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- Which 'Twilight' Scenes Could Use A Revamp?
As Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart go back for re-shoots, MTV News asks fans what scenes need a makeover.
By Kara Warner
Taylor Lautner and Kristen Stewart in "Eclipse"
Photo: Summit EntertainmentIn light of the news that Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart are headed back to the "Breaking Dawn -- Part 2" set for a few re-shoots, this week's Twilight Tuesday posed the question: If you could have any scene in any of the previous films re-shot, which one would you revamp? (Pun intended!)
As always, the members of the knowledgeable and passionate "Twilight" fan community responded to the query with gusto. Some folks want to see extended versions of their favorite scenes, some are still displeased with the book-to-film adaptation in certain areas and some requested they re-shoot entire films altogether. But there are two scenes that a majority of fans agreed could use a makeover: the meadow scene in "Twilight" and Edward and Bella's reunion in "New Moon." Here's a sampling of our favorite responses and suggestions:
@Cycyn: The meadow scene. It was THE ONE scene they had to capture perfectly (it was Steph's dream) and it's really bad.
@Cordyq45: Eclipse- Bella getting on Jake's bike in the school parking lot. Never shoulda happened.
@dazzle715: The scene where Bella kisses Jacob in Eclipse, instead she would just push him off the mountain.
@pinkpixiechick: Edward and Bella's reunion in New Moon. Wish it was more like the book version. Too short and passively handled in the film. I'm not a fan of how Melissa Rosenberg writes Edward & Bella scenes. Their reunion in her bedroom (New Moon) felt very rushed.
@MeganC79: The meadow scene by far. It's the most important scene in Twilight and was completely botched in the movie. Huge disappointment.
@Brendaof6: The Twilight scene when the "bad" vamps crash the game and Cullens get defensive. Liked at first but now I giggle every time!
@Melly1901: Twilight's meadow scene. Wasn't how I imagined it. I wish they added the Twi lunch scenes between Ed/Bella too...
@KansasCityGypsy: "I know what you are." "Say it." "Vampire." Such bad acting.
@Mama_Cougar: Good LORD that heinous "Wolves at the lumbermill" scene from Breaking Dawn. The Eclipse Forest Frolic is a close second.
@robownsme: Bella's speech at the end of Eclipse and her riding away with Jacob on the motorcyle. Both scenes were ridiculous and horrible.
@maineemilyhoon: New Moon - the post-Italy scenes. In the book it's so swoonily romantic...in the movie it's just dull.
What other scenes could use a re-vamp? Tell us in the comments or hit me up @karawarner on Twitter
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.
Related Videos Переслать - Can Spoilers Really Spoil 'The Avengers'?
As the wait for the superhero flick grows more agonizing, the age-old debate crops up again: to spoil or not to spoil?
By Josh Horowitz
"Avengers"
Photo: MarvelOver the weekend I was getting the shakes. And Tony Stark is to blame. I knew a whole bunch of folks had seen "The Avengers" last week (Los Angeles was host to its premiere last Wednesday) and, well, that wore on me. I don't know why. I'd get to see it myself soon enough. And frankly, seeing it without knowing whatever Easter eggs were planted would probably only add to my eventual enjoyment, right? But it gnawed on me. Since I have little to no will power, it only took me a few minutes of searching the interweb to get just about every plot point ruined forever. Do I have a problem? Is it a problem?
I'll say this to those who say they want any and all movie spoilers kept from them — fearing the house of cards will come crashing down if they know the kid can see dead people or whatever: Spoilers can't (or shouldn't) ruin a film. Any film that rests on a third-act twist and the surprise it causes just isn't all that great a film. Let me bring to mind another M. Night Shyamalan film, "Unbreakable," a movie that blew my mind with a third-act revelation the first time I saw it. Now that I know what's coming, does it make me love the movie any less? No.
Another case in point, let's journey back to 1983 and visit the 7-year-old version of me (shorter, that's about the only difference) reading the comic adaptation of "Return of the Jedi" (back before the Internet comics and novelizations were the best bet for the spoiler-minded). Yup, I was the guy who knew every twist in the culmination of the greatest saga of my youth before stepping into the theater. Did I enjoy the film at all less than I would have going in blind? I truly don't think so. My only regret actually is ruining the film for my brother in advance and that's just because he hit me really hard as a result.
Look, I know a lot of you disagree with me and trust me, we discuss spoilers an awful lot over here within the movies team at MTV. We know a lot of you want to enjoy a movie fresh without a third-act twist weighing on you throughout the flick. But we also live and breathe on breaking news, and if a certain A-list actor is going to appear in "21 Jump Street" (see, I'm being careful), it's hard to ignore that. That's news. So it's a bit of a conundrum we face every single day. It's probably the same for you if you're reading this. You want to know just enough, am I right? But some of you are like me and wouldn't mind knowing it all.
Lately I've been wondering if we've become a society that's more anxious for spoilers than ever. If I had to guess, the easy access to virtually any information on whatever mobile device is probably a big reason. Has the Ming dynasty come up in conversation again? Why, it'll just take you about 10 seconds to find out what century it began in (the 14th, duh). We're a culture that has now been conditioned to believe we can and should know anything. How much did "The Hunger Games" make in Nebraska last week? Hold on a second. I got that. How does Rihanna look on a beach when she's hanging with friends? No problemo. What happens at the end of "The Avengers"? What do you mean I can't know right now?
Secrets are hard to keep in 2012. Which is probably why films like "Prometheus" and "The Dark Knight Rises" are my two most anticipated flicks at the moment (and I know I'm not alone). Take the final installment in the Batman trilogy for example. Despite being shot out and about on the streets of several major cities, I'd guess the number of folks who actually know how Christopher Nolan's next film ends numbers in the dozens. OK, maybe a couple hundred. So I'm conflicted once again. I desperately want to know everything and yet I know it will be all the more satisfying to know nothing. Damn, I'm in the wrong business, aren't I?
Check out everything we've got on "The Avengers."
For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com.
Related Videos Related PhotosПереслать - Channing Tatum Strips Down In 'Magic Mike' Teaser
Tatum and his stripper pals, played by Matthew McConaughey and Alex Pettyfer, get into some shirtless antics in a teaser for the June release.
By Jocelyn Vena
Channing Tatum in "Magic Mike"
Photo: Warner BrosSixteen seconds. That's all fans are getting teased with in the just-released teaser for the "Magic Mike" trailer; the complete version hits the streets late Wednesday on "Entertainment Tonight."
But it's a beefy 16 seconds, that's for sure.
It features everything fans of the highly anticipated flick could want: Channing Tatum as a shirtless police officer and quick looks at the also-shirtless acrobatics of the other strippers in the flick, including Matthew McConaughey and Alex Pettyfer. The tease is definitely quick and dirty but certainly highlights the humor in the film.
At one point, Tatum jokes, "You don't want to know what I have to do for 20's." Judging by the footage, it involves a lot of topless antics.
Another point of interest comes at the end when Channing — once again without a top — asks, "So are you going to come to the show tonight?" For most fans, the answer will probably be a big, loud "YES!"
The Steven Soderbergh-directed film opens June 29. In addition to Tatum, Pettyfer and McConaughey, the movie features a bevy of other Hollywood studs, including Matt Bomer and Joe Manganiello.
When MTV News caught up with McConaughey recently, he dropped a hint about his own stripper character in the film. "Well, I run the hottest male revue in America, if not the globe," McCanaughey said of Dallas. "And we are going to simulcast around not only the globe, but the universe, and become the hottest male revue in the universe."
The story follows strip-club owner Dallas, as well as veteran male dancer Magic Mike (played by Tatum), who teaches the game to a newbie who goes by the moniker "The Kid" (played by Pettyfer). The movie is based on Tatum's own experiences as a male dancer. Soderbergh told MTV News, "It's a fictionalized version of what Channing went through. Channing's sort of playing a version of himself, and Alex is kind of playing a version of Channing. They're sort of amalgamations of other people. No one has ever said, 'But that didn't happen,' because it's not really that. It's just the world that I think is really fascinating."
Still not convinced that this film has it all and then some? Well, Bomer recently shared that Tatum even gets his groove on to Ginuwine's "Pony."
