Indie Genius Productions

Not be confused with Lucio Fulci’s “City of the Living Dead” (aka “The Gates of Hell” in the US) or Umberto Lenzi’s similarly sounding “Nightmare City” (aka “City of the Walking Dead” in the US), this is actually the 1960 supernatural thriller “The City of the Dead” by John Llewellyn Moxey. Got that? Good. Now, moving on… Pillay-Evans Productions has announced today that they’ve teamed up with producer Adam Stephen Kelly to develop a remake of the Moxey film, which is also known as “Horror Hotel” in the States. The remake will be directed by S.J. Evans (“Dead of the Nite”), who promises: The remake of THE CITY OF THE DEAD will stay true to the original and concentrate on atmosphere and good old fashioned storytelling, instead of relying on gore or CGI to move the plot along. I grew up watching the classic Universal horrors and was inspired by how the likes of James Whale created this sense of

Source: http://www.beyondhollywood.com/witchcraft-resurfaces-in-a-planned-remake-of-the-city-of-the-dead-aka-horror-hotel/

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This week’s ‘Twilight’ Tuesday takes a closer look at why fans chose Robert Pattinson’s indie over ‘Breaking Dawn – Part 2.’
By Kara Warner

Robert Pattinson and Sarah Gadon in “Cosmopolis”
Photo: Alfama Films

Over the course of the “Twilight Saga” movies, we at MTV News have come a long way in understanding the franchise’s very passionate fanbase. So when we launched the MTV Movie Brawl 2012, I thought there was a very good chance “Twilight” fans would vote “Breaking Dawn – Part 2″ through to the championship round and into the championship slot, no problem.

I was wrong. “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2″ was ousted early, in the second round, by eventual champ “Cosmopolis.” Yes, the two films share a very popular star in Robert Pattinson, but compared with the millions upon millions of “Twilight” fans who have read all of Stephenie Meyer’s books, we’re guessing not as many are familiar with “Cosmopolis” through its source material by Don DeLillo.

So here’s what I think: All of you wonderfully dedicated Pattinson fans are in it for the long haul. You’re choosing to grow and evolve right along with Pattinson and the ebbs and flows of his chosen profession. That sentiment is exemplified perfectly by this poignant comment by MTV community member and Pattinson fan, Lior: “VOTE COSMOPOLIS! Support Rob’s new, professional career! SEE HIS TALENT BEYOND TWILIGHT.”

Not that the excitement for the final chapter in “The Twilight Saga” has lessened in any way, of course, but because there’s more mystery surrounding “Cosmopolis,” it is the more intriguing of the two films.

And let’s not forget about Pattinson’s other upcoming film, “Bel Ami,” which only narrowly lost to “Cosmopolis” in that first round. I would have thought the interest in seeing a lot of RPattz’s bare bottom would have easily trumped the film about a young finance wiz taking a day-long limo ride through New York City. But then there’s word of a particularly heated scene in the back of said limo, so what do I know? Regardless, consider me pleasantly surprised.

What do you think, “Twilight” fans? Why did “Cosmopolis” triumph over “Breaking Dawn – Part 2″? Let us know in the comments or tweet me @karawarner!

Check out everything we’ve got on “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2.”

For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1677858/cosmopolis-tops-twilight-movie-brawl-2012.jhtml

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It could be one of the closest yet at the same time most lopsided polls ever conducted on Film Junk. Last week we asked you what the best action movie with a female protagonist was, and although it came right down to the wire, Kill Bill, Vol. 1 managed to just barely hang on to its lead over Aliens. To be honest, I thought Aliens was going to wipe the floor quite easily, but I guess you shouldn’t underestimate the power of Quentin Tarantino. Unfortunately almost every other option was completely ignored, which isn’t a huge surprise, but I certainly thought La Femme Nikita and Chocolate would get a few more votes. As many people had mentioned, the addition of Hanna could have potentially made the poll a little more interesting as well, but I kinda forgot about that one… oops. I also wonder if Lara Croft: Tomb Raider would have received more votes than Salt. Do you agree with these results? 1. Kill Bill, Vol. 1 — 41.7% 2. Aliens — 41.3% 3. La Femme Nikita — 4% 4. Underworld — 2.8% 5. Chocolate — 2.4% 6. Resident Evil — 2.2% 7. Sucker Punch — 1.8% 7. Salt — 1.8% 7. Coffy — 1.8% 10. Charlie’s Angels — 0.4%

