Top Movie Apps for the Android (Guest Post)

With fast internet connectivity, high quality large screens and extensive app stores it has never been so easy to enjoy the world of movies from the palm of your hand as it is today. Smartphones now come with plenty of apps to help you find out about new movies, read reviews or even watch the movies for free! So, here are some of the best movie related apps available for Android smartphones to help you immerse yourself in the miniature silver screen.

IMDB

The ultimate source for movie info and reviews, the Internet Movie Database has been a popular destination for movie buffs the world over since it was launched back in 1990. Now you can access this goldmine of movie statistics from your Android smartphone thanks to the IMDB Android app.

The app allows you the same functionality that you would find on the IMDB website, but neatly reorganised for use on a phone. You can watch trailers for upcoming movies, check out the latest Box Office statistics or look up filmographies of your favourite actors and actresses.

This app can be a great way for discovering new movies based on your personal tastes while you are on the move, which you can then watch via other smartphone services on offer. The IMDB app is a free app that is available from Android Market.

Movies by Flixter

Offering a similar functionality to the IMDB app, the Flixter Movies app can provide quick access to movie reviews, screenshots and trailers. You can search through movies by genre or just check out the latest Box Office hits.

Flixter also allows you to find information about local movie theatres, should you wish to go and see a new movie after reading a review. Flixter can even inform you of restaurants close to your chosen movie theatre in case you want to get a bite to eat afterwards. Like IMDB, Flixter is available for free from Android Market.

Movielicious

Movielicious is an app that helps you to organise your movie library on your phone. Perhaps not that necessary for people with just a small number of videos, but for true movie buffs this can be a great way of keeping track of your favourite movies.

Movies can be displayed on a shelf like interface and Movielicious can even display when you have lent movies to friends to ensure you don't forget. Movielicious can integrate with the IMDB app providing you with detailed information about your movie collection. Movielicious also includes a barcode scanner so that you can easily add new titles to your collection.

Crackle

Crackle allows you to watch full length movies and TV shows straight from your phone, absolutely free! Even better, the app itself is completely free too, so you can enjoy top quality movie and TV entertainment directly from your smartphone for no cost at all.

Crackle has lots of full length movies on offer with many more added each month. You can browse by genre, or simply search for a desired movie to watch. There is no limit to how much you are permitted to watch on Crackle, and so it is perfect for all movie fanatics. However, it is currently only available in the United States, Canada, UK and Australia.

HTC Watch

HTC Watch is a bit like Crackle, although it is only available on newer HTC phones. While Crackle's selection of movies is fairly limited HTC Watch has a bit more to offer. Although plenty of the latest movies are available to stream or download from HTC Watch you will have to pay a small fee. However, you can also rent movies for a smaller payment.

The benefit of Watch compared to free services like Crackle is that there is a much better selection of movies on offer. HTC Watch is available on newer HTC Windows Phones as well as HTC Android phones such as the HTC Sensation XE and HTC Bass, but Watch is currently only available for HTC users.

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Movie Reviews and News

digstant released for iOS to help find instant streaming movies

Alexandria, Virginia - be | daronco has announced digstant for all iOS devices: iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. digstant is an instant streaming movie search to help you find the best place to watch a movie. With new instant steaming providers seemingly being added daily, it's hard to check all sources for a movie before you rent or purchase it. It gets even worse when you pay for a rental only to find out later that it was available from a service that you subscribe to.

digstant makes searching for streaming movies simple. When you enter a search in digstant, digstant will search providers such as Netflix Instant Watch, iTunes, Amazon Instant Videos, YouTube Movies, and premium cable channels on demand. The search results will help you determine the best place for you to watch your movie.

You can use digstant to find newly released videos too. New releases will be loaded automatically when you first launch digstant. These are provided by Rotten Tomatoes so you will also be able to see the Rotten Tomatoes rating for each new release. You can then simply tap on a new release to search the instant streaming providers to see where the movie is available.

