Rampart

Los Angeles, 1999 — Officer Dave Brown (Harrelson) is a Vietnam vet and a Rampart Precinct cop, dedicated to doing “the people’s dirty work” and asserting his own code of justice, often blurring the lines between right and wrong to maintain his action-hero state of mind.

When he gets caught on tape beating a suspect, he finds himself in a personal and emotional downward spiral as the consequences of his past sins and his refusal to change his ways in light of a department-wide corruption scandal seal his fate.

Brown internalizes his fear, anguish and paranoia as his world, complete with two ex-wives who are sisters, two daughters, an aging mentor dispensing bad advice, investigators galore, and a series of seemingly random women, starts making less and less sense.

In the end, what is left is a human being stripped of all his pretense, machismo, chauvinism, arrogance, sexism, homophobia, racism, aggression, misanthropy; but is it enough to redeem him as a man?

In theaters Friday, February 10, 2012.

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Abduction

Taylor Lautner stars as a young man unwittingly thrust into a deadly world of covert espionage in Lionsgate’s action-thriller, ABDUCTION, directed by John Singleton.

For as long as he can remember, Nathan Harper (Taylor Lautner) has had the uneasy feeling that he’s living someone else’s life. When he stumbles upon an image of himself as a little boy on a missing persons website, all of Nathan’s darkest fears come true: he realizes his parents are not his own and his life is a lie, carefully fabricated to hide something more mysterious and dangerous than he could have ever imagined.

Just as he begins to piece together his true identity, Nathan is targeted by a team of trained killers, forcing him on the run with the only person he can trust, his neighbor, Karen (Lily Collins). Every second counts as Nathan and Karen race to evade an army of assassins and federal operatives. But as his opponents close in, Nathan realizes that the only way he’ll survive – and solve the mystery of his elusive biological father – is to stop running and take matters into his own hands.

ABDUCTION stars Taylor Lautner, Lily Collins, Alfred Molina, Jason Issacs, Maria Bello, Michael Nyqvist and Sigourney Weaver. The film is directed by John Singleton and written by Shawn Christensen.

Opens Friday, September 23rd.

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Paul

Simon Pegg and Nick Frost (Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead) reunite for the comedy adventure Paul as two sci-fi geeks whose pilgrimage takes them to America’s UFO heartland. While there, they accidentally meet an alien who brings them on an insane road trip that alters their universe forever.

For the past 60 years, an alien named Paul (voiced by Seth Rogen) has been hanging out at a top-secret military base. For reasons unknown, the space-traveling smart ass decides to escape the compound and hop on the first vehicle out of town—a rented RV containing Earthlings Graeme Willy (Pegg) and Clive Collings (Frost).

Chased by federal agents and the fanatical father of a young woman that they accidentally kidnap, Graeme and Clive hatch a fumbling escape plan to return Paul to his mother ship. And as two nerds struggle to help, one little green man might just take his fellow outcasts from misfits to intergalactic heroes.

Paul is directed by Superbad’s Greg Mottola, from a story by Pegg & Frost. Joining the comedy’s cast are Jason Bateman, Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, Blythe Danner, Joe Lo Truglio, John Carroll Lynch, David Koechner and Sigourney Weaver.

Opens March 18th.

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Cedar Rapids

To call insurance agent Tim Lippe (Ed Helms) “naive” is a gross understatement. He’s never left his small hometown. He’s never stayed at hotel. And he’s never experienced anything like Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Sent to represent his company at the annual insurance convention, Tim is soon distracted by three convention veterans (John C. Reilly, Anne Heche and Isiah Whitlock Jr.) who will show him the ropes and push his boundaries. For a guy who plays things by the book, this convention will be anything but conventional.

Opens in limited release February 11, 2011.

