The Walking Dead - Season 4 - A Sneak Peak

After achieving 12.4 million viewers for the final episode of season 3, The Walking Dead has now become the most-watched TV drama series in the history of basic cable TV. Based on the comic book series of the same name created by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore and Charlie Adlard the show tells the story of a small group of survivors living in the aftermath of a global zombie apocalypse.

Despite the fact season 4 will not air until early 2014, production has already begun. The latest details to emerge include information about the premiere episode of the next season that was written by the new show-runner, Scott Gimple, and directed by Greg Nicotero. What we do know at the moment is that the premiere episode will definitely include a cluster of creepy new zombies.

The first episode of season 4 of 'The Walking Dead' includes an action sequence that Denise Huth, co-executive producer, has labelled as "really, really spectacular". Greg Nicotero has stated that the episode is "bigger than any script we have done before, with new cast and really good twists that will delight fans".

Reportedly fans will see a very different Rick Grimes, sheriff's deputy and lead character for the series. Andrew Lincoln plays Grimes, who awakens from a coma in series 1 to find a world dominated by flesh-eating zombies. His clash with the Governor and other experiences from season 3 are said to transform his character "in huge ways" reported the Hollywood Reporter.

Maggie, played by Lauren Cohan, took a more central role in season 3 and that is set to continue. Michonne (Danai Gurira) is a huge character that's going to be a lot more active in Season 4 according to TV Guide.

Several new characters will be introduced in Season 4 of 'The Walking Dead'. Sasha (Sonequa Martin-Green) will be included as Tyreese's sister, and Larry Gillard Jr. will join the cast in a regular role as Bob Stookey, a former Army medic.

David Morrissey will be back as the Phillip Blake, aka The Governor, despite having only originally signed a one-season contract. TV Line reported from an interview with producer Robert Kirkman that the Governor was always intended to be a bigger story than would fit into one season. "There's a lot more to be done wit this guy" Kirkman said.

Season 4 will contain many familiar elements from the previous season. There will be more of the prison but according to reports elements of the setting will be "radically different". Season 4 is going to be extremely different to season 3 "in some very startling and cool ways" according to Kirkman.

Is "The Walking Dead" a favourite of yours too? Let us know what you think of the show and its evolution over the first three seasons. Leave us your comment below.

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FRANCES HA - A New Film Report

Frances (Greta) Is Great!

I just saw the nicest, warmest movie I have seen in a long time. It's a feel-good movie with an actress who captured my old heart. Greta Gerwig is that actress; and she plays a young soul trying to make her way as a dancer in Manhattan. Talk of competition, never-ending struggle, living without paychecks for rent-- week after week and on the move more than she wants. But what a heart! What a spirit!

Greta Is "Rich" As Well!

To one of her roommates, Frances moans, "I am poor!" To which he says, "You are not poor! There are poor people, but you are not one of them!"... "If you knew how little money I have, you would agree that I am very poor!" He shakes his head and disagrees. And I think he was right. She wasn't really poor. Poor is about more than no cash. It has to do with a person's basic mind-set. And hers was rich, full of life, and ever trying to get to where she wants to be: a dancer with a company.

Persistence Can Change Life!

And with it all, she has a mind that refuses to accept the reality that's presented to her.

Somehow, instinctively, she knows that with her persistence what's before her will change into something she needs.

Frances Doesn't Give In!

She has a dear girlfriend from their days in college; and they are like two peas in a pod. They act the way little girls act, hugging, close together whenever chance finds them together. She is Sophie (Mickey Sumner); and life is not easy for either of these girls.

But while Sophie sort of gives in, Frances keeps on in her exuberant fashion. Yes, at times she tells some lies to hide her true place in her life but mostly to keep friends from feeling sorry for her.

She Lives In The Real World!

I think her whole life is dedicated to her goal to be a dancer and to find her rightful place in the universe of love. Some have called this a fantasy, but she's in the real world- but never accepting all the bad breaks or the hardships which circumstances deal. It's all temporary and somehow it will disappear-- once she finds the right place her life can fit into. And in the end, Frances finds it.

