Wednesday, July 27, 2011

FILM: Star Wars Blu-Ray Deleted Scenes Preview (News)

With just over a month until the epic Star Wars Blu-Ray release, it only made sense for Lucasfilm to further tantalize fans during Comic-Con in San Diego last weekend with a short video preview of some of the deleted scenes waiting to be seen for the first time by the public on glorious high definition Blu-Ray.

That video is now available online and here it is.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

TV: Avatar - The Legend of Korra Trailer (News)

Fans of the hit Nickelodeon animated series AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER have a reason to rejoice. A followup series is on its way, focusing on the story of the next Avatar after Aang. AVATAR: THE LEGEND OF KORRA takes place 70 years after the last series and follows the adventures of a Waterbender, Korra, the new Avatar.

Avatar: The Last Airbender
Get More: Avatar Episodes,Avatar,Avatar Games


AVATAR: THE LEGEND OF KORRA bends onto Nickelodeon in 2012.

Monday, July 25, 2011

FILM: The Dark Knight Rises Teaser Trailer (News)

Released last week in front of HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2 theater screenings was the teaser trailer for Warner Bros. next big summer blockbuster, THE DARK KNIGHT RISES.

Director Christopher Nolan (INCEPTION), returns for his third and final go-around with the Batman film franchise and this time around has a cast filled with the likes of Christian Bale (THE DARK KNIGHT), Gary Oldman (HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX) and Anne Hathaway (RIO).


THE DARK KNIGHT RISES in theaters on July 20, 2012.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

TV: The Walking Dead Season 2 Trailer (News)

Blazing the trail for zombies to television sets across the world, THE WALKING DEAD set the world afire with its six episode first season on AMC. And now with Comic-Con in progress down in San Diego and the premiere of season 2 just 3 months away, the people behind THE WALKING DEAD have unveiled the promotional trailer for the new season.


THE WALKING DEAD stalks back onto AMC on October 16, 2011.

Friday, July 22, 2011

FILM: The Amazing Spider-Man Teaser Trailer + Poster (News)

With Comic-Con in progress down in San Diego, it only makes sense for Marvel to ramp up the presence of one of next summer's big movie releases, THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, with the unveiling of the teaser trailer and poster for the film this week.

Director Marc Webb (500 DAYS OF SUMMER) helms the film with the cast of the likes of Andrew Garfield (THE SOCIAL NETWORK), Emma Stone (EASY A) and Rhys Ifans (HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 1).



Wednesday, July 20, 2011

FILM: EW's First Look @ The Amazing Spider-Man (News)

The cover of Entertainment Weekly's upcoming issue for the week of July 22, 2011 has the new star of Marvel's webheaded feature film franchise:


... Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker, the amazing Spider-Man! This issue includes a preview of next weekend's San Diego Comic-Con 2011, when a teaser trailer and poster for the film will be released to the public.

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN swings into theaters on July 3, 2012.

Monday, July 18, 2011

FILM: At the Close - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 (Review)

Eight months after the release of Part 1, the end of a decade-long story on the silver screen about a boy wizard has arrived with the release of HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2.

The eighth and final film spun out of J.K. Rowling's incredibly successful Harry Potter book series, Part 2 picks up where Part 1 left off, with Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) gaining possession of the Elder Wand, and Harry, Hermione and Ron (Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint) at Shell Cottage after escaping from Malfoy Manor with the promise of returns to Gringotts and Hogwarts before their journey ends.

Director David Yates (HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 1) returns for his fourth go-around in the Harry Potter world to put the finishing touches on the franchise he has put his mark on over the last five years.

The focus of the film continues from Part 1, and the story starts with Harry, Hermione and Ron at Shell Cottage, but soon enough their journey continues to Diagon Alley and Gringotts, then to the Hog's Head in Hogsmeade before gaining access to the halls of Hogwarts for the final leg. However, here in Part 2 the presence of supporting characters increases once Hogwarts becomes the backdrop for the film and several get memorable moments in this last film.

But first for the main cast, the performance of the film belonged to Daniel Radcliffe as the revelation of Harry being one of Voldemort's Horcruxes became evident as the movie went on and the pain each Horcrux destruction was causing Voldemort was mirrored through him. And then the scene after Harry emerges from the Pensieve and learning that his death was inevitable from Severus Snape's (Alan Rickman) memories and having to come to grips with that. Dan's brilliant performance makes it impossible to keep a dry eye during that sequence as Harry accepts his fate, says goodbye to Hermione and sees his dead family one last time before facing Voldemort in the Forbidden Forest.

