Entries by Michael Martinez (47)

Thursday
Aug132009

DARE Gets Release Date

Since it was first announced that the lovely and talented Emmy Rossum had signed on to "Dare" I became quite interested in the project.  Dare, being directed by Adam Salky is a small budget feature that will be hitting theater's in New York and L.A on November 13th.  In addition David Brind, Dare's writer has revealed via his twitter (http://twitter.com/darethemovie) that the DVD will hit early 2010 and feature a LOT of bonuses, including Emmy Rossum's amazing audition video.

Dare revolves around the good girl, the outsider, and the bad boy as you've never seen them before.  In addition to Rossum, the talented cast also includes Zack Gilford of Friday Night Lights fame, Alan Cumming, Ana Gasteyer, Ashley Springer and Sandra Bernhard.

David Brind also revealed via Twitter (ain't it a wonderful thing?) that if/when @darethemovie reached 500 followers, he will put up exclusive behind the scenes pics from the set.

Dare is one I've been looking forward to for quite some time.  Interesting story and a very talented cast makes this one a must see for me.

I'd like to see some behind the scenes pics, wouldn't you?  Click the above link and just hit follow.

When the tailer for Dare hits I'll be sure to post it.

Thursday
Aug132009

Wonder Woman Writer Talks

The long gestating Wonder Woman film has had it's share of troubles. Writers and directors, on and off the project, the one time decree of "No more female lead action movies" (which was quite absurd if you ask me), etc.

Brent Strickland, writer of the most recent draft (that we know about) with writing partner Matthew Jennison talks a bit about his work on Wonder Woman in an interview with Cinefools. Here's just a small piece where he confirms what had been rumored on line

CF: There was word through the interweb that a spec script you wrote featuring Wonder Woman in World War II was bought and then you were both hired to work on a script in present day what is the progress of Wonder Woman, and are you approaching the war story (it's a shame if you can't)?

BS: That is correct, they bought the spec script and then hired us to make it modern day. Since we turned that in, Silver Pictures has gone through some changes and we're waiting to see how they decide to proceed.


I've been lucky enough to have read the spec, and it was quite good.  The opening in particular would be spectacular to see in live action.  Though I'd doubt they'd ever admit to it, the opening to the recent Wonder Woman DVD was clearly inspired by it IMO.  I do think the spec had a nice base to work off, but needed a fair bit of polishing.  As Wonder Woman is a drem project of mine, I admit to being hyper-critical.

There's been no shortage of actresses clamoring for the role, with big names like Anne Hathaway and Jessica Biel expressing interest to up and comers like Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Julia Voth whom I recently spoke with.

The project as it stands, has no director, or actress attached, but Silver Pictures is producing.

I thought I'd throw a few names out as possible directors who I think would fit, and give us a highly entertainign Wonder Woman movie.  Matthew Vaughn (Stardust, Kick-Ass), Karyn Kusama (Aeon Flux, Jennifer's Body), and Jonathan Frakes (The Librarian, Star Trek-Insurrection).

As for who should star, I'd be happy with Bridget Regan, Julia Voth, or Missy Peregrym.

Click the Cinefools link in the article to read Brent's full interview where he also discusses his latest project Villains.

As a Wonder Woman fan, I can speak for all of us in saying that it's been a long wait, and we hope that when our favorite star-spangled superheroine does hits the silver screen, we'll be hoping for something that's was worth the wait.

So weigh in and tell me, who should direct WW?  Who should star?

Wednesday
Aug052009

Channing Tatum is The Darkness

Our friends over at BloodyDisgusting.com have learned that Channing Tatum has nabbed the lead role in a comic book adaptation.  I'm sure many of his detractors will be thrilled to learn that it's not Captain America.  Instead he'll be playing the lead role of Jackie Estacado in "The Darkness". 

For those of you unfamiliar with the comic, The Drakness is an ancient power that predates human history.  It is always passed down from father to son, and the poweer manifests on the new hosts 21st birthday.  The Darkness can more or less create anything, but any creation will turn to dust in the light.

Jackie Estacado was/is aconnected man and is a hitman for the mob.  He's also a big time playboy.  I should mention however, that one of the drawbacks to being "The Drakness" is that should he impregnate somebody, he'll die.  Crud.

Many people, including myself, thought this role would wind up going to Milo Ventimiglia.  Tatum, IMO has talent, and I believe a future in movies as an action star.  This however, seems like trying to put a square peg in a round hole.  Though, if the late Heath Ledger taught us anything, it's that someone who might not seem right at first glance, could absolutely be the perfect choice.

