Thursday 31 May 2012

Life Just Is to World Premiere at Edinburgh International Film Festival 2012.

This is precisely the sort of small, quiet film that festivals lust to discover” – Robert Koehler

London, 30th May 2012 – LIFE JUST IS, debut feature by writer-director Alex Barrett, with Screen International Star of Tomorrow Jack Gordon (PANIC BUTTON, FISH TANK) and a comeback performance by TV star Paul Nicholls, will have its official World Premiere at the 66th edition of the Edinburgh International Film Festival. The news was revealed earlier this morning when the festival unveiled the full lineup for its 2012 programme. The film will be released in the UK & Ireland in Autumn 2012 by Independent Distribution.


The film is screening as part of the Michael Powell Award Competition section, and will play at the following times/venues:
  • Thursday 21 June 10:45 Cineworld 3 (Press & Industry Screening)
  • Saturday 23 June 15:15 Cineworld 3 (Public Screening with QA)
  • Wednesday 27 June 21:00 Cameo 1 (Public Screening)
  • Friday 29 June 13:00 Cameo 1 (Press & Industry Screening)
The film's writer-director Alex Barrett will be attending the festival from 20th-30th June, as will stars Jack Gordon (22nd-25th), Nathaniel Martello-White (22nd-25th) and Fiona Ryan (22nd-24th). Also attending are Producer Tom Stuart (21st-24th), Executive Producer Christine Hartland (22nd-24th), Editor Murat Kebir (21st-27th), Sound Designer Jason Creasey (22nd-24th), 1st A.D. Alice Caronna (22nd-27th), Assistant Producer Roland Holmes (28th-30th) and Production Designer Niina Topp (20th-25th). The cast and crew will be happy to answer questions and be interviewed during their time at the festival.

Commenting on the news, writer-director Alex Barrett has stated: 'I am absolutely thrilled that we have been given the chance to premiere the film at a festival as respected and as prestigious as Edinburgh'. The festival previously screened Barrett's short film HUNGERFORD: SYMPHONY OF A LONDON BRIDGE in 2009.
LIFE JUST IS tells the story of a tight-knit group of Londoners who share neighbouring flats after recently graduating from university. As the five friends navigate the responsibilities of adult life, romantic tensions and existential crises simmer beneath the surface. The film offers a fresh take on the independent character drama with an outstanding group of young British and Irish talent. After its first London press and industry screening, critics praised the realistic and natural performances by cast members Jayne Wisener (JANE EYRE, SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET, TV Series THE INBETWEENERS & MISFITS), Fiona Ryan (AIRBORNE, TV Series THE TUDORS), Nathaniel Martello-White (HARD BOILED SWEETS, MISFITS) and Will De Meo. UK TV star Paul Nicholls (FAINTHEART, GOODBYE CHARLIE BRIGHT, TV Series EastEnders, CITY CENTRAL) returns to the big screen playing Bobby.
Tickets for the film's two public screenings go on sale at 12:00 on 30th May for Filmhouse Members, and at 10:00 on 31st May for non-members. To book tickets please call 0131 228 2688 or visit www.edfilmfest.org.uk. Tickets are also available in person at the Filmhouse Box Office.

For further information about LIFE JUST IS please visit www.lifejustisfilm.com

Wednesday 30 May 2012

Stoke Newington Literary Festival

This 1st-3rd June, the Stoke Newington Literary Festival provides a refreshing alternative to the union jack teapots and misty-eyed monarchy-lovers.

For centuries Stoke Newington has been at the heart of the UK’s radical thinking and rabble-rousing. It has been the home to international icons of dissent and revolutionary writing including Mary Wollstonecraft, Malcolm McClaren, Daniel Defoe and Edgar Allen Poe. This year’s urban alternative to Hay sees it keeping true to it counter-cultural roots with debates about our post-riot communities, media reform and the future of the book.

The eclectic line-up features ‘punk poet’ John Cooper Clarke as its headliner on Saturday 2nd June, plus Jackie Kay, Nick Cohen, Wilko Johnson, George Alagiah, Suzanne Moore, Mark Billingham, Danny Wallace, Josie Long, Robin Ince and The Gruffalo, to name but a few of the star turns that will be appearing at venues across N16 over the festival weekend.

Hollywood screenwriter (and Stoke Newington resident) Tony Grisoni will be screening and discussing ‘Kingsland’, his short film which is cast and filmed locally and which features a perspective of the area that most people never see.

The School of Life are holding three events on Saturday which offer to show you how to change your life in radical ways - specifically looking at how to find fulfilling work with Roman Krznaric, change the world with John-Paul Flintoff and sort out your sex life with author of The New Joy of Sex, Susan Quilliam.

Hackney commentator par excellence Iain Sinclair sits in with noted London novelist China MiƩville and urban explorer Laura Oldfield Ford (Savage Messiah). Ken Worple presides to discuss the Olympic Legacy.

Indie music fans are spoilt for choice again this year, as Stoke Newington Library’s very own Richard Boon (aka The World’s Coolest Librarian: he used to manage The Buzzcocks and is generally credited with ‘inventing’ indie music as we know it) pulls together a star line-up including David Quantick, James Brown, Paul Morley, Richard King and Pat Long for his Juke Box Fury and Indie Music events.

Our kids’ festival features a visit from The Gruffalo as well as family events in which kids can learn to write their own stories or draw their own comics. Additionally, the festival is going into 3 local schools on Friday 1st June, ensuring that as many kids as possible get to meet an author.

Festival director Liz Vater says: “We’re already being billed as one of the most exciting literary festivals in the UK, which is a huge honour considering we’re only in our third year.  We set up to raise money for literacy initiatives within Hackney and already have some exciting projects in development. It’s going to be a fabulous weekend with loads to see and do, for the whole family.

With some free events, and most tickets between £3-£8, it’s a great way of getting some brain food as well as having a fun-filled weekend without leaving the capital.

