"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.

"A THERAPY" (2012) - Short film

A new short film by Roman Polanski was presented at the 65th Cannes Film Festival today. "A Therapy" is just 3 minutes long, its plot is simple, but intriguing and hilarious. It is produced by Prada, so it kinda looks like an ad.

Helena Bonham Carter plays a very rich, by miserable woman, who visits a therapist to have someone to talk to. Ben Kingsley is that psychiatrist, but he doesn't really care about his gorgeous patient. This character has something else on his mind... Watch this video to discover what it is.

"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) - 9 character posters

New character posters for Gothic dramatic comedy "Dark Shadows" have arrived! They don't show us something new about characters, but I love those bright eclectic colours, especially used in posters with Helena Bonham Carter and Johnny Depp. And everyone's eyes look very beautiful though unreal. I'm so exited to see this new dark story by Tim Burton...

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

Posters via KinoPoisk.RU

"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)!

"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

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

Movie Talk on Sunday - British Films

I like MTOS, but I can't participate very often. The last one was about British films, so I thought I should answer the questions anyway (even four days later). But I started answering them, I understood that I'm not very familiar with true British cinema. I hope to catch up later. All questions were thought up by two hosts - @thommoj03 and @maxwellhubbard.

1. What is your all-time favourite British film?
"The Duchess", because it has Keira Knightley, who is always great in historical dramas; is based on the interesting life of a real person; is very dramatic, visually stunning, and its score is great.

2. Who do you consider the best British director?
Charlie Chaplin is my favourite. I watched every film (!) made by him or where he stared. If I had to choose alive directors, I'd say Tom Hooper (yes, I enjoyed "The King's Speech" very much); Richard Ayoade ("Submarine" is one of the best films I've seen in 2011) and Joe Wright (because of "Atonement" and his "Pride and Prejudice" adaptation).

3. Who is the best British actor/actress alive today?
I can't name the only one actor and just the only one actress. James McAvoy, Ralph Fiennes, Ian McKellen, Rhys Ifans, Alan Rickman, John Hurt, Colin Firth, Bill Nighy, Jude Law, Christian Bale are good and great: on the other hand there are Helena Bonham Carter, Keira Knightley, Maggie Smith, Emma Thompson, Julie Andrews, Kristin Scott Thomas, Kate Winslet. If I forgot someone I hope they won't be offended.

4. What characteristics define 'the best of British'?
Intelligence, originality, wise budget use, talented actors.

5. What genre does British cinema do best? (give examples)
I'm a big fan of period dramas (see films mentioned in this post before).

6. What makes British films different from mainstream Hollywood movies?
Everything. Mainstream Hollywood movies are all the same (meaningless comedies with stupid jokes or action flicks with lots of invisible 3D). What I like about British films is that they aren't becoming mainstream, though David Cameron thinks they should (don't listen to him). Also it is great that British filmmakers don't forget their history and continue adapting classics.

7. Do you think British films are better than those from America?
Definitely. Because British directors are trying to make something new, and not to remake something old.

8. If you could get a cinema re-release for one British film what would it be?
My childhood dream is to watch two first Harry Potter films on the big screen.

9. 2011 was a great year for film. Which British film was the best of the bunch last year?
"Submarine" by Richard Ayoade.

10. Finally, which British film will wow audiences this year?
I'm waiting for "The Woman in Black", "Skyfall", and "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" is also partly British.

If you know some great British films, please write them in comments below so I could watch them! Thank you.

"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

Helena Bonham Carter in "Great Expectations"

Helena Bonham Carter looks gorgeous and majestic wearing this white dress on the set of "Great Expectations". She reminds me of a character from Tim Burton's "Corpse Bride", if there was a not-animated version.

"Great Expectations" is Mike Newell's adaptation of the classical novel by Charles Dickens. Mike has never got a chance to work with this incredible actress before, though both of them helped to create "Harry Potter" films in different times.

Helen is Miss Havisham; other parts are played by Jeremy Irvine, who is portraying the main character, Jason Flemyng, Holliday Grainger and Sally Hawkins. But I really glad to see there Ralph Fiennes and Robbie Coltrane. With Mr. Newell as the director, it feels like a reunion '6 years later'.

Images - COLLIDER

"When Harry Left Hogwarts" - Teaser

British filmmaker Morgan Matthews was lucky to be present on the set of both "Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows" parts. His interesting documentary will be a bonus on DVD and Blu-Ray.

Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Helena Bonham Carter, Emma Thompson, Jason Isaacs, Robbie Coltrane, Gary Oldman, Warwick Davis, many other actors and studio staff members were interviewed for this documentary. It also shows how many impressive scenes were filmed, for example, there was a real fire on the Quidditch field.

DVD and Blu-ray release dates - November 10 (Russia), December 2 (UK). To see the dates for other countries visit Muggle net.

