Hugh Jackman - ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’; Calls It Three Movies in One ( X-Men: Days of Future Past opens in 2D and 3D theaters on May 23rd, 2014.)

20th Century Fox decided to give the green-light to X-Men: Days of Future Past in large part as a response to the success of Marvel Studio’s The Avengers, since the latter has upped the stakes for the next collection of contestants in the superhero blockbuster game. It’s perhaps fitting then that Bryan Singer – director of the two most critically-acclaimed X-Men live-action films to date – is at the helm for DoFP, rather than X-Men: First Class co-writer/director Matthew Vaughn (who was the original director).
Singer and Wolverine himself, Hugh Jackman, showed up at the 2013 International Comic-Con panel for Days of Future Past, where they presented never-before-seen footage alongside many other cast members (including the stars from the retro First Class and the modern X-Men trilogy). The front stage in Hall H has never been so crowded before in ‘Con history, with big names in geek culture like Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellan, Jennifer Lawrence, Halle Berry, Ellen Page and Michael Fassbender among those gathered together.
The mid-credits sequence in this summer’s The Wolverine setup Days of Future Past, but it’s the latter X-Men flick that will blow the doors wide(r) open as far as the potential for Fox’s prospective shared Marvel universe (something that Jackman seems to inadvertently acknowledge with his “three movies” comment). Singer’s new superhero film is, in a sense, an experiment that will strive to tidy up the X-Men cinematic universe continuity, lay the groundwork for Fox/Marvel comic book movie events in years to come (read: a Fantastic Four/X-Men crossover), and work as a self-contained addition to the superhero genre on its own.

 

Singer’s X-Men marked the dawn of the modern superhero film and established a full-blooded genre in the process, which was something that previous blockbusters revolving around costumed crusaders for justice had failed to accomplish (see: the 20th century’s Batman and Superman live-action movies). Nonetheless, Jackman thinks that Singer can top himself with Days of Future Past:

“It really is going to blow people away because of the story. Bryan Singer, I think, is going to become the first director to make increasingly better movies in a franchise, I’m not sure if there’s anyone else that’s done it.”

Jackman is a terrific salesman (see: how he effectively hyped the woebegone X-Men Origins: Wolverine a few years back), but it helps in this case that he’s promoting a product that has a real shot at greatness… assuming it doesn’t fall flat on its face while reaching for the stars, that is. After all, the screenplay from Simon Kinberg (X-Men: The Last Stand) – plus the early draft contributions by First Class collaborators Matthew Vaughn and Jane Goldman – will need to be satisfying as a contemporary X-Men story, a compelling First Class narrative, a respectable big screen treatment of Chris Claremont’s source comic – detailing Trask Industries’ genocide against mutant-kind – and a decent setup for the X-Force movie that is actively being scripted by Jeff Wadlow (Kick-Ass 2). It’s game time, as the saying goes.
What’s your current outlook for X-Men: Days of Future Past: a game-changer in the making, a solid X-installment that is flawed, but avoids completely squandering the good will restored to the franchise by First Class and The Wolverine – or the end of X-Men movies as we know it (until the reboot anyway)?

The cast of X-Men: Days of Future Past includes new X-Men franchise additions Peter Dinklage, Omar Sy, Boo Boo Stewart, Fan Bingbing, Evan Peters, Adan Canto and Josh Helman, along with returning stars Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy, Nicholas Hoult, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Hugh Jackman, Anna Paquin, Ellen Page, Shawn Ashmore, Halle Berry, Lucas Till, and Daniel Cudmore. James Marsden may be involved if witness reports are true.
X-Men: Days of Future Past opens in 2D and 3D theaters on May 23rd, 2014.

‘Batman vs. Superman’: Bruce Wayne Getting a Love Interest in ‘Man of Steel 2′ ?

 

Somewhere in the world right now Ben Affleck is either at the gym or recuperating from his most recent trip, in order to get into Batman shape by the time production starts on the Man of Steel sequel (with director Zack Snyder and writer David S. Goyer back in action). Many people are struggling to accept that “Batfleck” is going to become a real thing (and not just an excuse to make Internet Memes/GIFs), but others have moved onto speculating about what everyone can expect from the superhero blockbuster.
The non-Batman rumor conversation – regarding Man of Steel 2/Batman vs. Superman (whichever unofficial title you prefer) – has primarily revolved around the potential casting of (unconfirmed) villain Lex Luthor, with the current lead candidate Bryan Cranston having recently claimed – emphasis on claimed – that he knows nothing about the situation. Today, we can offer a new casting rumor for everyone to mull over, in the meantime until we find out if Luther is even in the Man of Steel sequel (much less, who is playing the often-Machiavellian billionaire).
Latino Review is reporting that WB has sent out a casting breakdown to various talent agencies, with the intent of finding a love interest for Ben Affleck’s Bruce Wayne. We’ve speculated that Bruce will flirt with Lois Lane (Amy Adams) in order to get under Clark Kent’s (Henry Cavill) skin – as the Caped Crusader has done in previous Superman/Batman crossover stories - but Goyer’s script could feasibly have room for Bruce to have a serious love interest as well; all the more so because that Lois and Clark’s relationship in Man of Steel 2 will break from tradition in certain ways (example: Clark allowing Lois to know his real identity).
Here is what WB is looking for (read: Bruce’s romantic foil), according to LR:

