The first one put Blue Suede’s Hooked On A Feeling in our head for days. Now here is the second trailer for Guardians of The Galaxy. It looks as great as the first and we can’t wait to see it.
What do you think?
Tag Archives: Movies
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 | Trailer Preview
At Frost we have been waiting impatiently for the new Hunger Games film. When Lionsgate released the trailer, along with some official preview pictures we were pretty excited. The first cast photo of Julianne Moore as President Alma Coin has also been released and she looks great.
Credit: Lionsgate
Credit: Lionsgate
An interview with director Francis Lawrence was also released, in which he discussed finishing Philip Seymour Hoffman’s scenes after his tragic death before filming had ended. Lawrence said: “We finished the majority of his work (before he died), I think he might have had 8 to 10 days left on our schedule. In most of the scenes, Philip didn’t have any dialogue. We are going to put him into those scenes, but we’re only using real footage. We’re not creating anything digital or a robotic version of him.”
Julianne Moore gushed about joining the cast in her interview (shown below)
“I’ve read all the books. I’ve read them all the way through, and I’m like, ‘I want to be in this movie!’ Clearly, that was the only part that I could play.”
Are you excited?
Those Who Steal Movies Are Also Happy To Pay
People who illegally download billions of pounds worth of movies also love going to the cinema and don’t mind paying to watch movies.
In the first study to examine the differences between movie and music pirates, the key finding was those who steal movies seem to be an entirely different breed from those who steal music.
In addition to movie pirates being less likely to stop paying to see movies alongside stealing them, prolific movie pirates also tend to be wealthier, less worried about being caught and more likely to cut down their piracy if they think they are harming the industry.
The research, by Dr Joe Cox and Professor Alan Collins, economists at the University of Portsmouth, also found that compared to those who steal music, movie pirates are more likely to live in large cities and be ‘early adopters’ of new technology.
The research is published in the Journal of Behavioural and Experimental Economics.
The researchers analysed results from a survey of more than 6,000 people aged seven to 84 to examine the attitudes of those who illegally download movies and music from the internet.
On average, each person had illegally downloaded about 2,900 music files and 90 movie files. Experts claim the cost of piracy in the US alone is $US12.5bn to the music industry and $US20.5bn to the movie industry.
Dr Cox said: “It is interesting to see that people who illegally download large quantities of movie files continue to pay for legal movie consumption to a far greater extent than music downloaders.
“However, it came as no surprise to find that the most prolific pirates of either movies or music tend to be younger men. They have the skills, the motivation and the equipment to between them to steal large volumes of music tracks and movies every month.”
Pirates are generally motivated first and foremost by saving money, and second, by seeing themselves as helping artists bypass middlemen and reach wider audiences, the study found. But it also found significant differences in the behaviour and attitudes of music and movie pirates. Those who illegally download large volumes of movie files are likely to be significantly:
– less likely to cut back their spending on legal movies compared to those who steal music;
– better off financially than music pirates;
– more likely to be male;
– less likely to think they’ll be caught compared to those who steal music;
– more likely to limit their piracy if they think stealing is harms the film industry.
Dr Cox said: “These findings are important from a policy perspective, because they suggest campaigns that emphasise the harmful effects on the movie industry of piracy are much more likely to be effective than similar campaigns focusing on the music industry.
“One of the reasons movie pirates are a different breed is downloading and file-sharing films is much more technologically demanding. It requires faster internet speeds, greater digital storage capabilities and access to a wider range of devices for playback than pirating music, which has now become relatively simple, fast and cheap.”
The researchers, from Portsmouth Business School, analysed a Finnish survey dataset of 6,100 people, which reinforces that piracy is not limited to the US and UK markets and that the behaviours and attitudes are similar worldwide.
Among the reasons people gave for downloading files illegally were that it saved money, allowed access to material not on general release or before it was released, and has benefits such as helping artists bypass record companies or movie studios.
Reasons given for not downloading or for limiting piracy included fear of downloading viruses or malware, content not matching the description, being difficult to find, and being of poor quality.
A Thousand Times Good Night | Film Review By Leslie Shaip
Erik Poppe’s latest film, A Thousand Times Good Night (Tusen ganger god natt) (2013) begins with funeral rites for a woman who is still alive. Minutes later, she straps a bomb to her chest and say tearful goodbyes to her relatives. This imagery that straddles the line between life and death is both beautiful and tragic. It is repeated in different forms throughout the film as war photographer Rebecca (the incomparable Juliette Binoche) tries to capture the essence of these desperate acts.
Rebecca puts herself through hell on earth to share the stories of people about whom the world would like to forget. The disregard for her own safety, however, puts a significant strain on both her marriage and her family life. When she is nearly killed tailing a suicide bomber, Rebecca’s husband, Marcus (Game of Thrones’ Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) gives her an ultimatum. She must choose between her life’s work and the family she loves.
