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Everyone Is Using Two Words To Describe Liam Neeson's New Movie 'Non-Stop'

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liam neeson non stop

Everyone's favorite 61-year-old action star returned to theaters Friday in "Non-Stop."

Liam Neeson teams up with "Unknown" director Jaume Collet-Serra for another action thriller where he uses his "particular set of skills."

This time around, Neeson stars as air marshall Bill Marks who is trying to stop a killer aboard a plane from offing a passenger every 20 minutes.

Reviews for the film are pretty mixedbut that doesn't matter.  

Fans love Neeson, who has become a popular action star since his role in 2008's "Taken." The film is expected to top the box office this weekend with $28.5 million

Most critics are using two words to describe the movie: ludicrous and ridiculous.

The Hollywood Reporter:

"A constant low boil of ridiculousness both mocks and sustains Non-Stop, a jerry-rigged terror-on-a-plane thriller with a premise so far-fetched as to create a degree of suspense over how the writers will wriggle out of the knot of their own making."

Film4:

Ludicrously entertaining. Wait, no, ludicrous and entertaining; a slice of sublime nonsense.”

NPR

"But if it works, it's because Neeson and Collet-Serra, as well as Julianne Moore as Neeson's business-class seatmate Jen, are all fully aware of how ludicrous this exercise is. Witness the wry joke Collet-Serra uses to obscure onscreen expletives in text messages that would have otherwise given the film an R-rating, or the way Moore's breezy nonchalance provides a counterbalance to Neeson's studied intensity."

Globe and Mail:

"The problem is that Non-Stop tries to be something it’s not. It has one too many scenes that border on ludicrous, and the big reveal barely makes sense."

Entertainment Weekly

"... its twist-a-minute script is patently ridiculous and its appeals to our post-9/11 anxieties are as subtle as a jackhammer."

The Guardian:

"The general rule seems to be that the amount of threat summoned in the first half of the movie is exactly equal to the ludicrousness of the explanation tying everything together in the second. "

How ridiculous is it, Grantland?

"The level of ridiculousness is equal to the care put into making the ridiculousness possible. It isn’t just the plotting (although the plot goes happily nuts). It’s the sense that a director actually directed, writers actually wrote, and a producer kept the movie together." 

Variety uses both.

"By its very design an exercise in claustrophobia, “Non-Stop” eventually runs out of places to go, and builds to a big third-act reveal that’s at once so ludicrous and heavy-handed that it sucks all the thrust out of the movie’s jet engines." 

"But even in the movie’s most ridiculous moments, Collet-Serra keeps the pacing brisk and knows how to divert our attention with a well-timed bit of comic relief."

But is it any good? 

Sure, as long as you don't take it seriously. 

Rolling Stone:

"This tense, terrific thriller starring Liam Neeson as Bill Marks, a boozy U.S. air marshal coping with a terrorist on a transatlantic flight from New York to London, isn't new. It's "Taken" on a Plane. Accept that and you'll have a high old time."

IGN:

"Non-Stop is what might happen if Agatha Christie was forced to pen her own version of Taken (which, in itself, would be a fun movie)."

We marked this down as our must-see guilty pleasure of the year.  Throw logic out the window and just enjoy this one if you're a fan of Neeson.

Check out a trailer for the film:

SEE ALSO: This is what movies would look like without visual effects

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1860s Movie Critic Jebidiah Atkinson Slams Oscars During Colin Jost's 'Weekend Update' Debut

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Weekend Update colonial"Saturday Night Live" cast member Taran Killam resumed his harsh, 1860s newspaper critic character "Jebidiah Atkinson" on "Weekend Update," just in time to slam Oscar-nominated films.

"I've been witness to every motion picture since the dawn of cinema and I'm not impressed," Atkinson began.

Here's his critiques of some of this year's Best Picture nominees:

  • "Her": "Guess who was bored by this movie? Him! [points to himself] Even the main character spent the whole movie texting."
  • "Dallas Buyer's Club": "Sell! The only thing thinner than Matthew McConaughey is the plot."
  • "Gravity": "If I wanted to watch a depressed middle-ages woman float around for 90 minutes, I'd go to the YMCA pool."

And some reviews of older, Oscar-nominated films:

  • "The Godfather": "This film left me thinking one thing: I wish I was that horse."
  • "Annie Hall": "I'd rather let Woody Allen watch my kids than watch this movie again."
  • "Schindler's List": "You know what wasn't on Schindler's list? An editor."
  • "Forrest Gump": "You know which character in Forrest Gump I envy? Lieutenant Dan's legs. Because they got to leave early."

Watch the full, funny segment below:

The show also marked cast member Colin Jost's debut as the new "Weekend Update" co-anchor, alongside Cecily Strong. Jost assumes the role after Seth Meyers left to host "Late Night."

In his debut segment, Jost rifts on everything from Pop Tarts being a symbol of lack of parenting skills to comparing Piers Morgan to a potato. Watch below:

SEE ALSO: Jim Parsons Mocks Classic TV Characters In 'SNL' Opening Monologue

MORE: 'SNL' Cold Open Parodies Johnny Weir On 'Ellen'

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Watch The Oscars Red Carpet Streaming Live

Lupita Nyong'o Wins Best Supporting Actress

How Leonardo DiCaprio's Past Roles Cost Him This Year's Oscar

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Leonardo DiCaprio

Another year, another Oscar ceremony in the books.

