An Inside Look At ACTION PARK, The World's Most Dangerous Amusement Park

Action Park: The infamous new Jersey water playground whose horror stories and scant safety precautions were so insanely ridiculous that you are left with nothing but to think its all the stuff of urban legend. Think again.

If you grew up in the '80s in the Tri-State Area, there was always Six Flags Great Adventure to quench your summer thirst of amusement park fun. But if fear of injury was not a priority, Action Park was your place. The Vernon Valley playground had edge of your seat experiences like the Alpine Slide, Surf Hill, Tarzan Swing, Cannonball Loop and the massive Tidal Wave Pool and ran with the popular slogans "The Action never stops... at Action Park," and "There's nothing in the world like Action Park." However it became was more notorious for names like Traction Park, Accident Park and Class Action Park following countless mishaps that lead to injuries and deaths on site.

I survived several day trips there as a kid, without injury. I am a proud young survivor of several trips down the Alpine Slide and numerous slides to splash on Surf Hill. The wave pool was quite intimidating in its size, over crowding and sheer height of the waves that easily swept away adults and children alike. I never returned as a rebellious teenager to bask in the thrills of possible injury or the lax alcohol rules.

The action ultimately did stop, the doors were shut in 1996. The facility has since re-opened as the much safer Mountain Creek Water park. The fine folks at Dailymotion put together a two part documentary and look back at Action Park, tracing over the good and the bad, and separate fact from fiction through interviews with former employees, action seekers who survived to tell the tales, and current Mountain Creek CEO Andrew Mulvihill (son of Action Park's owner Gene Mulvihill).

SOURCE: Dailymotion

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It's Official! Marvel Announces Bradley Cooper Will Voice Rocket Raccoon in 'Guardians of the Galaxy'

Following Marvel's announcement earlier this week that James Spader has joined the cast of Avengers: Age of Ultron as the robotic main title villain, they have dropped another huge and highly anticipated casting announcement to kick off Labor Day Weekend.

Marvel confirms that The Hangover and Silver Linings Playbook star Bradley Cooper will provide the voice of Rocket Raccoon in the James Gunn helmed Guardians of the Galaxy.

Per Marvel:

"Rocket Raccoon has finally found his voice!

Academy Award-nominated actor Bradley Cooper has officially joined the cast of Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy," lending his voice to the fan-favorite raccoon that will join Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldana) and Drax (Dave Bautista) on their epic adventure. 

Cooper has previously starred in "Silver Linings Playbook," for which he was nominated for an Oscar®, "Limitless," "Place Beyond the Pines" and the "Hangover" trilogy, the latter of which has grossed $1.4 billion globally. He will next be seen in "American Hustle" which will reunite him with "Silver Linings Playbook" director David O. Russell. "Guardians of the Galaxy" will mark Cooper's first voiceover work.

In the far reaches of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, an unlikely cast of characters including Peter Quill, Gamora, Drax, Groot and Rocket Raccoon must join forces to defeat a cosmic force of epic proportions. Directed by James Gunn, the live-action "Guardians of the Galaxy" will take fans to new corners of the Marvel Universe when it hits theaters August 1, 2014, but in the meantime stay tuned to Marvel.com for the latest news as it breaks, including official casting, first looks and more!

In addition to "Guardians of the Galaxy," Marvel Studios will release a slate of films based on the Marvel characters including "Thor: The Dark World" on November 8; "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" on April 4, 2014; "Avengers: Age of Ultron" on May 1, 2015; and "Ant-Man" on November 6, 2015."

Cooper joins the cast of Marvel's Phase Two sci-fi epic alongside Chris Pratt (Peter Quill / Star Lord), Glenn Close (Nova Prime), Zoe Saldana (Gamora), Lee Pace (Ronan The Accuser), Karen Gillan (Nebula), John C. Reilly (Rhomann Day), David Bautista (Drax The Destroyer), Djimon Hounsou (Korath The Persuer), Michael Rooker (Yondu) and Benicio Del Toro (The Collector). The waiting game continues for the official word on whether Vin Deisel will voice Groot or not.

The James Gunn directed film is set for an August 1, 2014 release.

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This Fan Made 'Man of Steel' Sequel Trailer May Take The Edge Off Your Bat-Rage

Ok, there has been a few days to let the Batman announcement to settle in. Let's face it, the initial outrage will in all likelihood seem trivial by the time things play out on the big screen. We have almost two long speculative heavy years until we see Henry Cavill and Ben Affleck square off in the follow- up to Man of Steel, which will take a story lead from the Frank Miller's 1986 groundbreaking graphic novel The Dark Knight Returns.

