Watch Out for the Wachowski's Speed Racer Movie

The Wachowski brothers are at it again, dishing out movie stuff that they wanted to watch as kids. Known for integrating anime and other Oriental elements into their productions, they are now making the live action adaptation of Speed Racer, a classic 1960s anime by Tatsuo Yoshida which came out as a full cartoon feature in the early nineties.

What's Speed Racer all about? Fast cars and racing featuring the hero's Mach 5. See how the live action version compares with the cartoon design. The new movie stars Christina Ricci. It would surely be another delicious treat from the Wachowskis as fans would want to see how they would change the elements of the cartoon into something believable.

Natalie Portman Materializes in Goya's Ghosts

Natalie Portman stars in Milos Forman's film Goya's Ghosts, which tells the story of how Goya, the painter gets involved with the Spanish Inquisition after his lady muse gets indicted by the Church for heresy. Her father asks for his assistance in the hope that his closeness with a painting subject, Brother Lorenzo can pull some strings. Will the situation bring out ghosts from Goya's past? The film is set in the 18th century and will certainly appeal to history and art buffs as well as costume movie fans.

New York Enchants Fairy Tale Princess in Disney Movie

Where would Disney pictures be if it weren't for the princesses that made it big? Nowhere! That's why it's made another princess movie, but it's not your typical one. This one has a princess that's been banished by the evil queen from her magical fairy tale land into modern day America, specifically New York! She finds herself enchanted by this new world and falls in love with a lawyer. The movie stars Amy Adams and Patrick Dempsey. It is directed by Kevin Lima.

He Was a Quiet Man to Make Noise Soon

William H. Macy stars in He Was a Quiet Man together with Christian Slater. Teasers say it is a movie about a simple office worker who becomes a hero when he rescues a woman's life. But what is this all about? If you go to the official website of the movie, you will see a man holding what appears to be explosives to his chest. Only then will you realize that its about someone who goes insane and does something that harms or puts others in harm's way for no reason other than what's going on in his mind. But why does it always have to be the quiet guy?

Star Wars to Invade Television

George Lucas is slowly paving the way for more Star Wars on television after the success of the stylized 2D Clone Wars series which appeared on the Cartoon Network. This time, the Clone Wars will come to you in 3D animation and will be shown with a live action Star Wars series which will follow the times and trials of jedi warriors. Shown above is the all-too-familiar face of Yoda as featured in starwars dotcom. What would Star Wars fans do without him?

Click here to watch a licensed sneak preview of the Clone Wars movie from thenewsroom.

Becoming Jane Follows Transformation of Jane Austen

Anne Hathaway of Princess Diaries fame stars in Becoming Jane, a biopic of author Jane Austen. The film follows Austen as she matures and becomes the writer we know today. Fans of Hathaway will love this film as she plays another character---a historical one at that--- that gets to wear beautiful period costumes. In the movie, Austen's romance with a young, handsome Irishman is emphasized.

The film is directed by Julian Jarrold and written by Kevin Hood and Sarah Williams. It also stars James McAvoy, Julie Walters, James Cromwell, Maggie Smith, and Joe Anderson.

"How to Enhance Children's Imagination of the Past When Teaching History"

Introducing the Dwights Movie Is About Family

The poster of the movie Introducing the Dwights (aka Clubland) basically sums up what it's all about. The boy leaning towards a girl with his mother holding him back is a classic situation which may be all too familiar with some of you reading this. It is about a kid's coming of age and the difficulties he encounters even as his comedian mother complicates matters by purposely getting in the way.

The movie stars Academy Awards nominee Brenda Blethyn (left).

Book of Secrets Tackles Lincoln Assassination

There's a new National Treasure movie called Book of Secrets. Once again, Treasure Hunter Benjamin Franklin Gates (played by Nicholas Cage) uncovers secrets. This time, its from the missing 18 pages of assassin John Wilkes Booth's diary. Yes, we've seen this kind of movie before in The Da Vinci Code, but it still makes for good old-fashioned adventure-thriller entertainment. The movie also stars Helen Mirren, Harvey Keitel, and Jon Voight.