More content providers will be added to digstant as they become available. Below are several of the features found in digstant:

* Search multiple instant streaming movie providers
* New video releases displayed on launch
* Rotten Tomatoes ratings of all new releases
* Filter search results by swiping left and right
* Movie details provided directly within app
* Preview available for iTunes results
* Shake to clear search results

"The idea for digstant came about due to me renting all of my movies online," said Blaine DaRonco, founder of be | daronco, LLC. "One day I rented 'Get Him To the Greek'. The next day I was flipping though tv channels and saw that it was playing on a pay channel that I subscribed to. So I could have saved myself four bucks if I had an easy way to search all of the instant streaming options I have. So digstant was born! At $.99 digstant pays for itself the first time you find a movie available on a subscription service."



Device Requirements:
* iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad
* Requires iOS 4.2 or later
* 5 MB of free space

Pricing and Availability:
digstant 1.0 is only $0.99 (USD) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Entertainment category. 

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Movie Reviews and News

Sherlock Holmes 2: A Game of Shadows Trailer

I don't know, this looks almost too action-packed... will they actually be able to fit in any deduction and suchlike?!?!

See also: Sherlock Holmes - The Definitive Collection review

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Movie Reviews and News

Sherlock Holmes: The Definitive Collection

I just posted my review of Sherlock Holmes: The Definitive Collection on Epinions. It's a detailed review of the 14-film collection of Sherlock Holmes films from the forties starring Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes and Nigel Bruce as Dr Watson.

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Movie Reviews and News

PARAMOUNT AND INDIAN PAINTBRUSH TEAM WITH REITMAN, WINSLET, AND BROLIN FOR “LABOR DAY”

HOLLYWOOD, CA (September 9, 2011) – Paramount Pictures and Indian Paintbrush jointly announced today they will co-produce, and Paramount will distribute, Academy Award®-nominated writer / director Jason Reitman’s LABOR DAY starring Academy Award®-winner Kate Winslet and Academy Award® nominee Josh Brolin. Indian Paintbrush will co-finance the project, with the company’s Steven Rales and Mark Roybal executive producing.

The movie will be produced by Academy Award®-nominated producers Lianne Halfon and Russell Smith of Mr. Mudd Productions, along with Reitman and Helen Estabrook of Right of Way Films.

Adapted by Reitman and based on the novel by Joyce Maynard, LABOR DAY tells the story of an escaped convict (Brolin) who seeks shelter with a single mom (Winslet) and her young son over a long Labor Day weekend.

The film marks the fourth collaboration for Jason Reitman and Paramount. His latest film “Young Adult,” starring Charlize Theron, will hit theaters on December 9, 2011. The studio previously released his Academy-Award® nominated “Up in the Air” in 2010. Earning over $160 million world-wide, the movie earned six Academy-Award® nominations, and five Golden Globe nominations, with Reitman taking home the Golden Globe for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Indian Paintbrush, Mr. Mudd and Right of Way Films also produced the upcoming Paramount Vantage film “Jeff, Who Lives At Home,” starring Jason Segel and Ed Helms. Directed by Jay and Mark Duplass, the movie is set for release in March 2012 and will have its world premiere at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival.

Kate Winslet and Josh Brolin are repped at CAA. WME reps Jason Reitman and Mr. Mudd.

ABOUT PARAMOUNT PICTURES CORPORATION
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. The company's labels include Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Digital Entertainment, Paramount Famous Productions, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., Paramount Studio Group and Paramount Television & Digital Distribution.


ABOUT INDIAN PAINTBRUSH
Indian Paintbrush, a film development/production/finance company, is currently in production on THE UNTITLED DRAKE DOREMUS PROJECT starring Guy Pearce, Amy Ryan and Felicity Jones. Indian Paintbrush and Paramount Pictures acquired Doremus' LIKE CRAZY at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival where it won the Grand Jury Prize as well as a Special Grand Jury Prize for Felicity Jones and Paramount Vantage will release the film on October 28, 2011. Indian Paintbrush is in post-production on: Lorene Scafaria’s SEEKING A FRIEND FOR THE END OF THE WORLD, starring Steve Carell and Keira Knightley to be released by Focus; Wes Anderson’s next feature, MOONRISE KINGDOM, starring Bruce Willis, Ed Norton, Bill Murray, Frances McDormand and Tilda Swinton, also distributed by Focus; and THE UNTITLED DAVID CHASE PROJECT with James Gandolfini, Brad Garrett, Bella Heathcote, Christopher McDonald, Molly Price and Lisa Lampanelli to be distributed by Paramount. Previously, Indian Paintbrush co-financed and executive produced Anderson’s FANTASTIC MR. FOX and THE DARJEELING LIMITED.

