BEAUTIFUL BOY Review

Beautiful Boy is the story of missed connections between one another. Sometimes these result in arguments or misunderstandings, while other times they go unresolved until they finally boil over and cause a lasting effect. Director Shawn Ku gracefully navigates the heart breaking story of a couples’ loss in the wake of their son committing an act of mass violence at his college and then taking his own life. While the plot may sound conveniently topical, the way in which Ku treats the subject will have ripples for years to come. There isn’t an easy path of recovery to take, and now more than ever, people’s intrusive voyeurism and public remarks can cause even more emotional pain. Hit the jump for the full review.

Bill (Michael Sheen) and Kate Carroll (Maria Bello) seem like an ordinary couple from the outside, but the miscommunications they have had over the years have resulted in a relationship on the brink of destruction. Their worries about their son Sam (Kyle Gallner) in his first year of college are mirrored in the way even their neighbor Bonnie (Deidrie Henry) frets over her daughter. Yet, something is amiss and when their son goes on a shooting rampage without a hint of forewarning, they are left to piece together their lives. Through the tragedy their relationship is pushed and pulled as they struggle to answer why this happened all the while learning more about each other than ever before.

Michael Armbruster and Ku co-wrote the drama in an effort to explore the effects of a couple struggling to adequately express their emotions and ideas. The focus of Beautiful Boy is squarely on Bill and Kate, and the narrative never attempts to answer questions of why or how the tragedy occurred. With this ambiguity in place, the film allows the audience to relate to the couple in a broader sense. We’ve all struggled to make our intentions clear, and to watch two masterful actors labor through the same endeavors is emotionally draining. Helping to frame the experience is the excellent cinematography on display that adds even more depth to the themes.

Cinematographer Michael Fimognari gives us an ever-present impression of being part of the calamity occurring on screen. Instead of simply focusing on easy shots of the actors, we get odd angles as if we are onlookers just outside the room. Within the context of the drama unfolding, this perspective heightens the atmosphere and pulls the audience in. Of note is a hotel scene in which we are put in the middle of a heated exchange between Bill and Kate and given one camera to flit between each person as they revolve around the room. The dizzying spectacle left me breathless and unsure of my orientation, as if I were a participant instead of a mere observer.

These flourishes showcase the handle Ku has over Beautiful Boy and why it isn’t just an emotional cash in on a terrible occurrence that has spawned up in the last decade. Of course, all would be for naught if Ku hadn’t secured the wonderful stable of actors on display. Bello and Sheen have a terrific rapport on screen that showcases the peaks and valleys of their relationship. When things are going well, you feel the blossoming hope that they will work out as a couple. But the flaws never seem to vanish and it can be similarly heartbreaking to see them bicker and fight. Although the focus is primarily on the Carrolls, the supporting cast do a tremendous job of giving pity and asking the intrusive questions that likely come from an inability to reason with what happened.

Giving hope in the darkest of times, Beautiful Boy shines a light on a touchy but necessary topic. While our own miscommunications may not have such extreme effects, the way the topic is treated will give you pause. Watching the Carrolls go through the process of discovering each other when they have been married for so long is tragic. However, life goes on and we can either pull together or push each other apart. Through the use of organic cinematography, an eerily truthful script, and powerful performances, Beautiful Boy will make a lasting impression that should give us all something to think about.

THE PRESENCE Review

Creating an original idea and executing it are very different things. The Presence manages to succeed at giving a unique story, but its implementation leaves something to be desired. Atmosphere takes hold in director Tom Provost’s debut supernatural thriller, following a woman (Mira Sorvino) visiting a cabin in the woods as an apparition stalks about. Where the film really makes its mark is how it turns genre staples on their head, but getting there may leave some underwhelmed. The film builds to an exciting climax that will leave many talking due to the interesting notions it puts forth or the confusing way it is expressed—but they will be talking. Hit the jump for my full review. 

