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Get Your Coat, Idris Elba - 'Luther' Is Coming Back


Idris Elba

It's finally been confirmed that Idris Elba will return as DCI John Luther in a forthcoming fifth series that is thought to air sometime next year. It's been a year and a half since the last time we saw the detective, and we're definitely feeling withdrawal symptoms from this addictive show.

Idris Elba at the premiere of 'Guerrilla'Idris Elba at the premiere of 'Guerrilla'

The 44-year-old actor will return to crime drama 'Luther' for a four-part new season, following the two-episode special that was season 4. No details regarding cast or even a premiere date has as yet been revealed, but creator Neil Cross is determined for it to go ahead.

Continue reading: Get Your Coat, Idris Elba - 'Luther' Is Coming Back

The Mountain Between Us Trailer


When two people from different walks of life find themselves unable to take their scheduled flights for their respective appointments the following day, they decide to band together to find another way. Ben Bass is an English surgeon determined to get to his patient in Baltimore, while Alex Martin is a journalist on her way to her wedding. When the latter suggests boarding a charter plane, it seems like a great idea - that is until they crash on a snowy mountain with a huge expanse of wildnerness surrounding them. With their pilot dead, the plane broken and no chance of being found out there since the pilot failed to file a flight plan, their only chance of survival is to trek across the mountain and pray for salvation. But they have to hurry; there's no food or water, and it seems their only shelter is the plane which they have to leave behind.

Continue: The Mountain Between Us Trailer

Idris Elba To Release Album Inspired By 'Luther'


Idris Elba

Less than a week after it was confirmed Fox would be making a U.S. adaptation of the BBC drama 'Luther,' and only days after it was announced the series will be returning to the U.K. for a new two-part miniseries in 2015, Idris Elba has more exciting news about DI John Luther.

Luther
Idris Elba will make an album based on the character he portrayed in BBC's 'Luther'

The 42 year-old actor, who played the titular character for three seasons until 2013, is planning on making an entire album inspired by the obsessive, and very intelligent, police detective, Radio Times reports. The forthcoming album's working title is 'Murder Loves John.'

Continue reading: Idris Elba To Release Album Inspired By 'Luther'

ITV Set To Make Charlie Higson's 10-Part 'Jekyll And Hyde' Adventure


Idris Elba

ITV has green-lit a ten-part action adventure adaptation of 'Jekyll and Hyde', with Charlie Higson at the helm. The show is inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson's novel The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

Charlie HigsonCharlie Higson's 10-part action adventure 'Jekyll & Hyde' will begin shooting in India and London next year

Higson, best known for his work on The Fast Show, said it was a "privilege" to rediscover the works. Production will begin next year in India, with filming set to continue in London until July 2015. 

Continue reading: ITV Set To Make Charlie Higson's 10-Part 'Jekyll And Hyde' Adventure

Mi Mandela: Idris Elba Has An Album Out, And You Need To Buy It


Idris Elba

Idris Elba has been in the news all week, firstly for teasing the possibility of a new Luther series, secondly for signing on as executive producer of a U.S remake of Luther, and lastly, for announcing that BBC America are set to make a two-hour special of...yep, you guessed it, Luther.

Idris ElbaIdris Elba will return as DCI John Luther in a new two-part special in 2015

And so to finish an Idris Elba packed week, we're here to tell you about 'mi Mandela', the actor's new 11-track album that celebrates South African music whilst also paying homage to his late father, Winston Elba, and Nelson Mandela. 

Continue reading: Mi Mandela: Idris Elba Has An Album Out, And You Need To Buy It

Idris Elba Returning As 'Luther' For Two-Part Miniseries In 2015


Idris Elba

Just days after Fox announced a U.S remake of Luther and Idris Elba spoke of his desire to reprise his famous detective, BBC America has confirmed that the original iteration of the drama will return for a two-part miniseries in 2015.

LutherIdris Elba will return as DCI John Luther for a new two-part miniseries on BBC America

Elba will once again don the flecked winter coat to play DCI John Luther, a murder detective whose genius mind can't always save him from the dangerous violence of his passions. The new series will be written by original creator Neil Cross.

Continue reading: Idris Elba Returning As 'Luther' For Two-Part Miniseries In 2015

Fox Set To Remake BBC's 'Luther,' Idris Elba Will Serve As Producer


Idris Elba

Idris Elba's most famous character, DI John Luther, is getting remade for an American audience. 'Luther,' the BBC drama starring the 42 year-old actor, is being adapted by Fox with series creator Neil Cross.