Check out everything we've got on "Magic Mike."
For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.
Related VideosПереслать - 'Twilight' Star Ashley Greene Haunted By New Supernatural Flick
'Death is knocking at her door,' actress tells MTV News about her character in 'Apparition.'
By Fallon Prinzivalli
Ashley Greene in "The Apparition"
Photo: Warner BrosThis is an exciting year for actress Ashley Greene. She just shot a pilot for ABC called "Americana," which revolves around legendary fashion designer Robert Soulter. Greene plays Alice — coincidentally the same name as her "Twilight Saga" character — who joins Soulter's business. Her film "Butter," following a small town and their butter-carving contests, will be released in October.
Plus, she stars alongside Miley Cyrus in "LOL," a remake of the 2008 French comedy — not to mention the highly anticipated final "Twilight" installment, "Breaking Dawn - Part 2," in which she'll reprise her role of Alice Cullen for the final time.
Before Greene dons the cropped locks and golden contacts, she'll fight for her life to escape a supernatural presence alongside Sebastian Stan in this summer's thrilling horror flick "The Apparition."
For Summer Movie Preview Week, MTV News spoke with Greene about being haunted as opposed to haunting, the injuries she sustained on set and the scene she's most looking forward to in "Breaking Dawn - Part 2."
MTV News: What's it like to be on the other side of the haunting in "The Apparition," as opposed to playing the vampire?
Ashley Greene: I didn't think of it like that, but you're right! [My character] Kelly is very ... human. Death is knocking at her door, and she is fighting for her survival. It was a different experience than playing an — almost — indestructible character like Alice Cullen. I had to take on a lot more loss, betrayal and vulnerability when playing Kelly.
MTV News: You worked with "Harry Potter" star Tom Felton in this movie, and you've both been in huge film franchises. Do you guys talk about your experiences?
Greene: Tom's a really great, grounded guy. We did trade some stories about our experiences, out of mutual curiosity. He feels similar to the way I do: blessed, grateful and utterly in awe of our fans.
MTV News: How was the vibe on set? Did you joke around with the other actors, or was it more serious because of the content?
Greene: There were moments of both. We did have dance parties every Friday in the makeup trailer and made the most of our weekends, but there are times and days where it's a little difficult to disconnect from the character and darker scenarios.
MTV News: Did you have to do any stunts?
Greene: The stunts on this were much different then something like "Twilight." No wires, but lots of scenes requiring agility. I think I injured myself more on this film because of the intensity of the scenes. You get wrapped up and don't realize how hard you're pounding your hand or that you've hurt your ankle until the end of the scene.
MTV News: Is there CGI work involved with the spirit?
Greene: Yes, there is amazing CGI work in the film. I don't want to give too much away, but I will say the visuals are very compelling. Also, it's important to note that this film is a supernatural thriller that really keeps you guessing. The fear is built through suspense and fear of the unknown, rather than the blood or gore of a horror film.
MTV News: Have you ever felt like you had a supernatural experience?
Greene: Supposedly, my building in L.A. is haunted. One time, my dogs woke me up, barking, and my front door was open. I had set my alarm before I went to sleep that night, and it hadn't gone off. That was scary.
MTV News: How did you psych yourself up for filming those scarier and more thrilling scenes?
Greene: I just try to make the situation as real as possible. I put myself in my character's shoes and experience what she's experiencing as she's experiencing it.
MTV News: What scene are you most excited to see in "Breaking Dawn - Part 2"?
Greene: I'm excited to see the final battle scene with the Volturi. Everything has worked up to that big moment. It's action-packed, and I don't think the fans will be disappointed!
It's Summer Movie Preview Week, and MTV News will be bringing you exclusive interviews, clips and photos for the most anticipated summer movies. Get ready to gorge on inside looks at "The Avengers," Robert Pattinson's "Bel Ami," Kristen Stewart's "Snow White," "The Amazing Spider-Man" and more!
Related VideosПереслать - 'Spider-Man' Director Marc Webb Plays With 'Amazing' Canon
'We wanted to do our own thing,' filmmaker tells MTV News about his approach to the upcoming Spider-Man reboot for Sony.
By Josh Wigler
Andrew Garfield in "The Amazing Spider-Man"
Photo: Sony PicturesStop us if you've heard this one: Boy genius gets bit by a radioactive spider, gains superpowers, acts like a jerk for a while until his beloved uncle dies as a result, thereby inspiring him to start using his powers for good. A familiar tale, right? Those details — most of them at least — remain firmly in place for "The Amazing Spider-Man," the upcoming cinematic reboot of the iconic Marvel superhero. But director Marc Webb wants you to know that there's much more to this new tale than meets the eye.
Some of the differences between the Sam Raimi/Tobey Maguire "Spider-Man" era and the upcoming new order are very clear right off the bat: new filmmaker, new leading man in Andrew Garfield. But there are other, more subtle differences too: a tone that's a bit more grounded in reality, a new parent-centric backstory and a little filmmaking trick you might have heard of called 3-D. All of these things and more work together to bring moviegoers a Spider-Man they're familiar with, but one who's more than willing to spin a few curveballs along the way.
As Summer Movie Preview week continues, MTV News presents our conversation with Webb about all things "Amazing" — from his "Spider-Man" fandom and the cues he took from the Raimi/Maguire films to why Garfield was the perfect choice to play Peter Parker, and much more.
MTV: Aside from having a last name in common with his weapons of choice, can you give us a sense of your Spider-Man fandom? How long have you been a fan of this character?
Marc Webb: I knew it obviously from when I was a little kid. I was between comic book series, but there was the animated series that I saw, that sort of thing. But I don't know what it is: Kids have an intuitive attraction to Spider-Man, something that exists beyond the comic books and all the different media that's out there. There's something so simple, symmetrical and iconic about that design that kids are just drawn to it. So I can't say when I started becoming a fan, but I've always been curious.
It wasn't until I got a call from Sony that I started thinking about the character in a more intellectual way. At first, I thought it was an absurd idea, but what stayed with me and haunted me was the idea that this character is so intensely relatable: He's a superhero who's just a kid. He's not a billionaire, not an alien. His normal identity is so ordinary in so many ways, and so relatable, and that's something about Marvel that I always liked. They made the teenagers the superheroes: the X-Men and Spider-Man, whereas [teens] were just the sidekicks in DC Comics. I think it was at a time in your life when you're starting to access these stories and mythologies that make the wish-fulfillment component much more intense. I know I have a 17-year-old boy trapped inside of me forever, and that's something with an instant appeal.
MTV: It wasn't so long ago that there was a trilogy of popular "Spider-Man" films ...
Webb: What? No! What the f---?
MTV: It's true! [Laughs.] It's certainly a tough act to follow. Was there anything from the Sam Raimi and Tobey Maguire era that you looked to when approaching your version of "Spider-Man," or did you want to stay away from those films and start completely fresh?
Webb: We wanted to do our own thing. We wanted a different villain and a different tone. There wasn't anything I wanted to recapture from those movies, beyond their respect for the character. I thought that was a really wonderful thing. We're doing something different and new and risky, and I understand that. But it's something that I've found very appealing. I couldn't let the opportunity go. I have deep and abiding respect for Sam and Tobey and all those movies that were made, but we are trying to achieve something different. It's a unique set of circumstances when you talk about Spider-Man, because he's been around for 50 years. People talk about rebooting characters. It's different than, say, Harry Potter, who has just a handful of books for his entire canon. There's so much material in Spider-Man that there are so many stories to tell and so many characters. It's more like James Bond or something like that.
MTV: Judging from trailers and the few scenes that have been released online, the takeaway for me is that this is a grittier "Spider-Man" movie, a bit more dangerous than some of the more cartoony takes we've seen previously. But the prankster side is still in place too. There's a clip online of Peter really toying with a guy as he's webbing him up, so the comedy is definitely there. How did you find the right mix of comedy and darkness in this movie?
