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Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole


Warner Bros. has acquired film rights to Kathryn Lasky's children's fantasy series "Guardians of Ga'Hoole" and set it up as a CGI animation film with Donald De Line producing. Lasky's seven-book series revolves around a parallel universe featuring a cast of owls and magic transformations. The first book begins with a young barn owl being pushed out of his family's nest by his older brother and then being rescued by agents from a mysterious school for orphaned owls. Lasky will pen the screenplay and exec produce. [1]


Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole is an upcoming computer-animated film based on the series of children's fantasy books Guardians of Ga'Hoole by Kathryn Lasky. Zack Snyder is directing the film, and Jim Sturgess, Geoffrey Rush, Rachael Taylor, David Wenham, and Emilie de Ravin voice the characters. Production took place in Australia at Animal Logic, and the film is scheduled to be released on September 24, 2010. It will be released in part in RealD 3D and IMAX 3D.[2]


Friday, February 12, 2010

Plumíferos


Plumíferos (Free Birds) is an upcoming Argentine computer-animated feature film being made by Manos Digitales Animation Studio. Some scenes from the film were first shown at the 2005 and 2006 Blender Conferences, and a teaser was later released which showed one of the birds auditioning for the role. The first official trailer was shown on March 10 at the 2007 Mar del Plata Film Festival, where a presentation about the film was organized.
Plot

"It's an everyday universe that exists 7 feet over our heads. They are city birds that you can find in every tree or every corner."

Juan: a sparrow that feels ordinary and underestimates his own race. Accidentally, he changes the way he looks, and the same reason that will make him feel unique is what is going to put his life in danger.

Feifi: a beautiful canary that manages to escape from the cage of a network tycoon Mr. Puertas, and starts trying a new life in freedom, as a common bird.

Both of them will need to be something that they aren't and will face danger and adventures with their friends (Libia, the Pidgeon; Pipo, the Humming Bird; Clarita, the Bat; and some more). A clumsy cat, some psyco Southern Lapwings and Mr. Puertas will make everything even harder for them. Juan and Feifi will try to shape their destiny to feel truly free.

Development

The project, after internal problems[1], has been completed and the final result will debut in theaters in Argentina on February 18, 2010

Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plum%C3%ADferos

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Yona Yona Penguin 2009


Yona Yona Penguin (よなよなペンギン) is a forthcoming animated film by the Japanese anime studio Madhouse and sister company Dynamo Pictures. It will be Madhouse's first fully 3D CGI film. Famed Madhouse staff director Rintaro, known for Galaxy Express 999 and Metropolis, lead the project. French production company Denis Friedman Productions collaborated and helped fund the film.

Visual style


Madhouse has announced this film as being a "3D anime," or a film which brings an anime sensibility and design structure into the 3D CGI world. Unlike in other Japanese CG productions, such as Final Fantasy VII Advent Children, photo-realism is not emphasised. Rather, attention has been focused on giving the feel of a traditionally-made anime to a completely computerized production. As Madhouse's expertise has long been in the creation of traditional 2D animation, much of the actual 3D animation is to be done by the French animation studio Def2shoot, the Thai studio Imagimax, and the Japanese studio Dynamo Pictures, with Madhouse providing direction and storyboards.

Release

In a move away from the typical anime release schedule, distribution deals for showing the film outside of Japan have been signed with the Hong Kong based Golden Network (for release in Asia) and the French based management company Wild Bunch (for Europe). Rights to release the film in the United States are currently set to be given by Japanese studio Shochiku and Madhouse's U.S. division. Three versions of the film are to be produced: one for the Japanese market, one for the French market, and one for the English language market.[1] The Japanese version of the film, which will use the original script (it is unclear if changes will be made to the other versions) was originally scheduled for a December, 2008 release, but was pushed back to 2009.[2] The other versions remain tentatively set for release in 2009. At the 2008 European Film Market (a film trade fair held in tandem with the Berlin International Film Festival), the film was licensed by Wild Bunch for 11 European markets. The film will be distributed in the United Kingdom by Metropolitan, in France by JBK, and in Russia and other former Soviet countries by Central Partnership.

Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yona_Yona_Penguin

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

9 (2009 film)


9 is a 2009 computer-animated fantasy film directed by Shane Acker and produced by Tim Burton and Timur Bekmambetov. The film stars Elijah Wood, John C. Reilly, Jennifer Connelly, Crispin Glover, Martin Landau and Christopher Plummer.[2][3] It is based on Acker's Academy Award-nominated 2005 short film of the same name.[4] The screenplay for the film was written by Pamela Pettler. Casting for 9 was done by Mindy Marin, with production design by Robert St. Pierre and Fred Warter, and art direction by Christophe Vacher.


Plot



A Scientist creates a small mechanical humanoid homunculus (also called a "stitchpunk"). The Scientist believes humanity caused its own doom by blindly pursuing science and technology. Using a talisman, he gives life to the doll (9), then dies.

9 (Elijah Wood) awakens in the Scientist's workshop, finding the talisman. Outside, society has been destroyed, and the Earth left desolate. Seeing someone below, 9 tries calling out but is unable to speak. He grabs the talisman and runs outside. He comes across 2 (Martin Landau) who gives him a doll's voice box. They are attacked by the 'Cat Beast' which captures 2, taking him toward three tall shapes. As he is running away, 9 tears his shoulder, and eventually passes out from exhaustion.

