Trailer: Chi bi (Red Cliff)

Any film that gets an R-rating due to “sequences of EPIC warfare” deserves some notice.

Though he kind of disappeared from American cinema after the disaster that 2003’s Paycheck, John Woo has kept busy and, in 2008, wrote and directed Red Cliff, which, despite critical response, is only coming to America now. Feeling more like a Yimou Zhang film than classic Woo, the film takes place during in early third century China as the three kingdoms, Han, Xu and East Wu, begin a war that culminates as the incredible Battle of Red Cliff.

It should be noted that the film, which was originally more than four-and-a-half hours long, will be cut to just under two-and-a-half, so expect some extra plot-lines if you see it in theaters and then buy it on DVD. Check out the trailer after the jump.

It’s A Good Day To Be A Bluth

It has been three long years since Mitchell Hurwitz’ groundbreaking comedy Arrested Development was canceled by Fox, earning the ire of thousands and a cult status on DVD. Since its cancellation, fans have been waiting with bated breath for a movie to come out about the Bluth family (the last line of the show was “I don’t see it as a series, maybe a movie”), but despite everyone being on-board – including the illusive Michael Cera – the project has hit stall after stall, with a different cast member confirming or denying the project every few weeks. Now it appears that Arrested Development fans may finally get their wish: the screenplay is officially being written.

Review: Zombieland

For all their problems, (unquenchable thirst for brains, bad skin, etc.) audiences have always had a soft spot for zombies. The only thing better than the undead is taking them out with a shotgun and fortunately Zombieland has plenty of both. While a number of familiar elements will lend themselves to comparing it to Shaun of the Dead, Ruben Fleischer’s directorial debut manages to stand on its on as a silly but fun Zom-Rom-Com (Zombie Romance Comedy) reminder to enjoy the little things.

We are introduced to our hero Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg channeling Michael Cera) a skinny, nebbish college kid trekking his way through a United States that is now almost entirely taken over by zombies. We aren’t given any backstory or explanation why there is a zombie infestation, and frankly we don’t need one. Far from the social commentary that has taken over the zombie genre, Columbus is just a kid trying to stay alive using his rules for surviving Zombieland, and the movie just wants to have a good time.

Thor Gets A Skarsgård, Just Not The One You Think

Earlier this year, Alexander Skarsgård, most known for his role on True Blood, was very much in mind when people were throwing around casting rumors for the upcoming Marvel film Thor. With a Nordic background (he was born in Sweden) and long blond hair, it seemed as though he would be a shoe-in for the role. Then, unexpectedly, Chris Hemsworth was handed the role following his performance as James Kirk’s father in J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek and all the talk ceased. Not to be denied, the Skarsgård clan will have representation in the Norse God film as ComingSoon has reported that Alexander’s father, Stellan, has joined the cast.

Watch It!: Season’s Greetings

Michael Dougherty’s long anticipated Trick ‘r Treat is ready to come out on DVD tomorrow and, like you, we could not be more excited. The film is already #15 on Amazon’s “Bestsellers in Movies & TV” list by buzz alone and is already being hailed as one of the best horror films this year (we are included in that group, but more on that tomorrow).

In hopes of stopping you from chewing through your bit, the four-minute animated short film done by Dougherty in 1996 was uploaded to YouTube and we would like to share it with you. Why is this special? The character of Sam plays a pivotal role in the new film and this is where his character was first introduced.

Fear not, there be no spoilers here, just a nice, enjoyable (if not creepy) Halloween short to kick off October right.

Photo Dump: Clash Of The Titans

Louis Leterrier’s Clash of the Titans looks like it’s going to give the 1981 original a swift kick in the pants. The first set photos of Sam Worthington as Perseus (courtesy of Empire) match the director’s promise of a grittier and more human story while giving the classic tale the respect it deserves. Lately, almost every director promises their modernization will be “darker and gritty” but in this case it’s actually warranted. If you remember seeing the Godzilla-like Kraken or just read Eric making fun of it in his review of Predator, you realize the pointless attempt at stop-motion special effects in that movie turned into more camp than it should have been. These stills set the tone for a movie that matches the myth, even though I’m not fully sold on Liam Neeson’s Zeus garb (via EW).

Photos after the jump.

Trailer: Shutter Island

Perhaps just to torture us, Apple released the newest trailer for Shutter Island last Friday – which was scheduled to be the films original release date before Paramount was forced to push it back to February due to the financial crisis. Somehow the newest trailer actually ups the creepy level from the previous one (that was possible?) mostly by giving us a better look at Elias Koteas (for the last time, that’s not DeNiro) and Jackie Earle Haley’s character. Prepare to curse and slam your fist with the final title card.

Weekend Winners

Ah, the first weekend of October. Leaves start falling from the trees, the temperature drops and good movies come out of their one-month hibernation. Check out our weekend review of Zombieland later today and your weekend winners are after the jump.