Source: http://www.filmjunk.com/2012/01/26/weekly-poll-results-best-female-fronted-action-movie/

Jason Statham Batman The Dark Knight Rises

Steven Spielberg is reportedly very close to signing on to direct a biopic of the biblical hero Moses, and that makes this Good Jewish Girl very happy. Of course Mr. Spielberg, VIJ (Very Important Jew), can be trusted to tell the story of Moses with his usual brilliance.
But who will be the lucky fella [...]

Source: http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2012/01/26/steven-spielberg-moses/

Human Centipede The Walking Dead

Director Spike Lee’s “Red Hook Summer” isn’t all it appears to be. The religiously-charged drama about an Atlanta boy sent to spend the summer with his Brooklyn-based estranged grandfather, a preacher, has a dark secret at its core, one that Lee intends to “keep on lock.”

“Everything is evolution,” the celebrated New York filmmaker told MTV [...]

Source: http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2012/01/26/spike-lee-red-hook-summer-stand-by-me/

Batman The Dark Knight Rises Christian Bale

Like Joss Whedon’s “The Avengers”, anticipation for Christopher Nolan’s third (and most likely last) Batman film is impossibly high. I mean, stratospheric, and I don’t even know what that word means, but it seems highly appropriate. So, instead of making a new post for every single “The Dark Knight Rises” item that have been popping up all over the net the last few days like something that pops up a lot on the net, here is your round-up of all things “Dark Knight Rises”. Up first… “The Dark Knight Rises” toys! Or, er, action figures. Or statues. Busts. Whatever you want to call them, it’s up to you, being that you’ll be the one who’ll shell out the big bucks for them. I could never afford these back in the day, and still can’t now. Sigh. These were recently revealed at the latest Toy Fair, and are due out this year. Note: Catwoman’s got some ass on her. (via Idle

Source: http://www.beyondhollywood.com/a-round-up-of-dark-knight-rises-movie-news-rumors-and-merchandising-potential-spoilers/

Avengers Movie Jason Statham

‘This role has been the challenge and privilege of a lifetime,’ the ‘My Week With Marilyn’ star says in a statement.
By Jocelyn Vena

Michelle Williams in “My Week With Marilyn”
Photo: The Weinstein Company

Michelle Williams is getting Oscar love yet again. Williams is nominated for Best Actress at the Academy Awards for “My Week With Marilyn,” facing off against screen legends and some fresh blood.

“I am so grateful to be acknowledged by the Academy for my work, which was made possible by the support of our director Simon Curtis and the camaraderie of a terrific ensemble of actors — a special congratulations to [co-star] Kenneth Branagh — and the fearless Harvey Weinstein,” she said in a statement. “This role has been the challenge and privilege of a lifetime. I would like to think that the recognition our film has received by the Academy is a testament to Marilyn’s legacy.”

The other nominees in her category are Glenn Close (“Albert Nobbs”), Viola Davis (“The Help”), Rooney Mara (“The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”) and Meryl Streep (“The Iron Lady”).

Branagh, who earned a Best Supporting Actor nod for his work in “Marilyn,” was equally amped about the recognition. “It was a rare honour to play Sir Laurence Olivier,” he said in a statement. “To be recognised by the Academy for doing so is overwhelming. I’m absolutely thrilled.”

Williams already won the Golden Globe for her role in the film earlier this month. This marks her third Oscar nod after previous nominations for “Blue Valentine” and “Brokeback Mountain,” though she has yet to take one home.

Recently, former “Dawson’s Creek” co-star Joshua Jackson opened up about Williams’ critically lauded career.