Luther
Idris Elba starred in 'Luther' for three seasons on the BBC

According to Deadline, the network has given the series a pilot commitment, and Cross will write and executive producer the remake. However, Elba isn't going to star as the titular character, but he will also serve as an executive producer.

Continue reading: Fox Set To Remake BBC's 'Luther,' Idris Elba Will Serve As Producer

Idris Elba On His Way With First Single 'You Give Me Love' [Listen]


Idris Elba Nelson Mandela Maverick Sabre Mumford And Sons George The Poet Cody ChesnuTT Shaun Escoffery

Actor and DJ Idris Elba returns to music with an elegant first single entitled 'You Give Me Love' featuring singer and rapper Maverick Sabre. The track is inspired by contemporary pop and R&B, fused with the sound of South Africa.

Idris Elba 'Mi Mandela' promo
Idris Elba releases 'Mi Mandela' this November

'You Give Me Love' will be released as part of Idris Elba's latest musical project 'Idris Elba Presents: Mi Mandela', which incorporates both high-profile Western pop sensations; from Mumford & Sons to George The Poet; with virtually unheard of South African genius; including the Mahotella Queens and Nothembi Mkhwebane. It will be released just in time for Christmas through Elba's own label 7wallace and Parlophone Records, and marks Elba's first musical venture since 2010.

Continue reading: Idris Elba On His Way With First Single 'You Give Me Love' [Listen]

Idris Elba, In Training For 'Bastille Day', Shares Topless Work Out Video


Idris Elba Richard Madden Charlotte Le Bon

Idris Elba has been in serious training for his upcoming role in the film Bastille Day and he's been sharing his work out with his fans on Instagram. He just happens to be topless too.

Idris ElbaIdris Elba at the Global Citizens Awards in New York in September 2014.

Read More: Idris Elba Opens Up About Disappointing Movie Roles Following Mandela.

Continue reading: Idris Elba, In Training For 'Bastille Day', Shares Topless Work Out Video

Idris Elba's 'No Good Deed' Comes From Nowhere To Top Box-Office


Idris Elba

No Good Deed, the twisting-turning thriller starring British actor Idris Elba, has topped the US box office with $24.5 million - a massive return considering its $13.2 million budget. The film ended Guardians of the Galaxy's four-week reign as No.1.

No Good Deed

Idris plays Colin Evans, a prison escapee who shoots a guard and driver in the process and begins to terrorize a woman who is along with her two children. 

Continue reading: Idris Elba's 'No Good Deed' Comes From Nowhere To Top Box-Office

A Week In Movies: Expendables And Bradley Cooper Spotted In London, New Trailers For St. Vincent, Into The Woods And More


Sylvester Stallone Jason Statham Bradley Cooper Idris Elba Bill Murray

The Expendables 3

The world premiere of The Expendables 3 took place this week in London, attended by Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Antonio Banderas, Kellan Lutz and Wesley Snipes. They had a great time entertaining fans and the press all day before the red carpet extravaganza on Leicester Square. The film opens globally next week. The Expendables 3 World Premiere [Pictures].

Bradley Cooper has also been spotted around London this week. He's in town shooting his new movie, a still-untitled project in which he plays a chef trying to set up the best restaurant in the world. In just the past week, photos have been snapped of him filming in Leicester Square, outside the Delauney, on the Southbank and on Waterloo Bridge. Bradley Cooper filming new movie 'Adam Jones' photo set 1, set2, set3 and photo set 4.

Continue reading: A Week In Movies: Expendables And Bradley Cooper Spotted In London, New Trailers For St. Vincent, Into The Woods And More

Chris Pratt Couldn't Predict "Guardians Of The Galaxy" Success, But Can He Build A Movie Career On It?


Chris Pratt Josh Brolin Idris Elba

After intense promotion, Guardians of the Galaxy emerged from the weekend a box office record holder. With $94 million, Guardians had the biggest August opening ever. Which begs the question – now that Chris Pratt (aka Peter Quill, aka Star Lord) is a legit movie star, will he hold on to it?

Chris Pratt, Guardians of the Galaxy
Well, he's got the heroic glare down pat.

Pratt was the only “wild card” going into the project. His previous role, on Parks & Rec, made him a fan favorite, but lacked the exposure needed to launch a successful film career.

Continue reading: Chris Pratt Couldn't Predict "Guardians Of The Galaxy" Success, But Can He Build A Movie Career On It?