This well edited fan trailer blends footage from various sources and may calm some naysayers still venting over Ben Affleck's recent casting. This seem to get a lot right in tone and if we were to look ahead to what we likely can expect: The Dark Knight donning a Kryptonite fueled robotic Bat-suit to take down the feared Kryptonian alien, a billionaire boys club alliance between Wayne Industries and LexCorp, and has already gone ahead to cast Bryan Cranston as Lex Luthor.

It's time to look forward with faith in the filmmakers, and this isn't a bad start.

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The MTV VMA's Bring Us The First Trailer to 'Divergent'

Last night during the 2013 MTV VMA's, the first sneak peek trailer for Divergent was reaveled.

Based on the trilogy of Young Adult novels by Veronica Roth (Divergent, Insurgent and Allegiant), the film adaptation stars Shailene Woodley as Tris, an outsider in a dystopian future who does not fit into one of the pre-assigned classes society is grouped in to, and turns to changing her fate at any cost.

Directed by Neil Burger, Divergent  also stars Kate Winslet, Theo James, Miles Teller, Jai Courtney, Ashley Judd, Tony Goldwyn, Ray Stevenson, Zoe Kravitz, Maggie Q and Mekhi Phifer.

The film is set for 2D and IMAX screens on March 21, 2014.

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Adam West, Val Kilmer and Michael Keaton Weigh In On Affleck As Batman

Former Batmen Adam West and Val Kilmer voluntarily took to Twitter and threw their thoughts into the online nuclear firestorm that is Ben Affleck's casting as the next big screen Caped Crusader. While on the other side of the batcave, count on TMZ to ambush Michael Keaton for his thoughts on the situation as he was getting into his car.

Remember Ben, with the cape and cowl comes great responsibility (and lots of heat). Bring deodorant. #batman @BenAffleck
— Adam West (@therealadamwest) August 23, 2013

Give Ben a chance!
— Val Kilmer (@ValEKilmer) August 23, 2013

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And The New Batman Is... BEN AFFLECK. How Do You Like Them Apples?

If the Human Torch can play Captain America, why can't Daredevil play Batman?

He was the bomb in Phantoms, now he's The Batman. Meet your new Dark Knight folks: BEN AFFLECK.

Today Warner Bros. made the official announcement that the Oscar Winner, who has a successful working relationship with the studio (Argo, The Town), is set to don the cape and cowl and face off against Henry Cavill's Superman in the Man of Steel follow-up, now targeted for July 17th, 2015.

In addition to playing Marvel Comics' big screen Daredevil in 2003, he also portrayed George Reeves, the '50s era television Superman in 2006's Hollywoodland and was among WB's early candidates to direct Man of Steel and even the proposed Justice League film.

Other actors on the rumored short list since the Man of Steel sequel, i.e. Superman Versus Batman OR Batman Versus Superman, was announced at Comic Con included Orlando Bloom, Josh Brolin, Ryan Gosling, Richard Armitage, Max Martini, Matthew Goode and Wes Bentley.

Here is the official press release:

"BURBANK, CA, August 22, 2013 – Ending weeks of speculation, Ben Affleck has been set to star as Batman, a.k.a. Bruce Wayne. Affleck and filmmaker Zack Snyder will create an entirely new incarnation of the character in Snyder’s as-yet-untitled project—bringing Batman and Superman together for the first time on the big screen and continuing the director’s vision of their universe, which he established in “Man of Steel.” 

The announcement was made today by Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, and Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

The studio has slated the film to open worldwide on July 17, 2015. 

Last month’s surprise announcement of the new movie featuring both Superman and Batman created a wave of excitement and immediately fueled discussion and debate—among fans as well as in the media—about who would put on the cape and cowl of Bruce Wayne’s alter ego. 

Snyder successfully re-imagined the origin of Clark Kent/Superman in the worldwide blockbuster “Man of Steel,” which has earned more than $650 million worldwide to date, and climbing. The director will now create an original vision of Batman and his world for the film that brings the two DC Comics icons together. 

Affleck will star opposite Henry Cavill, who will reprise the role of Superman/Clark Kent. The film will also reunite “Man of Steel” stars Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne and Diane Lane. 

In the announcement, Silverman stated, “We knew we needed an extraordinary actor to take on one of DC Comics’ most enduringly popular Super Heroes, and Ben Affleck certainly fits that bill, and then some. His outstanding career is a testament to his talent and we know he and Zack will bring new dimension to the duality of this character.” 

Snyder also expressed his excitement about the casting of Affleck, noting, “Ben provides an interesting counter-balance to Henry’s Superman. He has the acting chops to create a layered portrayal of a man who is older and wiser than Clark Kent and bears the scars of a seasoned crime fighter, but retain the charm that the world sees in billionaire Bruce Wayne. I can’t wait to work with him.”

