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Lionsgate Picks Up ‘Solomon Kane’

13 November 2009 8:00 AM, PST | The Flickcast | See recent The Flickcast news »

One of our own Chris Ullrich’s favorite films this year, Solomon Kane, has apparently been acquired for U.S. distribution by Lionsgate, a studio known for supporting genre and independent movies. According to Fangoria, who broke the news, there are rumblings that the film may even get a theatrical run prior to a DVD release.

Horror aficionados might be familiar with director Michael J. Bassett, who previously directed Deathwatch (2002) and Wilderness (2006). Soloman Kane is a character originally created by pulp fiction author Robert E. Howard, of  Conan the Barbarian fame. Stories about the character appeared in Weird Tales magazine in the 1920’s.

James Purefoy stars as the title character, who roams the earth trying to wipe out evil after the devil acquires his soul and he has a change of heart about his evil ways. The movie also stars prolific actor Max Von Sydow (Flash Gordon, Dune, The Tudors »

- Joe Gillis

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Black Adder Remastered: The Ultimate Edition DVD Review

11 November 2009 1:45 PM, PST | Collider.com | See recent Collider.com news »

I am an anglophile.  I will own up to that straight out of the gate.  I grew up watching every BBC program offered by my local PBS station.  That’s how I came to start my lifelong relationship with Monty Python.  That’s where my fascination with Red Dwarf began.  That’s how I came across Rowan Atkinson’s gem of a series Black Adder.  Brit humor fans click to find more after the jump.

I was shocked, utterly dismayed actually, by the number of my friends who consider themselves pop culture princes and princesses and yet weren’t familiar with the masterpiece that is Black Adder.  For those similarly uninitiated, Black Adder encompasses four series, each series containing six episodes a piece.  Each series is set in a specific time period and follows the Blackadder that lives during that age.  While the exact characters differ between series the actor and name stays consistent. »

- Nico

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Anthony Hopkins As Odin (Not Brian Blessed) And Grant Morrison's Mystery Project In Today's Twitter Report

30 October 2009 11:31 AM, PDT | MTV Splash Page | See recent MTV Splash Page news »

Much of the comic book Twitterverse had opinions on Anthony Hopkins newly announced casting as Odin in Marvel's upcoming "Thor" movie. A few more, including Jeff Parker and Andy Diggle seemed to be partial to him over Brian Blessed, who had previously been mentioned for the role.

Elsewhere in the Twitter Report feed, I don't usually include non-comics-related talent, but director Paul McGuigan mentioned that he and Grant Morrison are working on new project together in Scotland. No word on whether this is something for comics, film or both—but the Twitter Report will be watching. Check that out after the jump, along with a great Judge Dredd mask, how one DC editor is dressing for Halloween and which zombie film Ed Brubaker has been watching.

It's all in the Twitter Report for October 30, 2009.

@paul_mcguigan Writer Grant Morrison and I are working on a very interesting project based in Scotland. »

- Brian Warmoth

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Are These The Ten Greatest Villain Costumes in Sci-Fi Movie History?

29 October 2009 1:15 PM, PDT | Cinematical | See recent Cinematical news »

When I closed my eyes and pictured the greatest villain costumes in sci-fi movies, I was surprised how often hair -- and headpieces -- come into play. That makes sense for those of us who are not costume purists because we're thinking of the character as a whole, and in movies we're very often looking at close-ups of villains. We want to get up close and personal, to study the sneer, to examine the evil eyes, to absorb the dismissive scowl, to observe the raised eyebrows.

Isn't it the whole package that sells a character as a villain? The actor makes all the difference in the world, no matter if he's buried under a ton of makeup or becomes nearly unrecognizable, but the costume plays an important role. In honor of all those who will sally forth this weekend in costumes that are good, bad, and ugly, we salute the »

- Peter Martin

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Stellan Skarsgard is Cast in Thor

4 October 2009 5:30 PM, PDT | WorstPreviews.com | See recent Worst Previews news »

Back when Alexander Skarsgard ("True Blood") was being considered for the lead in the upcoming "Thor" film, fans were excited at the idea that his father, Stellan Skarsgard (Mamma Mia, Pirates of the Caribbean) may play Thor's father, Odin. The title role eventually went to Chris Hemsworth (Star Trek) and Brian Blessed (Flash Gordon) was cast as Odin. But now comes news from the Swedish website Ystads Allehanda that Stellan has also boarded the film. It is not clear what role he will play, and Stellan won't be the one to reveal it. "They wanted me to sign [a contract] without reading the script," he explained. "When I refused, they sent the script to me that was so secret that I could only print one copy." Click here to read more about "Thor." »

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Star Wars Soundtrack Tops Movie Music Poll

23 September 2009 9:11 AM, PDT | WENN | See recent WENN news »

The soundtrack for sci-fi blockbuster Star Wars has been voted out of this world - it has topped a new poll.

