Could District 9 director Neill Blomkamp already be starting up another viral marketing campaign for his next film? Wired Magazine readers who subscribe to the iPad version of the magazine recently found a strange, untitled video included in the latest issue credited to Neill Blomkamp without any other explanation as to what it is about. It features about 60 seconds of handheld footage of two men discovering a dead creature on the side of the road branded with a stamp that reads, “AGM Heartland Pat Pend USA.” /Film did some digging and found that a trademark was registered for this name last month, and it is related to “a fictional genetic engineering company that produces genetically engineered and altered organisms.” Blomkamp’s next project was announced back in June, and it is reportedly another original sci-fi film called Elysium. At the time, the story was being kept under wraps, but Blomkamp has since revealed that it will be very violent, deal with sociopolitical ideas, and set 150 years in the future, possibly on another planet. He also claims that the tone will be similar to District 9, although it isn’t clear if he intends to toy with documentary-style found footage again. Is it possible that this movie has something to do with genetic engineering? No one seems to be too sure, and the video may not have anything to do with Elysium at all, but needless to say I’m intrigued. -FilmJunk
Archive for November, 2010
Neill Blomkamp’s Elysium Viral Tease?
The Pacific
It’s a pity that Band of Brothers was made before The Pacific. Brothers set the benchmark through which all following World War 2 dramas would be measured, be they films or TV series. And the benchmark was set so high, no one has come close to meeting the challenge since.
To further hamstring The Pacific is the fact that it was produced by the same people and has been promoted almost as the spiritual successor to Band of Brothers.
It even has the same ten episodes, two of which are essentially redundant.
The Pacific however is not Band of Brothers, it never really sets out to be, nor could it ever hope to be. There will never be another Brothers for one very simple reason. Brothers was the story of a single group of men who traversed the war together. It’s a story so unique that it’s unlikely we’ll find another story as compelling as theirs.
So what is The Pacific? It’s an over view of the American war in the Pacific as seen through the eyes of two groups of soldiers, and to some extent their families and loved ones. This is The Pacific’s biggest weakness. The story jumps around sometimes, leaving you a little confused and forcing you to play catch up. Read the rest of this entry »
Legion
Another apocalyptic film with Biblical overtones, only this time not starring a blind Denzel Washington, and set in the approaching apocalypse rather than after it. Also, rather than the hunt for a dusty old book, we’ve got a bunch of stragglers stuck at a run down truck stop on the edge of the Mojave desert, one of whom is preggers with the second messiah. Add in a fallen angel who’s decided to go against God by doing God’s work, and a foul mouthed old lady with a walker who goes all The Exorcist half way through her verbal assault – that includes the c word (gosh) – on the bunch previously mentioned misfits.
But wait, this film has a twist, even though the legions of people who swam the truck stop look like they are possessed by demonic entities, they are in-fact possessed by angels doing the will of God.
Confused?
Don’t be.
Legion is pretty light on story-line and cliches, but strong on action and surprises. it’s an entertaining way to spend an evening, especially with you’ve got a cold drink to help dull the brain and allow you to just enjoy the film as a piece of entertainment, rather than trying to drive a truck through the plot holes. Read the rest of this entry »
Due Date
Due date is almost being presented as a follow up to the Hangover, same producers, director and the beard that made the movie, Zach Galifianakis, with the added addition of Robert Downey Jnr and the roadtrip across the country scenario its safe to say the expectations were pretty freaking high.
Robert Downy jnr is Peter Highman, his lady’s got a baby on the way and he’s gotta make it to LA to be there for the birth. Of course not all goes to plan, in fact the big hairy problem here is Ethan Tremblay (played by Galifanaanniskz). Stoner, manchild, aspiring actor, Ethan is aiming to make his mark on hollywood, or at least meet his hero’s from Two and a half men, which he runs a fansite for. Ethan gets Peter almost arrested, makes him miss his flight and then to rub salt in the wound Peter has to turn to Ethan for help to get home in time for the birth of his baby. Read the rest of this entry »
Les Misérables
Les Misérables has recently clocked past 25 years of stage shows. Easily one of the popular stage shows available today Les Misérables follows the fortunes of Jean Valjean as he escapes his parole for a petty crime he comitted 9 years prior. If you have not seen Les Misérables you really should go, its definitely a stage show you must see.
Now in celebration of the 25 year mark Cameron MacKintosh and Universal Pictures teamed up to film the show infront of a packed O2 Audience. To make this something even extra special they have assembled a very very stunning group of performers. Alfie Boe takes the lead as Jean Valjean and his performance is probably one of the best I’ve seen. Paired up with Norm Lewis (Javert, the lawman hunting down Jean Valjean) their scenes are very impressive. Read the rest of this entry »