Once the booze wears off from Matthew McConaughey’s final “Alright, alright, alright,” of our year in film, we can get down to the really important part of the Oscars and start second-guessing the winners.

Sunday night is all about rewarding actors and filmmakers for their hard work in the past year.

Monday morning is reserved for the art of tearing down our sacred idols, convincing our coworkers that we always thought American Hustle was a little overrated or that Dallas Buyers Club was more than just a Philadelphia knock-off. And somewhere in the middle of all these conversations, someone will ask about Leonardo DiCaprio.

When will the poor guy ever win an Oscar?

Last month, Esquire ran a story on Leonardo DiCaprio titled “The Moment Leonardo DiCaprio Became a Man.” In a throwaway line intended to highlight his perpetually boyish good looks, his agent Rick Yorn refers to DiCaprio as a character actor in a leading man’s body. This intended compliment instead offers a great deal of insight into DiCaprio’s performances and why he is so often overshadowed by those around him.

Including last night’s nomination for The Wolf of Wall Street, Leonardo DiCaprio has been nominated for four acting Academy Awards (What’s Eating Gilbert GrapeThe AviatorBlood DiamondWoWS) without taking home a single statue. During that same period, DiCaprio’s films have generated an additional eleven nominations for his co-stars and supporting cast, with Daniel Day-Lewis, Cate Blanchett, and Christoph Waltz each walking away with the final prize. Leonardo DiCaprio The Aviator

This statistic fails to highlight actors such as Jack Nicholson (The Departed) or Tom Hanks (Catch Me If You Can) who did not receive Oscar nominations for their performances but are widely considered among the best actors of their generation.

While Oscar nominations are only one criterion, these statistics help highlight an ongoing trend in DiCaprio’s career; namely, that he is frequently the least interesting performer in his own movies. This is the inherent difficulty in being cast as the leading man.

Characters like Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson) and Bill “The Butcher” Cutting (Daniel Day-Lewis) are highlight performances intended to show the intensity of the actors. Likewise, Michael Shannon in Reservation Road is allowed to yell and scream in a movie otherwise filled with quiet desperation. Hollywood tends to reward—and remember—bombastic performances over more subtle fare, and DiCaprio’s frequent casting as the stoic protagonist allows his scenes to be eaten away by his supporting cast. He is asked to play a focal point character; actors like Nicholson, Day-Lewis, and Shannon are free to play the biggest possible version of themselves while orbiting.

DiCaprio also struggles with his penchant for multi-year biopics. Films like J. Edgar and The Aviator (for which he got a Leading Role nomination) require him to play a single character through many stages of his life, never allowing the actor to fully inhabit characters at a single point in time. The past, present, and future versions of the actor weigh heavily on his performance; his role becomes one of continuity, the personification of the narrative thread that holds the entire piece together.

When paired onscreen with actors living fully in the present—playing characters who are defined by their relationship with the lead rather than by their own complicated backstories—DiCaprio is again made to suffer. Cate Blanchett in The Aviator plays Katharine Hepburn as she was at the height of her popularity and influence. We do not need to see her rise to prominence to understand her interactions with Howard Hughes; this narrow focus allows Blanchett to carve out a character an inch wide but a mile deep, a markedly different approach than the man with which she’s sharing screentime.

Leonardo DiCaprio wolf of wall streetInterestingly, the past few years have seen DiCaprio move away from the confines placed upon him by his persona as a leading man. In Django Unchained, DiCaprio moved back to a supporting role, freeing himself of his straight-man straitjacket and allowing him to play an antagonist with both humor and venom.

Then there’s The Wolf of Wall Street. This may be the first time that DiCaprio was genuinely free to be the most energetic and commanding character in a film, not left to share his spotlight with a veteran actor in a flashier role. This is partially due to the lack of progression for the film’s primary character, Jordan Belfort. While Belfort’s methods may change over the course of his career, his underlying motivations—greed and self-interest—remain a constant. Here DiCaprio’s singular focus on Belfort as an unbalanced addict keeps his performance elevated above his supporting cast, even with Jonah Hill and Matthew McConaughey doing their best to play spoiler. He is allowed to be both a character and a lead, a perfect match for his sensibilities as an actor.

Do these performances mean that DiCaprio is growing as an actor? Or is he just learning to play the game? It could be said that the villain and the addict are easier roles to play than the straight man, marked more by physicality than emotion. It seems to me that DiCaprio is an actor who has always given a great deal of thought to his craft, choosing each role as an opportunity to work with directors or actors he admires. Perhaps his clout within the industry will direct him towards smaller or secondary roles that allow him to show more personality. In fact it may happen soon as his production company recently acquired the rights to the Richard Jewell story, reportedly with the intention to cast Jonah Hill as the lead and DiCaprio as his attorney.

DiCaprio may be a very good actor who has hitherto been eluded by AMPAS greatness, but he is also one who also knows the industry well enough to play to his strengths. When DiCaprio finally wins that first Oscar, don’t be surprised if it comes in a supporting role.

