"The Centurion" Green Band Trailer

Magnolia Pictures has released "The Centurion" Green Band Trailer which you can view HERE on Apple Trailers.

From writer/director, Neil Marshall, "Centurion" is a gripping survival thriller set against a background of conquest and invasion; a pursuit movie in the vein of Deliverance and Last of the Mohicans.

The Roman Empire stretches from Egypt to Spain, and East as far as the Black Sea. But in northern Britain, the relentless onslaught of conquest has ground to a halt in face of the guerrilla tactics of an elusive enemy: the savage and terrifying tribes known as the Picts. Quintus, sole survivor of a Pictish raid on a Roman frontier fort, marches north with General Virilus’ legendary Ninth Legion, under orders to wipe the Picts from the face of the earth and destroy their leader Gorlacon.  But when the legion is ambushed on unfamiliar ground, and Virilus taken captive, Quintus faces a desperate struggle to keep his small platoon alive behind enemy lines, evading remorseless Pict pursuers over harsh terrain, as the band of soldiers race to rescue their General, and to reach the safety of the Roman frontier.

"Centurion" premieres on VOD, XBOX and Amazon.com on July 30 and opens in theaters August 27, 2010.

For more information please visit:

http://www.centurionmovie.com/

Become a fan:

http://www.facebook.com/centurionmovie 

"How To Succeed" Sets a Date

The producers of the upcoming 50th Anniversary revival of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying have released this adorably dorky photo of Daniel Radcliffe in the lead role of J. Pierrepont Finch. 

According to Playbill.com, the musical will open at Broadway's Al Hirschfeld Theatre on March 27, 2011.  The Hirschfeld was recently home to the hit revival of Hair, which ended its run last month, and will host a musical version of Elf over the holidays before How To Succeed moves in next year.     

The rest of the cast has yet to be announced, although David Hyde Pierce recently confirmed that he may be co-starring as Radcliffe's boss in the revival.  The production will be directed and choreographed by Rob Ashford.

The musical is the story of a window washer who, with the help of a book called How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, manages to climb to the top of the corporate ladder of the World Wide Wickets Corporation.

Robert Morse, who originated the lead role in the original 1961 production, won a Tony for his performance.  Matthew Broderick won the same award for the 1995 revival.  So...no pressure, Daniel.

I'm sure I've said this before, but I do find movie stars who find time to put in some serious theater work in between superhero franchises and big action movies (sometimes both) automatically 10 times cooler.  There's been some complaining lately about how Hollywood seemed to take over this year's Tony Awards (and to be fair, the telecast itself was pretty bad this year), but there were some damn good performances from these Hollywood types who showed up on stage this year, which shouldn't be surprising, since a lot of them started on the stage in the first place.  I got to see Scarlett Johannson, Liev Schreiber, Hugh Jackman, and Daniel Craig on stage last season, and they were all pretty amazing.

Also, because I'm still kicking myself for missing Radcliffe's Broadway debut in Equus, which he got terrific reviews for, I'm looking forward to seeing this (I assuming he can sing?!) when it opens next year, even more so if David Hyde Pierce joins the cast...I loved him in Monty Python's Spamalot. 

Oh, God! It's Betty!

There are only a few films I'd honestly react negatively to hear someone was remaking. This is not one of them – despite the original film being good and still enjoyable to this day.

"TOLDJA!" says an update of Carl Reiner's Oh, God! has been pitched to Warner Brothers.

The original 1977 comedy starred John Denver as a supermarket manager summoned by God himself (played by George Burns) to act as a then-modernized Moses. It was a nice li'l comedy that wound up being one of that year’s biggest hits and inadvertently spawned a franchise.

Word is Betty White would be the God of choice were the studio to give the thumbs up. Granted there's yet to be an acceptable script and this iteration is just starting up.

But would audiences show up in droves to see White act as Jehovah to Paul Rudd (pitched as the other lead)? Probably, people never stopped loving that woman and she's had a career resurgence as of late.