No Good Deed Trailer


Colin is a violent and narcissistic killer who has spent plenty of time in prison for vicious crimes, including the brutal attack on his terrified ex-girlfriend. Back in prison, he is denied parole but subsequently manages to make an escape in transit despite being handcuffed in the back of a police truck. It's a stormy night and, elsewhere, Terri is kissing her husband goodbye as he leaves her and his two children at their Atlanta home to go visit his father on his birthday. Unfortunately, he couldn't have left at a worse time as Colin manages to enter the house under the guise of a needy car crash victim. It isn't long before his violent intentions become clear, however, and Terri finds herself desperately trying to protect her children from this merciless intruder.

Continue: No Good Deed Trailer

Cutest Pregnancy Announcement Ever? Kelly Rowland's New Pair Of Baby Air Jordans


Kelly Rowland Janelle Monae Idris Elba Rita Ora

Kelly Rowland is pregnant! Unlike other celebrity pregnancies, the news came straight from the source this time, with the singer posting a photo on her Instagram of a baby-sized pair of Air Jordans. Aw, isn’t that the cutest product placement you’ve ever heard of?

Kelly Rowland
Congrats on the baby. And the general awesomeness.

It’s been a whirlwind year for Rowland and her longtime beau, Tim Witherspoon, who  just tied the knot a month ago. The couple celebrated their love with an intimate ceremony in Costa Rica on May 9.

Kelly also recently released a new single, The Game, as part of Pepsi’s World Cup visual album. The album features Rowland, alongside the likes of Janelle Monae, Rita Ora and Idris Elba, of all people, and includes audio and visual contributions, centered around the theme of, y’know, the Game. Also collaboration and togetherness, etc. 

Continue reading: Cutest Pregnancy Announcement Ever? Kelly Rowland's New Pair Of Baby Air Jordans

Guillermo Del Toro Doesn’t "Have The Money" For Pacific Rim 2, But He’s Working Like He Has


Guillermo Del Toro Idris Elba

Everyone likes an optimist. Guillermo Del Toro has revealed that he’s beavering away on Pacific Rim 2, the sequel to 2013’s hyper-blockbuster, Kaiju v mega-robot smash. 

Pacific Rim Kaiju
The Kaiju are a formidable foe

He told Buzzfeed: “I’m working very, very hard with Zak Penn. We’ve been working for a few months now in secret. We found a way to twist it around. Some people were wondering if we were going to do the prequel. I was never interested in doing that first wave of invasion,” he explained. 

Continue reading: Guillermo Del Toro Doesn’t "Have The Money" For Pacific Rim 2, But He’s Working Like He Has

'Mandela's' Lack Of Awards Down To '12 Years' Guilt Hoover, Suggests Screenwriter


Nelson Mandela Idris Elba Steve McQueen Chiwetel Ejiofor

‘12 Years a Slave’ was, rightfully, the recipient of huge praise and numerous awards. The remarkable story of Solomon Northrup - portrayed by Chiwitel Ejiofor - was masterfully directed by Steve McQueen. But that success, suggests screenwriter William Nicholson, was to the detriment of his film, ‘Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom'

Nelson Mandela Idris ElbaNaomie Harris Mandela
Idris Elba [L] as Nelson Mandela and Naomie Harris [R] as Winnie Mandela

Nicholson said ’12 Years’ "sucked up all the guilt about black people that was available” adding that he thought ‘Mandela’ “worked superbly," but Americans “were so exhausted feeling guilty about slavery that I don't think there was much left over to be nice about our film. So our film didn't do as well as we'd hoped, which was a bit heartbreaking."

Continue reading: 'Mandela's' Lack Of Awards Down To '12 Years' Guilt Hoover, Suggests Screenwriter

7 Wallace Presents Idris Elba This Summer 2014 At Ibiza Rocks House

Posted on30 May 2014

7 Wallace Presents Idris Elba This Summer 2014 At Ibiza Rocks House

Idris Elba Welcomes Second "Truely Amazing" Baby Boy With Girlfriend Naiyana Garth


Idris Elba

Idris Elba is a father to a healthy baby son.

The 41 year-old actor welcomed his second child into the world with his make-up artist girlfriend Naiyana Garth on Friday (April 18th).

Elba announced the good news via Twitter by posting an adorable black and white photo of his new-born baby holding his finger.

Continue reading: Idris Elba Welcomes Second "Truely Amazing" Baby Boy With Girlfriend Naiyana Garth

Which One Of These Actors Should Play Tupac?