SEE ALSO: This Star-Studded Oscar Selfie Breaks Record As Most Retweeted Photo Ever

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The NY Times Just Published A Correction To '12 Years A Slave' Story 161 Years Later

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12 years a slave

New York Magazine ran a piece Monday about how the New York Times covered the real life story of Oscar Best Picture winner “12 Years a Slave” in 1853. 

The film is based on an account from Solomon Northup, who was kidnapped and put into slavery for more than a decade.  

NY Mag published the entire account, which is only available if you’re a NYT subscriber.  

Quickly someone noticed there was something off about the 1853 piece.  

Take a look at a clip from the piece tweeted from NYMag to see if you can find the mistake:

The Times had two big spelling errors. Northup’s name was misspelled in both the title as Northrup and throughout the rest of the piece as Northrop. 

solomon northup misspell new york times

The Times issued a correction 161 years later in today's edition after it was brought to the paper’s attention on Twitter.

Here's the correction from the Times:

nyt 12 years a slave correction

Even NYMag made an oversight of the spelling, as Northup is currently referred to as Northrup on its site.

nymag mispells northrup

You can read the full piece on NYMag.

SEE ALSO: "12 Years A Slave" wins best Oscar picture

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There Will Be A New 'Batman: Arkham' Video Game Released This Year, Here's The First Trailer

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batman arkham knight

There will be another Batman video game this year, Batfans!

Game Informer confirmed "Batman: Arkham Knight" will be out for next-gen consoles Xbox One and PS4 later this year. It will also be out on PC.

This time Rocksteady, who made the first two Arkham games, is back in the driver’s seat.

"Arkham Knight" will give players the chance to handle the Batmobile for the first time.

The game will be the final installment in the "Arkham" series.

According to VGChartz Rocksteady's last installment, "Arkham City" sold nearly 10 million copies worldwide. 

Check out the first 4-minute trailer for the game:

Here are the villains you can expect to see in the game:

Harvey Dent/Two-Facetwo face batman arkham knight

The Penguinthe penguin arkham knightHarley Quinnharley quinn arkham knight

If you listen closely, the voiceover at the start hints the Scarecrow may make an appearance as well.

He will.

Check out the plot synopsis plot synopsis from Warner Bros Games:

In the explosive finale to the Arkham series, Batman faces the ultimate threat against the city he is sworn to protect. The Scarecrow returns to unite an impressive roster of super villains, including Penguin, Two-Face and Harley Quinn, to destroy The Dark Knight forever. 

Batman: Arkham Knight introduces Rocksteady's uniquely designed version of the Batmobile, which is drivable for the first time in the franchise. The addition of this legendary vehicle, combined with the acclaimed gameplay of the Batman Arkham series, offers gamers the ultimate and complete Batman experience as they tear through the streets and soar across the skyline of the entirety of Gotham City.

Here are a few looks at the Dark Knight and the Batmobile:

batman arkham knightbruce wayne arkham knightarkham knight batmobile

And here’s the artwork for the game via Game Informerbatman arkham knight cover art

SEE ALSO: 13 movies that bombed in the US but were huge hits overseas in 2013

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Scarlett Johansson's Pregnancy Could Impact 'Avengers' Sequel

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scarlett johansson black widow captain america

E! News is reporting that actress Scarlett Johansson is pregnant with her first child.

While that is happy news for the expectant parents, it brings up a big question for Marvel as they have just begun filming Avengers: Age of Ultron. What does this mean for Black Widow? Will she be cut from the film? Or will her scenes be trimmed down. Perhaps they will simply kill her off, or send her to Tahiti.

A source close to production claims an initiative is already in place, and that director Joss Whedon and his crew are going to fast track her scenes. The actress is between four and five months pregnant, which doesn't give them much time to move forward. Scarlett Johansson is expected on set April 5, and is currently in the midst of her Captain America: The Winter Soldier press tour, so she can't arrive any sooner.

The unidentified insider confirmed the actress will begin shooting on April 5, after she has fulfilled her press obligations for next month's Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

"They're going to fast-track her scenes."

Those involved with the production have stated many times that Black Widow will have a substantially bigger part in the movie. At this time, no script changes are expected. Its conceivable that with the right stuntwoman in place, Scarlett Johansson will be able to shoot all of her scenes. But it won't be long before she starts to show. And the action intensive storyline may cause a problem for the actress. Of course, they can always use CGI to hide her pregnancy, but safety comes first.

Marvel is notorious for going back and picking up missed scenes, or moments that the filmmakers feel need to be added, at a later date. The subject of reshoots has not yet come up, but with the baby due in June or July, there will also be some time after she gives birth for any needed scenes to be shot, before the May 2015 release date.

This does calls into question The Black Widow solo film. While it is still a long ways off, it is unclear if it may even move forward now, depending on what Scarlett Johansson will choose to do after giving birth. She may instead focus on motherhood. In all likelihood, Marvel will just recast the character if this becomes an issue.

At this time, the pregnancy doesn't seem to threaten Avengers: Age of Ultron or the character of Black Widow too much. Worst case scenario is that we see less of Black Widow in the upcoming sequel. Best case scenario is that they cast someone new in terms of moving the character forward.

