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The Unborn Rogue Pictures, January 9 Director: David S. Goyer Starring: Odette Yustman, Gary Oldman, Cam Gigandet, Meagan Good Synopsis: A young woman with a troubled family past begins experiencing inexplicable--and terrifying--occurences. As the haunting gets worse, she seeks the help of a spiritual advisor to unravel her family's past and find a way to stop the evil spirit trying to possess her to gain entry to our world. Website: www.theunbornmovie.net |
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Hotel for Dogs
DreamWorks/Paramount, January 16 Director: Thor Freudenthal Starring: Emma Roberts, Jake T. Austin, Kyla Pratt, Lisa Kudrow, Don Cheadle, Kevin Dillon Synopsis: When 16-year-old Andi (Roberts) and little bro Bruce (Austin) are told to get rid of their dog, Bruce uses his mechanical genius to transform an abandoned hotel into an automated doggie paradise for their pup--and any strays they come across. When the neighbors get suspicious, it's up to the kids and Bruce's inventions to make sure the "tenants" don't get discovered. Website: www.hotelfordogsmovie.com |
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Inkheart New Line Cinema, Jan. 23 Director: Iain Softley Starring: Brendan Fraser, Andy Serkis, Paul Bettany, Eliza Bennett, Helen Mirren, Jim Broadbent Synopsis: Mo (Fraser) hasn't read to his daughter Meggie (Bennett) since discovering that he has the power to bring fictional characters to life. Now a villain he accidentally conjured is tracking the family down in order to use Mo's powers for evil. Based on the popular fantasy penned by German author Cornelia Funke. |
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Underworld: Rise
of the Lycans Screen Gems, January 23 Director: Patrick Tatopoulos Starring: Rhona Mitra, Bill Nighy, Michael Sheen, Kevin Grevioux, Kate Beckinsale, Shane Brolly Synopsis: This prequel to the action-packed horror flick Underworld traces the origins of the centuries-old feud between vampires and werewolves. Set in the Dark Ages, it follows the story of a young Lycan who rallies his enslaved people against the sadistic vampire king, all while carrying out a secret affair with the king’s daughter. Website: www.entertheunderworld.com |
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The
Uninvited DreamWorks, Jan. 30 Director: Thomas Guard, Charles Guard Starring: Emily Browning, Arielle Kebbel, Elizabeth Banks, David Strathairn Synopsis: Inspired by Kim Jee-Woon’s 2003 Korean film A Tale of Two Sisters, this horror movie follows two sisters who return home to their father after spending time in a mental institute, but find it hard to recover when their cruel stepmother (Banks) and an interfering ghost make life miserable for them! Website: www.uninvitedmovie.com |
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Coraline Focus Features, Feb. 6 Director: Henry Selick Starring: Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Ian McShane, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French Synopsis: Coraline Jones finds herself bored and unhappy in her new home with foreign neighbors all around her. Then, the young girl discovers that the brick wall behind a door in her flat leads to another world where she finds a better version of her life now. Based on Neil Gaiman’s short children’s novel, the world Coraline enters into is created by her Other Mother to provide her with joy and entertainment. Website: www.coraline.com |
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Friday the 13th
New Line/Warner Bros., February 13 Director: Marcus Nispel Starring: Jared Padalecki, Danielle Panabaker, Aaron Yoo, Amanda Righetti, Travis Van Winkle, Derek Mears Synopsis: This reimagining of the classic horror romp finds a young man named Clay, along with a group of hapless youths he meets along the way, hunted by machete-wielding maniac Jason Voorhees as he searches for his missing sister amongst the creepy woods and eerie campgrounds of Crystal Lake. Website: www.fridaythe13thmovie.com |
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The Velveteen
Rabbit Family1 Films, February 20 Director: Michael Landon, Jr. Starring: Jane Seymour, Tom Skerritt, Ellen Burstyn, Matthew Harbour, Kevin Jubinville, Una Kay Synopsis: This live-action/2D animation hybrid tells the classic story of a young boy who wins over his distant father and strict grandmother with the help of a courageous toy that wishes to become a real rabbit one day. Scheduled for limited release, but available on DVD! Website: www.thevelveteenmovie.com |
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Watchmen Warner Bros., March 6 Director: Zack Snyder Starring: Patrick Wilson, Jackie Earle Haley, Malin Akerman, Billy Crudup, Matthew Goode, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Carla Gugino Synopsis: Set in an alternate reality 1985, where superheros are real, Nixon is still president and the Cold War rages one, vigilante Rorschach (Haley) is investigating the murder The Comedian (Morgan) when he uncovers a far reaching conspiracy and a plot to discredit and kill various heroes. Based on the comics by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons. Website: http://watchmenmovie.warnerbros.com |
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Monsters vs.
