News for
Kung Fu Panda (2008) More at IMDbPro »

2009 | 2008 | 2006 | 2005

1-20 of 382 articles from 2009   « Prev | Next »

---

2010 Annie Award Nominations

11 hours ago | newsinfilm.com | See recent newsinfilm news »

Today the International Animated Film Society announced the nominations for the 2010 Annie Awards ceremony, and stop-motion feature Coraline lead the pack with 10 nominations.  The ceremony is scheduled for February 6, 2010.

The Henry Selick creation will compete for best feature with another stop-motion movie, Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox, along with Pixar’s Up, Disney’s 2D The Princess and the Frog, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and The Secret of Kells.

I was glad to see Disney’s A Christmas Carol get completely snubbed from the Annies, especially after Robert Zemeckis made a fool of himself by suggesting motion capture get its own Academy Award.

The Annie Award is usually a reliable indicator of which film will win the Oscar for “Best Animated Feature,” matching it seven of the nine years since the Academy category was created.  Though, to be fair, last year Kung Fu Panda upset Wall-e for »

- Jeff Leins

Permalink | Report a problem

---

'Coraline' Tops the List with Ten Annie Award Nominations

21 hours ago | Rope of Silicon | See recent Rope Of Silicon news »

The nominees for the 2010 Annie Awards were also announced today and Focus Features' Coraline topped the list of feature nominees with 10 with Pixar's Up following with 9 and Disney's Princess and the Frog scoring 8. All three films were included in the running for Best Animated feature along with Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, The Secret of Kells and Fantastic Mr. Fox.

Last year the Annie Awards came under some scrutiny as Kung Fu Panda blanked the soon-to-be Oscar winner Wall-e. The reason for the uproar being DreamWorks was one of the org's top sponsors (which they still are). This year Monsters vs. Aliens is the only DreamWorks Animated feature making any noise (4 nominations), but it looks like Sony Pictures Animation has bumped up their contributions to become a "Gold Sponsor". Will there again be uproar if Pixar's Up doesn't walk away with the top prizes or Disney's The Princess and the Frog. »

- Brad Brevet

Permalink | Report a problem

---

Oscar Watch: Coraline, Up Lead Annie Noms

22 hours ago | Thompson on Hollywood | See recent Thompson on Hollywood news »

Is CG animation on the decline? That’s unlikely, but Tuesday’s Annie nominations favored stop-motion and 2-D this year. And they lend some sense of direction as to where the Oscar animation category may be trending. The Annies are not historically as Pixar-friendly as the Oscars tend to be: they went with Happy Feet over Cars in 2006, and last year they shut out Wall-e to favor DreamWorks’ Kung Fu Panda. So even though Henry Selick’s tour-de-force 3-D stop-motion film Coraline dominated Tuesday’s Annie noms with ten, Up is still the Oscar fave in the animation category. But what will fill out the Oscar dance card’s five … »

Permalink | Report a problem

---

'Coraline' Tops Annie Award Nominations

23 hours ago | The Wrap | See recent The Wrap news »

By Steve Pond

“Up” may be a prohibitive favorite in the Oscars' animated feature category, but the Annie Awards are not always enamored of Pixar’s critically acclaimed films.

Last year at the Annies -- which are presented by the International Animated Film Society -- the Pixar film “Wall-e” didn’t win a single award, while “Kung Fu Panda” swept nearly all the top prizes. (“Wall-e” went on to win the Oscar.)

And on Tuesday, when the 2009 nominations were announced, “Up” took second place to Henry Selick’s “C... »

- Steve Pond

Permalink | Report a problem

---

‘Shrek Forever After’ Will Be the Fourth and Last

25 November 2009 10:40 PM, PST | newsinfilm.com | See recent newsinfilm news »

DreamWorks Animation is ending the Shrek franchise at four films.  The final fairy tale — now titled Shrek Forever After and scheduled for May 21, 2010 — promises to be full of pop culture references and celebrity voice overs.

USA Today has the first official photo from Shrek 4 (see below), plus this quote from Bill Damaschke, head of creative production at DreamWorks, “All that was loved about Shrek in the first film is brought to the final film.” Mmm parfaits…

This is a different tune than DreamWorks Animation was singing two years ago when it was factoring in a fifth film already for its animation slate through 2013.  I suppose the success of Kung Fu Panda and its upcoming sequel means Dwa can rest easy knowing there’s another franchise out there to milk dry.  The article neglects to mention Shrek spin-off Puss in Boots with the voices of Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, and Zach Galifianakis. »

- Jeff Leins

Permalink | Report a problem

---

Black Friday Movie Deals: Walmart

23 November 2009 5:35 PM, PST | Cinematical | See recent Cinematical news »

Our good friend and Eic Erik Davis (that's me!) had a very thoughtful idea for the holiday season: Why not scan the early flyers for the Black Friday sales, and report back to you -- the ravenous movie junkie -- to let you know where to find the best treats on the day after Thanksgiving? We'll be bringing you deals for a variety of stores and online retailers all week long. Here's what we've posted so far so you can keep track:

Black Friday Movie Deals: Best Buy

Black Friday Movie Deals: Target

Walmart opens at 5am on Friday, November 27th. I've highlighted the most notable (for being awesome) deals in bold.