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Movie Reviews and News

Lionsgate UK board Colin Firth drama The Railway Man

COLIN FIRTH BOARDS EPIC DRAMA “THE RAILWAY MAN”


LIONSGATE TAKES UK DISTRIBUTION RIGHTS AND WILL HANDLE WORLDWIDE SALES

Friday 9 September, 2011. Lionsgate UK is thrilled to announce today that Oscar-winner Colin Firth has signed on to star in Frank Cottrell Boyce and Andy Paterson’s adaptation of Eric Lomax’s best-selling account of his torture during the construction of the Death Railway in World War II and his mission decades later to seek revenge on his tormentor.

The Railway Man marks the first major investment from Daria Jovicic’s Latitude Media. Jonathan Teplitzky will direct. Producers are Paterson (Girl With A Pearl Earring), Chris Brown (The Proposition) and Bill Curbishley (Quadrophenia, McVicar) with Lionsgate UK’s Zygi Kamasa executive producing. The film is an Official Australia/UK co-production between Archer Street and Pictures in Paradise.

Lionsgate UK CEO Zygi Kamasa comments: “To have Colin Firth in such a compelling story as The Railway Man is a real coup for us. We’re looking forward to working with Andy, Chris, Bill and Jonathan on this epic tale of love and redemption which we think will have universal appeal for audiences around the world.”

Jonathan Teplitzky said: “The Railway Man is an amazing story and to have the chance to make it with Colin Firth as Eric is really the best gift any director could hope for.”

Paterson and Teplitzky’s current production, Burning Man, a reckless and moving upside down love story starring Matthew Goode and Bojana Novakovic, premieres as a Special Presentation at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 10th.

The Railway Man will start shooting February 2012 on location in the UK, Thailand and Queensland, Australia. Transmission, who also pre-bought Burning Man, will release in Australia and New Zealand.

The film is being unveiled for sales for the first time at the Toronto International Film Festival. Lionsgate will handle worldwide sales.

Andy Paterson last worked with Colin Firth on Girl With A Pearl Earring. His previous films, including Hilary and Jackie, Restoration and Beyond The Sea have received multiple Oscar and BAFTA nominations.

Colin Firth is represented by CAA and Independent Talent. He will next be seen in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy directed by Tomas Alfredson

Chris Brown is an award-winning producer whose credits include The Company of Wolves, Mona Lisa, Dancing Through the Dark, The Proposition and Daybreakers. Based in Australia, He owns production company Pictures in Paradise in Queensland. In 2004 Brown won Independent Producer of the Year from the Australian Producers Association. He is currently executive producing BAIT 3D, being released by Paramount Pictures in February 2012.

Lionsgate UK’s upcoming slate includes Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, directed by Lasse Hallström, starring Emily Blunt, Ewan McGregor and Kristin Scott Thomas which Lionsgate is co-producing with BBC Films and Kudos Film and Television, and Lionsgate UK’s recently announced feature version of hit TV series The Professionals which will go into production later this year and its production of The Fallen, a new contemporary sci-fi adventure project to go into production later this year.

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Movie Reviews and News

UK Cinemas Announced For George Harrison: Living In The Material World Theatrical Release

Martin Scorsese documentary surveys the life and times of the iconic musician

Released across the UK on October 4^th

FROM GROVE STREET, SPITFIRE PICTURES AND SIKELIA

LONDON, September 12 2011 – Arts Alliance Media announced today that it will be releasing Martin Scorsese’s GEORGE HARRISON:  LIVING IN THE MATERIAL WORLD presented by Grove Street Pictures in cinemas across the UK on 4^th October 2011.  The film was produced by Scorsese (through his Sikelia Productions banner), Olivia Harrison (through her Grove Street Pictures banner) and Grammy Award winning Nigel Sinclair (through Exclusive’s documentary label, Spitfire Pictures).  Margaret Bodde served as executive producer on the film, which was edited by David Tedeschi, who previously worked with Scorsese, Bodde and Sinclair on “No Direction Home:  Bob Dylan,” and with Scorsese and Bodde on “Public Speaking.”  Tedeschi also edited Scorsese’s Rolling Stones concert film “Shine a Light.” 

