Inception making-of featurette details hallway special effects

Posted on December 14, 2010 by | Leave a comment

The hallway scene from Inception was originally explained by The Filmsmith back in February 2010.  With the release of Inception on DVD last week, the following making-of feature has made it to youtube, further detailing our original explanation.  For special effects geeks (myself included), it’s quite interesting to see the full mechanics required to rotate the hallway and the struggle to choreograph the fights inside the turning tunnel:

It’s nothing short of amazing the lengths to which they went to avoid using CGI – and it looks all the better for it.

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The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

Posted on December 13, 2010 by | 3 comments

In the wake of the film adaptations of Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter, The Chronicles of Narnia have always felt like adorable younger siblings to these other fantasy epics.  Despite this, on the franchises’ third outing with Voyage of the Dawn Treader, it ranks almost as good as Harry Potter 7 pt 1.  Continue reading →

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The Tourist lacks spark

Posted on December 11, 2010 by | 1 comment

Just look at this poster for The Tourist (right).  Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp’s faces take up 2/3 of the space.  You see those faces and you’re supposed to start sweating money for the studios – even when it’s not worth it. Continue reading →

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Blue Valentine no longer rated NC-17

Posted on December 9, 2010 by | Leave a comment

After initially earning an NC-17 rating from the MPAA, the romantic drama Blue Valentine has won its appeal for an R rating.

The MPAA spokesperson stated:

“the rating was lowered after the group’s appeals board viewed the film and heard arguments from Harvey Weinstein, whose Weinstein Co. is releasing it.”

An NC-17 rating is regarded as box office poison with many cinemas refusing to play such films.  Director Derek Cianfrance stated he had support from The Weinstein Company to release the film with the NC-17 designation if need be.  Fortunately for him and film fans, it did not come to that.  Blue Valentine hits theaters December 31.

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WWII Films You Haven’t Seen (but should)

Posted on December 8, 2010 by | 2 comments

Today marks the 69 year anniversary of the Japanese attacks on Pearl Harbor, which kicked off the U.S.’s direct involvement in World War II (indirect involvement consisted of the Lend-Lease Act and the “cash and carry” initiative).  Almost everyone has seen Saving Private Ryan and Schindler’s List, but many probably missed out on some great World War II films released in the 2000’s.  Such as…

The Pianist (2002)

Continue reading →

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15 Films of Christmas (December Movie Preview)

Posted on December 4, 2010 by | 1 comment

In order for a film to qualify for the Academy Awards, it must be released theatrically before December 31st of a given year.  So December is when the drama train comes through after the pipe bomb explosion of summer blockbusters.  This year in particular, there is a lot to look forward to.

:note: Films listed as limited are those being released in New York City, L.A., and possibly Chicago.  This allows the film to receive exposure in the major markets and if it does well, get rolled out to other cities. Continue reading →

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Morning Glory a fun diversion

Posted on December 3, 2010 by | 1 comment

The ads for Morning Glory read like a cynical studio decision: “Let’s get those old people everyone likes…uh, Ford and Keaton, and we’ll combine them with this young new girl everyone also likes…Anne Hatheway Rachel McAdams.  We’ll make millions!”  And you know what, despite such cynicism, it’s a great casting combo. Continue reading →

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The Hobbit to be shot on new Red Camera, Epic

Posted on December 2, 2010 by | Leave a comment

Peter Jackson holding Red's latest camera, Epic.

Not only will Peter Jackson be directing The Hobbit, he is shooting it in 3D and will be using 30 new cameras from Red, called Epic. Continue reading →

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Music Video Renaissance? Kanye West’s Runaway

Posted on December 1, 2010 by | Leave a comment

In the last year we have had three major music video events, with artists using the medium to launch videos as short films with a pace more lyrical than the usual heart attack-inducing editing style of music videos.  I commented on Lady Gaga and M.I.A.’s videos earlier this year, and now Kanye West has grabbed headlines with his 34-minute museum installation “Runaway.” Continue reading →

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Too Much Info? Trailers, Film Critics, and Twists

Posted on November 30, 2010 by | 1 comment

During the lead up to Inception‘s release this summer, the question of what counts as spoilers became a hot topic.  So how much should filmmakers share with prospective audiences without ruining the filmgoing experience? Continue reading →

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