How Her Name Became "HA"!

The very last scene shows her putting her first and last name on a narrow card to be inserted in the space where her mail's received. Apparently, her last name takes up too much space, so she tears off most of the name, HARDESTY (I believe) and ends up with just HA.

Ah... How to rank this movie gem? It may not gross much cash or a lot of film fame, but I think it's worth a light EIGHT.

Happy Moving Going!

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How Do Henry Cavill and Amy Adams Compare to Previous Superman Couples?

When plans to reboot the Superman franchise were announced by Warner Bros., questions were raised about who would get cast in the iconic parts of Clark Kent/Superman and his onscreen love interest, Lois Lane. When relatively unknown British actor Henry Cavill and Oscar nominee Amy Adams were announced, people began to instantly compare them to duos from the previous two Superman franchises. This chatter was hardly fair, since nobody had seen Cavill and Adams in action yet. Now that "Man of Steel" is out, a fair comparison can be made.

The original "Superman," released in 1978, starred Christopher Reeve in the lead role as Superman and his alter ego Clark Kent, while Margot Kidder took on the role of newspaper reporter Lois Lane. The two would go on to star together in "Superman II," "Superman III," and "Superman IV: The Quest for Peace." This couple easily has the most scenes to compare to the other two duos, which each only have one film together so far. However, since Warner Bros. has already given the green light to a "Man of Steel" sequel, Cavill and Adams could eventually get as much screen time together as Reeve and Kidder.

Reeve and Kidder shared a fun chemistry together from the minute Kidder's Lois meets Clark, who is harboring the big secret that he is actually Superman. They work together in the newsroom to try and break stories, with the more conservative and cautious Kent working as a great foil for the more excitable Lane, who will do most anything to get a big scoop, even when it puts her in harm's way. Their chemistry doesn't become romantic until after the first time Clark has to become Superman to save Lois. She doesn't know that Clark and Superman are one and the same, so the romantic connection only comes into play when he goes into superhero mode. When he is still meek newspaper worker Clark, their platonic chemistry is still in play.

The dual chemistry displayed by Reeve and Kidder is a far cry from what Superman and Lois have in "Superman Returns," a 2006 sequel/reboot from director Bryan Singer, because the plot keeps the two separated for quite a bit of the movie. Superman (Brandon Routh) has been gone for five years because he has been traveling to an area where astronauts thought they might have found some of the remains of Krypton. After a fruitless search, he returns to Metropolis to find that Lois (Kate Bosworth) has given birth to a son by her fiancé Richard White (James Marsden), whose Uncle Perry runs the "Daily Planet." The two don't have much time together in comparison to Reeve and Kidder, but when they do share the screen, their affection for each other is obvious.

In " Man of Steel," Cavill and Adams play a slightly different version of Clark/Superman and Lois. Metropolis and the newsroom where the pair got to know each other so well in the original "Superman" is gone in favor of a story in which the pair actually meet in the Fortress of Solitude, the place where Superman can communicate with his dead father Jor-El (Russell Crowe). At first, their chemistry is more the result of mutual curiosity and respect than of romance. As the film progresses, they begin to form a bond that eventually manifests itself into potential love. By the end of the film, Lois, who is much tougher and more strong-willed than the previous versions of the character, comforts Superman in his time of need. She is clearly a romantic interest and a caretaker while still being a strong career woman. These two are a modern-day power couple whose personalities have been updated from the comic books just enough to make them believable in today's world.

In the end, comparing all three couples is really about personal taste. While some may prefer the Reeve-Kidder combo for nostalgic reasons, others might prefer the short-lived Routh-Bosworth combo because "Superman Returns" is a bit further along in their storyline. Others still might like the updated version that the Cavill-Adams duo play. Regardless, fans of Superman will have much more material to compare Cavill and Adams to the other two after "Man of Steel 2" is released. Though rumors persist that the film could be released as early as 2014, Warner Bros. has not made that official yet. No matter when it's released, fans can likely look forward to a deeper look into Superman and Lois, who already knows his big secret.