To discover other bonus features click here.

As for me, I'll get the whole 8 films set, which will be available from the same time.

More about "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows"!

"When Harry Left Hogwarts" - Teaser

"Dark Shadows" (2012) - First portrait

The very first official picture from upcoming Tim Burton's "Dark Shadows" is revealed! All ten main characters gathered together to make for us one gothic portrait. I found Johnny Depp here just from the second look, then I was shocked of the appearance of Michelle Pfeiffer, who looks like Voldemort's bride now, and just before posting it I discovered that there are not nine, but ten characters - Mrs. Johnson just is very good at hiding. But I'm sure Burton did great, because at least they all look creepy as vampires should.

Visit EW to read about every character.

If you are interested in the story of "Dark Shadows", visit DarkShadowsWiki.

More about "Dark Shadows"! (pictures from the set, news etc.)

Characters [from left to right] - Dr. Julia Hoffman (Helena Bonham Carter), Carolyn Stoddard (Chloe Moretz), Angelique Bouchard (Eva Green), David Collins (Gulliver McGrath), Victoria Winters (Bella Heathcote), Barnabas Collins (Johnny Depp), Mrs. Johnson (Ray Shirley), Willie Loomis (Jackie Earle Haley), Roger Collins (Jonny Lee Miller) and Elizabeth Collins Stoddard (Michelle Pfeiffer).

"Dark Shadows" (2012) - First look at Johnny Depp

New Tim Burton's movie, "Dark Shadows", is being filmed right now somewhere the UK and we've got the first look at Johnny Depp as Barnabas Collins. Celebuzz! revealed some interesting photos from the set. Johnny is wearing lots of make-up and he reminded me the Mad Hatter from "Alice in Wonderland", a 3-D animation made by Burton.

Helena Bonham Carter also plays a part in this upcoming movie, I hope her appearance will be not less impressive.

More about "Dark Shadows" (2012).

Helena Bonham Carter interview (2010)

Searching the web always helps me to find something interesting. This morning I discovered one great casual style interview with amazing actress Helena Bonham Carter. She looks extremely serious, but says some funny stuff, which makes me laugh. She talks about "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" and shopping. It's an old interview, maybe made in February 2010, but now it's my favorite one with Helena.

More about Helena Bonham Carter.

"I killed Sirius Black ages ago. I kill Dobby in this one. I torture Hermione..." [she says it with such common expression...]

"They're so nice human beings. Bright and got such a great manners. I love them. I miss them." [about young actors]

Happy Birthday, Tim Burton!

Today is Tim Burton's Birthday! He is 53 now and he still is one of my favorite directors.

Tim is a director, who likes to tell us creepy and magical stories. His fantasy is infinite and I can forgive him his last Disney 3D project called "Alice in Wonderland", which I liked the least of all. Tim can scare me with his "Sleepy Hollow", can make me laugh with "Beetle Juice" and can make me cry with "Edward Scissorhands". I love his early short movies, which are so beautiful, dark, funny and a little insane. I adore that he makes them so emotional and alive. He will always be my best fairy-tales teller.

I am glad that he has such a great family, especially wonderful wife. He could never find someone who has a greater talent in making crazy and impressive characters than actress Helena Bonham Carter. When she is acting a role in Tim's movie, they create together something magnificent.

Now Tim is working on the gothic horror "Dark Shadows" (starring Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter) and on the full-length "Frankenweenie", based on his early short movie.

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" - 'It All Ends' video

And here we are 10 years later watching the last film about Harry Potter all around the world. The last railer has been released by iTunes movie trailers. It shows us the last days of filming, how actors said goodbye to each other, comments from producers, director, the cast and the very first and the very last scene which was shoot with Dan, Emma and Rupert. Video lasts less than 3 minutes, but it made me cry, because this story is seems to be finally over.

Touching words they've said (quotes from video):

"I don’t know, just everyone, really. The people. This place, Leavesden, and maybe just being Ron as well. It’s been ten years and yeah, I’m going to miss playing Ron." - Rupert Grint about what he will miss the most

"I don’t know, how do I put that into words. What an incredible experience. I just feel so blessed that I was chosen. I was given the chance to experience all of this and have this be part of my life. We were the 'chosen ones'. Yeah, we were... Yeah, very lucky..." - Emma Watson

"I just wanna say I love this place. This has been my life. And so I think it’s going to be very, very odd, I think for all of us. Because I don’t know what my day-to-day life consists of without you. All of you. And it’s wonderful. And I just want to say that I’ve loved every minute. And thank you all very, very much. " - Daniel Radcliffe

More "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" (all trailers, premieres, posters, pictures, interviews)

 'It All Ends' video (the saddest video I've ever seen about 'Harry Potter')

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" - London premiere

It was amazing watching this premiere live along with making a live coverage on Twitter.

