Fandango Movie Blog

Casting: Naomi Watts as Princess Diana, Billy Connolly Joins 'The Hobbit,' and '300' Prequel Gets Lead Actor

affiliates@fandango.com — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:08:56 GMT

Naomi Watts has replaced 2011's most ubiquitous actress, Jessica Chastain, in the Princess Diana biopic, Caught in Flight. The film focuses on Diana's affair with a Pakistani heart surgeon, Dr. Hasnat Khan. Chastain had been cast late last year, but then we didn't hear a peep from anyone involved with the production. Deadline recently reported from the Berlin Film Festival that Chastain has indeed dropped out of the production, partly from her packed schedule (six movies due out this year) and also because of her doubts of being able to portray Diana "the right way." Watts was most recently seen J. Edgar and Dream House. What do you think of this casting change? Do you think Watts can play the Queen of Hearts? To give some...

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Writer Ordered to Pay Marvel $17,000 for Creating Ghost Rider

affiliates@fandango.com — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:13:49 GMT

Lawsuits are all too common in the entertainment industry. As soon as a property becomes a product worth millions, people come out of the woodwork with claims to its fortune. A lot of the time, these are lawsuits wherein an aspiring writer with an inconvenient lack of evidence asserts their idea was stolen. There are times, however, when the victim in question has a legitimate, undeniable claim to a property, but contracts and the strict letter of the law denies it to them. That's the ongoing struggle writer Gary Friedrich currently finds himself in. Basically, Friedrich created the character of Ghost Rider for Marvel in the '70s. It's not a matter of dispute, it's just a fact. Marvel owns the rights to the character and has ever since Friedrich signed his creation over to them three...

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The Conversation: What Everyone is Saying About the 3D in 'Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace 3D'

affiliates@fandango.com — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:04:53 GMT

We don't need full reviews of Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace 3D to remind us how good or bad the actual movie is. We can do without the returned criticisms and hateful rants against Jake Lloyd, Jar-Jar Binks and anything else that disappointed us 13 years ago. Just tell us how the film is changed, and whether that change is any improvement or detriment, or if it has no major effect on the prequel we already know and love or, more likely, despise. Was all the time and money put into the 3D conversion worth it? For the audience, that is. We know it was worth it for Lucasfilm. To help you decide whether or not to check out this weekend's re-release, I've found some early responses and carved away the stuff about plot, acting and excruciating dialogue. What's left...

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Set Visit: A Day on Mars with John Carter and the Aliens

affiliates@fandango.com — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:54:14 GMT

After nearly 80 years of failed attempts, the film adaptation based upon Edgar Rice Burroughs' characters finally comes to the big screen next month. We were invited to the set as the production neared the end of its 100 day shooting schedule to get a first-hand look at Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, Willem Dafoe, Thomas Haden Church and director Andrew Stanton in action. Check out the full set visit with interviews, behind-the-scenes secrets and more. John Carter arrives in theaters on March 9.

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Alamo Drafthouse Guide (2/9-2/15): The Drafthouse Helps You Discover the Meaning of 'Twue Wuv'

affiliates@fandango.com — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:24:53 GMT

The Alamo Drafthouse has quickly garnered a reputation as one of the greatest movie theaters in the history of mankind…or at least the history of movie theaters. With their signature events, ample food and drink selection, and strict no-talking policy, they make obsolete all tawdry multiplexes and completely redefine the movie-going experience. Here’s what they’re up to this week! Thursday February 9th Moulin Rouge Sing-Along Alamo Ritz 7:00pm “Baz Luhrmann has given us a gift that will never stop giving and no matter how many times I’ve seen this movie in a theater, it never fails to give me goosebumps all over. So the Action Pack is putting its heart on its sleeve this February and inviting you to belt out all your...

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Poll: Ashton Kutcher, Sarah Jessica Parker Top List of Worst Rom-Com Actors

affiliates@fandango.com — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:35:45 GMT

With Valentine's Day less than a week away, we decided to ask you what some of the worst actors and movies of the romantic comedy genre are. You can check out the worst rom-com films in our gallery, although if you're a Paris Hilton or Kevin Smith fan, you might not agree with the results. But then, that's why there's a comment section. Also, take a look below at the results and let us know if there are any rom-com actors, actresses or couples that are missing. Worst Romantic Comedy Couple 1. Nicole Kidman & Will Ferrell, Bewitched- 17% 2. Arnold Schwarzenegger & Emma Thompson, Junior -16% 3. Fran Drescher & Timothy Dalton, The Beautician and the Beast – 13% 4. Kate Winslet & Jack Black, The Holiday – 11% 5. Jennifer Lopez & Ralph...

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EXCLUSIVE: 'The Muppets' Bret McKenzie's Reaction to his Song Not Being Performed at the Oscars

affiliates@fandango.com — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:47:46 GMT

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Oscar nominated Muppets songwriter Bret McKenzie reacts to the Oscar producer's decision to exclude the nominated songs from the Oscar telecast. Here's what he had to say.

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Watch ‘Phantom Menace’ and ‘Journey 2’ with Your Kids for Valentine’s Day

affiliates@fandango.com — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:57:28 GMT

Valentine’s Day is just days away so it’s only logical that the romantic drama The Vow opens this weekend, but what about Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace in 3D and Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, also opening just before the holiday? In fact, these 3D action adventure films are actually ideal to share with the ones you love. First, Star Wars has influenced the lives of many American parents, certainly lots of dads. What’s surprising is that, according to Star Wars mastermind George Lucas, millennials respond most to the three prequels (including Jar Jar Binks); the original three films not so much. In fact, KidsPickFlicks reporter Cole was invited to Skywalker Ranch to find out the secrets of light sabers, pod racers and more—check...

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First Look/New Images: Disney's 'Wreck-It Ralph,' 'Dredd,' 'John Carter,' 'Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter'

affiliates@fandango.com — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:18:54 GMT

Today we get a first look at Disney's video game inspired animated feature Wreck-It Ralph, opening November 12. The film tells the story of a bad-guy character in a classic game who longs to be a hero. He brings trouble to his entire arcade after sneaking into a new first-person game and unleashing a deadly enemy. John C. Reilly, Jane Lynch, Sarah Silverman and Jack McBrayer are part of the voice cast. Take a look below at some more new images from Dredd (September 21), John Carter (March 9) and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (June 23). For the full gallery of images, jump on over to Movies.com. Dredd John Carter Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

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