“Rise of the Planet of the Apes” was a $480 million worldwide hit, but buzz-averse distributor 20th Century Fox rolled out the movie in early August with a blitz of TV advertising but otherwise so little fanfare (as per their usual operating procedure, screenings for critics were “opt-in,” and additionally hush-hush) that a lot of more savvy filmgoers who perhaps look to advance reviews and feature coverage peeks as signs of studio confidence in the marketplace thought the movie was a brainless dud. Far from it, actually. Director Rupert Wyatt’s reboot of Tim Burton’s reboot of Fox’s second most well known franchise property (not counting “Star Wars,” which they don’t own)…

‘Hop’ and ‘Straw Dogs’ actor James Marsden and his wife Lisa Linde are headed for a divorce, per TMZ. Linde, the daughter of country songwriter Dennis Linde, filed papers on September 23rd to end their eleven year union together after marrying back in 2000. She cited irreconcilable differences in the court documents, and is seeking spousal support as well as joint legal and physical custody of the couple’s two children, ten year old Jack and six year old Mary. The thirty-eight year old Marsden’s rep called the split a “mutual decision,” adding that both James and Lisa “are committed to raising their kids together and remain great friends.” Over the…

A discussion and review the week’s new movie release from your favorite entertainment and celebrity website. Hello everyone, this is episode 14 of the Movie Night Podcast. This week Rudie Obias and Perri Nemiroff discuss the remake of “Straw Dogs” and the new thriller “Drive”. Subscribe on iTunes or Download and Listen Here. “Straw Dogs” features James Marsden, Kate Bosworth, Alexander Skarsgård, James Woods, Dominic Purcell and Willa Holland. It was written and directed by Rod Lurie. “Drive” features Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston, Albert Brooks, Oscar Isaac, Christina Hendricks and Ron Perlman. It was written by Hossein Amini and it was directed by Nicolas Winding Refn. Read Perri…

Title: Straw Dogs Directed By: Rod Lurie Starring: James Marsden, Kate Bosworth, Alexander Skarsgård, James Woods, Dominic Purcell, Rhys Coiro, Billy Lush, Laz Alonso, Willa Holland, Walton Goggins, Drew Powell Whether or not you’ve seen the original, the promotion campaign for Straw Dogs lays it out quite clearly; this film boasts a bloodbath. Emotion? Character development? Some sense? Not so much. But, if you’ve got a taste for this type of horror film and don’t mind forgoing effective storytelling for some gruesome and original kills, it might be worth a watch. Big time screenwriter David (James Marsden) and his wife Amy (Kate Bosworth) ditch Los Angeles so he can take…

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…

Happy Sunday, Shockya readers! Who’s ready for their weekly dose of must-known movies news? This week’s Movie News Cheat Sheet is overrun with casting updates, and some big ones at that. We’ve got everything from new additions to the cast of The Hunger Games to Lindsay Lohan’s attempt at getting back on the big screen. Looking for some eye candy? We’ve got that, too. Not only did a handful of impressive trailers drop during the week, but some great stills, too. The Hangover Part II, Fright Night, Melancholia and so much more in this week’s Movie News Cheat Sheet. 1. Hutcherson & Hemsworth in The Hunger Games: The Hunger Games…

Title: Hop Director: Tim Hill (‘Alvin and the Chipmunks’) Starring: James Marsden, Russell Brand (voice), Kaley Cuoco (‘The Big Bang Theory’), Hugh Laurie (voice), Hank Azaria (voice) While Santa Claus has widely been the king of holiday movies, the Easter Bunny is hoping to jump into people’s hearts in the new live-action/CGI movie ‘Hop.’ While not much about the movie’s plot-line was revealed by its studio Relativity Media during its promotional period and adults may come to think of it as purely a children’s film as a result, ‘Hop’ ultimately proves animated characters and movies can indeed provide important messages; everyone, including the Easter Bunny, strives to do what they…

Universal Pictures released the first official movie trailer for the upcoming film “Hop” by director Tim Hill and starring Russell Brand, James Marsden, Kaley Cuoco, Elizabeth Perkins and Hugh Laurie. Synopsis: Blending state-of-the-art animation with live action, Hop tells the comic tale of Fred (James Marsden), an out-of-work slacker who accidentally injures the Easter Bunny (voiced by Russell Brand) and must take him in as he recovers. As Fred struggles with the world’s worst houseguest, both will learn what it takes to finally grow up. The film is helmed by Tim Hill, director of the blockbuster Alvin & the Chipmunks and produced by Chris Meledandri’s Illumination Entertainment (Despicable Me). Stay…

Universal Pictures sent us the first official movie poster for the upcoming film “Hop” by director Tim Hill and starring Russell Brand, James Marsden, Kaley Cuoco, Elizabeth Perkins and Hugh Laurie. Synopsis: Blending state-of-the-art animation with live action, Hop tells the comic tale of Fred (James Marsden), an out-of-work slacker who accidentally injures the Easter Bunny (voiced by Russell Brand) and must take him in as he recovers. As Fred struggles with the world’s worst houseguest, both will learn what it takes to finally grow up. The film is helmed by Tim Hill, director of the blockbuster Alvin & the Chipmunks and produced by Chris Meledandri’s Illumination Entertainment (Despicable Me)….

Russell Brand will be joining James Marsden in Universal and Illumination Entertainment’s live-action/CGI action comedy “I Hop”. Tim Hill (“Alvin and the Chipmunks”, “Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties”) is directing the project, which is being described as being about an out-of-work slacker (played by Marsden) who one day accidentally injures the real-life Easter Bunny (voiced by Brand). Marsden’s character must not only put up the injured fairy tale living in his house, but also temporarily replace him, finally learning about growing up. Cinco Paul, Brian Lynch, and Ken Daurio and are writing the screenplay, with Illumination’s Christopher Meledandri and John Cohen will be producing. No other information has been…