Just like Hay-on-Wye. But in Hackney.Time Out

E.T. on Blu-ray

In Celebration of Universal Studios’ 100th Anniversary, One of the Most Beloved Films of All Time Comes to Blu-ray™ for the First Time Ever Steven Spielberg’s Unforgettable Adventure Debuts in A Digitally Remastered 30th anniversary Edition Available On Blu-ray™ And Special Edition Blu-ray Steelbook From 12th November 2012

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, Academy Award®-winning director Steven Spielberg’s magical adventure, celebrates its 30th Anniversary with its first-ever release on Blu-ray™ on 12th November 2012. Featuring an all-new, digitally remastered picture that delivers six times the resolution of DVD, as well as all-new 7.1 surround sound, the E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Anniversary Edition Blu-ray™ and Steelbook features the 1982 theatrical movie, and all-new interview with director Steven Spielberg and “The E.T. Journals” which features an hour of never-before-seen footage from the set of the film. The Blu-ray™ and Steelbook also includes a Digital Copy and UltraViolet™ copy of the film, offering fans a chance to relive the mystery, laughter and wonder of the iconic movie anytime, anywhere on the platform of their choice.

In 1982, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial became the biggest blockbuster of the year, debuting at No1. around the world. Even today, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial remains one of the most successful and well-loved films of all time. Nominated for nine Academy Awards® including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Writing and Best Screenplay, the film took home four statuettes for Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Effects Editing, Best Sound and Best Music for John Williams’ (Jaws) memorable score. The unforgettable cast includes the adorable Drew Barrymore (He’s Just Not That Into You, Charlie’s Angels), Henry Thomas (Dear John, Legends of the Fall), Dee Wallace (10, “Sons and Daughters”) and Peter Coyote (“Law & Order: LA” Jagged Edge).

When E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial premiered in 1982, it captured the imaginations of people young, old and everyone in between in a way that was unparalleled in modern movie history,” said Craig Kornblau, President of Universal Studios Home Entertainment. “A global cultural phenomenon – and the biggest box-office blockbuster of its day – E.T. brought out the child in all of us. We are thrilled audiences will now be able to experience the film in the astounding quality of Blu-ray™.



Find out more on facebook 
BONUS FEATURES ON THE E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL ANNIVERSARY EDITION BLU-RAY™:
  • The E.T. Journals: In this all-new bonus feature, retrace the day-to-day experience of creating E.T from never-before-seen, behind-the-scenes footage shot by Academy Award®-winning cinematographer John Toll. This piece will give viewers a unique feeling of being on-set and living the excitement of what it was like to make E.T.
  • Steven Spielberg & E.T.: Watch an all-new interview with Steven Spielberg, as he reflects back on the film and discusses his experience working with children as well as his overall and current perspective on E.T.
  • Deleted Scenes
  • A Look Back: A special insider’s look into the making of E.T. featuring interviews with Steven Spielberg, the cast, and others intimately involved with the film.
  • The E.T. Reunion: The cast and filmmaker reunite to discuss their thoughts on the impact of the film.
  • The Evolution and Creation of E.T.: From idea to screenplay, through casting and making the film.
  • The Music of E.T.: A Discussion with John Williams: Interviews and footage of the long-standing relationship between John Williams and Steven Spielberg.
  • The 20th Anniversary Premiere: Composer John Williams played the score of E.T. live at the Shrine Auditorium for the re-release premiere of E.T. This featurette gives us a behind the scenes look at this presentation.
  • Original Theatrical Trailer
  • UltraViolet™: The revolutionary new way for consumers to collect movies and TV shows, store them in the cloud, and instantly stream and download to computers, tablets and smartphones. Consumers can now truly enjoy their movies anytime, anywhere on the platform of their choice. Currently available in the United States only.

When an imaginative boy meets a lost alien, it is the beginning of one of cinema’s most endearing friendships, as Elliot (Henry Thomas) helps the marvellous creature he calls E.T. find his way back home before government agents can capture him.

FILMMAKERS
  • Cast: Dee Wallace, Peter Coyote, Drew Barrymore, Henry Thomas
  • Directed By: Steven Spielberg
  • Written By: Melissa Mathison
  • Produced By: Steven Spielberg & Kathleen Kennedy
  • Edited By: Carol Littleton
  • Director of Photography: Allen Daviau
  • Production Designer: James D. Bissell
  • Music By: John Williams
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
BLU-RAY™
  • Street Date: 12th November 2012
  • Copyright: 2012 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
  • Selection Numbers:
  • Standard: 50505-8290938-8 / Steelbook: 50505-8290937-1
  • Running Time: 114:27
  • Layers: Dual
  • Aspect Ratio: 1:85
  • Rating: PG
  • Technical Info: English Dolby Digital 7.1 and 2.0, Spanish and French Dolby 5.1
  • Subtitles: English SDH, French and Spanish
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
DVD
  • Street Date: 20th Anniversary edition available now
  • Copyright: 2012 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
  • Selection Numbers: 50505-8290939-5
  • Running Time: 114:27
  • Rating: PG
  • Technical Info: English Dolby Digital 7.1 and 2.0, Spanish and French Dolby 5.1
  • Subtitles: English SDH, French and Spanish

Do The Sid Shuffle

It's been quite busy on the Ice Age Front over the last couple of days. With a new poster and trailer hitting my in box. Now it's a piece about how to do the Sid Shuffle with some very special help.

One of filmdom’s most beloved trios – “Ice Age’s” Manny, Diego, and Sid – embark upon their greatest adventure after cataclysm sets an entire continent adrift. Separated from the rest of the herd, they use an iceberg as a makeshift ship, which launches them on an epic seafaring quest.

