Brandon Cronenberg’s 'Antiviral’

The apple really doesn't fall far from the tree. The son of famed Toronto filmmaker David Cronenberg, Brandon Cronenberg, has just premiered his trailer for his debut film 'Antiviral,' a film that criticises the current obsession that society has with celebrity and the price of trying to claim that small taste of fame.

The story revolves around Syd March (Caleb Landry Jones from 'X-Men: First Class'), an employee of an unusual company that sells celebrity diseases to deranged fans. By becoming infected with the same viruses that have afflicted their favourite stars, these disturbed celebrity devotees hope to get a little closer to their famous idols. But when Syd is infected by a disease that took the life of a young starlet (played by frequent David Cronenberg collaborator Sarah Gadon), he suddenly finds that he has become a twisted collector's item. Honestly, the glorious twisted nature of body image reminds me of Videodrome's body shock sci-fi infused horror. I really can't wait.

The film opened at Cannes Film Festival in May, and will open in theatres on Oct. 12.

The Concept Art Of Iron Sky

Moon base. (Via)

There's definitely been no shortage of discussion here at Awesome-Robo lately about Iron Sky, as the film (after four long years) finally got a limited cinema release in the USA and a DVD/Bluray release in the UK. As the rest of the Awesome-Robo team enjoy E3 I think I'll watch the film again. Without getting into spoilers, due to how well executed the film was on such a paltry budget, I definitely found myself drawn to the excellent design work created for the indie film.

As someone who works photographing antique items circa WWII era on a daily basis, I could definitely see that they had plenty to draw from visually, especially in the experimental weapons department. This concept art by illustrator Jussi Lehtiniemi gives a big look into just some of the awesome designs present in the film, which should hopefully make you curious enough to want to check out the flick. Check out more awesome space-Nazi flavored art after the break!

Full Length John Carter (On Mars) Trailer Isn't As Disproportionate As Poster

The trailer for John Carter is exciting, impressive and a lot better than the poster that Disney/Pixar released a few days ago. Why is this film not receiving press? Sure the Martians aren't invading earth using bullets from mars and tripods but this film looks amazing. The scope is huge and atmosphere alone is something that impresses me beyond belief. IGN has released the first full length trailer and if you watch this and you aren't excited? You really need to check your pulse.

This film has been a long time in the making, and seeing what it is now? I can't wait for March of next year. They said nothing could come from Mars but now I really hope they do. I'm sure the Martians would agree that this film will kick all sorts of behinds before destroying us with the heat rays of death.

Ken Russell Was The Pinball Wizard

Unfortunately the film director Ken Russell passed away today. For those who are unaware of his work, Russell was a famous English film director who was considered a pioneer in both television and film industrie. His trademark flamboyant and controversial style earned him a spot in English pop culture history.

He also directed one of my favourite films of all time, "Tommy." The film came out in 1975 and was a musical based upon The Who's 1969 rock opera album musical by the name of well, "Tommy." The film revolves around a psychosomatically deaf, dumb and blind boy who becomes a master pinball player and the object of a religious cult because of it. It's a masterpiece and if you haven't watched it put in on your Netflix right now! Rest in peace Ken Russell, and thank you for one of the coolest films I've ever seen. The above is a sample from the film, the song Pinball Wizard with the one and only Elton John.

But before we go a quick fun Awesome-Robo trivia track! The film Tommy was actually filmed in my hometown of Portsmouth and burnt down the pier during production. The city museum also has some original memorabilia from the film inside so remind me to take you next time you're down.

Expendables 2 Poster Looks Photoshopped

A, B, C and D grade celebrities present in this image.

They said that we couldn't talk about Fight Club. But this poster for The Expendables 2 proves that Fight Club is worth talking about, especially with some of the biggest action stars from the past few decades. There's something about seeing Chuck Norris so front and center that just seems so wrong, but right.  This leaked poster proves this film is in the works, and that IMDB wasn't just teasing us about this unlikely sequel.

Personally I liked the first film, despite how cheesy the idea was and I can't wait for more. Time to start counting down the days till 8/17/2012.

Christian Bale's Dark Knight In The Form Of A 1960's Batman

The Dark Knight Rises is going to be a huge film. Happy Dragon Pictures has seen the movie and imagined the question I think we have all asked: What if Christopher Nolan was around in the 1960's and only had Adam West, limited animation, and the greatest theme song to be heard by human ears? Well, I think you can hear the results right above. If this doesn't increase your anticipation of the film, I don't know what will!

Much Ado About Secrecy

And trust no agent. Especially of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Via)

How can a high profile name, making one of the biggest projects undertaken by Hollywood have time to make an independent film based on one of the worlds most famous plays? Joss Whedon found a way.

Apparently, the Secret Whedon Project is actually a film adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. The entire project was planned, written, filmed and wrapped whilst everyone was searching on Google for Avengers spoilers. According to TheWrap.com, the indie film doesn’t have distribution yet, and no dates have been bandied about for release but I expect that the film won't have any problem finding a distributor.