When 9 awakens, he meets one-eyed 5 (John C. Reilly) who has sewn 9's shoulder and brought him to a church. 9 meets the stubborn and irritable 1 (Christopher Plummer) and the large, brutish 8 (Fred Tatasciore). 1 says the machines have destroyed everything, and 5 takes 9 to the watchtower where he can see where 2 was taken; he and 5 go to save him. After a fight with the 'Cat Beast' (who was about to put the talisman that he took along with 2, into a dormant machine). They meet 7 (Jennifer Connelly) the only female stitchpunk, who kills the machine. 9 places the talisman where the beast was about to put it, and 2 pushes him aside only, but is killed. The Fabrication Machine awakens, and after another fight, 9, 5, and 7 escape, devastated by 2's death.

7 leads them to the mute twins 3 and 4 (they communicate with flashing lights in their eyes). 9 draws a picture of the talisman after learning that the Scientist built the B.R.A.I.N. (the Fabrication Machine) for good. Instead it builds machines for evil, destroying humans. 5 tells 9 that the picture he drew is the same as what 6 (Crispin Glover) always draws. They return to look at 6's paintings, but are caught by 8 and turned into 1. Furious, 1 states that 9 only causes trouble. They are still quarreling when they are attacked by the 'Winged Beast', which the Fabrication Machine invented in the time they were gone.

The church catches fire in the fight, and the beast is destroyed in a downed plane's propeller. The stitchpunks move to a deserted graveyard. 1 admits after a quarrel with 9 that he actually sent 2 out to die,and not for a scouting mission, his excuse being that he was "old and weak." 8 and 7 are captured by another beast, 'The Seamstress' who uses 2's lifeless body as bait. 9, 6, 3, 5 and 4 have a small memorial for 2.

9 can only save 7 because 9 came too late, and the machine sucked 8's soul out; they destroy the factory. They celebrate, but 5, chasing a vinyl phonograph record that rolled down a hill, finds the machine is still alive. 5 warns the others just before the machine absorbs his life. The remaining stitchpunks run across a bridge, which cracks in half, stranding the machine being on the other side. It grabs 6, but he tells them not to destroy it, because others are "trapped inside." The machine kills him and drops his body into the chasm. 9, the only one who believes 6, does what 6 said: "go back to the source," which 9 recognizes as the room he awoke in.

In the scientist's workshop, 9 finds a box labeled "9", and opens it. A hologram appears, and the scientist shows him how to use the talisman against the machine.

9 finds the others struggling to destroy the machine with a cannon, but it only slightly damages it, forcing them to run. They hide under a box covered by a live ammunition belt. 9 tells them to use him as bait. He shows them how to use the talisman, but the machine finds them. They run, and the machine lights off the bullets with a blast of fire. The explosion throws 7 up against a wooden post and 1's hand is injured. 9 prepares to sacrifice himself, despite 7's desperate pleas. 1 pushes 9 aside and is killed instead. 9 uses the talisman and the machine explodes. 7, 3, and 4 rush over to help 9, who had been knocked out by the blast and falling debris. 7 congratulates him, but 9 says there is still more to be done.

9, 3, 4, and 7 set up memorials for the dead stitchpunks, and 9 activates the talisman once again. The spirits of 5, 2, 1, 8, and 6 appear. 1 places a hand on 9's shoulder, implying 9 did a good job, then disappears with the others into the sky. 7 murmurs that they are free now. It begins to rain; the amazed stitchpunks have never seen water before. Water droplets fall on the camera lens, and small green specks inside the drops are moving around, indicating life has survived.

7 asks 9, "What happens next?" 9 replies, "I don't know. But the world is ours now. It's what we make of it."

Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/9_(2009_film)

Monday, February 8, 2010

The Bear and the Bow 2011


The Bear and the Bow is an upcoming computer-animated 3-D film being produced by Pixar Animation Studios. It is written and directed by Brenda Chapman and features the voices of Reese Witherspoon, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson Wendy Van Der Plank and Julie Walters. It will be distributed by Walt Disney Pictures, and is scheduled for release around Christmas 2011.
Premise

In rugged and mythic Scotland, the impetuous, tangle-haired Merida (Reese Witherspoon), though a daughter of royalty, would rather make her mark as an archer. A clash of wills with her mother compels Merida to make a reckless choice, which unleashes unintended peril on her father's kingdom and her mother's life. Merida struggles with the unpredictable forces of nature, magic and a dark ancient curse
Voice cast

* Reese Witherspoon as Princess Merida
* Billy Connolly as King Fergus
* Emma Thompson as Queen Elinor
* Julie Walters as Witch

Background

The film, Pixar's first fairy tale, is a combination of Brenda Chapman's love of Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm, as well as a reflection on raising her daughter.

Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bear_and_the_Bow

Friday, February 5, 2010

Newt (Film) 2011


Newt is an upcoming computer-animated 3-D film being produced by Pixar Animation Studios. It will be distributed by Walt Disney Pictures, and is scheduled for release for summer 2012.

Premise

Two newts, Newt and Brooke, live in a community college biology lab and don't care for each other, yet as the last remaining blue-footed newts on the planet, they are forced to mate and carry on the tradition.

Writer and Director Gary Rydstrom explained "Newt is smart but he's never had to think for himself and is pampered. Brooke on the other hand is streetwise and not to be messed with. It’s fair to say it’s about as bad as first dates can get!"

Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newt_(film)

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Madagascar 3 2012

Madagascar is an animated film series produced by DreamWorks Animation. Voices of Ben Stiller, Jada Pinkett Smith, Chris Rock and David Schwimmer are featured in the films. The plot follows the adventures of story of four Central Park Zoo animals who have spent their lives in blissful captivity and are unexpectedly shipped back to Africa.