"Fallen Skies" Viral Marketing?

The privileged folks over at Coming Soon received a package marked with a logo that reads "2nd Mass". the package was adorned with bubble wrap and a note with PLAY ME displayed on it.

After unwrapping the package a a smashed up flip cam was revealed with a charred note attached that read, "You have been chosen to join the 2ndMass PRESS PLAY 2ndmass.com"

You can watch the video below. This is what Coming Soon had to say about the website and the project:

The website contains geographical markers pointing to a location that Google Maps indicates is in San Diego. Meanwhile, one of the website's hyperlinks contains a countdown clock that seems to indicate that something will be happening during the con.

The address on the back of the package matches that of Turner Entertainment.

UPDATE: If this is a Turner property, the most likely candidate is Fallen Skies, the new Steven Spielberg-produced series that has announced plans for Comic-Con.

Hulk Vs The Marvel Universe

As you all now know, Ed Norton isn't going to be reprising his role as Bruce Banner in the upcoming "The Avengers". Nobody should be surprised by this, when "The Incredible Hulk" underperformed and Ed Norton didn't pimp the film due to Marvel taking away much of his creative control, the writing was on the wall. Here is an updated back and forth between Ed Norton and the studio for anybody who is interested.

Marvel Studios' Kevin Feige

We have made the decision to not bring Ed Norton back to portray the title role of Bruce Banner in the Avengers. Our decision is definitely not one based on monetary factors, but instead rooted in the need for an actor who embodies the creativity and collaborative spirit of our other talented cast members. The Avengers demands players who thrive working as part of an ensemble, as evidenced by Robert, Chris H, Chris E, Sam, Scarlett, and all of our talented casts. We are looking to announce a name actor who fulfills these requirements, and is passionate about the iconic role in the coming weeks."


Ed Norton's Agent, Brian Swardstrom of WME:

This offensive statement from Kevin Feige at Marvel is a purposefully misleading, inappropriate attempt to paint our client in a negative light. Here are the facts: two months ago, Kevin called me and said he wanted Edward to reprise the role of Bruce Banner in The Avengers. He told me it would be his fantasy to bring Edward on stage with the rest of the cast at ComiCon and make it the event of the convention. When I said that Edward was definitely open to this idea, Kevin was very excited and we agreed that Edward should meet with Joss Whedon to discuss the project. Edward and Joss had a very good meeting (confirmed by Feige to me) at which Edward said he was enthusiastic at the prospect of being a part of the ensemble cast. Marvel subsequently made him a financial offer to be in the film and both sides started negotiating in good faith. This past Wednesday, after several weeks of civil, uncontentious discussions, but before we had come to terms on a deal, a representative from Marvel called to say they had decided to go in another direction with the part. This seemed to us to be a financial decision but, whatever the case, it is completely their prerogative, and we accepted their decision with no hard feelings.

We know a lot of fans have voiced their public disappointment with this result, but this is no excuse for Feige's mean spirited, accusatory comments. Counter to what Kevin implies here, Edward was looking forward to the opportunity to work with Joss and the other actors in the Avengers cast, many of whom are personal friends of his. Feige's statement is unprofessional, disingenuous and clearly defamatory. Mr. Norton talent, tireless work ethic and professional integrity deserve more respect, and so do Marvel's fans.

Ed Norton Via Facebook:

Official Poster For Magnolia Pictures' "Smash His Camera"

Magnolia Pictures sent ThinkMcflyThink.com the new poster for "Smash His Camera". As the poster details, it is "The story of the world's most famous paparazzo and the people who hated him." "Smash His Camera" will be in select theaters on July 30, 2010. Head over to the Official Website for more information.

