Video

‘New Legend’ TV Spot Airs For ‘The Twilight Saga: New Moon’

HollywoodChicago.com — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:26:16 -0600

CHICAGO – A new TV spot has aired for the highly anticipated “Twilight” sequel “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”. The TV spot is called “New Legend” and has this sell line: “When forever ends, a new legend begins.”

“The Twilight Saga: New Moon” stars Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, Dakota Fanning, Michael Sheen, Ashley Greene, Peter Facinelli, Elizabeth Reaser, Kellan Lutz, Nikki Reed and Bronson Pelletier from director Chris Weitz. “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” is slated to hit theaters on Nov. 20, 2009. The new TV spot can be watched now below!

Here’s the plot description for “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” from Summit Entertainment:

In the second installment of Stephenie Meyers phenomenally successful “Twilight” series, the romance between mortal and vampire soars to a new level as Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) delves deeper into the mysteries of the supernatural world she yearns to become part of only to find herself in greater peril than ever before.

Following Bella’s ill-fated 18th birthday party, Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) and his family abandon the town of Forks, Wash. in an effort to protect her from the dangers inherent in their world. As the heartbroken Bella sleepwalks through her senior year of high school – numb and alone – she discovers that Edward’s image comes to her whenever she puts herself in jeopardy. Her desire to be with him at any cost leads her to take greater and greater risks.

With the help of her childhood friend, Jacon Black (Taylor Lautner), Bella refurbishes an old motorbike to carry her on her adventures. Bella’s frozen heart is gradually thawed by her budding relationship with Jacob – a member of the mysterious Quileute tribe – who has a supernatural secret of his own.

When a chance encounter brings Bella face to face with a former nemesis, only the intervention of a pack of supernaturally large wolves saves her from a grisly fate. The encounter makes it frighteningly clear that Bella is still in grave danger. In a race against the clock, Bella learns the secret of the Quileutes and Edward’s true motivation for leaving her.

She also faces the prospect of a potentially deadly reunion with her beloved that is a far cry from the one she’d hoped for. With more of the passion, action and suspense that made “Twilight” a worldwide phenomenon, “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” is a spellbinding follow-up film to the box-office hit.

Read about Death Cab For Cutie’s “Meet Me on the Equinox”.
Read about Michael Sheen joining “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”.
Read about the teaser poster for “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”.
Read about Dakota Fanning in “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”.
Read about Bronson Pelletier in “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”.
Read our story about the release date of “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”.
Read about the new name and logo for “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”.
Read about why Catherine Hardwicke left the “Twilight” franchise.
Read our story about AnnaLynne McCord auditioning for “New Moon”.
Read our story about Dakota Fanning talking about “New Moon”.
Read our story about Lucy Hale auditioning for “New Moon”.
See our 2009 Summit release slideshow with “New Moon”.
See our high-quality, 28-image “Twilight” slideshow.

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Editor-in-Chief/Publisher
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com

Video: Trailer for ‘The Expendables’ With Sylvester Stallone, Mickey Rourke

BrianTT — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:47:04 -0600

CHICAGO – Since its was announced, Sylvester Stallone’s “The Expendables” has promised to be one of the more over-the-top, ridiculous action movies in years. The film unites some of the most high-profile action stars in the business including Sly, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Mickey Rourke and more. Don’t miss this preview and mark your calendars for Aug. 20, 2010.

Editor’s note: We have been contacted by Lionsgate with a request to remove this trailer. Per the request, we took this trailer down at 11:16 a.m. on Oct. 16, 2009. It leaked from the Venice Film Festival. We will post the Lionsgate-authorized trailer for “The Expendables” when it is released.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 15 Prize Packs For ‘More Than a Game’ With LeBron James

HollywoodChicago.com — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:29:11 -0600

CHICAGO – In our latest edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 15 prize packs up for grabs to the new documentary “More Than a Game” with LeBron James!

Each prize pack includes a T-shirt, poster for the film, CD soundtrack and sweatband. Along with LeBron James, “More Than a Game” also features Dru Joyce, Romeo Travis, Sian Cotton and Willie McGee from writer and director Kristopher Belman.

To win your free “More Than a Game” prize pack courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, all you need to do is tell us about your most important mentor in this Web-based submission form. That’s it! “More Than a Game” opens in Chicago on Oct. 16, 2009. Directions to enter this HollywoodChicago.com Hookup and immediately win can be found beneath the graphic below.