Aliens DreamWorks Animation, March 27 Directors: Rob Letterman, Conrad Vernon Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Hugh Laurie, Will Arnett, Seth Rogen, Stephen Colbert, Kiefer Sutherland, Rainn Wilson, Paul Rudd Synopsis: When a mysterious glob of space goo transforms Susan Murphy into a nearly 50 ft tall “monster” named Ginormica, she is captured by the military and held in a secret compound. There she meets other monsters which have been quietly concealed in the base over the years. The misfit monsters are set loose when an evil alien robot begins rampaging around Earth, leading to an epic battle! Website: www.monstersvsaliens.com |
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Dragonball:
Evolution 20th Century Fox, Apr. 8 Director: James Wong Starring: Justin Chatwin, Joon Park, Emmy Rossum, James Marsters, Chow Yun-Fat Synopsis: This live-action adaptation of the famous manga created by Akira Toriyama which also inspired the long-running anime series, centers on an alien sent to destroy Earth who has a change of heart and decides to aid humans in fighting aliens and nefarious villains. |
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X-Men
Origins: Wolverine Fox/Marvel, May 1 Director: Gavin Hood Starring: Hugh Jackman, Liev Schrieber, Danny Huston, Ryan Reynolds Synopsis: Set before the events of the X-Men trilogy, the story follows young Wolverine’s (Jackman) violent past, his experience as part of the infamous Weapon X project and his encounters with villain William Stryker. Other fan-favorite mutants making appearances will include Sabretooth (Schreiber), Deadpool (Reynolds), Gambit (Taylor Kitsch) and Kestrel (will.i.am). Website: www.marvel.com/movies |
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The
Battle for Terra Lionsgate/Roadside Attractions, May 1 Director: Aristomenis Tsirbas Starring: Evan Rachel Wood, Brian Cox, Luke Wilson, David Cross, Justin Long, Amanda Peet, Dennis Quaid, Chris Evans, James Garner, Rosanna Arquette and Chad Allen Synopsis: Senn (Long) and Mala (Wood) are two rebellious alien teens living on the beautiful planet Terra, a place that promotes peace and tolerance, having long ago rejected war and weapons of mass destruction. But when Terra is invaded by human beings fleeing a civil war and environmental catastrophe, the planet is plunged into chaos. During the upheaval, Mala befriends an injured human pilot (Wilson) and each learns the two races are not so different from one another. Together they must face the terrifying realization that in a world of limited resources, only one of their races is likely to survive. Website: www.battleforterra.com |
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Star
Trek XI Paramount, May 8 Director: J.J. Abrams Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Anton Yelchin, Zoe Saldana, Eric Bana, Simon Pegg, Karl Urban, John Cho, Winona Ryder, Lenoard Nimoy Synopsis: A youthful James T. Kirk and Mr. Spock have their first encounter at Starfleet Academy and complete their first mission. Website: www.startrekmovie.com |
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Terminator:
Salvation Warner Bros., May 22 Director: Joseph McGinty Nichol (McG) Starring: Christian Bale, Sam Worthington, Anton Yelchin, Bryce Dallas Howard, Moon Bloodgood, Common, Helena Bonham Carter Synopsis: Part sequel, part prequel, the film finds John Connor (Bale) in a post-apocalyptic future trying to gain the trust of the human resistance as they battle Skynet and its cyborgs. When a stranger arrives, Connor must try to unravel his origins as the two uncover Skynet’s most terrible secret. Website: www.terminatorsalvation.warnerbros.com |
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Night
at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian 20th Century Fox, May 22 Director: Shawn Levy Starring: Ben Stiller, Dick Van Dyke, Robin Williams, Amy Adams, Owen Wilson, Hank Azaria, Ricky Gervais Synopsis: With the Museum of Natural History closed for repairs, the collection is moved in to storage at the famous Smithsonian Institution—were the cursed collection mingles with the Smithsonian’s pop culture mementos to create a little chaos. Website: www.nightatthemuseummovie.com |
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Up Disney/Pixar, May 29 Director: Pete Docter Starring: Edward Asner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai Synopsis: The story of a 78-year-old man’s quest to fulfill his deceased wife’s lifelong dream of travel and adventure. When Carl [Asner] befriends a young Wilderness Explorer scout, they embark on a fantastic journey that opens Carl’s eyes to the world outside his dreary home. Website: www.disney.com/up |
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Land
of the Lost
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Imagine
That Paramount, June 12 Director: Karey Kirkpatrick Starring: Eddie Murphy, Thomas Haden Church, Nicole Ari Parker, Ronny Cox, Vanessa Williams Synopsis: Murphy stars as a downtrodden financial exec who finds himself drawn into his daughter’s magical, imaginary world. Formerly titled "Nowhereland" Website: www.imaginethatmovie.com |
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Panique au Village
(A Town Called Panic) Le Parti/Made in Prod./Beast Animation/Studio 352/Les Film du Grognon/Gebeka Films, June 17 (Belgium) Directors: Stephane Aubier, Vincent Patar Synopsis: Mischief-making toys Cowboy and Indian decide to throw a birthday party for Horse and try to build him a brick barbecue as a present, but their plans go awry when a billion bricks are delivered to their doorstep. Based on the Belgian TV shorts collection. Website: www.paniqueauvillage.com |
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Lascars: The
