"The Great Gatsby" (2012) - First Trailer

After seeing those gorgeous first stills for "The Great Gatsby" with Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan and Tobey Maguire, I was very impressed. But how everything looks in the trailer is much more that I've expected from this adaptation. It looks like a hell of a show, but I think it's too much. I never imagined that it could be as huge, shiny and entertaining, while I was reading the book.

And, of course, I'm going to read again the great novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald before I watch the film to know, if Baz Luhrmann made a good adaptation or not. Either way, his version of "The Great Gatsby" has to be fabulous.

The film release is set up for the end of this December.

"Django Unchained" (2012) - Two Trailers

I must confess that I'm a huge Quentin Tarantino's fan, but I watched the first trailer for his new spaghetti western "Django Unchained" just a few days ago. If you are interested why, I say I needed to prepare myself for it. I wasn't afraid of it might disappoint me, because Tarantino hasn't made any film yet, which I don't like. I just wanted to prolong this waiting of the first trailer. And while I waited, they released another one! So here we go.


You know that with such great cast "Django Unchained" has no other option as to be something like a new masterpiece. My two all-time favourite actors Christoph Waltz and Leonardo DiCaprio were perfect for those parts.

So far the scene, where Dr. King Schultz meets Django, is one of my favourites! And I can't wait to see more of Samuel L. Jackson, because those few seconds weren't enough!


I heard that Will Smith had a chance to play the main character, but he turned down this part, because of "Men in Black 3". Shame, this film could have been more epic with him. But Jamie Foxx is a good choice for this part instead.

Trailer 1



Trailer 2

"The Perks of Being A Wallflower" (2012) - Trailer

FINALLY! I was waiting for this trailer for so long, and it was presented the other evening at the MTV Movie Awards 2012. What I think about it? It was exactly I wanted to see. It's witty, smart, careless and meaningful. Emma Watson, Logan Lerman and Ezra Miller were the perfect choice to play the main characters. But I'm not very surprised, considering that director Steven Chbosky is the writer of the book of the same name.


The film will be out in cinemas this September. If you want to know more about "The Perks of Being A Wallflower", read this article.

P.S. If you haven't read the book yet, do it. It's great.

Get More: Nina Dobrev, Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, 2012 Movie Awards, New Movies

"Les Miserables" (2012) - First teaser and stills

As I wrote a few months ago, "Les Miserables" is one of my most anticipated films of this year. I enjoyed very much the previous film by Tom Hooper, so I hope this one will be also great. Finally its first promo video was released. If you don't know it already, this 19th-century drama has a great cast, which includes Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen (he just has to play more serious characters). And you can hear Hathaway's singing a beautiful, but sad song during the time they present many important characters.

By the way, I'm going to read a book of the same name written by French novelist Victor Hugo first. I have plenty of time till December, when the premiere of "Les Miserables" is rumoured to happen.

P.S. Did you see that great anniversary logo of Universal Studios?



Below you can see my favourite stills of this film.

Festival de Cannes 2012 - Part 3

This post is dedicated to the interesting films, which were premiered at the few last days of the 65th Cannes Film Festival.

Read about Days 1-7 of Festival de Cannes 2012!

Director Lee Daniels, who is famous thanks to his "Precious", gathered a nice crew to create "The Paperboy", which was presented on 24th May. Zac Efron, Nicole Kidman, Matthew McConaughey, John Cusack came to support it, telling how unusual, daring, nasty etc. etc. this film is. Efron wears only his underpants almost the whole film, Kidman was ready to experiment, Cusack plays a disgusting character. Critics say that the main heroine is incredible there. So don't be tricked by the innocent description of this film.



We know that Michael Haneke's "Amour" was the film that forced people to tear a little (and a lot), but British dark comedy "Sightseers" became the one that made them laugh. It's not the first film directed by Ben Wheatley, but the few previous ones didn't made him famous. Now he along with Edgar Wright tells a story about a couple, which takes around the world trip. However some events turn this adventure into a remarkable one. The main parts are played by the screenwriters, Alice Lowe and Steve Oram.

While her mother presents her freakish debut work, Kristen Stewart along with a great team, which includes Kirsten Dunst, Viggo Mortensen, Sam Riley and director Walter Salles came to Cannes with an adventurous film, "On the Road". This story is dedicated to the Beat Generation, so at least its soundtrack has to be good.

Criminal drama "Mud" by Jeff Nichols has already been named 'the biggest surprise' and 'one of the best In Competition'. It is named after the main character, but its title also describes what he has to overpass on his way to freedom and the girl he loves. This drama is about two teenagers, who are helping a fugitive. It sounds a bit creepy, but it seems like Matthew McConaughey was the right choice for this part. And Reese Witherspoon is also in there, probably she is that girl.