The Darkness could be a fantastic movie, and is a combination of a many genre's that appeal to me.  It could be part horror, part mob flick, and part not so "super"hero.  Despite my apprehensiveness towards the lead, I'm quite looking forward to the film.

Tuesday
Jul282009

Planet Hulk Trailer

In 2006, writer Greg Pak wrote a large scale Marvel crossover titled Planet Hulk. The premise being, The Illuminati a secret orginazation of powerful superheoes have deemed the Hulk too dangerous a risk to the Earth. They rocket him to a peaceful planet uninhabited by intelligent life.  They figure it's a win/win situation.

There's one problem, though.  There was a malfunction in the trajectory and The Hulk gets sent to Sakaar a violent planet where he winds up as a gladiator.  I shutter for his opponents.  Oh yeah, he finds his way back to Earth, too.  Uh oh.

Anyway Marvel Studios has done a direct to dvd animated video based on Pak's storyline.  Watch it below.  Personally, I cannot wait for it, and I'm not even the biggest Hulk fan.

 

Wednesday
Jul222009

Jonah Hex Banner!

Recently TMT's Sean Gerski stated that with the amount of news coming out of the San Diego Comic Con, the news articles, in all likelihood will be shorter.  He was right.  Revealed at the Con, is the banner for "Jonah Hex".  I could delve into the multitude of reasons it appeals to me, instead however, I'll let the image speak for itself.

 

Wednesday
Jul222009

Magdalena Gets Director and Screenwriter

Jenna Dewan will star as the title character in the live action adaptation of the Top Cow comic-book Magdalena with Luke Goss is set to play the villain. For those who have followed the production, that much has been known since July 22 of 2008. Now, a year to the day later, Variety has reported that Ryuhei Kitamura (Midnight Meat Train) has signed on to direct.

Set to script the adventures of the ultimate warrior nun is Holly Brix. I don't know much about her as a writer. But according to her IMDB page, her credits include The Butterfly Effect 3: Revelations, Lost Girls, and Mile Zero - along with a few others currently in development.

For me, Magdalena is one of those properties that can come out of nowhere and knock people's socks off. With the gorgeous, charismatic and talented Jenna Dewan as the lead, I have high hopes. Not only can a movie make the character well known, but if done to it's potential, I'd expect Dewans star to skyrocket.

To learn more of the Magdalena character's origin and powers, check out her wikipedia page here.

Friday
Jul172009

You Heard It Here First!

With their lead actor now set in the form of Ryan Reynolds and an animated DVD about to hit shelves July 28th, the onslaught of Green Lantern news continues. Empire Online has posted an article (which you can check out right here) detailing the who, what, where, when and why of the comics and forthcoming Martin Campbell directed film. Interestingly, one thing in particular stood out to me within said article regarding the part of love interest Carol Ferris:

Rose Byrne (Knowing, 28 Weeks Later) is hottest tipped for the role, and word is that she's director Martin Campell's (Casino Royale, GoldenEye) favourite too.

If that sounds familiar, it's because I also heard that news-item and told you good folks about it a little over two months ago here. Now to be fair, nothing is set in stone and it's not out of the realm of possibility that Byrne has come and gone off the filmmakers' radar.

But if it turns out that it's Rose Byrne whose smooching Ryan Reynolds' Hal Jordan come summer 2011, remember where you heard it first, folks.

Thursday
Jul162009

TMT Exclusive! An Interview With Julia Voth!

Model. Actress. Writer. Twenty-four year old stunner Julia Voth is a woman of many talents. She is a star on the rise, and I was was recently afforded the opportunity to speak with and interview her. She is smart, classy, and witty not to mention jaw droppingly gorgeous.  Below, we discuss everything from how she got her start in the business, to the differences between filming movies and television series, to a certain star spangled superheroine.

Now, I'm sure you're all much more interested in what Julia has to say than what I do. So here without further ado, my interview with Julia:

How did you get your start in modeling, was that something you wanted to do even when you were a young girl or did it just kind of happen?

Performing was always something I knew I wanted to do, even from a young age. I basically grew up in front of my dad’s video camera. And when the opportunity arose to go to Japan and work as a model it seemed like a
perfect fit.

 

Was it while modeling that you thought about trying your hand at acting or is that something you always wanted to pursue?