Movie (Round Da Way) Studio Millimages, Bac Films, June 17 (France) Directors: Albert Pereira-Lazaro, Emmanuel Klotz Starring: Vincent Cassel, Omar Sy, Fred Testot, Diane Kruger, Gilles Lellouche, Frédérique Bel Synopsis: Over the course of one hot summer, a group of streetwise homies find plenty of action in their hometown. When Jose falls in love with a pretty suburban girl, his courtship is interrupted by his self-styled gangster best friend who is on the run from a psychotic boss. Love, violence and criminal mischief are in the air in Condé-sur-Ginette… Website: www.lascars-lefilm.com |
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Transformers:
Revenge of the Fallen DreamWorks/Paramount, June 26 Director: Michael Bay Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, John Turturro Synopsis: Sam (LaBeouf) discovers a secret relating to the origins of the Transformers and their history of visiting earth. When the Decepticons kidnap Sam for information, the conflict results in a massive battle at the Egyptian pyramids in Giza—structures which carry a mysterious link with both the Transformers and their mechanical enemies. Website: www.transformersmovie.com |
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Ice
Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs Fox/Blue Sky, July 1 Director: Carlos Saldanha Starring: John Leguizamo, Queen Latifa, Denis Leary, Ray Romano, Seann William Scott, Josh Peck, Chris Wedge Synopsis: The mammal pals from Ice Age find themselves in yet another hairy situation when it’s discovered that the supposedly extinct dinosaurs (including a very cranky T-Rex) have been surviving in a secret tropical oasis far below the ice. Presented in full 3-D! Website: www.iceagemovie.com |
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Harry
Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Warner Bros., July 15 Director: David Yates Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Michael Gambon, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Julie Walters, David Thewlis, Jim Broadbent, Helen McCrory, Ralph Fiennes Synopsis: In this sixth feature based on J.K. Rowling’s popular series, Voldemort is tightening his grip on both the Muggle and Wizard worlds and Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it once was. Harry suspects that dangers may even lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle. Script is penned by Steve Cloves who delivered the first feature. Website: www.harrypotter.warnerbros.com/harrypotterandthehalf-bloodprince |
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Luke & Lucy:
The Texas Rangers (Suske & Wiske De Texas Rakkers) Skyline Film/LuxAnimation/CoToon, July 21 (Belgium) Directors: Mark Mertens, Wim Bien Synopsis: Luke and Lucy (or Suske & Wiske—as they’re known in Belgium) travel to Texas and join their aunt to get to the bottom of the mystery of Jim Parasite and his gang who are causing all kinds of trouble in Dark City. Website: www.lukeandlucymovie.com/en |
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Totally Spies!
The Movie Marathon Media/Studio 37/Mars Distrib., July 22 (France) Director: Pascal Jardin The Buzz: After 150 episodes and five season, fans of the popular TV series will finally find out the origin story of the crime-fighting fashionista team (Clover, Alex and Sam) from Beverly Hills High in this summer confection, packed with bright colors, outrageous outfits and super gadgets. The show was created by French studio Marathon’s toppers Vincent Chalvon-Demersay and David Michel. Website: www.totallyspies-lefilm.com |
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A Case for Friends
… How It All Began MotionWorks/Jugendfilm/2d3D/Enamation, July 23 (Germany) Directors: Tony Loeser, Jesper Møller Synopsis: A family movie about a super-star wannabe mouse, a vain rooster and an ever-hungry pig who join forces to rescue a kidnapped lamb from the wicked wolf. The Buzz: This sweet adaptation carries a decent-sized 7.3 million euro budget and a built in audience of fans of author Helme Heine, who created the characters. It will be a cheerful romp for families during some not-so-cheerful times (as long as they can afford the tickets). Website: www.mullewapp.kinowelt.de |
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G-Force Disney, July 24 Director: Hoyt Yeatman Starring: Nicolas Cage, Steve Buscemi, Tracy Morgan, Will Arnett, Bill Nighy, Zach Galifianakis Synopsis: A live-action blend flick about a top-notch team of secret agent guinea pigs on a mission to stop an evil billionaire’s plot to destroy the world with household appliances. Jerry Bruckeheimer is producing from a script by Cormac and Marianne Wibberley, the film is being produced for 3-D. Website: disney.go.com/disneypictures/gforce |
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Jasper: Journey
to the End of the World Amuse Films/Dacodac/Toons ‘n’ Tales, July 30 (Germany) Directors: Eckart Fingberg, Kay Delventhal Synopsis: Jasper, a young penguin who craves a life outside the boring ice, and his little bro Junior are swept up in a ship-bound adventure when they follow a rare Kakapo bird trying to find its lost eggs. The ship captain’s daughter, Emma, joins them in their quest, which leads them to the wicked Dr. Block. |
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G.I. Joe: The
Rise of Cobra Paramount, August 7 Director: Stephen Sommers Starring: Channing Tatum, Christopher Eccleston, Sienna Miller, Dennis Quaid, Ray Park, Marlon Wayans, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Lee Byung-hun Synopsis: Based on the popular toy and cartoon series, the film takes place 10 years in the future and will follow the induction of Duke (Tatum) and Ripcord (Wayans) into the G.I. Joe team, as well as the rise of the insidious Cobra Organization. Website: www.gijoemovie.com |
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Ponyo Disney/Studio Ghibli, August 14 Director: Hayao Miyazaki Starring: Matt Damon, Tina Fey, Cate Blanchett, Liam Neeson Synopsis: When a young fish maiden runs away from her undersea home, a big hearted boy befriends her and vows to protect the creature he names Ponyo. Against the wishes of her tyrranical father, Ponyo and the boy fall in love—but to prove their love is pure, they must pass a test. Website: www.ghibli.jp/ponyo (Japanese) |
