Luke Evans lands the lead role in "The Crow" remake

Some of you may have heard the news by now, it's buzzing around like a fly looking for light. "Immortals" star Luke Evans was cast as Eric Draven in the inevitable remake of the dark, gothic film "The Crow". Now, I've been keeping up with the latest news on this project not only because I'm dreading this film, but because I was anxious to find out who would be taking Brandon Lee's throne. At first I heard it was going to be Tom Hiddleston (Loki from The Avengers) but it turns out he didn't get the role. You can read my coverage on that here: http://grimmreviewz.blogspot.com/2013/04/tom-hiddleston-to-possibly-play-eric.html

I generally tend to stay positive in my reviews and news coverage, only using constructive criticism. This however, I find really hard to remain positive for. For too many reasons to name this film should not be made. Brandon Lee died during the making of the original film and has left a gap in anything "The Crow" related since. The sequels were all garbage and increasingly getting worse with each newer one that was released. Not to mention that God awful television series.

 The odds of this film actually holding water and being of any importance is something I'm not holding my breath for. If there's one thing I've come to learn while being a movie nerd, it's that fans of the original film scowl at the mention of a remake and I'm in agreeance. There was something magical that happened with the first one, it was one of those movies where everything came together perfectly. The original had real heart and I don't feel as though a remake will. They're simply going to try and outdo the first one with more violence and visual effects and lose the soul the Brandon Lee film has.

Luke Evans has his work cut out for him if he doesn't want to be ridiculed by fans and moviegoers. The 34-year-old actor has several projects lined up right now, The Crow just adding to that list. This year he has "The  Fast and the Furious 6", and "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" coming out and next year's "The Hobbit: There and Back Again". He's staying busy, that's for certain.

Evans first got noticed in 2008 when he played Vincent in the play Small Change. It's what gained him recognition from film casting directors and US agencies. He landed his first role at the age of 30 as Greek in the "Clash of the Titans" remake.

I've got nothing bad to say about the actor, I don't blame him for wanting the role. It's a big role and if he nails it he could become a big star. I'm just against the movie being made in general and don't think he or anyone else right now could really pull this off. Maybe if you got Christopher Nolan involved I'd start to have a glimmer of hope, but I doubt he'd even poke at this movie with a stick.

I'm not even entirely certain that I'm going to see this movie at all. I'm sure a part of me knows curiosity will get the best of me and I'll end up seeing it sooner or later. That doesn't change how I feel about this film. Best case scenario, it's better than the forgettable sequels. No chance it'll overshadow the first film. Especially to us hardcore fans.

Arnold Scwarzenegger to be in The Toxic Avenger reboot

It was recently announced that Arnold Swarzenegger was cast in the upcoming movie. Yet another reboot of another classic we all love. Considering that the original film was campy, they may be able to do something with this, but I'm not holding my breath. I'll definitely be in line to see it though.

Stephen Pink, director of Hot Tub Time Machine, is co-writer of the screenplay with Daniel C. Mitchell. The Toxic Avenger will be rated PG-13, but no news on a release date yet.

The original film is an action comedy film by Lloyd Kaufman, and when it was released it flopped. It was redeemed when it was premiered at the New York midnight screening circuit and spawned two sequels and a cartoon spin-off, as well as a musical. The film is about a small, scrawny boy who gets picked on a lot and is dumped into a vat of toxic chemicals by bullies. Only he transforms into a massive, muscular monster who goes around giving bullies what they deserve.

Swarzenegger hasn't confirmed what his role will be yet, only that he is not playing the title character. Swarzenegger's been back at it since his cameo in The Expendables. Once his 7-year run as Governor of California ended in 2011, he's been the lead actor in The Last Stand (came out earlier this year) and was in last summer's blockbuster The Expendables 2, with a bigger role. His next film is an action thriller called "Ten" by David Ayer.

I'm going to give this a chance because I'm interested in what they're going to do with this and where they're going with it. Unless when the trailer hits it completely turns me off. I'll be impatiently awaiting news about this film. Let's hope they do the original justice.


-Grimm

Hudson Horror Show 7

Official press release:

Lick my plate, dog d*ck! The indestructible classic, Hudson Horror Show returns for lucky show number seven, and baby we hit the jackpot! June 8th, 2013 at the Silver Cinemas in Poughkeepsie, NY is the place for Hudson Horror Show #7. Show starts at noon and runs until midnight with five full length features (all off rare 35mm film prints), prizes, giveaways and a vendor’s room packed with horror merchandise!

Our lineup includes the chop socky monster fu classic of INFRA-MAN! Presented by the B Movie Film Vault, this kaiju karate film must be seen to be believed.

Thanks to the folks at Grindhouse Releasing, we are thrilled to present the Hudson Valley premiere of GONE WITH THE POPE. Duke Mitchell’s follow up to Massacre Mafia Style has never played this area before and it’s cause for celebration. We’ll have official movie rosary beads that are FREE to the first 50 people through the door for Hudson Horror 7!

Our double headliners are two classics which need very little introduction. Tobe Hooper’s gore soaked black comedy TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE PART 2 will precede our 20th Anniversary screening of Bruce Campbell’s finest, the final chapter of the Evil Dead trilogy, ARMY OF DARKNESS!

We’ll also have a 5th FULL LENGTH MYSTERY MOVIE! Want to know what it is? Could it be a slasher? A psychedelic drug flick? Kung Fu? The suspense is killing you, ain’t it? Be there and find out!

Tickets are still just $26.00 in advance via PayPal at www.hudsonhorror.com and going quick! Advance ticket holders will be let in first; if any tickets remain they will be at the door, day of show, for $30 bucks, cash only.

You will want to have some extra cash on you though because we will have our vendors room completely packed with horror t shirts, DVD’s, toys, comics and so much more. Can’t come to a 12 hour movie fest? Then at come on down and at least check out our sweet vendor’s area! We’ll also launch our first ever limited edition movie poster series! Trust me, you’ll want to get one of these limited prints, they will sell out instantly.

Buy your tickets now at www.hudsonhorror.com as they won’t last long. Advance ticket sales will END at 11:59PM on Monday, June 3rd, 2013. Any questions? Shoot us an email at info@hudsonhorror.com. Watch our website and Facebook page for announcements regarding movie times. We’ll see you on June 8th, 2013 for the 12 hour horror and exploitation film fest that is Hudson Horror Show 7!