Kroll added, “We are so thrilled that Ben is continuing Warner Bros.’ remarkable legacy with the character of Batman. He is a tremendously gifted actor who will make this role his own in this already much-anticipated pairing of these two beloved heroes.” 

Affleck recently starred in the Academy Award®-winning Best Picture “Argo,” which he also directed and produced, earning acclaim and a BAFTA Award nomination for his performance in the film, as well as a number of directing honors. In 2010, he starred in and directed the hit crime thriller “The Town.” His recent acting work also includes “The Company Men,” “State of Play,” and “Hollywoodland,” for which he received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor. Earlier in his career, Affleck starred in and co-wrote (with Matt Damon) “Good Will Hunting,” for which he won an Oscar® for Best Original Screenplay. 

The new Super Hero film is being scripted by David S. Goyer from a story he co-created with Zack Snyder. Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder are producing, with Benjamin Melniker, Michael E. Uslan and Wesley Coller serving as executive producers.
Production is expected to begin in 2014.

The film is based on Superman characters created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster, and Batman characters created by Bob Kane, published by DC Entertainment."

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Film Review - THE WORLD'S END ★★★½☆☆

The World's End, the concluding chapter in Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg's Cornetto Trilogy, is a sci-fi comedy is like no other you will see this year and a rip roaring fitting finale to the irreverent adventures began in Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. Will a subtle small town alien invasion put a stop to a twenty years in the making bar crawl victory lap? I would hope not.

Twelve pubs. One night. The the pub crawl to end them all. A very appropriate and effective tag seen and heard all over the film's promotions. And that aspect alone is well worth coughing up the admission price. But The World's End is many things more, making it the most complex work yet from director Wright and star Pegg, who co-penned the screenplay.

Twenty years after a failed attempt at completing the Golden Mile, a local legendary pub crawl, with his best buds during their high school years, Gary King (Simon Pegg) finds himself hell bent on getting the "Five Musketeers" back together to take one last stab at finishing the task. But unlike the 40-year old chain smoking man child King, all these years later his chums are settled off with families and successful careers, and have few aspirations of re-tracing their beer guzzling pasts.

Gary re-unites his mates Andy (Nick Frost), Oliver (Martin Freeman), Peter (Eddie Marsan) and Steven (Paddy Considine) and travel back to their hometown for one last go to guzzle the night away on the Golden Mile: one pint at each of the twelve bars culminating at the final pit stop, The World's End.

The lads find a drone-like atmosphere has engulfed the town, which has become boring, mundane and the decor in the bars are all interchangeably corporate as every any Applebee's in the franchise. What brings the group together is what separates this from a tired plot lifted from The Hangover or the like. Like Shaun of the Dead, it turns a genre on its side. World's End takes an Invasion of the Body Snatchers meets Attack The Block left turn: King and the gang are put up against an alien robot occupation.

The typical Simon Pegg / Nick Frost on-screen dynamic here is changed up a bit. Frost's Andy Knightly, who hasn't enjoyed a drink in 16 years, wants absolutely nothing to do with the whole grand plan, and even less to do with King (who even managed to swindle him into agreeing to participate in the evening) and his obsession to reclaim former glory. Their initial on-screen relationship is far from the usual win win buddy buddy we are accustomed to. It also allows us to see a different darker side to their comedic chops while still managing to provide us with big laughs. Pegg also offers a winning layered turn here as King, whose obsession with finishing the Golden Mile despite the absolute mayhem going on all around him has a lot more behind it than just an immature Peter Pan complex.

Martin Freeman, a cameo staple of the Cornetto group, finally gets a meaty role as the stuffy business savvy Oliver Chamberlain. His deadpan delivery works its usually magic, especially when the boys have boy-ish things to say about his sister Sam (Rosamund Pike). Eddie Marsan as the aloof Peter brings an amazing bullied underdog element to the film and rounds out the group's various identities well. Rosamund Pike as Sam Chamberlin, a quickie King fling back in the day, offers great sidesteps to the heavy boy's club feel.

Edgar Wright one again showcases his chops as a director who can switch it up big time at the drop of a hat. He can transition from long straightforward dialogue stretches one minute, to his signature quick-cut close-ups montages, to rousing kinetic action sequences right out the best action films. Everything he has under the hood is all out there it. There is an additional unique feel to the film through his frequent use of practical in-camera transitions that keep the film moving along from scene to scene. It's a clever addition in filmmaking, and adds a subtle sense of greater movement rather than going straight cut to cut or dissolving from passage to passage. The always excellent cinematography courtesy of Bill Pope is a huge asset as well.

The special FX are convincing for the scope of the film. Nothing ever goes to an over epic scale in strict relation to what the script requires, but the evil robots and their related abundance of glowing eerie eyes and blue goop innards firmly keep you in this world from every bar fight to street fight. The staging and execution of the fight sequences are nothing to scoff at either. Whether you buy the stamina and hand-to-hand abilities of these middle-aged blue collar Brits is another thing altogether, but it all makes for much action packed fun.