For a while modeling was great. I got to travel and meet amazing people around the world. But I got to a point where creatively it wasn’t enough. I needed something more to stimulate my mind. For me it was a natural progression to acting. As I learned and studied acting I found I approached modeling very much as an actor would a part. I created a character in my mind to portray whatever it was a designer or photographer wanted. And now that I am here in LA doing it, I know this is where I am meant to be.

What was your reaction when your agent handed you the script for Bitch Slap?

When I first read the title I was a little skeptical. But I read to about the 20th page when I called my agent back and told him to do whatever it took to get me in to read for Trixie. I knew I had to be part of this project and I knew she was the one I needed to play.

 

What was it about the part of Trixie that appealed to you, and how did you feel when you knew you got the part?

On the outside Trixie is a sweet, naïve, down-on-her-luck stripper, with a heart of gold. I saw a lot of me in her, well besides the stripping stuff.  But what I liked most was the journey she goes on and the arch that she has in the film. She ends up being totally different from how she began. And that was very fun to play.

I get the vibe everyone had a blast and had lots of fun on set, would that be accurate?

Absolutely, it was so much fun on set. You can be working on the most amazing project but if the people are negative it can bring the whole thing down. I was lucky enough to be surrounded by amazing people who believed in me and trusted me to take Trixie where she needed to go. Rick Jacobson and Eric Gruendemann (our director and executive producer), had the confidence
all of us to be the ambassadors of the film.

What was it like shooting your love scenes for Bitch Slap?

Bitch Slap was full of firsts for me including my first time onscreen kiss. I had two scenes and each time it was a closed set, I felt very comfortable about it. Everyone on set was so respectful of what we were doing. Each scene was a very important and appropriate part of why Trixie is the way she
is. (And besides that, I’d rather kiss a pretty girl than an ugly guy any day.)

Was the shooting in the desert difficult?

Shooting in the desert was very challenging. Both Erin and I were wearing 4-inch heels, which never came off, not even in the fight scenes. In the mornings it was SO cold. I am Canadian so I am used to the cold, but it’s a lot different when you are wearing nothing more then a little gold dress. Then everyday when 4 o/c hit, the winds would pick up to 40mph and we’d be doing our close-ups with sand and dirt and glycerin and lip-gloss all over our faces. It definitely pushed us mentally and physically. Not only did I prove to myself I could do it, but I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

America Olivo your Bitch Slap costar recently did a layout in Playboy Magazine. Were you and Erin Cummings approached as well, and is that something you'd ever consider?

Yes! She was the June Cover Girl! I am so proud of her and she looked beautiful! The female body is beautiful and being a model and now actress, showing some skin is not something I am uncomfortable with. But it's not for me at this point in my career, it’s not to say I would never consider it in the future, but not right now. I also think it is so much sexier when a woman is dressed and there is something left to the imagination. It’s the unknown, and to me that’s hot.

In a previous interview, you said there needs to be more female action heroes. As comic book movies are all the rage right now, have you auditioned for any?

No, I haven’t had an opportunity to... not yet.

 

Would a role like Wonder Woman be something that interests you?

Are you kidding I’d LOVE to play Wonder Woman. Growing up she was my favorite.

 

In addition to movies and commercials, you've also been part of video games. You're the model for Jill Valentine in Resident Evil games. How did that come about? Were you a fan or were you aware of the game series popularity beforehand?

I was modeling in Japan when I auditioned for it. There where thousands of girls up for the part. I was so honored when they offered me the job. She isan iconic character, who is beautiful and strong. I still feel a strong connection to her.

You have two upcoming projects. The Anniversary, and Love Hurts, what can
you tell us about them?

'Love Hurts‘ is a romantic comedy starring Jenna Elfman and Carrie Ann Moss as Amanda, and I play Young Amanda 20 years ago. Barra Grant wrote and directed it. It’s very funny and very sweet. Then I did 'The Anniversary’ a film by John Campea. It’s a romantic comedy about love and loss. I am the main character's love interest. It really is a fall-out-of-your-seat-laugh-out-loud kind of movie. And I just finished a show for MTV called ‘The Phone.’ Produced by Justin Timberlake ‘The Phone’ mixed the worlds of reality and scripted television and put them head to head in an intense race against time. I played a scripted secret agent, which was a lot of fun.

Love Hurts you have many highly successful actresses as your costars, did you learn a lot or get any advice from them?

You can learn a lot from an actress by just watching them work. I’ve seen the final product and they are all amazing. I feel very lucky to have been surrounded by so many talented actors so far in my career.

