MSN Movies Blog: The Big Picture

A vast interest has recently flourished in relation to photos from Tim Burton's unique take on Alice in Wonderland, revealed by USA Today. The pictures are captivating, striking and intriguing. Tim Burton has definitely provided his visionary on how he interprets the classic story. These few pictures have left people wanting to see the other characters images and most importantly the film, which is released in 2010. Here are pictures of Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter, Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen, Anne Hathaway as the White Queen, and three concept art images.

Just had the pleasure of meeting Megan Fox. I was hoping to kick this off with a photo to prove that I’m not lying. But the moment I produced my camera a large security man instructed me that there are no photos allowed…. so you’ll just have to believe me.

Anyway – this is how the beginning of the interview went…

Me: So you’re pretty famous now. How are you dealing with all the attention?

Her: I get bored with it. Like, if I were to tell you how good that shirt looks on you every day, wouldn’t you get bored?

Me: [deep breath] No I could probably get used to it actually.

*Her: Do you have a girlfriend?*

* Lie

But, seriously that first bit was true, which was pretty surprising to say the least! Junket interviews are often fairly dull…

Any7way there’ll be a video later this week to prove I’m not fibbing!

Pixar animation UP has opened with a massive $21.4 million weekend box-office take. And it fully deserves it! Bravo, Pixar…

The problem is, those of us over here in the UK won’t be able to watch it until October. The desire you are feeling to go and see it, right now, will have to be quelled. I just hope you’re still excited in five months time. I’m afraid I’m not allowed to review it myself, per se.

But I can give you an estimation of the look on my face when I saw it…

…and by that I don’t mean that I wet myself. I was happy. THAT’S MY HAPPY FACE OKAY!? It’s ace…

Also, I can now announce that we do have a review in from our intrepid reporter - Jonathan Crocker - in Cannes. Read it now!

INTERESTING THING I READ TODAY…

“Why Terminator Salvation Isn’t a Terminator Film” over at ScreenCrave. They make a good point – it just didn’t have that feeling.

This is the year of 3D. I was lucky enough to get an early look at Pixar’s UP in 3D yesterday and, though I can’t really talk about it too much, it blew my mind!

This is perhaps the second major turning point in the tranformation of animations. The first was the moment the Pixar ball bounced onto our screens at the beginning of Toy Story in 1995 – the dawn of CGI animation.

With all the 3D excitement caused by screen-bending features such as Coraline and Monsters Vs Aliens, both of which had vast audiences donning their 3D goggles this year, it’s easy to forget the classics made us love animation in the first place.

In recognition of this, Disney is releasing a "classic" 2D movie this year - The Princess & The Frog. It’s amazing to me that the trailer almost pitches the film as a “retro” release, using the phrase, “In the tradition of Walt Disney’s beloved classics.” Perhaps I’m getting old.

I agree with the sentiment from Disney. There are things that can be done in 2D that the new tech can’t touch.

Dumbo 3D anyone? No thanks. It’s perfect as it is.

The news came in today that Dreamworks has bought the rights to the life story of Martin Luther King. However you swing it, this will be a huge and historic release.

The big question, of course, is who gets the part. I asked the team and here are our suggestions…

Colleen Last, MSN Entertainment Editor - Denzel Washington

“One of the few actors with the gravitas to play Martin Luther King. Washington has successfully played real-life figures before, such as Malcolm X, and has years of experience playing weighty roles in films including American Gangster and Training Day.”

James Hurley, MSN Music Editor – Ice Cube

“Ice Cube is a highly underrated actor who hasn’t always helped his own cause by playing gangsta types. This would be a risk for all involved but might just be the making of him. Also, the physical resemblance is closer than that of Will Smith, Denzel Washington, or any of the more predictable candidates.”

Ian Jones, MSN Homepage Editor – Idris Elba

“The bloke who plays Stringer Bell in The Wire. Idris Elba is his name. I’d no idea he was British until I read it in the paper. He’s a brilliant actor: he’d play MLK with just the right mix of anger and humility.“

Paul Carmichael, MSN Homepage Editor – Laurence Fishburne

“Laurence Fishburne. 30 years after he seemed set for superstardom when he boogied to the Stones in Apocalypse Now, Larry’s career has rarely hit the heights. He is though hugely underrated and could I reckon deliver a cracking performance as MLK.”

Mike Lok, MSN Content Manager – Avery Brooks

“Avery Brooks, a much underrated actor that will probably be forever known as Captain Sisko from Star Trek Deep Space 9, he beat 100 other actors to become the first African-American to lead the series. While Trek never asks for Oscar winning performances from its cast, Avery punched way above what was ever required of him, showing depth, emotion and passion that is waiting to be showcased on the silver screen.”

Lorna Cooper, MSN TV Editor – Jamie Foxx?

“If one is looking at the relatively small pool of A-list black movie actors, it’s difficult to see an obvious choice. Maybe Jamie Foxx? However, I personally think they should cast an unknown, or relative unknown, in the main role of Doctor King – that would be a story in itself. Supporting character roles can be filled by names if need be. Besides, curiosity and word-of-mouth have been proven to get bums on seats in the past.”

My Choice? – Cuba Gooding Jr

Gooding hasn’t done anything anyone’s heard of since Pearl Harbour. And everyone knows that was rubbish! But he’s a formidable talent with a voice to match the highs of those historic King speeches. He’s due a big role like this.

Anyway – those are our thoughts. How awful are our selections? Click “Comments” below and tell us. Please feel free to stick your own casting ideas in there.