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Gamer Lionsgate, Sept. 4 Directors: Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor Starring: Gerard Butler, Michael C. Hall, Ludacris, Kyra Sedgwick, John Leguizamo, Zoe Bell Synopsis: Online players control the life and fate of other human beings in this thriller set in a not-so distant dystopian future. Website: www.gamerthemovie.com |
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9 Focus Features, Sep. 9 Director: Shane Acker Starring: Elijah Wood, Jennifer Connelly, Crispin Glover, John C. Reilly, Christopher Plummer, Martin Landau Synopsis: Based on Acker’s award-winning short of the same title and produced by Tim Burton and Timu Bekmambetov (Night Watch), the story takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where a group of sentient rag-dolls band behind 9 (Wood), a leader they hope can ensure their survival and protect them from the bizarre creatures that hunt their them. Website: www.9themovie.com |
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Cloudy
with a Chance of Meatballs Columbia, September 18 Directors: Phil Lord, Chris Miller Starring: Anna Faris, Bruce Campbell, James Caan, Mr. T, Tracy Morgan, Bill Hader, Andy Samberg Synopsis: Based on Ron and Judi Barret’s belove children’s book, this Sony Pictures Animation take reveals the origins of the town of Chewandswallow, which experiences episodes of mashed potato snow and raining soup brought on by a scientist’s attempt to end world hunger. But when the town is threatened by a catastrophic flood of foodstuffs, the people will have to get creative to save their homes. Website: www.cloudywithachanceofmeatballs.com |
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Jennifer's
Body Fox Atomic, Sept. 18 Director: Karyn Kusama Starring: Megan Fox, Amanda Seyfried, Adam Brody, J.K. Simmons Synopsis: Screenwriter Diablo Cody is back with another quirky picture after the success of last year’s Juno. When a gorgeous cheerleader is possessed by a demon and starts feeding off the boys in a small Minnesota farming town, her "plain Jane" best friend must kill her, then escape from a correctional facility to go after the Satan-worshipping rock band responsible for the horrible transformation. |
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Mr.
Nobody Wildbunch, October 7 (Belgium) Director: Jaco Van Dormael Starring: Jared Leto, Sarah Polley, Diane Kruger, Rhys Ifans Synopsis: A a multi-layered love story inspired by the 'butterfly effect,’ set in the not-so-distant future, the story follows Nemo Nobody (Leto) who, at 120 years old, is the last mortal surrounded by happy immortals as he relives his real and imaginary years of marriage. Website: www.mrnobody-lefilm.com |
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Where
the Wild Things Are Warner Bros., Oct. 16 Director: Spike Jonze Starring: Catherine Keener, James Gandolfini, Catherine O’Hara, Angus Sampson, Forest Whitaker, Paul Dano, Max Records, Mark Ruffalo, Lauren Ambrose, Tom Noonan Synopsis: Based on the book by Maurice Sendak about a young boy named Max who imagines and adventure to a fantastical island inhabited by strange beasts. Website: http://wherethewildthingsare.warnerbros.com |
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Astro
Boy Summit Ent./Imagi, October 23 Director: David Bowers Starring: Freddie Highmore, Nicolas Cage, Bill Nighy, Donald Sutherland, Eugene Levy, Nathan Lane, Kristen Bell Synopsis: In the gleaming futuristic metropolis of Metro City, a heartbroken scientist creates a powerful robot in the image of his deceased son. When Astro Boy is unable to be the son his creator wished for, he sets off on a series of adventures hoping to find acceptance—instead finding betrayal and an underground of robot gladiators. Returning to Metro City, Astro Boy must try to save his hometown and reconcile with the man who rejected him. Website: www.astroboy-themovie.com |
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A Christmas Carol
Disney, November 6 Director: Robert Zemeckis Starring: Jim Carrey, Robin Wright Penn, Bob Hoskins, Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Cary Elwes, Fionnula Flanagan Synopsis: The plot will faithfully follow the Victorian tale—no smart-mouthed CG gerbils or rapping ghosts. Imagemovers Digital provides the mo-cap magic and mad comic Carrey play the lead, as well as The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Christmas Yet To Come. |
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Metropia Atmo Metro AB, November 6 (Sweden) Director: Tarik Saleh Starring: Vincent Gallo, Juliette Lewis, Stellan Skarsgård, Alexander Skarsgård, Udo Kier, Sofia Helin, Fares Fares, Shanti Roney Synopsis: Set in the near future, when the world is running out of oil and the subway systems of Europe are connected by a gigantic underground network. Roger hears a strange voice in his head when he enters the subway, and soon teams up with a mysterious girl in an attempt to escape the Metro’s bizarre web. |
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The
Wolf Man Universal, Nov. 6 Director: Joe Johnston Starring: Emily Blunt, Benicio Del Toro, Anthony Hopkins, Hugo Weaving, Geraldine Chapman Synopsis: When a young nobleman returns to his sleepy Victorian home town to help search for his missing brother, he discovers that a fearsome beast—possibly the product of an ancient curse—is preying on the villagers … and uncovers a side of himself he never anticipated. Website: www.thewolfmanmovie.com |
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The
Fantastic Mr. Fox 20th Century Fox, November 13 Director: Wes Anderson Starring: George Clooney, Cate Blanchett, Bill Murray, Anjelica Huston, Jason Schwartzman Synopsis: Mr. Fox is an extremely clever forest critter who consistently outwits his obnoxious neighbors: A group of mean-spirited farmers who have had it with the fox’s trickery. Based on the novel by Roald Dahl. |