The initially film moves along with a slow burn. There is a conscious effort to not skimp on establishing these characters and their relationships before all hell breaks loose, and that works here. There is payoff to the meticulous set-up of the themes of unfulfilled dreams, adult problems and rekindling life long friendships before diving into the the throes of fighting for the future of mankind. You will wish any attempt at celebrating long lost bonds will not involve similar earth shattering events, but as long as you have your old chums at your side, the end is not neigh.

The World's End is solid fun with a lot of heart mixed in when you least expect it. With no shortage of cameos, sharp one-liners, and winning performances, it's a rousing must-see for the built-in fan base (I am admittedly a devoted Hot Fuzz disciple) and anyone who can enjoy good Brit wit laughs mixed in with sci-fi elements. Wright and Pegg end their trilogy with their most ambitious film yet that delivers a surprising fun feel good ride. By the end credits roll you too may feel like you have finally successfully made that glorious victory lap around the Golden Mile.

The World's End opens on August 23rd.

REVIEW RATING: ★★★½☆☆
Director: Edgar Wright
Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Martin Freeman, Paddy Considine, Eddie Marsan, Rosamund Pike
Screenwriters: Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg
Studio: Focus Features
Rated: R
Running Time: 109 minutes

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FIlm Review: THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS: CITY OF BONES ★☆☆☆☆

I'm a not a Yong Adult novel reader, and to my dismay I have to admit I am decades beyond that target age group. Even though the genre sometimes has more than enough sci-fi, fantasy and horror elements to base plenty of material for a site like this, the formula for these works isn't really my thing. Sure I read the entire Harry Potter series (and who hasn't, young or old), the Hunger Games successfully plays older and well enough to various age groups, Percy Jackson is what it is, but my tolerance and attention span was less than scant for the YA forbidden romanticism that anchored The Twilight Saga's big screen adaptations.

Despite that this particular work is based heavily in a fantasy genre I typically enjoy, I could not have squirmed in my seat any more sitting through the flat line cookie cutter experience that was The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones.

Based on the first book in the bestselling series by Cassandra Clare, the film follows Clary Fray (Lily Collins), who sees the ordinary New York City life she lives with her mother (Lena Headey) turned upside down when she becomes caught between opposing sides of an ancient world of magic, fought by gothic angels, dark demons and various evil creatures.

When Clare starts subconsciously drawing a mysterious symbol, witnesses a murder in a nightclub, and her mother (Lena Heady) disappears following an attack in her apartment, she subsequently falls under the watchful eye of hunky vampire hunter Jace Weyland (Jamie Campbell Bower) and his fellow fighters-for-good called Shadowhunters. Revealed to be a descendant of the ancient warrior bloodline, Clare holds the secret in her subconscious to the whereabouts of a mystical artifact that offers ultimate power.

In the rapidly expanding genre of young adult novels adapted for the big screen, most of the other series have a footing in making their own identity. The Mortal Instruments not only takes a broad stroke cookie cutter approach, but also throws in anything and everything it can to push it along its way.

Sure there is a big quest, demons to battle, and a grand final showdown with the big baddie Valentine (Jonathan Rhys Meyers), but the film makes no excuses, for all intents and purposes, in winging it every step of the way.  Somebody need a weapon that would be extremely convenient to use, sure its available. Need a new foe to fight in this scene? Without rhyme, reason or back story some new horrific monster appears that probably popped into the visual FX team's heads at some random moment. At the start of the film we are presented with the ancient order Shadowhunters, great an original concept, but quickly added into the mix are vampires, werewolves, witches, warlocks in addition to other various creatures that can cause trouble. The screenplay runs along as if script doctor was there at every beat on set to provide the quickest and easiest fixes for any situation.

When the reluctant romance element kicks into gear, why not have set a scene in a magic garden in the film's NYC base of operations called The Institute (whose architectural grandeur also happens to be invisible to the eyes of normal humans. Hello Hogwarts?). Clary swoons for Jace, but her geeky life-long friend Simon (Robert Sheehan) of course completes the love triangle and provides for some cringe worthy romantic dialogue and moments. The movie takes heavy leads from the Twilight Saga when it concerns the two leads and both the expected and (almost) unexpected forbidden love bumps. If you don't think this is your thing, it isn't. While the film has its fair share of roll your eyes moments, it doesn't quite attain the laugh out loud high bar set by The Host.

There are also no shortage of direct cues taken from The Lost Boys, Harry Potter, Stargate and honest to God, The Empire Strikes Back. Some of these elements may not be painfully obvious to the mass of the intended younger viewers, but I was pleasantly surprised how well a throwaway Ghostbusters reference went over at my screening. Homage is one thing, but when I say the Shadowhunters keep a Stargate in the Institute (as in the movie and SG-1 Stargate), yes they really gave them a Stargate to utilize in a major plot point.