Madagascar 3 (2012)

DreamWorks CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg confirmed that there will be an additional sequel to Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa. Katzenberg stated, "there is at least one more chapter. We ultimately want to see the characters make it back to New York." At the Television Critics Association press tour, Katzenberg was asked if there will be a third and final film in the series. He replied, "Yes, we are making a Madagascar 3 now, and it will be out in the summer of 2012." According to Comingsoon.net, in the film, Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Gloria the Hippo, and Melman the Giraffe are still fighting to get home to their beloved Big Apple; King Julien, Maurice, and the Penguins along for the adventure, and even Marlene the Otter from The Penguins of Madagascar show is also said to be joining the movie series. This time the road takes them through Europe where they find the perfect cover: a traveling circus Madagascar Style! Its rumored that Victoria Beckham will voice a lioness who works and lives at the circus they all attend but it's unknown who that character is.

Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madagascar_3

Monday, February 1, 2010

Cars 2 2011


Cars 2 is a computer-animated 3-D film that will be produced by Pixar Animation Studios and is the sequel of the 2006 film Cars. It will be distributed by Walt Disney Pictures, and is scheduled for release in time for the Summer season in 2011. Ratatouille producer Brad Lewis takes over from John Lasseter as director. In the film, Lightning McQueen and Mater travel around the world.

purple and black zebra print comforter set bedding cheetah bedroom picture


Plot


Lightning McQueen, his pit crew and new crew chief Mater head around the world for the "Race of Champions" taking place in five different countries: Japan, Germany, Italy, a 24-hour race in France and England. However, Mater, involved in a case of mistaken identity, saves the life of a British secret agent called Finn McMissile, and finds himself embroiled in his world of international espionage.

Development

Cars is the second Pixar film, after Toy Story, to have a sequel. Cars 2 originally was scheduled for a 2012 release, but Pixar moved the release up a year. It is the first of two films that Pixar will release in 2011 (the second being The Bear and the Bow), marking the first time that the studio will release more than one film in the same year. Lasseter conceived the sequel's story while traveling around the world promoting the first film. "I kept looking out thinking, 'What would Mater do in this situation, you know?' I could imagine him driving around on the wrong side of the road in the UK, going around in big, giant travelling circles in Paris, on the autobahn in Germany, dealing with the motor scooters in Italy, trying to figure out road signs in Japan," he said.

In 2009, Disney registered several domain names in relation to the title World Grand Prix.

Cast deaths

By 2008, three cast members of the original Cars had died; Joe Ranft (Red and Peterbilt) was killed in a car accident in August 2005, during the production of the first film. George Carlin (Fillmore) died of heart failure in June 2008, and Paul Newman (Doc Hudson) died three months later after losing an ongoing battle with lung cancer in September 2008. It was announced in early 2010 that Doc Hudson's character would not return for the sequel, but no announcements have been made as to whether the other two roles will be recast or simply written out of the film.

Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cars_2

Friday, January 29, 2010

Avatar: The Last Airbender July 2, 2010


Avatar: The Last Airbender (also known as Avatar: The Legend of Aang) is an American animated children's television series that aired for three seasons on Nickelodeon and the Nicktoons Network. The series was created and produced by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, who served as executive producers along with Aaron Ehasz. Avatar is set in an Asian-influenced world of Chinese martial arts and elemental manipulation. The show drew on elements from East Asian, Chinese and Japanese culture, making it a mixture of an anime like and US domestic cartoons.

The series follows the adventures of the main protagonist Aang and his friends, who must save the world by defeating the evil Fire Lord and ending the destructive war with the Fire Nation. The pilot episode first aired on February 21, 2005 and the series concluded with a widely-lauded two-hour television movie on July 19, 2008. The show is available from the following sources: on DVD, the iTunes Store, the Zune Marketplace, the Xbox Live Marketplace, the PlayStation Store, and its home on Nickelodeon.

Avatar: The Last Airbender was popular with both audiences and critics, garnering 5.6 million viewers on its best-rated showing and receiving high ratings in the Nicktoons lineup, even outside its 6–11-year-old demographic. Avatar has been nominated for and won awards from the Annual Annie Awards, the Genesis Awards, the primetime Emmy awards and a Peabody Award among others. The first season's success prompted Nickelodeon to order second and third seasons. The first part of a movie trilogy titled The Last Airbender is expected to be released on July 2, 2010.

Merchandise based on the series includes scaled action figures, a trading card game, three video games based on the first, second, and third seasons, stuffed animals distributed by Paramount Parks, and two LEGO sets. An art book is slated for release in mid-2010.

Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avatar:_The_Last_Airbender

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Kung Fu Panda 2: The Kaboom of Doom

Kung Fu Panda 2: The Kaboom of Doom is an upcoming animated film and the sequel to Kung Fu Panda. It is set to be in 3-D and will be directed by Jennifer Yuh Nelson, with most of the original cast returning in the previous film, along with newer characters.The film is set to be released on June 3, 2011. It was originally going to be named Kung Fu Panda 2: Pandamonium. Jack Black, the voice of Po the Panda, announced a Kung Fu Panda sequel during the 2009 Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Awards.

Plot


The plot will involve a new villain with a weapon so powerful it threatens the very existence of kung fu. It is up to Po, Shifu, and the Furious Five to defend it; and along the way, Po must confront his past.

