Kim Kardashian's Bachelorette Party to Have Zero Male Strippers

Kim Kardashian will head off to Las Vegas this weekend for her bachelorette party. While sister Khloe Kardashian has promised to embarrass her at the bash, the lead star of "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" may have been saved from having any male strippers gyrating over her. 


Good friend and fellow TV personality Brittny Gastineau recently shared that she has demanded that there will be no naked dancers at Kim's bachelorette. "For Khloe's we had [male strippers] and Kim and I were literally screaming and running away from them," she told PEOPLE on Wednesday, July 20. "I told Kim no naked dancers!" 


Brittny further dished that they will fly to the Sin City after a Saturday (July 23) afternoon bridal shower in Los Angeles. Met at the Noon by Noor designer collection launch at the Sunset Tower Hotel in West Hollywood, she gushed, "Like 'The Hangover'. All you need is that one night. Can you imagine if it were like 'The Hangover'? If we all woke up and we were like, 'Where are we?' " 


Weeks earlier, Kim's sister Khloe teased on her plan for the bachelorette party. "My bachelorette party was very embarrassing [with] ... penis straws [and] everything penis-themed," the wife of Lamar Odom said. "Kim is very uncomfortable with all that stuff, so I'm going to go all out and embarrass her, because it's just fun." 


Kim herself responded to Khloe's plans as saying, "I'm not really into all the typical [bachelorette party] things, so I'm hoping that's not the case. I'm just going into it with a really open mind and not really thinking about it. I just want to have a really good get away." Meanwhile, "The Spin Crowd" star Jonathan Cheban noted, "[Khloe is] really fun. I'm sure she'll probably embarrass Kim; there's no way Khloe's letting her slide."

'Man of Steel' and 'Dredd' Get Release Date

Warner Bros. Pictures has set a release date for its upcoming superhero movie "Man of Steel". Long assumed to arrive in late 2012, the action adventure film is apparently set for summer release since it is slated to bow in U.S. theaters on June 14, 2013. 


At almost the same time, Lionsgate Films announced a release date for its own big project "Dredd". The studio schedules the action sci-fi movie for September 21, 2012 release Stateside. 


Starring Henry Cavill as Clark Kent aka Superman, "Man of Steel" is directed by Zack Snyder, with Christopher Nolan, Emma Thomas, Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder as the producers. Also supporting this "Superman" reboot are Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Julia Ormond, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane and many others. 


"Dredd", meanwhile, is based on "Judge Dredd" comic book series and follows the titular character who is the most feared of elite Street Judges in Mega City One. Karl Urban takes the lead role, while Pete Travis serves behind the lens. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver's Son in ICU

It's been a tough year for both Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver, but they are still far from settled. Their 13-year-old son Christopher reportedly is hospitalized after having a serious surfing accident in Malibu, and has been kept at the ICU since last weekend. 

Christopher suffered multiple broken bones and a collapsed lung due to the accident. However, his condition has improved and he would turn out okay. Arnold, Maria and their other three children have been supporting Christopher throughout the ordeal. Maria has been by his side all along and Arnold kept his visits frequent. 

The former California governor and his wife of 25 years are going through a divorce. The split has recently got bitter after Arnold reportedly denied her a spousal support. He also requested that attorney and legal costs be jointly paid. 

Demi Lovato Reveals 'Skyscraper' Spanish Version and Album Release Date



Following the success of her new single "Skyscraper" which soared to No. 1 on iTunes chart, Demi Lovato released a Spanish version of the song. The former Disney darling re-recorded the emotional track under the title "Rascacielo".


Almost at the same time, Demi announced release date of her new album. "I hope you're screaming and jumping down in your room right now because I'm about to tell you when my album is releasing," she gushed. "September 20th. There we go!"


Talking about her new sound, she said she ditched her pop rock roots to work on something that will showcase her vocals more. "I'm feeling really, really comfortable on what we have so far," she stated before adding that "about 20-something" tracks have already been recorded.


After the album is released, the former "Sonny with a Chance" star is expected to go on tour. "If I was to tour, I would announce it soon and maybe, possibly, I'm in the works of putting together a tour. Maybe. And maybe it'll be all around the world. I don't know," she teased her plan.

Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson Bump Into Justin Timberlake on Romantic Dinner

After a day of promotional work at this year's San Diego Comic-Con, Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson spent some of their downtime with Justin Timberlake. According to Us Weekly, the "Twilight Saga" co-stars bumped into the "Friends with Benefits" actor while out on a romantic dinner. 


On Thursday night, July 21, Kristen and Robert grabbed sushi at Nobu in San Diego's Hard Rock Hotel, and were seen chatting with 30-year-old Justin. The rumored couple reportedly went on with their date even when the "SexyBack" singer had finished his meal and slipped out of the hotel's secret side entrance. 


Kristen and Robert were in town for the "The Twilight Saga's Breaking Dawn Part I" panels at the Comic-Con, while Justin was there to promote his upcoming thriller "In Time". Earlier in the day, Justin joked that he and co-star Amanda Seyfried "brought protection" since it was his first time appearing at the annual convention. 

Justin Bieber Wanted for Pee-wee Herman's Next Movie

Justin Bieber might appear in Judd Apatow's new movie. When talking to MTVat 2011 San Diego Comic-Con, the producer/director/screenwriter called out the Canadian pop star for a cameo in an upcoming Pee-wee Herman movie he's working on. 


The producer of "Get Him to the Greek" and "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" said, "I can't really tell [what the cameo is], but he makes an appearance toward the end of the film." He added, "He doesn't know about it yet, so if you're watching this, Justin!" 


Apatow additionally dished on tidbit that the movie will be a star-studded affair if he has his way. "There's a party scene in the film that I think will have a lot of the stars. We just wrote President Obama into them. We have an offer out to him," he spilled. 


The script was written by Paul Reubens, the actor who created and portrayed the iconic character since 1980s. The comedian said he wrote the script with one of Apatow's collaborators, Paul Rust. They reportedly make it to be in the mold of the first film, "Pee-wee's Big Adventure." 

Vanilla Ice Insists He's Not Bad-Mouthing Justin Bieber

Vanilla Ice is offering clarification to his previous remarks that Justin Bieber will be forgotten. Speaking to the Huffington Post, the "Ice Ice Baby" rapper denied that he is bad-mouthing the "Baby" hitmaker. "That's just not true," he insisted. "I'm friends with him and I've hung out with him. I know his parents, they're very nice." 


"I don't think he's going to be forgotten. I don't think he's going to be forgotten at all," the 43-year-old, whose real name is Rob Van Winkle, stated. "In fact, I think he'll be remembered forever. I wish him all the best. I don't know how it all got so twisted around. I think he's talented." 


"What you guys might have picked up on is that I was giving him advice - when you're a child star, it's hard to figure out your purpose in life. Not just with me, but if you follow other child stars, like Britney Spears, who's now doing great. There's a transitional period after such tremendous success that you have to figure out your life. There's a real life after all this entertainment." 


At the end of his statement, the MC stressed, "I wasn't trying to say anything bad about anybody. I never bad-mouth him at all. It's been twisted into something bad, and once that's out there it takes on a life of its own. I don't have any reason to hate anybody; I believe in good karma and spreading good energy." 


In an earlier interview, Vanilla Ice told the Huffington Post, "So my prediction about Bieber is that he's going to go through one of those weekends that lasts a few years because he's had such success as a child act. You know, then something else new will come along and he'll be forgotten and he can try to put all the pieces back together, so it's going to be entertaining to watch." 

'The Amazing Spider-Man' Trailer Leaked



The first trailer for "The Amazing Spider-Man" has been leaked ahead of its official world debut at Comic Con. Despite its bootleg quality, the video manages to reveal that the upcoming movie will be darker than Sam Raimi's "Spider-Man" trilogy.


The trailer opens with a scene which sees young Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) being abandoned by his parents before it switches to nowadays moments with teen Peter. There are glimpse of Aunt May (Sally Field), Uncle Ben (Martin Sheen), Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone) and Dr. Curt Conners (Rhys Ifans), but his alter ego The Lizard is not revealed yet in this preview.