The score for the opening of the hit films, originally written for the first feature by John Williams in 1977, has been voted sci-fi fans' favourite movie music.

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan came second, while Ridley Scott's cult film Blade Runner landed the third position - despite recently being named the best sci-fi film in history.

Queen's memorable Flash Gordon theme, 2001: A Space Odyssey's eerie tune, and James Horner's Aliens soundtrack also made the top ten in the survey conducted by website Totalscifionline.com. »

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There Can Only Be One Highlander but Director Justin Lin Wants a Remake

22 September 2009 2:23 PM, PDT | Collider.com | See recent Collider.com news »

“Highlander” is such a delightfully silly movie.  Christopher Lambert’s Swiss accent, original songs by Queen, Clancy Brown decapitating folks as he makes his way through the story, and Sean Connery all make for a movie that is cheesy 80s action but through a camp-fantasy filter.  You can’t really call it a “franchise” because that implies that anything after the first film was successful.  The biggest success following “Highlander” was that the title of the sequel had the sub-title, “The Quickening”.

And now “Fast & Furious” director Justin Lin wants to remake it.  Hit the jump to read the full press release and why this remake could work but not because of Justin Lin.

Sure, the “Fast/Furious” movies are dumb but next to “Highlander” they look like an in-depth documentary about the world of modified cars and the culture of street racing.  Screenwriters Art Marcum and Matt Holloway wrote »

- Matt Goldberg

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Review: 'Al Williamson's Flash Gordon'

4 August 2009 1:58 PM, PDT | Comicmix.com | See recent Comicmix news »

Al Williamsons Flash Gordon: A Lifelong Vision of the Heroic

Flesk Publications, July 2009, $29.95

While Al Williamson did not create the legendary science fiction character, in many ways he inherited Alex Raymond’s artistic legacy. The artist was born in 1931, three years before Flash Gordon memorably hit the Sunday newspapers.

Raymond is considered one of the finest illustrators to work in syndicated comics, along with Hal Foster, with a photorealistic style that brought his world of Mongo and its varied denizens to life. While Buck Rogers was the first Sf strip, Flash Gordon was the best as the stories were epic in scope. The landscape of Mongo was unlike any realm seen in comics before and through the years that special feeling evaporated in the hands of others. Until Williamson.

In 256 pages, we are treated to the three stories produced for King Comics in the 1960s, the short-lived imprint from »

- Robert Greenberger

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Review of Richard Elfman's cult masterpiece Forbidden Zone in color!

19 July 2009 11:04 PM, PDT | QuietEarth.us | See recent QuietEarth news »

Year: 2009

Directors: Richard Elfman

Writers: Richard Elfman & Matthew Bright & Nick James & Nick L. Martinson

IMDb: link

Trailer: link

Review by: Hal MacDermot

Rating: 8.8 out of 10

The Forbidden Zone is a master piece of insanity that defies description, but I’ll give it a go. Richard Elfman’s film is the ultimate midnight movie, an raucous energy filled mixture of giant frogs, dice, an always topless princess, people who speak in French accents, cut-out Gilliamesque animation, Expressionism, a midget King played by Herve Villechaize (yes, from TV’s Fantasy Island), the music is by (the) Danny Elfman (Tim Burton’s movies) and the Elfman Bros’s band Oingo Boingo with tracks from Cab Calloway and Josephine Baker, and then of course there’s…The Sixth Dimension!

The film was originally shot in black and white, a kind of tribute to the 1920s/30s cartoons of the Fleischer Brothers (Out of the Inkwell, »

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The Jody Hill Interview Part 2: Observe & Report, the “Sex Scene Controversy,” Mall Hate, Parents, The Foot Fist Way, and a “Southern Godfather”

9 July 2009 6:00 AM, PDT | Slash Film | See recent Slash Film news »

This past April saw the release of writer/director Jody Hill's first official Hollywood feature entitled Observe & Report. The film is an uncompromised portrait of a young mall-cop riding the peaks and valleys of bi-polar disorder like a vigilante daydream set to Queen's Flash Gordon theme. In the lead, Seth Rogen gave his most memorable and invested performance since a scathing-eyes debut on Freaks and Geeks. On top of that, Observe's production design was deliberately unglamorous; its depictions of a troubled, goofy main character and firearms bordered, at times, on misanthropic endorsement. Hill's script and direction managed to flesh out an endlessly talented supporting cast (Anna Faris, Aziz Ansari, Patton Oswalt, Ben Best, Danny McBride, Ray Liotta, Michael Peña, Collette Wolfe) in a decidedly untypical comedy. Many critics and viewers didn't know what to make of it. Far too many critics said, "I liked it, but it's not for everyone. »