Webb: I wouldn't say we were ever after pursuing darkness. We just wanted to keep things real. I think it comes down to everything having to emerge from a real place. The reason why Spider-Man is being so playful in that moment is that as a character, he's feeling drunk on his power. He's having a really good time. He's becoming a bit of a bully there. He's not being deeply altruistic, and that's something you'll learn more about when you see the movie. It's a reflection of his attitude: He puts that mask on and the shy kid is gone. He's now this really empowered superhero. That means having fun, sometimes at other people's expense.
MTV: Andrew had that great quote the other week, of Spider-Man acting like an Internet troll in the movie.
Webb: It's totally true. You get to see and do whatever you want without any personal consequences. There's a danger to that ... but there's a thrill to it too.
MTV: I was very happy with the casting of Andrew pretty much immediately. Looking at his work in "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus," he struck me as a guy who could nail the comedy and the drama of the role. When you saw Andrew audition, what was it about him that stuck out to you? What made you see Peter Parker in this guy?
Webb: He was both funny and earnest and he had a physical ability that I knew I could rely on. I wanted the movie to be funny, but I also wanted the movie to have real emotional depth and an emotional range. He can do that, and that's incredibly rare: to find somebody who can be light and witty but can also communicate the real tragedy of the character vis-ávis his parents, Uncle Ben and the incredible sacrifices he ends up having to make. Finding someone who can be funny and deep all in one movie, it's tricky.
Beyond that, he brought something to the table that I'd thought about in the abstract but never really figured out exactly how to achieve: How does Spider-Man move? How do you make that character and the identity flow throughout the movement of Spider-Man? He became obsessed with that, looking at how spiders move. He had an idea — which we didn't end up doing — where we built up the knuckles in the suit, so that they would arch like they do in the comic books. He became really infatuated with those details from the comics and how spider DNA would actually take over the body of a human. His spider-sense gives him a sense of space that normal humans don't have, an agility most people don't have. It became a real method style of being Spider-Man, which is something you don't see very often. And when you wanted that levity and you wanted that humor, he had that. It's such a rare combination.
MTV: In addition to Andrew's interest, you got the chance to play around with the physicality of the character through 3-D, I'm sure. Can you talk a little about the way 3-D is used in your film?
Webb: We started making the movie around the time "Avatar" came out. Every studio in the world wanted 3-D. I hadn't worked with it before. I didn't want it forced upon the movie because I've seen bad conversions and it scared me that people weren't using it properly. It had been used so incredibly effectively in "Avatar," and that was really appealing. I wanted to figure out how to give the audience an experience that's worthy of a "Spider-Man" film, and it was one of those things that just felt completely organic after a while. What can 3-D do? When I looked at all the movies that were out there and the tests, I found what I call the three V's of 3-D: volume, vertigo and velocity. These things create a specific sensation that made a lot of sense for a Spider-Man movie: flying through the air, a sense of vertigo. In the trailer, there's a shot of a tower falling. When you see that in 3-D or in an IMAX environment, it's spectacular. It's a feeling you don't get very often. I think that 3-D is an extra tool that can tickle parts of the brain that you can't in any other way. With Spider-Man, particularly the second half of our movie, there are moments and feelings you just can't get in any other way.
What do you think of Webb's take on Spider-Man? Sound off in the comments section!
It's Summer Movie Preview Week, and MTV News will be bringing you exclusive interviews, clips and photos for the most anticipated summer movies. Get ready to gorge on inside looks at "The Avengers," Robert Pattinson's "Bel Ami," Kristen Stewart's "Snow White," "The Amazing Spider-Man" and more!
Related VideosПереслать - Alice Eve Offers Hint To Her 'Star Trek 2' Role
'The Raven' actress reveals to MTV News she spends 'a healthy amount of time in the makeup chair — though not as long as Spock.'
By Kara Warner
Alice Eve
Photo: MTV NewsMuch like the lock and key that all "Star Trek" plot details were kept under during filming the first time around, the same goes for the untitled "Trek" sequel. We know which key players are back in place, alongside new additions Benedict Cumberbatch, as the unidentified villain, and actress Alice Eve, but we don't know exactly how the sequel's story will unfold.
When MTV News caught up with Eve recently during the press day for her upcoming period thriller "The Raven," we attempted to find out a few more details about what character she might be playing in asking how long she spends in the makeup chair each day before filming.
"I'm a healthy amount of time in the makeup chair — though not as long as Spock," Eve revealed. "We were filming until very late last night, and I know that's all I can say. It's a top-secret operation; it's like a war."
Although Eve is new to the "Trek" family, two of her co-stars are very familiar faces, Cumberbatch and Simon Pegg, with whom Eve worked on "Starter for 10" and "Big Nothing," respectively. When asked how the reunion has been, Eve broke out into a wide grin, saying, "Both of them I've worked with before, and it's a true, true pleasure to see them again. Really fun."
Eve went on to tease that her fans will be surprised by "a few things" about her performance in the film and re-emphasized the fact that she's having a blast on set. "I'm having a lot of fun, and it's a very special experience to be on J.J.'s [Abrams] movies," she said. "He's a real good leader."
The British beauty has equated the atmosphere on set with going to camp or school. "When there's a group of people who you can spend time with and work with and get to know, a real good experience, it's kind of like going back to university or something, when everyone has got the same objective," Eve told MTV News. "There's a lot of energy, and it's a nice thing to be a part of that group. That's the thing that excites me most about it. Obviously, there is a huge legacy there with 'Star Trek' and the fanatics, so hopefully they'll be satisfied."
Check out everything we've got on "Star Trek 2."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Переслать - MTV News' Summer Movie Preview Week
Stick with us for sneak peeks and inside details from the season's biggest films.
By MTV News staff
Christina Ricci and Robert Pattinson in "Bel Ami"
Photo: Magnolia PicturesMake way for Captain America! Look out for Snow White! Here comes Spider-Man!
The 2011 summer movie season is about to begin, and with it, the return of familiar faces and the emergence of new ones. All week long during Summer Movie Preview Week, MTV News will be bringing you exclusive interviews, clips and photos for the most-anticipated films of the coming months. Get ready to gorge on inside looks at "The Avengers," Robert Pattinson's "Bel Ami," Kristen Stewart's "Snow White and the Huntsman," "The Amazing Spider-Man" and much more!
So consider this page your summer movie cheat sheet — the place you'll be able to check out all our exclusive content.
Robert Pattinson Goes Shirtless in Exclusive "Bel Ami" Clip
The clip opens in a boudoir with the mostly naked and slightly disheveled Clotilde de Marelle (Christina Ricci) lying in bed, post-tryst, posing a question to her equally scantily clad lover, Georges Duroy (Robert Pattinson).Joss Whedon Reveals His Favorite "Avengers" Character
One of the most intriguing aspects about the very highly anticipated and superhero-studded "Marvel's The Avengers" is in wondering how much the audience will see of each individual character, as well as what the actor in question has brought to the table in portraying a new side of their respective Marvel hero in the massive film. Director Joss Whedon recently kicked us the inside scoop."Bourne Legacy" Director Introduces Us to the Newly Matt Damon-Free Franchise
After seeing the first trailer, you might have thought "The Bourne Legacy" would be just another "spy with amnesia" movie. Director and co-writer Tony Gilroy wants you to know that you're very, very wrong.Joseph Gordon-Levitt Gets Extreme in "Premium Rush"
Few actors can claim to have a 2012 quite as full of big movies as Joseph Gordon-Levitt. The 31-year-old actor isn't just reteaming with his "Inception" director, Christopher Nolan, for "The Dark Knight Rises," but he's also starring in one of the most talked-about releases of the year, "Looper," and preparing his directorial debut, "Don Jon's Addiction." On top of all that, this summer he'll headline "Premium Rush," an action film about a bike messenger caught up in a conspiracy.It's Summer Movie Preview Week, and MTV News will be bringing you exclusive interviews, clips and photos for the most anticipated summer movies. Get ready to gorge on inside looks at "The Avengers," Robert Pattinson's "Bel Ami," Kristen Stewart's "Snow White," "The Amazing Spider-Man" and more!
Related Videos Переслать - 'Avengers' Director Joss Whedon Loves The 'Duplicitous' Black Widow
'Her story is among my favorites, because she's not a hero,' he says of Scarlett Johansson's character for Summer Movie Preview Week.