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis sued him, Marlon Brando broke his jaw and Steve McQueen gave him a look that would have killed, if looks could kill. To the celebrities he pursued, photographer Ron Galella was the beast who threatened beauty. As it turned out, he gave them a strange and lasting beauty they might never have known without him. Inherent in the story of this notorious paparazzo are the complex issues of the right to privacy, freedom of the press and the ever-growing vortex of celebrity worship. He sneaked around and invaded and bribed and held up his camera and shot till he dropped (or someone dropped him). His was the artistry of the sniper. Yet Galella found something essential in his real-life subjects, and he gave it permanence.

Bruce Willis Character Poster From "Red"

Summit Entertainment has given SuperHeroHype an exclusive "Red" character poster featuring Bruce Willis. Check out the poster below and head over to SHH for a Bigger Version as well the "Red" Set Report.

Frank, Joe (Morgan Freeman), Marvin (John Malkovich) and Victoria (Helen Mirren) used to be the CIA's top agents – but the secrets they know just made them the Agency's top targets. Now framed for assassination, they must use all of their collective cunning, experience and teamwork to stay one step ahead of their deadly pursuers and stay alive. To stop the operation, the team embarks on an impossible, cross-country mission to break into the top-secret CIA headquarters, where they will uncover one of the biggest conspiracies and cover-ups in government history.

Kathryn Morris Negotiating For "Moneyball"

A cast already filled with some major talent is looking to add another established actress. According to Risky Business, Kathryn Morris is in talks to join Seymour Hoffman, Jonah Hill, Robin Wright, Brad Pitt, and Stephen Bishop in "Moneyball".

Morris would be playing Oakland A's GM Billy Beane's second wife, the role of Beane is being played by Brad Pitt. You might be familiar with Kathryn Morris from her role on "Cold Case"

Really looking forward to "Moneyball". Great insight into the business end of baseball. I would check the book out before seeing the movie. Written by the same gentlemen who wrote "The Blind Side", Michael Lewis. We all know how that one turned out.

Maria Menounos Is An All-Star

Maria Menounos was once again representing Boston in the celebrity softball game at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. Menounos also represented Boston and the Red Sox at the All Star Game festivities at Yankee Stadium in 2008. I have a soft spot for Maria, went to school with her and grew up in the same town. Glad to see her doing well and supporting the hometown team.

Maria has been seen on television in "Sabrina The Teenage Witch", "Without A Trace", "One Tree Hill", "Scrubs", and "Knight Rider". You might remember her for her turn in Fantastic Four as a "Sexy Nurse". Check out the photos below from NESN.Com to see Maria proudly displaying her Two Sox Logo, getting groped by Ozzie Smith, and humped by Andy Richter.

Untitled Cancer Comedy Settles On New Title - Live With It

I'm With Cancer was a great title. But I suppose it’s considered too "off putting" for movie-goers. I can’t argue against that logic. Look at what happened to another Seth Rogen production with a troubling title, Zack & Miri Make a Porno. Creatively, it was great but it was a marketing nightmare and the movie under-performed.

For months the comedy/drama (starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Rogen, Anna Kendrick and Bryce Dallas Howard and directed by Jonathan Levin) has been going by Untitled Cancer Comedy and it looks like the filmmakers have finally settled on a title – Live With It. This is according to Rama.

For those unaware, here's the plot synopsis:

"Based on an incredible real-life experience, LIVE WITH IT is a funny, touching and original story of friendship, love, and survival starring Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Anna Kendrick, Bryce Dallas Howard and Angelica Huston. Adam (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is an average guy in his mid-20s when he’s diagnosed with a rare form of terminal cancer. His family and friends – from girl-crazy best buddy Kyle (Seth Rogen), to insecure girlfriend Rachael (Bryce Dallas Howard) and overbearing but loving mom (Angelica Huston) – attempt to help him through this process in the best way they know how…which is reflected in some of the most hilarious and bizarre ways ever."

I like it – more ambiguous and less in-your-face than the original title. We'll see if the masses go for it regardless of whatever the Hell the title is.