Eli Roth seems to be sliding into the new position of producer quite easily.  So much so, who’s to say if we will ever see the man behind the camera again.  There has been talk for a while now about his sci-fi thriller Endangered Species.  However, he now has enough projects on his plate that I doubt we will even see that film in the next five years or so.  Now, the director/writer/actor/producer has another project on deck.  Deadline is reporting that Roth will be producing Aftershock, an earthquake thriller directed by Nicolas Lopez which is to include a cameo by Selena Gomez (groan).  Roth will co-write the film with Lopez and fellow writer Guillermo Amoedo.  The plot is centered around patients who are released from an insane asylum due to a devastating earthquake.  Inspired by the earthquake that skook Chile in 2010, Aftershock is now four weeks into production in Chile.  Here is what Roth has to say about the project.

“I’ve been a huge fan of Nicolas Lopez since his remarkable debut Promedio Rojo and have watched him grow into one of the best young filmmakers out there,” Roth said. “He has the incredible combination of commercial sensibility with an artistic eye, and what he has done here in Chile with their film industry is revolutionary. This collaboration marks the beginning of what we call Chilewood, making genre films for the global market using all the resources Chile has to offer. We are making a smart elevated disaster genre movie with superb production value, something really big. The film’s going to be very scary, very intense, and very real.”

Between this, the sequel to The Last Exorcism, RZA’s The Man With The Iron Fists, and a full-length version of Clown (based on the popular trailer), Roth will have very little time to sleep yet alone make any head-way on his Endangered Species project.  As a fan of all of the man’s directed films, hopefully he will be back sitting in the director’s chair soon.

In what can only be described as pure exploitative horror, there’s a new film about the undead that comes complete with the tag-line – “Bin Laden Will Die AGAIN.”   I’m not one who gets offended easily, but even this made me kind of recoil a little in awkward “On no they didn’t!” laughter.  Like it or not, Osombie is heading our way.  Thankfully, the film has a little bit of grindhouse-esque humor (as seen in the opening “Warning” card) to soften the blow.  They are clearly going to ride a tidal wave of controversy with this one and I can’t wait to hear what FOX News has to say.  Although the CGI looks pretty bad at times, the production design and zombie make-up don’t look all that bad.  This could actually be a ton of fun! We have had Nazi zombies before . . . why not Muslim terrorist zombies as well?  The trailer for the film can be seen below.  Osombie has already been completely shot and edited.  To help get the film finished in post-production (and to save it from being released with bad CGI), you can help fund the project through their Kickstarter page.

Follows Dusty, a yoga instructor from Colorado on a desperate rescue mission to save her crazy brother Derek, a conspiracy theorist who is convinced Osama Bin Laden is still alive. In Afghanistan, Dusty falls in with a team of NATO Special Forces on a secret assignment. Turns out Derek is not so crazy after all, and Osama Bin Laden has returned from his watery grave and is making an army of zombie terrorists.

Source: First Showing

A movie like Chronicle was bound to happen. Superhero films have blossomed in popularity over the past few years with The Dark Knight and Iron Man being successful and impacting among the rabid film geek culture. By balancing a non-established or branded superhero film with an economical found footage execution, you are able to bring the story to theaters with as minimal financial impact as possible.

Chronicle is the brainchild of screenwriter Max Landis (yes, John Landis’ son) and director Josh Trank.  While the story isn’t wholly original, it is the way it is delivered is what makes it more interesting than a simple retread of what was already covered in Marvel comics of the past. We are quickly introduced to high school outcast Andrew Detmer (Dane DeHaan) who gives a very logical reason on why everything is being recorded on a newly bought camcorder. Through the progression of the footage, Andrew gets to a point where he has been beat up and bullied to no end and has no way out. Conveniently, this is when he meets Steve (Michael B. Jordan). Steve and Andrew’s only friend, his cousin Matt (Alex Russell), convince him to film something extraordinary that they found. All three of them explore a hole in the ground and what has seemingly crashed into the earth is something extraterrestrial. Quickly after the exploration, they find out they have telekinetic powers which they try to hone and master – as one of the characters say, we need to treat this like a muscle.

You have three different characters with three different personalities that deal with their new found powers. With the fragile personality of Andrew, it is essentially a ticking timebomb. No matter how Steve and Matt try to  discourage him from using his powers based off of his emotions, it is inevitable. Andrew becomes unstable and starts to use his powers negatively.

One of the flaws of the film could be the believability of the CGI effects as they are not the best and at times look really bad, the other major flaw is essentially what differentiates the film from other origin  type superhero stories. At first Trank, is smart with some of the camera logic by showing the different resolutions of the cameras in one scene it later gets lost – for example, the end scene by the Seattle tower. However, the “found footage” angle brings you closer to Andrew’s character and gets you into his head as everything is from his point of view. The homemade footage really makes you identify with him because it cannot break away from him.