My personal favorite performance in the film would be that of Bellatrix Lestrange (Helena Bonham Carter). First having to play as if she was Hermione playing Bellatrix, which was done masterfully with just enough humor to make you smile while you were worrying if they were going to get away with the masquerade. And then as Bellatrix at Lord Voldemort's side, almost like an overeager puppy trying to please its master before then going out in her taunting style, as Molly Weasley (Julie Walters) defeated her in the Great Hall.

It was wonderful to see Professor McGonagall (Maggie Smith) get an opportunity to flex her magic muscle and show why she was such a respected witch and Albus Dumbledore's (Michael Gambon) second-in-command at Hogwarts. The confrontation with Snape where they dueled and she sent him flying out of Hogwarts like a bat was a long time coming and then to follow that up with leading the group of wizards and witches that were putting up protections on Hogwarts really gave us a feeling of how powerful a witch McGonagall is.

A group that did not get a mention in my Part 1 review but now that Part 2 is here need to be addressed is the Malfoys. From Lucius Malfoy (Jason Isaacs) and his struggle with dealing from the loss of status with Lord Voldemort, having to give up his wand and failing to keep Harry and his friends captured to in Part 2 turning into more towards just surviving the war and doing anything to do that made you feel for the once proud and braggadocios wizard. Narcissa Malfoy (Helen McCrory) since her inclusion in the films in HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE made it clear that while she went along with Lucius and his wizarding ideal, family was what was most important to her. And she proved that once again in Part 2 as she checked on the fallen Harry Potter only with the mind of finding out about her son's well being and then lying to Voldemort as a way to thank Potter. And of course there is the son, Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton), who gives being evil one last try and after once again failing to beat Potter in the Room of Requirement joins his parents in doing what he has to to survive.

With the story returning to Hogwarts, several characters that didn't get much if any time in Part 1 made their presence felt here in Part 2: Cho Chang (Katie Leung), Seamus Finnigan (Devon Murray), Luna Lovegood (Evanna Lynch), Ginny Weasley (Bonnie Wright), Professor Horace Slughorn (Jim Broadbent), Professor Sybil Trelawney (Emma Thompson), Rubeus Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane), and if you look close you will see a small cameo for Professor Pomona Sprout (Miriam Margolyes) who hasn't graced the Potter films since Chamber of Secrets.

What was amazing was how the film improved on the Gringotts Bank we had not seen since the first movie 10 years ago. Especially in regards to the cart ride, intensifying it with the speed, twists and dips of a roller coaster much more in line with the description from the books that would cause a person to get motion sickness. And while I do not know if it was the exact same door, I would like to think that it is - and by that I mean the vault door for the Lestrange vault looked to be the same as the one used in the first film for vault 713.

But perhaps the most awe-inducing visuals came during the Battle of Hogwarts, where much of the castle was destroyed in the fight. To see one of the most memorable locations in film history literally get blown up into pieces was just the perfect illustration of the cruelty of wars to things that were once beautiful and full of wonderment. There was also the actual participants of the battle that roughly numbered in the hundreds easily, the scale of the confrontation was really felt and gave a real sense to just how much was on stake that night.

Fans of the Harry Potter series should be seeing HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2 in droves (and they have). The only thing those not familiar with the series might need to do before watching this film is to checkout Part 1 because this is definitely a half of a story and there is definitely the assumption that the viewer knows what happened in the first half. Anyone that had complaints about Part 1 being slow will not have an opportunity to say that for Part 2 because from the Gringotts break-in to the Hogwarts battle the story is full of non-stop action that only takes a break when it comes time for the epilogue at the end, which is the perfect fairytale ending for this fantasy story. The John Williams/Chris Columbus era of Potter magic makes a symbolic return at the end when it comes time for Harry, Hermione and Ron to say goodbye to their kids on their way to Hogwarts and for us to say goodbye to the story of Harry Potter.

It is like J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter books, said at the London World Premiere for HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2, "Hogwarts will always be there, to welcome you home."

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

FILM: Sherlock Holmes - A Game of Shadows Trailer + Poster (News)

We are in July and past the halfway point in the year which means the holiday season is just around the corner along with the release of Warner Bros. next big film, SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS.

Director Guy Ritchie reunites with actors Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law, who return to the roles of Holmes and Watson from the successful 2009 film this time to match wits with the criminal genius Professor Moriarty.




SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS debunks theaters on December 16, 2011.

Monday, July 11, 2011

FILM: The Dark Knight Rises Teaser Poster (News)

With their most anticipated movie release of the summer happening this week with HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2, Warner Bros. is starting to look towards next summer's big film, Christopher Nolan's third Batman film, THE DARK KNIGHT RISES. Rumors are rampant that a teaser trailer will be in front of the Potter finale but until the end of the week enjoy the teaser poster that is now online.