The movie poster for “More Than a Game” with LeBron James.
Image credit: Lionsgate

Here is the plot description for “More Than a Game”:

Five talented young basketball players from Akron, Ohio star in this remarkable, true-life, coming-of-age story about uncommon friendship in the face of unprecedented fame. Their coach is a hard-driving, charismatic but inexperienced player’s father. Their leader is future NBA superstar LeBron James.

This is the story of the “Fab Five”: an improbable, nine-year journey that takes them from a decrepit, inner-city gym to the doorstep of a national high school championship. Along the way, the close-knit team is repeatedly tested both on and off the court as James’ unparalleled talent explodes into worldwide celebrity.

This threatens to destroy everything they’ve set out to achieve together. “More Than a Game” combines a series of unforgettable, one-on-one interviews with rare news footage, never-before-seen home videos and personal family photographs to bring this heartwarming and wholly American story to life.

Lionsgate and Harvey Mason Media in association with Interscope Records present a Harvey Mason Media production in association with Galley Boy and Spring Hill Productions. A film by Kristopher Belman, “More Than a Game” is written by Kristopher Belman and Brad Hogan and directed by Kristopher Belman. The film features LeBron James, Sian Cotton, Dru Joyce III, Willie McGee, Romeo Travis and coach Dru Joyce II.

The movie trailer for “More Than a Game” can be viewed now below.

To secure your free “More Than a Game” prize pack, you must be logged into your HollywoodChicago.com Web site account. If you don’t yet have one, you can quickly register here. Having a free Web site account with a valid e-mail address is required to win this HollywoodChicago.com Hookup.

Next, simply tell us about you most important mentor. You must submit your answer using this confidential, Web-based submission form. Please do not comment in this Hookup. Your entry will be invalid if you only comment here and don’t submit into our Web-based form. Please only submit your answer using this submission form.

You must include your first and last name, e-mail address and physical mailing address in your submission. Your personal information will not be sold or shared, will be kept strictly confidential and is only for awarding winning entries. Please answer our question below.

Who is your most important mentor?

This HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film is simple: 15 HollywoodChicago.com readers will be randomly selected as the winners of our “More Than a Game” Hookup! The winners will be mailed the prize packs at our expense. Good luck!

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Editor-in-Chief/Publisher
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com

HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 30 ‘Ong bak 2’ Chicago Passes to Tony Jaa Martial Arts Film

HollywoodChicago.com — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:11:04 -0600

CHICAGO – In our latest martial arts edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 30 admit-two passes up for grabs to the Chicago screening of the new martial arts film “Ong bak 2” starring martial arts master Tony Jaa.

“Ong bak 2” is co-directed by Tony Jaa and writer Panna Rittikrai. The film features Tony Jaa, Sorapong Chatree, Sarunyu Wongkrachang, Nirut Sirichanya, Santisuk Promsiri, Primorata Dejudom, Natdanai Kongthong, Patthama Panthong and Petchtai Wongkamlao.

To win your free pass to the advance Chicago screening of “Ong bak 2” courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, all you need to do is answer our question below. That’s it! This screening will be held on Monday, Oct. 12, 2009 at 7 p.m. in Chicago. Directions to enter this Hookup and immediately win can be found beneath the graphic below.

The “Ong bak 2” movie poster starring Tony Jaa.
Image credit: The Weinstein Company

Here is the “Ong bak 2” plot description:

Martial arts superstar Tony Jaa stars in and directs this epic tale of revenge set hundreds of years in the past. Featuring a huge cast and hordes of elephants, this prequel takes Jaa’s skills to the next level. The film showcases him as a master of a wide range of martial arts styles while proving him to be a promising director as well.

A feature video for “Ong bak 2” can be watched now below.

To secure your free tickets now, make sure you’re logged into your HollywoodChicago.com account. If you don’t yet have one, you can quickly register here. Having an account with a valid e-mail address is required. Then, simply add a new comment in the form below. In your comment, include an answer to this question:

What is the inner meaning of martial arts to you?

Like all Hookups here, this HollywoodChicago.com Hookup is simple: Just submit your comment below and we will award 30 people randomly via e-mail for our “Ong bak 2” Hookup. Winners needs to arrive early as seats are consumed on a first-come, first-served basis. Good luck!