Tupac Shakur Idris Elba Mekhi Phifer Michael B. Jordan Anthony Mackie Brandon T. Jackson

18 years after the murder of Tupac Shakur the rapper will be bought back to life, this time not by a hologram projector but by an actor. The Tupac biopic is finally in the works, with rumours that Idris Elba may be lined up to play the late rapper. The biopic is set to be directed by an old friend of Shakur’s, John Singleton, who has over twenty years in the business and films such as Boyz n the Hood, Baby Boy and 2 Fast 2 Furious under his belt. Singleton directed Tupac, who starred as a young postal clerk, in his 1993 film Poetic Justice, so he was well-acquainted with the rapper. Who better to direct than someone who was accustomed to the subject of the biopic?

tupac biopic Tupac was just 25 when he was shot and killed in Las Vegas

Singleton may be the ideal director for the project, but is Idris Elba, at 41 years old, the best choice to play the rapper, who died at 25? Idris is a supremely talented actor, so we’re sure that he’ll do a stellar job, but if casting directors need a little more choice, why not try one of this lot?

Continue reading: Which One Of These Actors Should Play Tupac?

Idris Elba Is Many Things, But Is A Rapper One Of Them?


Idris Elba Tupac Shakur

Idris Elba is plenty of things, but unfortunately a natural born rapper is not one of them. The Thor: The Dark World actor has been critically acclaimed for his recent roles, including winning the Golden Globe for his performance as tough man police detective Luther in the BBC drama series as well as a Golden Globe nomination for his performance as Nelson Madela in 2013’s Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.

idris elba tupac Idris Elba may be set to play rapper Tupac in the upcoming biopic movie

The versatile actor has also achieved international success starring in blockbuster movies including Thor, Pacific Rim and Prometheus as well as, believe it or not, having a rather successful sideline career DJing. Under the moniker DJ Big Driis, or alternatively Big Driis the Londoner, Elba, has DJed all over the world in some of the biggest nightclubs. What we’re trying to say here is that no one doubts that the guy’s got many talents.

Continue reading: Idris Elba Is Many Things, But Is A Rapper One Of Them?

What Can We Expect From Disney's New 'Jungle Book' Movie?


Jon Favreau Idris Elba

Another childhood classic we all know and love is headed for a complete reboot, but what do we need to know about Disney’s new Jungle Book movie?

Who's writing it?

The new script will be written by Justin Marks, who made his debut with Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li, in 2009. Street Fighter may not have blown away fans or critics, but don’t despair, Marks has since proven himself worthy to Disney with his script draft of 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea. The latter may have been dropped until further notice, but it’s clear that Disney has faith in Marks to do justice to the script of their new Jungle Book movie.

Continue reading: What Can We Expect From Disney's New 'Jungle Book' Movie?

Idris Loses Golden Globe Hopes For 'Mandela' And 'Luther'


Idris Elba Golden Globe Awards Matthew Mcconaughey Chiwetel Ejiofor Michael Douglas

Idris Elba loses out on a Golden Globe gong for Best Actor in 'Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom' as Matthew Mcconaughey takes home the award.

Idris Elba at Palm Springs International Film Festival
No Globe for Idris this year

'The Wire' star impressed critics with his performance as late humanitarian Nelson Mandela, with our own critic Rich Cline describing him as having 'enormous presence. with the right physicality and charisma', but it seems that it just hasn't been enough at this year's Globes. The movie was nominated for a remarkable four awards and did manage to land Best Original Song - Motion Picture; an award which went to U2 for 'Ordinary Love'.

Continue reading: Idris Loses Golden Globe Hopes For 'Mandela' And 'Luther'

Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom Review


Very Good

Based on his autobiography, this film is clearly designed to be the definitive film about Nelson Mandela. And it tells his remarkable story with skill, tracing his life from 25 to 75 while touching on why he's perhaps the most important figure of the past century. So it's no wonder that the film feels far too constructed and polished.

It starts in his Xhosa village birthplace, then follows Nelson (Elba) to Johannesburg in the 1940s as a sparky young lawyer with a loving wife (Pheto) and children. But the vicious injustice of Apartheid gets under his skin, and as he starts speaking out and taking action, his marriage falls apart. South Africa's government responds to protests by cracking down even further, so Nelson's African National Congress turns to violence. As a result, its leaders are sentenced to hard labour on Robben Island. Now married to the outspoken Winnie (Harris) with two more daughters, Nelson is sent away for life. But he refuses to let bitterness gain a foothold, and devises a way for the nation to peacefully transition into democracy.

Mandela's legacy lies in his wisdom and open-mindedness, avoiding a bloodbath by seeking reconciliation rather than revenge. And these themes play an important role in Nicholson's script, which of course has to condense the events drastically, even for a two-and-a-half hour movie. But all of the key moments are here, and even if the film sometimes feels like it's racing through them, there's plenty of subtext for the actors to grab hold of.