A beautiful cabin sits on an island that has a mysterious presence (Shane West) haunting it. Unmoving, we are left to wonder whether the apparition is merely able to observe or if it can take any course of action. When a woman (Sorvino) shows up to simultaneously explore her childhood summer vacation getaway and get some work done, she has no knowledge of what lurks within the cabin. Strange occurrences start to multiply when her boyfriend (Justin Kirk) drops by unexpectedly, and the presence suddenly becomes more active. Not all is as it seems as the ghost’s reasons are revealed and the seemingly happy couple’s rocky foundations are brought to the surface.

Provost’s script calls for the groundwork of the film to begin without any significant dialog for the first third of the 88 minute runtime. This sets the mood of the film and also hints at the pacing. The Presence is all about atmosphere as the apparition is shown to the audience as he gazes at Sorvino’s character in a haunting way, but his appearances are rarely given any musical cue. Instead, her daily chores are the focus as we are left to ponder about what the ghost’s intentions are. Because of this, some audiences will be turned off, but Provost is smart enough to know that inaction can cause disinterest.

That’s when he begins setting off a series of humorous occurrences that build into something more eerie. Recurring trips to the outhouse become intriguing when birds continually smash into the structure for no apparent reason. At first, it garners laughter, but by the second time one can’t help but wonder if something more sinister is at play. As the tension rises, it’s cut down when the boyfriend makes his appearance. However, he brings his own set of problems to bear as it becomes obvious he is unsure if it was alright to drop by unannounced.

As the story evolves, the woman’s history is explored and the ghost becomes more than just a mere observer. There is a notable shift in tone as the story finally picks up pace and secrets are revealed. However, some of the dialog and interactions feel choppy and forced. The elegance setup in the opening portion of the film is shattered at the beginning of the third act. There was even a smattering of laughter during some of the more tense moments and confused murmurs as the film drew to its conclusion.

All of this is without mention of the acting in the film. Sorvino is as endearing as ever, but her character has her share of flaws. WhenThe Presence works, it’s usually during moments free of dialog. Because of this, some of the phrases Sorvino is given feel hollow and off. Additionally, her chemistry with Kirk stalls in the opening moments. Their interactions feel awkward and the audience is left to guess at how new the couple is. Shane West has a brooding likeness to him that is accompanied by his dark voice. Unfortunately, he is rarely able to showcase more than his visual spectrum of talent, but he does a commendable job of just standing about. One has to wonder how the probable read-throughs went with him in attendance.

Sometimes the idea a film puts forth is strong enough to be worthy of watching, even if the payoff falls short. The Presence isn’t for everyone, but it does a laudable job of giving the audience ideas to ponder. Considering the film lasts less than an hour and a half, the first and second half are incredibly different. That is an unfortunate fact because the most intriguing portion of the film lies within the uneven and rocky finale. If you can stomach the good with the bad, The Presence should prove worthy of contemplation.

Michael Shannon Cast as General Zod in SUPERMAN Reboot MAN OF STEEL

Viggo Mortensen was never able to find the right hole in his schedule to play General Zod in the upcoming Superman reboot, now officially titled Man of Steel.  Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures, however, landed on a fantastic alternative: Michael Shannon.  Shannon was rumored foran unspecified villain role last month — the studios have announced today he will play Zod.  Director Zack Snyder remarked,

“Zod is not only one of Superman’s most formidable enemies, but one of the most significant because he has insights into Superman that others don’t.  Michael is a powerful actor who can project both the intelligence and the malice of the character, making him perfect for the role.”

I could not agree more.  Henry Cavill will star as Clark Kent/Superman.  The supporting cast includes Amy Adams as Lois Lane, and Diane Lane and Kevin Costner as Martha and Jonathan Kent.  Read the official announcement after the jump.

Terence Stamp portrayed General Zod to memorable effect in Superman II — Shannon is absolutely a worthy successor. Shannon excels when there is something fundamentally creepy, even inhuman about his character.  In Superman II, the Kryptonian villain comes across as an autistic megalomaniac in his destruction.  That is Shannon’s bread and butter, folks.