Cast

* Jack Black as Po, a Giant Panda
* Dustin Hoffman as Master Shifu, a Red Panda
* Angelina Jolie as Master Tigress, a South China Tiger
* Lucy Liu as Master Viper, a Green Tree Viper
* Seth Rogen as Master Mantis, a Chinese Mantis
* Jackie Chan as Master Monkey, a Golden Langur
* David Cross as Master Crane, a Red-crowned Crane

Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kung_Fu_Panda:_The_Kaboom_of_Doom

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

The Smurfs (film) 2011


The Smurfs is a forthcoming 2011 live-action/CGI-animated fantasy-family film. The film will be directed by Raja Gosnell, with scripts penned by J. David Stem and David N. Weiss. Produced by Jordan Kerner, the film will be distributed by Columbia Pictures. It will be the first film planned in The Smurfs franchise. The Smurfs was originally expected to release in the United States on December 17, 2010, but Columbia Pictures recently announced that it was going to push the film towards a late-July release in 2011. The film will be based on 1981's comic book and animated television series of the same name. The film will not be a sequel to the earlier Smurf features, Les Aventures des Schtroumpfs or The Smurfs and the Magic Flute, but will be starting from another storyline.

Production began in 2003. In June 2008, it was announced that Columbia Pictures had acquired film rights from Lafig Belgium (after Paramount's option expired). The Smurfs is currently in pre-production stage. Sony Pictures has also announced plans to begin a trilogy of live-action-computer-generated image Smurf films, beginning with The Smurfs.

Premise

IMDB has listed the film's premise as:
“ The adventures of a mythical race of little blue creatures in medieval times that must deal with each other and humans, particularly an evil wizard obsessed with capturing them for his own sinister purposes. ”

Release

The Smurfs is expected to release in United States on July 29, 2011.

Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Smurfs_(film)

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Planet 51 2009


Planet 51 is a Spanish animated film directed by Jorge Blanco, written by Joe Stillman and starring Dwayne Johnson, Jessica Biel, Justin Long, Seann William Scott, Gary Oldman and John Cleese. Produced by Madrid-based Ilion Animation Studios and HandMade Films for $70 million, it was acquired for US distribution by New Line Cinema in November 2007. Planet 51 was released on November 20, 2009, by Sony Pictures Worldwide via TriStar Pictures. It was originally titled Planet One, but re-named Planet 51. With a budget of about $70 million (€49 million), Planet 51 is the most expensive movie produced in Spain.

Plot

Lem is just an average teenager working on getting the girl and furthering his career at the local planetarium - except that he's an alien. At least to U.S. astronaut Captain Charles T. Baker who lands on Lem's planet hoping for a quick flag plant and a hasty return to earth and his millions of screaming fans. But on this alien planet the media has tagged spacemen as brain-eating, zombie-creating monsters, causing Baker to run for his life and into Lem's house. Now it's up to the green native to get the clumsy astronaut back to his spaceship before military dictator General Grawl and mad scientist Professor Kipple manage to exterminate the Earthly visitor. Written by The Massie Twins

Cast


* Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as Captain Charles "Chuck" Baker; in the Spanish version William Levy; in the Greek version by Sakis Rouvas
* Jessica Biel as Neera
* Justin Long as Lem and Rover (vocal effects)
* Seann William Scott as Skiff
* Gary Oldman as General Grawl
* John Cleese as Professor Kripple
* Freddie Benedict as Eckle
* Alan Marriott as Glar
* Mathew Horne as Soldier Vesklin
* James Corden as Soldier Vernkot

Source : http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0762125/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planet_51

Monday, January 25, 2010

Oobermind 2010


Oobermind is an upcoming animated comedy film produced by DreamWorks Animation. The film will be released on November 5, 2010. Tom McGrath will direct the film.

Plot

When super villain MegaMind (Will Ferrell) defeats his archrival Metro Man (Brad Pitt), the world should be his oyster. But instead, MegaMind falls into total despair. It turns out that life without a rival is life without a purpose for him. So he creates a new superhero rival, Titan (Jonah Hill). Unfortunately for him and the world, the new hero wants to be a super villain too. The new villain begins his rampage, and MegaMind sets out to stop him, beginning a path to redemption in the process.

Production

The film was first titled Master Mind and then Oobermind. Lara Breay and Denise Nolan Cascino will produce, and Ben Stiller and Stuart Cornfeld will executive produce the film. Ben Stiller was originally cast as MegaMind, and later Robert Downey, Jr., but Will Ferrell was given the role, due to "scheduling conflicts" for Downey. Brad Pitt is cast as Metro Man, Jonah Hill as Titan, and Tina Fey as star reporter Roxanne Ritchi. The film is written by Alan J. Schoolcraft and Brent Simons.

Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oobermind


Friday, January 22, 2010

The Wild Bunch (2010 film)

The Wild Bunch is an animated film which is scheduled to be released in the United States sometime in 2010, as the first feature length CGI animation film produced in Israel. This film features the voices of Abigail Breslin, Willem Dafoe, Chris Klein, Elizabeth Hurley, Jennifer Blanc, Willie Nelson and Keegan-Michael Key.

Background

Animation Lab included the skills of veteran animators, including Barry Cook, Daniel Cacouault, Woody Woodman, Monty Kimball, Dan Forte, and Louis-Philip Vermette, with Barry Jackson working from the U.S. on initial character development. Executive producer Douglas Wood made note that his team of animators "have contributed to the development of some of the entertainment industry's most successful animated films." The film is based upon a script by Philip LaZebnik,and is slated to be the directorial debut of Alex Williams.

Plot


A group of genetically engineered cornstalks choose to invade an idyllic meadow. The common wildflowers rally to defend their home.