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Planet
51 TriStar, November 20 Director: Jorge Blanco, Javier Abad Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Jessica Biel, Justin Long, Seann William Scott, Gary Oldman, John Cleese Synopsis: Astronaut Charles Baker lands on what he believes to be a yet undiscovered planet…only to find it is inhabited by a race of aliens who live in a society mirroring that of 1950s America—complete with picket fences, comic books and a paranoid fear of invasions from another planet! Animated by Spain-based Ilion Animation. Website: www.planet51.com |
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Arthur and the
Vengeance of Maltazard Europacorp, December 2 (France) Director: Luc Besson Starring: Freddie Highmore, Mia Farrow, Robert Stanton, Ron Crawford Synopsis: This sequel to Besson’s Arthur and the Invisibles finds the young hero getting ready to leave his grandparents’ home at the end of summer. But before he leaves, a spider delivers a message of warning, which sends Arthur on another adventure involving Princess Selenia. Website: www.arthuretlesminimoys.com/arthur2 |
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The
Princess and the Frog Disney, Dec. 11, 2009 Directors: Ron Clements, John Musker Starring: Anika Noni Rose, Jenifer Lewis, Keith David, Bruno Campos, Jim Cummings, Michael-Leon Wooley, Oprah Winfrey, Terrence Howard, John Goodman, Jennifer Cody Synopsis: A 20th century fairytale about a young waitress named Tiana working in Jazz-age New Orleans who encounters a cursed frog prince, and ends up being turned amphibious as well when she tries to break the spell! Together they go in search of a benevolent Voodoo priestess, meet some interesting animal pals and, of course, fall in love along the way. Website: www.disney.com/theprincessandthefrog |
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Avatar 20th Century Fox, Dec. 18 Director: James Cameron Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Michelle Rodriguez, Zoe Saldana, Stephen Lang Synopsis: When a band of humans are brought to a newly discovered planet inhabited by a humanoid race of beings, they find themselves at odds with the planet’s inhabitants as well as each other. |
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Alvin and the
Chipmunks: The Squeakquel 20th Century Fox, December 25 Director: Betty Thomas Starring: Jason Lee, Justin Long, Jesse McCartney, Matthew Gray Gubler Synopsis: Everyone’s favorite squeaky three-part harmonizers, Alvin, Simon and Theodore are back to wreak havoc on adoptive father / manager Dave Seville’s life. This film will also introduce their girlish counterparts, the Chipettes! |
2009 Release Dates To Be Announced
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Bunyan &
Babe MGM, 2009 TBA Directors: Tony Bancroft, Jim Rygiel Starring: John Goodman, Eddie Griffin, Kelsey Grammer, Bridger Zadina, Dorien Davies Synopsis: Exodus Film Group’s latest adventure will finally hit theaters thanks to MGM. The film follows two children who discover larger-than-life (and fully animated) folk hero Paul Bunyan (Goodman) and his giant ox (Griffin) have been hiding out near their grandfather’s farm, just in time for them to help save the farm from a demented property developer! Website: www.exodusfilmgroup.com |
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My Dog Tulip Norman Twain Prod., May (Cannes Festival) Directors: Paul and Sandra Fierlinger Starring: Christopher Plummer, Lynn Redgrave, Isabella Rossellini, Brian Murray Synopsis: Based on J.R. Ackerley’s well-loved 1956 novel about the strong friendship between a man and a German Shepherd he rescues. This new indie feature skews older than most animated movies, but promises to be a powerful work. Website: www.mydogtulipfilm.com |
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The Legend of
Spyro 3D Universal, Christmas-ish, TBA 2009 Director: Mark Dippé Starring: Elijah Wood, Gary Oldman Synopsis: The film will follow an origin story about the popular purple dragon. Raised by fireflies, Spyro only realizes his true power when their village is attacked and his fire-breathing instincts kick in. Not only that, he’s also part of a prophesy that foretells the destruction of the insidious Dark Master. With his dragonfly sidekick, Sparx, Spyro sets out on a seemingly impossible quest to defeat the villain and his black dragon. |
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Yona Yona Penguin Madhouse/Denis Friedman Prod., December (Japan) Director: Rintaro Synopsis: Like most six-year-old girls, our heroine enjoys the occasional nighttime romp around town dressed as a penguin. (Right…?) One night she stumbles into a strange subterranean world and is mistaken for a prophesied bird who will help the underground society fight off the evil Emperor of Darkness. |
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Around the World
in 50 Years nWave Pictures/Illuminata Pictures, TBA 2009 Director: Ben Stassen Starring: Tim Curry, Kathy Griffin, Melanie Griffith, Ed Begley Jr., Stacy Keach Synopsis: A small turtle born in 1959 spends half a century traveling the globe as the world around him changes because of global warming and man’s environmental disasters. Website: www.nwave.com |
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Kerity Alphanim/La Fabrique/Lanterna Magica/Haut et Court, December 2009 (France) Director: Dominique Monféry Synopsis: The heroes and heroines of famous children’s literature come to life thanks to a magical library given to a young boy by his grandmother. However, if the characters leave the library, their stories will be forgotten forever Website: www.alphanim.fr |