GEORGE HARRISON: LIVING IN THE MATERIAL WORLD focuses the imaginative and inspired eye of one of cinema’s most preeminent filmmakers on one of the world’s most influential men.  The film takes viewers on the musical and spiritual voyage that was George Harrison’s life, much of it told in his own words.  The result is deeply moving and touches each viewer in unique and individual ways.

Academy Award^®-winning director Martin Scorsese traces Harrison’s life from his musical beginnings in Liverpool through his life as a musician, a seeker, a philanthropist and a filmmaker, weaving together interviews with Harrison and his closest friends, performances, home movies and photographs.  Much of the material in the film has never been seen or heard before.  The result is a rare glimpse into the mind and soul of one of the most talented artists of his generation and a profoundly intimate and affecting work of cinema.  The film includes interviews with Eric Clapton, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, George Martin, Paul McCartney, Yoko Ono, Tom Petty, Phil Spector, Ringo Starr and Jackie Stewart.  They speak honestly and frankly about George’s many talents and contradictions.

Comments Scorsese, “Like so many millions of people, I first came to know George through the music, which was the soundtrack of our world.  The Beatles’ music, those beautifully lyrical guitar breaks and solos, those unforgettable songs of George’s like ‘I Me Mine’ or ‘If I Needed Someone,’ and the images, in magazines, on album covers, the TV appearances, the newsreel footage, the Richard Lester movies; and then there was the world after the Beatles, when George and his music seemed to open up and flower.  I will never forget the first time I heard ‘All Things Must Pass,’ the overwhelming feeling of taking in that all glorious music for the first time.  It was like walking into a cathedral.  George was making spiritually awake music – we all heard and felt it – and I think that was the reason that he came to occupy a very special place in our lives.  So when I was offered the chance to make this picture, I jumped at it.  Spending time with Olivia, interviewing so many of George’s closest friends, reviewing all that footage, some of it never seen before, and listening to all of that magnificent music – it was a joy, and an experience I’ll always treasure”.

Notes Olivia Harrison, “Martin Scorsese’s intuition towards George was evident the first time we met to discuss this project.  He sensed what George was about:  his music, his strong beliefs, his art, his place in the Beatles’ story and his extraordinary life afterwards.  Marty’s wonderful film has found all of that and more”.

“This film was an extraordinary journey for all involved and it has been a sheer pleasure working with Martin Scorsese and Olivia Harrison to bring the amazing story and legacy of George Harrison to life,” adds Nigel Sinclair, CEO of Exclusive Media Group.

GEORGE HARRISON: LIVING IN THE MATERIAL WORLD will enjoy a unique, simultaneous theatrical release on October 4^th, and will screen for one night only in cinemas around the UK.  Participating cinemas include Picturehouse and selected independents.  Current cinema listings can be found below. The most up to date cinema listings can be found at www.facebook.com/georgeharrison

In addition to the October 4^th screenings, Picturehouse at FACT in Liverpool will be hosting a premiere screening on Sunday October 2^nd, and there will be an extended run of a week (October 3^rd – 9^th) at the Ritzy Cinema in Brixton, London. Tickets for all shows are on sale now.

Additionally, in October, Abrams Books will publish Olivia Harrison’s “George Harrison:  Living in the Material World,” a personal archive of photographs, letters, diaries and memorabilia from George’s life that reveals the arc of his life, from his guitar-obsessed boyhood in Liverpool, to the astonishment of the Beatles years, to his days as an independent musician and bohemian squire.  The book release is intended to coincide with the release of Scorsese’s film.

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Movie Reviews and News

Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House (1948)

Cary Grant and Myrna Loy are in good form here as a couple intent on moving out of their cramped apartment into a grand new home - but they come up against problem after problem, including their new house virtually falling to bits! Lots of slapstick and ironic humour, an exasperated friendly lawyer (Melvyn Douglas) trying to help (or at least, he usually seems to be trying to help...) - and Grant's character seeming to have 6 months to think up a 2-line advertising slogan, with nothing else to his job!

It's amiable enough fun, undoubtedly with the premise and cast it should have had more outright belly laughs, but it's still an enjoyable enough comedy. Directed by H C Potter (his first name was Henry not Harry - just in case you wondered!).

