I don't think there's any doubt WATCHMEN is going to be the superhero experience of 2009 -- and it's still scheduled for a 6 March '09 release, despite legal headaches behind-the-scenes. An extended version of the fantastic teaser was shown at the SCREAM 2008 festival recently, showing us more footage to send fans into a lather: Dr. Manhattan exploding a tank into its constituent parts like a wrist-watch, Rorschach leaping up onto a window ledge, etc.At the moment, I think these teasers will get everyone's attention, although they're primarily trying to reassure fans that director Zack Snyder hasn't ruined Alan Moore's treasured masterpiece. For non-fans, I'm sure it all looks very cool, but we haven't had this comic-book universe explained to us yet. I can't wait for the full, explanatory trailer. And I think this film is very timely; not only for its terrorist overtones, but for how it'll deconstruct comic-book movies, just as the original graphic novel deconstructed superhero comics.
HD Downloads: 480P (35MB), 720P (80MB), 1080P (134MB)
Release Dates: 6 March 2009 (US & UK)
The original Underworld had a high-concept idea (vampires versus werewolves) that was never as exciting as it sounded on paper. Still, it was nice to see Kate Beckinsale in a skin-tight cat-suit (heck, it's nice to see anyone in a skin-tight cat-suit), and the similarly brainless sequel was enjoyable as a video-game demo. The third movie, UNDERWORLD: RISE OF THE LYCANS, jettisons Beckinsale and her director husband Len Wiseman, to reposition itself as a prequel.Reasons to be hopeful? Beckinsale doppelgänger Rhona Mitra is the lead (as a different character, don't worry) and original stars Michael Sheen and Bill Nighy have been persuaded to return. Reason to be fearful? It's directed by Patrick Tatopoulos (a visual-effects expert who worked on Stargate, ID-4 and Godzilla), making his directorial debut. And that's never been a good sign, has it. If you liked the medieval flashbacks in the original Underworld films, you will probably enjoy this purely because of its setting. The trailer (using Max Payne's music) is the expected mix of sub-Lord Of The Rings mayhem with CGI werewolves thrown in, and a Sheen/Mitra romance that doesn't bode well already.
HD Downloads: 480P (38MB), 720P (90MB), 1080P (157MB)
Release Dates: 23 January 2009 (US), TBA (UK)
FRIDAY THE 13TH is the latest '80s horror classic to be needlessly remade, from the same Michael Bay-producing stable as the disappointing Texas Chain Saw Massacre do-over. So, Jason Vorhees is back to stalk Camp Crystal Lake in a flashier retread from director Marcus Nispel. I actually don't hold many slasher flicks in high-regard, so the idea of remaking them has never really upset me. Friday The 13th's trailer shows a faster, more athletic Jason in its final sting, and Nispel at least knows how to play with darkness and light.Of all the many slasher flicks, I'd argue that Friday The 13th is the worst and might actually benefit from a modern spit-n'-polish. The script has also been written by Damian Shannon and Mark Swift -- who actually did a great job on Freddy Vs. Jason and understand the Jason character. Great to see they've kept the spinetingling "ki ki ki, ma ma ma" musical sting, too. Oh, and the gorgeous Amanda Righetti is the obligatory hottie trying to avoid death (hoping for a career leg-up these Scream Queen roles sometimes bring...)
HD Downloads: 480P (32MB), 720P (75MB), 1080P (125MB)
Release Dates: 13 February 2009 (US & UK)