By Kara Warner
Captain America in "Avengers"
Photo: Walt Disney StudiosOne of the most intriguing aspects about the very highly anticipated and superhero-studded "Marvel's The Avengers" is in wondering how much the audience will see of each individual character, as well as what the actor in question has brought to the table in portraying a new side of their respective Marvel hero in the massive film.
When MTV News caught up with mastermind and director Joss Whedon recently, we asked him if any of his castmembers brought something extra to the film via their pre-production knowledge or ideas about their storied characters.
"They're all very serious, dedicated people," Whedon said with pride. "Scarlett [Johansson] knew more about the Black Widow than I did; that was a bit of a surprise. She claims that it was all from Wikipedia, though."
Whedon said Johansson's character arc is one of his favorites in the film, because it's so much different from that of the other bona fide superheroes like Captain America and Iron Man.
"Her story is among my favorites, because she's not a hero. She doesn't live in a hero's world; she lives in a very noir/duplicitous world of being a spy, and there's a darkness to her and her past," he explained. "There's also a real beauty to her relationship with Clint Barton [a.k.a. Hawkeye] that, for me, is as exciting as anything in the movie, really."
For her part, Johansson joked with us recently at the film's premiere that because Widow isn't a superhero, she's happy she survived the action-packed shoot.
"We all took a pretty big beating," she said. "I would have to say either [Black] Widow or Hawkeye [get their butts kicked hardest]. We're on the ground, so we're fighting hand-to-hand and it hurts."
She also teased a pretty epic fight sequence with another character she couldn't name.
"All I can say is that I had to fight someone else in this film, and they beat the crap out of me in stunt rehearsals. I have to say I could not believe it," she recalled. "I was like, 'Can you hold it back, OK? You know, I'm trying to work it out here. I've got smaller muscles than you,' " Johansson said. "I was dragged across the [floor]. When we finally finished [filming] that scene I was just happy to be alive."
It's Summer Movie Preview Week, and MTV News will be bringing you exclusive interviews, clips and photos for the most anticipated summer movies. Get ready to gorge on inside looks at "The Avengers," Robert Pattinson's "Bel Ami," Kristen Stewart's "Snow White," "The Amazing Spider-Man" and more!
Related Videos Related PhotosПереслать - Exclusive: Joseph Gordon-Levitt's Priority Was 'Not Dying' In 'Premium Rush'
Gordon-Levitt talks to MTV News about getting in shape for his role as a bike messenger thrown into an 'extreme scenario.'
By Kevin P. Sullivan
Joseph Gordon-Levitt in "Premium Rush"
Photo: Columbia TriStarFew actors can claim to have a 2012 quite as full of big movies as Joseph Gordon-Levitt. The 31-year-old actor isn't just reteaming with his "Inception" director, Christopher Nolan, for "The Dark Knight Rises," but he's also starring in one of the most talked-about releases of the year, "Looper," and preparing his directorial debut, "Don Jon's Addiction."
On top of all that, this summer he'll headline "Premium Rush," an action film about a bike messenger caught up in a conspiracy.
MTV News spoke with Gordon-Levitt about learning to bike like a pro, acting opposite Michael Shannon and trying not to die in the process.
MTV News: A bike messenger isn't exactly your typical action hero. What was your reaction when you first heard the concept?
Joseph Gordon-Levitt: I just think it's kind of a brilliant idea. It's a summer popcorn action movie. Instead of glorifying cars and gun, it glorifies bicycles. I think that's great.
MTV News: It's kind of refreshingly lo-fi.
Gordon-Levitt: I think that makes the action, in a way, a lot more exciting. There's no computer-generated action in this movie. It's all guys that actually performed these things. I had four doubles in this movie. Every day, I rode all day, but there are four other guys who are good at different things. One of them is an actual bike messenger; he rides really fast in traffic. One of them is really good at riding a trial bike, a different sort of bike, which is good for jumping and stuff. Another guy does tricks but on a fixed gear bike. Another guy's an actual Hollywood stunt man, so he's getting hit by cars. Honestly, when an audience sees a real human being doing things, it's just more exciting than computer-generated, what amounts to a cartoon.
MTV News: How realistic is the biking in this movie?
Gordon-Levitt: It's pretty realistic. It's definitely a fun action popcorn movie, so you know, it's a guy in an extreme scenario. It's not like a slice of life, everyday thing. It's a movie like "Speed" or "Die Hard," where a guy ends up in an extreme situation and has to deal with it. I'm on the bike most of the time. It is a movie that takes place a lot on a bike, of course, not the entire time. It all takes place in one day, and it's a chase movie.
MTV News: How long did you train to get yourself into bike-messenger shape?
Gordon-Levitt: I trained every day for a couple months leading up to this movie. I rode hard every day and all day. That will take it out of you. You have to be in the proper condition to do that kind of thing. I was definitely in really good shape when we were shooting. You can't get to be like what these guys do in a short amount of time. The guys who doubled me, they rode bikes their whole lives and are some of the best in the world. I wasn't doing any crazy tricks or anything like that. That's what the doubles were doing, but I definitely was riding a lot, riding through traffic, riding with cars, riding fast and doing scenes at the same time, performing dialogue and stuff. Those were definitely my favorite scenes to do. The cool thing was that we actually shot it. They would put a camera on the back of a motorcycle and go down the street, and I would ride and perform a whole scene on the phone, riding through traffic. That's a really fun way to do a scene.
MTV News: Where are your priorities when you're acting in a scene like that?
Gordon-Levitt: The priority is not dying. You can do another take and get the scene right, but then it's just about rehearsing enough. Doing line, that's something I'm good at. I can do that easy. It actually makes it more fun, makes the lines come to life more, to put them on a bike like that.
MTV News: Similarly, having Michael Shannon as the villain has to make that character easier to fear.
Gordon-Levitt: Man, that guy! I think he's one of the best going, honestly. When I found out that he was going to play the villain, I was like, "Oh, wow. Now this is a movie." To be perfectly frank, he is by far my favorite part of the movie. Honestly, he is so good. It's definitely worth seeing "Premium Rush" just to see Michael Shannon play this villainous New York cop in an action movie. It's f---ing great.
Check out everything we've got on "Premium Rush."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related Videos Related PhotosПереслать - 'Dark Knight Rises' Star Tom Hardy Calls Bane 'No Joke'
In The Weekly Rising, we take a look at the comparison between the Joker and Bane.
By Kevin P. Sullivan
Tom Hardy as Bane in "Dark Knight Rises"
Photo: Warner Bros/EWWhen a movie has a villain as iconic as Heather Ledger's Joker was for "The Dark Knight," the next act can be an impossible one to pull off. He played such an essential role in the phenomenon the movie became that it's no wonder such a fuss was made over Tom Hardy, Bane and that voice of his.
How could anyone top the Joker? The simple answer is: you can't. So Christopher Nolan and Hardy did the wise thing and took the character in an entirely different direction. As Hardy told Entertainment Weekly as part of their Summer Movie Preview, Bane is an entirely different animal.
"The Joker didn't care — he just wanted to see the world burn, and he was a master of chaos and destruction, unscrupulous and crazy. Bane is not that guy," Hardy said. "There is a very meticulous and calculated way about Bane. There is a huge orchestration of organization to his ambition. He is also a physical threat to Batman. There is nothing vague about Bane. No joke. He's a very clean, clear villain."
From the way Hardy describes his character, the Joker may have been the dog chasing the car with no idea of what to do with it, but Bane is the guy who's going to blow up the road. He knows exactly what he wants to do, and for fans, that should be a welcome change.
A change that didn't earn much praise was the much-maligned voice Hardy used for Bane. The EW article describes the creative choice as one that harkens back to "the comic character's brains and heritage, albeit in an elliptical way. He wanted a sound that conveyed both malevolence and old-soul wisdom."
The voice, to Hardy at least, was a simple choice between what was expected and what was interesting. "There were two doors we could walk through. We could play a very straightforward villain or we could go through this very quirky door, which is totally justified by the text, but may seem very, very stupid," Hardy told EW. "It's a risk, because we could be laughed at — or it could be very fresh and exciting."