Continue reading: Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom Review

Prince Philip Amongst GQ Best-Dressed Men 2014


Prince Philip David Beckham Nick Grimshaw Idris Elba Alex Turner

GQ Magazine have released their 'Best Dressed' list for the coming year and amongst some predictable entries, including Benedict Cumberbatch and David Beckham, there have been a few surprises, most notably the inclusion of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, AKA the Queen's hubbie.

Prince Philip
Prince Philip Has Made It On To GQ's Best Dressed List.

A mixture of magazine staff and experts helped compile the year's list of the most style savvy celebs and judged that Prince Philip "deserves yet another medal - for his services to classic British tailoring." Whilst we don't deny that the blunder-prone royal always looks sharp and dashing in his suits, tailcoats, and expertly knotted ties, his name's occurrence on the list comes as a surprise perhaps because of his reclusion from the media glare.

Continue reading: Prince Philip Amongst GQ Best-Dressed Men 2014

Idris Elba Opens Up On Nelson Mandela Album Side Project


Idris Elba Nelson Mandela

Idris Elba’s turn as Nelson Mandela became infinitely more pertinent in the context of the great man’s death on December 5th after a long and ultimately unsuccessful battle against illness. He was 95.

Idris Elba, Mandela: Long Walk To FreedomNaomie Harris, Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom Poster
Idris Elba (left) stars as Nelson Mandela, with Naomie Harris (right) playing his companion and Winnie

The Wire actor was tremendously honoured to take on the role, and despite the film being criticized for trying to fit too much into a feature, his performance has been lauded - and all this while he was producing an album about the late South African hero.

Continue reading: Idris Elba Opens Up On Nelson Mandela Album Side Project

A Week In News: Paul Walker Dead, Amazing Spider-Man 2 Trailer, X-Men Apocalypse


Paul Walker Amanda Bynes Bryan Singer Tom Daley Nigella Lawson Idris Elba Nelson Mandela

Paul Walker

Paul Walker Dead: Tributes have been pouring in this week for the late actor Paul Walker, who died in a car crash in Los Angeles on Saturday (November 30). His friend's Porsche Carrera GT crashed into a tree and burst into flames. Read all the tributes here.

Long Walk to Freedom: This week also marked the sad passing of Nelson Mandela, who died after a long illness. Actor Idris Elba plays the legendary figure in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom and he's been chatting about his preparations for playing one of greatest leaders in history. Read what Elba had to say here.

Continue reading: A Week In News: Paul Walker Dead, Amazing Spider-Man 2 Trailer, X-Men Apocalypse

Superman Is Super-Sexy: Henry Cavill Tops 'Sexiest Man Alive' Poll


Henry Cavill Robert Pattinson Liam Hemsworth Tom Hiddleston Benedict Cumberbatch George Clooney Adam Levine Harry Styles Chris Hemsworth Idris Elba

Henry Cavill has topped the latest poll by Glamour magazine to determine the '100 Sexiest Men Alive.' The Man of Steel actor took the top spot from four-time winner of the accolade Robert Pattinson, who after four consecutive years of being declared the world's biggest hunk, fell down to number two this year.

Henry Cavill
Henry Cavill is apparently the sexiest man alive

The Twilight-star has long been a favourite for the magazine when compiling their yearly list of sexiest men, but this year the spandex-wearing DC superhero Cavill proved too dashing to ignore, as he leaped to the top spot. Cavill was chosen as the sexiest man alive by the magazine on the back of his successful turn as Superman in the blockbuster Man of Steel, with his chiselled abs and facial features probably going some way towards securing his spot at the top of the poll too.

Continue reading: Superman Is Super-Sexy: Henry Cavill Tops 'Sexiest Man Alive' Poll

Paul Walker Dead At 40: Hollywood Remembers The Fallen Star


Paul Walker Vin Diesel Dwayne Johnson Ludacris Tyrese Gibson Aaron Paul Idris Elba Neil Patrick Harris

Following the tragic passing of actor Paul Walker earlier this week, there has been an outpouring of emotion from Hollywood on behalf of the 40-year-old actor. A number of celebrities have taken to their social media accounts to send their condolences to Walker's family and pay tribute to the fallen star.

Paul Walker
Paul's death has shocked Hollywood, and the rest of the world

Walker and his friend, Roger Rodas, both died in the fiery crash on Saturday, 30 November, after Rodas lost control of his Porsche Carrera GT and crashed it into a light post and a tree. The car burst into flames upon impact and both Walker and Rodas were pronounced dead at the scene. The crash occurred as the pair were leaving a fundraising event for Walker's charity Reach Out Worldwide, which was aiming to raise money for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan at the time.