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Mary and Max Melodrama Pictures/Icon Distrib., TBA 2009 Director: Adam Elliot Starring: Toni Colette, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Eric Bana; narrated by Barry Humpries (Dame Edna) Synopsis: An unlikely pen-pal friendship develops between Mary, a lonely eight-year-old girl in Melbourne, and Max, a 44-year-old, obese man with Asperger's Syndrome living in New York. Website: www.maryandmax.com |
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The Sandman and
the Lost Sand of Dreams Scopas Medien/MotionWorks, TBA 2009 (Germany) Director: Jesper Møller Synopsis: A young boy named Miko has to overcome his fears in order to help the Sandman save the dreams of children all over the world in Dreamland. Based on a popular German’s children’s TV series, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. |
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The Secret of
Kells Cartoon Saloon/Gébéka/Buena Vista, TBA 2009 Director: Tomm Moore Starring: Evan McGuire, Christen Mooney, Mick Lally, Brendan Gleeson Synopsis: A young orphan living with the monks of the Abbey of Kells, a monastery during the Middle Ages, gets involved in the illustration of the famous illustrated manuscript. Lucky auds in Ireland, France and Belgium have seen the movie… Now how about some U.S. distribution! Website: www.thesecretofkells.com |
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The
Illusionist Django Films/CineB/Pathé Int’l, Spring (France + U.K.), TBA Director: Sylvain Chomet Synopsis: A struggling stage entertainer in 1950s Scotland is forced to accept low-paying assignments in fringe theaters and bars, until an admiring young woman changes his life forever. Based on an unproduced script by the late French comedy master, Jacques Tati. Website: www.djangofilms.co.uk |
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Repossession
Mambo Universal, 2009 TBA Director: Miguel Sapochnik Starring: Jude Law, Forest Whitaker, Liev Schreiber, RZA, Carice van Houten, Alice Braga Synopsis: Jude Law goes back to the future in a world where synthetic organs are the new upgradeable commodities and repo men pay visits to reclaim those parts if you can’t make your payments on time. |
2010 Releases
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Daybreakers Lionsgate, January 8, 2010 Directors: Peter and Michael Spierig Starring: Willem Dafoe, Ethan Hawke, Sam Neill, Claudia Karvan, Michael Dorman, Vince Colosimo Synopsis: In the year 2017, a plague has transformed most every human into vampires. Faced with a dwindling blood supply, the dominant plots their survival; meanwhile, a researcher (Hawke) works with a covert band of vamps on a way to save the human race. |
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Cirque du Freak
Universal, January 15, 2010 Director: Paul Weitz Starring: Chris Massoglia, Josh Hutcherson, John C. Reilly, Michael Ceveris, Willem Dafoe, Salma Hayek, Ken Watanabe Synopsis: A terrifying story about a 14-year-old boy who unwittingly upsets a centuries-old truce between rival clans of vampires when he is sucked into the nightmarish world of a traveling freak show made up of monsterous characters. Based on the book by Darren Shan. |
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Hoodwinked 2:
Hood vs. Evil Weinstein/Summit, January 15, 2010 Director: Mike Disa Starring: Hayden Panettiere, Glenn Close, Patrick Warburton, Martin Short, Bill Hader, Amy Poehler, Bill Murray, Joan Cusack, Brad Garrett, Andy Dick, Cory Edwards Synopsis: For the sequel, Red teams up with Wolf to investigate the disappearance of candy-house crashers Hansel and Gretel as well as Mr. Alligator. |
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The Pet Pals
and Marco Polo’s Code Gruppo Alcuni, January 2010 (Italy) Director: Sergio Manfio Synopsis: The popular Italian animated series goes the CG route in this theatrical release which finds the six friends fighting the evil Crow Witch to find Marco Polo’s code and track down the Parallel Palace of magic in Venice. Website: www.alcuni.it |
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Tim Burton’s
Alice in Wonderland Disney, March 5, 2010 Director: Tim Burton Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter, Michael Sheen, Matt Lucas, Crispin Glover, Stephen Fry, Alan Rickman Synopsis: A sequel style interpretation of Lewis Carroll’s classic, which sees a teenage Alice return to Wonderland with no memory of her previous journey there. The film will combine performance-capture animation with live-action footage. |
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How to Train
Your Dragon DreamWorks/Paramount, March 26, 2010 Director: Chris Sanders, Dean DeBlois Starring: Gerard Butler, Jonah Hill, America Ferrera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Jay Baruchel Synopsis: Cressida Cowell’s literary creation, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III (Baruchel), Viking tween extraordinaire, is cleaving his way into theaters to try and turn his toothless and thoroughly unintimidating dragon into a fearsome mount. Good luck with that, Hiccup. Website: www.howtotrainyourdragon.com |
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Shrek Forever
After DreamWorks, May 21, 2010 Director: Mike Mitchell Starring: Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, Antonio Banderas, Julie Andrews, Eric Idle, Justin Timberlake, Paul McCartney Synopsis: Now that he’s a family man, America’s favorite ogre is feeling glum and bored with his docile life—autographing pitchforks instead of rampaging through villages. When he makes a deal with Rumplestiltskin to regain his glory, he finds himself in a bizarre alternate Far Far Away where he and Fiona have never met, and must struggle to put things right and get back his true love. |
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Toy Story 3 Disney/Pixar, June 18, 2010 Director: Lee Unkrich Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, John Ratzenberger, Wallace Shawn, Don Rickles, Estelle Harris, Ned Beatty, Michael Keaton, Jodi Benson Synopsis: Dust off the toy box: Woody, Buzz and the gang are back in another adventure. In this installment, Andy is all grown up and off to college, leaving the toys to cope with being donated to a local day care center. Website: disney.go.com/toystory |
