It may have been a disaster on the screen, but the stars shone brightly at the premiere of “2012.” 
Roland Emmerich’s tragi-film centers on a global cataclysm that brings an end to the world as we know it — seriously, check out the trailer. I also have a great 5-minute clip with John Cusack front and center.
Until the Nov. 13 release date, here are a few premiere pictures of Cusack, Thandie Newton, Woody Harrelson, Danny Glover, Gilmore Girls’ Lauren Graham, and Chin Han (read my “Dark Knight” interview with him).
Also present was Adam Lambert, who sang one of the …read more

The delightful family movie “Up” hits DVD and Blu-ray on Nov. 10, 2009. I thought it was a really well done movie; a little sad in spots (ok, downright weepy!), but a great movie with lots to say. Read my review of “Up” here.
I caught up with Jordan Nagai, who voices the part of Russell the Wilderness Explorer in the film. He’s enthusiastic and energetic – not unlike his on-screen counterpart – and they even look alike, don’t they?
Read on for Jordan’s thoughts on making “Up” and running an obstacle course before his recording sessions.
Tell us …read more

Here’s a new featurette for The Twilight Saga: New Moon,” in theaters Nov. 20, 2009 (check out our Twilight Groupie blog!). For those who haven’t read the books by Stephenie Meyer, it tells a little more about the mysterious Volturi.
They’re the oldest coven in the “Twilight” universe, and they’re the closest thing the vampires have to royalty. They also enforce the law and keep things in order. A few more bites:

Aro (Michael Sheen) is the most dangerous and deadly vampire.
Marcus (Christopher Heyerdahl) can sniff out treason.
Caius (Jamie Campbell Bower) is perpetually angry.
Aro, Marcus and Caius are in charge, with Jane …read more

Lots of buzz surrounding “The Men Who Stare at Goats,” in theaters Nov. 6, 2009. The movie is based on true events as described in Jon Ronson’s 2004 book by the same name.
Ewan McGregor plays a down-on-his-luck reporter who meets a special forces agent (George Clooney), who says that yes, it’s true. There’s actually a secret military unit whose sole purpose is to use paranormal powers for the greater good.
Kevin Spacey, Jeff Bridges, Terry Serpico, and Rebecca Mader also star. No word on whether any goats were harmed in the making of this film (but I’m sure …read more

The lovely Disney/Pixar film “Up” hits DVD and Blu-ray on Nov. 10, 2009 (read my review here), and I had an opportunity to catch up with writer-director Pete Docter (pictured), who talked about the challenges of making an animated movie.
Q: “Up” became the first animated film to open the Cannes Film Festival. Do you believe animated features are becoming accepted as a more serious artistic platform?
Pete Docter: We were very honored to be the first animated film to open the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. Walking around there, I kept picturing Hitchcock, Coppola, Truffaut; these big time directors … …read more

It’s been known for a while that Dylan Baker will reprise his role as Dr. Curt Connors in “Spider-Man 4,” allowing some of us to hope that The Lizard might emerge as Peter Parker’s newest foe.
But what about the villains we already know and love? Like Willem Dafoe’s Green Goblin? Ok, sure he “died” at the end of the first “Spider-Man” movie, but he managed to appear in the two sequels as an apparition in a mirror, seen by his son, Harry.
While Dafoe says that “no one’s called” to ask if he’d be in the upcoming “Spider-Man 4,” he’s …read more

“G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra” hits DVD and Blu-ray tomorrow, Nov. 3, 2009, and I’ve got a great prize pack for you below, offered on behalf of Paramount Home Entertainment.
The movie tells the story of an elite military unit of special operatives known as G.I. Joe, who take on an evil organization led by a notorious arms dealer.
Directed by Stephen Sommers, it stars Sienna Miller, Channing Tatum, Marlon Wayons, Dennis Quaid, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
Check out the trailer and the G.I. Joe Faceoff Game on Facebook.
THE GIVEAWAY: I have one prize pack ($80+ value) that includes …read more

Fans of “Lord of the Rings” have been speculating on who would be back for the two-film “Hobbit” prequel, scheduled to hit theaters Dec. 2011 and Dec. 2012. Will Ian McKellen be back as Gandalf? And what about the creature Gollum? Will the pivotal role once again be played by Andy Serkis?
We’ve got our answer for at least one of the characters. John Rhys-Davies will not be back as the dwarf Gimli or any other dwarf, for that matter. But probably not for the reasons you think.

In an interview with Empire, he talked about the severe allergic …read more

The second trailer for "Avatar" is out, and it looks pretty cool, especially the gorgeous scenery. I wasn’t all that excited about this movie up to this point, but now that I’ve seen a bit more, I’m looking forward to it.
According to the official “Avatar” site, the story begins on the distant moon Pandora, where “a reluctant hero embarks on a journey of redemption and discovery as he leads a heroic battle to save a civilization.” The cast includes Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Michelle Rodriguez, Zoe Saldana and CCH Pounder to name a few. It opens in theaters Dec. 18, …read more

Seth Rogen, featured in tonight’s airing of “Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins from Outer Space,” features the voice cast of the original movie, including Reese Witherspoon, Hugh Laurie, Kiefer Sutherland, Will Arnett, Rainn Wilson and … Seth Rogen as B.O.B., the gelatinous blob!

The story follows Susan and the Monsters, who now work for the U.S. government. They’re sent to Susan’s hometown to stop an alien invasion in the days before Halloween. Clever as always, the aliens have adopted the guise of harmless jack-o-lanterns as they lie in wait for the perfect time to strike.
I caught up with Seth …read more