Legion - The end of days in the style of a war movie?

Legion is the supernatural thriller starring Paul Bettany as the archangel Michael, who is all that stands between mankind and an apocalypse after God has lost faith in humanity. But the Almighty apparently hasn't lost all hope -- a child is on the way who is the second coming of Christ, and a group of strangers who recognize the fact must band together to save it.

I mentioned it back in March.

Now Quiet Earth have some more news on the style of the film and a detailed synopsis.

The films director Scott Stewart said "I conceived LEGION more as a comic book action movie than a straight horror film. Despite the obvious horror elements, my primary influence when writing it was less DAWN OF THE DEAD or 28 DAYS LATER, and more the original TERMINATOR with its blend of intense action and inventive mythology.

Stylistically, I intend to ground the fantastic nature of the story in a gritty and realistic visual style. I want the audience to feel like they've been dropped right in the middle of the action, so they, like the characters in the film, experience the terror and chaos in a very direct and visceral way. In that regard, the best visual comparison to LEGION are not other horror films but contemporary war films like PLATOON and SAVING PRIVATE RYAN."

That sounds very cool and a great way to go in making this stand out from the supernatural crowd.

Now for the synopsis:

Without warning, on the night of December 23rd, the prisoners inside a Los Angeles jail go berserk, tearing each other apart. Only one is left standing: MIKE (Paul Bettany) . Meanwhile, in the tiny Mojave desert town of Paradise Falls, JEEP HANSEN (Lucas Black going back to his American Gothic roots) awakens from yet another fever dream and begins to draw. His walls are covered with nightmarish visions of fantastic creatures and heroes, including demon lord BELIAL and a mysterious figure... who looks an awful lot like MIKE.

Later that day while Jeep is working on a car the sky darkens. a mysterious black car arrives and the elderly GLADYS emerges. Inside the diner, BOB (Dennis Quaid), pregnant actress CHARLIE (Adrianne Palicki), the LYMANS, cook PERCY (Charles S. Dutton), and suspicious patron KYLE (Tyrese Gibson) watch Gladys eat a rare and bloody steak. Gladys then revels herself to be a hideous creature and attacks Howard and Bob. Kyle kills her with his .45. The diner is surrounded by thousands of flies, the power goes out and the group is trapped inside.

Mike arrives in a police car and distributes weapons to the group. He reveals that they are witnessing the first signs of a war between humans and a horde of the devil's minions. The demon-creatures converge on the diner and attack. The group fights back. While awaiting the next onslaught, Jeep finds a transmission on the radio explaining that all of human kind is under siege by demons. Apparently Las Vegas is the only haven left. Amidst the chaos, Charlie's water suddenly breaks and Audrey helps her deliver a baby boy.

Legion is set to star Dennis Quaid, Paul Bettany, Tyrese Gibson, Kate Walsh, Kevin Durand and Lucas Black.

I really like the sound of this. The story and, more importantly, the style tick all the right boxes for me. Paul Bettany as an archangel will be good and it puts me in mind of a bigger budgeted Prophecy - now it would be good if Christopher Walken had a cameo in this one.

Do you like the sound of this film? What do you want to see in it?

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The Final Destination - Poster for fourth in the series

This is the film that was called Final Destination: Death Trip 3D, but it has since been renamed to The Final Destination.

Eric Bress and David R. Ellis, who wrote and directed Final Destination 2, are back for the fourth which is due out in August.

This one starts out at a Nascar race so lots of crashes for people to narrowly avoid Death and then later die in various wacky ways. As it is going to be in 3D the crashes should be pretty good to watch.

Quite a nice poster. Thanks to Ugo for posting it.

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Murderer - International Trailer

A Hong Kong-set mystery centered on a detective who has been framed for a series of gruesome murders.

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Jon Favreau talks War Machine and Whiplash

Jon Favreau chatted to Empire about what we can expect to see in the sequel to Iron Man.