Alice Eve, Diane Kruger, and Rosamund Pike are reportedly in contention to play Ursa, Zod’s partner-in-crime.  I have yet to hear any names rumored for Non, the third member of the group.  The official casting of Cavill, Adams, Costner, and now Shannon have all been announced on a Sunday afternoon.  So check back next week for more info?  (Same Metropolis time, same Metropolis channel…*)

Charles Roven, Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan, and Deborah Snyder, Thomas Tull, and Lloyd Phillips are producing ; David S. Goyer is writing the screenplay based on a story by Goyer and Nolan.  Man of Steel is scheduled for release in December 2012.

MICHAEL SHANNON TO STAR AS GENERAL ZOD IN “MAN OF STEEL” FROM WARNER BROS. PICTURES AND LEGENDARY PICTURES

BURBANK, CA, April 10, 2011 – Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures announced today that Michael Shannon will star in the role of General Zod in director Zack Snyder’s new Superman film, titled “Man of Steel.”

Snyder stated, “Zod is not only one of Superman’s most formidable enemies, but one of the most significant because he has insights into Superman that others don’t.  Michael is a powerful actor who can project both the intelligence and the malice of the character, making him perfect for the role.”

As General Zod, Shannon will go toe-to-toe with Henry Cavill, who plays the new Clark Kent/Superman in the film.  The main cast also includes Amy Adams as Lois Lane, and Diane Lane and Kevin Costner as Martha and Jonathan Kent.

Michael Shannon was honored with an Academy Award^® nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Sam Mendes’ “Revolutionary Road,” with Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.  Shannon was most recently seen in the award-winning HBO drama series “Boardwalk Empire,” from executive producer Martin Scorsese.  He will next be seen in Sony Pictures Classics’, “Take Shelter,” from director/writer Jeff Nichols.

Charles Roven, Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan and Deborah Snyder are the producers of the film.  The screenplay is being written by David S. Goyer based on a story by Goyer and Nolan.  Thomas Tull and Lloyd Phillips are serving as executive producers.

“Man of Steel” will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Teaser Trailer for THE WOMAN IN BLACK Starring Daniel Radcliffe

The teaser trailer for the ghost thriller The Woman in Black has gone online. Starring Daniel Radcliffe, the film is based on the classic ghost story by Susan Hill that centers on a young lawyer visiting a remote English town that, naturally, holds many ghostly secrets. The trailer is very much a teaser, and doesn’t really give much of the plot away, but I’m liking the air of creepiness and general unease that it suggests.

Hit the jump to check out the teaser for yourself. The Woman in Black hits theaters in the UK on February 10^th, 2012 with a US release date currently unknown.

Here’s the synopsis for The Woman in Black:

The story follows a young lawyer, Arthur Kipps (Radcliffe), who is ordered to travel to a remote village and sort out a recently deceased client’s papers. As he works alone in the client’s isolated house, Kipps begins to uncover tragic secrets, his unease growing when he glimpses a mysterious woman dressed only in black. Receiving only silence from the locals, Kipps is forced to uncover the true identity of the Woman in Black on his own, leading to a desperate race against time when he discovers her true intent.

ARTHUR Review

Just as surely as rain makes things wet, Arthur will make you laugh. Yet the film never justifies its existence—remake or not. Hollywood is determined to make Russell Brand a comedic lead, but simply placing his acquired comedic sensibilities in the star role doesn’t equal success. Throw in a bloated run time and a cute, but unromantic chemistry between Brand and Greta Gerwig, and we have the makings of a generic romantic comedy that is further burdened by being a remake. The real shame is that on paper, the film has enough comedic ingredients to make something worthwhile instead of simply unoffensive. Hit the jump for my full review.