- Hunter Stephenson

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Amazing 'Trash Film Orgy' Gets Down in Sacramento

29 June 2009 9:08 AM, PDT | ESplatter.com | See recent ESplatter news »

If you haven't checked out Sacramento's annual "Trash Film Orgy," you owe it to yourself to. If you're within a 100-mile radius, do check it out. This year's lineup has just been announced, and although it is a bit a light on horror movies it does include "Chopping Mall" in the lineup. Here's the scoop: Northern California's most infamous Midnight Movie Show returns for its 9th incredible season! Bringing you the best in 35mm Exploitation and Cult Cinema, Tfo promises the ultimate theatre experience! With Live Bloody Stage Shows, Original Shorts, Audience Participation, Games, Costume Contests, Prizes and much, much More-you won’t believe your eyes! This year’s festival features many exciting surprises…including the return of special guest stars and the Tfo’s original host Francois Fly!!! July 11th- Flash Gordon See the 1980 Sci-Fi camp classic on the big screen! With Max Von Sydow, Sam Jones, Timothy Dalton, »

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Brian Blessed reportedly cast as Odin in Branagh's Thor

4 June 2009 4:42 AM, PDT | The Geek Files | See recent The Geek Files news »

Brian Blessed has been cast as Odin in Kenneth Branagh's big-screen adaptation of Thor, according to an unconfirmed report.

Bleeding Cool says the English actor - known for his booming voice - has landed the role of Thor's father in the movie, which is based on Marvel's comic book version of the Norse thunder god.

I've not yet been able to verify this claim, which has flown across internet blog sites like Thor's mighty hammer Mjolnir.

While many are hailing the sonorous thespian as a perfect choice - and he has been a favourite among fans on forums - he could also be considered rather too obvious and over-the-top for the role.

Notably, the ebullient 71-year-old has been in four of the five Shakespeare films helmed by Thor director Kenneth Branagh: Henry V, Much Ado About Nothing, Hamlet and As You Like It. Blessed also narrated »

- David Bentley

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Brian Blessed Cast as Odin in 'Thor'?

3 June 2009 11:59 AM, PDT | CinemaSpy | See recent CinemaSpy news »

BleedingCool.com is reporting that British actor Brian Blessed has been cast in Kenneth Branagh's upcoming Thor movie as Odin, the father of Thor and his half-brother Loki. He is the All-Father of Valhalla, the Norse afterlife.

It should be noted that BleedingCool doesn't cite its source on this story, so thus far it remains unverified.

Blessed has appeared in a number of Branagh's productions, including Hamlet and As You Like It.

But he's perhaps most famous for starring as The King of The Hawk Men in Flash Gordon.

Born in the UK in 1936, Blessed is known for his hearty, king-sized portrayals on film and TV. He is renowned for an eloquent wit and booming, operatic voice. »

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Kenneth Branagh Finds Odin for 'Thor'

2 June 2009 10:35 PM, PDT | GetTheBigPicture.net | See recent Get The Big Picture news »

Brian Blessed has made about 100 movies and TV shows, give or take, but to me, he'll always be Prince Vultan from Flash Gordon. You can't blame me; I was nine years old when it came out and I had never heard a guy that loud in my life. Still haven't, in fact. And it made such an impression on me that anytime I see Blessed in a movie these days, I picture him in little birdman getup, some lost member of the Village People.

Blessed has had a solid career, no doubt, and having worked with Kenneth Branagh a couple of times, it seems natural for Blessed to be cast in the director's Thor. Good role, too, if the word is to be believed: The guy with the planet's biggest voice will play Odin, the Grand Poobah of Norse Gods. »

- Colin Boyd

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Brian Blessed Cast as Thor’s Father?

2 June 2009 8:02 PM, PDT | newsinfilm.com | See recent newsinfilm news »

British actor Brian Blessed may be playing Odin in Marvel’s comic book movie Thor.  The character is the ruler of the mythological Norse world Asgard, biological father of “the god of thunder” (Thor), and adopted father of “the god of mischief” (Loki).

According to BleedingCool.com, Blessed has already been picked for the role by director Kenneth Branagh.  The two worked together on film productions of Shakespeare’s Hamlet and As You Like It.  Blessed is best known for playing Prince Vultan in 1980’s Flash Gordon.  There has been no confirmation from Marvel on Odin’s casting, so his selection is still considered a rumor, however the news seems to fit with Branagh’s relatively unknown picks so far: Chris Hemsworth as Thor and Tom Hiddleston as Loki.  Though a bankable star, Natalie Portman, has been rumored for the female lead.