Manny and the gang are challenged like never before to become heroes and do the impossible, as they encounter exotic sea creatures, explore a brave new world, and battle ruthless pirates. Scrat’s reunion with his beloved but cursed acorn catapults him to places no prehistoric squirrel has gone before.
Hitting UK cinema screena July 6, 2012 from Twentieth Century Fox.

EIFF 2012 RAISES THE CURTAIN ON 121 NEW FEATURES INCLUDING 19 WORLD PREMIERES

Edinburgh, Scotland – 30 May 2012... At a press conference at Filmhouse in Edinburgh this morning, Artistic Director Chris Fujiwara announced details of his inaugural programme for the 66th edition of the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF). This year the Festival, which runs from 20 June to 1 July, will host nineteen World premieres and thirteen International premieres.

The Festival will showcase one hundred and twenty-one new features from fifty-two countries, including eleven European premieres and seventy-six UK premieres in addition to the World and International premieres. Highlights include the World premieres of Richard Ledes’ FRED; Nathan Silver’s EXIT ELENA and Benjamin Pascoe’s LEAVE IT ON THE TRACK and European premieres of Lu Sheng’s HERE, THERE and Yang Jung-ho’s MIRAGE in the maiden New Perspectives section; and the International premiere of Benicio Del Toro, Pablo Trapero, Julio Medem, Elia Suleiman, Gaspar NoĆ©, Juan Carlos Tabio and Laurent Cantet’s 7 DAYS IN HAVANA and the European premiere of Bobcat Goldthwait’s GOD BLESS AMERICA in the Directors’ Showcase. In addition to the new features presented, the Festival will also host twenty-nine older titles in Retrospectives and Special Screenings, bringing the total number of feature films to one hundred and fifty across the twelve-day event.

British films competing for the Michael Powell Award will include, for the first time, documentaries contending alongside narrative films. Among them are seven World premieres: Peter Strickland’s BERBERIAN SOUND STUDIO; DAY OF THE FLOWERS by John Roberts; Katarzyna Klimkiewicz’s FLYING BLIND; Maja Borg’s FUTURE MY LOVE; Alex Barrett’s LIFE JUST IS; ONE MILE AWAY by Penny Woolcock and PUSHER by Luis Prieto. The Michael Powell Award contenders, which also include Bart Layton’s THE IMPOSTER; SHADOW DANCER by James Marsh and Martin Wallace’s SMALL CREATURES, also compete for the Award for Best Performance in a British Feature Film.

The International Feature Competition, supported by Innis and Gunn, hosts a selection of outstanding new films from around the world and includes the World premieres of Mao Mao’s

HERE, THEN and Alexandre O Philippe’s return to EIFF with THE LIFE AND TIMES OF PAUL THE PSYCHIC OCTOPUS. The International Feature Competition includes, for the first time, documentary films alongside narrative films. International premieres competing for the award are Jang Kun-jae’s SLEEPLESS NIGHT and Dan Sallitt’s THE UNSPEAKABLE ACT; while other titles include ONE.TWO.ONE by Mania Akbari; Oskar Alegria’s THE SEARCH FOR EMAK BAKIA; Yeon Sang-ho’s THE KING OF PIGS; David Zellner’s KID-THING; Maite Alberdi’s THE LIFEGUARD and TABU by Miguel Gomes. Two films are by co-directing couples: Clarissa Campolina and HelvĆ©cio Marins Jr’s GIRIMUNHO and Anka Sasnal and Wilhelm Sasnal’s IT LOOKS PRETTY FROM A DISTANCE. GastĆ³n Solnicki’s PAPIROSEN and A WOMAN’S REVENGE by Rita Azevedo Gomes round out the International Feature Competition.

Focusing on two masters of their art, Spotlight on Shinya Tsukamoto and Spotlight on Wang Bing bring together a collection of their films, including Japanese cult director Tsukamoto’s latest project KOTOKO, and culminating in a Masterclass with Wang Bing, who will discuss his extraordinary documentary filmmaking career. Accompanying their respective films, ¡VIVAN LAS ANTIPODAS! and CALIFORNIA SOLO, director Victor Kossakovsky and actor Robert Carlyle, EIFF Patron, will also have on-stage In-Person events, with Victor Kossakovsky presenting a Masterclass, while Robert Carlyle is the subject of 2012’s In Person: BAFTA Scotland Interview.

EIFF Artistic Director Chris Fujiwara commented: “Our programme reflects the exceptionally vibrant state of current cinema. Our audiences will be able to explore a wide range of outstanding films from around the world, including work by established masters and films from new and emerging talents. There are also some no less exciting discoveries to be made this year in our Retrospectives. Altogether it’s a rich and diverse programme that tells, I believe, a fascinating story about where cinema is today, what it can learn from the past, and where it is going in the future.”

Jules Bishop’s BORROWED TIME, Steve Rainbow’s NFA and Scott Graham’s SHELL are the three World premieres in the new British Scenes section, where it is joined by Bryn Higgins’ UNCONDITIONAL, in a strand introducing films from the UK that are made by new filmmakers, that try out non-traditional funding models or that venture into unusual thematic areas. WHAT IS THIS FILM CALLED LOVE? by Mark Cousins receives its World premiere alongside Nicholas Ray’s WE CAN’T GO HOME AGAIN and Susan Ray’s accompanying DON’T EXPECT TOO MUCH in the new Films on Film section.

The late-night Night Moves strand sees the World premiere of Ian Clark’s GUINEA PIGS and the European premiere of Jon Wright’s GRABBERS, both from the UK, and other titles include EDDIE – THE SLEEPWALKING CANNIBAL by Boris Rodriguez; Eric Wareheim and Tim Heidecker’s TIM AND ERIC’S BILLION DOLLAR MOVIE; the multi-directed V/H/S; Quentin Dupieux’s WRONG and Magnus Martens’ JACKPOT, based on a story by Jo Nesbo.