Arthur Bach (Brand) is a drunken billionaire looking for any excuse to have fun. Luckily for him, the lack of a job and responsibilities (or consequences) means he is free to lovingly torment his nanny Hobson (Helen Mirren) and driver Bitterman (Luis Guzman). That is, until his mother finally tires of his childish ways and threatens to cut him off if he doesn’t shack up with Susan Johnson (Jennifer Garner), a feisty heiress that is interested in uniting the wealth of the two families and pleasing the valued investors. Arthur reluctantly accepts the proposal until he meets Naomi (Gerwig), who turns his world upside down. While Arthur struggles to find it in himself to part with his inheritance and earn something of his own, his immaturity puts the blossoming relationship he so desperately needs in peril.

With Peter Baynham (Borat) writing and Jason Winer (Modern Family) making his feature film debut behind the camera, one should expect a certain immature humor that aligns with Brand’s playful crassness. While toned down to secure the PG-13 rating, Brand seems just as happy to make humorous observations about the world around him. A recurring gag is for Arthur to point out a passerby’s similarity to a famous person with a stereotype twist. If you’ve ever wanted to see a lesbian version of Hall and Oates, you’re in luck.

However, if you’re looking for some true chemistry in this romantic comedy, you might want to look elsewhere. Gerwig’s Naomi is a pleasure to watch on screen, and there is even a fun connection you can feel between Arthur and her. But that hardly qualifies as romance. Instead we get the type of innocent fireworks that seem fit for grade school, not grown adults. The tone seems to be at fault, but Winer’s polish from television should have helped avoid that obstacle. Unfortunately,Arthur continually smashes head-long into it.

Then there is the attempt at genuine heart. Mirren’s Hobson has an endless supply of patience and while Mirren hardly shows it on screen, there is a sense of ease with Brand. Her stern hand constantly clashes with his wild nature in humorous ways, but when things take a turn for the worse, Brand is incapable of carrying the emotional arc more than a few scenes. Additionally, there is darkness surrounding an alcoholic billionaire, but it never receives more than a few cursory references. Arthur could have just as easily been a free-spirited billionaire high on life, but the adherence to the original’s boozing theme rings hollow here.

If one were to look for remakes that carve their own identity equal or greater than their forebears,Arthur wouldn’t likely make the cut. The problem isn’t that the film lacks humor; Brand and Baynham have made sure that you’ll laugh. Instead, there is a void where there should be emotion, and the tonal shift from comedy to romantic comedy never feels complete. While this may be a minor hiccup for most involved, it’s an unfortunate start for Winer’s film career. Hopefully someone learned a lesson that sometimes it’s better to earn something for yourself than work off of other people’s plots.

Score: C-

HANNA Review

Director Joe Wright has finally proved he’s a force to be reckoned with.  Atonement was undercut by a poor script and his direction on The Soloist overpowered the story and the performances, but with his latest film Hanna, he finally strikes an impressive balance and transforms a standard revenge flick into an effective and surreal dark fairy tale that punches the landscape almost as hard as its protagonist punches her foes.  Hanna is a film that defiantly and confidently plays by its own rules and the result is an action flick that is as thoughtful as it is exhilarating.

16-year-old Hanna (Saoirse Ronan) has been brought up in the forest by her former black-ops father Erik (Eric Bana) and trained to accomplish one purpose: assassinate Erik’s former handler and his wife’s killer, Marissa Wiegler (Cate Blanchett).  Hanna can speak a variety of language and kill you eight times with her bare hands before you hit the ground in a crumpled heap, but she’s never heard music or even met another human being other than her father.  It’s with this limited but distinct set of skills that Hanna is sent out into the world to kill Marissa.  However, Hanna comes to discover that her upbringing isn’t the only thing about her that’s abnormal.