This main show lasted more than three hours, but I was very exited to be a part of it.

Daniel Radcliffe and J.K. Rowling have arrived the last, but the people were incredibly happy to see them finally. But Emma, Rupert, Bonnie, Jason Isaacs, James and Oliver Phelps arrived earlier and were happy to spoke with fans and hosts. I've reposted here some favorite phrases, which are almost chronologically right (the first one was Rupert and the last one was Jo). Also Jo named the 'big seven' (the very last words, which also made me cry, because this magical story will be over soon) and said a very beautiful speech at the end.

"I can't believe it. This is great." - Rupert Grint
"This one [film] was very special." - Rupert Grint
"There is a huge epic battle and love and death. It's amazing." Rupert Grint on "Deathly Hallows 2"

 

Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom) has arrived.
Matthew liked his special part in the Deathly Hallows.

"He [Lucius] ends up like an alcoholic... It was a glorious journey." Jason Isaacs
"Yeah, I've seen the film. It's great." Jason Isaacs
"I wanna say thanks, it was amazing ten years." Jason Isaacs

James and Oliver Phelps came!

 

Tom Felton arrived with his girlfriend.
"It's a strange feeling. I'm very exited to be here for the last film." Tom Felton
"I could broken down in tears every moment." - Tom Felton about the last scene filming.

Michael Gambon (Albus Dumbledore) has arrived. I love his character.
"I'm so shy, but it's wonderful." - Michael Gambon

"She [Luna] was so fun to play. And she was very inspiring." Evanna Lynch
"Today I feel I actually leaving it." Evanna Lynch

Julie Walters (Molly Weasley) joined the premiere.
Everybody loves Julie Walters' line from the last book - "Not my daughter, you bitch!"
"It took a couple of days to recover." - Julie Walters on her scene with Helena Bonham Carter

Clemence Poesy (Fleur Delacour)

"Tom [Felton ] was a delight to meet. He is such a gentleman." Helen McCrory

Domhnall Gleeson (Bill Weasley) came!

Natalia Tena (Tonks) has arrived too.

"All these people love Harry Potter. I can't believe it!" - Warwick Davis

"My first line was 'good luck'." - Bonnie Wright

"My favorite [moment] is the big fight between Harry and Voldemort." David Yates
"It's a very beautiful mix of action." David Yates

"The brilliance in Jo's [Rowling] work is in details." Steven Kloves (screenwriter)

"You're incredible, everybody!" David Barron, producer

Jim Broadbent (Horace Slughorn) and Miriam Margolyes (Pomona Sprout) have arrived.

"Here is Robbie Coltrane. A legend of the British television and cinema."
"It's scary, but very optimistic [ending]." Robbie Coltrane

"We were nervous, we were quit." Emma Watson on the kiss with Rupert
"I'll miss being Hermione." Emma
"Just thank you so much." Emma Watson

"Now it's strange to see myself with the nose." Ralph Fiennes

I like Imelda Staunton (Dolores Umbridge) more, when she's not wearing pink.

David Thewlis (Remus Lupin) has arrived.

"I always wanna play Hermione. And Emma was a big help." Helena Bonham Carter
"She [Bellatrix] is so insane. She's beyond evil." Helena
"We have to take breaks." Helena on the scene with Julie Walters (Molly Weasley)

Mark Williams (Arthur Weasley) was in a good mood.

Maggie Smith (Minerva McGonagall)

"Something's happening." laughs Alan Rickman
"He [Snape] wasn't entirely free in his role [of headmaster]. He had some things to do." Alan Rickman

"This is damn cool!" Daniel Radcliffe
"I've got two pairs [of glasses]. The one from the 1st and the one from the last one movie." Dan
"It is amazing. I'm so proud of this film. We couldn't make a better version of this film." Dan
"He [Voldemort] is pretty terrifying. " Dan

"I love them. I love each and every one of them." JK Rowling about her fans
"I've trusted them. They are amazing." JK Rowling on the film creators
"I always knew I'd stand in the Trafalgar square and people will chanting my name." JK Rowling
"Thank you." - JK Rowling's message to her fans

Timothy Spall (Wormtail) has arrived.

"They've really grown into beautiful young people and beautiful young actors." David Heyman, producer

"It's a celebration of the ten years' story." David Yates, director

"Dan, you didn't get lucky, you were and always be a perfect Harry." Emma

"I love you, I really do." says Rupert to Emma and Jo

"Maybe I'll just write another one. It's a joke. But I never have been closer to write new one than now. Emma just finished me, Rupert crucified me." JK Rowling was so emotional.
"The great 7. Dan, Rupert, Emma, Matt, Evanna, Bonnie and Tom." JK Rowling

For more pictures visit http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/.