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Movie Reviews and News

Joe Wright to direct Working Title's Anna Karenina

JOE WRIGHT TO DIRECT ANNA KARENINA;
KEIRA KNIGHTLEY, JUDE LAW, AARON JOHNSON

TO STAR IN TOM STOPPARD-SCRIPTED ADAPTATION

LONDON, September 9^th, 2011 – Joe Wright will direct the epic romance Anna Karenina, adapted from Leo Tolstoy’s classic novel by Academy Award winner Tom Stoppard (Shakespeare in Love). The Working Title Films production will commence filming in the U.K. and Russia this month. Focus Features will distribute the movie domestically, and Universal Pictures International (UPI) will distribute the movie internationally, in the second half of 2012.

Anna Karenina marks Mr. Wright’s third Working Title movie with Focus and UPI, following the award-winning boxoffice successes Pride & Prejudice and Atonement. Also for Working Title and UPI, he directed The Soloist; also for Focus, he most recently directed the hit adventure thriller Hanna.

Working Title co-chairs Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner are producing Anna Karenina with Paul Webster; the three were Academy Award nominees as the producers of Mr. Wright’s Best Picture-nominated Atonement. Also with Focus, Mr. Webster was a Golden Globe Award nominee as producer of Eastern Promises.

Keira Knightley, Academy Award-nominated for Pride & Prejudice, will star as Anna Karenina in her third collaboration with Mr. Wright. Ms. Knightley will be starring opposite two-time Academy Award nominee Jude Law, as Anna’s husband Aleksei Karenin; and Aaron Johnson (Nowhere Boy), as Count Vronsky. Rounding out the cast will be Kelly Macdonald (Boardwalk Empire), Matthew Macfadyen (Pride & Prejudice), Domhnall Gleeson (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows), Alicia Vikander (The Seventh Son), two-time Academy Award nominee Emily Watson, Olivia Williams (Hanna), and Ruth Wilson (Luther).

Also reteaming with Mr. Wright on Anna Karenina are Academy Award-winning composer Dario Marianelli, twice-Academy Award-nominated costume designer Jacqueline Durran, and three-time Academy Award-nominated production designer Sarah Greenwood. The cinematographer will be Academy Award winner Philippe Rousselot. Melanie Ann Oliver (Focus’ Jane Eyre) will edit the feature. Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui will be the choreographer on the movie.

The story unfolds in its original late-19^th-century Russia high-society setting and powerfully explores the capacity for love that surges through the human heart, from the passion between adulterers to the bond between a mother and her children. As Anna (Ms. Knightley) questions her happiness, change comes to her family, friends, and community.

Mr. Bevan commented, “Everyone at Working Title is proud to affirm a longtime collaboration with Joe Wright through this, our fourth picture together. That we are able to re-convene cast and crew from Pride & Prejudice and Atonement makes it all the more exciting. We anticipate that this will be a defining screen version of Anna Karenina.”

Universal Pictures markets and distributes films internationally through Universal Pictures International (UPI), which officially began doing business on January 1, 2007. In the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, German-speaking Switzerland, Benelux, Russia, Australia, Mexico and France, UPI directly markets and distributes movies through our local offices, creating campaigns and release strategies that respond to the culture and market behavior of those territories. In other parts of the world, Universal distributes through Paramount’s local offices as it transitions out of the formerly shared UIP model. In some smaller territories we continue to work through UIP on theatrical distribution.

Working Title Films, co-chaired by Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner since 1992, is one of the world’s leading film production companies. Founded in 1983, Working Title has made nearly 100 films that have grossed over $4.5 billion worldwide. Its films have won 6 Academy Awards, 26 BAFTA Awards, and prestigious prizes at the Cannes and Berlin International Film Festivals. In addition to Anna Karenina, the 2011/2012 slate includes Tomas Alfredson’s thriller Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, starring Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, and Tom Hardy; Baltasar Kormákur’s Contraband, starring Mark Wahlberg and Kate Beckinsale; Asif Kapadia’s Senna, the company’s first documentary feature, about legendary race car driver Ayrton Senna; Rowan Atkinson in Johnny English Reborn, directed by Oliver Parker; and Ken Kwapis’ Everybody Loves Whales, starring Drew Barrymore and John Krasinski.

