Ip Man 2: Legend Of The Grand Master Finds A Distributor

Well Go USA has selected Variance Films as its North American theatrical distributor for Ip Man 2: Legend of the Grandmaster, in addition to future high-profiled Asian acquisitions.

“With Well Go USA, we have finally found a partner that’s dedicated to releasing the best of Asian cinema while keeping the original vision of the film intact.  With a cast of Hong Kong superstars — the most amazing martial arts I’ve seen on screen in years, and a wonderful story, Ip Man 2: Legend of the Grandmaster is the perfect film to start our partnership with”, said Variance Films President, Dylan Marchetti.

Ip Man 2: Legend of the Grandmaster is a stand-alone companion to the vastly successful Ip Man (of which no knowledge is required).  Ip Man 2: Legend of the Grandmaster, starring Hong Kong’s biggest action stars, Donnie Yen (Ip Man, Hero, Legend of the Fist), Sammo Hung (pretty much every great martial arts film ever made), and director Wilson Yip (Ip Man, Dragon Tiger Gate), will release theatrically across the United States in February 2011. 

“I have a true passion for Asian cinema; something that was undoubtedly passed down from my father, Chi Ho Hsi, who won several Golden Horse awards for cinematography.  To have a part in bringing such a spectacular and beloved Asian film to the US is extremely gratifying”, said Well Go USA CEO, Annie Walker. 

Escaping CGI, MTV-style editing, and blasting techno music for a return to skilled performers, ace choreography, and top-notch production values, the Ip Man films have ushered in a new era of Hong Kong filmmaking.  Ip Man 2: Legend of the Grandmaster is currently burning up the Asian box office charts (out-grossing Iron Man 2, Sex and the City 2, and Robin Hood combined in Hong Kong).  Its theatrical release will remain in its original incarnation — uncut and un-dubbed, as the filmmakers originally intended.  Its home entertainment release (DVD, Blu-ray, and VOD) is slated for Spring 2011.

In Ip Man 2: Legend of the Grandmaster, Master Ip Man (Yen) is a new arrival in Hong Kong, and is struggling to open a martial arts school.  Master Ip teaches a style of kung-fu known as Wing Chun from Northern China, which is initially ridiculed by the Hong Kong schools and their respective masters - especially Master Hung (Sammo Hung), the crooked leader of a cabal of masters who won’t allow Master Ip to teach until he proves himself and his kung-fu — which he does, in one of the most amazing fight sequences ever committed to film (we won’t give it away, but it involves a teahouse, a rickety table, and a highly-anticipated fight scene between Yen and Hung).  Once Master Ip can earn the respect of the local masters, there’s still the matter of the corrupt British government and their desire to diminish the culture of Chinese martial arts in favor of traditional boxing.

Ashley Greene Is Laughing Out Loud

Well we finally have an "LOL" film, it is only a matter of time before we get "WTF" and "BRB". Maybe they will be the sequels if they haven't already been made. The lovely Ashley Greene, most known for her portrayal of Alice Cullen in the money making and fangirl shaking "Twilight" series, is in negotiations for a role in "LOL" according to THR. She would be joining Demi Moore and Miley Cyrus in what is a remake of a French comedy released "way back" in 2008. They really aren't even waiting or trying anymore are they?

Also in negotiations is "Thomas Jane" most recently of HBO's "Hung", but I'll always think of Jane as "The Punisher". Liza Azuelos is directing the remake which involves a teen girl that going through a breakup with her much more sexually advanced boyfriend while her divorced mother is struggling to pick up the pieces. Miley Cyrus is locked in as the teen girl lead while Moore is playing the mom. Jane would beplaying the father and Greene a high school misfit, who most likely will befriend Cyrus. A little fun fact, Liza Azuelos also directed the original French version. Who says you can't go home?

"Predators" Clip

The computer monsters over at ShockTillYouDrop.com have revealed an exclusive clip from Nimrod Antal's upcoming "Predators". The clip courtesy of 20th Century Fox is called "Over Here" and deals with a collection of mercanries ecountering a Predator on their own turf, their home planet.  It's nice to see a little bit more of Laurence Fishburne's character "Noland" in action.

The First "Paranormal Activity 2" Trailer

Well because some of us are not interested in standing in lines with a bunch of tweenieboppers or are just too damn lazy to take our lady friends to the theater, the "Paranormal Activity 2" trailer has found its way onto the interwebs.

I just watched it and now I am hiding under the blankets with a flashlight and my dog hoping for the best while my significant other is sound asleep dreaming of shopping sprees. Check it out below courtesy of the keyboard zombies at Bloody Disgusting. Thanks for scaring the shit out of me Paramount.

First Look At Rango Played By Johnny Depp

I have to say, I had no idea what "Rango" was until I saw the poster for the upcoming animated film over on ComingSoon.net. How could I have missed a film coming out directed by Gore Verbinksi with Johnny Depp as the lead? My skills might be fading as I get older or I just might have forgotten I knew. At any rate, the film is being released March 4th, 2011 and also features the vocal stylings of Isla Fisher, Abigail Breslin, Bill Nighy, Stephen Root, Ray Winstone, Beth Grant, Ned Beatty, Harry Dean Stanton, and everybody's favorite gentleman Alfred Molina.

Check out the poster below, which features Johhny Depp's character of Rango in all his lizard-like glory. Head over to the Coming Soon link above for a bigger version. If you'd like, venture to the Official Website for a continuous animated clip of the film. I kept watching the clip wondering if there would be some kind of easter egg included, but nothing so far.