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Editor-in-Chief/Publisher
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com

Video: Trailer For Remake of ‘The Crazies’ With Timothy Olyphant

BrianTT — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:57:47 -0600

CHICAGO – We know that remakes aren’t supposed to get us excited, especially when they’re remakes of classics like George A. Romero’s “The Crazies,” but this preview totally works and we just had to share. Starring Timothy Olyphant, Radha Mitchell, Danielle Panabaker, Preston Bailey, and Joe Anderson. It was written by Scott Kosar and Ray Wright and directed by Breck Eisner (“Sahara”). The film opens on February 26th, 2010.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

Video: Launch Trailer For ‘Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2’

BrianTT — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:46:54 -0600

CHICAGO – The highly acclaimed and anticipated “Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2” hit store shelves recently and fans of Spiderman, Wolverine, Iron Man, and the rest of the Marvel gang should check out the awesome trailer that Activision sent over and stay tuned to HollywoodChicago.com for an upcoming full review.

From Activision: “The greatest Super Hero action/RPG of all time is back with the world’s largest army of heroes and villains in Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2, the highly anticipated sequel to 2006’s award-winning Marvel: Ultimate Alliance. Incorporating elements of the acclaimed Marvel Civil War storyline, players must choose their side and team up to battle or interact with returning favorites and all-new characters, including Spider-Man, Wolverine, Hulk, Iron Man, Deadpool, Venom, Green Goblin, Iron Fist and Captain America, whose powers can be combined to unleash astonishing new attacks. Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 engages players in co-operative multiplayer through graphically rich and destructive real-world environments, and allows players to strengthen their ultimate Super Hero dream teams by teaming up to unleash astonishing fusions of super-powers.”

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

Video: Trailer For Epic John Woo Film ‘Red Cliff’

BrianTT — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:14:19 -0600

CHICAGO – Magnolia sent over the new trailer for the epic and remarkable “Red Cliff” from the legendary director John Woo. Already a massive hit in China, “Red Cliff” opens in theatres next month and the preview is already building stateside buzz. Check it out.

Synopsis: “Legendary action cinema master John Woo and international superstar Tony Leung reunite for the first time since the 1992 classic HARD BOILED with this epic historical drama set based on a legendary 208 A.D. battle that heralded the end of the Han Dynasty. RED CLIFF opens with power hungry Prime Minister-turned-General Cao Cao (Zhang Fengyi) seeking permission from the Han dynasty Emperor to organize a southward-bound mission designed to crush two troublesome warlords that stand in his way, Liu Bei (You Yong) and Sun Quan (Chang Chen). As the expedition gets under way, Cao Cao’s troops rain destruction on Liu Bei’s army, forcing the latter to retreat. Liu Bei’s military strategist Zhuge Liang (Takeshi Kaneshiro) knows that their only hope for survival is to form an alliance with rival warlord Sun Quan, and reaches out to Sun Quan’s trusted advisor, war hero Zhou Yu (Tony Leung). Vastly outnumbered by Cao Cao’s fast approaching, brutal army, the rebel warlords band together to mount a heroic campaign unrivalled in history that changes the face of China forever. A massive hit in Asia and the most expensive Asian film production of all time, RED CLIFF is a breathtaking war epic that marks the triumphant return of John Woo.

RED CLIFF is the third film in Magnet Releasing’s “Six Shooter Film Series V2,” a series of six films focusing specifically on action cinema, featuring some of the most exciting action films available today from around the globe. RED CLIFF will be preceded by ONG BAK 2: THE BEGINNING and BRONSON, with three other films to follow over the coming months including DISTRICT 13: ULTIMATUM and THE WARLORDS.

RED CLIFF will premiere on VOD, XBOX Live and Amazon Oct. 22nd and opens in theatres November 20th.”

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 25 Passes to Drew Barrymore’s ‘Whip It’ in Chicago With Ellen Page

HollywoodChicago.com — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:10:13 -0600

CHICAGO – In our latest edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 25 admit-two run-of-engagement Chicago passes up for grabs to the new film “Whip It,” which is Drew Barrymore’s directorial debut!

“Whip It” stars Ellen Page (of “Juno” fame), Marcia Gay Harden, Kristen Wiig, Drew Barrymore, Juliette Lewis, Jimmy Fallon, Alia Shawkat, Eve, Zoe Bell, Ari Graynor, Eulala Scheel, Andrew Wilson, Carlo Alban, Landon Pigg, Rachel Piplica, Kristen Adolfi and Daniel Stern.