What type of actress do you see yourself as? Mostly action, drama, comedy? And, which actresses do you look up to?

I look up to actresses like Anne Hathaway, Scarlet Johansson, and Rachael McAdams. They are all extremely talented actresses who have range in their choices of films. I would love to have the opportunity to try all kinds of genres.

Are there any specific actresses or directors you'd love to work with?

Coen Brothers, Bill Condon (Dream Girls), Scott Charles Stewart are a few directors I’d love to work with.

Having worked on both movie sets, and TV series (MTV's The Phone) how would you compare the two, and is there one you like more than the other?

Movie and television sets are so different it’s hard to pick one. And I think as an actress it is important to work both muscles. I see myself more in movies as my career progresses, there is magic in movies, but I would never limit myself to just one or the other.

In addition to modeling and acting, you're also writing a book of what you've referred to as "dark poetry". When will that be released, and could you perhaps share a poem with us?

Yes I am, but I’m still in the process of writing it. I am hoping it will be completed by the end of the year, but I’m not sharing anything until it is totally done. But what I can tell you is this is the most organic, raw and real work I’ve ever done. It’s dark and unapologetic. And I am very proud of it.

Do you have any advice for the young girls out there who want to get into modeling and/or acting?

I think when it comes to anything in life you need to have an unshakable faith in yourself. Especially in this business there are so many people who will tear you down, you need to learn how to let it roll off your shoulders and get back up and keep going.

As you're from Saskatchewan, Canada, and while I've never been, I've always wanted to visit. When I do get the chance to go, what are the places to go and things I need to make sure to do?

Well if you like nature then Saskatchewan is a great place to go. It is called the land of the living skies for a reason. Every night, winter or summer, you can see the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets. And in the winter on any clear night you can see the northern lights. They are so beautiful I will brave any freezing temperature to stand outside and watch them. Saskatoon (our biggest city) in the summer is alive with festivals and people enjoying the weather. There is a calm the people have. It’s so refreshing to be at home and to have people ask you how you are, not what you can do for them, it’s just that simple.

Well, there you have it folks.  If I was a betting man, and let's face it, I am I'd say Julia Voth is a name to be remebered and her star will only shine brighter as her career progresses.  If you want to learn more about Julia, be sure to checkout www.JuliaVoth.com  she can also be found on her official myspace here

For any of you not entirely sure what exactly "Bitch Slap" is about, check out the trailer below

Thursday
Jul162009

Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow!

 Entertainment Weekly has revealed the first looks of Scarlett Johannson as the Black Widow character in Iron Man 2.  For the uninformed, The Black Widow is a russian superspy and assassin by the name of Natalia Romanov (her name is often angelicized to Natasha).  In the comics, she starts out as an enemy, of Iron Man's, then turns love interest, and finally superhero.

According to EW, Scarlett's role in the film will have  her posing as Tony's assistant with a secret identity of her own, as former assistant, Pepper Potts (played by Gwyneth Platrow), has been promoted.

Ever since the news broke that Scarlett would bring the role of Black Widow to life, there had been some doubts among the fanboy community whether or not she'd be able to pull off the look.  Well, as the pic to the left proves, she sure as hell can. 

And, seeing as how Scarlett is rumored to have signed the same 9 picture deal as Samuel L Jackson for Marvel Studios, you can bet her shapely ass, Scarlett and Black Widow will be part of the proposed Avengers movie, too.

As if you couldn't tell, i absolutely love both Scarlett as the choice for the role, and the incredibly accurate comic to life version of her costume.  Iron Man 2 opens May 7, 2010.

Oh, and I am sure Hi res version of the shot will be sure to hit the net soon, at which point, I will update this article.

Monday
Jul132009

Natalie Portman Joins THOR!

Ages ago (aka back in March), Nikkie Finke reported that Natalie Portman was up for the female lead in Thor. From early drafts, we all believed that to be Sif, Thor's love and an Asgardian warrior goddess. This (combined with the news from Kevin Feige saying that there would be no Dr Donald Blake) had all Thor fans assuming that Jane Foster (the earthly love interest of our hero god) would not be in the Kenneth Branagh directed epic.

But "Not so fast!" says Marvel Studios. They've just announced that Natalie Portman will indeed be in Thor, and she will star as Dr Jane Foster along the already cast Chris Hemsworth ("You may remember him from such roles as Captain Kirk's doomed father in this summer's smash Star Trek!") as the title character, Tom Hiddleston as the villainous god Loki and Brian Blessed as Odin.

Read the full announcement here