In an interview last week, Hiddleston told the »

- Jeff Leins

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Flash Gordon Star is Odin in Thor

2 June 2009 8:00 PM, PDT | WorstPreviews.com | See recent Worst Previews news »

According to BleedingCool, British actor Brian Blessed has been cast in Kenneth Branagh's upcoming "Thor" movie as Odin, the father of Thor and his half-brother Loki. Blessed has appeared in a number of Branagh's productions, including "Hamlet" and "As You Like It." But he's most famous for starring as The King of The Hawk Men in "Flash Gordon." Blessed is 71-years-old and is only 5'9 tall. But he's known for his booming voice. Video of Brian Blessed: Click here to read more about "Thor." »

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More Thor and Paul Castings Revealed

2 June 2009 4:13 PM, PDT | SciFiCool.com | See recent SciFiCool.com news »

Now there’s a great movie title. The Mighty Paul! “Thor” swings his heavy hammer Mjolnir into theatres in 2011, bringing the thunder and lightning down on his evil brother Loki and his godly minions. In casting news, Brian Blessed is rumoured to have been cast as Thor’s dad Odin, the All Father, Lord of the Aesir, Burden of Gunnlöð’s Arms and Swinger of Gungnir. Brian is a barrel chested, loud and enthusiastic fellow best known for Black Adder and Flash Gordon. Below is a clip of his work for the unfamiliar. Also in casting news, “Paul”, the Sci-Fi road buddy picture starring Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Seth Rogen, Jason Bateman, and Kristen Wiig may now be accompanied by Sci-Fi queen Sigourney Weaver. Outstanding! A clip of Ms. Weaver as well if you please. I’ll get right on it! Thanks Slashfilm! »

- endymi0n

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Brian Blessed Cast In Kenneth Branagh's Thor

2 June 2009 11:11 AM, PDT | FilmShaft.com | See recent FilmShaft.com news »

In a twist of ingenious casting on Marvel's part, British actor Brian Blessed has been cast as Odin in director Kenneth Branagh's Thor according to sources.

Having spent the best part of two days being sick, I'm very glad to be able to sit here, gross you out and of course deliver this fantastic piece of news, which comes direct from Rich Johnston’s new site Bleeding Cool.

Comic Book Columnist Richard Johnston has a long history of fanboy scoops, and if this latest announcement is to be believed then we're in for a real treat!

Blessed is probably best known for his role King Of The Hawk Men in Flash Gordon, but has also appeared (quite famously) as Caesar Augustus in I Claudius and Boss Nass in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace.

Blessed has previously appeared in a number of Kenneth Branagh productions, including Hamlet and As You Like It. »

- info@originalsharpsays.com (Craig Sharp)

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Brian Blessed Cast as Thor’s Father?

2 June 2009 10:05 AM, PDT | ScreenRant.com | See recent Screen Rant news »

Comic book blog site Bleeding Cool is reporting that actor Brian Blessed (Hamlet, Macbeth) is going to be lending his famously booming voice and imposing stature to the role of Odin, King of Asgard, in Kenneth Branagh’s big-screen adaptation of Marvel Comics’ Thor.

Fans of Thor of course know that Odin is not only All-Father of Asgard, he’s also the father of Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Thor’s nefarious half-brother, Loki (Tom Hiddleston). If Brian Blessed has indeed snagged the role of Odin, it means that Thor is going to get a serious thespian to help anchor the cast of relative newcomers.

 

Blessed and Branagh have previously worked together on several Shakespeare plays-turned-movies, including Henry V (1989),  Much Ado About Nothing (1993), Hamlet (1996) and As You Like It (2006). Blessed’s iconic voice is also something you might not even know you recognize: the actor has lent his booming baritone to »

- Kofi Outlaw

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Brian Blessed Cast as Odin in Thor

2 June 2009 8:00 AM, PDT | Slash Film | See recent Slash Film news »

According to Rich Johnston's new site Bleeding Cool, Brian Blessed has been cast as Odin, All-Father of Valhalla in Kenneth Branagh's Thor. Frankly, I'm very happy with this news. The only way I could be happier is if somebody could get me confirmation that Blessed would record a commentary track for the film - the one he did for Flash Gordon is a real favorite in my household. I sincerely hope Max von Sydow has heard it. Blessed is these days more famous for his general all round demeanor, his mountaineering exploits (and mountainous stature) and his Booming voice than any specific role, though his Flash Gordon role as Prince Vultan would probably be his most popular turn. That gave rise to his "Gordon's Alive?" catchphrase which, apparently, he still yells out in his gruff-jolly way for fans whenever asked. I once heard a stand up comedian do »

- Brendon Connelly

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2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2005

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