DVD/Blu-ray

17 Again (DVD) $9.00

Aliens In The Attic (DVD) $9.00

Blazing Saddles (DVD) $2.00

Blood Diamond (DVD) $2.00

Braveheart (Blu-ray) $10.00

Casino Royale (DVD) $2.00

Facing Giants (DVD) $2.00

Fast & Furious (Blu-ray) $10.00

Fireproof (DVD) $9.00

GI Joe (DVD) $9.00

Gladiator (Blu-ray) $10.00

Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets »

- Erik Davis

Permalink | Report a problem

---

Black Friday Movie Deals: Target

23 November 2009 11:15 AM, PST | Cinematical | See recent Cinematical news »

Our good friend and Eic Erik Davis had a very thoughtful idea for the holiday season: Why not scan the early flyers for the Black Friday sales, and report back to you -- the ravenous movie junkie -- to let you know where to find the best treats on the day after Thanksgiving? To those who choose to brave the stores on 11/27/09, you have my best wishes. I'll be sleeping.

We'll be bringing you deals for a variety of stores all week long. Here's what we've posted so far so you can keep track:

Black Friday Movie Deals: Best Buy

For Target, the 2-Day Sale starts Friday, November 27, at 5 a.m

2001: A Space Odyssey (blu-ray) -- $12.99 Baby Mama (standard) -- $3.99 Christmas Vacation (standard) -- $5.99 The Dark Knight (blu-ray) -- $12.99 (standard: $3.99) Elf (standard) -- $3.99 Forgetting Sarah Marshall (standard) -- $3.99 Gone With the Wind (blu-ray) -- $12.99 Goodfellas (blu-ray) -- $8.99 Gremlins (blu-ray »

- Scott Weinberg

Permalink | Report a problem

---

So Long, Originality

16 November 2009 8:04 PM, PST | Atomic Popcorn | See recent Atomic Popcorn news »

Remakes. Sequels. Prequels. Screen adaptations of books, cartoons, comics, and TV shows. It can’t be denied that the film industry is starting to run rampant with movies based on something that has already been done. What’s shocking, though, is just how few original ideas Hollywood is really seeing.

Wikipedia recently posted a list of the highest grossing films of the past decade. In the top 20, only one film wasn’t based off of any other previous idea. One.

Think it gets better looking at a larger sample size? Think again. In the top 30, only two films were based on original ideas, and in the top 50 a total of nine were considered original.

The interesting thing about the nine original concepts is that all but two were animated films, and of those seven animated films five were from Pixar, with Finding Nemo being the only one in the top »

- Carly

Permalink | Report a problem

---

Only Two of the Top 30 Grossing Films of This Decade Are Original

16 November 2009 1:36 PM, PST | Slash Film | See recent Slash Film news »

Wikipedia has a list of the highest grossing films of this decade so far, and kottke noticed that of the top 20 films at the box office, only one movie was not based on a past film or tv show (remake/sequel), or an adaptation of an established property (be it a comic, book, play, toy...etc). Which is the only original feature film to make it into the the top 20 grossing films of this decade (so far)? Answer after the jump. Finding Nemo, which lands at #15 with $864.6 million. If you take a look at the top 30 films from this decade, there is only one other original film property among the bunch, that being... DreamWorks Animation's Kung Fu Panda, #30 spot with $631.7 million. In fact, out of the top 50 grossing films of this decade, there are only 9 movies based on original properties. And five of those nine films were created ... »

- Peter Sciretta

Permalink | Report a problem

---

Breakdown: The Animated Oscar Race Begins with 20 Films

12 November 2009 2:14 PM, PST | FilmSchoolRejects.com | See recent FilmSchoolRejects news »

Yesterday, Variety published the list of films that have made the cut of 20 for the race to get the Best Animated Feature Oscar. These 20 films will eventually be cut down to a list of 5 nominees, rather than the usual 3, and ultimately cut down to the one film that will be named Best Animated Film by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. A few of these animated films are yet to be released, and have not yet been screened by the Academy, so it's possible that some may be disqualified because of too much live-action mixed in, quality, etc. The final five nominees will not be announced until February 2, with the Oscars being presented on March 7. For your viewing pleasure (and our own need to inject our opinion into this process), we would like to present the following list with comments: Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel Instantly eliminated due to too much live-action and likelihood of »

- Neil Miller

Permalink | Report a problem

---

How To Train Your Dragon – International Trailer

12 November 2009 12:00 PM, PST | FilmShaft.com | See recent FilmShaft.com news »

A brand new UK trailer has been released for Dreamworks’ latest mythical tale – How to Train Your Dragon. Starring Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, America Ferrera, Craig Ferguson, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Kristen Wiig, Tj Miller, the film is directed by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois and swoops into cinemas on 31st March 2010.