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Scream 4 footage and the Cast of True Blood at Scream ’10

“SCREAM 2010” RULES POP CULTURE UNIVERSE AS THE DESTINATION FOR ALL THINGS COMIC BOOK, SCIENCE FICTION, FANTASY AND HORROR, AS EVENT WILL DEBUT WORLD PREMIERE FOOTAGE FROM “SCREAM 4,” “PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2,” AND “THE RITE”

Show Will Also Feature “Back To The Future” 25th Anniversary Tribute To Marty McFly’s Flux Capacitated Adventures Featuring Michael J. Fox, Lea Thompson And Elisabeth Shue

Also Set To Attend: Sir Anthony Hopkins, David Arquette, Neve Campbell, Hayden Panettiere, Emma Roberts Wes Craven, Aaron Eckhart, Sigourney  Weaver, Alan Ball, Sam Trammell, Kristen Bauer, Rutina Wesley And Many More

Two-Hour Event Premieres Tuesday, October 19 at 9PM, ET/PT

New York, NY , September 29, 2010 – With enough star power to light up the Los Angeles night sky, Spike TV’s “SCREAM 2010″ will tape at the Greek Theatre on Saturday, October 16. The ultimate celebration of all things sci-fi, fantasy, horror and comic book, the 5th annual “SCREAM” is the first and only global event of its kind to honor and celebrate the hottest films, TV shows, comics, actors, creators, icons and pioneers who have influenced and shaped these genres. The two-hour event premieres on Spike TV on Tuesday, October 19 (9:00 – 11:00 PM, ET/PT).

“SCREAM 2010″ will feature a host of world premieres, including footage from the highly-anticipated fourth installment of one of the most influential franchises of all time – none other than the original cast and creator of the movie “Scream” along with new stars from the upcoming “Scream 4.” David Arquette and Neve Campbell, along with 2006 Scream Mastermind Award-recipient and creator of the “Scream” franchise Wes Craven, as well as “Scream 4″ co-stars Emma Roberts and Hayden Panettiere will present never-before-seen footage from the just-wrapped “Scream 4.” The show will also include an appearance by Academy Award Winner Sir Anthony Hopkins, who will introduce world premiere footage of his upcoming supernatural thriller “The Rite,” and those in attendance at the Greek and the millions watching worldwide will also be treated to an exclusive first look at “Paranormal Activity 2,” with many more films to be announced shortly.

Additionally, “SCREAM 2010″ will celebrate one of the most beloved science fiction franchises in history when Michael J. Fox, Lea Thompson and Elisabeth Shue reunite onstage in honor of the 25th anniversary of the original “Back To The Future.” The 1985 release became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring theme park rides, an animated series, selection for preservation in the Library of Congress’ “National Film Registry,” and was even quoted in President Ronald Reagan’s “State of the Union ” address in 1986. The “Back To The Future 25th Anniversary” Trilogy” debuts on Blu-ray and DVD worldwide on October 26, 2010.

“‘SCREAM’ has established itself as a global celebration of the most imaginative films, comics and TV shows that drive and continue to redefine pop culture,” said Casey Patterson, executive producer and senior vice president, talent, event production and studio relations, Spike TV. “The genres of comic books, science fiction and fantasy rule the entertainment world and ‘SCREAM’ is about honoring the creative minds behind them and the incredible fans that keep it spinning.”

Also set to attend are Harvey Dent himself, Aaron Eckhart, “Avatar’s” Sigourney Weaver, “True Blood” creator Alan Ball and castmembers Sam Trammell, Kristen Bauer and Rutina Wesley, “Jackass 3D” crew members Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, Steve-O, the stars of AMC’s forthcoming original series “The Walking Dead,” Sarah Wayne Callies and Jon Bernthal, and many more.

“SCREAM 2010″ will present awards in 33 different categories. Christopher Nolan’s summer science fiction blockbuster “Inception” leads the way with nominations in 14 categories, including “The Ultimate Scream,” “Best Ensemble” and “Fight Scene of the Year.” “Kick-Ass” was nominated in 13 categories for a total of 17 nominations, while Tony Stark’s adventures in “Iron Man 2″ garnered 13 nominations. HBO’s “True Blood” had the most nominations of any television series with 10.

Now through Friday, October 15, fans can vote for their favorites, as well as view exclusive red carpet and backstage coverage of the event, by visiting scream.spike.com.

You Again

Successful PR pro Marni (Kristen Bell) heads home for her older brother’s (Jimmy Wolk) wedding and discovers that he’s marrying her high school arch nemesis (Odette Yustman), who’s conveniently forgotten their problematic past. Then the bride’s jet-setting aunt (Sigourney Weaver) bursts in and Marni’s not-so-jet-setting mom (Jamie Lee Curtis) comes face to face with her own high school rival. The claws come out and old wounds are opened in this crazy comedy that proves that not all rivalries are forever.

