G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra - 3 TV Spots

Will this be cheesily good or so bad it hurts?

Due out on 7th August.

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G.I. Joe - Japanese trailer gives our first look at The Doctor a.k.a. Cobra Commander

The Doctor is played by Joseph Gordon Levitt. You can see him at the 0:08 mark in the trailer chatting to Destro (Christopher Eccleston). Both are pre-iconic mask, although the Doctor has that weird breath mask thing.

The whole thing is looking very sci-fi and I reckon kids will love it. What do you think of the new trailer?

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Public Enemies, 2009 - Movie Review

Director: Michael Mann
Starring: Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard, Stephen Dorff, Billy Crudup, Channing Tatum, Stephen Graham, David Wenham, Jason Clarke, Emilie De Ravin
Running Time: 140 minutes
Score: 8 / 10

This review by me. Check out my report from the press conference.

John Dillinger. He seemed unstoppable and in the 13 months from his release from prison to his death he lived for the moment and became a legend. Paroled in May, 19933 and by July 1934 he was dead.

Michael Mann’s Public Enemies tells the tale of Dillinger and his pursuit by G-Man Melvin Pervis, the inspiration for the look of Chester Gould’s Dick Tracy.

My first thoughts on the film – It was good, but not a masterpiece as some are calling it. However, after watching it again that may change for the better, hell it may change while I get my thoughts sorted in this review. The reason being the way it was filmed.

Let me explain. We are all used to films from that era to have certain look and feel to them. That period sheen were you know, not just from the cars and costumes that you are looking at something from the past. The look that film can give you. However, Mann used HD cameras as he did with Collateral. As you know this has a contemporary immediacy about it. It can remind you of a home video or a documentary and lots of the shots in Public Enemies had a hand held look to them as you follow Dillinger and his gang on numerous bank robberies. What I am trying to get at is that this film seemed as if it was shot back then but with todays technology. It’s unlike any other period film that I’ve seen in that regard and it took me a while to get used to it. I found myself enjoying the film more as it went on. Hence if I watched it again I would probably get more out of it.

With that out of the way, let’s get on with it. Depp as Dillinger is superb. You get him straight away. He’s got out of prison after a lengthy sentence for a minor teenage crime. The world around him is full of colour, fun and opportunity and he wants it all right now and to hell with tomorrow. Johnny Depp plays him with a devil may care smile and you can see why the public loved John Dillinger. He played the PR thing before it was invented.

What got me was how cool he was under pressure. From walking around the Dillinger Task Force offices surrounded by photos of himself to breaking out of Lake County Jail with a gun he carved out of a chopping board he just didn’t seem to care what happened to him.

This Lake County breakout was one of my favourite scenes. Depp with his wooden gun takes a few guards hostage before driving out of the prison in the warden’s own car. The audacity of the man was amazing. If you feel that it was a little far fetched it turns out that Michael Mann toned it down from reality as in real life Dillinger took 13 guards hostage but Mann felt the audience would find that a little hard to believe!

The fact that this scene and many others were filmed at the actual locations where events took place makes it all the more realistic. It also went someway in helping the actors play the roles. Little Bohemia Lodge where the FBI surrounded Dillinger and his gang only for them to get away once again. The Biograph theatre in Chicago where Dillinger watched his final film, Manhatten Melodrama (where Clark Gable basically plays Dillinger), was renovated for the film and when Dillinger meets his end in the film, Depp falls in the exact same spot that Dillinger did.

Marion Cotillard is great as Dillinger’s girl, Billie Frechette. She has that wounded innocence that was seen in A Very Long Engagement and in an interrogation scene with the FBI she is wonderful. Like many of the actors she is not actually in the film for that great a length of time, but she lights up the screen every time she is.

Christian Bale plays Melvin Purvis. Hand picked by J Edgar Hoover (a great portrayal by Billy Crudup) the straight laced G-Man finds he has to bend his strict moral code to bring Dillinger to justice and you can see it cutting him up as the film goes on. Bale, as usual, plays it well. He oozes professionalism as the man who tracked down Dillinger and then the frustration as he escapes once again. There is no Batman growl, but he did keep the accent all through the shooting of the film.