"Tony's expected to be a role model and I don't think he's ready to be one. He's under a great deal of pressure and when you're under pressure, I think you find outlets for that. That's one of the tensions of the film: it's one thing to say you're Iron Man, and another thing to actually become Iron Man."

He then went on to talk about Jim Rhodes (Don Cheadle this time round) putting on his own armoured suit as War Machine. "Rhodesy is definitely stepping up in this film. Let me put it this way: Tony's not the only person with technology in the film."

Mickey Rourke, who appears as new Iron Man nemesis Whiplash, had this to say "I'm having the time of my life!" he enthused about joining the Iron Man franchise. "It's been really brutal, because my Iron Man suit weighs 23lb. It's sort of a half-suit, with half my skin showing, with lots of Russian tattoos, because [Whiplash is just] out of a Russian-zone prison."

Iron Man 2 is due out on 7 May 2010.

I really hope this is going to be as good as the first one. Still not sure about Scarlett Johanson as the Black Widow.

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Avatar - Concept art from James Cameron's Sci-Fi wonder

The good folks over at Marketsaw were given permission by Fox to publish these lovely pieces of concept art from James Cameron's highly anticipated film, Avatar.

The images are from a book called The Art of Avatar which has a forward by Peter Jackson.

/Film describe the above picture as "This one appears to show action from a set piece rather near the end of proceedings. Fleeing in the foreground is another one of the futuristic flying machines (most likely the Dragon Gunship, I think) and behind it is one of the native beasts of Pandora. This one, I think, is a Bansheeray."

The picture below shows more of the mech suit that had been previously posted. That could be Sam Worthington's character in the suit.
This artwork is lovely and to think that we will be seeing it all in 3D is mind blowing. It does look like Cameron may really be changing the face of cinema as we know it.

What do you think of the concept art? Excited?



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The Hangover - TV Spot - Critical Acclaim II

Directed by Todd Phillips and starring Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis

Due out on 5th June 2009

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Robert Downey Jr is Oobermind

I first mentioned this back in February. Now Variety have the news that Robert Downey Jr. and Tina Fey have been case in a 3D Animated feature for DreamWorks called Oobermind.

Downey will voice a supervillain who finds life a little dull after vanquishing his good-guy rival Metro Man. The superhero-themed film, based on a script (previously called "Master Mind") from Ben Stiller’s Red Hour Films, will open 5th November 2010.

I do like the sound of this and Downey Jr and Fay are both quality actors. I just hope it is a bit better than recent DreamWorks animated films (Kung-Fu Panda, Shrek 2 & 3 etc) as they have not been too good. Presumably the name was changed from Master Mind as that character exists in the DC Comics world.

Looks as if Dr Horrible will have some company with a villain being the lead.

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Diary of the Dead, 2007 - Quick Movie Review

Director: George Romero
Starring: Michelle Morgan, Joshua Close, Shawn Roberts, Amy Ciupak Lalonde
Running Time: 95 minutes

This review by Paul.

I caught this recently on TV. It was late, I was a tad tipsy (day before my birthday) and thought 'why not?'.

Now dont get me wrong, I don't usually like Zombie pics. Not that I dislike them, I just dislike Zombies. they scare me big time. Proper. Can't think of anything worse.

So I was feeling kinda bold when I decided to watch this, especially when the opener said it was Romaro's most gory film EVER, the most SHOCKING SCENES EVER MADE.

End up watching this and you will be very disappointed. I was looking forward to a shockgorefest but this failed to deliver. I didn't even wet myself once. It's difficult to recall what actually happened as the film was so bland. Considering the pedigree of the man I was surprised.

I know this is not a comprehensive review but that's because I dont have anything to say about it.

It was a non event.