Voice cast

* Abigail Breslin
* Willem Dafoe as Field Marshall
* Chris Klein
* Elizabeth Hurley
* Jennifer Blanc as Rosemary
* Willie Nelson as Sage
* John Paul Pitoc as Colonel Kernel
* Ed O'Ross as Nip
* Keegan-Michael Key as Grape Vine

Resource : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wild_Bunch_(2010_film)

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Sultan The Warrior (film) On April


Sultan The Warrior is a forthcoming Indian feature computer-animation film. The film is expected to be released worldwide in April 2010 with 3,500 prints, the highest amount yet in Indian cinema, and is expected to be released in eighteen different languages, including English, Tamil, Hindi and Telugu.[1] The film stars an animated version of Rajinikanth in the lead role, which will also be voiced by him. Vijayalakshmi Agathiyan will render her voice as the female lead of the film. It will be produced and directed by Soundarya Rajinikanth, daughter of Rajinikanth. In a recent weekly it was reported that 95% of th movie is over and it would be released by April 2010.

Development


During the production of the Rajinikanth-starrer Sivaji: The Boss, an animated film with Rajinikanth as the animated character was under discussion. Several media claimed that the actor would star in animated television advertisements about HIV and AIDs in India. Later in 2007, it was reported that his daughter Soundarya Rajinikanth would direct her maiden venture with her father in the lead, also stating that it would be an animated film. Her fame rose from working in S. J. Suryah's Anbe Aaruyire in 2004 as a computer graphic specialist. When Sivaji: The Boss made its theatrical release, previews of Sultan The Warrior were shown with an animated Rajinikanth dressed in a medival attire, also stating that it would be released in 2010.

In late 2007, Soundarya Rajinikanth had traveled to Brazil for working on the animation of the film. The next year, it was reported that her home production company, Ocher Studios, had joined hands with Warner Bros. Entertainments, thus, Warner Bros. would distribute Sultan The Warrior, once it was released. Animation of the film is to be done by a Chennai-based animation studio, along with international specialists. The soundtrack for the film is being composed by two-time Academy Award-winner A. R. Rahman.

Casting

The team was in search of a voice artist for the female lead. Initial speculations were that Ileana D'Cruz would take over the role, but later reports suggested that Vijayalakshmi Agathiyan, who debuted in Chennai 600028, would handle the female voice actor. The film was later reported to feature the animation of actor Rahul Dev as an antagonist.

Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sultan_(film)

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Rapunzel (Film)


Rapunzel is an upcoming American animated film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios and starring Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi. It will be the 50th animated feature in the Walt Disney Animated Classics, planned for release on November 24, 2010. The story is based on the classic German fairy tale Rapunzel by the Brothers Grimm.

PLOT

Doeri Welch-Greiner, the production manager for the movie, says that "The original version was that a girl got pulled from the modern world and replaced Rapunzel (played by Mandy Moore), and Rapunzel got turned into a squirrel. But we’re on a clearer, more classic fairy-tale sort of track right now with Dean Wellins as co-director; he was one of the story guys on Iron Giant and a Disney animator for a long time. It really plays on the mystery of the girl in the tower, and I think it’s really going to be great with Dean’s story sense and sense of staging, and the artistry that Glen brings to it, we hope we can bring the artistry of the movie to a different place."[3]

Keane also promises that he’s going back to Rapunzel’s literary origins to do a traditional, character-driven fairy tale that speaks to a modern audience. “It’s a story of the need for each person to become who they are supposed to be and for a parent to set them free so they can become that. It will be a musical and a comedy and have a lot of heart and sincerity. I think that’s what Disney needs to do right now. No one else can do it. We should not be embarrassed or make excuses for doing a fairy tale."[citation needed]

At the D23 convention in Anaheim California on September 2009, Disney Animation creative head John Lasseter explained that the film has a lot of "girl power." This new interpretation of Rapunzel will be a more independent princess, and she uses her 70-foot-long hair for a variety of purposes, such as a whip, or a ladder.
Confirmed Cast

* Rapunzel – Mandy Moore
* Flynn Ryder – Zachary Levi
* Madame Gothel – Donna Murphy
* Narrator – Kevin Linehan
* Grandma Claire – Pam Hyatt
* Young Flynn Ryder – Matthew Gray Gubler
* Young Rapunzel – Erin Fitzgerald
* Mother Amy – Carolyn Lawrence
* Grandpa Franklin – Peter Sallis
* Father Sam – David Schwimmer
* Cousin John – Gilbert Gottfried
* Muffin Man – Jim Cummings
* Darker the Warlock – Kevin Michael Richardson
* Uncel Jordan – John Goodman
* Flynn's brother – Derek Stephen Prince
* Rapunzel's sister – Edie Mirman
* Bill McKnight – David Cross
* Professor "Timothy" Boomerang – Jason Alexander
* Molly McKnight – Susan Sheridan
* Aunt Sally – Carol Burnett

- The prince's original name "Bastion," has been replaced by "Flynn" in a revised script.

- Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, and Donna Murphy have replaced the originally announced Tony award winners Kristin Chenoweth, Dan Fogler, and Grey DeLisle respectively.

