“Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT: “Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT” is being produced with the full support of The Estate of Michael Jackson and will be drawn from hundreds of hours of rehearsal and behind-the-scenes footage, captured in high definition with state-of-the-art digital sound as the late singer was preparing for his concert series in London. The film, which also will offer select sequences in 3-D, will provide a unique career retrospective and feature interviews with some of Jackson’s closest friends and creative collaborators.
Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT will offer Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts that would have taken place beginning this summer in London’s O2 Arena. Chronicling the months from April through June 2009, the film is produced with the full support of the Estate of Michael Jackson and drawn from more than one hundred hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing a number of his songs for the show. Audiences will be given a privileged and private look at Jackson as he has never been seen before. In raw and candid detail, Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT captures the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, creative genius and great artist at work as he creates and perfects his final show. Kenny Ortega, who was both Michael Jackson’s creative partner and the director of the stage show also is directing the film, which is being produced by Randy Phillips, Kenny Ortega and Paul Gongaware. Executive producers are John Branca and John McClain. The film will be distributed worldwide by Sony Pictures Releasing. Tickets for the limited two-week engagement of the film go on sale beginningSept. 27. (PG: some suggestive choreography and scary images)
“Astro Boy:” A thrilling tale of a true hero, “Astro Boy” is an all-new, feature film full of action, adventure, humor and heart. It will be brought to life on the big screen in breathtaking CGI animation Oct. 23.
Narrated by Charlize Theron and set in futuristic Metro City, “Astro Boy” is about a young robot with incredible powers created by a brilliant scientist named Tenma (Nicolas Cage). Powered by positive “blue” energy, Astro Boy (Freddie Highmore) is endowed with super strength, x-ray vision, unbelievable speed and the ability to fly.
Embarking on a journey in search of acceptance, Astro Boy encounters many other colorful characters along the way. Through his adventures, he learns the joys and emotions of being human, and gains the strength to embrace his destiny. Ultimately learning his friends and family are in danger, Astro Boy marshals his awesome super powers and returns to Metro City in a valiant effort to save everything he cares about and to understand what it takes to be a hero. ( PG: some action and peril, and brief mild language)
“SAW VI:” Special Agent Strahm is dead, and Detective Hoffman has emerged as the unchallenged successor to Jigsaw’s legacy. However, when the FBI draws closer to Hoffman, he is forced to set a game into motion, and Jigsaw’s grand scheme is finally understood.
Making his feature film directorial debut is longtime SAW franchise editor Kevin Greutert. “Coming on board for the first time as director, I really wanted SAW VI to be one man’s journey, and I thought the best approach to that end would be to introduce a new character into the series,” Greutert said. “I love all of our other characters but we know their stories intimately. Plus it’s hard to surprise the audience at this point. They are a savvy bunch. So what I want is for the film to be an emotional journey that the audience will be compelled to follow independently as a story rather than ‘what’s the next trap going to be?’ And I think when SAW works best: when it’s about a person going through a series of life challenges. That’s absolutely William’s story…with Jigsaw playing a number of mind games. He was saving the best for last.” (R: sequences of grisly bloody violence and torture, and language)
“PARANORMAL ACTIVITY:” Is a terrifying supernatural thriller featuring shocking footage of a demonic haunting. Katie and Micah were enjoying a happy, carefree life. Their future looked promising until bizarre events began occurring at night. Katie was no stranger to paranormal phenomena — she had been stalked by a malevolent entity since childhood, and she feared that it had followed her to their new home. They purchased a video camera to find out what was happening at night as they slept.
Throughout the course of three weeks in September and October 2006, they ran nightly surveillance and captured indelible proof on home video, which has been edited into the feature film “Paranormal Activity.” (R: language)
“WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE:” Maurice Sendak’s classic book comes to the big screen in an adventure tale for every generation. “Where the Wild Things Are” follows the adventure of Max (Max Records), a mischievous young boy who is sent to his room after rebelling against his mother (Catherine Keener). Max’s imagination is free to roam, and it soon transports him to a thriving forest bordering a vast sea. Delighted, he sets sail for the land of the Wild Things, where mischief reigns and Max rules. In bringing this imaginative fantasy to life, Jonze leads a team of filmmakers incorporating the most dynamic elements of voice performance, live-action puppetry and computer animation. (PG: mild thematic elements, some adventure action and brief language)
“COUPLES RETREAT:” Vince Vaughn, Jason Bateman, Jon Favreau, Malin Akerman, Kristin Davis, Kristen Bell and Faizon Love star in Universal Pictures’ upcoming comedy “Couples Retreat.” Based on an original idea of Vaughn’s, the comedy follows four Midwestern couples who embark on a journey to a tropical island resort. While one of the couples is there to work on their marriage, the other three set out to jet ski, spa and enjoy some fun in the sun. They soon discover that participation in the resort’s couples therapy is not optional. Suddenly, their group-rate vacation comes at a price. What follows is a hilarious look at real world problems faced by all couples. The film also stars Kali Hawk and Jean Reno. (R: sexual material (PENDING APPEAL))