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Surrogates - International Trailer

International trailer for Surrogates is similar to the previous trailer, but is edited with shorter scenes and a few seconds of new footage.
Directed by Jonathan Mostow. Starring Bruce Willis, Radha Mitchell, Rosamund Pike

Due out on 25th September 2009

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The Random - Roadkill, Alien remake, Paul, Wichita, Castlevania, Tomb Raider, Al Pacino as Dr Death, Barney's Version, The Breed

- John Stockwell has signed to direct the action comedy Roadkill, written by Nick Ball and John Niven. Bill Perkins is producing and financing the indie via his Lleju Prods."Roadkill" revolves around two amateur private detectives who take on more than they anticipated when they agree to protect a high-end escort being pursued by a female assassin. While on the run, they discover what could be a government conspiracy.

- According to Bloody-Disgusting, Fox is developing a new origin story for the 1979 sci-fi classic, Alien. The site had originally reported that the project was going to be a straight-up remake of the film, but shortly thereafter the story was updated with information that another source indicated the new project was going to be an origin story and not a remake.The site was reporting that Michael Costigan, Tony Scott and his brother Ridley Scott, who directed the 1979 film, are all attached to produce, with Carl Rinsch set to direct.

- Seth Rogen, Jason Bateman, Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader and Jane Lynch are joining the cast of Paul. Starring in the Paul are Simon Pegg (Shaun of the Dead) and Nick Frost. The film will be directed by Greg Mottola (Superbad). The script, which was written by Frost and Pegg, follows two sci-fi lovers who find their "conspiracy dreams" coming to fruition when they visit an escaped alien at Area 51. Seth Rogen will be voicing the alien.

- According to Variety, Tom Cruise will most likely do the 20th Century Fox action comedy Wichita as his next film. He will star with Cameron Diaz in this movie that will be directed by James Mangold (Walk the Line). Fox hopes to release the film in the summer of 2010. Mangold is presently rewriting the screenplay with Laeta Kalogridis (Shutter Island). The story follows a secret agent (Cruise) who finds himself coming into and out of the life of a single woman.

The long-gestating film adaptation of the Castlevania video game is not happening says Bloody Disgusting. Paul W.S. Anderson and Ian Jeffers were writing the adaptation that originally had Sylvain White attached to direct. While the film had been out to other directors in recent months, the project has now officially been shelved for now.

Producer Dan Lin talked briefly about the upcoming reboot of the Tomb Raider film franchise to About.com "It's a great origin story that we're going to tell. A very character-oriented story. I would say more realistic than the past Lara Croft movies...I would say it's like Terminator - character-driven action. I think for me the Lara Croft games and movies have gone a little too action-oriented. I wanted to have action, but with character" says Lin.
So they are going back to the beginning like "Batman Begins" or "Casino Royale" in order to try and re-establish the brand. Rumour has it Megan Fox was up for the role of Lara Croft.

Al Pacino is in negotiations to star in the Jack Kevorkian biopic "You Don't Know Jack" says The Hollywood Reporter. Kevorkian, also known as Dr. Death, assisted in more than 150 cases of suicide and had beaten the state court system in Michigan numerous times, but was finally convicted after he willingly sent a videotape of himself euthanizing a terminally ill man to "60 Minutes." He was convicted of second-degree murder in 1999 and is serving his sentence in a maximum-security prison in Michigan. The film will trace his rise as he builds his infamous "Mercy Machine," conducts his first assisted suicide, and starts a media frenzy with his epic legal battles defending a patient's right to die. Barry Levinson is set to direct the film.

Dustin Hoffman will star alongside Paul Giamatti in the indie drama Barney's Version reports Variety. Hoffman will play a retired cop and father of the story's title character -- who has led a reckless life highlighted by three marriages, two children and status as a "person of interest" in the mysterious disappearance of his friend.

Arrow in the Head have the news that Jean Claude Van Damme is joining a horror film called The Breed. Van Damme said that "it's set in a village where strange things happen," but he wouldn't say anymore, "you know, let the movie speak for itself!"

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The Answer Man - Trailer

Jeff Daniels plays a reclusive author of a landmark book that redefined spirituality for a generation. Lauren Graham is a struggling single mom and Lou Taylor Pucci a young man fresh out of rehab. Like many others, they seek out the author because they're convinced he has all the answers -- but he just wants to be left alone.