Opens September 24th.

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Review – Avatar

I sometimes wondered what my childhood fantasy world would look like if it ever came to life. Avatar has brought it out in full spectrum, from a jungle filled with giant fluorescent plant life to colorful flying dragonesque creatures. What would be the elfin fairytale beings are the giant, catlike, blue Na’vi, an indigenous race in this world called Pandora.

Jake Sully (Sam Worthington, Terminator: Salvation) plays a wheelchair bound vet brought on to take over his twin brother’s mission: to persuade the Na’vi to evacuate an area rich in a highly profitable mineral. He is initiated into driving his avatar, an alien-human hybrid, through virtual mind and body control. He clumsily stumbles into his virtual form and soon masters it to become one of the Na’vi tribe with the help of Neytiri (Zoe Saldana, Star Trek), daughter of the head honcho.

The stunning visual scenes during Jake’s metamorphosis into this new life is well worth the 3D experience, although it might be more of an impact if seen in an IMAX theater. As beautiful as it is, with the vibrant colors and fantasy environment, complete with six-legged horse and dog like creatures, it could’ve been written with better dialogue and drama. The 3D experience seemed to clash with 2-dimensional characters such as the over-the-top aggressive Colonel Quaritch (Stephen Lang) and corporate head puppet Selfridge (Giovanni Ribisi). As an avatar driver herself, Dr. Augustine (Sigourney Weaver) heads the scientific team, and you’re not sure whether or not to sympathize with her cause until the team goes rogue.

The action sequences are epic, its storyline okay, yet Avatar’s overall message is earth-friendly or, in this case, Pandora-friendly. Save the plants, animals, and most of all, the trees – specifically, the largest one on the planet. The Na’vi are drawn to it for spiritual guidance and for its metaphysical properties. When the military finally exercises its power, Pandora’s box is opened and nature unleashes its subdued fury. It gets perplexing at this point since, with all that power, there isn’t an apocalyptic event but more of an organized skirmish.

In any case, this film is a visual feast for the eyes (with 3D glasses), and I will likely see it again. I imagine that awards are forthcoming for this film’s artistic cinematic achievements. Romance in a fantasy jungle as a slick blue cat, with Jake as the warrior who saves the day – even a bad script doesn’t overwhelm that completely. In fact, you may have an urge to grow your hair into a long braid and find a flying dragon to bond with afterwards – unless, of course, you’re sane.

Avatar

From the official site: AVATAR takes us to a spectacular world beyond imagination, where a reluctant hero embarks on an epic adventure, ultimately fighting to save the alien world he has learned to call home. James Cameron, the Oscar-winning director of Titanic, first conceived the film 15 years ago, when the means to realize his vision did not exist. Now, after 4 years of production, AVATAR, a live action film with a new generation of special effects, delivers a fully immersive cinematic experience of a new kind, where the revolutionary technology invented to make the film, disappears into the emotion of the characters and the sweep of the story.

We enter the alien world through the eyes of Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), a former Marine confined to a wheelchair. But despite his broken body, Jake is still a warrior at heart. He is recruited to travel light years to the human outpost on Pandora, where corporations are mining a rare mineral that is the key to the Earth’s energy problems. Because the atmosphere on Pandora is toxic, they have created the Avatar Program, in which human “drivers” have their consciousness linked to an avatar, a remotely controlled biological body that can survive in the lethal air.  These avatars are genetically engineered hybrids of human DNA mixed with DNA from the natives of Pandora- the Na’vi.

Reborn in his avatar form, Jake can walk again. He is given a mission to infiltrate the Na’vi, who have become a major obstacle to mining the precious ore. But a beautiful Na’vi female, Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), saves Jake’s life, and this changes everything. Jake is taken in by her clan, and learns to become one of them, which involves many tests and adventures. As Jake’s relationship with his reluctant teacher Neytiri deepens, he learns to respect the Na’vi way and finally takes his place among them. Soon he will face the ultimate test as he leads them in an epic battle that decide nothing less than the fate of an entire world.

