality to it. (Much like another little event movie called The Dark Knight Rises)
Today, I find hope knowing that the minute the film ended, hype for The Avengers 2 had begun. It’ll be years before we hear rumblings of another assembly but you can bet it’ll be followed by more than just hardcore superhero fans.
So while we wait to find out what Thanos has in store for our heroes in The Avengers 2, we can rest easy that much more Marvel is on the way. Interest will be higher than ever for Iron Man 3, Thor 2, Captain America 2 and hopefully another Hulk movie. The Marvel universe is fully loaded now and I can’t wait to see what they fire up next.
Until that time we all get to marvel at what… (ahem) Marvel has accomplished with this movie. The Avengers is for anyone who loves massive action and epic scale. It’s for anyone who loves entertaining summer blockbusters.
The Avengers is for anyone who loves heroes… And things that are awesome.
This edition of Versus should probably incorporate Neill Blomkamp somehow as his extraordinary film District 9 kind of paved the way for more low(ish) budget/high concept films. Even better, he did it by creating an imaginative short film called Alive In Joburg first which I included below.
Director Oren Peli did an amazing job with a tiny budget and created a massively successful horror franchise. He proved that it doesn’t take a ton of money to create a horrific atmosphere if you have a solid concept and clear direction.
2010′s Monsters showed us that you don’t need a massive budget to create a successful alien invasion story.
Director Gareth Edwards created the incredible visual effects by himself but more than that, he created an pretty fantastic film driven by wonderful characters.
Each took relatively small budgets (Peli especially with a budget of $15,000) and armed with entertaining stories, launched themselves into the Hollywood spotlight.
Sometimes all it takes is a good idea and the passion to pull it off. Blomkamp did it and is now seen as one of the leading young directors today.
So which director will win this battle? Lets break it down.
The Hype
Paranormal Activity
Oren Peli and company made this film in 2007. It was a long time before it got into the hands of Steven Spielberg.
The marketing team did an incredible job of creating hype for this film. Basically, daring people to demand it in their cities. Using the web, social media and positive word of mouth, a tremendous amount of hype was generated.
And the film delivered as promised.
Monsters
This film didn’t get nearly enough publicity leading up to it’s release. It’s unfortunate.
I did like how they released it online. I wish it was available somewhere On Demand in Canada early on. I would have definitely payed to rent it.
Instead, I was forced to wait.
Winner: Paranormal Activity
The Directors
These films are both incredibly alike and incredibly different. Both films involve 2 main characters facing enormous challenges and both keep things relatively simple. Where they differ is scale.
Paranormal Activity
Shot in one house with hand held techniques. The ‘found footage’ style is executed perfectly and provides some of the best scares in recent memory. Peli does a fantastic job showing you just enough to keep you at the edge of your seat while holding back for the spectacular finale.
Monsters
Monsters is a much more polished film. While P.A remains locked in one location, Monsters takes you on a journey filled with Aliens, Armies, Battles and much more. Edwards has a great eye for visual effects. You’d never know they were done on such a low budget.
Using clever placements of signs, debris and other effects, the director creates a perfect ‘Infected Zone’ that pulls you into the story.
I give the edge to Monsters here for the sheer scale the director managed to achieve.
Winner: Monsters
The Cast
Paranormal Activity
Both main characters did a great job selling the story to the audience but there were still moments here and there where it felt a little over the top.
Monsters
The strength of this film is the character work and a lot of credit has to go to the cast.
Winner: Monsters
The Films
Paranormal Activity
To this day it remains one of the best theater experiences I’ve ever had. Such a simple concept. Such an entertaining movie.
Monsters had a different impact on me. The way the film is presented was inspiring. I may not know a lot about visual effects but I’ve certainly applied it to my screenwriting. I’m no longer afraid to go a little further instead of constantly worrying about escalating costs.
Early word has surfaced that Gareth Edwards will be taking on Godzilla next. If that’s the case, it will be a while before we see anything new so the edge still goes to Peli.
Winner: Paranormal Activity
Overall
Each category is worth one point with ties counting as a point for each.
Paranormal Activity: 5 Points
Monsters: 3 Points
The Winner: Paranormal Activity
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Yet due to films like Blair Witch 2: Book of Shadows and the never ending Saw franchise, a lot of people are skeptical about Paranormal Activity 2.
Some sequels just don’t deliver.
Can it possibly deliver on the incredible originality of the first?
Will it be as frightening?
I think Paranormal Activity 2 will be everything and more. At least I hope it will.
I’m not saying the film will DEFINITELY be among the greatest horror films of all time but I’m not in it for awards. I just want it to be as entertaining and suspenseful as the first.
When I was sitting in that theater clinching the arm rest, the entire crowd had the same mind set. Every time the shot of their bedroom graced the screen we all squirmed in our seats. Something messed up was about to happen.
That amazing level of anticipation throughout made it a classic in my eyes. I had a huge smile on my face the entire time.
I’m sincerely hoping that the second chapter can achieve the same level of terror. I was afraid to be home alone for weeks and I lived by myself at the time!
I want to be frightened like that again and the second trailer certainly helped feed my craving for more.
Of course, there is a chance the film won’t capture the same magic. In fact, it’s almost impossible with the amount of hype the first film had behind it.
The way I see it, as long as they don’t simply rehash the same types of scares or go too over the top, I’m good.
Why do I think it will be a worthy successor?
The baby alone shows the studio is willing to ramp up the suspense. You know people are going to cringe when they see those scenes. (As long as they aren’t so unbelievably over the top that they become humorous.)
I think horror fans in general have been let down a lot over the years with sequels that basically cash in on franchises that begin with so much promise.
I adored the first saw film. I gave up after part 4 but that’s the point. I still showed up for 3 more before I needed something new come Halloween. The sequels felt rushed and forced but that’s exactly how they were made. Rushed and forced onto the silver screen with little thought on how to make them better.
I’m always going to root for original horror films rather than sequels and remakes. It’s always more fun to discover something new. However, there is also a unique ‘fun factor’ in rediscovering worlds that you love.
I’m putting my faith in Paranormal Activity 2 this year.
kind of paved the way for more low(ish) budget/high concept films. Even better, he did it by creating an imaginative short film called Alive In Joburg first which I included below.
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