Mon, March 8, 2010 
Last night, after all the smoke cleared from the Academy Awards, Robert Downey Jr. was a special guest on the Jimmy Kimmel Show. Downey chatted up the Academy Awards and also talked "Iron Man 2" before introducing the official trailer. See below.
Fri, March 5, 2010 I'm going to go out on a limb here and assume we all have our issues with Netflix. Last month I held on to a blu-ray of Zombieland until they finally took (500) Days of Summer off of the 'Long Wait' status it was stuck on in my queue since December. Enough was enough.
Then I sent it back and they sent me Public Enemies instead. Sigh.
I'm also going to assume that not many people are loving the deal Netflix recently made with Warner Bros that prevents them from mailing the studio's new releases until 28 days after their release. I don't love it either, but from a business standpoint, it does make sense. DVD sales have slowed, and this gives them the opportunity to try and boost sales before making the movies available for rental. If it works, I'm sure the other studios will be making similar deals too.
But no one seems to be angrier about these rules than Manhattan's Susan Uman, who according to the NY Daily News, is filing a class action lawsuit against Netflix for "decreasing the value of her Netflix subscription."
One of her lawyers even went so far to claim that Netflix customers are being harmed by these new rules.
Harmed? Are they joking?
I'll admit I was annoyed when it took me 10 minutes to figure out why Where The Wild Things Are wouldn't be available until March 30th. But harmed? Of course not.
I have lots of movies in my queue I could watch in the meantime. Hell, I still have blu-rays I got for Christmas that I haven't watched yet. I just got all three seasons of the original Star Trek TV series, thanks to an awesome Best Buy sale.
So these new Netflix rules, while again, annoying, do give me the opportunity to catch up on other movies and TV shows that I also want to see.
If you're any kind of a real movie fan, it's really tough to be starved for entertainment. And if you have the kind of money where you can just throw it at a lawsuit like this, you probably also have the extra cash to just blind buy The Box (yes, the The Box was one of the movies listed in the suit) if you're so desperate to see it as soon as it's released. The whole thing just seems silly to me.
Fri, March 5, 2010 
Hey folks, we are finally moving on my next series of special content for the site. Just to recap for those of you not in the know, we added a feature to the moviemoan podcast for a few weeks entitled 'moaning 'bout a movie' where we engaged in (hopefully) intelligent discussion about lesser known, but thoroughly excellent films which deserve your attention.
We stopped after a little while as the podcasts are long enough without adding another 20 minutes to them. But we've had such fun doing it (it's probably the closest we feel to playing 'Siskel & Ebert') and, just like CSI, a show like ours should have a billion spin-offs so I'm trying the idea out in a new format.
By setting our discussion to video, you can get a much clearer picture of the films we discuss and are hopefully even more encouraged to seek them out. After the forces of evil at Fox prevented me from sharing our chat on 'One Hour Photo' last week, I've gone back to work and now present for your viewing pleasure a discussion of 'Shattered Glass' aka 'Anakin Can Act'. Enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVmXrn6_peE - part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J97IauObeSI - part 2
And please let us know if you enjoyed them so we know if its the right thing to keep making more.
Wed, March 3, 2010 Looks like Hugh Jackman will be getting his claws out again (and let's hope they have some better CGI for them this time). According to The Hollywood Reporter, a script is completed and filming on Wolverine 2 is scheduled to begin in January 2011.
As hinted at in one of the post-credits scenes in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, the sequel will take place in Japan. The script, written by Christopher McQuarrie (The Usual Suspects, Valkyrie) is based on the Frank Miller and Chris Claremont comics, in which Wolverine faces off against an astounding number of angry ninjas, all for love of Mariko Yashida, the daughter of a Japanese crimelord and the only woman who may be able to tame Logan's feral nature once and for all.
The article confirms the Japan storyline, calling the script "a beautiful story,” and "very different than the first film.”