What really stands out in Hardy's interview about Bane is how well-conceived the character appears to be. There is an ideal driving him. The Joker's lack of an ideal drove him and made him a classic character because of it, but when it's Bane's role to follow that, the polar opposite could do what seemed impossible. Bane, in his "absolute evil" way, may be an appropriate next step for the series and its villains.
And if you're still worried about the voice, Hardy has two words for you: Chill out. "The audience musn't be too concerned about the mumbly voice," he said. "As the film progresses, I think you'll be able to tune to its setting."
Do you think the Joker/Bane comparison is fair? Let us know in the comments, or tweet me @KPSull!
Check out everything we've got on "The Dark Knight Rises."
For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com.
Related PhotosПереслать - 'Harry Potter' Encyclopedia In The Works
J.K. Rowling announces she will donate all royalties to charity.
By Fallon Prinzivalli
Daniel Radcliffe in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1"
Photo: Warner Bros.Last week, fans of J.K. Rowling were treated to the title and release date of the "Harry Potter" author's new novel, "The Casual Vacancy." This week is sure to have fans buzzing again as it brings the news that she's started working on a "Harry Potter" encyclopedia.
Rowling answered a fan question regarding the highly anticipated Potter lexicon on the "frequently asked questions and rumours" page of her website.
"For a long time I have been promising an encyclopaedia of Harry's world, and I have started work on this now — some of it forms the new content in Pottermore. It is likely to be a time-consuming job, but when finished I shall donate all royalties to charity."
Back in 2008, Rowling and Warner Brothers won a lawsuit against Steve Vander Ark, the publisher of the Harry Potter Lexicon, who attempted to release a book along the same lines.
Rowling also addressed the biggest burning fan question of all on her website: Will there ever be another "Harry Potter" novel?
"I have always refused to say 'never' to this question," the British author wrote, "because I think it would be foolish to rule out something I might want to do in a few years' time. However, I have no immediate plans to write another Harry Potter novel, and I do think that I have rounded off Harry's story in seven published books."
With the sheer volume of a project like the Harry Potter encyclopedia, it's unlikely it will be available anytime soon. But Rowling's first adult novel, "The Casual Vacancy," is set to be released on September 27, 2012. The novel follows a quaint town in the wake of a death that leaves an empty seat on the parish council. Despite appearances, the town isn't all it seems. Behind closed doors it's in a continual state of war and this sudden death leaves it in its biggest war yet.
Should J.K. Rowling write another "Harry Potter" book? Leave your comment below!?
Related PhotosПереслать - 'Mad Men' Takes A Turn For The Geeky
AMC series nerds out with 'Lost' references and Ken Cosgrove's sci-fi novel about a robot and a bridge.
By Josh Wigler
Embeth Davidtz and Lane Jared Harris in "Mad Men"
Photo: AMCAll right, AMC, if we didn't get it before, we certainly do now: You dudes are a bunch of nerds.
No one is going to argue that point what with your record-smashing "Walking Dead," or the developing series based on "Dead" creator Robert Kirkman's "Thief of Thieves" comic book. But all those many, many geek references on this week's "Mad Men"? Consider the message received, loud and clear.
What, you missed the '60s-set drama's absurd amount of nerd-out moments last night (April 15)? For good measure, then, we'll walk you through them all.
"Mad Men" season five draws major attention for "fattening up" Betty Draper actress January Jones.
First and foremost, the episode, titled "Signal 30" and directed by series star (and "Iron Man 2" actor) John Slattery, heralded the arrival of science fiction and fantasy novelist Ben Hargrove, the pen name for ad man Kenny Cosgrove (played by actor Aaron Stanton, already a fixture in geek culture for providing his voice and likeness to the lead role in video game "L.A. Noir"). Previously operating in secret, Ken's private passion was outted by Cynthia, Ken's all-too-forgettable wife who is suddenly a whole lot more memorable when you realize that she's played by Larisa Oleynik, formerly the titular shape-shifter on '90s Nickelodeon series "The Secret World of Alex Mack."
Cynthia (or is it Cheryl? Like Don's new wife Megan, we can't really recall) spilled the beans on "The Punishment of X4," an old story of Ken's, during a dinner party held at Pete and Trudy Campbell's home. Her description of the plot: "There's this bridge between these two planets and thousands of humans travel on it every day, and there's this robot who does maintenance on the bridge. One day he removes a bolt, the bridge collapses, and everyone dies."
"There's more to it than that," a nervous Cosgrove tells the hushed room. Don pushes for further details: Why does the robot destroy the bridge? "Because he's a robot," Ken answers, clearly encouraged by Don's interest. "Those people tell him what to do and he doesn't have the power to make any decisions, except he can decide whether that bolt's on or off."
"Or he just hates commuters," Pete quips in response.
Ken's fledgling career as a sci-fi novelist wasn't the only nerdy reference at the Campbell family's eventful dinner: Texas college sniper Charles Whitman was briefly misidentified as Charles Widmore, a clear Easter egg for "Lost" fans. Indeed, "Lost" co-creator Damon Lindelof (who already enjoyed a shoutout to his six-season sci-fi series earlier in the evening on "The Simpsons") took it upon himself to further flesh out Cosgrove's "X4" through a series of fan-fiction tweets. Well worth a read from the man behind the DHARMA Initiative.
"The solution seemed obvious... create a commuter colony that would work on Nephytus, but live on Aton."
— Damon Lindelof (@DamonLindelof) April 16, 2012Later, at the same dinner, the faucet at Chez Campbell burst for the second time in the same episode, prompting Don to remove his dress shirt and get to work on fixing the sink. The heroic action drew immediate Superman comparisons from the onlooking housewives, which is far from the first time that Jon Hamm has been connected to the Man of Steel.
Superman is a "young man's game," according to "Mad Men" superstar Jon Hamm
Meanwhile, on a subtler note, Pete Campbell took a turn for the super-villainous this week. Aside from being completely shown up by Don's ability to fix a sink in seconds, Pete spent the episode flirting with and fantasizing about a high school senior in his driver's education class, and later having sex with a prostitute, but only after she switched into king-worshipping role-playing mode. He even got into an intense fist fight with fellow Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce partner Lane Pryce; usually the consummate British gentlemen on the AMC series, don't forget that Lane is played by Jared Harris, who also appears as science terrorist David Robert Jones on Fox's cult sci-fi series "Fringe" and recently enjoyed a celebrated turn as legendary villain Professor Moriarty in "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows." Pete clearly hasn't seen the aforementioned show and film, but he nevertheless learned the hard way (and by hard way I mean via serious ass-kicking) that you never, ever get into a knockout brawl with Dumbledore's son.
All of this served as a reminder to me that Pete, whose views on Don oscillated between hero worship and pure spite throughout the episode, has known about Draper's secret identity for several seasons now. With his latest turn toward the dark side, can it really be much longer before he uses that bit of proverbial kryptonite against the artist formerly known as Dick Whitman? Only Matt Weiner knows for sure.
Finally, we return to Ken's side-career as a writer, news of which spread throughout SCDP like wildfire. After a scolding from silver fox playboy Roger Sterling (played by the aforementioned Slattery, whose own Roger got his groove back a bit in this week's episode, albeit to mixed results for his company), Cosgrove was persuaded to let his alter-ego Ben Hargrove go, but not before Peggy Olsen was able to read one of Ken's short sci-fi stories, "the one in Galaxy about the girl who laid eggs." (Lindelof has titled the story "Ova," though whether or not he tweets excerpts from the yarn remains to be seen.)
But where Ben Hargrove dies, Ken is reborn anew as Dave Algonquin, writer of "The Man with the Miniature Orchestra." The episode closes with a reading from Cosgrove's latest effort: "There were phrases of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony that still made Coe cry. He always thought it had to do with the circumstances of the composition itself. He imagined Beethoven deaf and soul-sick, his heart broken, scribbling furiously while Death stood in the doorway, clipping his nails. Still, Coe thought, it might have been living in the country that was making him cry. It was killing him with its silence and loneliness, making everything ordinary too beautiful to bear."
Ken's latest written effort isn't exactly nerd-worthy, no, but it's the perfect example of why it's so fantastic to have "Mad Men" back after a year and a half, geek call-outs be damned.
