The last two weeks have been some of the busiest weeks I’ve had since re-launching the mailbag.  Last week, in fact, was so busy that I didn’t get a chance to do the mailbag.  I usually do it on Wednesdays, but there was something important that came up last week.  You see, there was a movie that came out that has made nearly a half of a billion dollars worldwide, so far.  Being a child of the 80s, I had to see it.  Twice.  On opening day.  Yes, I am a geek, and no, I don’t recommend this movie for children to see.  But I won’t be reviewing it entirely unless I am asked to write further on it, the film is Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, and I loved it.  Not every minute, but I thought it was great overall.

(more…)

0 people like this post.

Like 

Here we are with this week’s mailbag!  It’s been pretty exciting to see the response that we’ve gotten so far, and I’ve had a great time writing them.  Hopefully the e-mails keep coming in each week so that I can continue.

(more…)

0 people like this post.

Like 

For this week’s Mailbag, I looked in my inbox and realized a couple of things: first, there was only one e-mail for this week’s mailbag.  I could take this to mean that it’s not a good feature to bring back, but that would be ridiculous.  I enjoy the chance to answer e-mails and also to put my own voice into the site just a little bit.

On a related note, I share Andrew Adamson’s birthday.  Who knew?  Andrew, if you’re reading this, that must be the reason we have similar creative minds.

(more…)

1 people like this post.

Like 

Now for the thirtieth edition of the NarniaFans Mailbag!  It’s good to be back, and I’m having a great time at this so far.  I just need more letters.  Then my esteemed team will be able to help answer questions (the earlier you ask them, the better).  It gives us more time to do research and give you the best answer possible on the Thursday release date!  This week’s questions cover the qualifications of Michael Apted, if there is any more Dawn Treader promotional material and scenes that a reader feels were missing from Prince Caspian.

(more…)

0 people like this post.

Like 

Prince Caspian Official Illustrated Movie Companion

Title: The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian: The Official Illustrated Movie Companion.
Author: Ernie Malik
Publisher: HarperOne

ISBN-13: 978-0061435607

Summary of the book:

The film adaptations of the Chronicles of Narnia are some of the most anticipated movies ever. Ernie Malik looks at the making of the second film in the series, “Prince Caspian”. From preproduction, to filming to post production this book goers every aspect of the filming of the movie, complete with exclusive behind the scenes photos from the movie.

Review of the book:

It was almost a given that with the success of the first film in the Narnia series, that a second would follow. This book looks at the making of the film and is great not only for film buffs interested in the process, but for fans of Narnia who want to know more about their new favorite movie.

The book begins with forwards from Andrew Adamson, Douglas Gresham and Mark Johnson. Appropriately it concludes with an afterward by newcomer Ben Barnes, who plays the titular prince. These forwards and afterwards are very inviting and welcoming and immerse you in the action of the film making process and make you eager for not only Prince Caspian, but for the Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

As expected the book has many biographies on the cast and crew, complete with great photos. This includes some amazing shots of Will, Anna, Skander and Georgie, who, in my opinion are looking more and more like Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy Pevensie and less like a bunch of actors and actresses chosen to play them.

Readers discover that the four young stars didn’t let their success on the first film go to their heads. What’s more these kids are clearly very good friends with each other, which will help so much in their performances in the film.

The new cast member profiles as just as enjoyable as the ones on the returning cast members. Ben Barnes recounts how he became the “fifth Pevensie” and fit right into their already jelled group of friends. This is great news for us fans when we go to the movie. If he can’t fit into the mix, then the movie would be a bust, but if he seems natural with them, the magic can continue. He even recounts how he grew so close to them that at times Will grew angry at him as it seemed Ben was usurping his role as Georgie’s on set older brother.

Warwick Davis recounts his work on the BBC Narnia films and how much he enjoys being back working on Narnia. There’s even a humorous anecdote about how on his first day on set, Howard Berger, blasted the Ewok theme from Return of the Jedi ( Davis played Wicket, the main Ewok who befriends Princess Leia in Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi) over the speakers on set to welcome him.