On the page, Hanna could have been a fairly forgettable action-revenge flick, but Wright imbues the entire film with a dreamlike sensibility that adds weight to the proceedings.  Everything in the picture is slightly askew and provides immediacy to Hanna’s offbeat coming-of-age tale.  There’s no reason why Ronan and Bana should talk in German accents or why Blanchett should put on such an overbearing Southern drawl, but these slight affectations add up to a film that refuses to exist solely in the realm of reality or fairy tale.  Wright understands that if he’s going to have Hanna running through an endless series of tunnels in an underground prison that apparently only houses her, then “gritty” realism simply isn’t worthy of the story he’s trying to tell.

However, Wright never forgets that his picture should also entertain and he devises some truly remarkable fight scenes.  Wright lets the physicality of the fisticuffs be perfunctory and efficient (as a father-daughter assassins would be), but lets the cinematography, editing, and the score deliver the intensity of the battles.  I rarely advocate for more violence in movies, but Hanna could have used a boost from some added brutality, which would better highlight the juxtaposition of Hanna’s off-kilter innocence and the ruthlessness of her actions.  But even confined by a PG-13 rating, Wright manages to convey the essential dichotomy of her move from innocence to experience and still ask the important question of what qualifies as “innocence”.

While the camerawork is incredible (especially a scene involving Erik taking down a group of Marissa’s henchmen), special attention is due to the music provided by the Chemical Brothers.  Every year, there are five or six scores that you rush out to buy after seeing the movie and this is one of them.  The score dances between the pulse-pounding action to almost mocking Hanna’s unconventional childhood with a playful and melodic theme.

Also worthy of credit is Ronan.  Bana and Blanchett provide strong support, but the movie truly belongs to the young actress and she does a tremendous job of balancing her character’s murderous ways with a heartfelt wonder and naivety about the larger world.  She completely understands Hanna’s strengths and vulnerabilities and the sympathy she engenders prevents the audience from writing off the character as simply “good”, “evil”, “hero”, or “anti-hero”.

Hanna reminds me of Wayne Kramer’s 2006 action-thriller Running Scared, and I mean that as high praise.  Both films successfully take a fairy-tale like narrative and transplant it into a hard-boiled, unrelenting action flick.  While Hanna doesn’t deliver the same level of brutality and violence as the R-rated Running Scared, Wright demonstrates that he’s can direct crowd-pleasing action flicks with the same level of thoughtfulness and skill that he’s brought to higher-brow fare.

Rating: A-

New Posters for PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES and SKATELAND

A couple of new posters have been released today. First up, the international poster for Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides has hit the web. It’s pretty much a combination of all the separate character posters that have been released so far, as it puts all the four main characters together on the same poster. The film hits theaters in 3D on May 20^th.

Secondly, a new poster for Skateland has been released. The film, starring Ashley Greene, is set in the 80’s and centers on high schoolers and their local roller skating rink. The film premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festvial. Directed by Anthony Burns, Skateland stars Greene, Shiloh Fernandez, Heath Freeman, Brett Cullen, and Taylor Handley. Hit the jump to check out the posters.

Here’s the international poster for Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (Via TVNZ):

Here’s the official synopsis for Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides:

Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Rob Marshall, “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” captures the fun, adventure and humor that ignited the hit franchise–this time in Disney Digital 3D(TM). Johnny Depp returns to his iconic role of Captain Jack Sparrow in an action-packed adventure. Crossing paths with the enigmatic Angelica (Penelope Cruz), he’s not sure if it’s love–or if she’s a ruthless con artist who’s using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. When she forces him aboard the “Queen Anne’s Revenge,” the ship of the legendary pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane), Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn’t know whom to fear more: Blackbeard or Angelica, with whom he shares a mysterious past. The international cast includes franchise vets Geoffrey Rush as the vengeful Captain Hector Barbossa and Kevin R. McNally as Captain Jack’s longtime comrade Joshamee Gibbs, plus Sam Claflin as a stalwart missionary and Astrid Berges-Frisbey as a mysterious mermaid.

