John Hurt as Adam Sutler in “V for Vendetta”

By Michael Knox
Mknox@modernfilmzine.com

John Hurt will join the cast of Greek gods in “Immortals,” taking on the role of Zeus, according to a news release.

“Immortals” follows the mythological tale of the young warrior Theseus, who leads his men into battle with the immortal Greek gods to defeat evil and the powerful elder gods of the Titans in order to save mankind, according to the news release. Tarsem Singh directs the film that began shooting in Montreal this week.

Singh previously directed, “The Cell,” and “The Fall.”

Hurt, known for his roles in “Hellboy,” “V for Vendetta” and “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” as well as his upcoming role as Mr. Ollivander in the last two “Harry Potter” movies, will portray the earthly manifestation of the god Zeus.

Hurt’s character acts as a mentor and teacher to the young warrior Theseus. It was also announced this week, that Isabel Lucas (“Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” and “Daybreakers”) was brought onto “Immortals” as Athena, the daughter of Zeus who finds her loyalty tested as the war between the gods and Titans looms.

The two join Henry Cavill  who plays the young warrior, Theseus, and plays the character Charles Brandon on “The Tudors.”

Stephen Dorff (“Blade”) plays Stavros with Mickey Rourke (“Sin City” and “The Wrestler”) playing King Hyperion.

“Immortals” was previously titled, ‘War of the Gods,” according to the news release.

Distributed by Universal Pictures, “Immortals” will be produced by “300” producing partners Gianni Nunnari of Hollywood Gang Productions, Mark Canton of Atmosphere Entertainment MM. Ryan Kavanaugh, CEO of Relativity Media, will also produce on “Immortals.”

By T.S. Ross, tsross@modernfilmzine.com

Here are the nominations for the 81st annual Academy Awards. Along with the nominations I have also added my thoughts and personal choices on who should win, as well as a “Where is?” category for movies that I felt should have at least been recognized.

And the nominee’s are…

Best actor:

Richard Jenkins – “The Visitor”

Frank Langella – “Frost/Nixon”

Sean Penn – “Milk”

Brad Pitt – “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”

Mickey Rourke – “The Wrestler”

All good choices, though I still need to see “The Visitor” and “Benjamin Button”. Personally for me, it’s a toss up between Sean Penn and Mickey Rourke. If I had to pick; Rourke.

Where is? Colin Farrell for “In Bruges.”

Best Actress

Anne Hathaway – “Rachel Getting Married”

Angelina Jolie – “Changeling”

Melissa Leo – “Frozen River”

Meryl Streep – “Doubt”

Kate Winslet – “The Reader” …continue reading Academy Award Nominations Announced

By Michael Knox, mknox@modernfilmzine.com

In many respects Mickey Rourke’s personality is a reflection of his character, Randy “The Ram” Robinson, in the film, “The Wrestler.”

Like his character, he has spent time in the ring, performing as a professional boxer in 1991, but retiring in 1995. Plus he knows what it’s like to try and regain his status, with a history of being in the news. One such incident includes being arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department and charged with spousal abuse in 1994, according to the Internet Movie Database.

But his life has helped shape Rourke, and he’s made a turn around with his break out role in “The Wrestler.” Rourke was named this year’s Golden Globe award winner for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama …continue reading Mickey Rourke interview on his comeback in “The Wrestler”

By T.S. Ross, tsross@modernfilmzine.com

Here is the complete list of winners at Sunday’s 66th annual Golden Globe awards. Have to admit, it’s a list I have no complaints about, and I am pleasantly surprised to see Colin Farrell win for “In Bruges” in the best actor for musical or comedy . Go Colin.

And the winners are…  …continue reading 66th Golden Globe winners announced

By T.S. Ross, tsross@modernfilmzine.com

Whether it was being totally enraptured by these little masterpieces listed below, or trashing an equal amount of crap, I can say 2008 satisfied me on both ends (Yes, even the crap, I have a cruel sense of fun). Sadly though, as like last year, I just didn’t have the time nor money to see absolutely EVERYTHING this year.

I can easily name three movies I was dying to see, including, “Let the Right One In,” “Man on Wire,” and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” But like a music festival, you just can’t catch every show when all your favorite bands are playing at the same time.  So enough chit chat, here is my personal top ten of 2008, but first, a quick look at a couple stinkers. …continue reading Top 10 of 2008 by T.S. Ross

By Michael Knox, mknox@modernfilmzine.com

There’s still no news on who will be playing “Judge Dredd” in the new DNA Films production, but that’s not stopping fans from speculating on who the role should go to.

The Internet Movie Database is listing that the new “Judge Dredd” movie should be out in 2012.

Surfing the net I found that many people were pulling for Jason Statham (of the “Transporter” series and “Bank Job”) as well as Ray Stevenson, who just came out as another tough guy in “Punisher : War Zone.”

The comic book adventures of Judge Dredd feature the ultra intense law enforcement character working in the futuristic confines of Mega-City One. A guy that makes Clint Eastwood’s “Dirty Harry” look like a pacifist. So it’s going to have to be somebody that can break heads.

…continue reading Casting chatter: Who should be “Judge Dredd”?