And by "very different" we do hope he means it will be at least 20 minutes longer, with better special effects, much more bloodshed (it's got ninjas, for god's sake!), and a promise not to start any lines of dialogue with the words "Before I gut you..."
I did enjoy the first film a lot, though, so I'm excited for the sequel, especially if they also bring back Liev Schreiber as Victor Creed. He rocked the first movie (and is currently rocking Broadway with his performance in A View From The Bridge, which I saw last week).
Of course, it's worth pointing out that this news comes from Roger Friedman, who was famously fired last year after not only reviewing the unfinished workprint of X-Men Origins: Wolverine that leaked online, but boasting how easy other movies were to download. So we're just going to go on faith that this information is actually correct here.
But if it is, it's going to be a busy few months for Hugh Jackman. He was recently in Shanghai filming a role as a nightclub owner in Wayne Wang's Snow Flower & the Secret Fan (where will reportedly sing in Chinese!), he is set to begin work on Kevin Lima's comedy Avon Man in April, and he will start filming alongside boxing robots in Shawn Levy's Real Steel starting in June. Also, Precious director Lee Daniels mentioned in a USA Today interview this week that Hugh will play a role in his upcoming civil rights film, Selma.
I'm exhausted just writing that. All we need now is to find out what his next Broadway gig will be and I think I'll be even more psyched about all this movie news.
Mon, March 1, 2010 
Best Director Nominees:
Eric Sopko
I did make a mistake, which someone corrected me on. Morgan Freeman did win an Oscar, but it was for Best Supporting Actor for Million Dollar Baby. I still think Freeman has an outside shot at the award just because he is well respected by the Oscar committee, and Freeman's Oscar is not nearly as prestigious as Best Actor is. However, I picked him to lose anyway, so him winning BSA doesn't effect my prediction.
Fri, February 26, 2010 Note: This is an opinion piece and does not reflect the opinions of TMT, its staff, its editors, or anyone but the author, Matthew Fry.
As recently reported on this site and several others, a list of seven scheduled auditions for the coveted role of Captain America has recently become available to the public. The most shocking name on this list, is star of NBC’s The Office, John Krasinski. Like many, when I first heard this news, I was skeptical. I thought, “how the hell can Jim Halpert play Steve Rogers?” However, the more I thought it through, the more it made sense to me. In fact, I don’t think I’ve been this excited about hearing a candidate for a role since news broke that Downey was being considered for Iron Man. Therefore, when the inevitable fan boy bitching that accompanies any casting rumor began, I felt obliged to defend Mr. Krasinski from this ravenous lot.
The first and most common complaint that is accompanying this news is that Mr. Krasinski does not look the part. Firstly, I have always been of the school of thought that acting ability trumps looks. Its why years ago I supported Jude Law when rumors were abound that he was to be cast as the Man of Steel in Wolfgang Peterson’s long defunct World’s Finest adaptation. Its why I supported Leo DiCaprio when rumors were floating around that he would play the first Avenger. Acting ability will always, in my eyes, trump how good the candidates fill out their tights and spandex.
Second, I’d like to contend that Krasinski does have the look to play the role. While he may not be a perfect clone of Cap, Krasinski does possess several of the aesthetic qualities people associate with the role. He has a chiseled, well defined chin and jaw line. He has a wide frame that can easily be toned to match Cap’s body type with a month in the gym. But his face is what really sells me. Krasinski has the perfect face of an all American boy. I like that he has a more average face as opposed to one that looks more in place in a boy band than on a battle field. He may not hold the look of an Olympian god, as the more rabid fans demand, to say that he has no physical qualities which encompass the role is flat out wrong. This can best be proven by Kent, a poster over at the Superhero Hype forums who put this picture together.
If an SHH poster can do it so well, imagine what a little bit of Hollywood makeup and hair dye would do.
Most fan boys have been throwing out names of glorified male models who have held roles on crappy CW shows or NBC melodramas and now call themselves actors (Scott Porter, Michael Cassidy, I’m looking in your direction). However, while they may look the part I strongly question whether they have the talent to carry such a role, to make the audience connect to the character and truly bring him to life.