I’m obviously not the target audience here (I’m not normally into animation and I’m don’t have kids) but I have to say that this latest animated offering definitely looks like something I might have to see – maybe I can pass my younger brother off as my son or borrow a friend’s kid for the day?

From the studio that brought you “Shrek,” “Madagascar” and “Kung Fu Panda” comes “How to Train Your Dragon”—a comedy adventure set in the mythical world of burly Vikings and wild dragons, based on the book by Cressida Cowell. »

- Craig Sharp

Permalink | Report a problem

---

The Week in Film: Oscar Bait

12 November 2009 9:02 AM, PST | AfterElton.com | See recent AfterElton.com news »

Why, hello, folks! Another week means another week closer to December, which means it’s another week closer to Oscar bait movies. Aren’t you curious? I know you are, so let’s begin!

First up, we have 2012. It’s one of those natural disaster movies, but this time, on a global scale. The whole thing is based on the end of the world that in turn is based on the Mayan calendar. Expect super visual effects in the likes of things blowing up, giant tsunamis, raining meteors, skyscrapers collapsing, and Godzilla. Oh wait, scratch that last one.

Okay, sure this isn’t Oscar bait. But still, if you’re feeling like July in November, go for it! Oh, yeah, 2012 stars John Cusack, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Oliver Platt, and Amanda Peet.

The second of the two wide releases this week is Pirate Radio. In the 1960s, a bunch of DJs went on a boat, »

- Raiden251

Permalink | Report a problem

---

International Trailer: How to Train Your Dragon

12 November 2009 7:30 AM, PST | HeyUGuys.co.uk | See recent HeyUGuys news »

We’ve just received the new International trailer for How to Train Your Dragon. Most of the content is the same as the domestic version that we published a couple of weeks ago but it has a few new bits of footage in there.

The movie stars Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, America Ferrera, Craig Ferguson, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Kristen Wiig, Tj Miller, and is directed by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois. It’s set for release 31st March. Check out the new trailer below.

Synopsis: From the studio that brought you “Shrek,” “Madagascar” and “Kung Fu Panda” comes “How to Train Your Dragon”—a comedy adventure set in the mythical world of burly Vikings and wild dragons, based on the book by Cressida Cowell.  The story centers around a Viking teenager named Hiccup, who lives on the island of Berk, where fighting dragons is a way of life.  The »

- David Sztypuljak

Permalink | Report a problem

---

New images from How to Train Your Dragon.

11 November 2009 12:11 AM, PST | Movie Jungle | See recent Movie Jungle news »

Check out 2 new images from DreamWorks Pictures, Vertigo Entertainmnt and Mad Hatter Entertainment's "How to Train Your Dragon," featuring the voice talents of Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders direct. Cressida Cowell, Sanders, DeBlois, Adam F. Goldberg and Peter Tolan write. Catch this in theatres on March 26th. What's it about? From the studio that brought you “Shrek,” “Madagascar” and “Kung Fu Panda” comes “How To Train Your Dragon” -- an adventure comedy set in the mythical world of burly Vikings and wild dragons, based on the book by Cressida Cowell. The story centers around a Viking teenager, who lives on the island of Berk, where fighting dragons is a way of life. Initiation is coming... »

Permalink | Report a problem

---

Paramount will show you How to Train Your Dragon.

3 November 2009 9:25 PM, PST | Movie Jungle | See recent Movie Jungle news »

Check out the trailer for Paramount Pictures' "How to Train Your Dragon." The animated family adventure out of DreamWorks Animation, Mad Hatter Entertainment and Vertigo Films, is helmed by Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders. Featuring the voice talents of Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, America Ferrara, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Craig Ferguson, Kristen Wiig and T.J. Miller. From the studio that brought you “Shrek,” “Madagascar” and “Kung Fu Panda” comes “How To Train Your Dragon” -- an adventure comedy set in the mythical world of burly Vikings and wild dragons, based on the book by Cressida Cowell. The story centers around a Viking teenager, who lives on the island of Berk, where fighting dragons is a way of life... »

Permalink | Report a problem

---

Blu-Ray Review: Third ‘Ice Age’ Sticks to Frigid Formula

3 November 2009 1:08 PM, PST | HollywoodChicago.com | See recent HollywoodChicago.com news »

Chicago – When did “gentleness” first become “unhip” in children’s films? Practically every studio in America, with the exception of Pixar, feels the need to make their “all ages” entertainment as abrasive, dumb and crude as their escapism targeted at teens and simple-minded adults. What’s the difference between a picture like “G-Force” and “Transformers”? A handful of swears and a few excessive shots of Megan Fox’s midriff. Kids movies in America can get away with endless mean-spirited gags and bathroom humor, just as long as there’s a sticky moral tacked on to the end. The “Shrek” series flourished under this principle, and so does “Ice Age.”