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The Last Airbender Paramount, July 2, 2010 Director: M. Night Shyamalan Starring: Noah Ringer, Nicola Peltz, Jackson Rathbone, Dev Patel, Jessica Jade Andres, Aasif Mandvi, Shaun Toub, Cliff Curtis, Keong Sim Synopsis: Based on Nickelodeon’s smash hit 2D epic adventure series, Airbender follows a young boy named Aang (Ringer) who must fulfill a prophecy that will bring peace to the four nations of his world using magical “bending” control over the four elements of Air, Fire, Water and Earth. Website: www.thelastairbendermovie.com |
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Despicable Me Universal, July 9, 2010 Directors: Chris Renaud, Pierre Coffin Starring: Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Kristen Wiig, Will Arnett, Russell Brand, Julie Andrews Synopsis: Unbeknownst to his cheerful suburban neighborhood, Gru (Carell) is hiding a veritable army of wicked henchmen and dastardly devices beneath his creepy old house, not to mention a nefarious plot to steal the moon! But he meets his match in three little orphan girls who would rather see him as their dad than as an evil mastermind. |
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The Prodigies
(La Nuit des Enfants Rois) Attitude Studio/Onyx Films/Fidelite Films/Studio 37/LuxAnimation, September 2010 (France) Director: Antoine Charreyron Synopsis: After five teen prodigies are assaulted in Central Park, they band together to fight the forces of evil as a disaster of apocalyptic proportions nears. This edgy adaptation of Bernard Lenteric’s 1980 novel uses live-action actors as the basis for its trippy CG animation. |
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Rapunzel Disney, November 24, 2010 Directors: Byron Howard, Nathan Greno Starring: Kristin Chenoweth, Kevin Linehan, Dan Fogler, Pam Hyatt, Matthew Gray Gubler Synopsis: Originally slated as a sassy modern send-up, the story will stay true to the Brothers’ Grimm fairy tale and focus on the mystery surrounding the young tower-bound princess with seemingly endless locks. |
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The
Smurfs Columbia/Sony, Dec. 17 2010 Director: Colin Brady Starring: John Lithgow, Julia Sweeney Synopsis: The blue-skinned, hard-working little guys, created by Beligan comic artist Peyo (Pierre Culliford) make their big 3-D, CG/live-action feature debut. David Stem and David Weiss (Shrek) are penning the script. Now just try and get their famous theme song out of your head! The Hanna-Barbera cartoon first debuted in 1981 on NBC and spawned 256 episodes and several Emmys. |
2010 Release Dates To Be Announced
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Hack/Slash
Rogue Pictures, TBA 2010 Director: Todd Lincoln Synopsis: Punky young babe Cassie gets her kicks travelling the country to track down muderers and give them a taste of justice, accompanied by her loyal protector, Vlad. Based on the comics and one-offs by Tim Seeley. |
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Egill: The Last
Pagan Lichthof Prod./CAOZ, TBA 2010 Director: Aron Gauder Synopsis: This Hungarian/Icelandic/Polish CG toon is based on the Icelandic epic about Egill the Viking, a brute of a warrior known for his pride and bad temper, who sets out to seek revenge from the King of Norway after he insults his family. Polish studio Se-Ma-For will tackle the puppets and stop-motion filming, while Hungarian co-producers, including Tadpole Studio, deliver the CG software required to finish the animation. Website: www.egillmovie.com |
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Ernest &
Celestine Les Armateurs/Studio 352/Digital Graphics Studiocanal/La Parti, TBA 2010 Directors: Benjamin Renner, Vincent Patar, Stephanie Aubier Synopsis: An abandoned mouse and a lonely bear form an unlikely friendship as they brave the hardships of a bohemian life on the fringes of society. Based on the children’s books by Gabrielle Vincent. |
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Mighty Mouse Paramount/Nickelodeon, TBA 2010 Synopsis: The Mouse of Steel will be zipping around fighting crime as always in this tale which will poke fun at the last 60 years of superhero history. Conceptual artist/designer Barry Jackson (How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Titan A.E.) is guiding the visual development for the CG project, which is written by Maurice Chauvet (Three-Fifty) and Chris Vail. Nick plans to launch a TV series based on the film as well as a book on the history of the caped vermin in conjunction with the release. |
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ThunderCats Warner Bros., TBA 2010 Director: Jerry O’Flaherty Synopsis: Staying true to its cartoon roots, the film will focus on the cat-tastic gang’s flight from their destroyed home planet of Thundera, as Lion-O grows into his role as leader of the group and they face off against skeletal enemy Mumm-Ra. |
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Alice Universal Pictures, TBA 2010 Synopsis: Based on the Electronic Arts video game created by American McGee, this new spin on the Alice in Wonderland tale finds the Lewis Carroll’s heroine all grown up and deeply disturbed after her parents are killed in a fire. Plus, she has to deal with sinister mirrors, mysterious potions, surreal tea parties and talking animals. Not to mention that evil Queen of Hearts! |
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Monkey's
Paw Ghost House Pictures, 2010 TBA Synopsis: Penned by Dave Kajganich and Tom McAlistair, this horror tale centers on a father who innocently brings home a mysterious artifact rumored to grant wishes, only to see its magical powers go awry and cause misadventures with every wish his family makes. |