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A Review of "20 Feet From Stardom"

"20 Feet from Stardom" is a riveting movie that explores the roles that African-Americans played in creating the sound of current pop music and the ways that supporting artists have contributed to the careers of the biggest names in music. This movie, directed by Morgan Neville, is a documentary that has received positive reviews from some of the largest media outlets. Critics have noted that this movie offers a moment of fame to the background singers of the last century.

Starting with digging into older gospel music, this movie delves into the sounds that famous white musicians began with and the roots of that music. Later, background singers who helped to pave the way for African-Americans singers speak about what they had to do to support famous musicians. In some cases, this even included giving credit to others for their own singing.

This movie is a must for all music lovers, as it reveals many little-known facts about the songs that people have heard their whole lives. With interviews with singers who have done voice acting for major movies and others who backed stars like Michael Jackson, "20 Feet from Stardom" showcases the work of those who worked with some of the best-known names in music. Supporting artists interviewed for this film include Darlene Love, Merry Clayton, and Judith Hill. There are also more famous artists weighing in, such as Mick Jagger, Stevie Wonder, and Bruce Springsteen.

Throughout the film, special camera techniques and editing styles are used to bring out the personality of each singer interviewed. Each woman featured has a story about the successes and struggles through her life, as well as rare footage of interviews with them years ago. Even unique graphics taken from the music and movie posters decades ago will help to keep you completely absorbed in this film from the beginning to the end.

Of course, no film is exciting without some tragedy. Following the stories of artists who managed to break free from the shadows and forge a spotlight of their own are some sad ones. Luther Vandross was originally a supporting singer for David Bowie and had trouble getting any exposure without the help of other artists. Another background singer worked around the famous but had to supplement her income by cleaning the house of a former Playboy model. Other women fear that they put their professional careers at risk each time they sing a supporting role to a more famous artist.

Another more thought-provoking topic discussed is cases where those who are singing in the background are more musically talented than those whom they are supporting. For reasons that are more financial and political, they are never able to create a successful solo career. So, they end up singing in the shadows and helping to build the careers of artists who are not quite as talented. Whether this is because the market isn't right for them to enter into or that they have yet to write any music of their own, it can seem like an injustice to those who feel as though they should have a spotlight of their own.

Ultimately, this is a tastefully done documentary that takes a more serious look at what it takes to launch a successful musical career and the parts that others can play. With commentary from both those who have worked as supporting artists and the big names themselves, it is easy to draw conclusions about what has happened with pop music over the last century. Clearly, becoming a big name is something that needs to be done with the help of others, and there is the chance that an artist who doesn't have the talent can draw on the skills of those on their team to improve their own career.

It also asks important questions about who should be given the limelight. Should this simply be given to the artist who is the most marketable, or the one who has the most talent? What can be done for those who are currently playing less important roles, and who may have the talent to make it big? It seems as though there are challenges and hurdles that even those who do make it out from the shadows face, and it is never easy to be twenty feet away from the start, waiting for the chance to take the lead. This is a movie that will hold almost anyone's attention from beginning to end.

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What Are the Top 10 Movies of All Time?

Top 10 Movies - the break down

This topic is always debatable and critics around the world have been debating this list since movies were first made. Questions have been asked and technology advances have made older films look outdated and irrelevant, however, this list will judge films solely by there presence at the time of release.

So what makes a top movie?

There is a list of questions that have to be asked when reviewing a film:
Was the lead actor/actress good?
Was the supporting actor/actress good?
Was the film revolutionary?
How good was the script?
Was the cinematography good?
Was the directing good?

These basic questions help breakdown a massive list of hundreds and thousands of movies.

So here is the list starting from 10 downwards:

The list

10. The Silence of the Lambs 1991
Thriller in every sense of the word. Anthony Hopkins plays Hannibal Lecture sublimely in this world class production. This film keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole way through, from the creepy music, to the intense investigation going on behind the scenes of Hannibal's prison cell.

9. Titanic 1997
Another ground breaking film for theatrical advancement of epic scales. This romantic love story and quality CGI really pushes the boundaries for 1997.