Tell us what you thought of the latest "Mad Men" episode in the comments section or hit me up on Twitter @roundhoward!
Переслать - 'Cabin In The Woods' Stars Talk Death Scenes
Spoiler alert: Bradley Whitford and Richard Jenkins speak to MTV News about filming horror flick.
By Azia Celestino, with reporting by Kara Warner
Fran Kranz, Chris Hemsworth and Anna Hutchison in "Cabin in the Woods"
Photo: LionsgateA group of teenagers visiting a remote cabin for a weekend getaway might seem like a predictable setup for a horror movie, but "The Cabin in the Woods" is not your average slasher flick.
Those brave enough to take the trip to the "Woods" over the weekend found that the film's genre takes you off the grid, incorporating elements of not only the horror and thriller genres, but of sci-fi and even comedy as well. If you haven't experienced it yet, go see the movie now! Otherwise we advise that you stop reading this article until you do, because the rest of this story contains major SPOILERS about character deaths.
We're talking mostly about the film's action-packed third act, which features not only the Big Brother element promised in previews, but a bombardment of nightmarish surprises, huge plot twists and plenty of carnage. And with deluges of blood comparable to scenes from "The Shining" come epic death sequences.
Last warning to turn away as Bradley Whitford and Richard Jenkins take MTV News into SPOILER TERRITORY with regard to two very special interactions their characters have with two others.
"It was so sweet, I remember, when it was coming towards me," Whitford recalled wistfully of filming his scene with the surprisingly grotesque and bloodthirsty merman with whom his character has a Captain Nemo-esque obsession.
"We'd have to stop, and they'd have to spray water on him because he got dried out ... so they had to keep him moist," the actor continued of shooting with the merman, who ends up devouring Whitford's character in a hilariously ironic twist.
"I was looking away at that time," Jenkins chimed in, joking that Whitford really did fall in love with the merman on set and adding that his co-star kept asking for more and more takes with the creature. With regard to Jenkins' character's death, the actor said he enjoyed every minute of it.
"It was really cool, I loved it," Jenkins said about his onscreen stabbing.
"Just meeting the rest of the cast [was cool]!" Whitford added.
"It's the only time I got to see [Kristen Connolly, who plays leading lady Dana], except on the screen, when I confronted her face-to-face," Jenkins revealed.
Up until that scene, Whitford and Jenkins' characters had remained in the control room. This meant that during the movie's production, they had little interaction with the victims of the cabin, who shot primarily in Canada.
"We did it four or five different ways, and I love the take [director Drew Goddard] used — I thought that was really cool," Jenkins said. "But the surprise on her face was the best part of it."
Check out everything we've got on "The Cabin in the Woods."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Переслать - Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart Returning To 'Breaking Dawn' Set For Reshoots
'Rob and Kristen will be there too, to pop in those gold contacts one last time,' director Bill Condon posts on Facebook.
By Jocelyn Vena
Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart in "Twilight: Breaking Dawn - Part 1"
Photo: Summit EntertainmentJust when "Twilight Saga" fans thought it was over, "Breaking Dawn - Part 2" director Bill Condon has confirmed that the cast will have to head back up to Canada one more time to put the finishing touches on the November release.
Condon took to the movie's official Facebook page on Saturday to confirm that he's hard at work on the final film in the franchise, including a bit more shooting.
"Greetings from Los Angeles, where we're hard at work on 'Breaking Dawn, Part Two.' It's truly crazy to think that it's been a year since we wrapped production in Vancouver, since for those of us in the editing room the work has never stopped.
A film is a lot like a puzzle, with each piece — each shot, no matter how brief — needing to fit exactly with the ones around it," he wrote in the post. "Our 'Part Two' puzzle is finally coming into full view, and in a few weeks we'll be heading back north to pick up some additional shots — the last tiny missing pieces. We're not shooting any new scenes or dialogue, just some technical work with some of our cast and stunt actors."
He added that for the re-shoots, the film's lead couple, Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, will be back to help complete the movie. "I am really looking forward to being back on set with some of the friends I've made on my 'Twilight' journey, like the great Guillermo Navarro, our cinematographer, and his crew. And yes, Rob and Kristen will be there too, to pop in those gold contacts one last time. ...
"I'm excited to report that before too long we'll have another trailer for you to decode," he teased. "And wait until you see the first posters — they're unlike any 'Twilight' images you've seen before. And then November 16th will be upon us and the final film will be yours!"
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.
Related Videos Related PhotosПереслать - Kristen Stewart 'Amazing' In 'Snow White And The Huntsman'
Special-effects supervisor Michael Dawson describes challenges of working with fire, explosions and Stewart wading through brown goop in the film.
By Kevin P. Sullivan
Kristen Stewart on the set of "Snow White and the Huntsman"
Photo: MTV NewsWhen creating the world of "Snow White and the Huntsman," not everything Kristen Stewart and Chris Hemsworth encounter can be left up to computer-generated imagery. You have to add a bit of reality — practical effects like fire, explosions and rain — to bring the world to life.
To get the answers to how the filmmakers created so many of the fantastical effects for "Snow White and the Huntsman," we spoke with special-effects supervisor Michael Dawson about the challenges of setting a village on fire, submerging Charlize Theron in milk and letting Stewart sink into a bog.
According to Dawson, the biggest challenge of the entire shoot was a scene that was featured prominently in the most recent trailer. Dawson and his team set fire to an entire village during Hemsworth's biggest fight scene.
"They built the village out on stilts like a fishing village. If you can imagine, they built it out into the lake itself. We had about 10 huts we had to gas up," said Dawson, who is currently working on "Maleficent," starring Angelina Jolie. "It was all a thatched village, so we made all the thatched roofs out of plaster. Then we pumped through liquid propane, so it was really roaring away, and Chris was running through there, smashing people up."
One of the most talked-about scenes from the first trailers also posed one of the biggest tests for Dawson and his team. The queen's milk bath was initially conceived as one where Theron's character would enter and exit from a pool of acid, but as Dawson explained, the scene evolved into the version we know today.
"As the scene progressed, it gradually became apparent that they wanted a more viscous liquid so it would cling to her because she was kind of naked. They wanted it to cover her like a cloak. So we had to devise a product that could do that safely," Dawson said. "We eventually found a thickening agent that they use for cosmetics and toothpaste and a whitening agent that is used in makeup. We got it down to the right consistency, and then we had a company make 30,000 liters of it in a sealed environment so it was sterile."
Keeping the bath free of any bacteria was incredibly important for the crew and something that caused Dawson a bit of distress. "We didn't want any germs in it. It's always a worry when you put a lead actress of her caliber into something like that. You just think, 'God, I hope it's all right.' "
One scene called for Stewart to wade into a bog, and Dawson said that the actress handled it like a true professional. "She was amazing. This was a cold bog that we dug and filled it with this goopy brown stuff that was really nasty," Dawson said. "She was in it, and she was acting in it. She never moaned. She never complained."
Dawson said that being a good sport in situations like the scene with Stewart in the bog make his job easier. "When that happens, it sells the shot. If you can tell that somebody's not comfortable doing something, then it doesn't work."
Check out everything we've got on ""Snow White and the Huntsman".
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related Videos Переслать - 'The Hunger Games' Wins Box Office For Fourth Consecutive Week
'The Three Stooges' and 'The Cabin in the Woods' debuted in the top five at the weekend box office.
By Ryan J. Downey
Jennifer Lawrence in "The Hunger Games"
Photo: Lionsgate"The Hunger Games" is the first movie since "Avatar" to top the box office for four weekends in a row.
The adaptation of the popular young adult novel fended off competition from the Farrelly brothers' "The Three Stooges," the positively reviewed "Cabin in the Woods" and sci-fi indie "Lockout" over the weekend, collecting another $21.5 million in North American theaters for an estimated domestic gross of $337.1 million.
"Games" is expected to take in at least $370 million domestically and has already earned more than $500 million worldwide, even as director Gary Ross announced he will not return for the follow-up, "Catching Fire," which is set to reunite Jennifer Lawrence and company next year.