Avengers: Age of Ultron comes to theaters May 1st, 2015 and stars Chris HemsworthJeremy RennerRobert Downey Jr.Scarlett JohanssonChris Evans,Samuel L. JacksonCobie SmuldersMark Ruffalo. The film is directed by Joss Whedon.

SEE ALSO: Paul Bettany Cast As Android Vision In 'Avengers: Age Of Ultron'

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How Hollywood Mogul Brett Ratner Quietly Pocketed $40 Million From 'Gravity'

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Brett Ratner

Brett Ratner is famous for directing and/or producing hit films such as the "Rush Hour" franchise, "Money Talks,""X-Men: The Last Stand,""Horrible Bosses," among many others.

And despite not being director or producer on "Gravity," Ratner will reap the rewards of the film's $707 million global box office success.

While Sandra Bullock is said to be pocketing a massive $70 million paycheck from the film in a rare deal, Ratner will rake in a reported $40 million.

According to PageSix sources, "Ratner's new production company, RatPac-Dune — with Aussie billionaire James Packer and OneWest and 'Avatar' investor Steven Mnuchin — helped­­ ­finance the film and is pocketing $40 million."

In September, Ratner's RatPac-Dune closed a $450 million financing deal with Warner Bros. to fund up to 75 upcoming films. 

"Gravity” was the first title covered by the new, four-year partnership.

In September, The Hollywood Reporter said of Ratner's role in the deal: "A quiet negotiation took place that resulted in Ratner not having creative input on the films, a move that Ratner fully supported. As part of the deal, the director-producer won't provide notes or be in the editing room on the titles, though his RatPac logo will grace the films."

And so far, it's paying off. 

"Gravity" is on track to soon earn $750 million worldwide and the film took home seven statues at Sunday's Academy Awards.

SEE ALSO: Sandra Bullock Will Take Home An Insanely Large Paycheck For 'Gravity'

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10 Movies That Will Likely Be Oscar Contenders Next Year

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grand budapest hotel

After all the Oscar talk of who wonwho lostwho stole the show, and how the show ran, maybe you're exhausted on 12 Years A Slave, Gravity, Her, Dallas Buyers Club, Nebraska, Philomena, American Hustle, The Wolf Of Wall Street and Captain Phillips. So, how about we look ahead to 2015? 

Because it's never too soon. 

There's a barrage of high-profile projects coming out in the next 10 months that can qualify for the Academy Awards, but which 10 features do we feel are fighting fit for Oscar? Sure, most of these are sight unseen. But after all the award season predictions and Oscar watching, we think we've nailed down 10 films that are ripe for a Best Picture nod next year.

Check out the 10 films here >

1. "The Grand Budapest Hotel"

Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Tony Revolori, Saoirse Ronan, Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Jeff Goldblum, Harvey Keitel, Bill Murray, Edward Norton, Jude Law, and Tilda Swinton. 
Director: Wes Anderson
Release Date: March 7th, 2014

Why It Could Win: Anderson has been Academy Awards-nominated three times, twice for Best Original Screenplay (Moonrise Kingdom and The Royal Tenenbaums) and once for Best Animated Feature (Fantastic Mr. Fox). The Grand Budapest Hotelis his most elaborate and ambitious production yet, and we suspect the Academy will take notice and pay tribute. It's got a spectacular and star-stacked cast, an earnest nostalgia for old school Hollywood fare, as well as a whimsical story of romance and regret. What's not to love? Plus, as we've seen with Her's nomination, this Academy is not so stodgy as it once was. 



2. "Noah"

Cast: Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, and Anthony Hopkins
Director: Darren Aronofsky
Release Date: March 28th, 2014

Why It Could Win: On paper this biblical pic is pretty tough to beat. Writer-director Aronofsky has an enviable record with the Academy since 2000, when his second film Requiem for a Dream earned an Oscar nod for Ellen Burstyn. In 2009, The Wrestler wrangled nominations for Mickey Rourke and Marisa Tomei. Two years later, Natalie Portman won for Black Swan, which also boasted a Best Director and Best Picture nod. Now, I won't go so far as to say Aronofsky's due at this point. But no matter how daring his dramas, he's made the Academy recognize him. A nomination is almost guaranteed. But with a cast of Oscar-winners onboard, Noah could be his big winner. 



3. "Devil's Knot"

Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Colin Firth, Amy Ryan, Mireille Enos, and Alessandro Nivola
Director: Atom Egoyan
Release Date: May 9th, 2014

Why It Could Win: Egoyan has had two previous brushes with Oscar, both in 1997 when he earned nominations for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Director for The Sweet Hereafter. Since then, his brand of sensual crime drama has largely been ignored by the Academy. But this time he's sinking his teeth into a twisted true crime story that has drawn headlines for decades. It's sure to pique Academy members' interest, and with a cast made up of Oscar winners (Witherspoon, Firth and Ryan) as well as actor to watch Dane DeHaan, Devil's Knot could prove darkly enticing enough to get Egoyan a Best Picture nomination at last. At the very least, it should lock down some acting nods. 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

New 'Transformers: Age Of Extinction' Trailer Finally Shows Us What Michael Bay Has In Store

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mark wahlberg transformers When we first heard there was going to be a fourth "Transformers" movie, we wondered what else they could do with Shia LeBeouf's character.

