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

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

Movie: Amelia * Official Site
In Theaters: Oct. 23, 2009

Runtime: 111 minutes
Directed by: Mira Nair

MPAA Rating: PG for some sensuality, language, thematic elements and smoking
Gecko Rating:

I’m sort of hot and cold on Hilary Swank. There’s no doubt that she’s a great actress – she’s won two Oscars, after all (for “Million Dollar Baby” and “Boys Don’t Cry”). But there’s something about her that’s just a little annoying. I almost hesitate to say it, but she seemed to be over-acting in her portrayal of Amelia Earhart. I just wanted her to snap out of it and be a real …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

A new clip from “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” has been posted on MTV (and featured on their movie special, “Ulalume: Howling at New Moon”). The scene happens near the beginning of the movie and features the Cullen clan gathered for Bella’s birthday.
Alice (Ashley Greene) is the organizer of the event and the peacekeeper as she tries to smooth over Rosalie’s iciness towards Edward’s human girlfriend. Even so, things don’t go well and turn deadly when Bella cuts her finger, which gets Jasper’s (Jackson Rathbone) hunger up big-time.
The movie hits theaters Nov. 20, 2009; check out all of Film Gecko’s …read more

The only big new movie this week is Michael Jackson’s “This Is It,” which actually hit theaters on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009.
It’s the documentary about Michael Jackson’s big concert tour, which abruptly screamed to a halt upon his death. Fortunately, there’s plenty of film of the rehearsals and his creative process putting the tour together. 
Check out the official site, the trailer, and all of Film Gecko’s coverage.
Also released today are several films in limited release, including:
“The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day” – Sequel to “The Boondock Saints” about  bloody murders in the underworld of …read more

“The Twilight Saga: New Moon” isn’t even in theaters yet (Nov. 20, 2009), but we’ve got some title art for “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.”
If you’re not attuned to the whole “Twilight” buzz, that’s the third book/movie in the franchise, and David Slade will direct it.
Stephenie Meyer has certainly taken lots of flack for her writing style, but no one can deny that she has a huge fan base, so more power to her.
Any thoughts on the “Eclipse” title art? It’s a little boring, but I guess they want the titles for all of the movies to be …read more

Here’s a new clip from “The Twilight Saga: New Moon,” in which Bella (Kristen Stewart) connects with the mysterious Volturi clan, learns something new about Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner), and gets another protection vow from Edward (Robert Pattinson). The movie hits theaters Nov. 20, 2009.

Here’s one of the latest clips from “The Twilight Saga: New Moon,” in which Jacob (Taylor Lautner) tells Bella (Kristen Stewart) about his little secret. The two grow closer after Edward (Robert Pattinson) leaves.
I know they’re supposed to be big and scary, but the wolves also look kind of cuddly, like you just want to hug one of them.
 

Years ago, I interviewed Bud Hopkins, author of several alien abduction books, including “Missing Time,” and head of the Intruders Foundation. After talking with him, even the most skeptical person would at least start to believe in the phenomenon of alien abduction. It’s absolutely amazing, and that’s what “The Fourth Kind” is about.
In 1972, a scale of measurement was established for alien encounters. When a UFO is sighted, it’s called an encounter of the first kind. When evidence is collected, it’s known as an encounter of the second kind. When contact is made with extraterrestrials, it’s the third …read more