Actors DeHaan and Jordan are believable and genuine while Russell’s performance weakens the further the film goes along until you get to the hokey self confessional ending. Chronicle was supposedly made for $15 million which once you see it will make you wonder where all that money went until you consider that it wasn’t actually filmed in Seattle which can only tell the audience that the majority of the film’s finale was CGI – and it kind of shows.

There are a lot of strong suits in Chronicle with its storytelling that elevate it from mediocrity even if the latter third of the film is rushed. Director Josh Trank shows tons of promise and definitely puts him on my radar. His handling of the found footage with logical reasons as opposed to gimmicky means to sell a movie should be commended. Comic book fans and fans of previously released superhero films might want to give this breath of fresh air a try either at a matinee or once it is released on cable.

After months of casting, one of the male leads has finally emerged in the long awaited Evil Dead remake.  Shiloh Fernandez, best known to horror fans for his unforgettable role in the chiller Deadgirl (as well as the equally forgettable Red Riding Hood) landed a part in the film. Variety is reporting that the actor is playing the male lead though no other info regarding the character has been released as of yet.  The remake to the 1981 horror film is being directed by Fede Alvarez.  As of last week, our sources tell us that auditions were still being held for the remaining male and female roles.  Who knows if this may cause a delay in the film production.  Does anyone else thinks he kind of looks like a more drugged-out Edward Furlong? Just a thought.

Set to be the first film in a trilogy based off the popular book series of the same name,  The Hunger Games has a new trailer that just went viral. The Games will we be released on March 23 in theaters everywhere including the recently announced IMAX limited run (it will be released in IMAX for the first week after its US release). The film stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci and Donald Sutherland and is directed by Gary Ross. Check out the new trailer for The Hunger Games below.

Synopsis:

“Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the evil Capitol of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. A twisted punishment for a past uprising and an ongoing 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.”

Intruders, staring Clive Owen will hit theaters on March 30th, and there is a new poster for your viewing pleasure. The new film from Juan Carlos Fresnadillo (28 Weeks Later) revolves around the tale of two children from different countries who are tormented by the same faceless figure.

Take a look at the new poster and the new synopsis.

Synopsis:

“Though no one can see him, Hollow Face lurks in the corners, desperately desiring love but only knowing how to spread fear and hate. He creeps into the life of John Farrow (Clive Owen) after Farrow’s beloved 13-year-old daughter Mia (Ella Purnell) is assaulted in their home. The line between the real and the imaginary blurs as fissures start to open within the family unit. It seems that no security measure can keep Hollow Face out. “

One film that I didn’t get to check out last year was Gary Oldman in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy but luckily I won’t be waiting too long until I can watch it in my own home. Universal Pictures released details on the Blu-Ray and DVD release coming up next month.

From the Press Release

Things aren’t always as they seem in the Oscar^®-nominated, suspenseful, and stylish thriller from director Tomas Alfredson (Let the Right One In), based on the classic novel by John le Carré. Focus Features’ Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy will be available on Blu-ray^™Combo Pack with UltraViolet^, on DVD,on Digital Download and On-Demand March 20, 2012, from Universal Studios Home Entertainment.  At the height of the Cold War, Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), a.k.a. MI6 and code-named the Circus, has been compromised.  An ever-watchful former top lieutenant and career spy, George Smiley (Gary Oldman, The Dark Knight, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix ), is called out of retirement by the government to help identify and track a suspected mole at the top of the agency.  The list of suspects is narrowed to five men.  Even before the startling truth is revealed, the emotional and physical tolls on the players enmeshed in the deadly international spy game will escalate…Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is Academy Award^®-nominated for Best Actor (Gary Oldman), Best Adapted Screenplay (Bridget O’Connor & Peter Straughan), and Best Original Score (Alberto Iglesias); and is nominated for 11 BAFTA Awards including Best Film and Best Actor.

Also starring Oscar^® winner Colin Firth (The King’s Speech) with Benedict Cumberbatch (“Sherlock”), David Dencik (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Tom Hardy (Inception), Ciarán Hinds (The Debt), Oscar^® nominee John Hurt (Midnight Express), Toby Jones (The Hunger Games), and Mark Strong (Robin Hood), Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is “a pleasurably sly and involving puzzler” (Manohla Dargis, The New York Times) and showcases “easily one of the year’s best pictures – Gary Oldman gives a performance that is flawless in every detail.” (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone).

Included with the Blu-ray^™ Combo Pack is an all-new UltraViolet^™ copy of the film. UltraViolet^™ is the revolutionary new way for consumers to collect movies and TV shows, put them in the cloud and download and stream instantly to computers, tablets and smartphones and soon, consumers can download to devices of their choice too. The Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy Blu-ray^™ Combo Pack also includes a Digital Copy of the film which is compatible with iTunes^®, iPad^®, iPhone^®, iPod^™ touch, Android or other retail partners.  So now, consumers can truly enjoy their movies and TV shows anytime, anywhere, on the platform of their choice!