Highlighting EIFF’s global curatorial expanse, the Philippine New Wave examines the creativity of young independent Filipino filmmakers, and includes the World premieres of Emerson Reyes’ MNL 143 and PHILIPPINE NEW WAVE: THIS IS NOT A FILM MOVEMENT by Khavn De La Cruz among the twelve strong section. A special Focus on Denmark features Mads BrĆ¼gger’s THE AMBASSADOR; Nicole N Horanyi and Heidi Kim Andersen’s AU PAIR; and SIBLINGS – FOR BETTER OF WORSE by Max Kestner, Mikala Krough, Laila Hodell and Aage Rais-Nordentoft. Showcasing the vitality of filmmaking in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay, Looking South brings together a collection of films including Juan Ignacio DomƬnguez’s RIDING ZORRO; MƚSICA CAMPESINA [COUNTRY MUSIC] by Alberto Fuguet; and Ana Katz’s LOS MARZIANO.

The Directors’ Showcase, presenting work from the established auteurs of our time, includes Denis CĆ“tĆ©’s BESTIAIRE; Johnnie To’s LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE; Peter Chan’s DRAGON; Asoka Handagama’s HIM, HERE AFTER; Gakuryu Ishii’s ISN’T ANYONE ALIVE?; RENT-A-CAT by Naoko Ogigami and THE REST OF THE WORLD by Damien Odoul. New Perspectives, boasting 40 titles, presents a global array of work by emerging directors also including Tetsuaki Matsue’s TOKYO DRIFTER, DJ Chen’s YOUNG DUDES, Patrik Eklund’s FLICKER, Gabe Torres’ BRAKE, Petros Sevastikoglou’s ATTRACTIVE ILLUSION and NUCLEAR NATION by Atsushi Funahashi.

EIFF’s animation tradition continues with THE 99 UNBOUND by Dave Osborne and a Special Screening of Chris Renaud and Kyle Balda’s 3D version of DR SEUSS’ THE LORAX. In addition to the animated films and shorts at the Festival, EIFF continues to showcase the best of Scottish, UK and international shorts in a series of programmes which include Romola Garai’s directorial dĆ©but SCRUBBER; FUNTIMES by Joe Carter and REVOLUTIONARY MEMORIES OF BAHMAN WHO LOVED LEILA by Sarahnaz Sharifi. The experimental Black Box section also presents a series of shorts programmes from innovators of the visual art world, as well as Abigail Child’s feature-length THE SUBURBAN TRILOGY. The world of art is also

represented by four free exhibitions and events across Edinburgh, through collaborations with Collective, Stills, Inspace and the Ingleby Gallery in Beyond EIFF.

Special Screenings and Festival Events throughout EIFF include the new digital restoration of LAWRENCE OF ARABIA, marking the 50th anniversary of this masterpiece. The process of restoring the classic will be discussed by multi-Oscar®-winning editor Thelma Schoonmaker and Grover Crisp of Sony Pictures Entertainment at the panel event FILM RESTORATION IN THE DIGITAL AGE. Returning due to popular demand will be the SURPRISE MOVIE and AWARDS CEREMONY, as well as ESSENTIAL EDINBURGH & EIFF – UNDER THE STARS 2012, a prelude to EIFF the weekend before the Festival kicks off, when family-friendly films will get an airing in St Andrew Square Garden.

2012’s previously announced Shinji Somai Retrospective section, presenting the world of a neglected master of Japanese cinema, will be joined by a second Retrospective exploring the creations of screen comedy genius Gregory La Cava including: MY MAN GODFREY (1936), two films starring Claudette Colbert, PRIVATE WORLDS (1935) and SHE MARRIED HER BOSS (1935), and the rarely seen masterpiece UNFINISHED BUSINESS (1941). EIFF will screen six of La Cava’s films, and the Retrospective will continue at Filmhouse throughout July, with a further six films.

Special Screenings also include Penny Woolcock’s ONE DAY, Margaret Tait’s BLUE BLACK PERMANENT, Harmony Korine, Aleksei Fedorchenko and Jan Kwiecinski’s THE FOURTH DIMENSION and the previously announced World premiere of the London 2012 Festival-commissioned films by Lynne Ramsay, Mike Leigh, Asif Kapadia and Max Giwa and Dania Pasquini.

Other Special Events include MIDNIGHT SUN, accompanying a screening of the original Norwegian INSOMNIA, directed by Erik SkjoldbjƦrg, which will give audience members an experience of the late light northern sky to celebrate summer solstice; while THE BROCKAS IN FILM CONCERT will present Philippine art-rock improvisers The Brockas performing their first Edinburgh gig against the backdrop of GENGHIS KHAN, a Philippine film that originally screened at EIFF in 1952. An annual series of lectures looking at the history of cinema in Scotland has its inaugural year with THE EDINBURGH FILM GUILD FORSYTH HARDY LECTURE, presenting a fully illustrated account of the beginning of EIFF followed by a complete screening of Humphrey Jennings’ rarely seen THE CUMBERLAND STORY, the first film shown at EIFF 1947.

To help guide audiences in their exploration, for the first time this year EIFF is introducing Pathways. Each Pathway is a group of films, selected from across the different strands of the EIFF programme, that are linked by common themes or that appeal to particular tastes. Pathways include Teenage Kicks (films for 15-year-olds and upwards); Played for Laughs (films for comedy lovers); Relationships (films on love, couples and relationships) and Community & Conflict (films on themes of power, responsibility and history).

As previously announced, the 66th Edinburgh International Film Festival opens with William Friedkin’s KILLER JOE and the Closing Gala will be the European premiere of Disney/Pixar’s BRAVE.