"How to Enhance Children's Imagination of the Past When Teaching History"

New Flash Gordon Star Not a Comic Book Fan

Eric Johnson (left), who plays the new Flash Gordon in the Sci Fi Channel says he wasn't a fan of comic books or super heroes when he was a kid. He says to Entertainment Weekly that he knew zero to nothing of the character. "When I was a kid, I never got into comic books. I was too lost in my own fantasy world to be reading about others. My wife, she's the comic book geek in our home. Like most people, I'd heard the name, but I wasn't familiar with the mythos. I watched a variety of things — of course, the movie from 1980, and I saw some of the original serials that were done in the '30s, and A&E actually did a biography of Flash Gordon, so they bought that online for me. Wikipedia helped. The Internet is full of information. He also had this to say about Queen's Flash Gordon theme which was used for the 1980 Dino De Laurentiis movie, "You know, I kind of wish that every time I stepped on set, that song would play. That'd be pretty cool." The picture on top gives a peek to Flash Gordon's car, which Johnson calls "The Flashmobile." Flash Gordon debuts August 10. Eric Johnson may also be seen as Whitney in Smallville.

Read more of the interview here.

Flashback stills from the 1987 movie version with Sam Jones and Ornella Muti:

He-Man a Movie Again after Dolph Lundgren

Remember during the eighties when the cartoon series He-Man was a hit? Then came Dolph Lundgren (left) in playing the muscle-morphing character in his skimpy warrior outfit in the 1987 movie version. It was Lundren's memorable nice-guy role after playing a mean Russian contender who became responsible for the death of Apollo Creed in the Rocky movie series. Well, He-Man is coming again and he will again be fighting Skeletor for a battle of Eternia and Castle Grayskull. It's nothing new really but those who grew up with the cartoon will want to see how He-Man will be re-envisioned for the 21st century. The new generation who are not too familiar with him may want to see it so long as the movie is marketed to appeal enough for them. Pictured on top is He-Man with his counterpart, She-Ra on a poster for a Christmas special.

Good Luck Chuck Movie Pokes Fun on Male Ego

Good Luck Chuck is a movie about men and how they get or fail in getting their women. This is a comedy in which a guy who ends his relationship with a longtime girlfriend discovers that her ex "instantaneously" gets engaged to the next man she gets involved with. If this isn't devastating enough, he gets mired in this loop that doesn't seem to be ending. Directed by Mark Helfrich, it stars Jessica Alba among a host of other actors and actresses. What do you think of the teaser poster of her?

Silver Surfer Quarter Minted for Circulation

Movie marketing is going where no surfer has gone before! 20th Century Fox and the Franklin Mint have joined forces to create the first Silver Surfer US quarter in preparation for the upcoming Fantastic Four movie: Rise of the Silver Surfer. Over 40,000 coins have been dispatched already in special silver-armored vans.

A side of the limited-edition collector's quarter has a color-enhanced image of the Silver Surfer, with the movie's Web site. Finders of the coin can participate in the Search 4 Silver campaign, and can register to win a trip for four to London. Fans of the Fantastic Four will love this coin and will most likely keep it framed and tucked away safely in velvet. For others who are just into it for the entertainment and celebrities, well, they'd probably prefer Jessica Alba. She'd look good on a coin don't you think?

The Bionic Woman to Be Remade

Heads up! There is a movie remake of the 1970s science-fiction action television series The Bionic Woman. This series was actually a spin-off of the highly popular The Bionic Man, about an astronaut who crashes to earth and is rebuilt using robotic body parts, then becomes an agent of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The Bionic Woman follows the same plot, although she is a tennis player who gets injured in an accident and gets a different set of cybernetic gadgets in her body, like a bionic ear.