BONUS FEATURES EXCLUSIVE TO Blu-ray^TM : Unleash the power of your HDTV with perfect hi-def picture and perfect hi-def sound.

• TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY: FIRST LOOK
• DELETED SCENES
• INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR JOHN LE CARRÉ
• BD-LIVE^TM : Access the BD-Live^™ Center through your Internet-connected player to watch the latest trailers and more!
• pocket BLU^TM app: The groundbreaking pocket BLU^™ app uses iPad^®, iPhone^®, iPod^® touch,  Android^™, PC and Mac^® to work seamlessly with a network-connected Blu-ray^™ player.  Plus iPad^® and Android^™ tablet  owners can enjoy a new, enhanced edition of pocket BLU^™ made especially to take advantage of the tablets’ larger screen and high resolution display.  Consumers will be able to browse through a library of Blu-ray^™ content and watch entertaining extras on-the-go in a way that’s bigger and better than ever before.  pocket BLU^™ offers advanced features such as:
• Advanced Remote Control: A sleek, elegant new way to operate your Blu-ray^™ player. Users can navigate through menus, playback and BD-Live^™ functions with ease.
• Video Timeline: Users can easily bring up the video timeline, allowing them to instantly access any point in the film.
• Mobile-To-Go: Users can unlock a selection of bonus content with their Blu-ray^™ discs to save to their device or to stream from anywhere there is a Wi-Fi network, enabling them to enjoy content on the go, anytime, anywhere.
• Browse Titles: Users will have access to a complete list of pocket BLU^™-enabled titles available and coming to
  Blu-ray^™ Hi-Def.  They can view free previews and see what additional content is available to unlock on their device.
• Keyboard: Entering data is fast and easy with your device’s intuitive keyboard.
• uHEAR^™:  Never miss another line of dialogue with this innovative feature that instantly skips back a few seconds on your
• Blu-ray^™ disc and turns on the subtitles to highlight what you missed.

BONUS FEATURES (BLU-RAY^™ and DVD):

• INTERVIEWS  WITH ACTORS GARY OLDMAN, COLIN FIRTH, TOM HARDY; DIRECTOR TOMAS ALFREDSON; AND SCREENWRITER PETER STRAUGHAN
• FEATURE COMMENTARY WITH DIRECTOR TOMAS ALFREDSON AND ACTOR GARY OLDMAN

TECHNICAL INFORMATION – BLU-RAY^™:

Street Date: March 20, 2012
Copyright: 2012 Universal Studios.  All Rights Reserved.
Selection Number:  61120849
Running time:  2 Hours, 8 Minutes
Layers: BD-50
Picture Format : Widescreen
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Rating:  Rated R for violence, some sexuality/nudity, and language
Languages/Subtitles:  English SDH, Spanish, French
Sound:  DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, Spanish DTS Surround 5.1, French (EU) DTS Surround 5.1

TECHNICAL INFORMATION – DVD:

Street Date: March 20, 2012
Copyright: 2012 Universal Studios.  All Rights Reserved.
Selection Number: 61120847
Running time: 2 Hours, 8 Minutes
Layers: Dual Layer
Picture Format: Anamorphic Widescreen
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Rating:  Rated R for violence, some sexuality/nudity, and language
Languages/Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1

Pre-Order the Blu-Ray

Pre-Order the DVD

Evil Dead 2 is definitely one of those films that became embedded into my childhood. It was fun, gory, hyper-kinetic and full of energy which is why it still remains a classic today. We previously reported on back in August 2011 that NECA would be releasing four figures in early 2012. Amazon.com has now posted two out of the four that were previewed in that post (Hero Ash, Deadite Ash, Henrietta and Farewell to Arms Ash), but these are definitely the ones that I enjoyed the most out of the ones revealed, and they are available for Pre-Order RIGHT NOW!

Farewell to Arms Ash

Pre-Order Now!

Deadite Ash

Pre-Order Now!

Deadite Ash and Farewell to Arms Ash are available for pre-order now and should be released on February 14, 2012.

After SFX/make-up legend turned actor Tom Savini let loose a little while ago that the producers of The Walking Dead were hoping to nail down character actor John Hawkes (Winter’s Bone, Martha Marcy May Marlene) to play the iconic role in the hit TV show, the internet became a buzz with excitement and intrigue.  Fans of the comic series obviously know who I am referring to.  Yet, for those who are approaching the TV show with fresh eyes and who aren’t aware of the character, I won’t ruin his involvement in the story.  All I will say is that he is a very BAD BAD MOTHERF- – - – -.   Though the actor would be pretty astonishing in the role, his publicist is quick to shoot down the rumors.

“John is NOT appearing on The Walking Dead,” publicist Karen Samfilippo said in an email to TheWrap.