The Edinburgh International Film Festival 20 June - 1 July 2012
EIFF Box Office opens on 31 May 

World Premieres:
  • BERBERIAN SOUND STUDIO
  • BORROWED TIME
  • DAY OF THE FLOWERS
  • EXIT ELENA
  • FLYING BLIND
  • FRED
  • FUTURE MY LOVE
  • GUINEA PIGS
  • HERE, THEN
  • LEAVE IT ON THE TRACK
  • THE LIFE AND TIMES OF PAUL THE PSYCHIC OCTOPUS
  • LIFE JUST IS
  • MNL 143
  • NFA
  • ONE MILE AWAY
  • PHILIPPINE NEW WAVE: THIS IS NOT A FILM MOVEMENT
  • PUSHER
  • SHELL
  • WHAT IS THIS FILM CALLED LOVE?
International Premieres:
  • 7 DAYS IN HAVANA
  • ATTRACTIVE ILLUSION
  • CALIFORNIA SOLO
  • EVELYN
  • FLICKER
  • FOREVER LOVED
  • OF SKIES AND EARTH
  • RIDING ZORRO
  • SLEEPLESS NIGHT
  • THE SUBURBAN TRILOGY
  • SUN DON’T SHINE
  • TONDO, BELOVED: TO WHAT ARE THE POOR BORN?
  • THE UNSPEAKABLE ACT
European Premieres:
  • THE 99 UNBOUND
  • BRAVE
  • GOD BLESS AMERICA
  • GRABBERS
  • HERE, THERE
  • THE IMPOSTER
  • MIRAGE
  • ONE.TWO.ONE
  • THE SEARCH FOR EMAK BAKIA
  • TOKYO DRIFTER
  • YOUNG DUDES

Royalty in Film

A Royal Affair is an extraordinary true story of aristocratic intrigue and political change. The stunning Danish film is based on events caused by the controversial affair between the English-born Queen of Denmark, Caroline Mathilde and Johan Struensee, the physician appointed to treat King Christian VII’s bouts of madness.

To celebrate the release of Nikolaj Arcel’s A Royal Affair – in cinemas June 15th – and to honour the Queen’s upcoming Diamond Jubilee, here is our ranking of films featuring sovereigns with a story…

Lady Jane - 1986
Often an overlooked Tudor royal, the story of Lady Jane Grey’s succession to the throne is fraught with drama from the moment King Henry VIII’s death is announced. The expansive British Empire is in chaos due to the uncertainty of a suitable successor and a scheming minister. Seeing an opportunity to rise in social standing, marries off his son Guildford Dudley to Lady Jane Grey who is then mysteriously placed on the throne. The newlyweds fall in love but Jane’s naivety soon leads to parliamentary conflict and the threat of the guillotine.

Henry V- 1989
In this gritty adaption of William Shakespeare’s celebrated play, the English King embarks on a bloody conquest of France. Along the way, the young royal must struggle with the sinking morale of his troops and his own internal doubts as the war culminates in the famed Battle of Agincourt.

La Reine Margot - 1994
Catherine de MĆ©dicis, the power behind her immature son King Charles IX, arranges an apparently peace-making marriage between her Catholic daughter Margot and the Protestant Henri de Navarre. As rumour, murder and adulterous relationships multiply in the Court; a strange but strong loyalty emerges between the seemingly ill-matched couple.

Madness of King George -1994
This film follows the elder brother of Caroline Mathilde, King George III. It marks the distressing story of his descent into insanity and the political back stabbing which resulted from his incapacitation. Despite being somewhat amusing at times, this is largely a sad tale of 18th century medical practices and an insight into life inside and around the royalty of the time.

Elizabeth - 1998
Cate Blanchett shines in her portrayal of “The Virgin Queen” in both Elizabeth and Elizabeth: The Golden Age. The first of the two films tells the tale of Elizabeth’s rise to the throne; the protestant queen finds herself surrounded by advisors, some supportive but some plotting to restore the Catholic line by almost any means. Still at a relatively young age, Elizabeth learns how to gain the trust of her people and those around her whilst attaining the knowledge that made her expansive reign a revolutionary one.

The Queen – 2006
A heartfelt story documenting the aftermath of Princess Diana’s death in 1997. As the Queen resolutely adheres to years of tradition, a newly voted-in Tony Blair attempts to convince Her Majesty that times have changed and the British public desperately need a response to the tragedy and an act of respect from their sovereign. Starring Helen Mirren in the titular role that won her an Academy Award, The Queen is a fascinating, if fictional, insight into the goings-on in the modern day Royal Family.

The Other Boleyn Girl - 2008
A sumptuous tale of family, romance and betrayal told during the early reign of King Henry VIII. Two beautiful sisters, Anne and Mary Boleyn, driven by their family's blind ambition, compete for the love of the handsome and passionate Henry. The King’s constantly changing preference in women and his determination to produce an heir leaves the Boleyn family in tragedy and the kingdom in turmoil.

Young Victoria - 2009
A newly-crowned Queen Victoria stands up against the constant manipulation within her court and the over-protection of her advisers. She follows her heart into the arms of true love Prince Albert, who helps her change policies that she is passionate about, and gives her the strength to reign successfully during the fast-paced industrial revolution.

The Kings Speech - 2010
After his brother’s scandalous abdication, George ('Bertie') reluctantly assumes the throne. Plagued by a dreaded stammer and considered unfit to be king, Bertie engages the help of an unorthodox speech therapist named Lionel Logue. Through a set of unexpected techniques, and as a result of an unlikely friendship, Bertie is able to find his voice and boldly lead the country through war.

A Royal Affair - 2012
A Royal Affair transports you to 18th Century Denmark and the marriage between a young British Royal (Caroline Mathilde) and the insane Danish King, Christian VII. When the unfulfilled Caroline embarks on a forbidden affair with the king’s physician Johan Struensee, their passion for Enlightenment changes the path of Denmark’s history forever and starts a revolution that inspires generations.

A Royal Affair is in cinemas nationwide from June 15, 2012

Find out more at www.lovefilm.com/micro/aroyalaffair

Tuesday 29 May 2012

Ice Age 4, the new poster

Fox has just released a new poster for the upcoming 4th installment of the Ice Age series.This time we just don't get the characters that we have come to love but some of the new ones for this film.