Bale and Depp only have a few minutes of screen time together – Mann seems to like doing this with big names, Pacino and De Niro in Heat had a similar amount of time together – but they do it well. Two sides of the same coin. One buttoned down and in control, the other living for the moment, but both keenly aware that they are losing friends and that one day soon only one of them will still be alive.

Around these three big names are numerous other great actors. Many of whom are only on screen for a short time - Stephen Dorff as Homer Van Meter, Channing Tatum as a blink and you’ll miss him Pretty Boy Floyd, Stephen Graham (This is England, Snatch) was brilliant as Baby Face Nelson, David Wenham (300, Australia), Jason Clarke, Emilie De Ravin and many more. All of them were great. Yet sadly not enough time was spent on getting to know some of them. Some of the characters were long time friends of Dillinger, yet you don’t get a chance to know them before they disappear never to be seen again.

The look of the film is spot on. Everything looks authentic – cars, guns, clothes, buildings – and Mann directs with his usual aplomb. The gunfight scenes are all gripping and loud. This is to be expected from Mann whose gun battle in Heat is still one of my favourites.

My main problem with the film was that I felt curiously uninvolved in the first part of the film. This may have been due to the way it was filmed as I mentioned at the start, but it also felt as if you were dropped into the middle of things and then moved quickly to the next scene and then the next, before things settled down a little after the first third. This may have been intentional though to get you into the hectic life of the Dillinger gang, but it did make it hard to get a handle on the characters.

The look and feel of the film did remind me a lot of Arthur Penn’s Bonnie & Clyde.

It was 140 minutes in length but it flew by and I felt a little extra time spent on some of the minor characters would have added to my enjoyment. I definitely want to see it again though as I would appreciate the film more now I know how the HD camerawork affects the look of it all.

Don’t get me wrong, the film is well worth seeing especially if you are a fan of Mann’s previous work. Plus Johnny Depp is always great to see. Be prepared for the curious effect the HD has on the period look and you will enjoy it all the more.

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G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra - Extended TV Spot

A brand new extended TV trailer has been released for G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra, which is out on 7th August.

It stars Dennis Quaid, Channing Tatum, Sienna Miller, Ray Park, Rachel Nichols, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Said Taghmaoui, Marlon Wayans, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Arnold Vosloo and Christopher Eccleston.

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G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra - New posters

Here are a few new posters for the G.I. Joe film. They aren't as badly photoshopped as some earlier ones, although Ripcord and Duke seem a bit bored firing automatic weapons.



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G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra - International Trailer

An International Trailer for G.I. Joe: The RIse of Cobra which is nearly the same as the Trailer except at the 45 second mark, it shows a new scene with the President (Jonathan Pryce).

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G.I.Joe: The Rise of Cobra - Baroness Action Figure

Just in time for the release of G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, from Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Entertainment, in association with Hasbro, Hasbro introduces the first and only 12” BARONESS figure. The figure, in the likeness of BARONESS actress Sienna Miller as seen in the upcoming movie, features a soft goods trench coat and body suit as well as multiple signature weapons. The figure comes with an R. Black designed “COBRA recruiting poster” featuring BARONESS and features the “COBRA Office of Propaganda” seal of approval. The figure and poster are packaged together in a premium faux-leather box with embossed foil.

Now the action figure, I feel, is not that good but I love the artwork and colours used on the packaging.

The Stephen Sommers-directed action-adventure stars Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Christopher Eccleston, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Byung Hun Lee, Sienna Miller, Rachel Nichols, Ray Park, Said Taghmaoui, Channing Tatum, Marlon Wayans and Dennis Quaid.

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Fighting - Channing Tatum and Terrence Howard talk about the new film

Small-town boy Shawn MacArthur (Channing Tatum) has come to New York City with nothing. Barely earning a living selling counterfeit goods on the streets, his luck changes when scam artist Harvey Boarden (Terrence Howard) sees that he has a natural talent for street fighting. When Harvey offers Shawn help at making the real cash, the two form an uneasy partnership in this month's intense new drama Fighting. MovieWeb recently caught up with Tatum and Howard, as well as leading lady Zulay Henao, to chat about their upcoming film.