The book goes into full detail about the whole production process from making the props and costumes to designing the creatures. They continually emphasis how everything in Prince Caspian should feel more “used” and “worn out” as opposed to how new and fresh it all felt in the first film.

Casting is described to be just as hard as it was with the first film. The hardest character to design and cast ended up being Reepicheep who was cast at the time the book was being finished. From what we’ve scene already in trailers and sneak peaks, when you read this book, you’ll be glad they did.

The behind the scenes photos are visually stunning and at times are funny to see. You’ll see things like tennis balls, or fake lion heads standing in for creatures like Reepicheep or Aslan. There’s even one of the four Pevensies standing on their marks at the ruins of Cair Paravel, with Anna and Georgie in very modern sandals. In the case of Georgie, they are a clearly oversized pair of sandals.

And of course, lest I forget, our own Paul Martin is mentioned in the Special Thanks section in the back of the book as he helped contribute some information for the book.

This books is nothing short of an exciting look at the magic behind the magic of the Prince Caspian film. It was well written, well researched, the photos were great and in short it had everything you need in a “behind the scenes book.”It is certainly well worth the read. However, when you buy it, make sure to read it after you see the film. There is plenty of juicy spoiler info inside. One thing becomes more sure after reading this book, you will want them to make the rest of the series.

Five out of five shields.

0 people like this post.

Like 

Christys’ & Company has revealed Prince Caspian Costumes for Kids. They include Peter the Knight, Susan, Lucy, and variations of Prince Caspian. And let’s not forget the continuing releases of Special Edition Monopoly sets. I’ve got Lord of the Rings and Star Wars editions. Now I’ll be able to add the Prince Caspian Edition!

[Check out the Prince Caspian Costumes]

Thanks to everyone who sent this in early in the morning.

0 people like this post.

Like 

For a few weekends every year, Disney/MGM Studios Theme Park becomes an outpost of a galaxy far, far away — unearthly characters in getups beautiful and bizarre roam the streets, browsers congregate at an exotic bazaar to choose among limited-edition treasures found in few places throughout the galaxy, and everywhere can be heard the immortal words “May the Force be with you.”

This year, “Star Wars” Weekends will take Disney World Guests out of this world on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, between June 1 and 24. And, as he has been almost every year since the event began, actor Warwick Davis will be on hand to sign autographs, ride in the Legends of the Force Celebrity Motorcade, and meet the fans who make these weekends so special. Warwick found his acting career launched when he played Wicket the Ewok in “Return of the Jedi,” and he still has a special place in his heart for the “Star Wars” films and the fans who love them.

Last year was a special one for Warwick — he not only participated in “Star Wars” Weekends, but got to host. “It was really the most wonderful event for me,” he says. “I would have loved to have hosted again, but I’m so busy working on the film at the moment, and the schedule wouldn’t allow me the four weeks I would have needed to work on the event. I’m a bit disappointed, because I had such a good time last year,” he laments.

The film in questions is “Prince Caspian,” the second in Disney’s “The Chronicles of Narnia” series, and Warwick has a plum role as the wicked dwarf Nikabrik. “I do like playing baddies!” he admits. “As an actor, they’re always the most memorable roles. It’s a part you can get your teeth into — sometimes literally!” He says the cast has been sworn to secrecy — but that fans of the first film, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” will not be disappointed.

Warwick will be back and forth working on the film until the middle of June, but he was determined not to miss “Star Wars” Weekends altogether. Especially this year, when Lucasfilm Ltd. is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the “Star Wars” Saga. It’s a dilemma, but one for which Warwick has proposed an answer: “I wish there were three or four of me — I need to talk to George Lucas about a bit of cloning!” he laughs.

We’re still waiting for that day. In the meantime, you can meet the one and only Warwick in person on June 1 through 3 at this year’s “Star Wars” Weekends.

Read the rest at Disney Insider!

0 people like this post.

Like 

The success of the Narnia, Harry Potter and Star Wars movies show a unknown cast can still clean up at the the box office.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and Revenge of the Sith all made more money last year than any star-led movie.