A Thousand Times Good Night is not the story of a working mother trying to balance her job with her family. It’s a look at the life of a woman who must make an impossible choice between the essence of her self and those she loves most. I’m sure an academic paper could deconstruct this as a feminist work, but I’ll just say I appreciated that the main character is a woman, but more importantly, she is a human being, and who better to give such a raw performance than Juliette Binoche? I’ve never seen her in a role she didn’t seem born to play, and as usual, she gives the audience all of herself. She is unafraid to show a woman the way she really looks, acts, and feels. Though, let’s be honest, even when her character is supposed to look unkempt and harried, Binoche still exudes natural beauty.
This film was a seamlessly powerful look at both the world most of us are guilty of ignoring and what it can do emotionally to those who dare to watch. The screenplay (written by director Erik Poppe, Harald Rosenløw-Eeg and Kirsten Sheridan) does an excellent job of providing a balance between the two worlds. When the story jumps between the war zone of Afghanistan and Kenya and Rebecca’s more peaceful home in Ireland, the scenes shift naturally.
The images throughout the film also serve the balance between the world of the living and that of the dead. From several incidences of white, flowy barriers between characters and the ocean that Rebecca treads during her near-death experiences, we watch Rebecca drift between the two worlds. In fact, one of the most open conversations in the entire film occurs when Rebecca and her daughter, Steph (Lauryn Canny) sit on opposite beds, separated by white mosquito netting. This physical barrier somehow makes it easier to share their feelings, as if the netting will keep those freshly exposed words safe.
Finally, the score is simply breathtaking. It’s beautiful, haunting and ephemeral. As if some of the situations and images aren’t moving enough, the music comes in at just the right moments and in just the right key to push said emotions to the edge of your eyes and down your cheeks. The film premiered at the Montreal film festival last year and is currently making its way across the globe (look for it in the UK on May 2). So while this may seem like a fangirl post for this movie and Binoche in general (maybe just a bit), you really should give it a shot if comes your way.
A Thousand Times Good Night from director Erik Poppe and starring Juliette Binoche and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau. Premiered at the Montreal Film Festival last year and will be in UK cinemas on May 2nd.
By Leslie Shaip
Raindance Film Festival Presents The Independent Filmmaker’s Ball
7:30pm, April 30th, Café de Paris, London
The Raindance Film Festival has announced their inaugural Independent Filmmaker’s Ball, will take place at the Café de Paris in Leicester Square, London, on the 30th April 2014. 
The ball is an opportunity to celebrate independent film and filmmakers and to bring the indie film community under one roof for an exciting night of partying, prizes, music and networking. Raindance and British Independent Film Award founder Elliot Grove said: “It might be all sunshine, bikinis and martinis for the Hollywood set, but British indie filmmakers work unbelievably hard in horrible weather to get their work made and seen. They deserve a night of celebration and some great raffle prizes to boot: bring on the Independent Filmmaker’s Ball!”
The event also doubles as a fundraiser for the Independent Film Trust (IFT), which teaches disadvantaged adults and children filmmaking skills. Neil McCartney, chairman of the IFT, said: “We’re so pleased to be able to work with both established filmmakers and complete beginners to promote filmmaking as an art form for everyone. This event will help us raise awareness for our cause, and the funds will enable us to carry on improving and extending the reach of our workshops.”
Raindance is planning a fantastic night of entertainment with a classy venue, great indie music and the filmmaker’s dream raffle. Music will be provided by soul band ‘The Indies’, a group made up of working professionals from the UK film industry. The raffle draw is being supported by some amazing Raindance partners and features an awesome array of prizes, including:
- Canon EOS C100 camera & 18-135mm lens
- Blackmagic camera hire & DCP package from the Post Factory
- Screening room hire from Motion Picture Solutions
- Hundreds of pounds worth of vouchers for stock footage from Pond 5
- Two annual passes from Vue Cinemas
- A spa treatment day for two with champagne afternoon tea from the May Fair Hotel
…and many more!
Tickets are now on sale, visit the website or call Raindance to enquire and book tickets:
Website: http://www.raindance.org/
Number: 0207 930 3412
Captain America: The Winter Soldier Review
There was an air of excitement at the Odean, Leicester Square in London as we waited to watch the new Captain America Film, Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
After the excellent trailers for Guardians of The Universe and Maleficent the film started and we all put on our 3D glasses. The film starts well, set after the cataclysmic events in New York with The Avengers, Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, is living quietly in Washington, D.C. and adjusting to a modern world. He is treated like a hero but remains modest and decent, despite being able to jump out of a plane without a parachute.
At the beginning of the film Captain America, along with the Black Widow, rescue some S.H.I.E.L.D colleagues from a hostage situation, but it is the start of something bigger. Captain America is forced to join forces with the Black Widow and new character, The Falcon, as a terrible conspiracy comes to light. Something Nick Fury (a brilliant character and as excellent as ever) has had suspicions about. To top it all off they have a hardcore assassin on their tail: the Winter Soldier. He has had thousands of kills and always finishes his mission. Will the Captain and his team break his winning streak?