8. Schindler's List 1993
One for the quiz bank: the highest grossing black and white film ever made. There is a reason behind this value and this film truly represents quality in its unique risk and reward by reintroducing a black and white film into the movie industry years after the introduction of colour. As a classic war film, Schindler's List is sure to please.

7. The Dark Knight 2008
A DC adaption of the popular hit series of films Batman. This takes the stereotypical spoofy Batman films and twists this into the dark city that Gothem encompasses. Heath Ledger really sets the bar with his take on the Joker and just for Heath's acting master class alone, this is good enough to get on any top 10 list.

6. Lord of the Rings: Two Towers 2002
Which Lord of the Rings to put into the top 10? Difficult one to chose, however the epic battle of the two towers and the story line behind the film really sets this film apart and makes fans want to watch the return of the king even more.

5. The Godfather 1972
Classic. Not much more to say that this is a must watch film in anyone's books. If you are a fan of Gangster films and you haven't watched this yet... Get in your car and go to the store and buy yourself a copy of this film DVD or Blu-Ray!

4. Gladiator 2000
The story behind this film and the classic speech encompasses this film and takes this to another level. Russell Crowe really puts in a performance in this film and he sets Gladiator on a path to glory. This film will have you instantly hooked.

3. Star Wars: Empires Strikes Back 1980
The second film that was released in the Star Wars set and this didn't disappoint at all following the massive success of the first film. With all the characters now strongly set, this really sets the tempo for the rest of Star Wars releases.

2. Shawshank Redemption 1994
Pure class in ever sense of the word. From acting to the set this film has everything. The story behind the film and it's clever take of prison life gives this film it's rightful place as number 2.

1. Forest Gump 1994
You just knew Tom Hanks had to be in the top 10 somewhere and where better than number 1. Your normal American guy tells a story from a park bench of a life that is so interesting it makes you wonder what your doing with your own life. From action to romance this film has it all.

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Hot Trends in Hollywood

Hollywood is one capriciously fascinating town. Sometimes one would take it for a giant movie production set, all with a complex plot and crazy cast. It could be a great movie on its own, or it could be a poorly scripted soap, but the hot trends in Hollywood seem to have an effect on everyone. It doesn't matter whether you are part of the crew, cast or an ardent moviegoer waiting for the next release from your favorite stars.

As much as Hollywood gives us all sorts of stories, many of them based on fiction, it appears the private lives of the actors are in themselves saucy scripts of reality.

Hollywood can be a refuge for drug addicts. Now this is a bad trend. There are as many social misfits in Hollywood as there are in our neighborhoods. You have cheaters, wife-battering lowlifes, maniacs, and all sorts of characters.

Whether these trends are positive or negative to society is another question. The fact remains that many of these goings-on of the sleazy town have a bearing on the ordinary people who don't even know where the town is.

The best trend that comes out of Hollywood, and consistently for that, is the hunger for creativity. Every day there are hundreds of people who want to be like that director, or like that producer or actor. Novices come up from nowhere to pen a high-grossing script that takes Hollywood and the rest of the movie world by storm.

Reading a movie review will tell you how many people follow what is coming out of Hollywood.

Another hot trend in Hollywood is the sudden interest in re-incarnating old television series into the full-length movie episodes. This has seen the re-invention of classic television series from the 70's and 80's turned into box office wonders.

However, it is not always a success story for such ventures. Hollywood can sometimes kill great stories, and characters, to, that were told differently a few decades ago as much as it can improve on them.

Already, this trend has culminated into what is somewhat a "reversal" of this kind of approach to creativity: Hollywood now is ardent about creating television series based on very good box office releases from the past.

Visit a movie review website and you will find a couple of latest releases that have been produced and presented in this fashion.

Another hot trend that somewhat has taken Hollywood by storm is the hunger for sequels. Almost every blockbuster is now churning out a sequel, some good, and some bad. Some sequels can actually "kill" off great character for lack of poignant stories. Many sequels that have come out of Hollywood are nothing but superfluous exhibitions of a director's want to sh ow off their knack for action, leaving out the main ingredient of a story that will sell to the audience.

