Disney Reveals 'Star Wars' Spin-Off Films

According to Entertainment Weekly, The Walt Disney Co. has revealed that they plan to make a number a spin-off movies involving the popular Star Wars characters Han Solo and Boba Fett. These films will be made alongside the post-Return of the Jedi trilogy that has already been announced, and the movies will feature the early days of the two characters in a galaxy far, far away. The Han Solo story would take place in the time period between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope. This movie will require a much younger actor than Harrison Ford, who is now 71, to play the lead role - presumably one even younger than the 35-year-old Ford in the 1977 original. The Bobba Fett film would take place either between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back, or between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. It won't be very difficult finding someone to play the bounty hunter because in the original trilogy, he never took off his helmet.  There are also rumours going around about possible Yoda and Jaba the Hut spin-off movies. There is no word as to when these films will be released, but seeing as they are in the very early stages of development, it could be some time before they hit the big screen.

As you all are aware of my previous Star Wars post, I am a HUGE fan of the franchise. That being said, I don't know if I'm all that excited for these spin-off movies. For one, I don't see how/why they would make a film featuring Boba Fett. Sure he has somewhat of an important role in the Star Wars saga, but we know literally NOTHING about him. He never takes off his helmet, he's one of a billion bounty hunters in the Star Wars universe, and the only weapon he has is a measly pistol. That will be one Star Wars film I might take a pass on. The Han Solo movie on the other hand, I could see myself going to that. I enjoyed the wisecracking smuggler in the original trilogy, but Disney is going to have write up a really good story to make the film interesting. In today's age of iconic movie characters, Han Solo doesn't really offer up anything unique - just his well-known name. If Disney gets someone to write up a really good script and screenplay, which I'm sure they will, than they could potentially have a really good movie on their hands.

Who would you guys pick to play Han Solo in the spin-off film? Would it be better to go with someone relatively unknown like Harrison Ford was in the original trilogy? Let me know in the comments below!

Sources:
http://insidemovies.ew.com/2013/02/06/star-wars-spin-offs-young-han-solo-movie-boba-fett/
http://www.indiewire.com/static/dims4/INDIEWIRE/d6522ee/4102462740/thumbnail/680x478/http://d1oi7t5trwfj5d.cloudfront.net/1c/84d000708a11e2983222000a1d0930/file/'Star-Wars'-Spin-Offs-Will-Focus-On-Boba-Fett-&-A-Young-Han-Solo.jpg

Kristen Wiig is On Board for 'Anchorman 2'

Examiner.com has recently released an official statement that Bridesmaids star, Kristen Wigg, is joining Will Ferrell for Anchorman 2. The film's director, Adam McKay, who also directed Will Ferrell in Step Brothers and The Other Guys, tweeted this piece of news on February 5th. Kristen Wiig is a Saturday Night Live alum and she made a big name for herself with her critically-acclaimed comedy Bridesmaids. Wiig will supposedly be playing of wife of returning character Brick Tamland, who is played by Steve Carrell. Anchorman: The Legend Continues is a sequel to the massively successful 2004 film Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgandy. It will feature all of the returning cast which includes Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, Christina Applegate, David Koechner, and Steve Carrell. It is slated for release in December of 2013

Anybody who knows me knows that my favourite comedy of ALL TIME is Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgandy. I thought the writing was absolutely genius, the cast was stacked with A-listers, and there is not a single second of dullness throughout the entire hour and forty-five minute movie. The sequel to this movie is one of my most anticipated sequels for 2013 and the fact that Kristen Wiig is now going to be in it, that just makes me much more excited to see it. I'm personally a big fan of Kristen Wiig. I really enjoyed her in Bridesmaids and I actually find her to be the female version of Steve Carrell when it comes to comedy. I am personally very surprised Adam McKay was able to get all of the original cast back together because many of them are now huge movie stars compared to what they were in 2004. Regardless, I am very happy he has been able to do so and I am just counting down the days until its release in December.

Are you guys excited for Anchorman: The Legend Continues? What do you think of Kristen Wiig coming on board? Let me know in the comments below!

Sources:
http://www.examiner.com/article/kristen-wiig-bridesmaids-star-joins-will-ferrell-for-anchorman-2
http://www.usmagazine.com/uploads/assets/articles/59899-kristen-wiig-joins-anchorman-2-cast/1360082972_kristen-wiig-article.jpg

'World Of Warcraft' is Hitting the Big Screen

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the hugely successful and popular video game franchise World Of Warcraft, is being made into a movie. There have been rumours of a World Of Warcraft movie for years now, but the reason these rumours have become a reality is because of the director that has signed to helm the project. Duncan Jones, best known for his work as the director of Moon with Sam Rockwell and Source Code with Jake Gyllenhal, has come on board as the director for this huge undertaking. Legendary Pictures, which was behind The Dark Knight Rises and The Hangover, is the production company that will be financing this project. World Of Warcraft, which is one of the most successful franchises in video game history, has many stories integrated into it so this leaves Duncan Jones with endless possibilities when it comes to developing a screenplay for the film. Production for World Of Warcraft is set to start by the end of this year.