And that, in my opinion leads us to Krasinski’s true edge over the other six names in contention. His talent as an actor. It is far too easy to write Krasinski off as a sitcom actor. But before we do that, lets look at the sitcom on which Krasinski stars.
The Office is not According to Jim or Two and a Half Men. The Office is a show that actually builds and develops its characters from week to week in order to make them emotionally engaging to its audience. It is what set it apart from the more mediocre sitcoms. After all, every truly great sitcom has emotionally connected to its audience on some level. Shows like Seinfeld and Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia fulfill the more sinister needs every person has, the repressed desire to embrace our darker side and be a total ass hole. All in the Family emphasized loving someone despite their flaws, be it a mean, racist old man or a dirty hippie. Sam’s constant pursuit of his ill-fated romance with Diane makes us all reflect upon on our lost loves and relate to Sam.
The Office is no exception. It builds an emotional connection to its audience. And at the heart of that, is not the zanier, funnier characters such as Steve Carell or Ranin Wilson. It is none other than Krasinski. He is the emotional core of The Office. Had Krasinski not been able to connect to the audience and truly make them feel his unrequited love for Pam and empathize with him, the show would’ve failed. His role was the most crucial one of the show. And he knocked it out of the park. He built a character who audiences could relate to and root for. This is shown by the ratings of the episode where Jim finally married Pam (nearly 10 million viewers), he succeeded in making the audience invested in the fate of this character by giving Jim something most sitcom characters lack, depth. That alone shows his true charisma and talent as an actor. Now, if Krasinski can make such an engaging and connecting character on a sitcom, I see no reason he would have any trouble with Captain America.
But if you still have doubts, look at the rest of his resume. Krasinski drew critical praise for his role in Leatherheads. In this film he played a straight laced, charismatic, war hero. Sound familiar? Granted, the movie is a comedy that lacks much depth, but it certainly shows that Krasinski is capable of playing such a role. Furthermore, it shows something far more important, something the likes of Porter and Cassidy have yet to prove. Krasinski can maintain his own presence while on screen with A-list talent. In Leatherheads, Krasinski co-starred with George Clooney and held his own. It is crucial that the actor who play Cap be able to stand out while surrounded by talent such as Robert Downey Jr., Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Don Cheadle, and Ed Norton. If Krasinski is able to stand out while going toe to toe with Clooney, one of the best actors in Hollywood today, I have no doubt that he can deliver in The Avengers. I have seen nothing from Porter or Cassidy or any of the other names mentioned that implies that they can do the same.
However, both The Office and Leatherheads are examples of comedies, I acknowledge that. If only there were a movie in which Krasinski showed real depth and talent. Maybe something directed by an Academy Award winning director such as…I dunno, Sam Mendes? Perhaps something with a serious script that really let Krasinski thrive as an actor. Wait a tick! There is! Away We Go, is a small, character driven, drama of 2009 which allowed Krasinski to really stretch his legs as an actor and prove that he can show real depth in a more down to earth, serious film. If you have any questions about Krasinski’s abilities as an actor you need look no further than this film.
So, Krasinski, solid actor and despite fan boy objections a man who has the look for the role? So what exactly is the problem people have with this possible choice? I think in the end, fan boys being the fickle bunch they are, simply feel threatened by a non-traditional choice being on the short list for the role. However, consider if you will, that Michael Keaton looked nothing like Bruce Wayne and was widely known for his comedic work prior to Burton casting him as Batman. Hugh Jackman was singing and dancing Aussie on Broadway, furthest thing from a tough, short, Canadian, when cast as Wolverine. Jackie Earle Haley was a washed up child star from the Bad News Bears doing bit parts and indies before landing Rorschach. And of course, the idol of fan boys, Heath Ledger was best known as a teen heart throb and gay cowboy when he was announced as Joker. Sometimes, the best people for roles, are the out of left field choices who really have something to prove. I truly believe the same will be said about Krasinski if he lands the role, and I hope he does, so he can show us all just what he can do.