Also "Cosmopolis" was shown In Competition. It is second year in a row, when David Cronenberg presents his new work at the Cannes Film Festival. As we know Cronenberg, his films have to be a bit crazy. Robert Pattinson played the main part. He decisively, like his long-term co-star Stewart, needs to shake off his gloving character, and this film might help him. All his billionaire Eric Packer wants is to get a new haircut, but there are some serious traffic problems on the way, because the President came to the city. So he is stuck in his limo, where he meets different people.



And there is sad news about one of the actors, who is rumoured to be a serious candidate for best actor prize this year. Aniello Arena,  who played the main character in Matteo Garrone's "Reality", is sentenced to spend the rest of his life in a Tuscan jail for murder.

I'm going to watch the closing ceremony live now, and I definitely post the winners list in real-time streaming.

Festival de Cannes 2012 - Part 2

I continue following the most interesting premieres and other events of this year's Cannes Film Festival. This post will tell you what happened on 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th days in a beautiful French city, where the weather played some evil tricks, causing downpours and even roof collapses.

Read about Days 1, 2, 3 of the 65th Cannes Film Festival!

One of the surprises of those days was a film about a section of the Los Angeles County Jail reserved for homosexuals, AIDS patients and transsexuals. This drama is called "K-11", and is directed by Jules Mann-Stewart, Kristen Stewart's mother. It sounds like a hard story, which definitely shouldn't be mistaken with a 1990s comedy "K-911", starring James Belushi.

Brad Pitt arrived to present his latest thriller "Killing Them Softly". I was hoping to see him and Angelina Jolie on the red carpet, but it wasn't meant to be. He was there along director Andrew Dominik, who has almost the same hairstyle and beard as Pitt, and it makes them look like brothers. By the way, this film has been already named "this year's Drive", which makes me even more excited to see it!

Another film I'm anxious to see is "Lawless". It was presented by the whole crew, including Tom Hardy, Shia LaBeouf and Jason Clarke, who play three brothers with a dangerous bootlegging business. They say Hardy was in a great mood, joking and telling about funny behind-the-scenes moments. Director John Hillcoat told the journalists that this films was inspired partly by Sergio Leone's westerns.



23-years-old director Xavier Dolan traditionally presented his third film at the Cannes Film Festival. His "Laurence Anyways" is 3-hours long love story between a man and a woman, which becomes even more complicated after the first one decides to change his sex. His previous works, "J'ai tué ma mère" and "Les amours imaginaires", were highly appreciated at this Festival. This time there was a standing ovation for 5 minutes after its premiere.



Michael Haneke has already got 7 prizes from Cannes, ans his new drama "Amour" may bring him another one. It turns out to be very touching, many journalists were in tears after they watched it. This film is about love of two old people. The wife is dying and husband tries to comfort her, while their daughter insists to put her mother into the nursing home. It has to be also heartbreaking, so all critics loved it so far!



There will be another post about a few last days of the 65th Cannes Film Festival, and a few entries while I will watch the closing ceremony!

"To Rome With Love" (2012) - First trailer

"You will never understand women!"
"That's been proven."

Woody Allen continues to travel all around Europe, so his new film is set in Rome. Its trailer shows that it is going to be a wonderful, ironic romantic comedy. Mr. Allen also plays one of the main characters, which is great, because I don't remember him being on the screen since weird "Scoop" (2006).

This film has a very good and various cast: Penélope Cruz as passionate Anna, Alec Baldwin as self-confident John, Roberto Benigni as new TV star Leopoldo, Ellen Page as honest Monica and Jesse Eisenberg as confused Jack.

"To Rome With Love" will be in cinemas this summer. Check out its official website.

"THE AVENGERS" (2012) - 'Head Count' TV Spot

New short promo video for "The Avengers" has arrived. I'm very glad that they added more of that great conversation, where Loki and Tony Stark try to impress one another with their power and team strength. Tom Hiddleston and Robert Downey Jr. look like a perfect villain/hero duo. And I totally agree with the latter, the Avengers are greater than any army, so I hope they will win this war.

On May 4th, we're finally going to watch this.

More about "The Avengers"!



Yes, the film is not rated yet, but Tony Stark knows that it will be eventually, so he just can't hide his self-confident smile.