Technical details

The movie's visual style will be based on the painting "The Swing", by the French Rococo artist Jean-Honoré Fragonard. Because director Glen Keane wanted this to be an animated movie that looked and felt like a traditional hand-drawn Disney Classic in 3D, he first had a seminar called "The Best of Both Worlds", where he, with 50 Disney animators (CGI artists and traditional artists), focused on the pluses and minuses of each style. Because of advancements in computer technology, many basic principles of animation used in traditional animated movies but which have been absent in CGI films due to technical limitations are now becoming possible also in this field of animation, where they will be used together with the potential offered by CGI. Keane has stated numerous times that he is trying to make the computer "bend its knee to the artist" instead of having the computer dictate the artistic style and look of the film. By making the computer become as "pliable as the pencil," Keane's vision of a "three dimensional drawing" seems within reach, with the artist controlling the technology. Because many of the techniques and tools that were required to give the film the quality Keane demanded of it didn't exist when the project was started, WDFA had to make them on their own.

To create the impression of a drawing, Non-photorealistic rendering is going to be used, making the surface look like it is painted but still containing depth and dimensions.

The Alan Menken bio on the Sister Act Musical website reveals that he and lyricist Glenn Slater are now providing songs for this musical. According to a recent interview with Menken, the style of the music is planned to be more sixties rock.

From : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapunzel_(film)

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Alpha and Omega (film) October 1, 2010


Alpha and Omega is a computer animated film produced by Crest Animation Productions and Richard Rich, director of The Fox and the Hound, and will be released by Lionsgate on October 1, 2010. The film is directed by Anthony Bell and Ben Gluck, starring the voices of Justin Long, Hayden Panettiere, Christina Ricci and Dennis Hopper.

The movie focuses on two wolves; one male, Humphrey (Justin Long), and one female, Kate (Hayden Panettiere). The two are young when they are taken away by park rangers. Despite their differences, they begin to form a bond.

It is directed towards kids and family entertainment and will be shown in a 3-D film format. The CGI animation was done at Crest Animation Studios in Mumbai, India.

PLOT

Kate and Humphrey are two wolves who are nothing alike. Kate's an alpha wolf - to her, discipline, duty and responsibility are everything. On the other hand, Humphrey is an omega wolf -- fun, friends and frivolity are what are important to him. In the world of wolves, alphas and omegas don't mix, mingle or mate - such is pack law.

As the alpha wolf daughter of the western pack leader, Kate is arranged to marry Garth, the alpha wolf son of the eastern pack leader, not for love but to prevent a deadly war between the two packs. But the marriage is put on hold when, unbeknownst to anyone, Kate and Humphrey are taken by park rangers from their home in Jasper Park, Canada and relocated to Sawtooth Park, Idaho.

Desperate to get back in time to marry Garth and prevent war, and battling each other's different points of view, the long distance and a few bears and porcupines along the way, Kate and Humphrey must work together to make the long journey home to their beloved Jasper Park. But Kate and Humphrey soon discover a new obstacle: somewhere along the way, Kate and Humphrey have fallen in love.

Cast

* Justin Long as Humphrey
* Hayden Panettiere as Kate

All details come from : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha_and_Omega_(film)

Monday, January 18, 2010

Shrek Forever After


Shrek Forever After, formerly Shrek Goes Fourth and also known as Shrek 4, Shrek 4Ever After and Shrek: The Final Chapter, is an upcoming American animated film. It is planned to be released in cinemas May 21, 2010 in the US and July 9, 2010 in the UK.Tim Sullivan will write the film, and Mike Mitchell will direct it. The principal cast members will all reprise their roles.It will also be released in IMAX 3-D theaters.The plot was announced February 23, 2009.

This movie will be the fourth and final film in the Shrek series, following Shrek, Shrek 2 and Shrek the Third despite early allegations by filmmakers to make a fifth film. Like the first three Shrek films, the movie will be significantly based on fairy tale themes. The trailer was attached to Avatar and was also featured in 3D.

PLOT

Shrek (Mike Myers) has become a domesticated family man. Instead of scaring villagers away like he used to, the grown-reluctant ogre agrees to autograph pitch forks. However, he longs for the days when he felt like a "real ogre". So, Shrek is tricked into signing a pact with the smooth-talking dealmaker, Rumpelstiltskin (Walt Dohrn). Shrek suddenly finds himself in a twisted, alternate version of Far Far Away, where Fiona (Cameron Diaz) is a hunted ogre, Rumpelstiltskin is king, Donkey (Eddie Murphy) has never met Shrek in his life and fears him, Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) is obese and lazy, and Shrek and Fiona had never met. Now Shrek must stop Rumpelstiltskin from his deeds and make the world right again.


From : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrek_Forever_After

Friday, January 15, 2010

Arthur and the Revenge of Maltazard


Arthur and the Revenge of Maltazard is a part-animated, part-live action feature film written and directed by Luc Besson, and starring Freddie Highmore and Mia Farrow. EuropaCorp is producing the film which is a sequel to Arthur and the Invisibles. The film was set for a December 18, 2009, but has since been delayed.

PLOT

In the 1960s, 13-year-old Arthur stays with his grandparents in the holidays. He is befriended with a Maasai-like tribe called the Bogo Matassalai and with the Minimoys, tooth-sized, elfin beings, who all live there in the garden. The Bogo Matassalai grant Arthur a distinction regarding being one with nature, after succeeding in a series of tests, such as hugging a tree for hours, sleeping with a wild animal, and eating grass.

The Bogo Matassalai are capable of transforming a person to a Minimoy. It is only possible every tenth full moon, at midnight. Arthur is about to undergo this procedure, to visit the Minimoys (who are expecting him and preparing a party for him), and especially his beloved Selenia. A spider delivers to Arthur a grain of rice with the message "help", which must come from the Minimoys, and makes it even more important for him to visit them.