The original bionic woman was played by Lindsay Wagner (top) who was paired with "bionic man" Lee Majors. This time, it's been officially announced by BBC news that former EastEnders star Michelle Ryan (left) will fill her shoes. She beat other hopefuls for the plum role.

Nicole Kidman in The Golden Compass Movie

Nicole Kidman lights up the fantasy-adventure movie The Golden Compass. Based on the first book of the bestselling trilogy His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman, the story is set in a parallel universe where animals have souls and can communicate with people and other creatures of that world. Someone has been kidnapped by a group called the Gobblers and a young girl (played by Dakota Blue Richards) sets out on a quest to rescue her friend. Her choices affect not only the fate of her world but the Earth's as well as the two realities become intertwined. Fans of the fantasy series will be thrilled to see how the movie plays out and depicts the strange characters described in the book.

Nicole Kidman gives birth to baby girl named Sunday

Star Wars Fans Endure Movie Marathon

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Star Wars series of George Lucas, fans endured 17 hours in the Los Angeles Convention Center watching all six movies of the series. A few thousand showed up for the screening. Spokesman Jonathan Zaleski said "the saga spans 30 years, it spans multiple generations of fans as well. There are people in costume, families. It's an interesting mix. You get the usual assortment of Storm Troopers running around," he added. "I imagine it's pretty uncomfortable to sit for 17 hours encased in plastic."

Aside from the screening, there was an exhibit of movie props, autograph signing, and even a Storm Trooper Olympics. The event was open free to fan club members and to the paying public. The photo shows fans in costume posing against a billboard of a forty-one cent US stamp designed for the anniversary.

Barbarella Movie to Be Directed by Robert Rodriguez

Robert Rodriguez will be directing the 2008 version of the classic 1968 B movie, Barbarella, a sci-fi action flick the likes of which will appeal to fans of Heavy Metal magazine. The original starred Jane Fonda as a sexy mercenary and was produced by Dino de Laurentiis, the same guy who gave us the Sindbad series and Flash Gordon. The new movie will be penned by Neal Purvis and Robert Wade of Casino Royale fame. It will be produced by Martha De Laurentiis.

According to Rodriguez, "I love this iconic character and all that she represents, and I'm truly excited by the challenge of inviting a new audience into her universe." Dino De Laurentiis says of the remake: "In our vision, the future is female, and I can't wait to introduce 'Barbarella' to a new generation of moviegoers," he said.

Barbarella first appeared in a French comic book written and illustrated by Jean-Claude Forest.

Lindsay Lohan Plays Stripper Stalked By a Killer

Lindsay Lohan plays a stripper in the movie I Know Who Killed Me. In the movie, she gets stalked by a killer. Lohan reportedly put herself into the role by visiting strip bars and even performing clumsily on the stage (to the chagrin of some) just to get into the spirit, so to speak.

"I've been in pole-dancing lessons, S Factor by Sheila Kelley, every day for four hours," Lohan said. "I have bruises all over. That's why I haven't worn shorts."

Lohan really worked hard to play a stripper in this movie. With all the partying and exposure she had been getting, she may look the part now.

Mary Jane Figurine Hits Spidey Fans Like a Bolt

Yes, this figurine pictured here is really supposed to be Mary Jane Watson, Spider-Man's wife. This controversial figurine shows, with obvious intent, a male-fantasy Mary Jane with a perfectly-countoured and svelte figure with a revealing outfit.

The fact that she seems happily doing domestic chores for Spider-Man sends the message that this is what wives of superheroes should be doing and not striving to be actresses (like what the character obviously wanted to do). Female fans of the character might not be too pleased. But this is obviously designed with the male psyche in mind and will surely bring big bucks to the sellers, and Marvel of course, which has licensed it.

Many fans might actually want a different version of the figurine. One suggestion is that she be portrayed on stage, acting. This can be made to appeal to young, male blood by still making her figure and outfit sexy enough but not too trashy.