Last week in an interview with MovieWeb.com, Tom Savini had this to say which ignited the rumor-mill:

Listen, I have been campaigning to be the governor on that damn thing with Greg Nicotero for over a year. Everytime I see the graphic novel, and I see a picture of the governor, who looks just like me, I send Greg a picture. I just won’t give up. Last time I talked to him about it, when I was in Los Angeles, he said they were going after a name for that part. I said, “Who?” He said John Hawkes. Well, I never heard of John Hawkes. But then he reminds me that we were in From Dusk Till Dawn together. He is the guy at the beginning in the store that fires on them. Apparently he was up for an Academy Award. He was up for something called Winter’s Bone. That’s whom they are going after for The Governor. But everyone I talk to, the people that read the graphic novels…They’ve all said that I would be the perfect governor. Because he is tough and brutal. And…I look just like the graphic depiction of him!

Maybe Savini might end up getting his wish after all.  Since it sounds like the producers are looking for someone for the role, fans will hopefully not have to wait too much longer to see the character on The Walking Dead.

In 10 days, the second half of Season 2 of The Walking Dead will begin.  Set your DVR’s for Feb. 12 at 9/8 c.

Get a peak at the character in question below.

I feel that I have talked ad nauseam about my love for Ti West‘s goofy ghost story The Innkeepers.  Equal parts character study and old-fashioned thrills, the film is a slight departure from the tension driven satanic story that West gave us with House of the Devil.  Some critics feel the story is too thin or that the scares are too soft.  However, after initially seeing it at Fantastic Fest last September, I can honestly say that I cant wait to see it on the big screen once again.  If only for the simple fact to hear the subtle sound design and the amazing score by Jeff Grace (Stakeland) on the big screen once again.  The Innkeepers gets a limited theatrical release starting tomorrow, February 3.  Below you can hear the director and his star discuss how they approached the film and hear their anecdotes from on-set.

For more info, visit the film’s site by clicking here.  Below, I have listed the cities that are now scheduled to get the film.  For those living in St. Louis, unfortunately we aren’t on the list as of now.  Hopefully this will change since I recently spoke to someone at Landmark’s Tivoli Theater.

2/3/2012
Los Angeles, CA: Downtown Independent
San Francisco, CA: Lumiere Theatre 3
Denver, CO: Denver Film Center/Colfax
New Haven, CT: Criterion Cinemas 7
Washington, DC: West End Cinema
Chicago, IL: Music Box
Brookline, MA: Coolidge Corner Theatre
Kansas City, MO: Screenland Crossroads Theatre
Albuquerque, NM: Guild
New York, NY: Village East Cinemas
Portland, OR: Hollywood Theatre
Philadelphia, PA: Ritz at the Bourse
Charleston, SC: Terrace Theatre
Austin, TX: Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar
Dallas, TX: Texas Theatre
Houston, TX: Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas -West Oaks-
Seattle, WA: Grand Illusion Cinema

2/8/2012
Torrington, CT: Warner Theatre

2/9/2012
Dormont, PA: Hollywood Theatre
Ogden, UT: Art House Cinema 502

2/10/2012
Tucson, AZ: The Loft Cinema
Northampton, MA: Pleasant Street
Omaha, NE: Dundee (Art)

2/17/2012
Grand Rapids, MI: Urban Institute of Contemporary Arts
Columbus, OH: Gateway Film Center 8
Knoxville, TN: Knoxville Horror Film Festival
Madison, WI: UW-Madison Cinematheque

2/24/2012
Toms River, NJ: Traco Theatre
Pleasantville, NY: Jacob Burns Film Center

3/1/2012
Charlotte, NC: Movies @ CrownPoint 12

3/8/2012
Cleveland, OH: Cleveland Cinematheque

3/13/2012
Syracuse, NY: Palace

Source: I Am Rogue

Bond is back! After a series of hiccups behind the scenes  following 2008′s disappointing Quantum of Solace, James Bond could be set to make a huge comeback with director Sam Mendes (Road to Perdition, Jarhead) behind the film Skyfall.  In the new photo seen below, not only do what we get a look at the grizzled Daniel Craig among what looks like a series of hi-tech computer screens, but we also see him holding his signature gun: The Walther PPK.  As much as a “shaken not stirred” martini is his drink of choice, this gun is clearly his weapon of choice.  The gun first appeared in Dr. No and was featured in almost every Bond film to follow.  Die-hard fans of the series often note that Daniel Craig was not seen using it in Casino Royale even though publicity shots were released showing him holding it.  However, the gun did make a return in Quantum of Solace and looks to be continuing the tradition in Skyfall.

James Bond’s newest mission, Skyfall will be released November 9, 2012.

Source: 007.com

Joss Whedon is a hero among comic geeks. I have a feeling, if the hype is true, he might even be a hero to horror geeks this April with The Cabin in the Woods. While we all wait for The Avengers movie, we can see what he did with the X-Men Dangerous line via Marvel Knights in a new animated film.