Lily Collins does her best as a reluctant one-dimensional heroine rammed head first into this supernatural mess. You would think there would be more depth written for a female lead who has an insane amount of upheaval thrush upon her. Campbell Bower plays it cold and occasionally silly at inopportune times. The Edward Cullen mold of hero is not lost here, just adding tattoos and leather for good measure in place of sparkly skin.

Clocking in at over two hours the pace surprisingly keeps moving along, but it tries to cram so much into every scene, from monsters, big effects, fight sequences, goth costumes, party scenes and romantic interludes, all it provides is even less reason to stop for a moment to explain exactly why the hell any of it is logistically happening. It manages to hit many of the familiar necessary beats you would expect from a first chapter setting up an inevitable franchise, but at the same time barely lays down a proper base coat to build upon you care about.

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones is soulless forgettable film fodder fit to fill in the void left in the wake of The Twilight Saga. Sadly it is hardly interested in pushing boundaries or making its own memorable mythology in the genre. Every beat of the story seems like off the cuff convenience rather than adhering to any of the thin plot parameters it has put so little thought into establishing. It is unfortunately content with begging, borrowing and re-hashing numerous familiar paths taken by other like films rather than making a leap into memorable new territory.

The Mortal Instruments: City of  Bones opens in theaters on August 21st.

REVIEW RATING: ★☆☆☆☆
Director: Harald Zwart
Starring: Lily Collins, Jamie Campbell Bower, Kevin Zegars, Robert Sheehan, Jonathan Rhys Meyers
Screenwriter: Jessica Postigo Paquette
Studio: Screen Gems
Rated: PG-13
Running Time: 130 minutes

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'X-Men: Day of Future Past' Wraps Filming PLUS New Official Image Released!

Today marks the official last day of principal photography on X-Men: Days of Future Past, as announced by director Bryan Singer on his Twitter account, "Just wrapped! Eternal thx 2 our amazing Montreal crew! C u at the party," and accompanied by this picture of himself, Hugh Jackman, screenwriter Simon Kinberg and producer Hutch Parker from the Montreal set.

We also have a new image taken from the '70s era of the film featuring Jackman, Nicholas Hoult (Hank McCoy/Beast) and James McAvoy (Charles Xavier) in what appears to be the hallway leading to Cerebro.

 

The massive all-star X-cast of Days of Future Past features Hugh Jackman (Wolverine), James McAvoy (Young Xavier) Nicholas Hoult (Beast), Patrick Stewart (Professor X), Ian McKellen (Magneto), Michael Fassbender (Young Magneto), Jennifer Lawrence (Mystique), Lucas Till (Havok), Halle Berry (Storm), Anna Paquin (Rogue), Ellen Page (Kitty Pryde), Shawn Ashmore (Iceman), Daniel Cudmore (Colossus), Evan Peters (Quicksilver), Booboo Stewart (Warpath), Omar Sy (Bishop), Fan Binbing (Blink), Adam Canto (Sunspot), Josh Helman (William Stryker) and Peter Dinklage (Bolivar Trask).

The film is set for theaters in 3D on May 23rd, 2014.

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New Images from Spike Lee's 'OLDBOY' Are Here

New stills from Spike Lee's take on Oldboy have been revealed, including a first look at Elizabeth Olsen as Marie. If you are familiar with the original version, you know what to expect, and that would be a hard time sleeping that night. The crew involved in this version promise to stay loyal to the source material, but also amp things up in a different way, if that is possible. This easily has the makings of a true standout directorial effort for Lee, if handled correctly and bravely pulls no punches.

Here is the official synopsis:

"Oldboy follows the story of an advertising executive (Josh Brolin) who is kidnapped and held hostage for 20 years in solitary confinement without any indication of his captor’s motive. When he is inexplicably released, he embarks on an obsessive mission to discover who orchestrated his bizarre and torturous punishment only to find he is still trapped in a web of conspiracy and torment. His quest for revenge leads him into an ill-fated relationship with a young social worker (Elizabeth Olsen) and ultimately to an illusive man (Sharlto Copley) who allegedly holds the key to his salvation."

Directed by Spike Lee, Oldboy is set to hit theaters on November 27th, and stars Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Olsen, Sharlto Copley, Samuel L. Jackson, Lance Reddick and Michael Imperioli.

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The Mandarin Is Featured In This 'Iron Man 3' Deleted Scene

Check out this deleted scene from the bonus extras on the Iron Man 3 Blu-ray, which features Sir Ben Kingsley's The Mandarin shortly before he delivers one of his messages of cyber terrorism to the world.