This film is my favourite Marvel film. Quite a recommendation considering I love a good Hollywood blockbuster. The action scenes- and in particular a car chase that I don’t want to give anything away about- are just stunning and imaginative. This film really brings something new to the game, and ups the stakes while it’s at it. The script is amazing, the actions scenes are great. In fact, the film just fires on all cylinders.
The characters are equally brilliant and I love the decency and genuineness of Captain America. He is a superhero and a good person to boot.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a brilliant movie. I really enjoyed it and want to see it again. Can’t wait for the next installment either. I would give this film a full five stars. Great entertainment.
Directors: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Running time: 136 minutes
In cinemas March 26
Gravity Picks Up 6 Honours At The EE British Academy Film Awards 2014
British Film Gravity picked up six awards at the EE British Academy Film Awards and it also picked up four other awards for Best Visual Effects, Cinematography, Sound and Original Film Music while Gravity Director, Alfonso Cuarón, won the Director Award. 12 Years a Slave received the award for Film while Chiwetel Ejiofor won Leading Actor for his role in the film. Other winners included Cate Blanchett who won Leading Actress for her role in Blue Jasmine, Jennifer Lawrence who was named Supporting Actress for her role in American Hustle, Captain Phillips star Barkhad Abdi won Supporting Actor and Philomena won Adapted Screenplay. Dame Helen Mirren was awarded the Academy Fellowship, BAFTA’s highest accolade, in recognition of her exceptional contribution to film.
Champagne Taittinger, official Champagne Partner to the British Academy for the 12th year running, once again added extra sparkle to the proceedings. Special BAFTA labelled Magnums and 75cl bottles of Champagne Taittinger Brut Réserve were produced for the Awards. A bottle was also included in the gift bags, given to all nominees and presenters. Taittinger is one of the few premium Champagne houses to remain owned and actively managed by the named family. It is proud to support the work of BAFTA to acknowledge and encourage the highest achievements in film and television.
As New Zealand’s most awarded winery for more than 30 years, Villa Maria makes a very fitting Wine Partner to the Academy. Guests at the glamorous Awards dinner enjoyed the delicious Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc 2013 which perfectly complimented the Smoked Loch Fyne Salmon and Dorset Crab starter and the Villa Maria Private Bin Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 which made a mouth-watering match with the main course of Fillet of Aberdeen Angus and Braised Short Ribs.
other winners included:
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
American Hustle
FILM NOT IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE PRODUCTION DESIGN
The Great Beauty
MAKE-UP AND HAIR
American Hustle
For the full list of winners visit: www.bafta.org
Kristin Scott Thomas Retires From Film
After 20 years and nearly 80 credits Kristin Scott Thomas has announced she is done with making films and has decided to quit.
“I just suddenly thought, I cannot cope with another film, I realised I’ve done the things I know how to do so many times in different languages, and I just suddenly thought, I can’t do it any more. I’m bored by it. So I’m stopping.” She told The Guardian.
Scott Thomas has said it is partly due to be treated like an “aging actress.” She is sick of playing the “sad middle-aged woman”.
“[I’m] asked to do the same things over and over, because people know you can do that, so they want you to do that. But I just don’t want to pretend to be unhappy anymore — and it is mostly unhappy.”
“I’m often asked to do something because I’m going to be a sort of weight to their otherwise flimsy production. They need me for production purposes, basically. So they give me a little role in something where they know I’m going to be able to turn up, know what to do, cry in the right place. I shouldn’t bite the hand that feeds, but I keep doing these things for other people, and last year I just decided life’s too short. I don’t want to do it anymore.”
There might be a small surfeit of roles for elderly actresses like Maggie Smith and Judi Dench (who never seem to stop working, thank goodness), but the film industry has little need for women in their fifties, except to play moms. I’m sort of, as the French would say, ‘stuck between two chairs’, because I’m no longer 40 and sort of a seductress, and I’m not yet a granny.”
On studio films she says; “I can’t bear all the kind of rubbish that goes on on those big films. I just can’t stand sitting around for hours in a great big luxury trailer, waiting, bored out of my head. I used to do a lot of tapestry. Yes, I had a lot of cushions around.” On Confessions of a Shopaholic, she says, “I thought it would be quite good fun. But I spent my entire time waiting. I hated it, hated it, hated it, and I said that I wouldn’t do another one.”
She won’t be doing TV either; “I can’t do miniseries. Once you’ve got the characters, once you know who they are, they’re going to repeat themselves, aren’t they, for the next five years? It just goes on and on and on. I get terribly bored. Series bore me.”
However, you can still find her on stage; “When you are acting in a film, you’re giving the director the raw material to make the film,” she says. “But when you’re acting on stage, that’s it. And that’s when you discover that you can really do it. It’s this word ‘trust’ that keeps coming to me. It’s not a question of whether one person is conning you into thinking you can do it, saying, ‘Oh, it was beautiful.’ On stage, if it works, it works.”