From the Press Release

Danger takes on a whole new meaning as the X-MEN are forced to confront a reality they never thought possible. Continuing the saga of the ASTONISHING X-MEN, comic book pages come alive when Shout! Factory, in association with Marvel Knights Animation, debut the highly anticipated Marvel Knights Animation ASTONISHING X-MEN: DANGEROUS on DVD, April 10, 2012. The highly popular “Dangerous” storyline and eye-popping visuals from the graphic novel by pop culture icons Joss Whedon and John Cassaday combine smart story telling, incredible action, and startling revelations in the second story arc of the acclaimed ASTONISHING X-MEN multi-part series. This DVD invites viewers to delve deep inside the imaginative world of the Marvel Universe. A must have for collectors and loyal fans, this deluxe DVD is featured with a graphic rich cover and a unique replica of comic book-style packaging that bridges the comic book to DVD concept. It is priced to own at $14.97.

Marvel Knights Animation
Marvel Knights Animation remains true to the heritage of panel-by-panel graphic storytelling, boasting groundbreaking illustrations, sensational soundscapes, and of course, the explosiveness of the Mighty Marvel Universe. Behind every image and every word lies the genius of Marvel’s celebrated creators like Robert Rodi, Esad Ribic, Brian Michael Bendis, Alex Maleev, Joss Whedon, Reginald Hudlin, John Romita Jr, Warren Ellis, Adi Granov, John Cassaday, and more.

ASTONISHING X-MEN: DANGEROUS
Synopsis: The tragic death of a student at the Xavier Institute reveals that a powerful enemy is working from inside the mansion to destroy the X-Men. It’s an enemy who knows all their weaknesses and can predict their every move. This new foe doesn’t want wealth, power or world domination – it only wants them dead. As the X-Men fight for their lives, they learn they’ve been deceived by one of their own. Even if they survive, the team will never be the same.

Marvel Knights Animation ASTONISHING X-MEN: DANGEROUS is produced by Atomic Studios; and written by Joss Whedon with art by John Cassaday.

Pre-Order the DVD Now!

Here are the positions we need filled:

• News Head Editor/Contributor(s) - This applicant will be in trenches publishing news from many sources up to and including Press Releases we receive as well scouring the web for news to publish and comment on for the site.
• Review Contributor(s) - This applicant will be required to post at least one review a week varying from a theatrical release or a home media release (DVD or Blu-Ray).
• Article Contributor(s) - This applicant will either have free range or will be directed to create an article (weekly or monthly) to publish on DTB.

Please send all inquiries to andy@destroythebrain.com.

Be advised that all inquiries into filling these positions will require at least a 400-600 word example depending on the position you wish to fill.

Tomorrow, the film that most of us have been waiting for, Dead Hooker in a Trunk, will be released by IFC Midnight. To celebrate, the lovely Soska sisters want to hang out with you, a date of sorts, while you watch the film with them. Basically it will be a live commentary that will be totally interactive-meaning you can ask them questions and stuff. Just keep it proper because if you don’t you are liable to lose your head as I believe they have chainsaws near by full of gasoline to last all night long.

Follow the twins on Twitter at @twisted_twins starting at 8pm Pacific Time (10pm Central) tomorrow on the 31st for the commentary! Tell the ladies that @destroythebrain sent you.

To get you excited about the upcoming Tim Burton feature length adaptation, MPI will be releasing the original TV show that started it all in a comprehensive collectible box-set.  Every episode from the popular gothic drama series will be available in a handsomely packaged set in the shape of a coffin.  Obviously, very fitting.  Fans know that the show has been available before on DVD, but never before has the entire series been collected in one giant set.  On April 10, MPI will be releasing a massive 131-disc set, containing a whopping 1225 episodes!  It’s being said that the transfers are all carried over from the previous release.  No official announcement has been made from MPI as of yet, but Tvshowsondvd.com has a comprehensive inside look at what they know so far.  The package art and Amazon link can be found below.

Burton’s film is set for release on May 11.

It is always a shame to hear that a once great director has failed (once again) to create a well-made film.  Francis Ford Coppola is certainly a talented director.  Unfortunately though, he has fallen on a series of disappointing films that have failed to match the quality of previous efforts like The Godfather and Apocalypse Now.  The recent buzz regarding Coppola’s recent 3D experimental film Twixt, is far from positive.  In fact … many are saying that it is a complete disaster.  No word has been released yet regarding the US distribution of the film.  Though for some of our European readers, it’s getting released in France in April with the possibility of other countries to follow.  Below you can see the new poster featuring Elle Fanning.

A writer with a declining career, who arrives in a small town as part of his book tour and gets caught up in a murder mystery involving a young girl. That night in a dream, he is approached by a mysterious young ghost named V. He’s unsure of her connection to the murder in the town, but is grateful for the story being handed to him. Ultimately he is led to the truth of the story, surprised to find that the ending has more to do with his own life than he could ever have anticipated.