One of filmdom’s most beloved trios – “Ice Age’s” Manny, Diego, and Sid – embark upon their greatest adventure after cataclysm sets an entire continent adrift. Separated from the rest of the herd, they use an iceberg as a makeshift ship, which launches them on an epic seafaring quest.

Manny and the gang are challenged like never before to become heroes and do the impossible, as they encounter exotic sea creatures, explore a brave new world, and battle ruthless pirates. Scrat’s reunion with his beloved but cursed acorn catapults him to places no prehistoric squirrel has gone before.
Hitting UK cinema screena July 6, 2012 from Twentieth Century Fox.

Win W.E. on DVD

Win Stuff - Click Here
In celebration of the upcoming release of Madonna's W.E. coming out on DVD and Blu-ray, Studiocanal has given you a change to win the DVD and soundtrack.

All you need to do is head over here and enter the competition

Ravishing, sumptuous and utterly stylish” - GRAZIA
A bold, original retelling of a compelling story” - HEAT
Bold and confident” - THE TELEGRAPH
Riseborough is award-winning brilliant as Wallis” - INSTYLE

Directed by Madonna
Starring Andrea Riseborough, Abbie Cornish, James D’Arcy and Natalie Dormer
Out To Own On DVD, Blu-ray & EST June 4th, 2012

W.E. is a beautifully crafted, passionate tale charting one of the greatest royal love stories of the modern age; the enduring relationship between twice divorced American Wallis Simpson (Andrea Riseborough, Brighton Rock, Made in Dagenham) and King Edward VIII, (James D’Arcy, Master and Commander and the forthcoming Hitchcock) and the toll taken on Wallis as she comprehends the magnitude of the sacrifice that has been made for her. Viewed through the eyes of a modern day New Yorker, Wally Winthrop (Abbie Cornish, Sucker Punch, Somersault) W.E begins in 1998, and Manhattan is abuzz with anticipation about the upcoming auction of the estate of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.  But the auction is far more than a diversion for Wally, trapped in an unhappy and abusive marriage. Transfixed by the exquisite artefacts of the Windsors' lives, she becomes obsessed with their love story and in particular the chic, charismatic Wallis and what it took to capture the heart of a King. As she learns more about what Wallis gave up in choosing to be with Edward, Wally in turn starts to find the courage to follow her own heart and create her own happiness. 

Directed by Madonna, the film is co-written by Madonna and Alek Keshishian and produced by Madonna and Kris Thykier (The Debt, Kick-Ass).  The highly acclaimed and award winning production team include Director of Photography, Hagen Bogdanski (The Lives of Others, The Young Victoria), Production Designer, Martin Childs (London Boulevard, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas), Costume Designer, Arianne Phillips (Walk the Line, A Single Man) who was Academy Award nominated for her sumptuous work on the film, and Hair and Make Up Designer, Jenny Shircore (Elizabeth: The Golden Age, Clash of the Titans).


DVD & Blu-ray Extras:

The Making of “W.E”
UK Premiere Red Carpet featurette
Interview with Andrea Riseborough and James D’Arcy
Image gallery
Trailer and TV spots

Tech Specs:

DVD: Cert: 15 / Feature Running Time: 119 min approx / Region 2 / Feature Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 / Colour PAL / Audio: 5.1 Dolby Digital & Stereo 2.0 / English language / Cat No: OPTD2318 / RRP: £17.99

BLU-RAY: Cert: 15 / Feature Running Time: 119 min approx / Region B / Feature Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 / Colour PAL / Audio: 5.1 DTS HD Master & Stereo 2.0 LPCM / English language / Cat No: OPTBD2318 / RRP: £22.99

Monday 28 May 2012

New Ice age trailer

A new TV spot has just hit my inbox. Not only do we see more of the kids, but more of the evil pirates...

One of filmdom’s most beloved trios – “Ice Age’s” Manny, Diego, and Sid – embark upon their greatest adventure after cataclysm sets an entire continent adrift. Separated from the rest of the herd, they use an iceberg as a makeshift ship, which launches them on an epic seafaring quest.

Manny and the gang are challenged like never before to become heroes and do the impossible, as they encounter exotic sea creatures, explore a brave new world, and battle ruthless pirates. Scrat’s reunion with his beloved but cursed acorn catapults him to places no prehistoric squirrel has gone before.
Hitting UK cinema screena July 6, 2012 from Twentieth Century Fox.

Oh Moe...

The first International trailer for the upcoming Three Stooges film has hit. Normally I would expect trailers to show, if it's a comedy, something funny and not just people being hit over the head with things. A moderate success in the US but I do feel that after watching the trailer people will avoid the film - on the other hand if you like films from the Farrelly Brothers then you will enjoy the film, maybe.

Left on a doorstep of an orphanage run by nuns, new-borns Larry, Curly and Moe waste no time finger-poking, nyuk-nyuking and woo-woo-wooing their way into trouble. Years later, and with the orphanage forced to close its doors, the three grown Stooges embark on a mission to save their former home.
The Three Stooges is released on August 22, 2012.

Friday 25 May 2012

Fancy yourself as a rock star?

Do you think you have what it takes to be the ultimate Air Guitar legend?
 

The official UK Rock of Ages movie Facebook page has launched the International Air Guitar championship and is challenging users to upload their best air guitar rendition of “I Love Rock and Roll” for the chance to win tickets to the European premiere of the Rock of Ages movie on 10th June AND a chance to perform air guitar on stage at the event alongside winners from across Europe.
Rock of Ages tells the story of small town girl Sherrie and city boy Drew, who meet on the Sunset Strip while pursuing their Hollywood dreams. Their rock 'n' roll romance is told through the heart-pounding hits of Def Leppard, Joan Jett, Journey, Foreigner, Bon Jovi, Night Ranger, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Whitesnake, and more.
The movie musical stars Julianne Hough with actor/singer Diego Boneta in his feature film debut, Russell Brand, R&B queen Mary J. Blige, Malin Akerman, multiple Emmy® winner Bryan Cranston and Academy Award® winner Catherine Zeta-Jones ("Chicago"), with Oscar® nominees Paul Giamatti, Alec Baldwin and Tom Cruise as you have never seen him before!