To be honest, I have never played a World Of Warcraft game in my entire life. I am one of few human beings with an XY sex chromosome that has never indulged in this video game. World Of Warcraft just never stuck out to me as something I would want to play growing up but, that being said, I am still going to see this film regardless. I am a fan of Duncan Jones and I think he is one of the biggest up and coming sci-fi directors in recent years. I'm curious to see what he is going to do with the story for the World Of Warcraft film because he is a very talented writer. I think Jones will single-handedly be able to take on this mammoth of a project that has been in production limbo for about five years now. There was no word as to when the movie is slated for release but seeing as they have JUST acquired a director, it probably won't be for a few years.

What do you guys think of Duncan Jones taking on this film? Will you go see the World Of Warcraft movie when it hits theaters? Let me know in the comments below!

Sources:
http://www.cinemablend.com/new/World-Warcraft-Movie-Gets-Director-Duncan-Jones-Starts-Fall-35418.html
http://www.blizzplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/duncan-jones-wow-film.jpg

'Entourage' Movie has the Green Light

According to IGN, the hugely popular HBO show Entourage is finally getting a spin-off movie. The very successful series, which is about movie star Vincent Chase and his Hollywood exploits with brother Johnny Drama and friends Turtle and E, ran on HBO from 2004-2011. The life of Vincent Chase, played by Adrian Grenier, is loosely based off of Mark Wahlberg's upbringing in Hollywood. Wahlberg, who also executive  produced the show, has been rumouring about a movie ever since the show ended in 2011. Rumour became reality last night when Warner Bros. finally said yes to Doug Ellin's screenply. Ellin created Entourage and he will also be directing the movie. Warner Bros. now just needs the shows main stars Adrian Grenier, Kevin Dillon, Kevin Connolly, Jerry Ferrara, and Jeremy Piven to sign on. I have a feeling there won't be any problem getting those guys to sign on to film the movie.

This is probably the piece of movie news that I have been the most excited to post on my blog yet. I was border-line obsessed with Entourage and I am literally jumping out of my seat with the news that they have green-lit the movie. I know unless you have watched the show before that this post won't seem very interesting to you, but for the people who do like Entourage, this is very exciting information. There was nothing on when this movie will be released, but I figure sometime in late 2014 - early 2015 it will be in theaters. I am a little curious as to what the plot will be in this movie but I have complete faith in Doug Ellin, the show's creator, that he will do a marvelous job in directing this film. It's just going to be so exciting for a lot of people to see a reunion of the main characters of Entourage, but on the big screen this time.

Are you guys excited for the Entourage movie? Let me know how you feel in the comments below!

Sources:
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2013/01/30/entourage-movie-gets-the-green-light
https://www.google.ca/search?q=entourage&aq=f&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=0FsJUbrwJIb_yQH_vYDQDw&biw=1366&bih=635&sei=1lsJUcHwA4akyQGiiYDoDw#imgrc=La0PuO7Mi25GtM%3A%3BqkYkiDnA5cFTzM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fhypervocal.com%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2012%252F09%252Fentourage-entourage-124106_1024_768.jpeg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fhypervocal.com%252Fentertainment%252F2012%252Fentourage-movie%252F%3B1024%3B768

J.J. Abrams to Helm 'Star Wars Episode VII'

Disney and Lucasfilm announced on Friday, January 25th, that "Lost" creator J.J. Abrams is going to be directing Star Wars Episode VII, the first of three new Star Wars movies being developed by Disney. J.J. Abrams is known for directing such movies as Super 8 and 2009's Star Trek. Alongside Abrams, Academy Award-Winning write Michael Arndt will be writing the screenplay. After bringing the Star Trek franchise back to life with his 2009 movie, J.J. Abrams directing Star Wars Episode VII means that he will have taken on two of the biggest sci-fi franchises in movie history. This announcement came after Disney recently purchased Lucasfilm for $4.1 billion, practically doubling George Lucas' net worth overnight. Star Wars Episode VII is set to release in 2015.