The figurine is available at Sideshow Collectibles for $124.99. With that high a price tag, only young adults with the cash and enough interest in comic books and collectibles may even think of purchasing it. The others who are less privileged will have to be content on pictures such as the ones here to use as their Desktop wallpaper.

More Rambo 4 You!

John Rambo doing his old job again of turning angst and anger against enemies and a war which he'd rather not be a part of if it weren't for circumstances that surround him. Whew! But, like in the other movies, he still immerses himself in the bloodbath and ends up being our favorite antihero, though he may have more control of his anger this time around.

In the sequel, Rambo has lived a peaceful life with his family (courtesy of the government) for more than a decade when he becomes a target of racists. His family, particularly his daughter, falls in danger and he rescues them. That's the gist of it all, but what's really important is to see how the events take place.

Sylvester Stallone's latest Rocky was received well by audiences. Will this new Rambo follow suit and fill more of the void in your head than the last one? Stallone's face seems more chubby here but that doesn't mean there's less beef in the action. Hopefully, the plot will also have heft.

Nic Bettauer's Duck Movie Coming Soon

"Duck" is a movie about an elderly, dispossessed man and a duck who follows him around like he's it's mother in Los Angeles. The last park of Los Angeles is closed in 2009 (this movie is set in the future) and the man and the duck go west on a quest for water. This one is directed by Nic Bettauer and stars Bill Cobbs.

Shazam Movie to Hit Like Lightning

There's a big screen version of the popular boy-comic superhero Shazam, otherwise known as Captain Marvel, coming to hit fans like lightning, soon! If you're not familiar with this DC hero, he's the kid, who, when he yells "Captain Marvel" (or is it "Shazam"?) transforms into a big guy in a red suit with a lightning bolt on his chest. No, it's not the Flash. The Flash is a much smaller guy. Captain Marvel is big enough to be played by someone like The Rock. Indeed, it has been rumored that The Rock will be playing a part in the movie, but whether it's Captain Marvel or a villain (like Black Adam) is still a question. The movie will be directed by Peter Segal, who also helmed Anger Management.

The Greatest American Hero Movie Is Here!

To those who lived it up in the eighties as a kid, teenager, or young adult, you must have loved Stephen J. Cannel's comedy-adventure series with a heart---The Greatest American hero (1981-83 on ABC), starring William Katt, Connnie Sellecca, and Robert Culp. It is about an ordinary guy, schoolteacher Ralph Hinkley, who is given superhero powers when he ends up with a special suit from an alien being. The problem is that he had lost the "how-to-use-book" that comes with it. That's where the comedy and surprises come in. It's what made the series appealing to a wide audience. It also made the theme song, "Greatest American Hero (Believe It or Not)" by Joey Scarbury, hugely popular. Now, it's a movie from Touchstone Pictures and promises to give you the same brand of entertainment as the series did. It will also undoubtedly revive the theme to new heights of popularity. Coming soon!

The picture that follows shows actor William Katt flying over the stage in the TV Land Awards, 2008 dressed as superhero Hinkley.

See how green tea antioxidants help prevent cancer. Click here.

Quotes in Superhero Movies Like Spider-Man Are Popular

In Spider-Man, the quote "With great power comes great responsibility" hit it big, even though it was directly taken from the comic book. In Spider-Man 3, it is about "making the right choices that makes you who you are." Batman Begins has plenty of quotes like Alfred's "You fall so that you can get up again." But the most defining one is what's told by Rachel Dawes (left) to Bruce Wayne, "It is not who you are underneath but it's what you do that defines you."

Somehow, quotes make superhero movies more real, engaging, and meaningful. They take fiction into the world of reality where the real villains are the challenges that each one of us has to face. Don't you think so? What's your favorite (superhero) movie quote?

FLASH: Watch out for the Superhero movie in 2008. It's made by the same guys who made Scary movie. Yes, it'll be hilarious!