Life and death. The horror genre is built upon these two words that have involved so many different characters and stories in films over the years.  Essentially in every horror film you are waiting to see who will live or who will die.  Does the character have what it takes to survive?  This is a simple idea that is usually made to be more convoluted through the inclusion of zombies, vampires, or deranged masked men.  Yet, it always comes down to whether or not someone is going to live or die.  In The Grey, hungry wolves take a back-seat to a stirring story that focuses on one man’s look back at the life he once had while comprehending that death now seems to be imminent.

Liam Neeson, who is no stranger to playing the tough grizzled hero, plays Ottway, a sharpshooter who protects Alaskan oil workers from any attacking wolves.  He wears his troubled life stories and personal pains deep inside the wrinkles and creases in his worn face.  The precise camera-work by Masanobu Takayanagi (Warrior) seems to emphasize this all the more.  Ottway and the team of workers are on their way home when the plane carrying them crash lands in the middle of nowhere.  Cold temperatures, lack of food, and unease among some of the men, are nothing compared to the wild wolves that hunt the group as they seek to find help.  In order to survive the winter weather and the pursuit of the pack, the men must work together and find within themselves the strength to go on.

The way director Joe Carnahan handles the initial plane crash should give you a clear hint of the style and intensity of the adventure you are about to go on.  Tight camerawork and frantic action drives home the feeling that you are there in the hull of the plane with these poor men.  It’s a brutal and jaw-dropping scene that feels more real than any crash put on screen before.  As one could expect, not everyone survives the crash which leads to our first glimpse at the emotional intensity Carnahan and his fellow screenwriter Ian Mackenzie Jeffers include to match the action.  I might have let out a tear myself in this heart-wrenching scene that shows Neeson on his acting “A” game. The wolf attacks later on are brutal and result in some fairly bloody carcasses, but the real shocker for audiences will be how invested you may become in these foul-mouthed macho guys.  Initially they exist as just a handful of guys with too much machismo to burn.  Yet, as the film progresses, we get to know these men for who they really are.  A lot of times with survival films of this nature, we get a series of heart-tugging character scenes towards the beginning of the film that seem to be forcing you into caring about the characters when they die later on.  Not really the case here.  The Grey, doesn’t necessarily conform to the standard structure and instead places the majority of the action in the first hour or so before finally really unveiling who some of the remaining men really are.  The storytelling present here feels much more organic and flows with an ease that doesn’t feel like its jumping through hoops to entertain you.  The highlight of the motley crew is obviously Liam Neeson.  His performance and so many of the others are grounded in reality and come off so incredibly natural.  This can be attributed to a smart and complex script but also to fine casting.  Another actor who really shines beneath the layers of thick coats and clothing is Frank Grillo as the tough-guy Diaz who doesn’t take kindly to Neeson taking over as the leader.  Diaz injects some excitement into the group dynamic even while the men are just sitting around the camp-fire talking about their lives back home.

Utilizing a combination of real wolves, practical effects, and CGI, The Grey showcases how well a horror film’s “monster” can look when all of the mentioned components come together in perfect harmony.  Not since the shark in Jaws or the creature in Alien has there been a more menacing force that seems to always be present (lurking in the shadows) even though it’s barely seen on screen.  Much of this feeling is due to the in-your-face sound design that constantly makes you question whether you just heard the wind through the trees or the growl of the hungry pack.  They are animals to be feared and Neeson’s Ottoway knows this.  Not only that, but he also knows to respect them.  This respect or belief for nature versus any spiritual faith is an idea that Carnahan hints at throughout before finally flat-out raising the question towards the memorable finale.  Ottoway has faced many problems on his own, one of which is shown through repeated flashbacks.  Yet, like his father’s poem that is shown in the film, he must go “once more into the fray.”  One who remembers Neeson’s personal loss of his wife not but a few years ago can’t help but think of the parallels between his real life and the character seen here.

Though it may look like a silly escapist adventure flick on the surface (or if you have seen any of the action heavy trailers), The Grey is more interested in being a thriller with heart.  Through these extremely realistic characters, the film makes you wonder why do situations like this occur?  We hear and read about similar stories like this every year. Is it fate?  Is it an accident? Or is it intended to be a renewal in the faith we have in ourselves?  The culmination of the group’s journey only makes you question this even more.  The overt philosophizing and what some may argue as pseudo-intellectualism that is peppered between the gory attacks may not be the stuff that some viewers will warm up to.  One thing is for certain though, The Grey is a bleak film that manages to celebrate both life and death.  Without a doubt, one of the best survivalist films ever made, and it is certainly one genre film that shouldn’t get thrown out and lost in the cold and forgotten weeks of January.

HAMMER Films returns to the big screen next Friday with The Woman in Black. We got 10 Admit Two passes to give away not only to see the film for free but to see it the Tuesday before it comes out.

Synopsis

The story follows a young lawyer, Arthur Kipps (Radcliffe), who is ordered to travel to a remote village and sort out a recently deceased client’s papers. As he works alone in the client’s isolated house, Kipps begins to uncover tragic secrets, his unease growing when he glimpses a mysterious woman dressed only in black. Receiving only silence from the locals, Kipps is forced to uncover the true identity of the Woman in Black on his own, leading to a desperate race against time when he discovers her true intent.