Opens December 18th

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Entertainment Weekly Returns to Comic-Con

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY RETURNS TO COMIC-CON 2009 WITH A STAR-STUDDED SERIES OF PANELS, A PHOTO STUDIO, AND AN EXCLUSIVE CELEBRATION WITH SYFY

James Cameron, Peter Jackson, Sigourney Weaver, Elizabeth Mitchell, and Zoe Saldana To Participate in Entertainment Weekly Panel Series

Entertainment Weekly Publishes 2nd Annual Comic-Con Preview Package, Starring Iron Man 2 on the Cover, and with Exclusive First Looks at the Most Highly Anticipated Movies and TV Shows

NEW YORK ( July 16, 2009 ) – Entertainment Weekly is preparing to invade Comic-Con for the third consecutive year with a fully loaded arsenal: three high-caliber panels, a photo and digital studio, and an exclusive event co-hosted by Syfy. In addition, Entertainment Weekly is publishing its second annual Comic-Con preview package jam-packed with exclusive first looks at some of the most highly anticipated TV shows and movies including Iron Man 2, which will be featured on the cover of this special issue. In the latest installment of Iron Man (the franchise that blasted Robert Downey Jr. back to stardom), the superhero returns to the big screen to battle new villain Mickey Rourke and to size up Scarlett Johansson, and hopes to prove the first time wasn’t a fluke. Link to full story on EW.com.

Entertainment Weekly’s three Comic-Con panels will bring together some of the best and brightest creators in television and movies to discuss the work that’s being done in their respective fields. Footage from each of these panels will be available by July 26 on EW.com. The first of these panels will be “Wonder Women: Female Power Icons in Pop Culture,” moderated by Entertainment Weekly editor-at-large Ben Svetkey. It will feature a discussion with Sigourney Weaver (Avatar), Elizabeth Mitchell (Lost, V), and Zoe Saldana (Avatar, Star Trek) about the actresses who have redefined the rules, and the female characters who have shattered the glass ceiling for all women. This panel will take place at 1:15 p.m. on Thursday, July 23.

Next up, Entertainment Weekly executive editor Jeff Giles will moderate an in-depth discussion with iconic filmmakers James Cameron (Avatar) and Peter Jackson (producer of District 9) on the future of film, the art of film narrative and how technology and global culture will alter the art of on-screen storytelling in the next 20 years. This panel will be at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, July 24.

To close out the series, Entertainment Weekly senior writers, hosts of EW.com’s Totally Lost, and resident Lost experts Jeffrey “Doc” Jensen and Dan Snierson will prep Lost fans for the final season of the show with their sharp insights and bold theories. There may be a few surprises as well. This panel will take place at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 25.

For the third year in a row, Entertainment Weekly and Syfy will partner to celebrate all things pop culture at Comic-Con 2009 with an exclusive event. Hollywood and the genre’s most elite will enjoy music, food, and cocktails while entertainment luminaries enjoy views of downtown San Diego . This event is invitation-only.

In addition to these events, Entertainment Weekly’s second annual Comic-Con issue will be packed full of first looks at highly anticipated movies such as Sherlock Holmes, District 9, 2012 and 9, as well as exclusives from upcoming TV shows including Vampire Diaries, Flashforward, V and Stargate Universe. Plus: An exclusive first look at the new Twilight graphic novel. Five thousand complimentary copies of this special issue will be handed out to Comic-Con visitors and fans who stop by the Marvel Studios booth celebrating Iron Man 2. Guests at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego and the Hotel Solamar will also receive copies of EW’s special Comic-Con 2009 issue.

EW.com continues to be THE destination for Comic-Con coverage in 2009 with breaking news and regular updates from the convention floor via our award-winning PopWatch blog (EW.com/PopWatch) and Twitter stream (@EWPopWatch). Plus, we’ve got exclusive video interviews, first looks, and image galleries from the EW Photo Studio at the Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego . This year, the site will also take viewers inside Entertainment Weekly’s own high-profile conversations with exclusive video of Peter Jackson, James Cameron, Sigourney Weaver, Elizabeth Mitchell (“Lost,” “V”), and more. Finally, as ABC’s “Lost” celebrates its last year at Comic-Con, fan favorite Jeff “Doc” Jensen (@EWDocJensen on Twitter) presents exclusive video interviews with the cast and producers, as well as footage from his highly-anticipated “Totally Lost” panel.