But Michael Bay decided to go a new route by bringing in Mark Wahlberg and introducing fan-favorite toys Dinobots (yes, Dinosaur-like robots that also transform) into the mix. Previously, we've seen a teaser for the film, and while we've had some ideas, we're still pretty fuzzy on what the film will actually be about.

Well, Paramount released an official trailer for its “Transformers” sequel and we finally have some answers. 

Wahlberg will play a down-on-his-luck Texas dad, Cade, selling scrap metal for some extra money to put his daughter Tessa (Nicola Peltz) through college.

That changes when he stumbles upon a truck that naturally happens to be a transformer — Optimus Prime. 

While we don't know the ultimate danger posed in the new film — yet (we believe we got a hint of that at last month's Toy Fair) — the trailer shows off a few Transformers in more or less the same scenes we saw in the first Super Bowl teaser.

"Transformers: Age of Extinction" is in theaters June 27.

Now that you've watched the trailer, here's what you should take away:

The US is holding a grudge against the Transformers for destroying Chicago in the last movie.

chicago transformers

You see that number? Call it. It will lead you to a viral website telling you Transformers are dangerous. It feels similar to previous campaigns for "X-Men" movies which have told us mutants are dangerous. 

transformersaredangeroussmall

Michael Bay showed off another poster with Optimus Prime on Twitter:

transformers 4 age of extinction poster

SEE ALSO: Here are all the Dinobots we saw at the Toy Fair

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Jilted Ex-Warner Bros. Head Raising Hundreds Of Millions For New Production Company

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Jeff Robinov Jennifer Garner Anne Hathaway Jessica Biel

As President of Warner Bros. PicturesJeff Robinov oversaw hit movies such as “Gravity,” “Argo” and billion dollar franchises like "Batman,""The Hangover, and “Harry Potter.” 

He won the studio the Best Picture Oscar for "Argo" from Ben Affleck, a filmmaker he brought to Warner Bros. along with Christopher Nolan, Leonardo DiCaprio, Baz Luhrmann, Todd Phillips, Zack Snyder, and many others. He has even been called "The man who saved Warner Bros."

So it was a surprise to many when Robinov, 55, left Warners this summer  after 15 years at the studio and at the height of his success  after the exec felt he was passed over for the studio's CEO position, which went to his former friend, Kevin Tsujihara. Some called it a "calamitous exit."

Since his departure, Robinov has been working on "raising several hundred million dollars in financing for a company that will finance and produce movies for Sony," several individuals with knowledge of his plans tell The Wrap.

Robinov has reportedly been in talks with the Huayi Brothers, a leading Chinese film production company, and industrialist billionaire Len Blavatnik.

Clearly, this is no small fundraise. As The Wrap reports:

The former Warners Bros. film chief is looking to raise around $300 million in equity, according to knowledgeable individuals: One put the sum at $350 million in equity, but others say the figure will end up closer to $300 million. He is raising a similar sum in debt, meaning that he should have more than half a billion at his disposal.

Not only would it be a good deal for Robinov, but also for partner Sony, as the studio has been looking for co-financiers to mitigate the risk of making expensive movies.

As Variety explains, "Amid an increasingly strained economic climate in which production and marketing costs continue to rise, studios are reducing the number of films they bankroll on their own. Partnering up with a self-funded production company such as Robinov’s helps mitigate some of that risk."

SEE ALSO: How Hollywood Mogul Brett Ratner Quietly Pocketed $40 Million From 'Gravity'

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Cameron Diaz Looks Ridiculous In The First 'Annie' Remake Trailer

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annie remake

There's going to be an "Annie" remake this year.

The movie isn't out until December, but Sony Pictures has already debuted the first trailer for the film starring Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz, and Quvenzhané Wallis.

You'll remember Wallis as the adorable actress from "Beasts of the Southern Wild" who became the youngest Oscar nominee last year. She's probably the brightest part of this trailer.

The film is a modern-day hip-hop update to the story of the orphan darling in Harlem produced by Jay-Z and Will Smith.  

Foxx will take on the role of Daddy Warbucks, re-envisioned as wealthy politician Will Sacks.

It's a hard knock life for Diaz who looks downright silly as a ditzy version of Miss Hannigan role which Sandra Bullock reportedly passed up. Her character has a few awkward ramblings about George Clooney and Facebook that everyone from the kids to Foxx's Will Sacks appear confused over.

Originally, Smith’s daughter Willow was cast in the picture, but she outgrew the role by the time production started rolling.

Bet your bottom dollar Sony Pictures needs this to be a big win.

"Annie" is in theaters December 19.

SEE ALSO: 15 midseason shows you should be watching

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‘Divergent’ First-Day Ticket Sales Outpacing Original ‘Twilight'

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divergent shailene woodley

Tuesday's first-day ticket sales for “Divergent,” the upcoming young adult sci-fi adventure film, outpaced those of the first “Twilight” movie, online broker Fandango reported Wednesday.

Even though the action-adventure film doesn't open until March 21, it sold nearly half of the site's tickets for the entire day, outselling the next biggest seller by nearly five to one, Fandango said.