(photo by MTV)
Fri, February 26, 2010 
Its been somewhat of an on again off again (and more recently on again) rumor that the director of Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, Christopher Nolan, was approached by Warner Bros. and the newly formed entity of DC Entertainment to serve as a mentor for the Superman film reboot.
Yesterday we reported that Chris’ little brother Jonah was working alongside David Goyer on a script for The Man of Steel, which has already set the internet ablaze with the few details released about Goyer’s intentions for the flick.
Cut back to today. Now we’re hearing rumblings from over at IESB.net that they’re hearing rumors that Jonah Nolan, who has already done writing detail on The Dark Knight, Batman 3 and now Superman, may be setting up to rest his heels in the director seat for a major Warner Bros. film. Its one about an alien that makes his home on earth as an infant and grows up to don a pair of blue tights and a red cape.
Yep, that’s right. Rumor has it (emphasis on rumor) that Jonah will make his directorial debut in Metropolis. Again, with big brother overseeing the progressions.
Speaking of big brother, we know that Chris has already agreed to direct the third installment of the Christian Bale era of Batman movies (a little less emphasis on the patented growl please) but what’s next for him? Unconfirmed reports mention the possibility of Chris being a father figure to not only Batman and Superman, but Green Lantern and Flash as well in an attempt to cultivate them into the perfectly seasoned blend of what would be needed for a Justice League movie. Who would take on such an epic film as director you ask? Well, that would be Christopher Nolan as well.
Remember, its all rumor until we have confirmation, but our good pals over at IESB.net are knocking on every door they can to get the nod from Warner and/or DC Entertainment. We’ll keep you up to date as we learn more.
Fri, February 26, 2010 
There is now a rumor, which can be viewed by clicking here, that is claiming that the Box Office failure of Joe Jonhston's The Wolfman has convinced Marvel to put the Captain America film on hold.
Now, take this with a grain of salt until it gets confirmed. This news seems odd to me personally since Marvel hired Jon Favreau despite his previous film before that, Zathura, was a major bomb. Plus, pushing back Captain America another year would surely delay an Avengers film another year. Not to mention Downey isn't getting younger.
I don't see Marvel making a move like this, especially when they have been reportedly looking at actors for Cap. I doubt they would have allowed the search for Cap to begin if they were planning on putting the film on hold. Even if they were casting Cap without Johnston, that means they'd be casting the film without a director, and any director they'd get to replace Johnston would be brought in to point and click. This has not been Marvel's MO as a studio to this point.
For now, take this as just a rumor. But, it is still something worth watching.
Eric Sopko
SuperHeroHype.com is reporting that Marvel has told them that the rumor is not true, and that the Captain America film is very much on track. You can read that report here. Now that we know this report is false, we can look forward to the casting of our Star Spangled Champion once again!
Thu, February 25, 2010 
It's just after midnight here on the east coast of the U.S and that makes it technically Friday. While the plethora of news didn't all come on this day, you got to admit alliteration makes the title of the article more fun. These past few days have been pure bliss, and the news has all been exciting to say the least. Goyer and Jonah Nolan writing the Man of Steel, Brainiac as the villain; goodness gracious! More on that can be read below in an article by my colleague Mike Shadwick. Let's see what else do we have? Hmmmm...oh yeah now I remember. A shortlist of candidates for Captain America which includes some surprising, some contreversial and unexpected names. Gee could there possibly be more? Why yes, dear reader. TMT Co-Founder, my colleague, and friend Peter Georgiou has scooped who the favored director of the Scarlet Speedster. Greg Berlanti. If that name sounds familiar, it should. He was once attached to Green Lantern before Martin Campbell settled into the directors chair. His passion and work on Green Lantern clearly gained him some fans at the studio. If his enthusiasm for The Flash is the same, we should get one hell of a movie. A gut feeling tells me it will be made...wait for it....fast. Okay sorry for the bad pun. Read the full exclusive over at IESB.