“It’s surreal, in that it would be surreal to see any of your friends [up for an Oscar]. It’s amazing. She’s an excellent actress,” he told MTV News at the Sundance Film Festival. “Of all of us, when we finished that show, she was the one who had the clearest idea about what it was that she wanted to do. To be able to go out and achieve that is no small feat. I just think it’s wonderful.”

See the complete list of Academy Awards Nominations.

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1677808/michelle-williams-oscar-nomination.jhtml

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If you’ve been following our extensive, almost continuous “Hunger Games” coverage, you’re well aware of the fact that we can’t just focus on the first film in the franchise; we must also pay close attention to all the comings and goings of the sequel “Catching Fire.” Specifically, which lucky new actors may or may not [...]

Source: http://hollywoodcrush.mtv.com/2012/01/25/kristen-bell-catching-fire/

Christian Bale Human Centipede

Believe it or not, I actually watched the Oscars last year. Well, most of it. I did see Christian Bale and Natalie Portman win. That was fun. The rest? Not so much. Though after the train wreck that was the Anne Hathaway/James Franco experiment of last year, I think a lot of people will be tuning in to see what happens again this year. When you think about it, Franco might end up being the best thing to happen to the Oscars in years. Or not. Eh, what do I know. From a cursory glance at the list of nominees, it looks like Martin Scorsese and “Hugo” are the big winners, along with Steven Spielberg’s “War Horse”. David Fincher’s “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” also got its share. Curiously, “Drive”, easily the best movie of the year, only got one nomination … for sound editing. That just about says it all, doesn’t it? In any case, here’s the big

Source: http://www.beyondhollywood.com/the-2011-oscar-nominations-are-out/

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Bret McKenzie’s ‘Man or Muppet’ is up against ‘Real in Rio’ for Best Original Song.
By Kara Warner

Miss Piggy in “The Muppets”
Photo: Muppets Studio

There are always plenty of shocks, snubs and surprises when it comes to the unveiling of Oscar nominees each year. Tuesday’s (January 24) announcement was met with all of the above, but overall there were more pleasant surprises than not.

One of our favorite nominees is “Flight of the Conchords” actor-turned-“Muppets” music supervisor Bret McKenzie, who scored a Best Original Song nod for his “Man or Muppet.”

MTV News was lucky enough to get a few minutes on the phone with the still-in-shock McKenzie, who called in from his home in New Zealand.

“We’re celebrating with breakfast,” McKenzie said. “I woke up to the phone ringing nonstop, so then I picked up my phone and saw the news. I was very excited. I don’t sound it, but I am very excited. It’s a great day.”

The multitalented New Zealander revealed that while “Man or Muppet” is his favorite song in “The Muppets” and that he is very proud of the earnest ballad, he never expected it to be recognized for anything.

“I really wanted it to be hilarious and beautiful, and I feel like we got that combination. It’s sincere but ridiculous,” he said. “The idea of children singing the song at school cracks me up.”

McKenzie said that the nomination surprised almost the entire “Muppets” team, except perhaps writer/star Jason Segel, who made an outlandish prediction during production about the earnest tune’s award potential.

“The night we recorded ‘Man or Muppet,’ we had a few drinks and Jason Segel was predicting we’d get together at the Oscars, but he was joking,” McKenzie recalled. “[Maybe] that guy can see the future.”

Once the actor/musician gets over the shock of his nomination, he’ll have to start preparations for how the song will be performed during the 84th annual awards ceremony.

“I was thinking we’ll definitely need a man and a Muppet,” McKenzie joked. “Yeah, that’s what we need.”

When asked about his chances, McKenzie marveled at the fact that there are only two nominees, “Man or Muppet” and “Real in Rio” from “Rio.”

“I was amazed there were only two nominees; I was surprised. It seems unusual, but it’s great because the odds are 50-50,” he said. “The only thing I guess would be better if there was only one nomination.”

What song should win the Oscar for Best Original Song? Sound off in the comments section!

See the complete list of Academy Awards Nominations.

Related Videos

• Oscars 2012: And The Nominees Are…

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1677837/osar-nomination-man-or-muppet-bret-mckenzie.jhtml

Jason Statham Batman The Dark Knight Rises