Early tracking on “Divergent,” which is based on Veronica Roth's bestselling novels and stars Shailene Woodley and Theo James, has it opening in the same range as “Twilight,” another book-based young adult film that became a blockbuster franchise for Lionsgate and Summit Entertainment. They've already scheduled sequels for “Divergent” in March of 2015 and 2016.

Also read: ‘Divergent’ Star Theo James Does All His Own Fighting in New Behind-The-Scenes Look (Video)

“‘Divergent’ is off to a fantastic start,” said Dave Karger, chief correspondent for Fandango. “Its first-day ticket sales are showing all the signs of a blockbuster in the making. Veronica Roth's gripping story combined with effective marketing have resulted in a movie with strong want-to-see sentiment among its core audience.”

The anticipation over “Divergent,” directed by Neil Burger, has been heightened by the success of “Twilight” and “The Hunger Games” — another Lionsgate young adult blockbuster — and the failure of a string of recent book-based, teen-targeting movies like “The Host” and “Mortal Instruments: City of Bones,” which their studios had hoped would launch franchises.

The first “Twilight” movie opened to $69 million in November 2008. It eventually took in $192 million and spawned four sequels. Overall, the franchise brought in $3.3 billion globally.

Also read: How Does ‘Divergent’ Stack Up Against ‘The Hunger Games’ and ‘Twilight'?

In March 2012, the first “Hunger Games” opened to $152 million, and its “Catching Fire” sequel debuted to $158 million last year. Together, they've taken in $1.5 billion worldwide — with two more installments coming at Thanksgiving over the next two years.

Tickets went on sale at 9 a.m. PT Tuesday.

SEE ALSO: The First Trailer For 'Divergent,' The Film Expected To Be The Next 'Hunger Games'

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Shailene Woodley Will Earn A Pretty Measly Paycheck To Star In $85 Million 'Divergent'

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Shailene Woodley Divergent

Shailene Woodley is just 22-years-old, but the actress  who earned a Golden Globe nomination playing George Clooney's daughter in 2012's "The Descendants" is already set to carry the much-hyped, three-part "Divergent" movie franchise.

The film, in theaters March 21st, is based on author Veronica Roth's best-selling trilogy set in a future dystopia where people are split up into five factions. Box office ticket sales are already outpacing the first "Twilight."

Despite the film's reported $85 million production budget, Woodley will earn just $250,000 to $500,000 for the first installment, according to The Hollywood Reporter's sources.

But Woodley will likely make much more for the second and third installments, "Insurgent" and "Allegiant," slated for release in March 2015 and March 2016.

For the first "Hunger Games" film, for example, Jennifer Lawrence reportedly earned $500,000 upfront, plus bonuses based on box office performance.

Lawrence reportedly negotiated a $10 million deal for the second installment "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," made easier by Oscar-nominated performances in "Winter's Bone" and "Silver Linings Playbook." According to THR, "The figure is a combination of salary, bonuses and escalators."

Ironically, it was Lawrence who convinced Woodley to take the "Divergent" role in the first place.

An admitted fan of Woodley's ABC Family Tv series "Secret Life Of An American Teenager," Lawrence e-mailed her  at the urging of Lionsgate studio head Erik Feig  to sell her colleague on the pros of leading a Young Adult franchise.

Woodley told THR the emails from Lawrence went like this: "You must do it. You will not regret it for a second. Yes, there are some hard things, but there are so many beautiful things that will come from an opportunity like this."

And with Feig admitting that Woodley was the "studio's first and only choice" for the role, the young actress will have plenty of bargaining power when it comes to negotiating her contract for the sequels.

But while the first “Hunger Games” opened to a massive $152 million, "Divergent" is on track to rake in a lesser (but still strong) $65 million its opening weekend later this month — right on par with the first "Twilight."

So based on those numbers, things are looking good for Woodley, as "Twilight" star Kristen Stewart earned an unprecedented $25 million against 7.5% of the theatrical gross for the "Breaking Dawn" sequels of "Twilight."

Watch the "Divergent" trailer — also starring Kate Winslet, Miles Teller, Theo James, and Zoe Kravitz  below:

SEE ALSO: Sandra Bullock Will Take Home An Insanely Large Paycheck For 'Gravity'

MORE ON TICKET SALES: ‘Divergent’ First-Day Ticket Sales Outpacing Original ‘Twilight'

MORE ON THE MOVIE: The First Trailer For 'Divergent,' The Film Expected To Be The Next 'Hunger Games'

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Why Sony Needs Its 'Annie' Remake To Do Well

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annie remake cameron diaz

Sony released the first trailer for its "Annie" remake and a lot of responses aren't going over well. 

Produced by Will Smith and Jay Z, the film shows the orphan (played by "Beasts of the Southern Wild" Oscar-nominee Quvenzhané Wallis) growing up in a modern-day Harlem with Cameron Diaz starring as the mean orphanage owner.

The trailer for "Annie" isn't awful; however, the snippets we see of Diaz as Ms. Hannigan definitely don't look great.

Many viewers have responded negatively across socialmedia.

Here's a sample of what people are saying about the film on Sony Picture's Facebook page:

Annie Facebook

Granted there is some positive feedback as well, but so far this isn't good news for Sony.