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Movie Reviews and News

SCI-FI BLOCKBUSTERS WEEKEND FRI 16TH – SUN 18TH SEPTEMBER

Sky Movies Sci-Fi & Horror HD are dedicating a weekend to the most recent blockbusters of this genre.
Titles include the visually stunning and long-awaited sequel Tron: Legacy and Tim Burton’s all-star remake of Planet Of The Apes (2001).  The weekend also includes an action-packed day of Comic Book Heroes on Sunday including Superman, The Hulk and Wolverine.

Friday 16th	7pm 9pm 11.05pm	G.I. Joe: The Rise Of Cobra Tron Legacy The Matrix Revolutions
Saturday 17th	7.10pm 9pm 11.30pm	Predators (2010) Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen The Book Of Eli
Sunday 18th	2.25pm 4.50pm 7.10pm 9pm 11.35pm	Superman Hulk X-Men Origins: Wolverine Superman Returns Planet Of The Apes (2001)

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Movie Reviews and News

World Renowned Composer James Horner Creates Score for Arabian Film Epic – ‘Black Gold’

Doha, 6 September 2011 - In an historic moment for Arab film-making and Middle Eastern creative talent, the world premiere of Arabian film epic, Black Gold, will open the Doha Tribeca Film Festival (DTFF) 2011. The movie, a unique and authentic insight into the region and one of the biggest cinematic projects ever undertaken in the Arab world, will set the agenda for the internationally-renowned festival.

Black Gold, co-produced by DFI and Tarak Ben Ammar’s Quinta Communications, is directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud and stars Antonio Banderas, Freida Pinto, Tahar Rahim, Mark Strong and Liya Kebede, amongst others. In a novel collaboration with the Arab Cinema Industry, Film-music legend, James Horner (Titanic, Troy, Avatar), recently composed the film’s score, at London’s famed Abbey Road Studios.

A star-studded cast will attend the opening night premiere and walk the red carpet at the Festival, to be held in Doha’s Katara Cultural Village from October 25-29.

Set in 1930’s Arabia, ‘Black Gold’ is a quintessential Arab tale, telling the story of two warring Emirs, who make a truce that binds them through family and mutual respect of a no man’s land that lies between their desert kingdoms. However, after oil is discovered in the barren sand of the ‘Yellow Belt’, the stage is set for control of the area and the riches it promises to yield. The film, shot jointly in Qatar and Tunisia, during the Tunisian revolutions, is both timely and relevant, poignantly charting the relationship between oil and Islam in Arabia, and the clash between culture, identity, modernity and tradition which continues to shape the region even today.

In another unprecedented move for international exposure of Qatari talent - vocalist, Fahad Al Kubaisi, recorded Black Gold’s opening track with Horner. In addition, Al Kubaisi recorded another of the film’s tracks, a traditional Bedouin song, with Qatari composer Abdulla Al Mannai.

Al Kubaisi was connected to Horner through DFI with a prospect to have his vocals contributed to the film’s soundtrack. However, upon hearing Al Kubaisi’s vocals, Horner offered him the film’s opening track – an opportunity that, Al Kubaisi says, was too good to refuse:

“To record with James Horner was a great privilege for me and I would like to thank Her Excellency Sheikha Mayassa and the Doha Film Institute for providing me with this once in a lifetime opportunity. It has allowed me to learn so much about the international industry and explore world music with a person who has made immense contributions to the global music scene.

He added: “But the biggest honour for me is the fact that I will be able to introduce the world to the sounds, voices and rhythms from this region. Also it’s a matter of great pride for people in Qatar to come together and celebrate a film which will bring our story, art and culture to the world.”

Amanda Palmer, Executive Director of the DFI, said: “Showing Black Gold as the opening film will be a real celebration of a truly home-grown project that we hope captivates audiences around the Globe. The film will be released to international audiences via Warner Bros and Universal Pictures on November 23, and we can’t wait to showcase the Arab talent and creativity that has gone into this project, and to also illuminate a part of the world that everyone wants to understand more about.”

She added: “The film epitomises the aims of DFI, from using Qatar as a filming location to nurturing regional talent, and is an important step for developing the local film industry. It is a project that Qatar should be really proud of and we really hope people will enjoy coming along to the Festival to watch it. I can honestly say I will be surprised if there is a dry eye in the house when the film premieres because this film is going to mean something for everybody here in Qatar.”