Continue reading: Paul Walker Dead At 40: Hollywood Remembers The Fallen Star

Heading To The Movies This Thanksgiving? 'Frozen' And 'The Hunger Games 2' Leading The Way In Our List Of 5 Must-See Films


Jennifer Lawrence Josh Brolin Samuel L Jackson Idris Elba

Still undecided as to which movie you want to see this Thanksgiving weekend? Well worry not because we've put together a list of five of the top movies released this weekend for all ages and tastes.

FROZEN

Disney Frozen
'Frozen' Is An Enchanting Tale About A Kingdom In Permanent Winter.

Continue reading: Heading To The Movies This Thanksgiving? 'Frozen' And 'The Hunger Games 2' Leading The Way In Our List Of 5 Must-See Films

'Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom' Gives Idris Elba A Real Oscars Chance


Idris Elba Harvey Weinstein

Mandela: A Long Walk To Freedom, the Weinstein's biopic based on the autobiography of  South African President Nelson Mandela, has received mixed reviews from critics ahead of its release this weekend, though Idris Elba's stunning performance as the President should see him in line for nominations during awards' season.

Nelson Mandela Idris ElbaNaomie Harris Mandela
Idris Elba [L] as Nelson Mandela and Naomie Harris [R] as Winnie Mandela

Justin Chadwick's movie chronicles the early life of Mandela, his coming-of-age, education and the 27 years he spent on Robben Island, as well as his attempt to rebuild the country's once segregated society. 

Continue reading: 'Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom' Gives Idris Elba A Real Oscars Chance

Sacha Baron Cohen's Hilarious Stunt Steals The Show At BAFTA-LA Britannia Awards


Sacha Baron Cohen Idris Elba Salma Hayek Rob Brydon George Clooney Sean Penn Julia Roberts Benedict Cumberbatch Ben Kingsley Meryl Streep Judd Apatow

Sacha Baron Cohen not only left the Beverly Hilton with the highest honour awarded for comedy by the BAFTA-LA ‘s annual Britannia Awards, but also left with the audience either still in shock or holding on to their sides with laughter following an inspired practical joke. Los Angeles' British alliance was out in force for the Saturday (9 Nov.) night ceremony, and there were even a few non-Brit Hollywood heavyweights doing their best to pretent to be from the other side of the Atlantic for the awards show.

Sacha Baron Cohen Isla Fisher Salma Hayek
Sacha Baron Cohen flanked by his wife Isla Fisher [R] and Salma Hayek [L]

Airing on BBC America on Sunday (10 Nov.) night, host Rob Brydon had the job of handling the more raucous than usual crowd, which had plenty to do with Cohen's stunt. It began when Salma Hayek came on stage with an elderly woman to present the Charlie Chaplin Britannia Award For Excellence In Comedy award. Confined to a wheelchair, she was identified as Grace Collington, an actress she said appeared with Charlie Chaplin in 1931′s City Lights when she was just 5-years-old. She very believably told the audience, “At 87, she’s the oldest surviving actor to have worked with Chaplin in a silent movie,” at which point Cohen climbed to the stage to accept the honour. The elderly woman presented Cohen with one of Chaplin's trademark canes, at which point Cohen pushed her from the stage and began his acceptance speech as 'Collington' lied motionless on the ground.

Continue reading: Sacha Baron Cohen's Hilarious Stunt Steals The Show At BAFTA-LA Britannia Awards

Harper’s Bazaar Women Of The Year Awards 2013


Rita Ora Jourdan Dunn Victoria Beckham Mick Jagger Stella Mccartney Mariella Frostrup Idris Elba Mollie King Gillian Anderson

It was time for the Harper’s Bazaar Women of the Year Awards 2013 in London on Tuesday night (November 5, 2013) at the famous Claridge’s hotel. The likes of Rita Ora, Victoria Beckham and Mick Jagger turned out for the ceremony, but it was Jourdan Dunn, Cate Blanchett and Idris Elba who were the big winners.

Rita Ora and Jourdan Dunn pose for the photographers outside Claridges at the Harper's Bazaar Women of the Year Awards. Rita Ora came away with the prize for Musician of the Year, while Joudan clinched the Model of the Year prize 2013. Well done girls!