To win your free pass to “Whip It” in Chicago courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, all you need to do is tell us how you’ve been a hero in this Web-based submission form. That’s it! “Whip It” opens nationwide on Oct. 2, 2009. Directions to enter this HollywoodChicago.com Hookup and immediately win can be found beneath the graphic below.

“Whip It” starring Ellen Page is the directorial debut of Drew Barrymore.
Image credit: Fox Searchlight Pictures

Here is the plot description for “Whip It”:

For years, Bliss Cavendar (Academy Award nominee Ellen Page) has been dreaming of escaping her tiny, truck stop of a town in Bodeen, Texas. Unfortunately, her devoted and beauty pageant-obsessed mother (Academy Award winner Marcia Gay Harden) is convinced that Bliss can only succeed in life if she wins the crown at the local Miss Blue Bonnet Pageant.

But the awkward outsider knows there’s something bigger and better out there. When Bliss sneaks off to the big city of Austin with her best friend, Pash (Alia Shawkat), she discovers a world unlike anything she could ever imagine: roller derby with its girl-power-meets-punk-rock spirit and its liberating celebration of wild individuality.

Inspired by the likes of Maggie Mayhem (Kristen Wiig), Bliss secretly tries out for a spot on the Hurl Scouts: a rag-tag team of scrappy underdogs. Soon she’s trading in her gowns and crowns for skirts, skates and scrapes and becoming her alter ego: Babe Ruthless. Leading a precarious double life, Bliss may be a waitress at Bodeen’s Oink Joint by day. But by night, she’s becoming the fastest thing on eight wheels.

Now she’s doing things she never dreamed of – fearlessly facing off with bad-ass rivals like Iron Maven (Academy Award nominee Juliette Lewis) and falling for a boy in a band (singer and songwriter Landon Pigg) – while trying to be a heroine to her new friends and teammates. But when her secret gets out, Bliss will face her toughest fight yet: to take control of the future… on her own terms.

The movie trailer for “Whip It” can be viewed now below.

To secure your free “Whip It” pass, you must be logged into your HollywoodChicago.com Web site account. If you don’t yet have one, you can quickly register here. Having a free Web site account with a valid e-mail address is required to win this HollywoodChicago.com Hookup.

Next, simply tell us what you’ve done in your life to be a hero. You must submit your answer using this confidential, Web-based submission form. Please do not comment in this Hookup. Your entry will be invalid if you only comment here and don’t submit into our Web-based form. Please only submit your answer using this submission form.

What have you done in your life to be a hero?

This HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film is simple: 25 HollywoodChicago.com readers will be randomly selected as the winners of our “Whip It” Hookup! The winners will be mailed the movie passes at our expense. Good luck!

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Editor-in-Chief/Publisher
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com

HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 15 ‘The Invention of Lying’ Chicago Passes With Jennifer Garner

HollywoodChicago.com — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 16:14:55 -0600

CHICAGO – In our latest comedy edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 15 admit-two passes up for grabs to the Chicago screening of “The Invention of Lying”!

“The Invention of Lying” stars Jennifer Garner, Ricky Gervais, Jonah Hill, Louis C.K., Rob Lowe, Tina Fey, Jeffrey Tambor, Fionnula Flanagan, Martin Starr, Jimmi Simpson and Nathan Corddry from writers and directors Ricky Gervais and Matthew Robinson. Ricky Gervais is the award-winning creator and star of the original BBC series “The Office”.

To win your free pass to the Chicago screening of “The Invention of Lying” courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, all you need to do is answer our trivia question below. That’s it! This screening will be held on Monday, Sept. 28, 2009 at 7 p.m. in downtown Chicago. Directions to enter this Hookup and immediately win can be found beneath the graphic below.

“The Invention of Lying” stars Jennifer Garner, Ricky Gervais, Jonah Hill, Louis C.K., Rob Lowe and Tina Fey.
Image credit: Warner Bros.

Here is “The Invention of Lying” plot description:

From Ricky Gervais – the award-winning creator and star of the original BBC series “The Office” as well as HBO’s “Extras” – comes the new romantic comedy “The Invention of Lying”.

“The Invention of Lying” takes place in an alternate reality in which lying – even the concept of a lie – does not exist. Everyone – from politicians to advertisers to the man and woman on the street – speaks the truth and nothing but the truth with no thought of the consequences.