Iron Man 3 is set to hit DVD, Blu-ray and 3D Blu-ray on September 24th.

SOURCE: USA Today, Collider

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Film Review - ELYSIUM ★★½☆☆☆

Neill Blomkamp set a pretty high bar for himself by roaring out of the starting gate with his visionary directorial debut, 2009's District 9. Sometimes unfortunately nothing is harder to overcome than hitting it out of the ball park your first time at bat when its time for the second go round.

Blomkamp's highly anticipated follow-up, Elysium has a lot to riding on it, with a bigger budget and recruiting A- list stars Matt Damon and Jodie Foster to headline the cast. While his latest dystopian vision of the future is neither picture perfect nor a classic example of the dreaded sophomore slump, Elysium delivers on numerous technical and visual levels but ultimately suffers from an unbalanced helping of brawn over brain.

Welcome to the 22nd Century. Disease and over population have turned the Earth into a living nightmare. Utopia however, exists solely for the rich living on Elysium, an the orbiting country club in space. The space station is an artificial ringed habitat where nothing but maintaining an idyllic life matters. All ailments can be cured in medical chambers that come dome a doen and those left to suffer below are tossed aside with an out of sight out of mind policy.

Max De Costa (Matt Damon) lives a lowly life on Earth, making his way the best he can as a robot factory assembly line worker, albeit with a few arrests on his record. Like everyone suffering on Terra Firma, he looks to the sky and dreams of affording a life that would lead him to Elysium, often reminiscing of a promise he made to his childhood friend Frey that he would take her there one day.

On the way to work, sarcastic talk back gets him a royal whop ass from some robotic centurions, which leaves him with a broken arm, a trip to the hospital, an extension of his parole for some previous crimes and he's in hot water with his boss. An accident on the job the next day renders him poisoned with a lethal dose of radiation, left with only five days to live and a thank you package of some government issued pills to ease the pain until he keels over.

DeCosta knows if he can hijack a trip to Elysium, it would allow the opportunity to rid his body of the radiation with a quick zap nap in a medical chamber sitting in every citizen's house. But the orbiting fortress has a ruthless watch dog in the form of Defense Minister Delacourt (Jodie Foster) who has no problem shooting down unauthorized shuttles that attempt to land on Elysium via her rogue one man killing machine on Earth, Kruger (Sharlto Copley).

To see his plan through, DeCosta agrees to merge man and machine by having an exo-suit drilled onto his spine as well and a hard drive burrowed into his brain. He ends up inadvertently downloading secret plans that can ultimately destroy the prime functions of the film Death Star stand in. The secret data that resides in his noggin holds the key to turing the tide on the separation of classes.

Elysium has many more plot points layered into the screenplay, and keeps on target, albeit with a slow burn, in getting to its intended big finish finale. But while the first two acts are balanced with deep ideas, a good balance of sci-fi eye candy, action sequences and character development, Elysium then abruptly changes gears to go with the balls out explosion and gunfire crazed crowd pleaser finish.

The movie is not without enough goodies to please sci-fi fans with its tricked out stunning visuals, gritty futuristic gadgets and thought provoking concepts. But at just about two hours, Elysium doesn't dig as deep into the allegory it wants to explore as seen in District 9. We get a lot of the backstage goings on of the upper class dwelling, but very little is explored in regards to the populace beyond gorgeous shots of how perfect it is to live there.

Damon plays DeCosta with his likable Matt Damon charm and determination, and is allowed to crack a few jokes to break up some scenes as he can do very effectively. You are definitely rooting for the guy as he soldiers on in impossible his quest to Elyisum.

Jodie Foster gives a puzzling and surprising one-dimensional performance as Delacourt. While several characters in the film have thick accents that are at times difficult to clearly understand, Foster's unrecognizable dialect in the film is oft putting and seems to change through out the film. There isn't much for her to do here except twist her villain mustache and represent all the typical bad things you expect the heavy in her situation to do. But frankly I expected there would be more under the hood from Foster.

Sharlto Copley is no stranger to teaming up with Blomkamp, he was the breakout star of District 9 (I can't wit to see him as the villain in Spike Lee's remake of Old Boy). Copley plays Kruger, another tech enhanced human, and the evil mad mercenary on the dirty work take from Delacourt. Copley has no problem chewing up the scenery with insane delivery of dialogue, brutal fight sequences and brandishing an assortment of advanced bad ass weaponry. There is actually more going on with Kruger than Delacourt, but flip flops in motivation throughout the film.

On the surface, Elysium boasts flawless gritty FX (just check out the realistic motion in the robotic police men), and a story that addresses the politics of a futuristic social structure gone bad. Once again Blompkamp's penchant for hand held camera work combined with spot on CG eye candy makes for a convincing cinematic world you can sink into. But where it was running a fine pace and balance for a healthy portion its running time, the extent and excess of the big Hollywood finish ironically takes away the film's punch.

