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…

They’ve showcased the works of Quentin Tarantino, John Hughes, Baz Luhrmann and now it’s the Coen Brothers’ turn to hit the stage for Show At Barre’s For the Record series. Previews kicked off on July 8th and the show officially opens on Thursday, July 21st at 9pm, set to run every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 9pm ending on September 24th. For the Record: Coen Brothers infuses standard Broadway-style fair with Hollywood productions, in this case films specific to the Coen Brothers. The show features highlights from the writing-directing duo’s resume including particular scenes and soundtrack selections from films like O Brother, Where Art Thou? , Fargo and The Big…

Entertainment Weekly reporter Christian Blauvelt asked ‘True Grit’ directors Joel and Ethan Coen which was their five favorite western films. Here’s, in their own words, is what they came up with. 1. Once Upon a Time in the West (1968, PG-13) “Sergio Leone movie. Good hat brims.” 2. The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976, PG) “Clint Eastwood movie from the 1970s, when the major studios were, on the evidence here, less uptight.” 3. Greaser’s Palace (1972, R) “Robert Downey Sr. movie. The Putney Swope of Westerns.” 4. Doc (1971, PG). “Frank Perry movie, written by Pete Hamill. We haven’t actually seen this one but saw a clip of the first scene,…

New studio Crime Scene Pictures has decided to back Joel and Ethan Coens’ remake of the 1966 film ‘Gambit,’. Despite the fact that the Coens have won several Academy Awards for some of their movies, including ‘No Country For Old Men’ and ‘Fargo,’ the two haven’t been able to secure funding for the remake. But with the Coens’ anticipated movie ‘True Grit’ being released next month, the studio decided to take on the remake as their first film. Michael Hoffman has been suggested to direct the movie, with his latest film ‘Last Station’ about the life of Leo Tolstoy receiving acclaim. The original ‘Gambit’ follows Michael Caine as he tries…

Back in December a rumor cropped up that Josh Brolin could be the man to fill Tommy Lee Jones’ shoes in the newest installment of Men in Black. While that has still yet to be confirmed, Columbia Pictures is reportedly plugging along and seeking options for another character, Yaz. According to Bloody Disgusting, the two men up for that role are Sacha Baron Cohen and Jemaine Clement (Flight of the Conchords). Okay, great; but who is Yaz? Your guess is as good as mine, but I’m leaning towards some sort of alien. Both Baron Cohen and Clement seem to be guys who can pull off the whole ET thing ala…

Here’s the complete nominee list for the 25th Film Independent Spirit Awards. The awards ceremony will air live and uncut on Friday, March 5, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. PST/11:00 p.m. EST on IFC (Independent Film Channel). BEST FEATURE (500) Days Of Summer – Producers: Mason Novick, Jessica Tuchinsky, Mark Waters, Steven J. Wolfe Amreeka – Producers: Paul Barkin, Christina Piovesan Precious – Producers: Lee Daniels, Gary Magness, Sarah Siegel-Magness Sin Nombre – Producer: Amy Kaufman The Last Station – Producers: Bonnie Arnold, Chris Curling, Jens Meuer BEST DIRECTOR Ethan Coen, Joel Coen – A Serious Man Lee Daniels – Precious Cary Joji Fukunaga – Sin Nombre James Gray – Two…

Check out another new movie poster released by Focus Features for the upcoming film “Burn After Reading” by directors Joel Coen and Ethan Coen (Fargo, No Country For Old Men) and starring Brad Pitt, George Clooney and John Malkovich. Plot: A dark spy-comedy from Academy Award winners Joel and Ethan Coen. An ousted CIA official’s (Academy Award nominee John Malkovich) memoir accidentally falls into the hands of two unwise gym employees intent on exploiting their find. Stay tuned to Toxic Shock TV for the latest “Burn After Reading” movie posters and news.

Watch the latest Spill.com movie review of the dark comedy “Burn After Reading” by directors Joel Coen and Ethan Coen (Fargo, No Country For Old Men) and starring Brad Pitt (Inglorious Bastards), George Clooney (Michael Clayton), Frances McDormand (North Country) and John Malkovich (Beowulf, Being John Malkovich). Plot: A dark spy-comedy from Academy Award winners Joel and Ethan Coen. An ousted CIA official’s (Academy Award nominee John Malkovich) memoir accidentally falls into the hands of two unwise gym employees intent on exploiting their find. Stay tuned to Toxic Shock TV for the latest “Burn After Reading” movie posters and news.

Actor Javier Bardem reports that natives of his home country of Spain blamed him for selling out after winning an Oscar last year. Bardem won an Academy Award last year for Best Supporting Actor for his role as the ruthless killer Anton Chigurh in No Country for Old Men, written and directed by Ethan and Joel Coen. His win signified the first Spanish actor to win the prestigious award. He states that he had to convince his countrymen that the win and his new found reputation did not change who he was: “The Spanish are tough. They criticize my work and say I sold out. You want to say, ‘Stop…

Take a look at the latest movie poster released by Focus Features for the upcoming film “Burn After Reading” by directors Joel Coen and Ethan Coen (Fargo, No Country For Old Men) and starring Brad Pitt, George Clooney and John Malkovich. Plot: A dark spy-comedy from Academy Award winners Joel and Ethan Coen. An ousted CIA official’s (Academy Award nominee John Malkovich) memoir accidentally falls into the hands of two unwise gym employees intent on exploiting their find. Stay tuned to Toxic Shock TV for the latest “Burn After Reading” movie posters and news.