So, the names for Captain America, according to the HeatVision blog from THR. Our candidates include, Mike Vogel, John Krasinski, Scott Porter, Wilson Bethel, Michael Cassidy, and Patrick Flueger. A deal made with Garret Hedlund to test seems to have fell through. One more name rumoured to be getting a test is Chace Crawford. Should he land the role, perhaps Gossip Girl is where we will find our next big superhero movie star. Blake Lively is already getting set to film opposite Ryan Reynolds in Green Lantern. Can Leighton Meester or Penn Badgely be far behind.
Not to mention, but amongst the tidal wave of genre news, almost lost is the fact that Mickey Rourke, has been confirmed to play Conan's father! Expect a barabarian sized Conan article from yours truly within the next week.
As I stated above Mike Shadwick has already touched upon the Superman news. I will focus more on Steve Rogers, the frail art school student who becomes the embodiment of the American ideal, and a stoic leader and badass super soldier, and the three candidates I feel most likely to win the part, sorry to the others.
Oh captain my Captain! The most intriguing name on the list, beyond question is John Krasinski. He is best known to viewers of NBC's The Office as Jim Halpert. A tall, young, somewhat known commodity, who has a ton of talent, but not many would instinctively think of for a leading superhero role. The idea is either brilliant or foolish, I'm not sure I really dont see a middle ground with him.Up next we have the almost Captain Kirk, Mike Vogel. A young actor who facially looks the part most to my aging eyes, and a ton of talent but yet to have a true breakout role. Could he lead the Avengers, and be one of the worlds greatest heroes for years to come? That's for the powers that be to knwand us to find out. And find out soon we shall.
Last but certainly not least is fanboy casting threads favorite and afanboy himself Scott Porter. The guy clearly wants to be a superhero. He's gone out for Flash in the now defunct Justice League Mortal, Gambit in Wolverine, went hard after Green Lantern, and is in the final running for Captain America. I know that endears him to many of us, and rightfully so. What makes him even more of a fan favorite is that he actually is a quite capable actor, 6'1 (and my people are sticklers when it comes to height issues), and is at that right age to be able to carry a franchise for years to come. Captain America will sign a 9 picture deal just as Nick Fury (Sam Jackson), and Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) did before him.
The rapidly approaching announcement of Captain America's casting has me feeling like a six year old awaiting Christmas morning. That's all for now folks, and sorry for the stereotyping picture leading the article, I just saw it and smiles thinking that was perfect.
Thu, February 25, 2010 
Hey folks, Phil here with a few tibits of information and a special treat for you.
Firstly, I know you've been waiting a long time for new episodes of our 'Movie Moan' podcast. We never stopped making them. We've just had trouble getting them on our new home of IESB but we are making progress on that. When we do, you'll be getting a whole ton of podcasts (and trust me, we've recorded some great stuff over the last few weeks) and a brand new logo which I can't wait for you to see. We appreciate your patience, we really do.
Secondly, I have decided to end my weekly series of articles 'memo to the executives' simply because I've run out of things to say. It was becoming quite a chore to think of new topics to write about and if you don't enjoy something, why do it?
Which brings me to the third item. Regular listeners of the show may remember we had a regular section for a little while called 'moaning 'bout a movie' where we spent a good portion of the podcast enjoying a roundtable discussion of a lesser known, but thoroughly excellent film. We covered 'The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters', 'Closer', 'Network', 'Shattered Glass' and 'One Hour Photo'. It occured to me that it might be fun to take those discussions and set them to video so the audience unfamiliar with the film can actually see, as well as hear, what we're talking about. While everyone else is trying to be the next 'nostalgia critic', we hope we can bring intelligent debate on good films to the web.
I'm hoping to bring you one show each week and will start next week. I did try and bring you our discussion of 'One Hour Photo' this week but Fox is having none of it I'm afraid.