Rita Ora, Jourdan Dunn

 

Continue reading: Harper’s Bazaar Women Of The Year Awards 2013

Predictions Place Thor: The Dark World As The Top Contender For The US Weekend Box Office


Chris Hemsworth Tom Hiddleston Natalie Portman Idris Elba Anthony Hopkins Christopher Eccleston

Thor: The Dark World is nearing its US release – Friday, November 8th, as the primary contender for the weekend box office. In the UK, where the movie was released last week, it raked in an impressive £8.65 million on opening night and £5.54 million over its first weekend. Those are impressive numbers and nearly double those of the movie in second place, but the film’s overall European takings are even more stunning. The film was a number 1 release in several countries, including France, Germany and Spain taking $109.4 million worldwide in its first weekend.

Chris Hemsworth, Thor: The Dark World Promo ImageTom Hiddleston, Thor: The Dark World Promo Image
The film expands on the love/hate relationship betweet Thor and Loki.

Thor: The Dark World tracks the struggles and enemies that Marvel’s Thor has to face,following the events of The Avengers (or The Avengers Assemble in the UK.) Starring Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman, the film also boasts a star-studded British cast, including Tom Hiddleston, who returns as Loki, Idris Elba, Sir Anthony Hopkins and Christopher Eccleston in his debut appearance within the franchise. While a lot of the story takes place on Asgard, several key scenes from the movie were filmed on location in London.

Continue reading: Predictions Place Thor: The Dark World As The Top Contender For The US Weekend Box Office

South African Premiere Of "Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom" Preceded By Special Screening For Nelson Mandela


Nelson Mandela Idris Elba Naomie Harris

The Nelson Mandela biopic Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom, saw its most important premiere event recently – a screening in South Africa, attended by the man himself. Mandela spent 27 years in prison for his anti-apartheid activism. After his release, Mandela led South Africa through a difficult transition to its first racially inclusive elections in 1994, a historic event that propelled him to the presidency and inspired many around the world.

Idris Elba, Mandela: Long Walk To FreedomNaomie Harris, Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom Poster
Idris Elba (left) stars as Nelson Mandela, with Naomie Harris (right) playing companion and activist Winnie.

According to a report by the AP, Anant Singh, the movie’s South African producer claimed that Mandela enjoyed the screening, at one point asking: "Is that me?" about a heavily made up Idris Elba, who stars in Long Walk to Freedom. Elba reportedly had to sit in the makeup chair for five hours before each filming. Naomie Harris, who plays Mandela’s ex wife and Winnie Mandela, had to go through a similar routine.

Continue reading: South African Premiere Of "Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom" Preceded By Special Screening For Nelson Mandela

Idris Elba Hospitalized After Asthma Attack On Airplane


Idris Elba

Idris Elba was rushed to hospital after he suffered an asthma attack on an airplane headed for South Africa.

The British actor, who stars in 'Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom,' was scheduled to fly to Johannesburg for a press conference, suffered the attack before the plane was able to take off.

Elba was rushed to hospital from London's Heathrow airport and is now reportedly recovering well and producer, Anant Singh, hopes he will be healthy enough to attend a red carpet appearance on Sunday.

Continue reading: Idris Elba Hospitalized After Asthma Attack On Airplane

Idris Elba Hospitalised After Suffering Asthma Attack On Way To South Africa


Idris Elba Naomie Harris Nelson Mandela Chiwetel Ejiofor Robert Redford Matthew Mcconaughey

Idris Elba has been admitted to a unspecified UK hospital after suffering an asthma attack whilst on his way to the premiere of new film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. The Brit-actor suffered the attack whilst on board the plane, but was able to be removed from the aircraft whilst it was still in the UK and taken to a near-by hospital to recover.

Nelson MandelaWinnie Mandela
Long Walk to Freedom has been given mixed reviews

Elba, who stars alongside fellow Brit Naomie Harris (who plays his wife Winnie Mandela) in the film, was forced to miss a press conference due to take place upon his arrival earlier today (2 Nov.), however producers have said that they remain confident that the star will be able to fly out and attend the premiere of the film on Sunday, 3 November, according to Sky News.

Continue reading: Idris Elba Hospitalised After Suffering Asthma Attack On Way To South Africa

Thor: The Dark World Review


Excellent

Marvel can't help itself: these movies have to get bigger and crazier. And this one leaves us wondering where they can possibly go next, as it spirals into a madly funny-scary thriller that threatens the existence of the whole universe. But it also feels like a story children would make up as they go along. Still, the sparky characters and wildly cataclysmic approach are hugely entertaining.

The action picks up right after the Battle of New York (see 2012's The Avengers), and scientist Jane (Portman) is miffed that Thor (Hemsworth) didn't call when he was back on Earth. She has just started dating a nebbish Londoner (O'Dowd) when her assistant Darcy (Dennings) stumbles into a spatial anomaly that draws Jane right into the middle of a 5,000-year-old struggle between Thor's home-realm Asgard and the dark elf Malekith (Eccleston), who wants to use a swirling goo called the Aether to plunge all of existence into blackness just as the universe aligns itself. As this convergence approaches, Thor defies his father Odin (Hopkins) and turns to his disgraced, malicious brother Loki (Hiddleston) for help.