The studio's most recent release, "Pompeii," a disaster flick about the city’s destruction by Mount Vesuvius, bombed opening weekend. The $100 million film made $10 million in theaters.  

Though the film is playing out better overseas, in two weeks the film has made $18 million domestically.

pompeii Kit Harington

However, it may end up being one of those films that relies on international revenue for performance having already made nearly $50 million overseas 

That’s what happened with Sony’s other picture “After Earth” starring Will Smith last year. 

The film made $60.5 million at home, but went on to earn nearly another $200 million abroad. “After Earth” cost an estimated $130 million to make. 

Despite wins like Oscar-nominated "American Hustle" and "Captain Phillips” and Adam Sandler’s “Grown Ups 2,” the studio had a few costly films that underperformed in 2013 including Channing Tatum and Foxx’s “White House Down” and a young adult adaptation of “The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones” Sony was banking to make a franchise. 

All together, the studio made $3 billion at the box office last year.  

While that sounds like a lot, out of the 7 big movie studios, Sony Pictures and Columbia came in fifth behind Warner Bros., Disney, Universal, and Fox. Top-earning studio Warner Bros. brought in $5 billion at theaters. 

Among Sony's big releases this year are three sequels: "The Amazing Spider-Man 2,"“22 Jump Street,” and “Think Like A Man Too” with Hollywood’s current hot star, Kevin Hart. 

Sony is starting to rely heavily on its Spider-Man franchise to bring in money for the studio, recently confirming that spinoff films focusing on villains are in the works.

Currently, there is no reported budget for the "Annie" remake. With a planned December release, it's a while away from distribution. However, this early on, Sony may want to rethink the way the film is currently being marketed with less of a focus on Diaz and more of Wallis. 

SEE ALSO: Watch the trailer for the film

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Jessica Alba Returns In First 'Sin City' Sequel Trailer

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jessica alba sin city

It’s hard to believe that “Sin City” came out back in 2005. 

Nearly a decade later, Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez are back with a sequel to their gritty, black-and-white crime thriller, “Sin City: A Dame to Kill For.”

Dimension just released the first trailer for the series adaptation.

Jessica Alba, Bruce Willis, and Mickey Rourke are set to return while Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Eva Green (“Casino Royale”) will join the cast.

“Sin City: A Dame to Kill For” is in theaters August 22.

SEE ALSO: The first trailer for "Annie" remake

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How The New 'Divergent' Star's Salary Stacks Up Against Jennifer Lawrence's 'Hunger Games' Payday

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Shailene Woodley Divergent

Lionsgate Studios is counting on 22-year-old actress Shailene Woodley to carry the huge, three-part "Divergent" film franchise based on Veronica Roth's best-selling trilogy set in a future dystopia.

Woodley was apparently the "first and only choice" for the role of Beatrice "Tris" Prior, and the studio was willing to shell out a $250,000 - $500,000 paycheck to get Woodley on-board for the first installment alone.

If all goes well at the box office after the film's March 21 opening  which it's on track to do Woodley will have the bargaining power to negotiate a much higher salary for the sequels.

23-year-old Jennifer Lawrence, for example, earned $500,000 for the first "Hunger Games," but after the film earned a whopping $691 million at the box office, she scored $10 million for the second installment, "Catching Fire."The Hollywood Reporter notes that the higher figure "is a combination of salary, bonuses and escalators."

hunger games catching fireProducer Alix Madigan, who has worked with both Lawrence and Woodley, tells THR, "Their career trajectories are similar in the sense of doing independent films and then going on to the YA franchise. I think Shailene certainly has the talent and the charisma and the inherent likability to follow in Jennifer's footsteps."

Similarly, Kristen Stewart, 23, also started her career in indie films such as "Into The Wild," but everything changed when she landed the role of Bella Swan in 2008's "Twilight."

After the initial film raked in nearly $393 million globally, Stewart was able to negotiate an unprecedented $25 million paycheck against 7.5% of the theatrical gross for the franchise's final two "Breaking Dawn" sequels.

According to E! Online, actress Emma Watson, also 23, played Hermione Granger in eight "Harry Potter" films from 2001 to 2011 and earned $15 million for both "Deathly Hallows" installments.

So if the "Divergent" readers translate into box office ticket sales as expected, Shailene Woodley should be able to negotiate a hefty paycheck for the second and third installments, "Insurgent" and "Allegiant," slated for release in March 2015 and March 2016.

SEE ALSO: Shailene Woodley Will Earn A Pretty Measly Paycheck To Star In $85 Million 'Divergent'

AND: The Young Star Of Huge New 'Divergent' Franchise Is A Hardcore Hippie

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The 14 Most Anticipated Movies At SXSW

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cosmos

Seems like just two months ago we were knee deep in Sundance coverage, but already we’ve moved on to the next big thing in film festival coverage.

SXSW is the annual film/music/interactive extravaganza that draws film, music, and interactive (?) fans from all around the country to descend into Austin, TX for one hell of a good time.

We here at FSR come for the movies (and the food and the friends), and this year our team is four strong and ready to rock. And by rock we mean sit in theater seats of varying levels of comfort, enjoy the culinary wonderland that is Austin’s food scene, and hang out with other like-minded characters.