But when a down-on-his-luck loser named Mark (Gervais) suddenly develops the ability to lie, he finds that dishonesty has its rewards. In a world where every word is assumed to be the absolute truth, Mark easily lies his way to fame and fortune.

But lies have a way of spreading and Mark begins to realize that things are getting a little out of control when some of his tallest tales are being taken as gospel. With the entire world now hanging on his every word, there is only one thing Mark has not been able to lie his way into: the heart of the woman he loves.

“The Invention of Lying” stars Ricky Gervais, Jennifer Garner (“Juno”), Jonah Hill (“Superbad”), comedian Louis C.K., Jeffrey Tambor (TV’s “Arrested Development”) and Fionnula Flanagan (“Yes Man”) with Rob Lowe (TV’s “Brothers & Sisters”) and Tina Fey (“Baby Mama,” TV’s “30 Rock”).

The comedy is written and directed by Ricky Gervais and Matthew Robinson. The film is produced by Lynda Obst (“How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” “Sleepless in Seattle”), Oly Obst, Gervais and Dan Lin (“Terminator Salvation,” upcoming “Shorts”) with Ted Field, Paris Kasidokostas Latsis, Terry Dougas and Sue Baden-Powell serving as executive producers.

The behind-the-scenes creative team includes director of photography Tim Suhrstedt (“17 Again”), editor Chris Gill (“28 Weeks Later”), production designer Alexander Hammond (“Flightplan”), costume designer Susie DeSanto (“13 Going on 30”) and composer Tim Atack (“Among Giants”).

“The Invention of Lying” movie trailer can be watched now below.

In “The Invention of Lying, Ricky Gervais’ character is a screenwriter. Name one of the real-life projects for which Gervais serves as a writer.

Like all Hookups here, this HollywoodChicago.com Hookup is simple: Just submit your comment below and we will award 15 people randomly via e-mail. Winners needs to arrive early as seats are consumed on a first-come, first-served basis.

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Editor-in-Chief/Publisher
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com

Video Game Review: ‘F.E.A.R. 2: Reborn’ a Missed Opportunity With Weak Expansion

BrianTT — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:21:51 -0600

CHICAGO – When “F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin” was released earlier this year, it took me awhile to get into the rhythm of the game and to realize what worked about the title.

Video Game Rating: 2.5/5.0

“Project Origin” was an underrated, atmospheric shooter, a game that switched from straight-up action to pure terror in the blink of an eye, but it wasn’t a hit for me right out of the gate, as true atmosphere takes time to build. The repetition of the first few hours of the game quickly gave way to an addictive, excellent experience. Perhaps that’s why the recently-released DLC expansion, “F.E.A.R. 2: Reborn” simply doesn’t work for me. By the time I grew accustomed to the world again, it was over.

F.E.A.R. 2: Reborn
Photo credit: Warner Bros. Interactive

With “Reborn,” fans of the franchise pay ten bucks for four new single-player levels and new multiplayer modes. The mission levels feature the character of Replica Soldier Foxtrot 813 and promises to tell the story of the chaos of Alma’s aftermath from an entirely new point of view.

F.E.A.R. 2: Reborn
Photo credit: Warner Bros. Interactive

As the expansion begins, you’re dropped into the ruined city of Auburn and tasked with finding the rest of your squad, but supernatural events start to beckon you to betray your orders and kill your fellow soldiers. A story set in the same timeline as “Project Origin,” the concept of “Reborn” had the potential for a great bonus to a very good game.

So why is “Reborn” a disappointment? It runs under two hours, plays very repetitively, and, ultimately, doesn’t capture the unique surge of adrenalin that most players had during the first title. “Reborn” plays more like an afterthought than a complete, well-designed alternate story or continuation of the main title. It also really sucks that the game only uses one save slot, so if you are playing through “Project Origin” again on a higher difficulty level than the first time or have yet to finish it, you’ll lose that progress if you want to play “Reborn”.

The multiplayer portion is known as “Slow-Mo Deathmatch,” a new function that allows players to obtain a slow-mo powerup during multiplayer deathmatch, gaining a short-term advantage in online play but also making them a serious target for other players.

Before you go and buy “F.E.A.R. 2: Reborn,” check out this video of the action you should expect:

‘F.E.A.R. 2: Reborn’ was released by Warner Bros. Interactive and developed by Monolith Productions. It is rated M (Mature). The version reviewed was for the PS3 but the DLC is also available for the XBox 360. It was released on September 3rd, 2009.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com