Commenting on the importance of Black Gold to Qatar’s expanding creative industries, DFI Festival Board Member H.E. Sheikh Jabor Bin Yousuf Al Thani, said: “Black Gold is an important step in strengthening foundations for a sustainable film industry here in Qatar. From a business development perspective, the project gave local industry sectors a valuable opportunity to learn about film production from the ground-level up.

“We hope the exposure of the film before global audiences and industry professionals will pave the way for future co-productions that showcase Arab talent and creativity in the right spirits, and send a message to the world that there is a viable Arab film market here in Qatar, and throughout the Middle East, with engaged and interested audiences.”

The Tunisian-born Tarak Ben Ammar, who owns Quinta Communications, said: “This is a quintessential Arab tale, the kind of story that a lot of young people may have heard from older relatives, so part of the idea was to chart a slice of our history in a really modern, engaging way – through a major motion picture.”

“It is a great triumph for the DFT and Quinta Communications and the decision to open the Doha Tribeca Film Festival with it is great news for everyone involved.”

Black Gold’s director, Jean-Jacques Annaud, added: “Black Gold’s director, Jean-Jacques Annaud, added: "The Qataris, and particularly our friends at the Doha Film Institute, have been remarkable in their efforts in working with as partners on Black Gold. I love sharing knowledge and it's been a privilege for me as a director to shoot in a place where no cameras have ever been."

At DTFF 2011, Black Gold will be the first of more than 40 diverse films for festival-goers to enjoy. The Festival, run by the DFI, is likely to draw a record-breaking audience of more than 50,000 people and will also host community events, including the hugely popular family day, as well as panels, networking sessions and educational filmmaking programs.

This year, DFI also welcomes Ludmila Cvikova as the Festival’s new Head of International Programming. Cvikova joins the DTFF Programming team, following over a decade of programming for the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR). In her long-running tenure as Programmer for IFFR Cvikova scouted talents and selected films from across the globe, including Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Turkey, Greece and the Balkan region. In addition to her rich experience as a jury member for various international film festivals,  Cvikova has also organised and curated a dynamic range of cultural events, programmes and retrospectives within the Netherlands and internationally.

More about Black Gold:

Movie Reviews and News: Arab Filmmakers Receive Vital Funding ...

Movie Reviews and News: Qatar's First International Co-production ...

First shot of Antonio Banderas released from set of Black Gold

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Movie Reviews and News

Shooting commences on "Good Vibrations"

5^th September 2011 – GOOD VIBRATIONS is currently in production and is shooting on location for 5 weeks in Belfast and the Republic of Ireland.  GOOD VIBRATIONS is financed by BBC Films, Bord Scannán na hÉireann/Irish Film Board, Northern Ireland Screen, BBC Northern Ireland, Immaculate Conception Films, Matador Pictures and Cinema One. The film is a Canderblinks Film & Music, Revolution Films and Treasure Entertainment production. The Works is handling international sales.

GOOD VIBRATIONS is the story of Belfast music legend Terri Hooley. The film stars Richard Dormer in the title role (Five Minutes of Heaven), Jodie Whittaker (One Day), Liam Cunningham (Hunger), Dylan Moran (A Cock and Bull Story) and Adrian Dunbar (The Crying Game).

The GOOD VIBRATIONS key creative team hail from Northern Ireland including husband and wife directing team Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn (Cherrybomb).  With a script by writers Colin Carberry and Glenn Patterson, it is being produced by Andrew Eaton (The Trip) and Chris Martin (Peacefire). David Holmes (Ocean's Eleven) is also on the producing team and will provide the score.

Terri Hooley (Dormer) is a radical, rebel and music-lover in 1970s Belfast. When the bloody conflict known as the Troubles shuts down his city; his friends take sides and take up arms, or leave the country. But Terri decides to open a record shop on the most bombed half-mile in Europe and call it Good Vibrations. It’s a gesture of defiance - but it seems no-one cares. The shop begins to attract a motley band of mouthy kids with a love of loud music and nowhere else to go: Belfast punks. When Terri hears the punk bands play, he hears the lost spirit of his city. Terri has found a mission. He needs to get this music and this energy heard in an outside world that’s written off Belfast. With these bands, he has a shot at resurrecting the city he loves, through the most powerful force he knows: music. Terri and his young punk protégés struggle against the myriad dark forces of the Troubles, and Terri’s own particular urge toward self-destruction, in a bid to create an alternative Ulster, to bring Belfast back to life.