"True Blood" Season 5 - "Echoes Of The Past" teasers

The 5th season of one of my favourite TV shows is coming up, and new promo videos make me even more exited. I found a few teasers for "True Blood", which are entitled "Echoes Of The Past". There are houses of Sookie and Bill, a vampire club Fangtasia, where we can hear again some conversations, which took place a long time ago. They don't show us anything new about upcoming season, but it is great to have a set tour, to observe the locations, where interesting and scary things have happened.

"Fangtasia"



"Sookie's House"



"Bill's House"

"Dark Shadows" (2012) - TV Spot №3

"What is your age?"
"Fifteen."
"Fifteen and no husband? You must put those birthing hips to good use at once."

New 1-minute promo for Tim Burton's "Dark Shadows" is even more hilarious than the trailer. Johnny Depp did a great job this time, and I have no doubts that the film will prove it soon. If you still don't know what about this story is, it takes place in 1972, when a vampire wakes up from his long sleep. He returns to his manor and meets new people, who aren't very excited about such a creepy cohabitant. His name is Barnabas Collins, and he wants to return the days of glory for his family.

There is more of Michelle Pfeiffer this time. Her Elizabeth Collins Stoddard will have some problems with her eccentric ancestor, but at least she won't be bored with him.

Read my 10 Reasons to Be Exited about "DARK SHADOWS".
More about "Dark Shadows" (2012)!



Here are a few favourite screen-caps from this TV spot:

"DARK SHADOWS" (2012) - First official trailer

"Are you stoned or something?"
"They tried stoning me, my dear. It did not work."

Finally, the very first trailer and poster for Tim Burton's new film were presented yesterday!

Until I have seen this video, I thought that "Dark Shadows" is going to be even darker and scarier than "Sleepy Hollow" (1999), but it turns out to be funnier. Yes, Johnny Depp can't be creepy even with that strange make-up on. And I already like Helena Bonham Carter's character along with the whole family, in whose house Barnabas Collins stays. It must be really hard for him to adjust to the life in 1972. Eva Green is also good portraying the wicked witch, who wants to make Barnabas love her.

The film will be out in a few months. I can't wait to watch it!

Read my 10 Reasons to Be Exited about "DARK SHADOWS".
More about "Dark Shadows" (2012)!

"Despicable Me 2" - Teaser

The first trailer for "Despicable Me" sequel was released, but it looks more like a teaser. Four lovely minions are singing some kind of a song, where the only understandable word is 'potato'. It is a hilarious video, and I'm so glad that those yellow creatures are back!

By the way, this animated film will be also in 3D (that circus fife, which tries to get out from the screen borders, is a huge hint). Its creators made it very impressive in the first film, so "Despicable Me 2" may be the only film I will watch in 3D this year.

"The Avengers" (2012) - Trailer #2

"Director Fury, I think it's time."

Oh, I think so too. Time for a new trailer for "The Avengers", of course.

Finally, there is plenty of new footage: how Nick Fury gathers the team, Black Widow has very close relationship with Hawkeye, we see other S.H.I.E.L.D. members, who are played by Cobie Smulders and Clark Gregg, for the first time.

And I can't wait so see how all Avengers will train for meet Loki's army.

More about "The Avengers"!



Some new stills!

Oscar 2012 - Last thoughts and new promo

It is left less than a day till we know all the winners of the 84th Annual Academy Awards. I will watch it live as I do it for 5 years now! Yes, my first ceremony was the one, where "The Departed" won an Oscar for Best Picture and Helen Mirren was named the Best Actress. I don't think I can ever forget it.

Many people, film fans, don't like Oscar awards for many reasons, but in my opinion, these awards go to talented people and films. And I like guessing who the winner will be. Someday I'm going to watch every ceremony since the 1st one, but I have no idea where I can find those videos.

This time I hope "The Artist" takes three main statuettes - for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor. Sorry, Bérénice Bejo, I enjoyed your performance so much, but I doubt you will win this year. Congratulations for winning the Cesar Award for Best Actress.

I will write about where you can watch the 84th Annual Academy Awards live later, and I'm going to make a real-time coverage again. Stay tuned and follow @ElenaStrBlogger on Twitter.

Watch this funny sketch about the Oscar etiquette.

"Struck By Lightning" (2012) - First Trailer

"You can inspire others to write while writing yourself."

Before today I have never heard about Chris Colfer (I don't watch "Glee"), but it turns out he is a talented young man and his new film is going to be interesting. He wrote the script himself and he is producing it.

"Struck By Lightning" looks like an ordinary high school story, but it isn't. One guy wants to make a newspaper and to achieve this goal he needs a good team. But the problem is everyone is extremely lazy and indifferent in his school. Plus everybody hates him, because of his workaholism and exactingness.

The trailer is smart and funny, so I hope the film will be as unusual and engaging.