On a personal note, I could not be more excited about this announcement. J.J. Abrams is one of my favourite directors; he just has such a unique vision when it comes to developing movies and all of his work is very appealing visually. If Star Trek is any justification, I think Abrams will truly be able to capture the essence of the original Star Wars trilogy, while still giving a new modern vibe to the new trilogy. I am also a HUGE fan of Star Wars. I own all of the movies and I even loved the prequel trilogy, despite nobody else agreeing with me. This is one film I literally cannot wait for and if J.J. Abrams can make me love Episode VII as much as I did Star Trek, than I know Star Wars is going to have a bright future.

What do you guys think of J.J. Abrams taking the helm of Star Wars Episode VII? Are there any other directors who you wish Disney would have chosen for this film? Let me know in the comments below!

Sources:
http://www.g33kpron.com/j-j-abrams-star-wars-film-confirmed/#.UQlRzr80WSo
https://www.google.ca/search?q=j+j+abrams&aq=f&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=FlcJUcn5DMeXyAGYi4HYDw&biw=1366&bih=635&sei=H1cJUbqEPOGdyQGtxYG4Dg#imgrc=6lmlfw-VYSIgkM%3A%3B7UAz_X26LW6PaM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fstatic6.businessinsider.com%252Fimage%252F5106c2c26bb3f7e23a000005-960%252Fjj-abrams-star-wars.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.businessinsider.com%252Fjj-abrams-is-excited-to-direct-star-wars-2013-1%3B620%3B465

'Top Gun' to be Released in IMAX 3D

According to IMDB, Paramount Pictures' 1986 classic "Top Gun", is to be released in select IMAX 3D theaters beginning February 8th and it will go until February 14th. The story of an elite group of fighter pilots competing to be the best in their class stars Tom Cruise as "Maverick", and Val Kilmer as "Iceman". Tony Scott, who recently committed suicide in August of last year, directed the film and Jerry Bruckheimer also produced it. Along with the IMAX 3D release, "Top Gun" will also be released on a 2-disc Blu-ray set, one disc with the 3D version of the film, the other disc with the 2D version, on February 19th. "Top Gun" captured the imagination of a generation and earned worldwide box office sales of over $350 million upon its release.

I'm sure a lot of nostalgic adults will want to go see this movie, but this is one IMAX release that I am going to take a pass on. The big thing in Hollywood lately is to release classic films in theaters for a short period of time in 3D. Movies like "Finding Nemo", Monsters Inc.", and the "Star Wars" trilogy have all been re-released in theaters in 3D. I personally HATE 3D. I find the glasses annoying to wear, the 3D imagery is was too distracting during the movie, and I do not want to pay an extra $3 on top of an already expensive movie ticket. I've seen "Top Gun" before and I think it is an excellent movie, but I do not want to pay $16 just to see Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer jump out of the screen at me. I wish Hollywood would jump off the 3D bandwagon and just release movies in regular old 2D. Don't fix something that isn' broken.

What do you guys think of 3D movies? Do you think you'll go see "Top Gun" in IMAX? Let me know in the comments below!

Sources:
http://collider.com/top-gun-imax-3d-trailer/
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/c62.0.403.403/p403x403/483463_540089086003910_1205759435_n.jpg

Steve Job's Biopic to Hit Theaters on Apple's 37th Anniversary

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the Steve Jobs biopic called "jOBS" is expected to hit theaters on April 19th, which is the 37th anniversary of the founding of the Apple computer. Ashton Kutcher stars in this film as the genius, billionaire, computer powerhouse Steve Jobs. The biopic, directed by Joshua Michael Stern and written by Matthew Whitely, chronicles the life of Steve Jobs from his early days as a college dropout, to later in his life as one of the most respected and revered entrepreneurs of the 20th century. Before it hits the big screen, "jOBS" will make its worldwide debut on January 25th as the closing-night film of the Sundance Film Festival in Park City.

I don't know about you guys, but I'm actually pretty excited for this film. I, personally, don't own an apple computer but I've always found Steve Jobs to be a great role model for aspiring entrepreneurs. He truly did change the world with his ideas so I'm very curious to see this movie just to find out what his upbringing was like to being one of the greatest inventors, and masterminds, of the technological world. The thing about this movie is that I'm not sure if Ashton Kutcher is the right person to play Steve Jobs. I think Ashton Kutcher is a phenomenal actor; he has been in some of my favourite movies. I just don't think he looks enough like Steve Jobs (picture right above). I guess we'll just have to wait until April 19th to see if Five Star Institute and Silver Reel picked the right person for the job.

Do you guys think Ashton Kutcher is the right person to play Steve Jobs? Let me know in the comments below!

Sources:
http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/50be16766bb3f74e4700000b-2250-1500/ashton-kutcher-as-steve-jobs.jpg?maxX=610
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/ashton-kutchers-jobs-hit-theaters-414868