Are you ready to rock? Well get yourself over to the UK Facebook page for your chance to win big!

Rock of Ages is in cinemas nationwide from 13th June

Abraham Lincoln gets covered in blood

We have seen quite a lot from this film over the last couple of months. This time Fox has sent over a new poster and a bloodthirsty "redband trailer" - so be careful when you watch it as there is a lot of blood and decapitation in it.

Visionary filmmakers Tim Burton (producer) and Timur Bekmambetov (director) present an original take on the United States’ 16th president and bring a fresh voice to the bloodthirsty lore of the vampire.

Lincoln's mother died when he was just nine, but the young boy didn't immediately learn the truth behind her death. Once he found out vampires were responsible, Lincoln did everything he could to avenge his mother's death, dedicating his life to putting an end to all bloodsuckers.
Ripping into UK cinemas August 2, 2012

The Reed.co.uk Short Film Competition finalists

On Wednesday 30th May, Episodes star Stephen Mangan will host the finals for the third Reed.co.uk Short Film Competition at The Hospital Club.

Year on year the competition attracts a high calibre of film makers vying for the Grand Prix of £10,000 and the opportunity it brings to further their career in film.  With over 500 entries received this year, 12 finalists have been selected to go before the judging panel on Wednesday night to decide the winner.   This year’s entries include performances from Nick Moran (Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows), Montserrat Lombard (Ashes to Ashes), Olivia Poulet (In The Thick Of It) and Eggsy from Goldie Lookin’ Chain. The panel of six industry judges include award winning director Paul Weiland, Universal’s Diane Kelly and The Reel’s Jamie Madge

Reed Managing Director says,"The contest this year has been extraordinary, attracting films of an extremely high standard. The shortlist showcases some incredible talent and our hope is that this competition will give a real boost to the careers of some of the individuals who've taken part." 

Reed.co.uk Short Film Competition was established in 2010 to give aspiring film makers a platform to have their work seen by the industry and the opportunity to further their career in film.  In addition to the Grand Prix, the competition also awards prizes for the Judges Commendation, The People’s Choice Award and Best Animation for which 3 finalists have been selected. 

Oscar Sharp won the first competition with Sign Language and is currently working with Olivia Colman (Tyrannosaur, The Iron Lady) and Shaun Dooley (The Woman in Black) on his latest film.  Last year’s winner Ben Ridolfi is currently developing his first feature. 

Following last year’s competition, shortlisted filmmakers from the first two competitions were invited to create a TV ad for reed.co.uk, six of which were selected and put before a public vote.  The winning entry, Super Reed, by Jonathan Brooks, Mat Laroche and comedy trio The Wogans, aired on major television networks in the UK earlier this year.

Reed.co.uk Short Film Competition Finals
  • The Hospital Club
  • Champagne Reception:  7:30pm
  • Awards Commence:  8:15pm
Find out more at http://www.reed.co.uk/film/

The Finalists
  • Boss Boot Camp
  • Director: Paul Cook
  • Starring: N/A
  • The Boss
  • Director: Alex Emslie
  • Starring: N/A
  • The Devils Apricot
  • Director: Jonathan Brooks
  • Starring: John Rutledge, Mark Davison, Charlotte Hunter
  • Disconnected
  • Director: Tom Edkins
  • Starring: N/A
  • Gaffer
  • Director: Alex Hinx
  • Starring: N/A
  • Going Up
  • Director: Francis Annan
  • Starring: Martin Collins, Adam Loxley
  • Man Up
  • Director: Carolina Giammetta
  • Starring: Nick Moran, Nicholas Khan, Callam Dixon, Danielle Lydon
  • Mourning Rules
  • Director: Daniel Castella
  • Starring: Olivia Poulet, Montserrat Lombard, Joseph Millson
  • Moynihan and the Boss
  • Director: Mat Laroche
  • Starring: Justin Richards, Mat Laroche,
  • My First Time
  • Director: Steve Lennon
  • Starring: Shane Durrant
  • Spider and Fly: Private Eye
  • Director: Oliver Smith
  • Starring: N/A
  • The Wireless
  • Director: Mark Fitzsimons
  • Starring: Ciaran Murphy, Nickie Dunphy, Nathan Twigg

Juan hits DVD

After a short run at UK cinemas, Cuba's first, full length, horror film is coming soon to DVD. Now with that out of the way, I have been sent over a nice new clip from the film to keep you amused as well as the cover for the DVD.

The clip is very reminiscent of the scene in Shaun of the Dead where Shaun goes to the corner shop for his cornetto.


Following in the witty and gory footsteps of Shaun of the Dead, comes Cuba’s first full-length horror film, JUAN OF THE DEAD!

JUAN OF THE DEAD tells the blood-drenched tale of a slacker who decides to save Cuba from an invasion of cannibalistic zombies. As the zombies turn Havana into a gory circus of flying limbs and severed heads, the nightly news anchors continue to calmly assert the government line, that the attacks are not the work of the undead but dissidents in the pay of the United States. Scattered with allusions to traumatic moments in Cuba’s recent history, this is a zombie film with real satirical bite.
Juan of the Dead is available on DVD from June 4th.

Thursday 24 May 2012

Who are you going to vote for?

Voting is about to start on The Campaign.  so sit back and watch the candidate's campaign video.