TMT Back At Full Force

I hope you're all still enjoying what TMT has to offer. I'm back for a moment to make an announcement. I know TMT has been in flux the last couple weeks. I've been getting some emails wondering why the articles have been fewer and asking where Movie Moan was. I'm here to address those questions and more.

First, I would like to tell you all that going forward it will be business as usual at TMT. The transition, although bumpy, has finally hit a smooth patch. We have finalized the staff going forward, which Jamie and myself are very happy with. You may have noticed articles popping up written by Matthew Fry, well he is part of our new editorial staff. Joining him on the editorial staff is prized TMT veteran Rob Hunter. We're also proud to have added some talented writers; Jen Mayhew, Eric Sopko, and Josh Figueiredo. Each with their own style and each with their own opinion. On top of that, former TMT writer Michael Martinez is returning. As of now Phil Gee is still part of TMT, but you never know where the wind will take this guy. So there you have it, two editors, and at press time we have five writers. Onward and upward.

In regards to Movie Moan, the plan was to bring Movie Moan over to IESB with Jamie and myself, and that plan is still in effect. We don't have the capabilities locked down yet over at IESB, but you will be able to enjoy it soon. There is a strong possibility that another podcast will be featured over here at some point in the future. Hang on to your hats.

Thank you for your understanding and enjoy.

Changes At ThinkMcflyThink.com

I want to start by thanking all our readers. We couldn't have gotten this far without you. I know this sounds like a goodbye but it isn't, it's more like, "I'll see you later." Jamie Williams and myself have been asked to join another website as contributors and have jumped at the chance. You can now read our articles over at IESB. Jamie and I will continue to aggravate fanboys and irritate studios with our ranting and raving on the latest news the movie and television world has to offer.

What does this mean for TMT? It is staying right where it is. Rob Hunter, who you are all familiar with will continue to run the site. We have hired a new writer named Matt Fry who will act as Rob's right hand man. Pretty soon there will be additional writers and when Rob and Matt get together on how they want to proceed going forward you'll experience a new and fresh TMT.  Phil Gee will to continue write his weekly Memo To the Executives articles but will join Jamie on Movie Moan which is also moving to IESB. Don't worry, Ed and Lou will also continue their appearances on Movie Moan, but a new podcast will be up and running on TMT shortly

Jamie and I still own and operate TMT, so business will continue as usual on the site. Change is good and many times it is for the better. We hope that our loyal readers will continue to come to TMT and also check in on how Jamie and I are doing over at IESB.

Thanks again for your support.

Blake Lively IS Carol Ferris

On the heels of the news that "Green Lantern" has finally received the greenlight from The Brothers Warner comes the first casting announcement since Ryan Reynolds. According to Hollywood Reporter's Heat Vision director Martin Campbell and the studio has decided on their leading lady, Carol Ferris. Taking on the role will be the young and sultry Blake Lively of "Gossip Girl" and "Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants" fame.

Give credit to the boys over at Latino Review for first mentioning Lively's name among a list of 5 candidates. According to Latino Review the 4 other candidates were; Evan Green, Kerri Russell, Diane Kruger, and Jennifer Garner. My first choice would have been Kerri Russell, she has the looks and the acting chops. You may remember she was in line to play Lois Lane before Kevin Spacey threw around some influence with Bryan Singer to cast Kate Bosworth.

Warner Bros seems to be leaning towards hiring younger actresses in their superhero flicks most likely gearing towards these movies becoming a flull fledged franchise. They hired a young Katie Holmes to take on the roll of or Rachel Dawes in "Batman Begins". This move didn't pan out well as she was replaced in "The Dark Knight" with Maggie Gyllenhaal. Then there was Kate Bosworth cast as Lois Lane for "Superman Returns". Many thought she came off as too young and well, where is the sequel?

Let's hope that Blake Lively works out better than the above actresses. It all comes down to chemistry with the lead and maybe she had the best chemistry with Reynolds. Don't forget the director factor, the studios aren't the only ones casting these roles of course. There is a lot riding on "Green Lantern" for Warner Bros and DC Comics, it is their first venture outside Batman and Superman, and for the future of their major characters they need to nail it.

Wolverine 2: Summer 2012?

Leave it to the slick and ever so suave Hugh Jackman to reveal the shooting schedule to "Wolverine 2" while backstage at the 2010 People's Choice Awards. According to Jackman, he'll be shooting Shawn Levy's"Real Steel" this Summer and then next on the schedule will be "Wolverine 2"

"Wolverine's going to be back. He's going to Japan. We shoot that probably in a year, year-and-a-half, something like that."

With a shooting schedule set for 2011 it is pretty safe to say that we'll be attending theaters to see "Wolverine 2" Summer of 2012. I actually liked the first and am looking forward to a follow up. The movie was a popcorn film plain and simple and I hope for more of the same in the 2nd one.

It is amazing that Jackman is now approaching his 5th appearance as the character of Wolverine officially passing Christopher Reeve who made 4 appearances as Superman on film. What is even more amazing is the man has not been typecast as the character. That is most likely due to the fact that he is multi-talented. Singing, dancing, acting, the whole bit.

Track The Trailers

The trailer for the "The A-Team" is now online courtesy of Film Stage. Enjoy it below.

A-Team Trailer - TheFilmStage.com from Clive Owen on Vimeo.

Not to be outdone, Yahoo Movies has debuted the trailer for the much anticipated "Kick-Ass".