ShoWest: First Reaction to Woody Allen's Whatever Works

While Woody Allen's latest film, Whatever Works, isn't due out in theaters until June 19th, I'm anxious to put up my reaction, because I thoroughly enjoyed it and have a lot to say. Sony Pictures Classics showed Whatever Works at ShoWest in Las Vegas today, and while I can't write a full review yet, I can tell you about it. If you haven't already heard, the film stars Larry David and Evan Rachel Wood, and is about an odd relationship the two build after a chance meeting. It's Allen's 42nd film and not exactly a big departure from his past work. It is his standard New York talky, but actually one of his best films in recent years.

ShoWest: Sony Confirms Men in Black 3 and Ghostbusters 3

Over the last year or so, we've heard rumblings on numerous exciting projects in works within Sony. Back in September we reported that another Men in Black was in development, although it was too early on for any details, and it wasn't official. Additionally, we've written countless times about the Ghostbusters reboot that is already in the works, with Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky writing. During Sony's presentation today at ShoWest, Sony president of worldwide distribution, Rory Bruer, mentioned that not only is Spider-Man 4 in the works for 2011, but so are a new Men in Black and a new Ghostbusters.

ShoWest: First District 9 Footage - Keep Your Eye on This!

I just left Sony's big presentation at ShoWest in Las Vegas and in addition to a few teasers of their summer line-up, they debuted the first ever footage from Peter Jackson's big summer action movie District 9. You've probably never heard of this movie, right? We wrote a big article about it way back in July last year, after a big viral hit the halls of Comic-Con (see above). But no one knows anything about it, most people haven't heard of it, and it's a very small production with a small cast. In fact, no one even knows when its been shooting! But this footage was great, and this is one you should definitely keep your eye on!

ShoWest: G.I. Joe Footage was Quite a Cheesy Let Down

Before I head off to play some poker in Vegas, I've got to write up my reaction to the five minutes (or so) of new G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra footage that Paramount showed before a screening of The Soloist. I've got to admit, Paramount has had a bad track record with this footage. Every year they screen one of their movies at ShoWest, and every year they show some preview footage before it. The first year I went it was Transformers, and I didn't like what I saw (at the time), last year it was The Love Guru, I don't think I need to say more. This year it was G.I. Joe, and it was also pretty bad, but maybe I'm jumping the gun?

ShoWest: Sherlock Holmes is a Comedy? Is It That Bad?

Earlier today at ShoWest in Las Vegas, Warner Brothers president Alan Horn lead a "State of the Industry" presentation, and debuted the first trailer for Sherlock Holmes. The first thing you need to know is that this isn't the Sherlock Holmes you know… It a funky way, it's kind of like if Snatch were about a British detective from the 1800s, which is exactly what it is, thanks to Guy Ritchie writing and directing. The reaction didn't seem to be overly positive, at least coming from a few other writers that I know. It is a bit of a shock at first, because it's such a big departure from expectations, and I hope most people still like it.

ShoWest: Disturbia, El Cantante, and Hot Fuzz Take Deux

This final piece from ShoWest last week covers the few films I screened and wanted to mention. Primarily I want to focus on Disturbia, which I enjoyed quite a damn bit. I also saw El Cantante, a biopic about salsa music and its frontrunner Hector Lavoe starring Jennifer Lopez, and Hot Fuzz for a second time, where I was joined by Ain't It Cool News' Quint, ComingSoon's Ed Douglas, and IESB's Robert Sanchez, who were all seeing it for a second time, too.

I'm not giving full reviews of each, as I'm not yet allowed, but I wanted to voice my opinion on Disturbia, and just how great it was, so much so that you should definitely see it opening day.

Holy Hairspray - This Is Going To Be Good!

At ShoWest yesterday I had the pleasure of attending the big "gala" event of the entire show for New Line's upcoming summer film Hairspray, adapted from the musical (and original John Waters film). The full on extravaganza featured about 20 minutes of footage that would end up in a live performance on the stage from the respective singer in the movie. In addition to plenty of good free food, almost the entire cast was present: John Travolta, Christopher Walken, Queen Latifah, Michelle Pfeiffer, James Marsden, Elijah Kelley, Zac Efron, and newcomer Nicole Blonsky as the lead. And honestly, I was impressed at the footage I saw, and have a feeling this might be a big summer hit!

ShoWest Transformers Footage Seen!

The Transformer named Blackout in the movie.

At ShoWest here in Vegas I just returned from a screening of Disturbia (a great movie on its own that I'll talk about later). Before the screening began, the one and only Mr. Michael Bay took the stage to introduce and present roughly 15-20 minutes of clips (3 different scenes in total) from Transformers. The scenes have already been show at various places, including Toy Fair in February and via Ain't It Cool News - check either of those for the complete description, however my response is onwards.

First Look at Lionsgate's 2007 Logos

I know this is a mundane image of a big banner at ShoWest, but it's our first look at some of Lionsgate's logos and special features coming up in 2007, including Saw IV and their animated movie Foodfight! The official Lionsgate luncheon is tomorrow, where a whole new set of features and clips are expected to be shown, so keep watch here on FS.net for more info tomorrow as well.

Pirates 3 Is Going to be Epic - New Trailer Details!!

Out at ShoWest in Las Vegas I walked inside of the opening ceremony presentation the moment before the trailer for Pirates of the Caribbean 3 began, just perfectly in time. It was an experience to behold, as the screen was as large as the entire Broadway stage it was on and the projector was the most beautiful, brilliant picture I've ever seen (and I mean ever). Without further ado, here are a few details from the new trailer that I remember.

ShoWest: Talk to Me Reaction

I have to be careful, as this was a very early cut of the movie, and I don't want (nor am I allowed) to post a full review. However, I wanted to make a point to say just how much I really loved this movie. There was a showing last night for ShoWest in Las Vegas and I've been looking forward to checking it out since the trailer premiered a couple of weeks ago. Man, was this ever worth it!

From ShoWest in Las Vegas Next Week

This upcoming week I will be out in sunny Las Vegas all week long for the film industry convention known as ShoWest. This annual expo is where all big movie theater owners and managers and all of the movie studios meet-up for a week long of festivities and screenings. It's not a public event at all - you have to be a theater owner or manager or in the film industry to get a pass (just like E3 for gaming, but even more strict). What will be of interest to all of you readers will be big premieres of never-before-seen footage and screenings of early films.