Everyone Must Donate!

A good friend of the site and film maker Steve Ruzinski has another project underway, and you can help him!

His newest project is set to be his best yet.
Steve Rudzinski has been a filmmaker since 2006 making feature films and online videos.  His latest work, THE SLASHER HUNTER, was released in January of 2011 to high sales and plenty of rave reviews, including being called "A riotous little romp for fright fans everywhere" and "...a wonderful genre satire" by leading movie review site DVD Verdict. Slasher Hunter was nominated for Best Film at the Pittsburgh Horror Film Fest and continues to perform well in sales and receive positive feedback online and in the convention circuit. Now it's time for his newest project.

A pattern of similar killings occurs, leaving small towns aghast with grief and suspicion. When the massacre left Kyle's sister carved and seasoned like a Christmas ham, he vowed to solve the mystery behind the gruesome pattern of slaughter, and find out where this seemingly death-proof killer will strike next. Join us, as this tale of gore and whores spreads from town to town, person to person, and stab wound to stab wound, leaving nobody safe, because, after all....EVERYONE MUST DIE!

Many reviewers have said that he would do fantastic with an actual budget and has written a phenominal script that will be enjoyed by horror fans everywhere.  By helping Steve out you may get a special mention in the credits, walk on role, be a murder victim, free DVD copy, exclusive art, etc. You can help out by donating on his kick-starter page which can be found here. If you have an interest in the project, why not donate?

Is This What The Rebooted Godzilla Will Look Like?

Godzilla looks so much better than that other American Lizard Monster...(Via)

Could this be the new Godzilla we've all been waiting for?

Legendary Pictures recently announced they were going to be rebooting the franchise for an American audience, with Gareth Edwards, (director of 'Monster') announced as Director and David Goyer writing the script. And now the folks over at Infamouskidd.com seem to have the scoop on the new design.

According to the site, Hector A. Arce, a creature/fantasy sculptor, is behind the new design. Also, this new Godzilla will supposedly use less CGI and more rubber suit acting and animatronic work.

I'm sold on this film. Is it real? It does match the concept art released at last years Comic-Con. I'm sure it will be officially announced soon but this thing is so f***ing cool I thought I would post it anyway. At least this film won't have Matthew Broderick. Now that WOULD be a disaster.

See another shot of the design after the break!

Batman: Year One...An Animated Entry Worth Watching

Forget The Dark Knight Returns. That's SO next year. This year it's all about Batman: Year One. We've shown you the trailer, now watch the first clip of the film.

Batman: Year One is based on the landmark 1987 DC Comics titles from 12-time Eisner Award winner Frank Miller and illustrator David Mazzucchelli. The film depicts young Bruce Wayne's (Ben McKenzie, Southland) return to Gotham City in his first attempts to fight injustice as a costumed vigilante. Featuring a young Lieutenant James Gordon played by Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) and Eliza Dushku as Catwoman, and with Video and executive producer Bruce Timm behind the helm, this is one movie you will NOT want to miss.

Batman: Year One arrives on Blu-ray and DVD October 18, although it can be purchased digitally through iTunes, Playstation Network, XBox Live, Zune, and Vudu beginning Oct 11.

The Rocketeer Gets The Treatment It Deserves

One of my personal favourite films is finally getting a release. Thanks Disney! (Via)

A couple of days ago, me and my dad were talking about our favourite films we don't own. Rocketeer came up, and it was one neither of us had in our collections. We were waiting for a really cool VHS edition which was never released in the UK(probably because of how poorly the movie performed), then a really cool DVD release that was never released in the UK, then the Blu-ray release which has just been announced.

This cult film, based off the classic comic, see's a stunt pilot living in 1930's California finds a stolen jet-pack and uses the device to fight gangsters and Nazis as The Rocketeer. It's really damn good, and if you enjoyed the Captain America film you'll love this more because it has an actual showdown at the end, unliked that awful Red Skull battle.

Though no features have been announced, the Decemeber 13, 2011 couldn't come fast enough. This movie has left a gaping hole in my film collection. Time to fill it out.

John Carter Trailer Makes Me Happy Inside

I've been waiting for this film for a while, hearing the ins and outs as well as the many rumours and speculation surrounding the project. This film will hopefully be good, and I really think that if this trailer doesn't sell you, you just might be dead inside. That, or you hate classic literature adaptations. This is Andrew Stanton's first foray into directing live action features for Disney..Previously, he worked on mainly Pixar titles, including directing Wall-E. Its curious to see that both him and Brad Bird (Director of the Incredibles, Ratatouille and others) are branching out in a similar manner.

Either way, check out the trailer for the other most highly anticipated Hollywood film that doesn't involve Batman. Seems like they dropped the 'From Mars' part of the title, as the working title was originally 'John Carter From Mars.'

Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows Teases You

(Via)

I admit I really liked the stylish Guy Ritchie interpretation of Sherlock Holmes. So a sequel, with Moriarty (Jared Harris) playing a more prominent role this time around, and Stephen Fry playing Mycroft, Sherlock's brother, for added fun? I'm sold on this film already.

The film will be released December 16th, 2011 and we're still waiting on an official trailer for the followup. Robert Downey Jr, Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, and Eddie Marsan all return to reprise their respective roles.

Batman: Year One Trailer

Get More: Movie Trailers, Movies Blog

Oh man, does this film look good. Based on the Frank Miller comic classic, Batman Year One is the origin story of Bruce becoming Batman, and his first adventures as the Dark Knight.

The voice cast includes Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad), Ben McKenzie (The OC), Eliza Dushku (Dollhouse) and Katee Sackhoff (Battlestar Galactica). Directors Lauren Montgomery and Sam Liu, who previously collaborated on Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths, take the helm. Tab Murphy (Superman/Batman Apocalypse) wrote the script.

I'm in love! The DC animated films have been amazing so far, and I can't wait for this.

World War Z Film Underway: Internet Goes Crazy

(Via)

World War Z, a book by Max Brooks, is a zombie book that, despite being frustrated at the over saturation of the Zombie horror sub-genre, is up there with the top 10 books I have ever read. The book revolves around a fictitious version of Max Brooks, compiling a book of the events of the last few years, and the aftermath of a zombie invasion that nearly destroyed the world. Why is it special? For two reasons. It takes place through the stories of those he interviews, allowing different views of the invasion in a smart, intelligent kind of way. Brooks also used World War Z to comment on social issues like government ineptitude and American isolationism, while also examining themes of survival and uncertainty. It's less about Zombies and more about survival and fear of a catastrophic event that affects the entire world. Especially an enemy that "doesn't sleep, doesn't fear and doesn't stop." It's an amazing book that I couldn't recommend enough, though if you are feeling lazy, the audio play is just as amazing and in-depth.

It was inevitable there would be a movie. Brad Pitt has been attached for a while, but we haven't heard ANYTHING since the beginning of the project apart from script reviews of the original few drafts (which have been described as some of the best Hollywood writing in years). But now? We have confirmation, it's filming. You can see more shots and descriptions on the set visit, but we have a few pictures after the jump. I can't wait for this film.

Ray Harryhausen's War Of The Worlds

Did you know Ray Harryhausen was working on his own adaptation of War of the Worlds? I didn't.

According to Ray Harryhausen:
"Yes, originally, after Mighty Joe [Young] I made a lot of sketches for War of the Worlds. I wanted to keep it in the period that H.G. Wells wrote it, of the Victorian period, and I made eight big drawings, some of which are published - in the book and it would have been an interesting picture, if it was made years ago. But since then so many pictures of that nature have been made that it wouldn't be quite unique as it would have been."

After World War II, Ray Harryhausen shot a scene of a dying alien falling out of a Martian war machine, test footage for an abandoned project to adapt the story using Wells' original "octopus" concept for the Martians. This footage is in a documentry, 'The Harryhausen Chronicles', which is on almost every Harryhausen DVD. It's also available seperate on DVD with tons of bonus stuff.

The Expendables 2

(Via)

Lionsgate recently announced that The Expendables 2 would be hitting theaters on August 17th, 2012. But at Cannes, the artwork was revealed, and now Nu Image has announced the storyline. Stay tuned after the jump because the synopsis is very spoilerific.

Kapow! Super Review

Editors Note: My apologies for Kapow! Coverage being late. But due to a family emergency I have been away from my notes and computers, though I can now confirm I am an Uncle. No pressure on me I guess!

When the organizers of Kapow! announced "Movie-X", hopes were high. Rumours (fed by not only the organizers but the promoters involved) mislead and warped the hopes of people. Thor, X-men, Captain America and Green Lantern were franchises brought up as people pationtly waited in queue for up to 2 hours. When it wasn't any of these films, people were upset. The next 5 minutes, however, changed the minds and hearts of audiences. Groans turned into laughter and cheers.

Super will be one of the best films you will see in 2011. Click after the jump, and you'll find out why.

Kubrick & The Web - Online Art Project

The Cinematheque Francaise put together this comprehensive and awesome Stanley Kubrick inspired art show. It's definitely worth checking out, there are tons of great posters. Check it out here. There are some fantastic pieces that will just blow you away.

A Brief History of Title Design

If you're like me, the opening titles of a film or television show can be just as memorable and exciting as any set piece or exchange of dialog in the feature. A great opening title can be an extension of the narrative, a thesis for the style or theme in the upcoming events, or it can set the pace and mood for what's to follow. 

Ian Albinson put together this compilation for 2011's SXSW festival, which offers a very brief chronology of significant movie and television opening title sequences. I suggest watching the video before going through the cheat sheet (in the video description) that lists all of the movies featured. See how many you recognize and can name; some of the later ones aren't immediately obvious.