Here’s the new poster for Skateland, followed by the first poster for the film:

Here’s the official synopsis for Skateland:

Set against the landscape of upstart malls, Jordache jeans and iconic hang outs,is as much a story about embracing who you are as it is about moving on. The personal drama marks the poignant transition of a group of high school friends into adulthood. Set in the early 1980s, in small town Texas, it is genuine, touching and candid snapshot of the lives of a close-knit group of friends who are confronted with the realities of the precarious world around them. The film revolves around a charismatic young skating rink manager named Ritchie Wheeler (Shiloh Fernandez), brother and sister Brent and Michelle Burkham (Heath Freeman, Ashley Greene) and the legendary, wise-cracking, Kenny Crawford (Taylor Handley) as their dreams and carefree lives start to fade into an uncertain future.

Sylvester Stallone Directing THE EXPENDABLES 2 After All?

While a sequel to Sylvester Stallone’s The Expendables has been in the works for a while, there’ve been quite a few rumors surrounding the project. Last month, it was reported that although Stallone would be returning in The Expendables 2 as an actor, he would not be directing the flick this time around. He also passed over scripting duties to Ken Kaufman (Space Cowboys) and David Agosto. Well, now it’s being reported that Stallone may in fact direct the follow-up after all.

The website Expendables Premiere (via Screen Rant) is reporting that Lionsgate and Maple Pictures have revealed that Stallone will be returning to the director’s chair for the film. However, this information has yet to be confirmed and we haven’t heard anything from Lionsgate or Maple Pictures at this time, so this could very well be one more rumor about the project. Hopefully we’ll know more soon. No details are known about the sequel, but Stallone previously stated his intention to have Bruce Willis play a “super-villain” in the film. However, uncertainty hasn’t kept the project from having a release date: The Expendables 2 is set to hit theaters on August 17^th 2012.

Trailer for WARRIOR Starring Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton

Lionsgate has released a trailer for the upcoming mixed martial arts fighting drama Warrior.  Directed by Gavin O’Connor (Miracle) the film stars Tom Hardy (Inception) and Joel Edgerton (Animal Kingdom) as brothers fighting for the mixed martial arts championship.  I like the idea of a Rocky story where we follow both fighters into the ring and both their causes are valid (although the trailer makes it look like Edgerton is really the protagonist).  Unfortunately, this trailer takes you through almost the entire movie to the point where I’m a little surprised that it doesn’t go ahead and reveal the champion.

Hit the jump to see the trailer and for a full synopsis.  The film also stars Nick Nolte, Jennifer Morrison, and Frank Grillo.  Warrior opens September 9^th.

Here’s the official synopsis for Warrior:

Two brothers face the fight of a lifetime – and the wreckage of their broken family – within the brutal, high-stakes world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighting in Lionsgate’s action/drama, WARRIOR.

An ex-Marine haunted by a tragic past, Tommy Riordan returns to his hometown of Pittsburgh and enlists his father, a recovered alcoholic and his former coach, to train him for an MMA tournament awarding the biggest purse in the history of the sport. As Tommy blazes a violent path towards the title prize, his brother, Brendan, a former MMA fighter unable to make ends meet as a public school teacher, returns to the amateur ring to provide for his family. Even though years have passed, recriminations and past betrayals keep Brendan bitterly estranged from both Tommy and his father.

But when Brendan’s unlikely rise as an underdog sets him on a collision course with Tommy, the two brothers must finally confront the forces that tore them apart, all the while waging the most intense, winner-takes-all battle of their lives.

—

First Clip From MORTAL KOMBAT: LEGACY

If I didn’t tell you the first clip from the upcoming web-series Mortal Kombat: Legacy (based off last year’s popular short Mortal Kombat: Rebirth) was from Mortal Kombat: Legacy, you would likely never figure it out.  There’s no special moves, no gore, or any other trademark the Mortal Kombat video games are known for.  It looks like a scene from the world’s most generic action movie so I assumed at some point a person would break the fourth wall and ask me to please silence my cell phone.