Directed by Brian Dannelly, who has worked on different TV series, "Pushing Daisies", "Weeds", "United States of Tara".

Top-5 movies of the week - 17.02 - 23.02

1."Rampart"
Woody Harrelson plays a cop, who hates everyone. He likes his power and beating people. And nobody can stop him, because there will be a huge corruption scandal. Also starring Cynthia Nixon, Sigourney Weaver, Robin Wright, Ben Foster and Steve Buscemi.
Trailer.

2."Thin Ice"
Two men want to earn some money by selling a very valuable violin, which is no use for its present owner. But everything goes wrong, when they end up killing an innocent man. One of these accidental criminals starts blackmailing his associate, who is played by Greg Kinnear. Yes, since that night he is walking on the very thin ice, which can melt very fast under him. Crazy criminal comedy, which has to have an unexpected ending. But I doubt it will be a happy ending.
Trailer.

3."The Secret World of Arrietty"
Tiny people live in one huge house with normal family. They don't want to be discovered, so secretly borrow different things and food. It is dangerous for young girl Arrietty to join her father in such night campaigns, but she is brave. So everything is good, until a boy sees her... and they become good friends. Its creators are the people, who made "Spirited Away" and "Ponyo", it promises many adventures, plus critics love this story.
Trailer.

4."The Vow"
I like Rachel McAdams very much, but I dislike Channing Tatum even more. It was hard to figure out will she save the film, or will he make it bad, and turns out that she wasn't enough. The story is about a newlywed couple, who survives a serious car accident. He is fine, but she lost her memory. She doesn't remember not the whole past, but just him. Low critics rating can frighten the big film-addicts, but the audience says it is ok romantic comedy.
Trailer.

5."Dorothy and the Witches of Oz"
An old fairytale is back thanks to the director Leigh Scott ("Frankenstein Reborn", "King of the Lost World", "Exorcism: The Possession of Gail Bowers"). It is the first not-so-creepy film for him, which kids can actually watch. This time Dorothy is a young writer, who moves to New York. But once she discovers that all her stories aren't a fiction, but memories, she has to go figure out how to fight the evil witch to save the both worlds. It reminds a bit Burton's "Alice In Wonderland". The special effects look good, and the cast includes Christopher Lloyd, Billy Boyd and Sean Astin, who are great actors. So it has to be a nice family film.
Trailer.

Posters - iTunes movie trailers

"Battleship" (2012) - Official Trailer

"My dad said they'd come. He said we ain't alone. He said one day w'd find them, or they'd find us."

Many of you probably saw this trailer - I personally watched it twice in the cinema - but I included this film into The Most Anticipated Films of 2012 poll, so it's time to tell you why it has many chances to become a blockbuster.

"Battleship" trailer causes some controversial thoughts. First of all, it looks similar to some "Transformers" scenes. There also were some ocean battles. Second of all, its cast is very unpredictable. There are Liam Neeson and Alexander Skarsgård, whom I like, but it is a debut for the world famous pop-singer Rihanna, who has no experience in playing serious parts. Taylor Kitsch also appears in "Battleship", as Brooklyn Decker does. I remember him very briefly in "X-Men Origins - Wolverine", and she played very stupid part in "Just Go with It".

The director is Peter Berg, who is known for filming "Hancock", "The Kingdom", and playing in "Smokin' Aces". If he didn't change, this film will be very average.

Special effects look impressive and beautifully made on the big screen. If it's made in 3D, it might not disappoint. But "Battleship" isn't for people, who have a seasickness.

Not very promising? But if "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" became one the most successful films in the history, so why this one can't?

"Battleship" will be out this summer.

"The Avengers" (2012) - Extended Super Bowl Spot

American football fans are always exited about the annual Super Bowl, but movie fans are not less intrigued. Of course, the latter ones aren't guessing who the winner will be, but what new footage from upcoming films will be shown in the Super Bowl commercials.

"The Avengers" is going to be one of the future blockbusters, and of course it got another promo. Again there are many explosions, terror, huge lightning strike and one unforgettable team of modern superheroes.

"Mr.Stark..."
"Captain?"

The more I see videos from "The Avengers", the more I think that Iron Man (aka Tony Stark) and Captain America will have a hilarious relationship. If I'm right, we'll discover on May 4.

Directed and written by Joss Whedon.
Starring Samuel L. Jackson, Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, Jeremy Renner.

More about "The Avengers" (2012)!

If you are waiting for this film for a very long time, vote for it here: The Most Anticipated Films of 2012 (you can choose 5 films).

"I have an army."
"We have a Hulk."



Ready for action! (click to enlarge the pictures)