The #2 and #3 spots on the box-office scorecard represented a stark contrast in critical opinion. At press time, "The Three Stooges" had a "rotten" 41 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes, which aggregates reviews from film critics, while "The Cabin in the Woods" boasted a "fresh" 92 percent. With $17.1 million in receipts, "Stooges" was the biggest opening for any movie directed by Bobby and Peter Farrelly in over 10 years, having lined up more with early successes like "There's Something About Mary." Following the departures of Jim Carrey and Sean Penn from the long-gestating project, "Stooges" ultimately cast lesser-known actors in the iconic "Stooges" roles.
Speaking of long-in-the-works movies, "Cabin in the Woods" was originally scheduled to be in theaters in 2009. The horror thriller fell victim to MGM's bankruptcy proceedings before eventually being rescued by Lionsgate, the studio behind "The Hunger Games." Co-written by "Avengers" filmmaker Joss Whedon and his "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" collaborator Drew Goddard (who directed), "Cabin" set social media accounts abuzz in film critic circles. It's the type of movie whose supporters have been careful not to spoil the plot. MTV News' own Josh Horowitz tweeted, "Awesome thing alert! 'The Cabin in the Woods' is out. It's real good. That is all."
The only other widely released new film brave enough to do battle with "The Hunger Games" was "Lockout," which floundered with an estimated $6.3 million debut. Produced by action maestro Luc Besson (who directed 1994's classic "Léon: The Professional"), the sci-fi flick's opening fared worse than recent Besson-associated projects including "Transporter 3" ($12.1 million) and "Colombiana" ($10.4 million). "Lockout" had a "rotten" 32 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes at press time. "Lockout" played in 2,308 theaters; by comparison, "Stooges" opened in 3,477 theaters and "Cabin," in 2,811. "The Hunger Games" played in 3,916 theaters.
In 2009, "Avatar" held on to the top spot for seven consecutive weekends, but "Titanic," also helmed by Jim Cameron, still has the top spot both in terms of all-time gross ($600.7 million in the U.S. alone) and consecutive weekends at #1 (15!). The "Titanic 3D" re-release overseen by conversion-convert Cameron was #4 over the weekend, taking in another $11.6 million for a 12-day total of $44.4 million (bringing the overall haul for "Titanic" to $645.2 million).
More than 1,500 people lost their lives when the Titanic sank in the North Atlantic 100 years ago this month — the wreckage wasn't found until 1985. Cameron's epic 1997 film blends facts with romantic fiction. "Titanic" added another record to its box-office scorecard over the weekend as the re-release enjoyed the highest opening ever in China, taking in $58 million.
"American Reunion" rounded out the top five with $10.7 million in its second weekend. The latest entry in the "American Pie" franchise has made $39.9 million to date. All three of the previous theatrically released entries passed the $100 million mark at the domestic box office, a feat that doesn't seem likely for "Reunion."
Zac Efron will be next up to bat against "The Hunger Games" when "The Lucky One" arrives in theaters this weekend, alongside comedian Steve Harvey's "Think Like a Man" and Disneynature's True Life Adventure "Chimpanzee." Joss Whedon will have another crack at the box-office crown with "Marvel's The Avengers" in May.
Check out everything we've got on "The Hunger Games" and "The Cabin in the Woods." For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.
Related Videos Related PhotosПереслать - 'Bourne Legacy' Director Offers Up Exclusive Details -- And A Photo!
For Summer Movie Preview Week, Tony Gilroy tells MTV News how he's continuing a beloved franchise while also starting from scratch.
By Kevin P. Sullivan
Jeremy Renner and Edward Norton in "Bourne Legacy"
Photo: Universal PicturesAfter seeing the first trailer, you might have thought "The Bourne Legacy" would be just another "spy with amnesia" movie. Director and co-writer Tony Gilroy wants you to know that you're very, very wrong.
Gilroy has worked on the screenplays for the series since "The Bourne Identity" with Matt Damon, but for this new leg of the series, Gilroy knew they had to "swing away" if they wanted to bring the franchise back.
For Summer Movie Preview Week, MTV News spoke with Gilroy about his first time directing a "Bourne" movie, working with Jeremy Renner and how things are different this time around.
MTV News: Where did you start conceptually when it came to continuing the series?
Tony Gilroy: I guess when they finished three, a lot of people spent a lot of time thinking about how and where to continue. I wasn't a part of any of those conversations. When that ran out of road, everybody had sort of moved on. After that, I was approached because they were searching for some way of continuing something. I took a very casual meeting, long after everything had stopped and Matt [Damon] and Paul [Greengrass] had gone. There were a bunch of wacky ideas that they were trying, none of which were really appealing. I said, "I don't know how I can help you, but it seems like you need a really big idea. You're really going to need to swing away if you're going to do something else, and I'm not sure if anybody's going to want to do that." I went off and did think about it a little bit and came back at them with something very ambitious and unusual. That caught some traction, and we started having conversations about it. We picked it up from there.
MTV News: Was there a sense that you needed to balance the old with the new?
Gilroy: I was there at the very, very beginning. It's no secret that we never really had anything to do with the book. I spent a lot of time building up the mythology over the last 13 years. It wasn't a preservation job, but it was very important to me. One of the things that was really important to me was that anything moving forward not only preserve what happened in the past, but make it better. There was never anything that was cheesy or cynical about "Bourne." The one thing that was always true was that it had a soulful integrity to it, really embodied by Matt [Damon] in a personal way. You couldn't violate what had happened in the past.
MTV News: How present are the events from the first three movies in "The Bourne Legacy"?
Gilroy: Everything that happened before was not a dream. Everything that happened was completely real, but you thought you knew what was going on. You thought you were seeing the world, and this movie is telling you that there's a much larger world, a much larger conspiracy beyond this. The events of the other three films are incredibly present, but they're not really in this very much. What happens in "Ultimatum" is really the spark that's blowing open the door to this movie because the Jason Bourne story is exploding out into the public. Being impossible to conceal any further is causing problems for this much larger conspiracy. "Ultimatum" plays in the background of the very beginning of this film.
MTV News: We see the Jeremy Renner character enter the program in the trailer, something we didn't see until the third movie for Jason Bourne. Is this a very structurally different movie?
Gilroy: Very much. Oh my God, yeah, for a whole bunch of reasons. One is that everybody in the world ripped us off. It's been done to death at this point. It's on TV three nights a week, much less Bond and everything else. The worst thing that could have been done would be to just slavishly follow some cookie-cutter pattern of visual style and storytelling style. It's a bigger movie in the terms of the journey of it and the scale of it and the amount of stories in it and where it's going. The great thing about Jason Bourne was that he was claustrophobically stuck down and trying to figure out this moral question. The whole second film is about an apology. It's really about this guy trying to morally come to grips with the conflict between who he thinks he is and what he's done. This character in this film has no moral conflict whatsoever. Jeremy Renner's character has the reverse of amnesia. He knows exactly where he's come from. He knows exactly what the stakes are if he doesn't achieve his journey. It's a very different tone, yet it will be very rewarding to people. You should be able to see the movie and not see any of them before. It's been kind of ironic. The people that were having the most trouble getting their heads around the fact that we were doing this are actually the people who I think will ultimately be the most happy about what we're doing. It has a lot of payback for the true fans.
MTV News: Jeremy Renner has quickly become an action superstar. What was it like having a talent like that leading this new story?
Gilroy: He's a freak. Everybody knows what a great actor he is. He's an all-in actor, just world-class. You can always double for somebody. You can always back off the action that you're going to do. There have been a lot of great action stars who can't run across the street. I was made aware as we were starting to get involved and then as we started pre-production [that] he is a physical freak. It is unbelievable. There are a couple guys out there that are like that, but they are very few and far between. He moves. He fights. He rides. He swims. He jumps, better than the stunt people. There are a couple people out there that you hear are like that. I hear Channing Tatum is a mindblower when it comes to learning stunts. You know Tom Cruise does all his stunts. Jeremy is right there. It would be hard to put someone who has a really clear identity with the audience in a part that wants to be that iconic. He's sort of in the perfect place, monster chops, monster experience. To get someone who can kick ass every day is kind of a huge surprise.