They’re looking for someone in their late 20s and are open to all ethnicities. So not only does the 42 year old Goddamn Batman like em at least a decade younger, but playboy Bruce Wayne doesn’t discriminate either.
But wait there is more. They’re not only looking for a good actress (like duh), but they’re being very specific and looking for an actress who is both tall and possesses physicality.

Judging by these details, this sounds more like the description for a specific character and not just some nameless lady who hangs around on Bruce Wayne’s arm in public. Classic love interests like Vicky Vale and Julie Madison are very much possibilities, though someone like Selina Kyle is more of a long shot, despite the “possesses physicality” line; not to mention, it’s safe to rule out Rachel Dawes (Katie Holmes/Maggie Gyllenhaal), since she was created by Goyer, along with Christopher and Jonathan Nolan, for the Dark Knight trilogy.

For now, it seems there are a couple things we might take away from this:

1. Man of Steel 2/Batman vs. Superman aims to offer a richer portrayal of Bruce Wayne’s pseudo-playboy persona, which is
2. something that Goyer and the Nolan brothers tended to skimp on in the Dark Knight trilogy (outside of when it explicitly advanced the plot).
3. Affleck as Bruce Wayne will be presented as the polar opposite to Clark Kent: wealthy, extroverted and openly dating a gorgeous woman, as juxtaposed with Clark and Lois’ more complicated relationship. That would only heighten the sense of antagonism between Clark/Bruce and their respective superhero alter-egos.

Similarly, Rachel Dawes was always a weak point in the Nolan Batman films, as she’s (arguably) more a good role model than fully-rounded character; which is to say, there’s room for improvement in the Bruce Wayne love interest department, as far as future comparisons between Man of Steel 2 and The Dark Knight goes. Likewise, as his buddy Mat Damon has pointed out, Affleck should have little trouble pulling off the Bruce Wayne side of things – and, frankly, he might end up being much more believable as a legit playboy than Christian Bale ever was (had to say it).
Who do you think Bruce’s lady love will be in the Man of Steel sequel? Speculate away in the comments section!

5 Movie Monsters We Want To See Riddick Fight

Those are just a handful of the fights that come to mind whenever the prospect of another Riddick adventure is mentioned. We already know that there are plans for even more Riddick sequels, so who knows: maybe some of these fights aren't so far-fetched after all (don't bet on it).

Do you think we've overlooked some truly brilliant monsters who would give Riddick a run for his money? Name them in the comments.

 

Strengths: Massive size, nearly invincible, capable of rapid regeneration, and possessing a deadly atomic breath ray.

Weaknesses: Impaired maneuverability given its size, cadmium missiles, high doses of electricity (sometimes), the Oxygen Destroyer (possibly).

If the name of 'Godzilla: King of the Monsters' wasn't enough of a hint, the only thing that ever really posed a threat to Godzilla was another monumental monster. The only way a single person could pose a threat to the atomically-mutated creature is through scientific breakthrough - not Riddick's strong suit. Since Godzilla has remained undefeated for more than 50 years, there's no way Riddick could manage the task. Still, if Vin Diesel is looking to end the series on a high note, a Godzilla fight would do the trick.

 

Strengths: Advanced technology, active camouflage, mastery of blades and energy weapons; well-versed in all elements of stalking and killing dangerous prey. Heightened endurance, strength and durability.

Weaknesses: Natural infrared vision has been fooled before, camouflaging body heat to become invisible to the Predator.

Since the Yautja - known to humans as 'Predators' - are skilled with every conceivable weapon, masters of all knowledge in hunting the universe's most dangerous creatures, and able to see in the dark, these trained killers are more than a match for Riddick. If Riddick managed to up his game, he might just live; but considering how many average human beings have posed a challenge to Predators in the past, we'd bet the fight would be worth watching whatever the outcome.