Hit the jump to check out the clip, but if you’re expecting bionic arms or heart-ripping fatalities, you’re going to be sorely disappointed.  Mortal Kombat: Legacy premieres April 12^th on Machinima.com.

Here’s the press release:

HIGHLY ANTICIPATED “MORTAL KOMBAT: LEGACY” DIGITAL SERIES TO PREMIERE WORLDWIDE APRIL 12 ON MACHINIMA.COM

FANS CAN WATCH ACTION-PACKED EPISODES ON ONE OF YOUTUBE’S LARGEST ENTERTAINMENT NETWORKS

BURBANK, CALIF., April 7, 2011 – Warner Bros. Digital Distribution and Machinima.com today announced they have signed an agreement to premiere and distribute the highly anticipated “Mortal Kombat: Legacy” live action digital series produced by Warner Premiere.  Directed by Kevin Tancharoen (“Fame”), and starring Jeri Ryan (“Star Trek: Voyager”) as “Sonya Blade,” Michael Jai White (“The Dark Knight”) as “Major Jackson ‘Jax’ Briggs” and Darren Shahlavi (“300”) as “Kano,” this series will take gamers deep into the history of the warriors they know and love.

The first action-packed episode of “Mortal Kombat: Legacy” will debut April 12 exclusively on Machinima, the dominant entertainment network for videogamers on YouTube (www.youtube.com/machinima). Fans from around the world will be able to watch and engage with the entire “Mortal Kombat: Legacy” series through Machinima’s YouTube channel.

“With over 500 million monthly video views and 50 million monthly viewers, Machinima has the world’s most highly-engaged gaming audience, which makes this agreement with Warner Bros. such a great fit,” said Allen DeBevoise, Chairman and CEO of Machinima, Inc. “Mortal Kombat is an epic franchise with a rich story and characters, we’re truly excited to bring ‘Mortal Kombat: Legacy’ to our community.  With our global scale and reach, we can now drive greater engagement and viewership than anyone for entertainment properties that fit our young, male-centric demo.  Kevin’s new incarnation of the Mortal Kombat franchise is precisely the type of world-class, high-octane action content that our audience will love.”

Kevin Tancharoen who directed and produced the popular, unofficial “Mortal Kombat: Rebirth” fan short, is bringing the same immersive directing style to this live-action digital series.  Kevin Tancharoen who directed and produced the popular, unofficial “Mortal Kombat: Rebirth” fan short, is bringing the same immersive directing style to this live-action digital series.  “Machinima is the perfect entertainment destination to premiere the series,” said Kevin Tancharoen, Director, Producer and co-writer of “Mortal Kombat: Legacy.”  “They have a massive audience of gamers from around the world.  We worked very closely with NetherRealm Studios and Ed Boon, and we’re now putting the finishing touches on the episodes.  I’m confident we’ve stayed true to the Mortal Kombat lore and am hoping the fans will be blown away by what they see.”

Also on April 12, in a lead up to the series premiere, Machinima will host Kevin Tancharoen and cast from the series in a special live event.  Details will be announced on Machinima.com soon.

Written by Kevin Tancharoen, Aaron Helbing  and Todd Helbing, “Mortal Kombat: Legacy” is an anthology of nine live action shorts, and brings to life the motivation behind each character’s participation in the Mortal Kombat tournament.  Each episode will provide never-before-revealed insights into characters featured in the upcoming videogame as well as the game’s universe.

The latest iteration of the award-winning videogame, “Mortal Kombat,” marks a triumphant return to the series’ mature presentation and a reinvention of its classic 2D fighting mechanic. Driven by an all new graphics engine, the fan favorite Fatality is back and presented in more gory detail than ever before. In addition, “Mortal Kombat” introduces a number of new game-play features including tag team and a deep story mode. “Mortal Kombat” is being developed by NetherRealm Studios, led by “Mortal Kombat” creator and creative director Ed Boon.

MORTAL KOMBAT and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.