War Of The Worlds, starring Tom Cruise, was fourth on the list of top-grossing films, taking £322million at the box office.

But £55million of that went to its star in salary and bonus payments.

Third-placed Narnia, made £402million, with no high-earning actors swiping a slice of the profits.

Record film writer Alan Morrison said the trend for films based on already popular books or comics eliminated the need for a star cast.

He explained: “The brands of Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and Narnia are bigger than the name of any star that could be in the films.

“So the studios know they can cast a bunch of unknowns and millions of people will go to see it anyway.”

0 people like this post.

Like 

The first issue of FLIcK magazine – a free magazine to be distributed at the movie theater box office nationwide – will launch with Star Wars Episode III. Star Wars fans will be first to enjoy this exclusive coverage! 2.5 million copies will be distributed to Star Wars ticket purchasers! Available at Loews, Cinemark and Carmike theaters nationwide beginning on May 19!

New Movie Magazine Premieres in Theatres This Spring 

Moviegoers lining up for the biggest motion pictures of the year will soon take with them much more than the experience of the movie itself. Beginning this spring, FLIcK magazine will be distributed free in theatres, presenting fans with an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the film they are about to see.

Designed as a movie souvenir for passionate movie fans, each issue of FLIcK will be a 32-page, digest-sized publication that focuses on one specific movie. In its first year of publication, FLIcK will be distributed through three of the nation’s top five film exhibitors: Loews Cineplex Entertainment, Cinemark Theatres, and Carmike Cinemas. Combined, these chains are represented in 44 states and the District of Columbia, operating 796 sites and 7,647 screens.

“We believe FLIcK offers a rare innovation for the movie exhibition industry – a magazine that actually enhances the experience of going to the movies,” said FLIcK Senior Vice President Monica Jones. “There has never been a movie magazine distributed in theatres that is so focused; both the distribution and content of this magazine are being targeted to the readers most motivated to receive it.”

The first film to receive the FLIcK treatment will be Star Wars Episode III, followed by nine additional tentpole movies in 2005, tentatively including Batman Begins; War of the Worlds; Charlie & The Chocolate Factory; The Pink Panther; Chicken Little; Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire; Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe; King Kong; and The Producers. The number of movies featured by FLIcK magazine is expected to increase in 2006 and beyond.

With a start-up circulation of 2.5 million, moviegoers will be handed a copy of FLIcK with the purchase of their movie tickets or as they enter the theater. The collectible magazine will feature movie-specific content ranging from interviews with the cast and crew, photography from the set, and fan-focused trivia. While star interviews will always be a highlight of the magazine, two celebrity columnists/comedians are slated to appear in every issue. Paul Gilmartin of TBS’ “Dinner & A Movie” and Christian Finnegan, who regularly appears on VH1 and Comedy Central, will each contribute a signature column for fans.

“First and foremost, FLIcK is being developed with fans in mind,” Jones said. “Hollywood is beginning to recognize the tremendous power fans wield over making or breaking a movie. This trend really plays to our strength and experience in creating fan publications and on-line communities.”

0 people like this post.

Like 

Art fans will have the opportunity to purchase such memorable pieces from noted Star Wars artists — artwork created exclusively for Celebration III, and available in very limited quantities. Many of the artists at the show will also be available to create custom, one-of-a-kind works for fans by request.

When Star Wars first came out, Jerry Vanderstelt was nine years old. “It was magic!” he says. “Although I saw the movie on a crusty drive-in-movie screen through old AM radio speakers of my parents’ Buick, it had a wonder about it that has had me hooked ever since.” The artist also credits Tolkien and C.S. Lewis with inspiring his work. His current client list includes: Ace, Roc, Pocket and Scholastic books. He has also worked with Lucasfilm Ltd., the Franklin Mint, The Bradford Exchange, Vivendi/Universal Games, and Hasbro, as well as New Line Cinema on various Lord of the Rings projects. For more on Vanderstelt visit www.VandersteltStudio.com.

You can see some Narnia artwork under “Fantasy” on his site!

0 people like this post.

Like