This year’s fest features a lot of titles we’re excited to devour with our eyes, but of the dozens of films we’ll be seeing this coming week we’ve narrowed down our top fourteen below. Neil Miller had to be talked out of putting The Raid 2 on here multiple times, Christopher Campbell moved outside his comfort zone to show interest in some narrative films, and Jack Giroux failed to realize that “anticipated” should really refer to movies he hasn’t seen yet.

Keep reading to see which fourteen films we’re anticipating most at SXSW 2014.

14 movies to watch for at SXSW >

1. "All Is By My Side," the Jimi Hendrix biopic starring André 3000.

This is the rare bio film that chooses a specific point history to say everything it needs to about its subject, Mr. Jimi Hendrix (Andre Benjamin).

There’s a scene that says everything about his childhood in a two minute phone conversation between Hendrix and his father. What most bio films take 30 minutes to say in act one, writer-director John Ridley (12 Years a Slave) expresses in mere minutes. The film avoids all of its genre tropes to tell a focused and compelling story. - Jack Giroux



2. "Among the Living" horror flick.

Alexandre Bustillo & Julien Maury‘s Inside is ont of the best horror films of the past decade thanks its combination of intense storyline and incredible affection for the red stuff, and while their follow-up, Livid, is a visually arresting misfire at best the duo remain talented and exciting filmmakers.

This is their third feature together, and its deceptively simple premise involving three boys witnessing a possible murder is ripe with possibility. Beatrice Dalle is back along for the ride, and we’re hoping it’s a return to beautiful, nightmarish form. – Rob Hunter



3. Neil deGrasse Tyson's "Cosmos: A SpaceTime Odyssey."

If we disregard for a moment the fact that Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson will be present at the SXSW premiere of Cosmos for an extended Q&A session — something that may cause serious gasms in the nerd-sector — and focus on the fact that we’re excited to see Carl Sagan‘s legacy revived with a modern rendition of his show, that’s probably enough. 

But did we mention the extended Q&A to go along with the premiere? Yes, that’s going to be worth sticking around for.

As part of South by’s newly expanded offering of television content, Cosmos is the headliner. How do we better understand our place in space and time? Science! That’s how. - Neil Miller



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

There's No Way The '300' Sequel Will Do Better Than The Original This Weekend

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300 rise of an empire eva green

"300: Rise of an Empire" is out this weekend, and there's no way it's going to pack a bigger punch than the original at theaters. 

The (not-so) sequel to 2007's "300" is expected to take in $33-$40 million opening weekend. While it should command the box office over DreamWorks Animation's "Mr. Peabody and Sherman" flick, that's about less than half of "300" which took in $70.9 million.

The original Zack Snyder-directed film went on to make more than $456 million worldwide, costing an estimated $65 million to make.

"Rise of an Empire," produced and written by Snyder as his focus has shifted to the DC universe ("Man of Steel," the delayed Batman vs. Superman film) for Warner Bros., costs $100 million. 

Why isn't the more costly "300" sequel going to do as well this weekend? 

This shouldn't be much of a surprise.

It’s not a real sequel.

300 rise of an empireThis is more of a spinoff to “300" that takes place before, during, and after the first film. 

A better way to describe the follow-up is as a movie that runs parallel to the original. Instead of picking up where we last left off, the film, based off of Frank Miller’s follow-up graphic novel “Xerxes,” shows Themistokles (Sullivan Stapleton) going up against Persian army led by Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro) and Artemisia (Eva Green).

Where's the star power?

300 rise of an empireClearly, this is not Sparta.

Gerard Butler, the star of the first film, will not be back in the sequel. 

His "300" character became wildly popular inspiring a huge internet meme

The star of the first movie originally expressed interest in the film if the script and timing were right. He later told MTV News he wasn’t signing on for the sequel.

“I wish them the best, but it didn't [work out]. It wasn't really my thing.”

You can also count out Michael Fassbender. He's now an Oscar-nominated star.

Instead, Eva Green, starring as the tough-as-nails Artemisia, is the biggest name in this sequel. You'll remember her from 2006 James Bond film "Casino Royale." Joining her are a cast of widely unknown talent from Sullivan Stapleton ("Gangster Squad") and Rodrigo Santoro ("I Love You Phillip Morris"). Lena Headey reprise her role of Queen Gorgo but serves as a narrator to help keep viewers from getting confused.

Reviews

300 rise of an empire reviews

300 reviews

The movie isn't being well-received by critics.

The problem? While its better than similar box-office duds "Hercules," and "Pompeii," it's not better than “300.” 

Here's what a few top critics are saying about the movie: 

LA Times:

The spectacularly brutal fighting is the film's main calling card, and in that ‘Rise of an Empire’ doesn't disappoint. Still, in the battle for best guilty pleasure, I'd give it to the Spartans of ‘300,’ by a head.”

The New York Times:

The naval collisions and melees play out in panel-like renderings that are bold and satisfying for the first half-hour but lack the momentum and bombastic je ne sais quoi of ‘300.’”

Variety

"This highly entertaining time-filler lacks the mythic resonances that made “300” feel like an instant classic, but works surprisingly well on its own terms."

SEE ALSO: "True Detective" creator debunks every theory you have about the show

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