Monday, February 27, 2006

Narnia Prince Caspian Preproduction Begins

Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media, in collaboration with Academy Award(R)-nominated director Andrew Adamson, have begun pre-production on "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian," the next big screen installment of the "Narnia" Chronicles, and the follow-up to the international blockbuster, "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe," it was announced today (2/2). The latter film, based on the works of C. S. Lewis, has attracted legions of moviegoers all over the world and has grossed in excess of $637.8 million to date at the worldwide box office. It also received three Academy Award(R) nominations earlier this week. Internationally, "Narnia" already ranks as Buena Vista's top grossing live-action release of all-time (surpassing both "Armageddon" and "Pirates of the Caribbean") with its gross to date of $359.4 million." Domestically, the film's gross currently stands at $278 million and has already established itself as the Studio's third highest-grossing live-action film of all-time. The film is on track to become Buena Vista's all-time live-action champ, surpassing "Pirates of the Caribbean's" worldwide gross of $655 million.

"The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian," will reunite most of the principal cast and creative team responsible for "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe." Andrew Adamson ("Shrek," "Shrek 2") will reprise his role as director, in addition to serving as a producer, and co-writer (in collaboration with Christopher Markus and Steve McFeeley). Production is set to begin later this year for a Christmas 2007 release. "Prince Caspian" finds the Pevensie siblings pulled back into the land of Narnia, where a thousand years have passed since they left. The children are once again enlisted to join the colorful creatures of Narnia in combating an evil villain who prevents the rightful Prince from ruling the land. "Prince Caspian" was first published in 1951, and is the second book in the seven-book series written by Lewis. It was intended as a continuation of "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe." Lewis' "The Chronicles of Narnia" have sold over 100 million copies worldwide, and continues to be one of the best loved and most popular series of all time.

Commenting on the announcement, Dick Cook, chairman of The Walt Disney Studios, said, "We're thrilled to be working with such a great director as Andrew, and our friends at Walden Media, in bringing the next chapter of the 'Narnia' chronicles to the big screen. Moviegoers around the world were unanimous in their love and enthusiasm for 'The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe,' and 'Prince Caspian' offers lots of new thrills and adventures in this magical land. The C. S. Lewis books are a rich source of inspiration for great storytelling, and this book spotlights some wonderful new heroes, and villains, along with many of the characters we came to love so much in the first film."

Cary Granat, co-founder and CEO of Walden Media, added, "Andrew Adamson, who possesses an unparalleled passion and vision for the 'Narnia' books, brought C. S. Lewis' world to life in an imaginative and exciting way. With 'Prince Caspian,' moviegoers will have an opportunity to revisit the magic of Narnia, encountering exciting new creatures and lands within Narnia alongside their favorite characters from these beloved books. Dick Cook and Disney have been amazing partners on this project and we look forward to working with them on this and other future installments in the 'Narnia' franchise."

Adamson said, "Making 'The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe' couldn't have been a more rewarding experience, not just in terms of creative achievement and audience response, but also because of the family we formed during production. 'Prince Caspian' not only gives me an opportunity to challenge my imagination with another classic story, it also allows me to work alongside the many talented artists who contributed to the first film, and of course to collaborate again with 'The Pevensies,' Georgie, Skandar, Anna, and William."

Friday, February 17, 2006

Ultimate Avengers

The DVD for the first Marvel animated film [straight to DVD] comes out next week [Feb 26th] and it is called The Ultimate Avengers. Obviously it is a story about the Avengers. Who are the Avengers? They are a group of super heroes lead by Captain American. The members are mostly loans who now must work together to save the world. Besides Captain American the Avengers are comprised of The Hulk, Iron Man, Thor, Wasp and Giant Man.
 
Since this is a first for the Avenger films we get loaded down with lots of back story, especially Captain America [but then again he is the main guy in the series]. I had a chance to see this film last week [lucky me got it before street date]. And it really is not a bad film, liked the animation, it reminded me of the good old days of cartoons on TV --- Spider-man and the X-men shows. Looking forward to having the chance to see more Marvel animated films in the future. So everyone head out and pick this up next week when it comes out and show your support....the further away from character introductions we get the better the stories will be.
 
When you do get it check out the special features, the interviews with the different writers and artists is well worth watching and it will fill you in on the history of the Avengers, if, like me, you know very little about them.

For more information on the film or for a chance to win a copy head on over to www.scifislacker.com
 
 
 

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

Playskool's Spunky Potato: Artoo-Potatoo


Playskool's Spunky Potato: Artoo-Potatoo

Playskool's Spunky Potato: Artoo-Potatoo


The Rebellion has finally enlisted the resourceful and spunky Artoo-Potatoo to take on the evil Darth Tater and minion Spud Troopers! The third in a series of popular Potato Head incarnations of Star Wars characters, make sure and toss this hot potato into your collection The package comes with lots of fun parts, and even a holographic Leia to recreate the well-known seen from Star Wars: A New Hope!












I just ordered mine. Cannot wait until it gets here !

Sunday, February 05, 2006

"Trek" Super Bowl XL Commercial

Anyone see the Aleve commercial during the first half of the super bowl?

Nimoy is walking through a backstage area complaining on the phone to his agent that he cannot go on because it hurts too much, he just cannot do it. The whole time he is talking he is gestering with his right hand and people are waving back at him. He then enters his dressing room [and I guess takes Aleve....I did not see that point]. Then walks out on stage and the crowd is in anticipation the camera zooms in on couple dressed in starfleet get up Vulcan ears and all and back to Nimoy....who after taking aleve can now turn his waving hand into the classic Vulcan salute. Crowd [and myself] go crazy.

This gets my vote for the best super bowl commercial in this game! The Burger King ad was good too...if only they would leave that hideous king out of it. Next was the B.C. Fedex commercial. The Macgyver master card one was pretty good too as was the Budweiser streaker :)

http://news.com.com/2100-1024_3-6033515.html

For those who did not watch the game but want to see the commercials CNN says NFL will re-air them with several veiwing options.

Even better here is a direct link to the TV spot from Aleve.
http://aleve.com/sbowl-index-movie.cfm