How to Win

• “Like” us on Facebook
• Leave a comment on either your favorite Hammer horror film or your own personal ghost story.
• The screening is Tuesday, January 31st at 7pm. Location will be revealed to the winners.

Not only am I a horror nut, but I’m also a video game, comics, sports and fitness nut. Whenever there is an opportunity for any of my worlds to combine it brings me joy that is unspeakable. It looks like a potential combination of these is on its way, and I’m so glad my proud city of St. Louis is participating. What I am speaking of is the ‘Run For Your Lives Zombie 5K Race’ that started in Baltimore last year and is now taking over 12 other cities including ours.

Zombie-Infested 5K, Run For Your Lives Launches Nationally

Popular race to invade 12 cities throughout the United States in 2012

BALTIMORE, MD (Jan. 25, 2012) /PRNewswire/ — Reed Street Productions, creators of the zombie-infested 5K adventure race, Run for Your Lives, announced today that the race will expand beyond its inaugural location outside of Baltimore into 12 cities across the country, starting with the Atlanta area on March 3, 2012. The inaugural race launched in Darlington, Md., last October with more than 10,000 participants and spectators.

“Even before we officially launched the first race in Darlington, we started planning to invade other popular cities. We’d received so much demand and interest from consumers in the U.S. and abroad that we knew we needed to expand,” commented Ryan Hogan, managing member of Reed Street Productions and co-creator of Run For Your Lives. “We learned a lot from our first race and are excited to bring the improved Run For Your Lives experience to zombie-enthusiasts and runners. The zombies are coming to a city near you; get ready to Run For Your Lives!”

Run For Your Lives will be launching in locations near the following major cities:

• Atlanta – March 3
• Boston – May 5
• Minneapolis – June 2
• Indianapolis – June 23
• Denver – July 14
• Seattle/Portland – Aug.4
• St. Louis – Aug. 18
• Pittsburgh – Sept. 1
• Toronto – Sept. 15
• San Diego/Los Angeles – Oct. 20
• Baltimore – Oct. 27
• Austin – Dec. 15

Run for Your Lives will take participants through a series of obstacles over a 5K course, all while being chased by zombies. Racers, wearing a flag football-like belt with three flags, must make strategic choices to find the quickest route to the finish line with at least one flag to complete the race as a survivor. Survivors and newly-created “zombies” – those who finish without flags – will be able to celebrate following the event at the Apocalypse Party, which will feature live, local entertainment, music, vendors, food, beverages, and of course, zombies.

Registration packages for participants include a race shirt, admission to the Apocalypse Party, a medal signifying your survival or zombie transformation, and advanced training for the zombie apocalypse. Spectator and camping packages are also available. Prizes will be given to the top male and female human finishers in several age brackets, including: 14-19; 20-29; 30-39; and 40 and up. There will also be an awards bracket for military participants. A portion of every ticket sold will be donated to the American Red Cross.

Athletic apparel company, Warwear is the title sponsor for Run For Your Lives, and Subaru of America has signed on as a presenting sponsor of the race.

To register for Run For Your Lives or for more information regarding how the race works, please visit: www.runforyourlives.com.

I hope we here at DTB can be heavily involved with the St. Louis portion of this but no matter what I will be participating because it looks like a blast. Forget all those online survey games about zombie survival lets put it to the test! Stay tuned for more on this.

Source: Runforyourlives.com

Sundance is coming to an end in Park City, Utah. One film that made a huge impact on Sunday night was the found-footage anthology V/H/S directed by Adam Wingard, Glenn McQuaid, Radio Silence (a collaborative group), David Bruckner, Joe Swanberg and Ti West. For those of you on Twitter (follow us @destroythebrain), some of those film geeks out in the snowy city that were lucky enough to get in for the premiere on Sunday night splooged at how good it is. With a phrase like “One of the scariest movies I’ve seen in recent memory” being touted by Drew McWeeny’s review on HitFix, V/H/S hit a very high expectation on my radar. It was already there with Wingard, McQuaid, West and even Bruckner involved anyway.

Magnolia Pictures’ genre arm Magnet Releasing picked up the film for over $1 million dollars according to The Hollywood Reporter. Magnet, while bad for VHS tapes, plans on distributing the film via VOD and a theatrical release 30 days after the on demand premiere. No word on what month this will happen but we do know it will be released this year.

Synopsis

When a group of petty criminals is hired by a mysterious party to retrieve a rare piece of found footage from a rundown house in the middle of nowhere, they soon realize that the job isn’t going to be as easy as they thought. In the living room, a lifeless body holds court before a hub of old television sets, surrounded by stacks upon stacks of VHS tapes. As they search for the right one, they are treated to a seemingly endless number of horrifying videos, each stranger than the last.