Written and directed by John Hindman.

The Answer Man stars Jeff Daniels, Lauren Graham, Lou Taylor Pucci

Release date of 24th July 2009.


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A Perfect Getaway - Trailer for David Twohy's psycho stalkers in paradise film

Cliff and Cydney are an adventurous young couple celebrating their honeymoon by backpacking to one of the most beautiful, and remote, beaches in Hawaii. Hiking the wild, secluded trails, they believe they've found paradise. But when the pair comes across a group of frightened hikers discussing the horrifying murder of another newlywed couple on the islands, they begin to question whether they should turn back. Unsure whether to stay or flee, Cliff and Cydney join up with two other couples, and things begin to go terrifyingly wrong. Far from civilization or rescue, everyone begins to look like a threat and nobody knows whom to trust. Paradise becomes hell on earth as a brutal battle for survival begins...

Written and directed by David Twohy (Pitch Black). It stars Timothy Olyphant, Milla Jovovich, Steve Zahn, Kiele Sanchez and Thor himself, Chris Hemsworth.

A Perfect Getaway is due out on 14th August 2009.

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UPDATED: Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans - Trailer for Werner Herzog's new film starring Cage

More Cage action. Watch him shout, point and look confused.

Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans is the new Werner Herzog film that continues from Harvey Keitel's version. Apparantly it is not a remake.

Judging by this trailer they haven't really any idea what they wanted to do with the film. All in all it looks a bit of a mess.

It stars Nic Cage, Val Kilmer, Eva Mendes and, wait for it, Xzibit.

Remember, Nic Cage and Eva Mendes last starred together in Ghost Rider.

Cage's best acting role before this was posted recently (you have to watch it), but this may take first place.

Update: The video should now work again

What did you think of that? Will The Sorcerer's Apprentice or Kick-Ass finally lift the bad film curse that Nic Cage seems to currently be under?

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A Nightmare on Elm Street - First look at Jackie Earle Haley as Freddy

Yes that is Jackie Earle Haley as Freddy Krueger before the scarring and glove. It appears to be part of the origin scene of the character.

The scene apparently featured Freddy playing hide and seek with the kids in the playground as they stole his hat and gloves. Every now and again, he'd pick up a gardening tool with his right hand and chase the kids around.

JoBlo had this and a few other exclusive photos.

Warner Bros.' New Line Cinema has hired veteran screenwriter Wesley Strick to pen the relaunch of the A Nightmare on Elm Street series.

The original Nightmare on Elm Street was written and directed by Wes Craven and released in 1984. The new project will keep the high school setting and delve deeper in the psychology of nightmares and Freddy Krueger himself.

A Nightmare on Elm Street is due out on 16th April 2010.

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Pandorum - New trailer for sci-fi space weirdness

This is looking rather good and a tad suspenseful.

It stars Dennis Quaid, Ben Foster, Antje Traue, Cung Le, Norman Reedus and Cam Gigandet.

Two astronauts awaken in a hyper-sleep chamber aboard a seemingly abandoned spacecraft. It's pitch black, they are disoriented, and the only sound is a low rumble and creak from the belly of the spacecraft. They can't remember anything - who are they, what is their mission? The only way out of the chamber is a dark and narrow airshaft. Corporal Bower (Foster), the younger of the two, crawls inside, while the other, Lt. Payton (Quaid), stays behind for guidance on a radio transmitter. As Bower ventures deeper and deeper into the ship, he begins to uncover a terrifying reality. Slowly the spacecraft's shocking and deadly secrets come unraveled, and the astronauts realize that the survival of mankind hinges on their actions.

I just hope it doesn't end up as some predictable bit of space horror. At the moment it is looking like a mix of Dead Space, Event Horizon, Alien and a few others.

What do you think the story is about? Does the trailer grab you?

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