Producers Andrew Eaton and Chris Martin said: "We are absolutely delighted to see this project come to fruition. To be able to tell the story of Belfast's godfather of punk, Terri Hooley, and to carry forward the resilience and spirit that was shown throughout the 70's and 80's Good Vibrations era. This ethos and spirit has been a major driving force in what we have done and will do as a production.”

Director of Photography is Ivan McCullough (The Eclipse); Production Design is by Derek Wallace (Triage); Costume Design by Maggie Donnelly (Five Minutes of Heaven) and the Editor is Nick Emerson (Cherrybomb). The film is Executive Produced by Joe Oppenheimer (BBC Films), Nigel Thomas (Matador Pictures), Bruno Charlesworth (Immaculate Conception Films), Robert Walpole and Rebecca O’Flanagan (Treasure Entertainment).

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Movie Reviews and News

Indiscreet (1958)

Teaming up Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman in a romantic comedy, with back-up from Cecil Parker (who I've always liked in whatever movie I see him in) and Phyllis Calvert, would seem like a sure-fire formula for a funny, enjoyable film. Sadly though Stanley Donen's dry direction and Norman Krasna's even dryer screenplay turn it into, apart from brief flashes of humour and a reasonably funny final sequence, a tedious bore. Cary Grant plays a man who admits that he's married whenever he starts an affair, but eventually people find out that this is a ruse.  Grant churns out the dialogue, Bergman frets or fawns, and basically nothing really works as it should in this movie.  It's supposedly a romantic comedy, but there was precious little comedy and even less romance!

Indiscreet is a massively missed opportunity. Watch Bringing Up Baby again if you need a Cary Grant fix!

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Movie Reviews and News

Press Release: Michael Jackson - the Life of an Icon

This is definitely not a film I'm going to be interested in, but some of you might, so here's the press release:

Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon

THE STORY OF THE 'KING OF POP' PRODUCED BY FRIEND DAVID GEST AND FEATURING THOSE THAT KNEW HIM BEST INCLUDING FAMILY MEMBERS KATHERINE JACKSON, TITO JACKSON & REBBIE JACKSON

AVAILABLE ON DVD AND BLU-RAY™ OCTOBER 31^st 2011

- GLOBAL FAN LAUNCH EVENT TO BE ANNOUNCED -

London, August 31st, 2011 – Prepare to go behind the headlines as producer and television star David Gest, Michael Jackson’s mother Katherine, brother Tito, sister Rebbie and more than fifty friends, peers and associates share intimate and fascinating stories about the singer’s celebrated life.  Released on DVD and Blu-ray™ on October 31^st 2011 from Universal Pictures International Home Entertainment, and featuring performance footage as well as never-before-seen family photography, Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon is a powerful behind-the-scenes account of the star’s life, providing fresh insight into his early years with the Jackson 5, his rise to global solo-stardom through to the final moments before his sudden death in 2009. 

Directed by Andrew Eastel and produced by Michael Jackson’s close childhood friend David Gest, Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon gives Katherine Jackson the first chance to tell her side of the story about Michael’s upbringing in Gary, Indiana, his relationship with father Joe, her support for her son during the court cases he challenged and her thoughts on the life he faced afterwards.  Rebbie Jackson, Michael’s eldest sister, gives a very rare interview and recounts the star’s childhood growing up in Gary, Indiana, as well as his difficulties with father Joe, his extraordinary bond with mother Katherine, and his decline in later years. Gest’s other best friend, Michael’s brother, Tito, provides an in-depth look into Jackson’s history and what his mother and family went through during the sensational molestation trial in 2005.

Michael’s mother Katherine says, “Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon is a truly remarkable film that captures the true character, wit and sensitivity of my son. Producer David Gest takes you on an emotional roller coaster that will bring people to tears as well as really understand who the man behind the music was and is.”

Producer and close friend David Gest says, “I have tried to show Michael in a truly unique light. I have spent the past fifteen months travelling the world interviewing people who were most important in his life. I believe this film will entertain and educate in equal measures about who the real Michael Jackson was. I hope this will serve as a lasting testament to the compassion and love that he had for all mankind. He was a very complex individual and this film reveals the many different facets of his personality.”

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Movie Reviews and News