Elysium opened in theaters and IMAX on August 9th.

REVIEW RATING: ★★½☆☆☆
Director: Neill Blomkamp
Starring: Matt Damon, Jodie Foster,  Sharlto Copley, Alice Braga, William Fitcher, Diego Luna
Screenwriter: Neill Blomkamp
Studio: Sony Pictures
Rated: R
Running Time: 110 minutes

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New Look At 'Thor: The Dark World' In Latest Trailer!

A new trailer to Thor: The Dark World was just unleashed, and its a doozy.  This new sneak peek gives us a grand tour of what we can expect in the next adventure for Marvel's Norse God of Thunder. There is a lot more of the supporting cast and of Tom Hiddleston's Loki, which is always good, and a solid feel for the epic, magical and action packed scope of the film largely not set on Earth.

Plus a well deserved "That was for New York!" as Natalie Portman's Jane Foster slaps Loki across the face.

Part of Marvel's cinematic Phase Two set after the events of The Avengers, Thor: The Dark World reunites Chris Hemsworth as the Norse God of Thunder with Natalie Portman (Jane Foster), Kat Dennings (Darcy Lewis), Anthony Hopkins (Odin), Tom Hiddleston (Loki), Stellan Skarsgård (Dr. Selvig), Idris Elba (Heimdall) and Jaimie Alexander (Sif). Christopher Eccleston (Doctor Who, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra) joins the cast as Malekith the Accursed, the evil leader of the Dark Elves of Svartalfheim.

Official synopsis:

"Marvel’s “Thor: The Dark World” continues the big-screen adventures of Thor, the Mighty Avenger, as he battles to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy that predates the universe itself. In the aftermath of Marvel’s “Thor” and “Marvel’s The Avengers,” Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos…but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all."

You can see the first trailer HERE and or check out my coverage of Thor: The Dark World at the 2013 Toy Fair HERE.

Directed by Alan Taylor, the film is set for theaters in 3D on November 8th.

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Teaser Trailer To 'Muppets Most Wanted' Is Online!

Disney has released the teaser trailer to Muppets Most Wanted, the welcome sequel 2011's The Muppets, the hit big screen re-launch of the iconic series under the watch of the House of Mouse.

This time out, Kermit and his life long friends find themselves in store for a European-set comedy caper that will take them to Berlin, Madrid and London. Joining the cast on the human side are Ricky Gervais, Tina Fey and Ty Burrell.

Official synopsis:

"Disney’s “Muppets Most Wanted” takes the entire Muppets gang on a global tour, selling out grand theaters in some of Europe’s most exciting destinations, including Berlin, Madrid and London. But mayhem follows the Muppets overseas, as they find themselves unwittingly entangled in an international crime caper headed by Constantine—the World’s Number One Criminal and a dead ringer for Kermit—and his dastardly sidekick Dominic, aka Number Two, portrayed by Ricky Gervais. The film stars Tina Fey as Nadya, a feisty prison guard, and Ty Burrell as Interpol agent Jean Pierre Napoleon."

Set for release on March 21, 2014, The Muppets' James Bobin returns as director and co-writer, as will Academy Award Winning songwriter Bret McKenzie (for "Man or Muppet").

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New Poster For ABC's 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' Is Revealed

Agent Coulson and his team are set to hit the ABC airwaves on September 24th at 8PM in the highly anticipated Avengers spin-off Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.  New promo art has been unveiled.

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See The Twelfth Doctor Peter Capaldi Take The Stage on 'Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor'

Earlier today Peter Capaldi was revealed to replace Matt Smith on Doctor Who, you can read my report on that HERE.

In case you missed his live introduction on the half hour special broadcast in the States on BBC America, here is a clip from the show featuring Capaldi's entrance onto stage as he was announced as the Twelfth Doctor and subsequent interview with host Zoe Ball.

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Meet The Twelfth Doctor! Peter Capaldi Announced As The Successor To Matt Smith in 'Doctor Who'

The identity of the Twelfth Doctor is no longer a secret fellow Whovians! The next Time Lord has been chosen and the actor set to portray the new Doctor is Peter Capaldi.

During this afternoon's worldwide broadcast of the half hour special Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor hosted by Zoe Ball, Capaldi was announced as the successor to Matt Smith and will assume the role of the immortal Time Lord in the iconic sci-fi show, which will soon celebrate its 50th Anniversary.

"It's so wonderful to not keep this secret any longer," he said when he was brought out on stage.