Arthur's father wants to kill bees, since Arthur is allergic to bee stings. However, his own father Archibald objects because of his respect for nature.Therefore Arthur's father wants to take the boy home earlier than planned. At a gas station Arthur escapes from the car and returns to his grandparents' house. The Bogo Matassalai attempt to transform him using a telescope, but this method fails due to clouds covering the full moon. Therefore Arthur asks the Bogo Matassalai to apply the alternative method, even though it is more dangerous. They agree. Arthur is wound into ropes, which are pulled more and more tight. The procedure is successful.

It turns out that Maltazard sent the message to lure Arthur, so that Maltazard can use the passage back, which is available at the next noon. Thus he arrives in the world of humans, enlarged to their size. He is pleased to see that animals are afraid of him.

Arthur is stuck in small size in the Minimoy kingdom, because the telescope to be used for his return has been destroyed by the passage of Maltazard. This could mean that he can only return after ten months.

The film ends abruptly, the plot is continued in the following film.

From : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_and_the_Revenge_of_Maltazard

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Despicable Me



Despicable Me is a 2010 computer-animated 3-D feature film from Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment. The film stars Steve Carell.

The trailer of the film was released online on July 14, 2009, then on Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince on July 15, 2009.

PLOT

The plot revolves around the world's #2 supervillain, Gru (Steve Carell) whose evil attempts are always thwarted by Vector (Jason Segel), the #1 supervillain. In an attempt to outdo Vector, he starts plotting to steal the moon while he hides underground in a suburban neighborhood living with his idiotic minions which look like genetically altered Corn Pops. In the teaser trailer, the Great Pyramid of Giza is shown to have been stolen and may contribute to part of Gru's plan. His plot is jeopardized by three orphaned girls (Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier, and Elsie Fisher) who see him as a prospective father. From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Despicable_Me

Release Date: 9 July 2010 (USA)

Directed by Pierre Coffin
Chris Renaud
Sergio Pablos (co-director)

Writers: Ken Daurio (screenplay)
Cinco Paul (screenplay)

From : http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt1323594/

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Toy Story 3 June 18, 2010


Toy Story 3 is an upcoming American computer-animated 3-D film being produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. It is the third installment in the Toy Story series and is scheduled for release on June 18, 2010, in the United States.[1] Lee Unkrich, who edited the previous films and co-directed the second, takes over as director. Tom Hanks and Tim Allen have been confirmed to return to voice the characters of Woody and Buzz respectively.

PLOT

Andy is departing for college, and his toys, including Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz (Tim Allen), are going to be put in the attic. Before they can be put in the attic, they are accidentally thrown away and are picked up by the garbage men. The toys find themselves at a local day-care center, where they must try to survive the playful but careless pre-school children. Woody attempts to save his friends and find themselves a new home, but matters are further complicated when Buzz is damaged during an escape attempt. The toys try to reset Buzz, but end up causing him to revert to a Spanish version of his delusions of being a space ranger, much to the other toys' discomfort.

DEVELOPMENT

According to the terms of Pixar's revised deal with Disney, all characters created by Pixar for their films were owned by Disney. Furthermore, Disney retained the rights to make sequels to any Pixar film, though Pixar retained the right of first refusal to work on these sequels. But in 2004, when the contentious negotiations between the two companies made a split appear likely, Disney Chairman at the time Michael Eisner put in motion plans to produce Toy Story 3 at a new Disney studio, Circle 7 Animation. Tim Allen, the voice of Buzz Lightyear, indicated a willingness to return even if Pixar was not on board.[12]
Promotional art for Circle 7's Toy Story 3, displaying the storyline of the Buzz Lightyears being recalled; this story was later shelved.

Jim Herzfeld wrote a script for Circle 7's version of the film. It focused on the other toys shipping a malfunctioning Buzz to Taiwan, believing that he will be fixed there. While searching on the Internet, however, they find out that the malfunctions are happening to many toys around the world and the company has issued a massive recall. Fearing Buzz's destruction, a group of Andy's toys (Woody, Rex, Slinky, Mr. Potato Head, Hamm, Jessie, and Bullseye) venture to rescue Buzz. At the same time Buzz meets other toys from around the world that were once loved but have now been recalled.[12]

In January 2006, Disney bought Pixar in a deal that put Pixar chiefs Edwin Catmull and John Lasseter in charge of all Disney Animation. Shortly thereafter, Circle 7 Animation was shut down and its version of Toy Story 3 was shelved.[12] The following month, Disney CEO Robert Iger confirmed that Disney was in the process of transferring the production to Pixar.[13] John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, Pete Docter, and Lee Unkrich visited the house where they first pitched Toy Story and came up with the story for the film over a weekend. Stanton then wrote a treatment.[14] On February 8, 2007, Catmull announced Toy Story 2's co-director, Lee Unkrich, as the sole director of the film instead of John Lasseter, and Michael Arndt as screenwriter.[15] The release date was moved to 2010.[16]

Instead of sending Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and John Ratzenberger scripts for their consideration in reprising their roles, a complete story reel of the film was shown to the actors in a theater. The reel was made up of moving storyboards with pre-recorded voices, sound effects, and music. At the conclusion of the preview, the actors signed on to the film.

From : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toy_Story_3

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Cat Tale 2010


Cat Tale
is an upcoming 2010 animated film by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Imagi Entertainment starring Sean Astin, Elisha Cuthbert, Jerry O'Connell, David Cross, Catherine O'Hara, Rip Torn, Stanley Tucci, R. Lee Ermey, Michael Richards, Fred Willard, Chazz Palminteri, Wayne Knight, Billy Idol and Alan Cumming.

