2011 has come and gone and left quite the assortment of movie news in its wake. There’s been poster after poster, trailer after trailer and more casting updates than we can count. With so much news out there, how can anything possible be memorable enough to stick even after the year comes to a close? Well, turns out, there is a way and actually, more than one of them. Controversy, notoriety and sheer good filmmaking, the very first Movie New Cheat Sheet of 2012 takes a look back at some unforgettable Cheat Sheet items of 2011. 1. Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen: We get a ton of big casting news…

Over a decade ago, Bryan Singer’s adaptation of the “X-Men” comic book franchise gave the modern superhero genre a kick in the pants, seeding action thrills with deeper ethical conflicts, and laying the groundwork for both the grander commercial success (think “Spider-Man”) and some of the more artistic-minded noodling of a wide variety of genre followers (see also: Ang Lee’s “Hulk”). A prequel to the original trilogy, director Matthew Vaughn’s ”X-Men: First Class” is a slick piece of pop entertainment marked by smarter than average characterizations and some solid performances, and it confirms that mainstream Hollywood studio films can indeed – with some effort, and the oversight of a savvy producer – still…

Title: The Tree Director: Julie Bertucelli Starring: Charlotte Gainsbourg, Morgana Davies, Marton Csokas, Aden Young, Gillian Jones, Penne Hackforth-Jones, Christian Bayers, Tom Russell, Gabriel Gotting, Zoe Boe A tender, well sketched drama of familial reconnection and rebirth in the wake of tragedy, Julie Bertucelli’s The Tree, a French-Australian co-production set in the rural environs of the latter country, for the most part successfully balances the literal and metaphorical in its telling of coping with loss, and trying to move on after the death of a loved one. Engaging acting and some gorgeous and involving cinematography make this movie a treat for arthouse audiences. When her truck-driver husband Peter (Aden Young)…

Title: Life, Above All Director: Oliver Schmitz Starring: Khomotso Manyaka, Lerato Mvelase, Aubrey Poolo, Keaobaka Makanyane, Harriet Lenabe A debut at last year’s Cannes Film Festival and the closing night gala presentation at the recent Human Rights Watch Film Festival, Oliver Schmitz’s “Life, Above All” is a well constructed, emotionally rich, issues-oriented drama that unfolds through the perspective of a determined young South African girl. Based on Allan Stratton’s respected novel “Chanda’s Secrets”, the movie should receive modest embrace in arthouse and specialty markets drawn to foreign films, especially given the gravity and unfortunately enduring topicality of the tough circumstances with which its grown-up-too-soon protagonist grapples. In a dust-ridden village on the outskirts…

Title: The Tree of Life Director: Terence Malick Starring: Brad Pitt, Jessica Chastain, Hunter McCracken, Sean Penn Just as religion isn’t for everyone these days, same can be said for ‘The Tree of Life.’ The 138 minute unstructured displays is the calling card of Terrence Malick. For those needing more elaboration on that last statement, this is an art house flick that presents scenarios with images and a narrative dialogue. There is a working script with characters, and if one is patient, they will understand the plot. What they may not comprehend is why this storytelling approach is considered entertaining? Or for that matter, genius? And I’m not saying the…

Good evening, Shockya readers! Yes, it’s Sunday again and that means it’s back to school or work tomorrow, but at least we’ve got some great movie-related conversation starters to brighten up your day. Amongst the mass of information this week comes a few release date changes, some casting updates and news from the Cannes Film Festival. On top of that, Hunger Games addicts rejoice, because this week brought us our very first look at Jennifer Lawrence as the film’s heroin, Katniss Everdeen and she looks fantastic. Check out Lawrence all suited up for the arena as well as a shot of Tom Hardy rocking the Bane costume and more in…

Hey there, Shockya.com readers. Have a good week? There are tons of great things happening in the film industry right now from new and impressive trailers to a thriving prominent film festival and some on-the-nose casting decisions. We’ve got updates on The Expendables 2, Final Destination 5, The Hunger Games and so much more. Want to know more? You know what to do; check out this week’s Movie News Cheat Sheet! 1. Expendables 2 Poster and Synopsis: Just because The Expendables 2 still lacks a director and cast doesn’t mean it can’t have a poster and synopsis, right? This time last year, Expendables banners decorated the streets of Cannes and…

The Cannes Film Festival is underway as is the promotional campaign for the upcoming Shrek spinoff, Puss in Boots. In honor of the debut of 15 minutes of the film, Puss in Boots voice stars, Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek hit the red carpet overseas for er, a Puss party? Dancers on the boardwalk introduced Banderas and Hayek who appeared on top of a gigantic boot. After the mini show, the duo climbed down to answer a few questions about the film, due out on November 4th, 2011. “It’s not the typical spinoff,” Hayek explained. “It really has its own space and style and feeling, sensation.” As for working with…

Rachel McAdams sported pink Casadei satin pumps at the May 11th Cannes Film Festival premiere of her upcoming Woody Allen-written-and-directed romantic comedy ‘Midnight in Paris.’ The actress, who portrays Inez in the film, wore the scarlet lace silhouette and gold satin blade heels with a red and pink lace dress at the premiere, which she attended with co-star and real-life boyfriend Michael Sheen. Casadei shoes are known for their luxury, sophistication, meticulous attention to detail and handscraftsmanship. Over the past 50 years, the company has become popular among such celebrities as Drew Barrymore, Halle Berry, Penelope Cruz, Angelina Jolie, Ashley Greene, Katie Holmes, Kate Hudson, Rihanna, Sarah Jessica Parker and…

Title: Poetry Writer-director: Lee Chang-dong Starring: Yun Jung-hee, Lee David, Kim Hira, Kim Yong-taek, Ahn Nae-sang A former high school teacher and novelist turned filmmaker, South Korean Lee Chang-dong has, with movies like Peppermint Candy, Oasis and Secret Sunshine, crafted a body of work ripe with mesmeric understatement, shining a light on quotidian pain and delight, and locating meaning as much in how his characters don’t react to certain situations as in any more active plotting. His latest film, Poetry, the Best Screenplay award winner at last year’s Cannes Film Festival, centers on a sixtysomething grandmother who, after learning two bits of potentially devastating news, tries to center herself and find release…