"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.

Quote of the day

"What I love about keys is they all open something."

from Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (2011)

This quote was said by an episodic character, who appears on the screen just for a few minutes. But for me it was the line, which defined Oskar's pursuit to find the lock for this particular key. Truly inspiring.

The Women of "Bel Ami" (2012)

I'm very into period dramas, so I just couldn't miss "Bel Ami", a new adaptation of Guy de Maupassant's novel of the same name. Yes, it stars Robert Pattinson, but I have no prejudice towards him. This story is about a young man, who is tired of being poor and uses his charm to seduce rich women. I enjoyed the film, though I haven't read the book, so I can't tell if it is a good or bad adaptation. The most of all I liked its atmosphere, which was created thanks to beautiful music, gorgeous costumes and picturesque locations.

The main character, Georges Duroy, doesn't like to waste his precious time, so during 1 hour 30 min he manages to sleep with 4 women, almost sleep with a young innocent girl, and who knows how many of his affairs were left outside this story. All female characters impressed me, and every actress did a great job.

Rachel (Natalia Tena)

She is a prostitute, the first and the poorest woman, with whom Duroy has slept in this film. Also it was the most sinful sex and the most naked scene in the whole film.

Clotilde de Marelle (Christina Ricci)

She is my favourite female character here, because there is something honest and pure about her, though she cheated on her husband with the main character. And I think Clotilde is the only woman he cared about, and if he married her, he'd stop playing his games.

Madeleine Forestier (Uma Thurman)

Beautiful and smart woman isn't the one, who is easy to fool. But she also lets him in, after her husband died. It is a big question why she did it, because she didn't really need him as a friend nor lover. She was a complete person without his greedy ambitions.

Virginie Walters (Kristin Scott Thomas)

A lady, who was married for many years and has never cheated on her husband, falls in love with Duroy, because he was the only man, who said nice words to her. But then her love turned into dangerous obsession, she became crazy, and I think she didn't survive his new marriage.

Suzanne Rousset (Holliday Grainger)

The last victim of Duroy was naive Suzanne. She was very young, inexperienced and rich, so he just couldn't stop using her. I wonder how fast she figured out that he doesn't care about her at all.

Pictures - BEL AMI Film

"Django Unchained" (2012) - First pictures!

Finally, the creators of "Django Unchained", Quentin Tarantino's spaghetti western, began to release some promo stuff. Now we got the first look at Leonardo DiCaprio, Christoph Waltz and Jamie Foxx, who look very great in those costumes. May I be the one to start Oscar rumours right now? Because there is a big chance that the work of its costume department will be appreciated.

Earlier the synopsis of the film was released, you can read it here.

More about "Django Unchained" (2012)!

P.S. And I remind you that no matter how bad-ass Waltz is looking on this picture, his Dr. King Schultz is going to be a good guy. However you must beware of DiCaprio's Calvin Candie, he must be a ruthless sadist.

Pictures - COLLIDER

"Hitchcock" (2013) - First look at Anthony Hopkins

The very first promo image for the new biopic was released. Before I saw this picture, I've never thought that there is some resemblance between Anthony Hopkins and Alfred Hitchcock. But is it that he really gained some weight or this film has a talented make-up artist, Hopkins became unrecognisable - I see only Hitchcock there.

This film is called simply "Hitchcock" and will be in cinemas in 2013. It is going to be a love story about Alfred Hitchcock and Alma Reville, his wife, who is played by Helen Mirren, while he was filming his famous "Psycho". And the rumour says that we will see Scarlett Johansson, Jessica Biel and Toni Collette among them. The director is Sacha Gervas, who is one of the screenwriters of Spielberg's "The Terminal". Also the biopic is based on a book by Stephen Rebello.

Both leading actors are the Academy Award winners, so "Hitchcock" has a good chance to become one of the critics favourite. I doubt that such cast can ruin this interesting story.

Picture - Fox Searchlight

"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)!

"The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" (2001) - Deleted opening scene

You know that the first film of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy starts with prologue, where the story of the rings is told, and then we see Gandalf the Grey, who arrives in The Shire, meets Frodo and visits Bilbo.

This deleted scene shows that "The Fellowship of the Ring" might have started with Bilbo Baggins' short story about the Hobbits, their lifestyle and habits. I find this opening very interesting and amusing, because there wasn't much time for those great ancient race to be on the screen. And Hobbiton is a very beautiful place indeed.

I can only imagine how hard it was for Peter Jackson to choose between those two great opening scenes.

More about upcoming "The Hobbit" duology!

"DARK SHADOWS" (2012) - 5 new pictures

This gothic thriller has to be new Tim Burton's hit. So far we have just pictures, which show that the film is going to be visually gorgeous. Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer and Eva Green look different from what we used them to see, but Helena Bonham Carter as Dr. Julia Hoffman is just stunning.

Can't wait to see the first trailer!

More about "Dark Shadows" (2012)!

Pictures - COLLIDER

"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.

"Anna Karenina" (2012) - First pictures

First pictures were released from upcoming period drama "Anna Karenina", based on the novel by the Russian writer Leo Tolstoy.

Keira Knightley looks gorgeous, but very miserable, as Anna. And she should be, because her character's fate is very unfortunate. It is not the first time she works with a talented director Joe Wright, and every time they end up making a great film.

Other parts are played by Aaron Johnson and Jude Law. We can see that Anna is very happy dancing with Johnson's character and looks nervous near Jude Law, who plays her husband. If you read the novel, you know how this love triangle will end.

This film is going to be in cinemas this fall.