Blu-Ray Rating: 2.5/5.0

Yet while DreamWorks has found financial success with multiple franchises (“Shrek,” “Madagascar,” “Kung Fu Panda”), Blue Sky Studios still insists on focusing most of its moviemaking efforts on the decade-old premise of prehistoric creatures riffing through an arctic wasteland. »

- adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)

Permalink | Report a problem

---

Teaser Trailer: How to Train Your Dragon

3 November 2009 1:23 AM, PST | HeyUGuys.co.uk | See recent HeyUGuys news »

The guys who brought us Shrek and Kung Fu Panda (that would be Dreamworks Animation) have just brought out the teaser trailer for their latest fun adventure in the form of ‘How to Train Your Dragon’. The new movie will be in 3D and features the voices of Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill and Craig Ferguson. It’s based on the story by Cressida Cowell.

Synopsis: A Viking teenager named Hiccup lives on the island of Berk, where fighting dragons is a way of life. The teen’s smarts and offbeat sense of humor don’t sit too well with his tribe or its chief… who just happens to be Hiccup’s father. However, when Hiccup is included in Dragon Training with the other Viking teens, he sees his chance to prove he has what it takes to be a fighter. But when he encounters (and ultimately befriends) an injured dragon, »

- David Sztypuljak

Permalink | Report a problem

---

The Final Seven Celebs Are In It to Win It on 'Dancing with the Stars'

2 November 2009 10:00 PM, PST | TheInsider.com | See recent The Insider news »

It was the samba, foxtrot and the quickstep that heated up the dance floor on Monday night's "Dancing with the Stars," with the professional partners dressed in costumes designed by the stars. Former NFL star Michael Irvin and Anna Demidova kicked off the night's performances with the foxtrot. Head judge Len Goodman declared, "I am going to be honest. The first couple of weeks, I would have been happy to see the back of you. I am happy you stuck around." Bruno Tonioli added, "I have to say your musicality has improved. It was light and you looked like you enjoyed yourself. An improvement. Way to go." Carrie Ann Inaba told him, "I honestly do not know how you do this. Tonight's performance was gracious. It was fluid." The couple was awarded its highest score of the season: 23 out of 30 points. Showbiz legend Donny Osmond and his partner Kym Johnson danced second with the quickstep. »

- TheInsider

Permalink | Report a problem

---

How to Train Your Dragon Trailer Arrives!

2 November 2009 4:42 PM, PST | Filmofilia | See recent Filmofilia news »

Yahoo! Movies has just released a new trailer for “How to Train Your Dragon“, a viking adventure with the same visual style as Shrek and Kung Fu Panda.

A Viking teenager named Hiccup lives on the island of Berk, where fighting dragons is a way of life. The teen’s smarts and offbeat sense of humor don’t sit too well with his tribe or its chief… who just happens to be Hiccup’s father. However, when Hiccup is included in Dragon Training with the other Viking teens, he sees his chance to prove he has what it takes to be a fighter. But when he encounters (and ultimately befriends) an injured dragon, his world is flipped upside down, and what started out as Hiccup’s one shot to prove himself turns into an opportunity to set a new course for the future of the entire tribe.

Jay Baruchel is »

- Allan Ford

Permalink | Report a problem

---

‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Teaser Trailer

2 November 2009 3:40 PM, PST | newsinfilm.com | See recent newsinfilm news »

DreamWorks Animation has released the trailer for How to Train Your Dragon, a viking adventure with the same visual style as Shrek and Kung Fu Panda.  Hopefully this one will be more in line with those titles rather than some of the more mediocre movies Dwa has produced (I’m looking at you, Bee Movie). I suppose it’s a step up when the characters aren’t making pop culture jokes or bad puns.

The new movie is from the writers/directors of Lilo and Stitch, which might explain why the dragon looks like a jet black version of Stitch with wings.  Jay Baruchel is the voice of the main character (Hiccup) and he’s joined by Gerard Butler, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Craig Ferguson, and Kristen Wiig.

How to Train Your Dragon is out March 26, 2010.  What did you think of the trailer?

»

- Jeff Leins

Permalink | Report a problem

---

2009 | 2008 | 2006 | 2005

1-20 of 382 articles from 2009   « Prev | Next »

---