The rest of the trailer shows Peter showcasing his super power after he is bitten by a spider. He is running, jumping, swinging through the city and climbing the buildings, which are seen from his perspective.


"The Amazing Spider-Man" is directed by Marc Webb and revolves around Peter Parker who is grappling with both contemporary human problems and amazing super-human crises. Made in 3D, the movie will head into theaters across the nation on July 3, 2012.

Lady GaGa Shrugs Off Rumor She Copied Bette Midler's Mermaid Stage Act



Lady GaGa has responded to allegation that she ripped off Bette Midler's mermaid stage act. In a recent interview with Access Hollywood, the Mother Monster said, "I had no idea that she did that and I'm a huge Bette Midler fan." 

"Not in the beginning it wasn't 'cause I didn't know that she'd done [it], but I do now and I think it's great," she added. "Obviously I feel connected to women in theater and women from the past. Maybe we're just cut from the same cloth." 

"I couldn't hop around in that tail so I just stuck myself in a wheelchair," she went on before singing praise for the Broadway star. "I'll say is that I ... admire her and find her to be one of the most brilliant and incredible performers, so that's all I'll say." 

Over the weekend, Bette tweeted, "I'm not sure @ladygaga knows that I've performed my mermaid in a wheelchair for millions of people -- and many of them are still alive.....Dear @ladygaga if you think a mermaid in a wheelchair seems familiar-it's because it is!You can see it on youtube 24/7-with ME performing it." 

"Dear @ladygaga Ive been doing singing mermaid in a wheelchair since 1980-You can keep the meat dress and the firecracker tits-mermaid's mine. @ladygaga, let's drink this over at the Emmys in September. Fabulous mermaids can coexist!" 

Lady GaGa has dressed as a mermaid in more than one concert, but the controversy didn't come out until recently after she wore the outfit in Australia. The copycat accusation coincidentally arose just few days after Katy Perry was slammed for wearing a mermaid attire and being accused of copying GaGa. 

Bette Midler in Mermaid costume: 

Report: Brad Pitt Enjoys Angelina Jolie's Jealous Rages



Angelina Jolie's jealous rages might not easily break her apart from long-term partner Brad Pitt. While running the story that the "Salt" actress is pushing away the "World War Z" actor with her jealousy, OK! magazine also reported in its latest issue that the actor partially enjoys it. 

"Brad resents that Angelina is trying to control him," a source first told the publication about Angelina's jealous fits over Brad's flirtatious relationship with a female assistant on the set of his new zombie thriller. "He told Angelina outright, 'I've always had women friends, I'm always going to have women friends. End of story.' " 

On the positive note, the insider stated, "Of course, there's a part of him - even though he would never admit it - that likes it." The source elaborated, "Angelina is usually this cool, unaffected, kind of untouchable woman, and when she shows some jealousy, it lets him know she has a weak spot - and that, obviously, she's crazy about him." 

Brad has been spotted chatting up and getting close with a brunette on the Malta set of "World War Z" recently. On the matter, a source told OK!, "He's been spending a lot of time with a woman who's been seen with him on and off the set. And word is that Angelina is paranoid about her - she's drop-dead gorgeous." 

Selena Gomez: No Justin Bieber During 19th Birthday Dinner

Selena Gomez won't have boyfriend Justin Bieber by her side when she turns 19 this Friday, July 22. The "Who Says" songstress made the revelation when asked by E! News about what she has planned for the big day while promoting her charity benefit auction for the Alabama tornado recovery efforts. 

The "Monte Carlo" actress first dished on her low key birthday, "I think my mom has planned something for me. I didn't really ask for anything, so I'm basically just going to be at tour rehearsal during the day. Maybe go to dinner at night with my family. Pretty boring." Quizzed if boyfriend will be in attendance, she said, "I actually think he'll be in Atlanta. But that's OK. We all gotta work." 

During the chat, Gomez also confirmed that she is working on her own signature scent. "I've been working on my fragrance for almost a year now," she gushed. "I'm excited, [because] it's something I'm interested in... I'm already doing the whole process of smelling things and designing it and the campaign and everything, so it'll be fun." 

Last year, Gomez celebrated her 18th birthday with a big BBQ bash. Her mother, Mandy, revealed that "250 of her closest friends and family are coming over to our place in L.A." for the bash, adding "It's going to be so much fun." She went on to gush, "We're ordering the BBQ meats but I'm cooking the cheese potatoes." 

Rhys Ifans to Co-Star in BOND 23


A couple weeks ago, we reported that Bond 23 had found its Miss Moneypenny in Naomie Harris and that the 28 Days Later actress would be joining a cast that includes Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Ralph Fiennes, and Javier Bardem.  Now another solid acting talent has signed on as The Telegraph [via Bleeding Cool] reports that Rhys Ifans will co-star.  There’s no word on who Ifans will play, but know that Bardem is playing the villain and that Fiennes is playing a “complex” character.   Director Sam Mendes hired playwright Patrick Marber (Closer) to handle the script.
Bond is another big get for Ifans who has gone from reliable character actor to nabbing major roles in the last year.  He’ll be starring in Roland Emmerich’s Shakespeare drama Anonymous, he’s co-starring in the comedy Five Year Engagement, and he’s playing baddie The Lizard in The Amazing Spider-Man.  The untitled 23rd James Bond film is due out November 9, 2012.

Teaser Trailer for THE DARK KNIGHT RISES


Judging by the box office, most of you may have seen the first teaser trailer for The Dark Knight Rises attached to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 this past weekend. But if you haven’t, or if you want to see it again (you do), the trailer has been officially released online. The teaser is made up of footage from Christopher Nolan’s first two entries in the franchise intercut with a tiny bit of new footage, including a couple of shots of Tom Hardy as Bane and a Lieutenant Gordon monologue.
It’s not really much, but I’m all for staying in the dark as long as possible. In essence, this is an announcement teaser letting everyone know that Nolan’s Batman trilogy ends next year, and it’s gonna be intense/bad ass/super cool. In that respect, this teaser trailer is a great success. Hit the jump to watch it yourself. The Dark Knight Rises opens July 20th, 2012.
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.
The screenplay is written by Christopher Nolan and Jonathan Nolan, story by Christopher Nolan & David S. Goyer. The film is produced by Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan and Charles Roven, who previously teamed on “Batman Begins” and the record-breaking blockbuster “The Dark Knight.” The executive producers are Benjamin Melniker, Michael E. Uslan, Kevin De La Noy and Thomas Tull, with Jordan Goldberg serving as co-producer. The film is based upon characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. Batman was created by Bob Kane.



Marc Webb Talks THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN


One of the most anticipated panels at this year’s Comic-Con is Sony’s The Amazing Spider-Man. Directed by Marc Webb, the film marks a reboot of the franchise following Sam Raimi and Tobey Maguire’s first trilogy, and fans are eager to see how this new version of Spidey stacks up. Steve spoke with screenwriter Steve Kloves last week at length about the project, and now Webb has opened up, discussing how he plans to reinvent the character, the favoring of practical stuntwork over CGI, and the pressure of impressing audiences at this week’s Comic-Con. Hit the jump to see what he had to say.
Speaking with Hero Complex, Webb talked about how his reinvention of Spider-Man manifests itself in the film:
“Peter Parker is a science whiz. If you look back to the early Stan Lee and Steve Ditko comics, he’s a nerd with big glasses. What was important in those early comics was this notion that Peter Parker is an outsider and how we define that in a contemporary context.”
The director also spoke about how his Peter Parker will differ from Raimi’s:
“So much of the DNA of the character is the fact that he was a kid when he got bit. He is imperfect, he is immature and has a bit of a punk rock instinct. In his soul he’s still a 90-pound weakling even after [the transformative bite].”
With regards to the stuntwork, Webb said that he wanted to take a much more practical approach as opposed to relying on CGI, especially with the web slinging scenes:
“One of the things we tried to do was keep the stunts more grounded physically and that was a huge challenge because you have a character whose abilities are superhuman…We spent months and months and months developing rigs so he could swing in a way that wasn’t computer-generated. Obviously there’s going to be enhancements and CG [sequences], but it’s based in a physical reality and that’s a new technique [for this film brand].”
Finally, Webb commented on the pressure of impressing the Comic-Con audience:
“A lot of our credibility is based on fan perception in some way. I’m really excited to connect with the fans. I feel like we’ve been a little bit under the radar in terms of our communication. I think it’s a great way to announce the new qualities that we’re putting out there and just connect with the audience in a way that we haven’t before.”
It’s good to hear that Webb is approaching the character from a fairly different perspective than Raimi’s Spider-Man films. While the project sounds promising, we’ll have a much better idea of what’s in store for us after the film’s Comic-Con panel this week. Be sure to check back here on Collider for full-scale coverage from the Con. The Amazing Spider-Man opens in 3D on July 3rd, 2012.

SOURCE CODE Blu-ray Review


Source Code is a fast-paced thriller in which the military can transport a soldier into the final 8 minutes of a dead man’s memory to gain access to a crime scene that has come and gone. This time-travelling plot device is more than vaguely familiar, as it is a culmination of concepts previously seen in Groundhog DayDéjà vu, and the Quantum Leap TV series, but, when blended with a Twilight Zone-meets-Hitchcockian adventure vibe, this effort feels wholly original in a year swamped with sequels.
While not as intellectually compelling as director Duncan Jones’ Moon, it wasn’t designed to be. Where Moon was contemplative of its themes and sported a career-high turn from Sam Rockwell, this strong sophomore effort’s goal was to entertain and excite, and it fully succeeds on both counts. Duncan Jones proves he is still a talent to keep close tabs on. After living its first days on the screenplay blacklist, Source Code now finds itself readily available to the widest audience possible on home video. Hit the jump to read my review of the Source Code Blu-ray.
The last time Captain Colter Stevens (Jake Gyllenhaal) was conscious, he was piloting a helicopter across the skies of Afghanistan, so it is markedly odd when he is jolted awake in the passenger car of a train on its way to Chicago. Not to mention the woman named Christina Warren (Michelle Monaghan) sitting across from him, chatting him up like they’re good friends. He stumbles to the bathroom and finds a stranger in the mirror. 8 minutes later, with the passing of a freight train, his car explodes. Stevens wakes up startled, this time strapped into a dark metallic capsule with a mission operator, Colleen Goodwin (Vera Farmiga), quizzing him on what he was able to find. She debriefs Colter, informing him that he is living out the last 8 minutes of one of the terrorist’s victims named Sean Fentress, his closest physical match, and that his mission is to identify the bomber in that memory before he carries out his threat to level present day Chicago.
Denied any hint about his location or situation by the mustache-twisting scientist Dr. Rutledge (Jeffrey Wright), Colter is repeatedly forced back into those horrific 8 minutes as he investigates fellow passengers and searches for the bomb. With a story about a man imprisoned in a single, final thread of a foreign memory, racing to beat fate and his task’s deadline, the confines of a train cabin barreling towards a fiery demise on rails is an ideally dramatic, allegorical setting for it, however unsubtle it may be. Cool stuff.
The three lead performances from Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan and Vera Farmiga are all excellent in their own right. Gyllenhaal turns in a pitch-perfect turn as Captain Colter Stevens, letting the character have a few light moments by acknowledging the convolution of the premise, but switching back to a convincing state of stubborn determination and disorientation on a dime (factoid: attained in part by Jones cycling random bits of obscure music through an earpiece he gave Gyllenhaal with reckless abandon!). Michelle Monaghan’s Christina Warren is adorable and her incredulous responses to Colter’s loony behavior are understandable and often hilarious.
Source-Code-movie-image-Jake-GyllenhaalDespite how bored the writer seemed with making the budding attraction between the pair work-Colter’s initial proclamation of love is “You’re very decent”, oh how that would woo the ladies-Gyllenhaal and Monaghan are able to brew what little chemistry is needed here for an emotional investment. Vera Farmiga’s role takes place almost entirely in a swivel chair via webcam chat, but she too manages to soar above the limited nature of her character, playing Colleen Goodwin as a stern professional struggling with an internal, moral tug-of-war regarding her participation in the Source Code program.
For a concept that places restrictions on time, space or both as it is here, the direction and editing cannot falter. Jones and his editing team confidently create a palpable sense of escalating momentum and impending doom; a difficult task when, by the end of the film, we’ve seen the characters we’re supposed to progressively worry more about blown to smithereens and revived to perfect health half a dozen times. The inevitable unpleasantness in the train riders’ futures is never downplayed. Each ‘replay’ of the scenario is established in such a way that they always feel familiar without being monotonous, and it is made clear when a deviation from the previous trials occurs.
Last for the pro’s, Chris Bacon’s orchestral score is old school (I already mentioned Hitchcock) and injects a sense of foreboding and urgency at key moments. It holds steady with the pace of the train and immediately brings the audience up to beat from the first frame.
Source-Code-movie-image-Jake-Gyllenhaal (3)Performance-wise, Source Code is inconsistent to say the least. I touched on the good, now here’s the bad. The passengers, who are the only other entities for Colter to interact with other than Christina and the locomotive itself, are wooden, and not in an ‘underdeveloped to add to the mystery’ sort of way. Add to this the fact that Jeffrey Wright, of whom I’m typically a fan, is playing a Scooby-Doo villain here, no joke. I enjoy a tongue-in-cheek, self-aware performance as much as the next guy, but it only works when all parties involved get the same memo. In this, it is jarring and a little uncomfortable. Source Code is as much a tonal rollercoaster as it is a rollercoaster ride thanks to the uneven line delivery.
My other major gripe was the ending, which in many ways deflated the ramping intensity that I complimented Jones on achieving so masterfully.  More frustrating is the fact that a seemingly perfect finale that would have solved this issue is ignored. A scene that is cinematically poignant and serves as a clever bookend to Colter’s efforts comes and goes when the titles should have rolled. Jones pushes through to give the audience an unearned and morally depraved* ending in a half-hearted attempt-or possible studio note-to leave the audience with that warm, gooey feeling we apparently so desperately require. What’s more, Jones uses the final five minutes to introduce a ‘twist’ of sorts that serves to further demystify and quash any questions regarding the Source Code program’s potential when it was our shared ignorance with Colter that drove the picture forward for the 90 minutes prior. An early attempt from Dr. Rutledge to throw out a heady rationalization on how the technology is plausible was painful enough, but the ending is the cherry on top.
vera-farmiga-source-code-imageSci-fi is a genre that typically thrives on the audience’s acceptance that the hypothetical world in which the narrative exists is not our own. If the plot and setting are immersive and the characters developed, there should be no need to break down the mechanics of the world to characters that live and breathe in it every day. When you and a friend are microwaving a plate of nachos, how often does the conversation devolve into a deconstruction of the physics of the waves that cook it?
Even in fish-out-of-water tales, which Source Code is to an extent, the awe the audience feels should stem from the character’s OWN discovery of the rules that govern his new environment, not from having them listed off by a secondary character only to remain entirely unutilized until after the climax. Perhaps Jones’ tacked-on quantum mechanical subplot would have fit in a different film where the emphasis was on the broader application of the Source Code program, but as it stands here the focus should have always remained on this one man’s journey on the train. Ambiguous endings are sometimes the stronger ones (see: Inception).
While not a criticism of the film, I do think it should be noted that, as with any mystery, the replay value of Source Code may be limited depending on what you take from it. Obviously a whodunit becomes a hair less powerful when the ‘who?’ is answered for, so if the investigation grabs you more than the time travel aspect or the characters themselves, you may want to take that into consideration before a purchase.
source-code-movie-duncan-jonesThe Source Code Blu-ray is presented in 1080p High Definition 1.78:1, and is a very impressive release. While skin tones look a bit unnatural on occasion, the black levels are nearly flawless-a relief given that much of the film takes place in a shadowy pod. There is a vivid range of color seen in the exterior establishing shots and fine details are fully distinguishable. An understated grain is also present to lend the picture a filmic feel without interfering with clarity.
On the audio front, as heard ratcheted up on my surround system, the sound design of this DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track was superb. I caught every piece of dialogue and it balanced appropriately with the ever present, ambient sounds of the train, whether it be the clanking on the rails, the rumble of the engine or the hushed discussions of neighboring riders. Equally critical are the intermittent explosions, which sound efficiently violent and are moments to be feared (in a good way) for the skittish. The packaging does not include a DVD backup or Digital Copy. Sorry.
The special features, also in 1080p high def, are slim. First up is “Access Source Code”, a tool that accompanies a play-through of the film and provides the viewer with a navigation widget for brief picture-in-picture EPK-like video presentations including cast interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, scientist interviews, etc. The interface was clunky, not helped by its tiny print. The videos lacked deep insight and without an option to view them individually, this was a wasted, one-time affair for me. You’ll also find an audio commentary with director Duncan Jones, star Jake Gyllenhaal and screenwriter Ben Ripley, and that’s all she wrote.
I leveled some heavy criticism in this review, but chalk it up to me being picky about my science fiction. This is a solid, entertaining genre entry that should appeal to the general masses as much as the geeks, and that’s a great thing to see. Does it surpass the one-two punch of Moon andDistrict 9 we saw in ’09? No, but that was an exceptionally rare year for modern science fiction. As of July 2011, Source Code stands as one of the most enjoyable films of the year thus far.
Overall Rating: B+
*SPOILER WARNING: I’d like to take a moment to reiterate how ethically revolting I thought the ending twist of this flick was, comically so considering it was probably meant to milk applause out of the rowdier viewers who have yet to realize the filmmakers are not present at every screening. If my understanding of the ‘physics’ on display is sound, Colter hijacks the remainder of Sean Fentress’ existence in the parallel reality that he enters in his last trip into the program, and doesn’t seem to have any qualms about doing so. He then progresses to thieve Sean’s progress with Christina, who is now dating a stranger in another man’s skin. The bittersweet freeze-frame shot was passed up for this? This is one sick ‘feel-good’ ending, folks. I would have enjoyed it had Duncan Jones spun it as such, but again, this wasn’t ‘that’ movie. Was anyone else bothered by this?

Lionsgate has released the teaser poster for The Hunger Games and it’s a motion poster that looks pretty neat. While some could argue that a poster where the emblem catches fire would be better for an adaptation of the second book in the series, Catching Fire, it’s still an eye-catching design and I love the tagline. Hit the jump to check out the motion poster. The film stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, and Woody Harrelson. Lionsgate won’t be doing a presentation for the film at Comic-Con but it will have a presence at Lionsgate’s booth in the Exhibitors’ Hall. The Hunger Games opens March 23, 2012.


Lionsgate has released the teaser poster for The Hunger Games and it’s a motion poster that looks pretty neat.  While some could argue that a poster where the emblem catches fire would be better for an adaptation of the second book in the series, Catching Fire, it’s still an eye-catching design and I love the tagline.
Hit the jump to check out the motion poster.  The film stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, and Woody Harrelson.    Lionsgate won’t be doing a presentation for the film at Comic-Con but it will have a presence at Lionsgate’s booth in the Exhibitors’ Hall.  The Hunger Games opens March 23, 2012.
Here’s the official synopsis for The Hunger Games:
Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games.  Part twisted entertainment, part government intimidation tactic, the Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which “Tributes” must fight with one another until one survivor remains.
Pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives, Katniss is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy.  If she’s ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
THE HUNGER GAMES will be directed by Gary Ross, and produced by Nina Jacobson’s Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. Collins’ best-selling novel, which has over 3 million copies in print in the United States alone, is the first in a trilogy of novels which have developed a global following.

X-MEN: FIRST CLASS Hits DVD and Blu-ray on September 9th; Pre-Order Bonus to First 1,000 Fans at Comic-Con


Fox has announced that they will release Matthew Vaughn’s X-Men: First Class onto DVD and Blu-ray on September 9th, a mere three months after hit theaters.  The film will be offered in two different cases: one features James McAvoy as Professor Charles Xavier and the other has Michael Fassbender as Erik Lensherr aka Magneto.  The Blu-ray will include over two hours of special features, a digital copy of the film, ten Marvel X-Men digital comics including a new X-Men: First Class back story.
Additionally, the first 1,000 fans who pre-order a Blu-ray or DVD during Comic-Con will receive a limited edition First Class t-shirt announcing the fan’s preference for (ugh) “Team Charles” or “Team Erik”.  Fans can pre-order their copy in person at the Fox booth #4313 or online at www.FoxConnect.com.  The pre-order will cost $25 for Blu-ray and $18 for DVD.   Hit the jump for the box art and full press release.
X-MEN: FIRST CLASS
The Ultimate Blu-ray and DVD Experience Arrives on First Class Friday, September 9th
BONUS OFFER: First 1,000 Fans to Pre-Order A Blu-ray or DVD
During San Diego Comic-Con Receive a Limited Edition X-MEN: FIRST CLASS T-Shirt!
LOS ANGELES (July 19, 2011) – Before they were superheroes, the fate of humanity depended on an extraordinary group of youngsters who went on to become X-MEN: FIRST CLASS.Based on the international bestselling Marvel Comics franchise, this box office hit bursts onto Blu-ray and DVD Friday, September 9 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. For the first time ever, “X-Men” fans will have the power to choose a side between Professor X and Magneto with two versions of premium collectible Blu-ray packaging. Also exclusively on Blu-ray, fans receive access to over two hours of special interactive features PLUS ten Marvel “X-Men” Digital Comics including a never-before-seen “X-Men: First Class” backstory— redeemable through each Blu-ray’s unique packaging code.
Director Matthew Vaughn (Layer Cake, Kick Ass) tells the true origins of the multi-billion dollar film franchise, guiding exceptional performances by Golden Globe®-nominee James McAvoy (Atonement), Michael Fassbender (Inglourious Basterds), and Golden Globe®-winner Kevin Bacon (“Taking Chance,” Mystic River). A “rare movie event that balances an intelligent story with solid performances, first-rate action and top-of-the-line special effects” (Ben Lyons, E!), X-MEN: FIRST CLASShas drawn an impressive $150 million at the domestic box office and nearly $350 million worldwide.
Before Charles Xavier (McAvoy) and Erik Lensherr (Fassbender) took the names Professor X and Magneto, they were two young men discovering their powers for the first time, working together to stop the greatest threat the world has ever known. The film features a star-studded supporting cast, including Academy Award®-nominee Jennifer Lawrence (Winter’s Bone), January Jones (“Mad Men”), Rose Byrne (28 Weeks Later), Zoë Kravitz (“Californication”), Nicholas Hoult (A Single Man), Lucas Till (Walk the Line), and Emmy Award®-nominee Oliver Platt (“The West Wing”).
The first 1,000 fans to pre-order their Blu-ray or DVD copy of X-MEN: FIRST CLASSduring San Diego Comic-Con (July 21 – 24) will receive a free limited edition T-shirt, showing their support for either “Team Charles” or “Team Erik.” Fans can pre-order their copy in person at the Fox booth #4313 or online at www.FoxConnect.com. During this time, X-MEN: FIRST CLASS will be available on Blu-ray and DVD at the exclusive price of $25.00 for Blu-ray and $18.00 for DVD.
Special features on the X-MEN: FIRST CLASS Blu-ray include:
10 Marvel “X-Men” Digital Comics with exclusive “X-Men: First Class” Backstory Comic
More than two hours of never-before-seen extras, including:
Cerebro Mutant Tracker: The complete interactive Mutant Database with interactive videos giving fans the ability to learn about their favorite mutants in the X-Men film franchise
Children of the Atom: An eight-part behind-the-scenes featurette, charting the film from pre-production through post-production, including visual effects techniques and cataloguing “X-Men” transformations through prosthetic make up and costume design
“X” Marks the Spot: An interactive feature allowing viewers the opportunity to learn more about specific scenes with talent interviews and behind-the-scenes footage
Extended and Deleted Scenes
BD-Live Portal with additional Cerebro Mutant Tracker profiles
Composer’s Isolated Score
Theatrical Trailer

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