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Fighting - Featurette - Look Inside

Featurette for Fighting gives a behind the scenes look at the film with emphasis on the no-rules fight sequences. It stars Channing Tatum and Terrence Howard.

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Fighting - Interview with Channin Tatum, Terrence Howard and more.

Interview with Channing Tatum, who plays Shawn MacArthur in Fighting.

Interview with Terrence Howard who plays Harvey Boarden.

Interview with Zulay Henao, who plays Zulay Valez.

Interview with Brian White, who plays Evan Hailey

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Fighting - 4 TV spots for Channing Tatum and Terrence Howard's new film

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Thoughts on the G.I. Joe and Sherlock Holmes Footage at ShoWest

The good folks over at First Showing have seen some footage of various films at ShoWest in Las Vegas. Here is a snippet of what they thought of a couple of them.

G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra

Essentially, what I saw was a super charged mix of high tech bio suits, lasers, futuristic military vehicles, guns of every type, jumping, dodging, spinning, bio-gadgetry, and whimsical technology that we only see in movies. And this isn't a good thing. Everybody remembers The Mummy Returns, also directed by Stephen Sommers, and how they just threw in everything they could into that to beef it up and it made it so damn cheesy? Some sort of thing here, except that instead of mummies, we've got Channing Tatum and Marlon Wayans wearing ridiculous-looking armored suits with helmets that emulate the Iron Man visor.

Sherlock Holmes

The first thing you need to know is that this isn't the Sherlock Holmes you know… It a funky way, it's kind of like if Snatch were about a British detective from the 1800s, which is exactly what it is, thanks to Guy Ritchie writing and directing. The reaction didn't seem to be overly positive, at least coming from a few other writers that I know. It is a bit of a shock at first, because it's such a big departure from expectations, and I hope most people still like it.

But is it good? To be honest, I enjoyed it, it looked very fun. I'm not expecting anything incredible, and although I do really appreciate Guy Ritchie (I loved both Snatch and even RocknRolla), I wasn't expecting a new Guy Ritchie classic like Snatch. Honestly, I'm just expecting a good popcorn flick, which is exactly what it looks like. The first big shocker is that this looks like a buddy comedy, not a serious movie, with some really zany British humor that may really turn off quite a few people. But of course, you'll all get your own taste of that whenever you get to see this trailer, and can judge for yourself whether it works or not.

Then I remember that it's Robert Downey Jr., in that signature top hat, with his signature pipe, and with six pack abs and no shirt (in one scene where he's boxing another guy), kicking some serious ass, and I'm reminded why I actually still am looking forward to this.

Interesting stuff. I get the feeling G.I. Joe will be a cheese fest with a couple of cool bits thrown in and Sherlock Holmes will split opinion right down the middle. I think it will all depend if you are a fan of Guy Ritchie's previous films.

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Fighting - Channing Tatum checks his pits

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Public Enemies, 2009 - Movie Review

Director: Michael Mann
Starring: Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Channing Tatum, Billy Crudup, Leelee Sobieski, Emilie de Ravin, Stephen Dorff, Giovanni Ribisi, Marion Cotillard, Stephen Graham
Score: 10 / 10

This review from JoBlo - Spoilers ahoy!

I went to see the screening of Public Enemies, on Wednesday night. The new film by Micheal Mann starring Johnny Depp and Christian Bale. The movie is about the "public enemy era" of the 1930's during the great depression, and focuses on the famed gangster / bank robber John Dillinger, played by Depp, and the man sent to capture him Melvin Pervis, played by Bale. The movie also included a vague side story of how the FBI was formed into what it is today.

The film starts off in 1933 with the prison break that Dillinger planned and executed, almost flawlessly. The movie starts with some action and bloodshed which in my opinion is always a good way to get the movie started. We then follow the newly acquired Dillinger gang to a hide away.