Pictures - Focus Features

10 Reasons to Be Exited about "DARK SHADOWS"

"Dark Shadows" is still one of the most anticipated films of 2012 due to the readers of my blog, so I decided to make a list about why people are waiting for it.

1. Tim Burton may have messed up a little with Disney's "Alice in Wonderland", but he is still one of the most talented Hollywood directors, who manages to create unforgettable dark stories. He is in charge for upcoming "Dark Shadows", and this time he can't disappoint us.

2. One great man is in, so we need two more. Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter are those actors without whom I can't imagine Burton's creation at all. And if those two team up with the latter everyone knows the film is going to be magical and crazy in a good way.

3. Its genre is a gothic-horror tale, which is rare, but very impressive to watch. Creepy decorations, mystical locations, old manor... It will give us lots of chills, but in a very pleasant way.

4. Danny Elfman, who made some great scores for animated musicals as "The Nightmare Before Christmas" and "Corpse Bride", now is writing a soundtrack for "Dark Shadows". If there is a song, I guarantee it will become very famous.

5. This film is based on the old TV series of the same name, which is No. 19 in TV Guide's list of the 25 Top Cult Shows Ever! along with "Star Trek", "The Simpsons", "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" etc. Plus it has a very high IMDB rating (8.2). Promising, isn't it?

6. The main events happen mostly with one clan, which proves again that some families have lots of skeletons in their closet.

7. There will be blood, because where a vampire goes, death comes along him. It isn't going to be very violent, more like "Sleepy Hollow" style, but this time Depp's character won't faint every time he sees blood.

8. Makeup is an important part of creating the characters, especially when some of them aren't alive. If you saw at least one promo picture you know that makeup artists did a great job making them very unlike themselves. It's not the first time Johnny Depp wears eyeliner, but this time he doesn't look like Captain Jack Sparrow at all.

9. Besides Depp and Bonham Carter, the cast includes other good actors - Michelle Pfeiffer, Jonny Lee Miller, Eva Green and legendary Christopher Lee. They also can't mess up this film.

10. "Dark Shadows" will be out in May, so we have some time to catch up watching its original TV series, and probably in a month or so we'll get a first trailer. I think it is a perfect timing, because it isn't very short or very long time to wait (unlike "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey", which I've already expected for two years and there is still left so many months to its premiere).

Picture - Dark Shadows news page

"SKYFALL" (2012) - First picture

Empire website released the very first image from upcoming 23rd James Bond film. It is called "Skyfall", and Daniel Craig continues playing its legendary main character. This picture was made while filming at the Four Seasons hotel in London. Everyone knows that James Bond films are more for guys, but I doubt that this particular promo can attract the sterner sex with Craig's muscular almost naked body... On the other hand now I'm waiting for it.

"Skyfall" stars a bunch of good actors - Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Judi Dench, Helen McCrory, and is directed by the Academy Award winner Sam Mendes. The film opens this fall.

"Dark Shadows" (2012) - Johnny Depp and Michelle Pfeiffer picture

New image from upcoming Tim Burton's film is released. Now we have a better view of two main characters - Barnabas Collins and Elizabeth Collins Stoddard. I can't remember when Johnny Depp had such a short haircut. And with this make-up he really looks like a vampire, because it is very hard to tell how old is he. Michelle Pfeiffer still looks much older than she is, but due to her natural face shade her character is a human.

Also starring: Helena Bonham Carter, Chloe Moretz, Eva Green, Jonny Lee Miller.

"Dark Shadows" will be out in May.

More about "Dark Shadows" (2012)!

Picture - COLLIDER

"FRANKENWEENIE" (2012) - First pictures

Do you like "The Nightmare Before Christmas" and "Corpse Bride"? If yes, it's time to be very exited. Tim Burton is making a full-length remake of his old short film "Frankenweenie", made in 1984. It's a story about a very talented boy. His dog died, and this boy wants to bring him back. He makes it successfully, but all people around are freaked, though the dog still is a very nice and friendly pet.

Over 200 puppets are made for this remake, which sounds very impressive. Winona Ryder will voice one of the characters, along with Martin Landau, Martin Short and Catherine O’Hara. The score has to be created by Danny Elfman.

In the next year we will have a chance to watch this story on the big screen and in 3D.

A few stills and a picture of Mr.Burton on the set were released. Click on the picture to enlarge it.

Follow me on Twitter to get fresh news about this upcoming film.

"The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" - First trailer, poster and many stills

"Bilbo Baggins, I'm looking for someone to share an adventure."

I can't tell you how exited I am that the first trailer has arrived! New and old characters of the Middle-earth promise us something huge, dangerous and breathtaking. Shire looks peaceful, but we know that all adventures begin there. I can go on, but you better watch it with your own eyes.

Directed by Peter Jackson.

See the list of all characters and actors below the trailer.

Release date - December 14, 2012.

Poster (click to enlarge) - iTunes movie trailers








Trailer #1



Let me introduce all main characters (click on the picture to enlarge it):

Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman)

Gandalf (Sir Ian McKellen)

Fili (Dean O'Gorman)

Kili (Aidan Turner)

Oin (John Callen)

Gloin (Peter Hambleton)

Dwalin (Graham McTavish)

Balin (Ken Stott)

Bifur (William Kircher)

Bofur (James Nesbitt)

Bombur (Stephen Hunter)

Dori (Mark Hadlow)

Nori (Jed Brophy)

Ori (Adam Brown)

Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage)

Galadriel (Cate Blanchett)

Gollum (Andy Serkis) (try to find him)