Saturday, July 9, 2011

FILM: Batman - Year One Trailer (News)

Just on the horizon for Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment is the continuation of Warner Premiere's series of animated films based on DC Comics properties. The next direct-to-DVD release will be BATMAN: YEAR ONE, based off Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli's 1987 landmark storyline in the pages of BATMAN. Here is the trailer:



As part of the much successful line of DC animated films, fans should expect more of the same stellar quality with this feature. BATMAN:YEAR ONE brings together a very geek friendly voice cast. Bryan Cranston (BREAKING BAD) plays Lt. James Gordon, Eliza Dushku (DOLLHOUSE) is Selina Kyle/Catwoman, Katee Sackhoff (BATTLESTAR GALACTICA) is Detective Sarah Essen and Ben McKenzie (THE O.C.) is the voice of Bruce Wayne/Batman.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

FILM: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 London Photocall + Premiere

The epic story of a boy wizard and the impossible fate set before him is coming to an end on the silver screen next week after ten years of adapting JK Rowling's words into live action performances. Today and yesterday London was bombarded with the world of Harry Potter as the photocall and premiere for HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2 took place. GeekPlate wanted to share some of the moments from the events.

At the photocall most of the main cast showed up and took part in this group picture.

(From left to right: Domhnall Gleeson, Evanna Lynch, David Barron, Oliver Phelps, Rupert Grint, Warwick Davis, Matt Lewis, Bonnie Wright, Michael Gambon, Helen McCrory, James Phelps, Tom Felton, Robbie Coltrane, David Thewlis, Emma Watson, David Yates, Jason Isaacs, Julie Walters, Nick Moran, Natalia Tena, Ralph Fiennes, David Heyman)

There was a press conference that same day where a reporter asked this great question that was caught on video, asking the cast to say their favorite line their character has said.



And then there was the premiere today, Thursday, that was broadcasted live on Youtube for the whole world to watch where everyone involved looked quite stunning but Emma Watson and JK Rowling definitely stole the show with their dresses.


But it was the speeches at the end of the premiere that truly reflected the emotion being felt by everyone involved in the world of Harry Potter. Try and keep a dry eye while watching but it will be inevitable for the tears to show.



The end is here. Are you ready?

Monday, July 4, 2011

EVENT: Happy Independence Day (News)

It happens to be July 4 and as GeekPlate originates from the United States it would only be right to celebrate The Fourth of July with a quick Independence Day post.

The 4th commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence back in 1776, declaring independence from Great Britain. And while everyone in the States celebrates with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, picnics, ceremonies and the like, here on GeekPlate I thought what better way to remember the day than by posting a picspam collage of one of GP's favorite characters in a patriotic moment.

Here is Erica Durance as Lois Lane in Smallville's season five episode, "Exposed".

Friday, July 1, 2011

COMIC: Top of the Stack - Uncanny X-Men #535 (Review)

Written by Kieron Gillen
Art by Terry Dodson & Rachel Dodson
Cover by Terry Dodson & Rachel Dodson

Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price: $3.99

By happenstance, UNCANNY X-MEN #535 was the first comic from the stack of comic books for the second week of April that I read, and outside of the other uncanny title to come out there was not much competition for the top spot after I had read that book.

Continuing from the previous week's .1 issue, the series now only has one main pilot as writer Kieron Gillen has taken over the reigns. A new storyline starts, bringing back the elements from Joss Whedon's ASTONISHING X-MEN run of several years ago. Agent Brand of S.W.O.R.D. has returned from the end of her own series to bring a vital request for help from the X-Men. Unfortunately Beast does not get an inclusion, but as one of my favorite X-related characters it was nice to see Agent Brand again.

Brand is back because remnants of Breakworld are making their way towards earth and of course because the X-Men and specifically Colossus were reasons why this could be a problem she got them involved. Magneto tags along and his fascination with the remnants of the bullet Kitty Pryde had been stuck in will surely play a part in the future of this story. It is interesting to find him so passionate about it while everyone else has it on the backburner outside of trying to find a cure to Kitty's constant phase status.

The interior art and cover are provided by the husband wife team of Terry and Rachel Dodson and the book just looks beautiful thanks to their efforts. The cover is reminiscent of a sci-fi epic image, with Kitty and Colussus taking feature spots in it, possibly a foreshadow of parts of the story yet to unfold.

It has been over thirty issues since Matt Fraction's influence came over the X-books and I welcome a change of the writing guard as it has been awhile since I was eagerly reading issues of UNCANNY X-MEN (outside of the Second Coming event) and while I am not entirely familiar with Gillen outside of his S.W.O.R.D. work, I am enjoying the cast he is working with and look forward to seeing what the story will end up being about.