 

Strengths: At over 100 ft. tall, sheer size is the only real strength here - and the mental trauma inflicted by seeing a lovable corporate mascot turn a city block into dust.

Weaknesses: An extreme vulnerability to fire or crossed streams.

The Stay Puft Marshmallow Man - technically an 'ectoplasmically-animated gateway homunculus' - may seem squishy, but as the physical manifestation of the extra-dimensional being Gozer, it's not to be trifled with. Let's be honest: Riddick would have no trouble taking him out (with a few clever quips at the expense of his neckerchief). While blades or bullets might be ineffective, expose this monster to an open flame, and Riddick's one massive graham cracker and chocolate bare away from the world's biggest s'more. But we still want to see Mr. Stay Puft get what's coming to him.

 

Strengths: Advanced technology, active camouflage, mastery of blades and energy weapons; well-versed in all elements of stalking and killing dangerous prey. Heightened endurance, strength and durability.

Weaknesses: Natural infrared vision has been fooled before, camouflaging body heat to become invisible to the Predator.

Since the Yautja - known to humans as 'Predators' - are skilled with every conceivable weapon, masters of all knowledge in hunting the universe's most dangerous creatures, and able to see in the dark, these trained killers are more than a match for Riddick. If Riddick managed to up his game, he might just live; but considering how many average human beings have posed a challenge to Predators in the past, we'd bet the fight would be worth watching whatever the outcome.

Strengths: Able to track prey by sound alone, three tongues (each possessing a mouth); spawned Shriekers are gifted pack hunters who track by temperature.

Weaknesses: Lack of vision makes tricking or trapping Graboids possible; Shriekers suffer from a lack of hearing.

As terrifying as the Graboid Shriekers are, we have no doubt that their limited senses would make them easy pickings for Riddick; the fully grown Graboids are another story. Since Riddick usually prefers to let his fists do the talking, he would require a different approach with the massive, prehistoric sandworms. Night vision or no, these creatures are bigger, stronger, and faster than any human - Riddick would need to outsmart, not outhunt them. We never granted the antihero an abundance of brains, but seeing him pull off the feat would be a welcome change.

The Expendables 3 - The Production Just Begun and Confirmed members of The Cast

The Expendables 3 is an upcoming American ensemble action film directed by Patrick Hughes, and written by Creighton Rothenberger, Katrin Benedikt, and Sylvester Stallone. It is a sequel to the 2012 action film The Expendables 2, and features Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Randy Couture, Terry Crews, and Arnold Schwarzenegger returning to star. The film also stars Wesley Snipes, Antonio Banderas, Mel Gibson, Harrison Ford, Kellan Lutz, Ronda Rousey, Victor Ortiz, and Glen Powell. The story follows the mercenary group known as "The Expendables" as they come into conflict with ruthless arms dealer Conrad Stonebanks (Gibson), The Expendables' co-founder, who is determined to destroy the team. It is the third instalment in The Expendables film series.

Confirmed members of the cast include:

• Sylvester Stallone as Barney Ross: Leader of The Expendables.
• Jason Statham as Lee Christmas: The team's knife expert.
• Jet Li as Yin Yang: The Expendables' hand-to-hand combat expert.
• Dolph Lundgren as Gunner Jensen: Volatile member of the team.
• Randy Couture as Toll Road: The team's demolitions expert.
• Terry Crews as Hale Ceasar: The Expendables' barrel-weapons specialist.
• Arnold Schwarzenegger as Trench Mauser
• Wesley Snipes
• Antonio Banderas
• Mel Gibson as Conrad Stonebanks: A ruthless arms dealer and co-founder of The Expendables.
• Harrison Ford
• Kellan Lutz
• Ronda Rousey
• Victor Ortiz
• Glen Powell as a highly trained combat veteran and hacker.

THE GREATEST HOLLYWOOD MOVIE CELEBRITIES.

Back to the Future

Escape Plan - Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone

Take a look to the German poster of Escape Plan, the upcoming action thriller movie starring the two cult action movie actors Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone

Escape Plan

ESCAPE PLAN

Escape or die!

“One of the world’s foremost authorities on structural security agrees to take on one last job: breaking out of an ultra-secret, high-tech facility called ‘The Tomb’. Deceived and wrongly imprisoned, Ray Breslin (Sylvester Stallone) must recruit fellow inmate Emil Rottmayer (Arnold Schwarzenegger) to help devise a daring, nearly impossible plan to escape from the most protected and fortified prison ever built.”

There’s also a new promo picture:

Instantaneous Lockdown – High-tech security protocols designed to stop any escape.