Plot

This is the story of a cat named Rover, who has been raised as a dog in Dogtown, by accident. And now he heads to Catopolis to discover where he really came from and find his roots. Cleo, Rover's love interest, who also is sought after by Simon, a ruthless cat-box-litter exec. Then Newton, Rover's guide and friend in Catopolis to help him find his roots.

Director : Felix lp
Writers : Aaron Mendelsohn , Kevin Munroe


Friday, January 8, 2010

How to Train Your Dragon 2010



A worth promising movie from dreamworks animation.

Plot : A comedy adventure set in the mythical world of burly Vikings and wild dragons.

Release Date : March 26, 2010 (USA)

Director
: Dean DeBlois , Chris Sanders
Writers : Cressinda Cowell(story), Adam F. Goldberg and Peter Tolan (writer), Dean Deblois and Chris Sanders (screenplay).

the source of information are base from : http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0892769/

THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG Review

slice_princess_and_the_frog_01.jpg

Disney’s 2D animated musicals never wore out their welcome. Some studio buffoon just figured that maybe kids didn’t want singing in their animated films any more. And then that studio buffoon decided that because 3D animated films were succeeding and a recent string of 2D films had flopped that no one wanted hand-drawn animated movies any more. This is why the last Disney 2D animated musical was Mulan in 1998. 11 years later and Disney, with the support of Pixar chief John Lasseter, has brought back hand-drawn musical movies with The Princess and the Frog. But this isn’t a return of Disney animation; it’s a rebirth.

Walt Disneys The Princess and the Frog movie image (3).jpgSet in 1920s New Orleans and playing on the fairy tale of the princess kissing a frog to turn him into a prince, the film centers on Tiana (Anika Noni Rose) who doesn’t have time for princes or frogs or kisses as she works non-stop so she can afford to open her own restaurant. Unfortunately, she ends up kissing Prince Naveen (Bruno Campos) because he’s a talking frog prince and, mistaking her for a princess, asks her to make him human again. This would be fine (and a very short movie) except the popular fairy tale fails to mention that if you’re not a princess and you kiss a cursed frog-prince, you’ll turn into a frog too. It’s that damned magical legalese. The two are forced to travel across the bayou together to find voodoo priestess Mama Odie (Jenifer Lewis) in the hopes that she can turn them human again. The proceedings are decorated with fun music and amusing supporting characters. This is the Disney animated movie you know and love, but even better.

Before you smite me for blasphemy, let me explain that I will always love the animated Disney films I grew up with: The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King. But within the first twenty minutes of The Princess and the Frog, I knew I was entering a whole new era due to the advances in animation, creative freedom for animators, and a positive message which is both universally empowering and socially responsible. It’s no slam against the older Disney movies, and I’m not saying they’ve aged poorly or that they’re secretly bigoted (although I’m pretty sure that Pumba was an anti-semite). It’s just that The Princess and the Frog has the benefit of progress combined with filling the 2D animated musical void of the past eleven years.

Walt Disneys The Princess and the Frog movie image (2).jpgOf course, this also comes with heavy pressure of being a “test case” to see if audiences will accept this “old-school” animation after the dominance of 3D. It’s likely that young children who see this movie will have never seen a 2D animated movie on the big screen before, but The Princess and the Frog should have them hooked for life. It’s funny, the characters are memorable, most of the songs are catchy, and the animation is stunning. 2D had something to prove and Disney stepped up to meet that challenge in a big way. Once you see the film’s first musical number, “Almost There”, any irrational doubts you had about 2D animation and the will be washed away and filled with an appreciation of the creative freedom Disney animators now have. “Almost There” actually changes art styles during the musical number. Again, I love the Disney musicals I grew up with but none of them ever came close to doing that.

Not only will these kids have the privilege of seeing creative diversity in their hand-drawn animation, but they’ll also gain an appreciation of cultural diversity. From its announcement, one of the big draws of The Princess and the Frog is that it would feature Disney’s first black princess. Like the animation, it’s a lot of pressure to get it right but screenwriters Ron Clements, John Musker, and Rob Edwards absolutely nail it. It gives the black characters room to be characters as well-developed and unrestrained as any white animated character while still conscious of what’s empowering and respectful towards African-Americans. More incredible, the movie accomplishes this without ever coming off like it’s walking on egg shells and it turns what could be perceived as an obstacle into an opportunity.

Walt Disneys The Princess and the Frog movie image (4).jpgSome may scoff at the socially-conscious subtext and see it as pandering to an overly P.C. culture, but allow me to ask this question: how many mainstream movies and TV shows are out there for kids that feature a strong black female lead character? Moral lessons can come from any race, but why should only white kids be able to have the same ethnic background as their heroes and heroines?

While I relish a conversation about the role of media in perceptions of race in modern American society, you know what I like even more? Catchy showtunes! A musical can’t survive without quality music and while it’s the one part of the film that’s not quite as good as the earlier Disney musicals, Randy Newman has a strong selection of songs with “When We’re Human” and the closing theme, “Never Knew I Needed” as the standouts. Hopefully with their next animated musical Disney will bring back Alan Menken who not only provided the music for The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin, but 2007’s Enchanted so that guy’s still got it.

The Princess and the Frog honors past Disney hand-drawn animated musicals by recalling their work (the film has past Disney princesses as Easter eggs), reaching their level of quality, and then surpassing it to usher in an exciting new era of hand-drawn animation.

Rating —– A minus

Posted by : Matt Goldberg

Original post : http://www.collider.com/2009/12/11/the-princess-and-the-frog-review