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Gatchaman Imagi, TBA 2010 (Japan, U.S.) Synopsis: This adaptation is said to explore the creation of the bird-suited Science Ninja Team and their early struggles against Galactor, with some darker tones for a slightly more mature audience. |
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Gnomeo and Juliet Miramax, TBA 2010 (U.K.) Director: Kelly Asbury Starring: James McAvoy, Emily Blunt Synopsis: Ever thought Shakespeare’s classic Romeo and Juliet could use more pointy hats? This reimagining follows star-crossed lovers who each belong to a different clan in a feud between indoor and outdoor garden gnomes. Sir Elton John is producing the project alongside his partner David Furnish, Steve Hamilton Shaw and animation vets Baker Bloodworth and Igor Khait. |
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The Hero of Color
City Magnolia Pictures, TBA 2010 Director: Becky Bristow Starring: Christina Ricci, Rosie Perez, Craig Ferguson, Arsenio Hall Synopsis: An ‘80s TV toon throwback style set up: A group of anthropomorphic crayons team up to stop a villain who despises color and joy from destroying their chromatically diverse city. With the power of friendship, perhaps? The waxy heros and their colorful world are being animated by Igor producers Exodus Film Group. |
2011 Releases
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Cars
2 Disney/Pixar, June 24, 2011 Director: Brad Lewis Starring: Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy Synopsis: Details are fuzzy, but a round-the-world journey featuring Lightning McQueen (Wilson) and Mater the tow truck (Larry) will set the stage for any auto-related hijinks. |
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Hotel Transylvania Sony Pictures, September 30, 2011 Director: Jill Culton Synopsis: He’s a little bit country, she’s a little bit rock ‘n’ roll… and of course by “rock ‘n’ roll” we mean Dracula’s voluptuous vampire daughter and by “country” we mean bloodsucker-stabbin’ vampire hunter Simon Van Helsing… But who said being born mortal enemies had to stand in the way of romance? |
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The Adventures
of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn Paramount/DreamWorks/Amblin, December 23, 2011 Director: Steven Spielberg Starring: Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, Daniel Craig, Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Gad Elmaleh, Toby Jones, Mackenzie Crook Synopsis: Hergé’s internationally beloved comic-book character Tintin the globetrotting reporter discovers a clue to an ancient treasure that turns out to be from Captain Haddock’s (Serkis) ancestor Sir Francis Haddock. |
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The Bear and
the Bow Disney/Pixar, December 25, 2011 Director: Brenda Chapman Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson, Julie Walters, John Ratzenberger Synopsis: Merida, a young girl born into the Scottish royal family (Witherspoon), abandons her family name in order to pursue her dream of becoming an archer. However, her brash decisions end up destroying her father’s kingdom as well as her mother’s life—mistakes she struggles to set right. |
2011 Release Dates To Be Announced
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Clive
Barker Presents: Hellraiser Weinstein Company, TBA 2011 Director: Pascal Laugier Starring: No stars attached, yet! Synopsis: This 20th Anniversary of Barker’s frightfest centers on an unfaithful wife who tries to help her lover escape from hell. Based on the novella The Hellbound Heart, this dark tale will feature a new version of the much-loved Pinhead character! |
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CHRONICLES OF
COHEN: Nails In the Coffin Black Point Studios, Summer 2011 Director: Stan Miskiewicz Synopsis: A grizzled ex-Navy Seal discovers a bizarre plot by a demented doctor to find the secret of immortality while on a mission to South America—encountering a murderous horde of the undead, one of which happens to be his girlfriend. Creepy videogame inspired art, plenty of zombie action, Bruce Willis and Steve Buscemi rumored to star … Did we mention zombies? Zombies!!! Website: www.youtube.com/user/blackpointstudios |
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Aardvark Art’s
Ark Warner Bros., TBA 2011 Synopsis: This talking animal adventure comedy kicks it Old Testament style, following a family of critters who’ve declined to join the rest of the Noah’s Ark crew and try to make it on their own. Newbie Adam Sachs is rewriting the script for De Line Pictures. |
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Poe Michael Sporn Animation, TBA 2011 Director: Michael Sporn Starring: Alfred Molina, Dianne Wiest, Joanna Scanlan, Mark Somen Synopsis: Based on the life of the famous tortured author, the plot is interspersed with scenes and stories from Poe’s dark, unnerving works. Website: www.michaelspornanimation.com |
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Power of the
Dark Crystal The Jim Henson Co., TBA 2011 Director: Genndy Tartakovsky Synopsis: No concrete story plans have been announced, but the film is set to be a true sequel taking places several years after the events of The Dark Crystal. Henson is teaming with its Farscape partner, Omnilab Media, to produce the flick from a script by Craig Pearce (Moulin Rouge!). |
Release Dates TBA
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Ethel
and Ernest TV Cartoons/Cartoon Saloon, TBA Director: Roger Mainwood Synopsis: Based on the book by acclaimed British author and illustrator Raymond Briggs (The Snowman), this traditionally animated 90-minute film follows the life and times of Briggs’ own parents who meet in the 1930s and live through four decades of social change in London. Produced by British toon veteran John Coats, the man behind such timeless animated gems such as The Snowman, Yellow Submarine, The World of Peter Rabbit and Friends, Wind in the Willows and When the Wind Blows. |
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