At this point, Mann, introduces Pervis, while he is trying to apprehend a famed gangster "pretty boy" Floyd. After Pervis has done his job he is commissioned by J. Edger Hoover to head the man hunt for Dillinger. We also learn of the governments doubts about the FBI and J. Edger Hoover's involvement.

The film continues to follow the chase for Dillinger, and his many exploits that include the famous photograph in which he puts his arm around the prosecuting attorney. His escape from jail with a gun he carved out of a bar of soap. It all ends outside the Biograph Theater (**MAJOR SPOILER ALERT**) where Pervis and his hired help shot and killed Dillinger in the alley next to the theater after this brothel associate gives him up in hopes to avoid deportation.

Micheal Mann has found his perfect blend of drama and action in this picture. As well as he combined his style of handy cam, and set shots. All and all, it was his best film yet. Johnny Depp gets more and more outstanding as an actor every film he makes. Christian Bale, is as he always is... fairly dull. (sorry for any Bale fans out there, I know, Bale was the bomb in Batman yo!... but still) There are tons of cameo's from stars that you'll recognize but can't think of their names off the top of your heads.

I would be surprised if this film doesn't make it's run as a might contender for the best picture of the year in 2009. I would give it a 10/10.

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Public Enemies - New photos. Depp has a gun, Bale looks like a smooth criminal

Aceshowbiz had some new photos from Public Enemies. They show Christian Bale's Melvin, Marion Cotillard's Billie Frechette and Johnny Depp's John Dillinger.
"Public Enemies" revolves around legendary Depression-era outlaw John Dillinger and FBI agent Melvin Purvis. In the time when the Great Depression storms America and Dillinger and his gang are unstoppable, J. Edgar Hoover is trying to elevate his Bureau of Investigation into the national police force that became the FBI. Declaring that Dillinger America's first Public Enemy Number One, he sends Purvis in the thrill ride to capture the charismatic bank robber.
Adapted from Bryan Burrough's book Public Enemies: America's Greatest Crime Wave and the Birth of the FBI, 1933-34, the crime drama is directed and co-written by Michael Mann. As well as Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard and Johnny Depp the film also stars Channing Tatum, Giovanni Ribisi, Stephen Dorff and Billy Crudup. Universal Pictures helm the film and it's due out on 1st July in the USA.


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GI Joe - 5 New Posters

AICN got their hands on the new posters. This new set of G.I. Joe posters features Duke, Ripcord, Baronness, Scarlett, and Snake Eyes, played by Channing Tatum, Marlon Wayans, Sienna Miller, Ray Park, and Rachel Nichols, respectively. Your thoughts on them?

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Fighting - Trailer

Fighting is both written and directed by Dito Montiel,

Small-town boy Shawn MacArthur (Channing Tatum) has come to New York City with nothing. Barely earning a living selling counterfeit goods on the streets, his luck changes when scam artist Harvey Boarden (Terrence Howard) sees that he has a natural talent for streetfighting. When Harvey offers Shawn help at making the real cash, the two form an uneasy partnership.

As Shawn's manager, Harvey introduces him to the corrupt bare-knuckle circuit, where rich men bet on disposable pawns. Almost overnight, he becomes a star brawler, taking down professional boxers, mixed martial arts champs and ultimate fighters in a series of staggeringly intense bouts. But if Shawn ever hopes to escape the dark world in which he's found himself, he must now face the toughest fight of his life.

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G.I. Joe - Character Posters - Duke, Snake Eyes, Baroness, Ripcord

Following on the style shown in the recent Star Trek character posters, Paramount Pictures have released these four for the new Stephen Sommers film, G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra.

Filmz.ru got the posters first. They show Ray Park as Snake Eyes, Marlon Wayans as Ripcord, Channing Tatum as Duke, and Sienna Miller as Baroness.

From the Egyptian desert to deep below the polar ice caps, the elite co-ed GI JOE team, based from it’s headquarters The Pit, deploys the latest in next-gen spy and military equipment to fight crooked arms dealer Destro and the growing threat of the mysterious COBRA organization from plunging the world into chaos.
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