It's Summer Movie Preview Week, and MTV News will be bringing you exclusive interviews, clips and photos for the most anticipated summer movies. Get ready to gorge on inside looks at "The Avengers," Robert Pattinson's "Bel Ami," Kristen Stewart's "Snow White," "The Amazing Spider-Man" and more!
Переслать - Javier Bardem's 'Skyfall' Character Will Be Unlike Any Bond Villain
'It's complex — he's not an easy guy,' actor tells MTV News on London set of 007 flick.
By Christina Garibaldi
Javier Bardem
Photo: MTV NewsWith more than 20 movies in the franchise, the James Bond series has produced a wide range of memorable villains. From Le Chiffre in "Casino Royale" to Goldfinger to Blofeld, each Bond nemesis has tried — and failed — to take down 007.
The next villain to take on the challenge will be Silva (played by Javier Bardem), who'll try his luck against Daniel Craig's Bond in the upcoming "Skyfall." MTV News recently visited the movie's London set and we asked Bardem how Silva stacks up against Bond's long list of famed adversaries.
"I never pretend to be the best Bond villain ever, that would be too much to think of yourself," Bardem said. "I think the character — it's complex — he's not an easy guy. He's not only a villain, it's more than that, hopefully, that's what we tried to achieve.
"I'm saying this in the middle of a shooting," he emphasized. "Then the director and the editor has to make decisions and put the movie together, and then out of that is what the character will become."
Little is known about why Silva is after Bond, and Bardem wasn't about to tell us. He remained tight-lipped, saying even he was unsure how the rivalry will play out on screen.
"I don't know, we have to see the movie to see that, because I know what I've done as an actor, but I haven't seen the movie, so I cannot tell you how the movie is going to look like," Bardem said. "I have an idea I think that it is going to be a very, very exciting movie to watch."
Bardem hopes his transformation into Silva will ultimately be something fans have never before seen onscreen. "In these times, there is nothing that we haven't seen before, but I guess it's a different type of person [than] I've played before," he explained.
Bardem has good track record when it comes to playing villains: His haunting performance as Anton Chigurh in "No Country for Old Men" won him an Oscar. So what makes the actor so good at being bad?
"I see them more than villains, I see [them] like people with some circumstances behind them that make them act and react the way they do," Bardem said. "It's not only a sign you have to put on a character like, 'This is a villain.' It's a man who has some trouble going on and he has to cope with it."
"Skyfall" hits theatres this fall.
Check out everything we've got on "Skyfall."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Переслать - 'Girls' Premiere: Generation Y At Its Best And Worst
Lena Dunham's new HBO series captures Millennials' sense of entitlement — and optimism.
By Amy Wilkinson
Lena Dunham in "Girls"
Photo: HBO"I'm so close to the life I want," laments the plucky protagonist of HBO's new series "Girls," after her parents decide to stop supporting her financially. And though these words come from the mouth of twentysomething Hannah Horvath, they could just as easily be the battle cry of a generation.
"Girls" — executive-produced by Judd Apatow and written and directed by star Lena Dunham — debuted on Sunday and follows the lives of four friends (played by Dunham, Allison Williams, Jemima Kirke and Zosia Mamet) as they navigate love and careers in New York City. Dunham's Hannah has been working as an unpaid intern for more than a year while writing her memoir.
"I've done four essays," she tells her parents. "My hope is that it's going to be nine, but you know, it's a memoir, so I have to live them first." Hannah thinks she might be the voice of her generation. Or, at least, "a voice ... of a generation." Her parents then drop a bomb: They'll no longer pay her rent, insurance or cell phone bills now that she's been out of college for two years. Of course, this news is met with much protestation from Hannah: "All of my friends get help from their parents," she says. "I'm your only child. It's not like I'm draining all of your resources." And there, in a snapshot (or Instagram, if you prefer), is the not-so-pretty side of Generation Y (which, I should add, I am a part of).
Dunham and her writing staff don't try to hide Hannah's sense of entitlement — a sense that's become increasingly accepted by Millennials, leaving parents befuddled and grandparents tsk tsking. To be sure, not everyone in their 20s feels like they're owed a free ride. New York Post columnist Christina Amoroso didn't mince words when she declared in her piece on the series, "You don't speak for me, Lena!"
Yet, Hannah has an ally in friend and cohort Jessa (Kirke), who advises, "Why don't you just tell [your parents] you're an artist?" Because, you know, Mick Jagger, Elvis and Picasso did it. But entitlement may not be the only root of Hannah's attitude; it could also stem from pure naïveté. "She wants to be a writer, but she doesn't realize in order to do that she actually has to write," Dunham told MTV News recently of her character. "Despite being plucky, her circumstances aren't always going her way, so it's about some of those challenges for her."
But it's not all bad news! Dunham's sentiments also point to an admirable Millennial trait, also apparent in the premiere: optimism. As the credits roll on the pilot, we see Hannah leave her parents' hotel, a scant $40 richer (can't pay New York rent with that!) yet, as she wends her way through midtown Manhattan, there's a determined set to her shoulders that hints she won't give up. She'll figure it out. She'll persevere. Because how else could she be the voice of a generation?
Переслать - 'Game Of Thrones' Establishes Kid-Killing Trend
Yet another child lost his life on the latest episode of the HBO fantasy series.
By Josh Wigler
Maisie Williams in "Game of Thrones"
Photo: HBOIf three's a trend, then infanticide is definitely trending in Westeros.
The latest episode of "Game of Thrones" marks three hours in a row that have concluded with the death of a child. But poor Lommy Greenhands wasn't the only one to die this week, either, as another member of the Night's Watch fell to the sword — and he wasn't even with his fellow sworn brothers north of the Wall!
Get more on Lommy and Yoren's deaths in the latest episode of "Watching the Thrones," viewable below. And keep on reading for all the good, bad and ugly from this week's episode!
The Good
»Brienne of Tarth has arrived! Season two has already introduced many new key players to the Seven Kingdoms, but Brienne is easily one of the biggest of the newbies, both literally and figuratively. Gwendoline Christie brings the character to life perfectly as one of "King" Renly's most loyal servants. Her introduction via combat against Ser Loras is one of the highlights of "A Clash of Kings," and it was adapted fantastically for the small screen. Great work all around.»Speaking of great work, one of my favorite Tyrion chapters in the entire series (wherein he tests Pycelle, Littlefinger and Varys' loyalties through their ability to keep a secret) premiered in this week's episode, and it was fantastic. That one-two-three fast one hinges entirely on Tyrion's thought process in the books, and even without his direct point of view, his mastery over the game of thrones shines through phenomenally in the show's rendition of the sequence thanks to Peter Dinklage and editing wizardry. Again, incredible job.
»My love for Theon Greyjoy knows no bounds. That's probably a hard concept to wrap your head around as you see the Stark turncoat's actions play out throughout the season, but his arc is perhaps my very favorite in George R.R. Martin's epic tale. Alfie Allen and the show's writers are doing a remarkable job with Theon and Pyke, and his torment over choosing a side — either the Starks or his biological family — comes through tremendously. Keep your eye on this one... it gets a whole lot darker before you'll see any light.
The Bad
»Would you look at that: not a single bad scene in the entire episode! I suppose it would have been nice to see Dany again, or gotten more progression with Dragonstone, but those are minor nitpicks that will be corrected next week. Of course, even if there was no bad, there was plenty of ugly. And on that note...The Ugly
»Tyrion is one of few characters on the show you're pretty much always rooting for, but even he hit a low this week in how he handled arresting Pycelle. The maester deserved his punishment, but lopping off the poor old man's beard? That's just cruel!»And yes, naturally, there was another child death. That's "Game of Thrones" for you. If the slaughter of the bastards and the sacrifice of Craster's son didn't do it for you, Lommy's death certainly should have sold you on the dangers of Westeros. Sad to see him go, but let's be honest — better him than Arya or Gendry!
»Finally, let's pour one out for Yoren. I hated losing him in the books, and it was even worse to see him go on the show. But if you have to go, go down swinging like Yoren, I suppose. If nothing else, his death gives Arya another reason to hate the Lannisters. That way lies many, many badass things.
Tell us what you think of this week's episode in the comments or or hit me up on Twitter @roundhoward!
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