Andy Serkis sat down with the Los Angeles Times’ Hero Complex to talk about his acting performances–one of which, his role as Caesar in “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” has garnered him a Critic’s Choice Movie Award nomination and is also getting Oscar buzz. “What’s fantastic is that there’s a real growing appreciation for performance-capture technology as a tool for acting,” Serkis said when asked by the LA Times about receiving his nomination. “Over the years, people have asked me, ‘Do you think there should be a separate category for acting in the digital realm? Or hybrid sort of awards for digital characters?’ and so on. And I’ve…

Title: Happy Feet Two Director: George Miller Starring the Voices: Elijah Wood, Robin Williams, Ava Acres, Pink, Sofia Vergara, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Common, Hugo Weaving, Hank Azaria Talk about a versatile director. George Miller, who years ago was at the helm for all the gritty and violent Mad Max films, dials up some of the most tender and heartfelt moments depicted on screen this year with “Happy Feet Two.” As of today, the front-runner for Best Animated Film for 2011 has arrived. And for someone (me) who historically pans the 3D gimmick, it’s actually put to good use in this 105 minute presentation. We pick up with the dancing…

Yes, it’s Sunday, but aren’t you getting that summer vibe? Soon enough school will be out and offices will readjust their hours and rules to fit the new season. Regardless, Shockya.com will still be here to bring you the best of the best in film news every Sunday night. The latest movie updates are still useful beach and poolside, right? It should come as no surprise that this weekend’s Cheat Sheet is brimming with, well, for lack of better terms, unoriginal material. We’ve got sequels, book-to-film adaptations and role reprisals as we’ve got updates on The Hobbit, The Hunger Games, a new Dumb and Dumber potentially in the works and…

“Hobbit” fans! The first footage from “The Hobbit: Part One” has been released! The 10-minute footage (seen below) is chock-full of behind-the-scenes videos featuring stunt-work, cast introductions, set design, and more. And apparently, from what director Peter Jackson says in the beginning of the video, this footage is the first of several video blog posts. Ironically, the footage reminds me a bit like the behind-the-scenes footage shot for the “Star Wars” prequels, what with showing the making of the swords, the stunt work, Jackson looking over designs and sketches, etc. But, unlike the “Star Wars” prequels, it feels like there’s tons more love going into this film. Everyone on set…

Elijah Wood has confirmed he’ll return to his most high-profile role to date, Frodo Baggins, in the two upcoming ‘Hobbit’ movies, Collider.com is reporting. The actor will reunite with Cate Blanchett and Hugo Weaving, who have also confirmed that they’ll be reprising their roles in the prequels to the original ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy. Frodo will reportedly appear in the opening sequences in both ‘Hobbit’ films, and will help set up the story for each. Frodo will be hearing the adventures of his father, Bilbo, who will be portrayed by Martin Freeman. Ian McKellan, Andy Serkis and Orlando Bloom are all expected to appear in the two ‘Hobbit’ movies…

Title: The Oxford Murders Directed By: Alex de la Iglesia Starring: Elijah Wood, John Hurt, Leonor Watling, Julie Cox, Jim Carter, Burn Gorman, Anna Massey Who doesn’t love a good riddle? Even if you can’t solve it on the spot, someone gives you the answer and even hearing the logic of it after the fact is immensely entertaining. But what fun is a riddle you can’t understand? None and that’s why The Oxford Murders fails. You’re curious, but then get a slew of wildly fantastical twists and turns making you wish you could just give up and find out the answer. But until you can watch this one on DVD,…

Sir Ian McKellan, who will confirmed on his personal website that “The Hobbit” films, prequels to the highly successful “Lord Of The Rings” trilogy of films, is set to start shooting in June of 2010. The statement reads; “THE HOBBIT’s, two films, start shooting in New Zealand in June. Filming will take over a year. Casting in Los Angeles, New York City and London has started. The script too proceeds. The first draft is crammed with old and new friends, again on a quest in Middle Earth.” Guillermo del Toro will direct the two highly-anticipated films, which like the “LOTR” films, will be filmed back to back. Stay tuned to…

Here’s a character summary for the upcoming film “The Hobbit” written and produced by Peter Jackson and directed by visionary film director Guillermo Del Toro (Hellboy, Pan’s Labyrinth). Guillermo Del Toro’s recent work includes “Hellboy 2″ starring Ron Perlman and Doug Jones (Hellboy, Carnies). [BILBO] A well-to-do, respectable Hobbit…. Although he doesn’t realize it himself, BILBO has a good deal of courage; he can be practical and resilient. He has a good sense of humour, and is able to appreciate the ridiculous. He is very quick on the uptake and is well read having been encouraged to read widely by his mother. The most distinguishing characteristic about BILBO is his…

In a recent post over at Theonering.net, director Guillermo Del Toro updates us on “The Hobbit” written and produced by Peter Jackson and directed by visionary film director Guillermo Del Toro (Hellboy, Pan’s Labyrinth). Guillermo Del Toro’s recent work includes “Hellboy 2″ starring Ron Perlman and Doug Jones (Hellboy, Carnies). Guillermo Del Toro Writes: So, now that PJ’s Lovely Bones tour is almost over, I thought it wise- seeing how some can whip up into a frenzy- to drop by and chat a bit. A) About ONLY 3 actors returning: I think the emphasis on “only” is what slant the news the wrong way. I cannot imagine Gollum being played…

Focus Features just released this new movie trailer “Little Brother” for the upcoming animated film “9″ from producers Tim Burton and Timur Bekmambetov by director Shane Acker and starring Elijah Wood, Jennifer Connelly, Martin Landau, Christopher Plummer, John C. Reilly and Crispin Glover. Synopsis: A new era in animated storytelling begins on 9.9.09. Visionary filmmakers Tim Burton (The Corpse Bride, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory) and Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted, Nightwatch) join forces to produce wunderkind director Shane Acker’s distinctively original and thrilling tale. 9 stars Elijah Wood, John C. Reilly, Jennifer Connelly, Martin Landau, Christopher Plummer and Crispin Glover and features the music of Danny Elfman. When 9 (The Lord…