Marty Huggins Campaign Video
Cam Brady Campaign Video
When long-term congressman Cam Brady (Will Ferrell) commits a major public gaffe before an upcoming election, a pair of ultra-wealthy CEOs plot to put up a rival candidate and gain influence over their North Carolina district. Their man: naive Marty Huggins (Zach Galifianakis), director of the local Tourism Center. At first, Marty appears to be the unlikeliest possible choice but, with the help of his new benefactors' support, a cutthroat campaign manager and his family's political connections, he soon becomes a contender who gives the charismatic Cam plenty to worry about.
Follow the race on facebook or on twitter 
Cast your vote from September 28, 2012 
Copyright: © 2012 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC.

Fast Girls gets something to watch

Studiocanal has just sent over two pieces to keep you amused before the film hits the silver screen.  One is a clip from the film and the other is a making-of featurette

Clip: Meet the team
Featurette: On Set with Lenora Crichlow
When sassy streetwise Shania (Lenora Crichlow) meets ambitious, middle class Lisa (Lily James), their two worlds collide on the athletics track with explosive results. As the FAST GIRLS strive to qualify for a major world athletics championship, they battle adversity and rivalry on their dramatic, heartwarming and inspirational journey.

Directed by award-winning young filmmaker REGAN HALL (3 Hours) and produced by DAMIAN JONES (The Iron Lady, Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll), FAST GIRLS is co-scripted by NOEL CLARKE (Adulthood, Kidulthood), JAY BASU and ROY WILLIAMS. CLARKE also heads the strong supporting cast line-up of, LORRAINE BURROUGHS (Dr Who), BAFTA nominee PHIL DAVIS (Vera Drake), RUPERT GRAVES (V For Vendetta) and newcomers LASHANA LYNCH, DOMINIQUE TIPPER and HANNAH FRANKSON.
Fast Girls releases June 15, 2012 from Studiocanal

Five-Year Engagement gets a poster

Universal has sent over, what they call, the UK trailer- it seems to be the same as the US one that I posted earlier but without the MPAA warning at the beginning (it has an April 27 release date on it that I assume is when it hit US theatres). On the plus side we have been sent over a poster for the film.

The director and writer/star of Forgetting Sarah Marshall reteam for the irreverent comedy The Five-Year Engagement. Beginning where most romantic comedies end, the new film from director Nicholas Stoller, producer Judd Apatow (Knocked Up, The 40-Year-Old Virgin) and Rodney Rothman (Get Him to the Greek) looks at what happens when an engaged couple, Jason Segel and Emily Blunt, keeps getting tripped up on the long walk down the aisle. The film was written by Segel and Stoller.
Hitting UK cinemas June 22, 2012

Revenge of the Electric Car

Films about electric cars seem to have come full circle. From 2006's documentary, Who Killed The Electric Car to this new one.


In 2006 major car companies destroyed thousands of electric cars that they had created, now they believe, it is time for the second coming. Director Chris Paine takes us behind the scenes of the companies that are in the race for the resurgence of the electric car.

Taking us behind the closed doors of major car manufacturers Nissan, GM, and Tesla Motors, as well as independent car converters, we follow the development from concept through to working vehicle, the financial problems, successes and failures to see who will launch the first and best electric car that will win over the public.
Driving into UK cinemas July 20, 2012

TC & Boris

Yesterday saw the re-opening of Leicester Square. As Top Cat happened to be in London, he managed to met London Mayor Boris Johnson at the opening.


Benny the Ball, Fancy Fancy, Choo Choo, Spook and Brains, and the indisputable leader of the gang TC, are back at war with the long arm of the law when the menacing Police Chief Strickland moves to town, ousting the bumbling Officer Dibble.

Determined to put a stop to the feline antics in Hoagy’s Alley with the help of a bullying robot police force, the tech-savvy Strickland threatens to be the most dastardly enemy the gang has ever faced.

With their wise-guy lifestyle hanging in the balance, TC and friends are forced to cash in on another of their nine lives to curtail Strickland’s reign of terror and claw their way back to the top!
Sneaking into UK cinemas June 1, 2012

Wednesday 23 May 2012

Batman gets more posters

Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ “The Dark Knight Rises” is the epic conclusion to filmmaker Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, Leading an all-star international cast, Oscar® winner Christian Bale (“The Fighter”) again plays the dual role of Bruce Wayne/Batman. The film also stars Anne Hathaway, as Selina Kyle; Tom Hardy, as Bane; Oscar® winner Marion Cotillard (“La Vie en Rose”), as Miranda Tate; and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, as John Blake. Returning to the main cast, Oscar® winner Michael Caine (“The Cider House Rules”) plays Alfred; Gary Oldman is Commissioner Gordon; and Oscar® winner Morgan Freeman (“Million Dollar Baby”) reprises the role of Lucius Fox.
Flying into UK cinemas July 20, 2012
© 2012 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. AND LEGENDARY PICTURES FUNDING, LLC

See more of Gatsby

With well over 6 months to go before the film hits UK cinema screens, we have been sent the new trailer for The Great Gatsby. December last year saw the first trailer and images hit the web.

"The Great Gatsby" follows Fitzgerald-like, would-be writer Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire) as he leaves the Midwest and comes to New York City in the spring of 1922, an era of loosening morals, glittering jazz and bootleg kings. Chasing his own American Dream, Nick lands next door to a mysterious, party-giving millionaire, Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio) and across the bay from his cousin, Daisy (Carey Mulligan) and her philandering, blue-blooded husband, Tom Buchanan (Joel Edgerton). It is thus that Nick is drawn into the captivating world of the super rich, their illusions, loves and deceits. As Nick bears witness, within and without the world he inhabits, he pens a tale of impossible love, incorruptible dreams and high-octane tragedy, and holds a mirror to our own modern times and struggles.
Hitting UK cinemas December 26, 2012

(C) 2012 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. - - U.S., CANADA, BAHAMAS & BERMUDA
(C) 2012 VILLAGE ROADSHOW FILMS (BVI) LIMITED - - ALL OTHER TERRITORIES
Photo Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures