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Archive for the ‘ Movies ’ Category

The Price Of Being Batman.


Being Batman comes at a cost. Not just the physical and emotional toll, mind you. We’re talking money. Dollar signs. Big bucks. Make no mistake — in the case of the Caped Crusader, extraordinary wealth is absolutely a superpower.  The clever folks at MoneySupermarket.com have put together an equally clever infographic featuring the “Dark Knight Rises” hero and all of his wonderfully expensive toys, showing you just how much money goes into each and every item in Batman’s arsenal. The short version: protecting Gotham City is not a cheap gig.

Another little Batman related tid-bit I came across came from my curiosity as to the exact landscape of Gotham city. Not anymore. This map details every street corner and neighborhood of the city that Batman protects.

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Oktapodi.


Oktapodi is a 2007 French computer-animated short film that originated as a Graduate Student Project from Gobelins L’Ecole de L’Image.  It won a gambit of awards from film festivals all over the world, and even though it’s not the newest piece of work out, it’s still pretty dope.

The Bat-Suit (In All It’s Forms).


The Mondo ‘Dark Knight Rises’ Poster.


Mondo, the collectible art boutique arm of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, has announced their second Batman print for Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises. The limited edition variant of this print from world-renowned artist Olly Moss was available at Mondo’s Comic-Con booth.

Marvel Studios At Comic Con.


ComicCon was in full effect over the last week, and of course, Marvel Studios blew it out of the water.  Guardians of the Galaxy, coming August 1, 2014 is one of their newest projects along with, test footage displayed for the very first time for Ant-Man, to be directed by Edgar Wright.  With the announcement came the reveal of the first concept art for Guardians of the Galaxy by Charlie Wen, as well as logos for both films.  In addition, Marvel Studios announced the official titles to the Thor and Captain America sequels: Thor: The Dark World, in theaters November 8, 2013, and Captain America: The Winter Soldier, in theaters April 4, 2014.  Check out the all logos, plus the just-released Iron Man 3 logo, below, and also check out the just-launched official Iron Man 3 site by clicking here.

The Highest Paid Actors In Hollywood.


Forbes‘ new list has declared Hollywood star Tom Cruise world’s highest earning actor after he took home $75 million between May 2011 to May 2012.  While Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol collected close to $700 million worldwide, the 1980s musical Rock of Agesstarring Cruise wasn’t a big draw.  Last year’s highest-paid actor, Leonardo DiCaprio, placed equal second on the list with Comic actor Adam Sandler after each collected $37 million.  The recent winner of ten Razzie Awards may make critically panned films, such as Jack and Jill, but the movie grossed $150 million worldwide.

The list of top ten earners also includes Johnny Depp, Will Smith and British comedy star Sacha Baron Cohen, who placed joint sixth with earnings of $30 million.

In June, Forbes released its list of the highest paid actresses and Twilight star Kristen Stewart topped the list with $34.5 million, while her male costars tied on the actor’s list at $26.6 million, which is more than third-place Sandra Bullock earned with $25 million. There’s inequality in salaries even at the top.

1. Tom Cruise — $75 million
2. Leonardo DiCaprio — $37 million
3. Adam Sandler — $37 million
4. Dwayne Johnson — $36 million
5. Ben Stiller — $33 million
6. Johnny Depp and Sacha Baron Cohen — $30 million
8. Will Smith — $30 million
9. Mark Wahlberg — $27 million
10. Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner — $26.5 million

Django Unchained.


When it comes to movies that are based on history, nobody can bend the hell out of history itself like Q. Tarantino.  After “Inglorious Bastards” (Where the Americans kill Hitler in the end), I knew that if he ever did another history based film, it’d be more about the action than historical correctness.  A few days ago my good friend told me about Will Smith playing his movies safe, and passing on the movie Django Unchained.  I had never heard of the movie before, but when I found out that it was Quentin Tarantino’s take on an action movie based around slavery, I KNEW I had to check that out.

Former dentist, Dr. King Schultz, buys the freedom of a slave, Django, and trains him with the intent to make him his deputy bounty hunter. Instead, he is led to the site of Django’s wife who is under the hands of Calvin Candie, a ruthless plantation owner.

The Mideval Avengers.


It always pains me to find incredible art out there on the web, and not have the background information on the artist to give them their due.  Luckily, the housemate of the wildly talented illustrator that drew the photos above posted his deviant art link into the photo.

The Beat Junkies Documentary: For The Record.


The World Famous Beat Junkies, comprised of members J-Rocc, DJ Babu, D-Styles, DJ Rhettmatic, DJ What?!, Mr. Choc, Icy Ice, Curse, DJ Shortkut, Melo-D, Symphony and DJ Havik have been putting in work on the turntables since they were first established in 1992. Known internationally as the premiere DJ crew, their longevity is a testament to their immense musical talents. In celebration of the legendary Beat Junkies, LRG presents For the Record – a short documentary profiling the collective with contributions from the likes of A Trak, Q Bert and Peanut Butter Wolf – with DJ Jazzy Jeff commenting that “there are no DJ’s out today that haven’t been influenced by the Beat Junkies at all.” In addition, the Beat Junkies are heading out on the road for an international tour with stops across the US, Europe and Asia and this past weekend kicked off their tour at the Echoplex in Los Angeles, CA on June 30. Laced in commemorative letterman jackets from LRG that celebrates 20-years of hard work and hustle, here’s to another 20 more in the game.

Fallen Princesses.


Ever wonder what may have happened if your favorite Disney Princesses didn’t get their ‘happily ever after’?  Well life doesn’t always work out the way we want it to, and the photo series titled “Fallen Princesses” by Dina Goldstein is a perfect example.  With the recent flurry of real-life Disney Princess pictures, this is a refreshing (although depressing) departure from the norm.

And a little Red Riding Hood just for good measure…

Samuel L. Jackson – Beez In The Trap.


Millions of Nicki Minaj fans all over the world not only love and adore her music, but are enthused by the way she dresses.  The pink wigs, the crazy costume-esque attire, and the wild and crazy accessories all add to Minaj’s swagger.  But it’s rare to see someone who would wouldn’t expect taking on Nicki’s pink wig, and singing one of her songs… Much less Samuel L Jackson, one of the most gangster mother f*ckers of all time.

Kanye West, Big Sean, Pusha T, & 2 Chainz – Mercy (Official Video).


After teasing the video’s release for quite some time, Kanye West dropped the visuals for “Mercy,” featuring 2 Chainz, Big Sean & Pusha-T.  The black and white paired-down video features the rappers dancing and rapping in a monochromatic parking garage, which makes sense, given that the song is named after the Lamborghini Murcielago (swerve). Say what you will about Kanye’s new songs (which have been criticized for lacking the emotion of his previous work), “Way Too Cold” and “Mercy” are unlike anything on his last solo effort, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Kanye’s hungry, and he’s not going to do the same thing twice.

The Dark Knight Marathon.


We are just over a month away from The Dark Knight Rises hitting theaters July 20, director Christopher Nolan’s final Batman adventure. AMC Theaters announced today they are hosting The Dark Knight Marathon on Thursday, July 19, where fans can watch Batman Begins and The Dark Knight in theaters before the midnight debut of The Dark Knight Rises. Take a look at these banners for the marathon, and read on for more details.


Tickets will go on sale on Monday, June 11 at 12 PM ET (9 AM PT). It hasn’t been announced how much this three-movie marathon will cost, or what time each movie is starting. Marvel Studios teamed up with AMC for a similar marathon last month, showing all of the Marvel movies in a row before the midnight premiere of Marvel’s The Avengers, Of which I was a part

‘The Amazing Spiderman’ 4 Minute Trailer.


Following its debut during the season premiere of “America’s Got Talent,” Sony Pictures has now brought online the 4-Minute Super Preview for The Amazing Spider-Man which you can watch below.  The trailer features a bridge scene from the movie that’s in all honesty pretty bad-ass, (and even shows how Parker deals with children with no concept of saving their own lives.)  HOWEVER, if you don’t want to spoil what I’m sure is an incredible scene in the movie, I suggest you skip this one.

Eminem In The Art Of Rap.


Ice-T takes us on an intimate journey into the heart and soul of hip-hop with the legends of rap music. This performance documentary goes beyond the stardom and the bling, to explore what goes on inside the minds, and erupts from the lips, of the grandmasters of rap. Recognized as the godfather of Gangsta rap, Ice-T is granted unparalleled access to the personal lives of the masters of this artform that he credits for saving his life. Interspersed with the performer’s insightful, touching, and often funny revelations are classic raps, freestyle rhymes, and never before heard acappellas straight from the mouths of the creators. What emerges is a better understanding of, and a tribute to, an original American art form that brought poetry to a new generation.

 

VIP Lounge By Marc & Chantel For Swire.


Designed by Hong Kong based creative studio Marc & Chantel for Swire Properties, the VIP lounge at Art Hong Kong 2012 was composed of recycled paper collected from the company’s developments and swire group subsidiaries. Accumulated entirely over the course of the month of april, the magazines were rolled up and and then assembled together to create the pavilion’s structure. Circular cushions placed along the edges of the assemblage make the space more comfortable for sitting. The lamps retained the same cylindrical form of the paper rolls were scattered throughout the lounge. Small tables situated throughout the space were likewise built on a foundation of rolled magazines, topped with a pane of glass.

1932′s Tintin In America Cover Breaks Records.


A rare 1932 cover illustration of “Tintin in America” by Herge, the artist who dreamed up the boy reporter, on Saturday fetched a record $1.6 million at an auction in Paris.  “The work has been sold at 1,338,509.20 euros, costs included, by a person who wishes to remain anonymous,” a spokesman for the auctioneers, Artcurial, told AFP.  The previous owner, another Tintin collector, had bought it for 764,218 euros in 2008, which had until today stood as the record price in this domain.  Belgian comic book artist Herge painted the Indian ink and gouache colour cover for the first edition of the book, which first appeared in 1934.  One of only five such works of cover art remaining by Herge, it shows the young adventurer dressed as a cowboy sitting on a rock, his dog Snowy at his side, as three Indians, two wielding axes, creep up behind him.

Last year, film director Steven Spielberg released a 3D film, “Adventures of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn” and is already planning a sequel.

Archetype.


The Aaron Sims Company has designed such celluloid creatures as the aliens from Green Lantern, the simians from Rise of The Planet of The Apes, and the samurai with the chain gun from Sucker Punch. Now, as a labor of love with no funding, Sims has directed Archetype, a short film about a battlefield robot whose programming is on the fritz. It’s an absolutely stunning nugget of cinema.  I heard about this project, which stars Robert Joy (Land of the Dead, CSI:NY) and David Anders (Heroes, 24), several months back. What’s more, he’s planning a feature-length version. Here’s a plot synopsis:

RL7 is an eight-foot tall combat robot that goes on the run after malfunctioning with vivid memories of once being human. As its creators and the military close in, RL7 battles its way to uncovering the shocking truth behind its mysterious visions and past.

Angelina Jolie’s Jerlery Collection.


The Style of Jolie jewelry line designed in collaboration between Angelina Jolie and Robert Procop is set to go on display in the South of France this summer via two month-long pop-ups.  An array of necklaces, earrings and bracelets worn by the actress at various movie premieres will hit the Grand Hotel in Cap Ferrat and Monaco‘s prestigious Hotel de Paris concurrently between July 15 and August 15.  The movie star showcased her jewelry collaboration during an expo at Julien’s Gallery in Beverly Hills back in April last year, while the new French exhibition is set to showcase some additional new jewels.

Proceeds from the sale of the jewelry will be donated to the star’s charitable foundation, the Education Partnership for Children of Conflict, which helps children in need across the globe.  As well as teaming up with Jolie for the Style of Jolie collection, leading gemstone specialist Procop has close links with the Hollywood actress after designing the engagement ring fiancé Brad Pitt offered her earlier this year.  The actor was said to have had a key input in the design of the $250,000 ring, which took 12 months to make, and features a stunning oblong-shaped rock inset into a thick ribbed band.  While the jewels are normally only available to view by private appointment, the pop-up showcases will give unprecedented access to the line.

 

Jay-Z, Willow Smith, And The Annie Remake.


Daddy Warbucks, the rumors are true: Jay-Z will be overseeing music for a remake of the musical Annie and will contribute original tracks. That’s according to British actress Emma Thompson, who is writing the film, as she confirmed — along with Jay-Z’s involvement — to BBC and the U.K. Press Association. The movie is being produced by Will Smith and will star his daughter, hair-whipping Jay-Z signee and noted Odd Future fan Willow Smith.

“I think it’s a very good combination,” Thompson told the BBC. She added that film’s management was hoping to choose a director as early as this week. Thompson is pumped about the project, according to the Press Association, which quotes her as saying: “I’m writing a modern version of Annie for Willow to play, which I’m so excited about because Jay-Z is going to do the music — oh my God I’m so modern. So I am very thrilled about that.”

The movie will take place in present-day New York and will include new songs, according to Thompson’s interview with the BBC. Some of the old songs won’t make the cut, but Thompson eases any concerns that the new Annie will leave out the old standby “Tomorrow” — “that’s in, weirdly,” she’s quoted as saying. Filming reportedly starts early next year, and Thompson confirms that Willow Smith will play the title role, adding, “That’s if she doesn’t get too tall.” So we know Willow won’t be doing any “Got Milk?” ads in the coming months.

Jay-Z sampled a song from Annie for the hit single “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem),” from his 1998 album Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life. The film project comes as he’s been particularly busy: flying to France for Kanye West’s Cruel Summer film premiere, raking in BET Awards nominations, fending off Guinness World Record challenges, and, oh yeah, tapping Pearl Jam to headline his own Made in America music festival. He also recently endorsed Barack Obama’s support for same-sex marriage, while his wife Beyoncé, will perform tonight for the first since giving birth to their daughter Blue Ivy Carter in January.

Will Smith separately confirmed the Annie project and Thompson’s role in an interview with Good Morning America this week. “Emma Thompson wrote the script for Annie,” Smith said. “She is fantastic.” Thompson co-stars with Smith in the new movie Men in Black 3, though the two met during the making of 2007 film I Am Legend.

The sun’ll come out … whenever the Fresh Prince tells us it’s coming out.

The Fashion Of ‘The Avengers’ For Women.


You know that tingly sensation of awe and excitement you get after seeing a truly great film? Well, besides leaving me with a serious hankering for shawarma, Marvel’s The Avengers definitely gave me that oh-my-gosh-you-guys-let’s-watch-that-again feeling.  I saw the movie a while ago, but I still can’t stop thinking about it all: the epic battle scenes, the hilarious one-liners, Scarlett Johansson, and of course, the style.  I’m not personally big on fashion, but I’m more than appreciative when I see a woman who’s dressed like she knows what she’s doing.  My assistant shot me an email the other day with some excellent fashion suggestions taking their inspiration directly from Marvel’s hit movie.

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Captain America/Steve Rogers

Captain America/Steve Rogers, played by Chris Evans, is the First Avenger, born from the country’s efforts to create an army of super-soldiers during World War II. To prevent weapons of mass destruction being dropped on America, he’s forced to crash land his plane in the Arctic.

Discovered by S.H.I.E.L.D. after spending 70 years frozen in the ocean, he awakens in the present day only to be hit with the crushing realization that everything and everyone he knew and held dear in the 1940s is gone. The atrocities of WWII fresh in his mind, he’s left cynical and disillusioned about humanity. Nevertheless, he still believes in serving the greater good and becomes the reluctant leader of the group.

Product Information:  Jacket, Dress, Shoes, Earrings, Ring, Clutch

While any woman would certainly turn heads if they wore a stars-and-stripes unitard to class, it might not be for quite the right reasons.  Instead, channel this stalwart hero with an All-American, 1940s-inspired look that features a chambray shirtdress and brown bomber jacket. Add a modern twist with bold flag-emblazoned booties: if you’re not a fan of the JC Litas, red pumps would also look cute with the outfit. Although Captain America’s vibranium shield isn’t available for purchase, this cute star ring is the next best thing. Retro waves are pretty and polished; plus, they’re all the rage this spring.

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Ironman/Tony Stark

Iron Man/Tony Stark, played by Robert Downey Jr., is a self-described “billionaire, genius, playboy philanthropist.” (It’s a very apt description, to be honest.) Stark is far from a team player: he’s arrogant and snarky and often chafes under direction.

Despite his personality faults, it’s impossible to deny his engineering genius. His origins as a superhero were explored in 2008′s Iron Man and 2010′s Iron Man 2. Stark, a wealthy industrialist, has an electromagnet in his chest that prevents a piece of shrapnel from penetrating his heart. The arc reactor that powers the electromagnet also powers the Iron Man suit, a metal exoskeleton that allows Stark to do things such as fly and withstand tremendous trauma.

Product Information: Blazer, Tee, Jeans, Wedges, Necklace, Bracelet, Earrings, Sunglasses

Tony Stark is all about flash and style, so make sure all eyes are on you with this bold metallic look. A sharp burgundy blazer and gold coated jeans resemble his Iron Man suit, while a charcoal burnout tee and dark sunglasses recall Tony’s too-cool-for-school attitude. Sculptural wedges with a metallic detail tie the look together.  No hero’s outfit is complete without accessories, so pile ‘em on! A teal pendant not only provides a nice color contrast to the blazer, but also references Tony’s chestplate. This silver cuff bracelet might not help you suit up, like Tony’s do, but hey, it’s cute.

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Thor

Thor, played by Chris Hemsworth, is a demi-god of Asgard. In 2011′s Thor, he was banished to Earth because of his arrogance and warmongering. Now, he returns to our planet to retrieve his renegade adopted brother, Loki, who has grandiose plans to enslave the human race. Thor has sworn to defend Earth, but at the same time is conflicted because the villain is family.

Initially, he and the other Avengers majorly clash due to misunderstanding about their mutual goal.  However, he proves to be an invaluable member of the team, not only because he’s more familiar with Loki’s insanity, but also because he’s the only one with the strength to keep the Hulk under control.

Product information: Top, Skirt, Heels, Cuffs, Earrings, Necklace, RingPhone case

As the god of thunder and lightning, Thor wears lots of metallics, and a silver foil tank is a trendy take on his armor. Translate his flowing garnet cloak into a trendy high-low hem skirt that pairs perfectly with black lace-up heels. I couldn’t find any hammer jewelry, so go for hammered metal accessories like these twin silver cuffs and black choker necklace instead. Golden lighting bolt earrings and a horn ring reference Thor’s godly background and powers.

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The Hulk/Bruce Banner

Bruce Banner/Hulk, played by Mark Ruffalo, is a brilliant, mild-mannered scientist whose experiments with gamma radiation went horribly wrong. As a result, when he’s angry, he mutates into “the other guy” — a giant green beast who destroys just about everything in his path. In the film, Nick Fury, director of S.H.I.E.L.D., tries to recruit Banner for his unparalleled knowledge of gamma radiation. It’s been years since his other self has emerged, but Bruce is understandably reluctant to join the mission. Even if his involvement is just in a scientific capacity, he knows that any exposure to battle could cause the unleashing of the Hulk.

Product Information: Blouse, Shorts, Sandals, Necklace, Earrings, Satchel, Nail Polish

Besides a pair of practically indestructible shorts, the Hulk hasn’t got much in the way of uniform. Nevertheless, you can totally channel both the not-so-jolly green giant and his more pleasant alter ego. A trendy mint blouse and lavender cut-offs are a pastel take on the Hulk’s green coloring and purple pants. He goes barefoot, but you can wear minimalist two-strap sandals instead.  Radioactive earrings add a pop of trendy neon and reference the Hulk’s origin. Let’s not leave Bruce Banner out of the equation: add some scholarly details with a navy satchel and a spectacle necklace. Finally, add the sartorial equivalent of  ”Hulk…smash!” with a coat of black shatter polish.

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Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff

Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff, played by Scarlett Johansson, is a former KGB assassin turned S.H.I.E.L.D. agent. Though she doesn’t technically have superpowers, she’s been trained as an assassin from an early age. Natasha, who made a brief appearance in Iron Man 2, has nerves of steel and some serious martial arts skills.

Product Information: Jacket, Dress, Heels, Belt, Earrings, Lipstick, Nail Polish

Since Black Widow’s the only woman in the Initiative, I initially wanted to avoid an overly feminine, stereotypical outfit, but in the end, the sultry bandage dress won out. After all, ScarJo does possess famously dangerous curves and there’s no denying Black Widow’s major sex appeal. Toughen up the look with a sharp-shouldered leather jacket and sassy slingbacks that resemble the ones she wears at the beginning of the movie.

Accessorize with scarlet accents: black widow spiders are easily identified by the red hourglass on their midsections, so slip on a red patent belt. Then slick on a coat of crimson Hourglass lipstick and reference Natasha’s mother country with Essie’s “Russian Roulette” nail varnish. These spider earrings might be more reminiscent of another Marvel character, but they’re also sleek enough to be Black-Widow-esque.

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Hawkeye/Clint Barton

Clint Barton/Hawkeye, played by Jeremy Renner, is quite the loner: as an expert sniper, he spends a great deal of time perched in the shadows, waiting for his targets. This master marksman has got a neat set of trick arrows (acid, explosive, flare, and boomerang arrows, just to name a few). Hawkeye mostly keeps to himself, but does share a deep, unspoken connection with Black Widow. He made a cameo in Thor.

Product Information: Vest, Tank, Jeans, Boots, Bag, Ring, Necklace, Bracelet

In the original comics, Hawkeye wears a flashy purple and blue suit. While I can see why they toned it down for the movie, it’s actually a pretty fun color scheme for real life. Distressed denim vests are a hot trend this year, and this one pairs perfectly with a cobalt tank and violet skinnies. Buckled ankle boots toughen up the look while a hawk ring and nest pendant add some avian detail.

Between Hawkeye, Katniss, and the ever-popular Legolas, archery is definitely getting its moment in the spotlight. A leather bucket bag is a cute civilian take on Hawkeye’s sheath of arrows, while a golden arrow bangle adds a nice dose of sheen.

Movie Themed Posters Re-Invented (Again).


Minimal posters are very trendy, and Alejandro de Antonio has produced an excellent set of minimal movie posters in this vein. He has an uncanny ability to capture the essence of a popular movie and represent it via a simplistic, but elegant illustration.  His designs showcase how strong the brand is behind the movies, as we instantly connect with the represented protagonists.

The First Official James Bond: ‘Skyfall’ Trailer.


Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

Famous People Hanging Out.


Many people consider being a celebrity like being in some sort of elite club.  An upper echelon of a big circle of friends.  In some respects that may be true, but there are still certain people in the “celebrity community” that you may not necessarily expect to spend time with each other.  Check out the series of photos below.

Woody Allen and Michael Jackson

Charlie Chaplin and Albert Einstein

Colonel Sanders and Alice Cooper

Barack Obama and George Clooney

Elvis Presley and Tom Jones

George Lucas, David Bowie and Jim Henson

Bruce Springsteen and Michael Jackson

Dave Grohl, RuPaul and Kurt Cobain

The Beatles and Mohammed Ali

Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart

Michael Jackson, Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas

Charlie Chaplin and Mahatma Gandhi

Prince and Prince Charles

Stephen Fry and Lady Gaga

Nancy Reagan and Mr. T

Eartha Kitt and James Dean

Bob Marley and the Jackson Five

Dustin Hoffman and Lawrence Olivier

 

 

Dev Fans Rejoice.


MTV has a new series about Dev. Watch the 22 year old pop star show MTV behind the scenes for the launch of her career as a popstar recording her album, touring, as well as her life as a mom.

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