As they say, trends come and go. It is yet to be seen what Hollywood will offer next in its next installment of trends.

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"This Is the End" Delivers an All-Star Cast

Ensemble casts filled with big Hollywood names are extremely popular with moviegoers, and the cast of "This is the End" delivers some of today's biggest names in comedy. This film takes a look at the end of the world as it can only be imagined by the mind of Seth Rogen and fellow writer/director Evan Goldberg.

It's hard to say who the most famous star is in the "This is the End" cast, but the three main stars of the film have certainly earned huge followings among moviegoers. Seth Rogen teams up with former "Freaks and Geeks" and "Pineapple Express" cast mate James Franco and Jonah Hill, who appeared alongside Rogen in "Knocked Up."

All three lead actors play themselves, though the portrayals are somewhat fictionalized versions of their real-life personas. In fact, all of the actors appearing in the film play a version of themselves, which explains why so many of the actors in the film have worked together on other projects. The film takes place at a party thrown by James Franco in Los Angeles. As catastrophic events unfold, the characters in the film, presumably acting as they would in real life, must fend for themselves as the world comes to an end. Moviegoers are faced with some of their most beloved actors taking on some pretty untraditional challenges in order to survive in post-apocalyptic Los Angeles, setting the stage for plenty of laughs.

The supporting cast in "This is the End" includes several alumni from "The Office." Both Mindy Kaling and Craig Robinson appear in the film. Seth Rogen recently appeared as a guest star on Kaling's new sitcom "The Mindy Project." Rogen played one of many love interests to appear on the show during its inaugural season. Robinson had a small role as a bouncer in "Knocked Up."

The crossover between the actors in the film who have appeared in previous projects together does not stop at the office. Jason Segal, who also appeared in "Freaks and Geeks" with Franco and Rogen, appears in the film. "Superbad" actor Michael Cera shows up in "This is the End." Rogen and Jonah Hill also appeared in "Superbad" with Cera. Paul Rudd, who has previously appeared with Seth Rogen in "Knocked Up and "The 40 Year Old Virgin," makes his obligatory appearance this film, as he now does in any hot new comedy much to the delight of moviegoers.

Not all of the big names in "This is the End" are those you would expect to see in a James Franco or Seth Rogen movie. The Backstreet Boys make an appearance, as does Rhianna. Comedians Kevin Hart and Aziz Ansari bring their own versions of funny to the film, and People's "Sexiest Man Alive" Channing Tatum even pops in for a bit. "Harry Potter" megastar Emma Watson also stops by for a spell.

Other familiar faces you might recognize include David Krumholtz, Jay Baruchel, and the man who brought us McLovin from "Superbad" Christopher Mintz-Plasse. Michael Star has appeared in "Knocked Up" and "Superbad" as well as "Parks and Recreation" with Aziz Ansari and "How I Met Your Mother" with Jason Segal. These character actors don't necessarily have the name recognitions as some other cast members do, but their faces are instantly recognizable.

What makes this film compelling is not just the cast of actors. The fact that these actors are playing themselves and lampooning their public personas is a huge draw for celebrity-loving audiences. It also gives everyone watching a chance to glimpse into the personalities of some of their favorite performers without having to watch a formatted talk show. Of course, it is obvious that Rogen and the crew are playing fictionalized versions of themselves, but there is a bit of truth behind each joke, or so we hope.

It seems as though getting this cast of actors together for a film might be nearly impossible, but Seth Rogen and James Franco's names hold a lot of weight in Hollywood, and their films tend to do well at the box office. Rogen is banking on the fact that moviegoers will feel like they are part of the private joke that really is the whole film. Hopefully, comedy film fans won't grow tired of seeing the same crop of actors pop up in every film, but even if they do, "This is the End" succeeds simply because of its unique format. Fans of the film will get the sense that "This is the End" was a lot of fun to work on and that the cast truly likes one another, making it an easy movie to sit back and enjoy.

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