More details from the widely reported "Toy Story" short film have emerged in a form of a summary of a children's book entitled "Play-cation!" which will be published by Random House/Disney on August 9. It describes further the Barbie-and-Ken-Hawaiian-honeymoon-themed plot which was unveiled before.
"Bonnie is off to Hawaii, and Barbie and Ken are excited to go along on their first tropical vacation! But when they're accidentally left behind, it's up to Buzz, Woody, and the rest of the toys to create a Hawaiian paradise right in Bonnie's room," so read the synopsis for the book which is based on the latest animated short featuring the toys from Disney/Pixar "Toy Story". The Pixar Blog was the first which found the synopsis.
"Toy Story" short will be attached to "Cars 2" which is scheduled to come out on June 24. Previously, Disney debuted "Day & Night" short with "Toy Story 3" when the movie was released in June 2010.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
More Details from The Widely Reported 'Toy Story' Short Film
Monday, January 3, 2011
North Korean Censors Have Lifted A Movie Ban
North Korean censors have lifted a movie ban to give citizens to a rare treat this week - a televised screening of British film "Bend It Like Beckham". Western films are largely banned in the country but an edited version of the 2002 movie, starring Keira Knightley and Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, was broadcast on December 26.
The hour-long edit, arranged by the British Embassy and monitored in Seoul, was a break from the regular state programming of news, documentaries and soap operas. "Bend It Like Beckham", referring to soccer star David Beckham, features several topics considered taboo in North Korea, including interracial relationships, homosexuality and religion.
In a Twitter.com posting on Thursday, December 30, British Ambassador to South Korea Martin Uden called it the "1st ever western-made film to air on TV" in North Korea.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Hawkeye Will Cast in 'Thor'
Jeremy Renner has been announced to portray Hawkeye in "The Avengers", but he could show up as the character earlier in "Thor". A source who has seen an early cut of the May 6, 2011 release tells TheWrap that the bow-and-arrow-carrying hero indeed appears in the film, but refuses to elaborate on the context of his appearance or when the cameo will occur.
This is, however, won't be considered as a big surprise for Marvel has been known for its habit of introducing an Avenger member in another character's film. Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury showed up at the end of "Iron Man", while Thor was introduced in "Iron Man 2" as his hammer was featured at the end credits.
Back in November 2009, Renner himself speculated that his character, Hawkeye, would appear in "Thor", telling Empire, "If I was a betting man, I would bet that Hawkeye would probably show up in 'Thor', and then be in 'The Avengers'. But do I know for sure? I can't say. But I'd love for that to happen. It'd be fun."
However, a month later he walked back his statement, saying, "That was just one of those things that got blown way out of proportion. The only reason it came out this early, because Avengers is two years away, is that they're thinking OK, we may throw him in Thor, we may not, as a cameo. You know what I mean? So there's truth that we talked about it, but there's no truth to me doing it."
"Thor", led by Chris Hemsworth, will revolve around the title character who is sent down to Earth where he will try to save people from the invasion of a villain from Asgard. As for "The Avengers" which is lined up for May 4, 2012 release, it will bring together the super hero team of Marvel Comics characters.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
The Sneak Peek of 'Modern Family'
When "Modern Family" returns this January with the second half of season 2, there will be a hunk in Cameron and Mitchell's hot tub. James Marsden plays Barry, Cam and Mitch's new neighbor who lives upstairs and stumbles upon the gay couple when he jumps into their hot tub unannounced.
Both Cam and Mitch are smitten by his good looks. And from the look of the episode's stills, Barry will extend his visit to inside their house, giving Mitch a back massage. The synopsis says, "Mitchell and Cameron stumble upon a mysterious neighbor who is quite the charmer."
The January 5 episode is titled "Slow Down Your Neighbors". Claire becomes a determined neighborhood vigilante hoping to catch and stop a menacing car that speeds though their streets. Meanwhile, Phil is busy trying to land an important listing with a difficult client, Jay teaches Manny how to ride a bike, only to learn Gloria needs lessons too.
'Empire Strikes Back' and More Iconic Films Preserved As American National Treasures
Iconic films including "The Empire Strikes Back", "The Exorcist" and "Saturday Night Fever" are to be preserved as American national treasures with an induction into the Library of Congress' National Film Registry.
Twenty five films have been selected to be stored in the national archives as part of an annual drive to preserve movies with artistic, cultural or historical significance. George Lucas' 1980 sci-fi sequel is among the 2010 inductees and will join the "Star Wars" film in the archive, while "Saturday Night Fever", starring a disco-dancing John Travolta, horror classic "The Exorcist", and political thriller "All the President's Men" also make the list.
A poignant addition to the archives this year is "Airplane!", just a month after the death of its star Leslie Nielsen, while "The Pink Panther" is also included. The film's writer/director Blake Edwards died earlier this month.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
New Clip of 'Desperate Housewives'
Beside dealing with the aftermath of Wisteria Lane riot and the mystery of Paul shooting, "Desperate Housewives" will also be filled with Lynette's anger toward Renee. In a new clip of episode "Assassins", Renee confesses to Lynette that she once slept with Tom, but she swears it meant nothing.
"Assassins" will air January 2, 2011. The fate of Paul who was gunned down at the end of "Down the Block There's a Riot" is revealed; Susan's life hangs in the balance after being trampled by the rioting mob; Keith moves in with Bree but is shocked when Orson pays a surprise visit; and Gaby finds it difficult to purge all traces of Grace from her life in order to repair her relationship with Juanita.
While the housewives are struggling to solve their own problems, police officers appear on their doorstep for investigation.
Michael Douglas to Receive Icon Award
Michael Douglas is set to receive a top honor at the upcoming Palm Springs International Film Festival in California. The ailing actor will receive the Icon Award at a tribute on January 13, 2011 as part of the festival's "Talking Pictures: The Contenders" series, which focuses on Oscar front-runners.
Festival organizers say the prize "honors a creative talent who, through the course of his career, has created a body of work which symbolizes the highest level of achievement in the motion picture art form." Douglas, who revealed earlier this year that he is being treated for throat cancer, is nominated for a Golden Globe for his role in this year's "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps".
Festival director Darryl MacDonald says, "We're thrilled to have the opportunity to honor Michael Douglas at a time when both his creative prowess and his contributions to world cinema have never been more evident - or more deserving of celebration. Simply put, he's an American treasure." The 22nd annual Palm Springs International Film Festival begins on January 6, 2011.