I’m clearly in the minority when it comes to the great director’s most recent film Inglourious Basterds.  There have been many nights (usually involving beer) where my colleague Andy and I have delightfully debated the pros and cons of Tarantino‘s WWII opus.  I regularly argue for the fact that the film was ruined by the use of such things as the “Hugo Stiglitz” Montage, the Samuel L. Jackson narrated celluloid fact speech, the arrows and names pointing to people in the finale, and the most unbearable for me, the completely out of left field use of David Bowie’s song from Cat People (“Putting Out The Fire”) towards the climax of the film.  These are just a handful of numerous wrong moments for me in what could have been a great film.  Now, it seems that the director might take up the idea of incorporating a song not from the film’s time period once again in Django Unchained.  Not much has been reported about the film as of yet, but the LA Times was able to visit one of the sets and noticed something quite interesting during one of the scenes being filmed.  I will let them explain.

On a cold, wet afternoon two cowboys trudge across a muddy street in a western town carrying saddles on their backs as a loud speaker blasts Jim Croce’s hit song “I got a Name.” The scene was being played out at the historic Melody Ranch in Santa Clarita , where director Quentin Tarantino was filming his upcoming western “Django Unchained,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Jamie Foxx.

Like I have previously stated, I’m obviously in the minority concerning Tarantino’s approach to filmmaking at times.  For me, if you are going to take the time to make an authentic period piece that you want to be taken seriously, why would you want to take your audience out of the film by using a song (or anything else for that matter) that clearly doesn’t fit in the time period?  Would you throw in a 1970′s Corvette in a film that takes place prior to the Civil War? What are your thoughts on the subject?

We will have to see if the 1973 Jim Croce classic song ends up being used in the film when Django Unchained gets released late this year.  I have attached the song in question below as well as a photo from the set from the LA Times.

Source: LA Times , MTV

I’ve seen so many effectively creepy images, trailers, and posters for Hammer’s gothic tale of ghostly terror that I just want the film to be here by now and be done with it.  The media campaign behind The Woman in Black has done a fine job of getting me interested in the film but it seems like a new image or clip is around the corner ready to jump out at me every day.  To some extent, I shouldn’t complain.  The film ranks high on my anticipation meter and I have no doubt that this film will re-solidify Hammer Films as a talented studio to compete with even following its disappointing financial run with Let Me In.  In a matter of weeks we will able to see if the film lives up to its atmospheric marketing.  For now, enjoy a new poster clearly inspired by the work of Edward Gorey.

Updated: We have updated the earlier image with the final version of the poster.

For those of you that are curious if this poster will be available for purchase, we are currently being told it will be. Where it will be sold is still up in the air.

One of the more psychologically bizarre films to have come out in recent memory was Pedro Almodovar’s The Skin I Live In.  In a lot of ways I’m quite surprised that the Academy failed to nominate it for an Oscar for “Best Foreign Film” at this morning’s announcement.  Obviously a fan of Hitchcock’s Vertigo, Almodovar has crafted a psycho-sexual thriller that follows a mad-scientist and his captive test-patient as the details of their entanglement are slowly revealed.  The Spanish filmmaker is known for his stunning imagery and beautiful use of color, but for horror fans, this is his first attempt at a true horror film.  It’s definitely not your typical Hollywood jump-scare horror film, but it is certainly one that will get under your skin and have you thinking about it long after its final moments.  It has at least for me.  You can read my initial review HERE.

It has now been announced that the DVD and Blu-ray/DVD Combo will be released on March 6, 2012.  Extras will include a “7-part Making of The Skin I Live In” featurette, “An Evening with Director Pedro Almodóvar Q&A,” and an “On The Red Carpet: New York Premiere” featurette. The package artwork is attached below.

Source: DVDActive

I guess the people behind James McTeigue’s The Raven were afraid to do battle with Disney’s John Carter.  Originally the two were going to face-off at the box-office on March 9.  Well, it seems The Raven is now being more of a chicken because the film is bowing out of that date and is now scheduled to come out on April 27.  The other film being released on this new date is the Jason Statham action-fest Safe.  I’m not sure if John Cusack can take on Jason Statham with any more ease than his previous fight, but the trailers to both of these upcoming films are generic enough that maybe he might have a slightly better chance.

A fictionalized account of the last days of Edgar Allan Poe’s life, in which the poet pursues a serial killer whose murders mirror those in the writer’s stories.

Takashi Shimizu’s (Ju-On) new film, 7500, is under production and we here at DTB have a picture from the film. Starring Ryan Kwanten (True Blood), Jerry Ferrera (Entourage), and Nicky Whelan (Hall Pass). The film is about a group of passengers who encounter a supernatural force on a transpacific flight.

The film is set for release for August 31^st 2012 and we have a picture from a scene in the movie where it looks like the passengers may be having an encounter with whatever is aboard the plane with them.  What are they looking at? Speculate in the comments below.

Source: EW.com