Capaldi, a 55-year-old Scotsman is both a Whovian and Doctor Who alumni interestingly enough, having appeared in the 2008 Who episode The Fires of Pompeii as Caecilius. He also had roles in the Who spin-off Torchwood, a memorable part in the UK series The Thick of It and was also recently seen in this summer's World War Z playing a doctor for the World Health Organization. Yes, a doctor for W.H.O..

"I think Doctor Who is an extraordinary show," Capaldi said.

"The thing that strikes me about it that it's still here after all this time. And the reason it's still here is because of the work of all the writers, and the directors, the producers and the actors. Not just the fabulous actors who have played the Doctor, but also those actors who have sweated inside rubber monster costumes and those who have worn futuristic lurex cat suits. But the real reason, the big reason that Doctor Who is still with us: Every single viewer who ever turned on to watch this show, at age at any time in its history, and in their history, took it into their heart. Because Doctor Who belongs to all of us. Everyone made Doctor Who," he told the live audience.

Matt Smith has been the face of Doctor Who since 2010, and shocked fans when he announced on June 1st that he would be leaving show at the end of the year. He said in an official statement:

“Doctor Who has been the most brilliant experience for me as an actor and a bloke, and that largely is down to the cast, crew and fans of the show.

“I’m incredibly grateful to all the cast and crew who work tirelessly every day to realise all the elements of the show and deliver Doctor Who to the audience. Many of them have become good friends and I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved over the last four years."

Smith's adventures through time in the TARDIS end in the 2013 Christmas Special, where his Eleventh Doctor ultimately meets his demise and will regenerate into Capaldi's Twelfth incarnation of the Time Lord.

Still on deck for Smith is the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Special set to air on November 23rd, which will also guest star his predecessor David Tennant (reprising his role as the Tenth Doctor), former Who companion Billie Piper as Rose Tyler, and John Hurt as a mysterious and as yet still undetermined version of the Time Lord.

In a taped interview for Doctor Who Live Matt Smith (who was in LA), revealed he was approached by Capaldi on the street in 2010 after seeing the Who episode The Eleventh Hour, and was complimented on his performance.

"I'm excited because I know whats coming and he's going to have a blast," Smith said. "It's been great man. it's a really cool job, be hard to top."

Capaldi is also a long time friend and former bandmate of talk show host Craig Ferguson, also an avid Whovian who keeps a TARDIS on his desk.

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New Poster For 'Thor: The Dark World' Revealed

We still are on hold in regards to the Comic Con footage from Thor: The Dark World making its way beyond its Hall H presentation, but we did get to see Tom Hiddleston slay the crowd when he appeared on stage in character as Loki.

Until out next sneak peek arrives, here is the new one-sheet featuring the cast for the sequel to 2011's Thor to hold us over for the time being.

Part of Marvel's cinematic Phase Two set after the events of The Avengers, Thor: The Dark World reunites Chris Hemsworth as the Norse God of Thunder with Natalie Portman (Jane Foster), Kat Dennings (Darcy Lewis), Anthony Hopkins (Odin), Tom Hiddleston (Loki), Stellan Skarsgård (Dr. Selvig), Idris Elba (Heimdall) and Jaimie Alexander (Sif). Christopher Eccleston (Doctor Who, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra) joins the cast as Malekith the Accursed, the evil leader of the Dark Elves of Svartalfheim.

Official synopsis:

"Marvel’s “Thor: The Dark World” continues the big-screen adventures of Thor, the Mighty Avenger, as he battles to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy that predates the universe itself. In the aftermath of Marvel’s “Thor” and “Marvel’s The Avengers,” Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos…but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all."

You can see the first trailer HERE and or check out my coverage of Thor: The Dark World at the 2013 Toy Fair where a full look at Malekith was revealed HERE.

Directed by Alan Taylor, the film is set for theaters in 3D on November 8th.


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Matt Smith's Successor Will Be Revealed During a Live 'Doctor Who' Special This Sunday!

The 12th Doctor has been chosen!

The BBC is set to reveal the identity of who will succeed Matt Smith as The Doctor on a half-hour live special. Hosted by Zoe Ball, Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor is set for broadcast this Sunday afternoon here in the States on BBC-America at 2PM EST.

Per BBC:

"Widely regarded as one of the most hotly contested roles in British television, the special’s host Zoe Ball will unveil the Twelfth Doctor in their first ever interview in front of a live studio audience. The half hour show will include live special guests, Doctors old and new, as well as companions and celebrity fans. Current Doctor Matt Smith and lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat will both give interviews in the special.

Steven Moffat says: “The decision is made and the time has come to reveal who’s taking over the TARDIS. For the last of the Time Lords, the clock is striking twelve.”

Matt Smith will make his penultimate appearance in the 50th Anniversary special on Saturday, November 23 and his Eleventh Doctor will regenerate in the Christmas Special. Doctor Who is produced by BBC Cymru Wales."

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