The film is overcrowded with small but pivotal characters, including stern but helpful gatekeeper Heimdall (Elba), mad-doctor Erik (Skarsgard) and Odin's wise wife Frigga (Russo). All of them help distract us from the movie's wildly shifting tone as it darts from sardonic comedy to Lord of the Rings-style battles to silly romance to dark emotion. But the best thing is the tense, unpredictable relationship between Thor and Loki, an enjoyable mixture of sibling rivalry and brotherly love that's well-played by Hemsworth and especially Hiddleston. None of the other characters really has a chance to develop around them. But at least the actors have fun with their roles, including a number of hilarious cameos along the way (there are also two post-credit stings).

Continue reading: Thor: The Dark World Review

Which Film Will Get An Oscars Boost At The Toronto Film Festival 2013?


George Clooney Sandra Bullock Paul Giamatti Benedict Cumberbatch Michael Fassbender Chiwetel Ejiofor Idris Elba Alfonso Cuaron

The Toronto Film Festival has grown into one of the most important events in the movie calendar. Following the prestigious and glamorous Cannes and Venice festivals, it’s the sheer scale of Toronto’s slate that gives it its Oscars precursor status. As we wrote in our – admittedly early – Academy preview, this year’s competition is stronger than ever.

Benedict Cumberbatch Benedict Cumberbatch's in The Fifth Estate

Of course, Toronto is famous for exposing a number of talents via their independent cinema; it doesn’t just cater for the mainstream. But when a film stuns at the Canadian fest, Oscars buzz is hot on its heels.

Continue reading: Which Film Will Get An Oscars Boost At The Toronto Film Festival 2013?

Predicting The Oscars 2014: Is George Clooney Guaranteed An Academy Award?


George Clooney Michael Fassbender Idris Elba Brad Pitt Leonardo Dicaprio Meryl Streep Sandra Bullock Cate Blanchett Alfonso Cuaron Ridley Scott Joaquin Phoenix Penelope Cruz Cameron Diaz Tom Hanks Academy Of Motion Pictures And Sciences

Six months of anticipation for four hours of award giving: that’s what you signed up for. The Oscars 2014 has its host, and now it has its favorites. Which director will be hurtling through an acceptance speech at breakneck speed, and which actor will be practising their sad-yet-humble loser face?

George Clooney and Sandra BullockSandra Bullock [L] and George Clooney [R] In Gravity

It’s Oscars season.

Continue reading: Predicting The Oscars 2014: Is George Clooney Guaranteed An Academy Award?

Bad News: No More Luther On TV. Good News: Luther Movie!


Idris Elba

Anyone who enjoys curling up on the sofa in front of the BBC’s Luther will be disappointed; you’ll have to put some clothes on and head to the cinema to see Idris Elba’s next incarnation as the maverick cop, as a Luther movie is in production. You can always wait for it to come out on DVD, but then you’d miss Elba’s smooth head on the big screen, the decisions being made inside it, etc. etc.

Idris ElbaIdris Elba ponders some hard decisions in the TV version of Luther

Neil Cross revealed the movie’s progress talking to the Edinburgh Television Festival. "I've written the script and we hope to get the film made next year," he said. "Idris is a brilliant leading man and we've hoped to turn Luther into a movie for a long time. It will follow his career in the earlier days, when he is still married to Zoe, and the final scene in the film is the first of the initial TV series." (BBC)

Continue reading: Bad News: No More Luther On TV. Good News: Luther Movie!

Thor: The Dark World Trailer


Marvel's Thunder God, Thor returns in the latest superhero blockbuster, Thor: The Dark World (sequel to self titled film: Thor) where he must face his greatest battle to save Earth and all nine realms 'from a Darkness known only to one' lead by the feared Malekith. Thor must risk everything by reuniting with his brother and Avengers Villian: Loki in order to protect his beloved Jane Foster in what promises to be the most thrilling Thor adventure yet. 

The film see's the Return of stars: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman and Tom Hiddleston with the introduction of acclaimed actor Christopher Eccleston as Malekith and Alan Taylor replacing Kenneth Branagh as director. Stan Lee remains Executive Producer alongside Alan Fine, Nigel Gostelow, Louis D'Esposito, Victoria Alonso and Craig Kyle.

Click here to read: Thor: The Dark World Movie Review

Nelson Mandela Biopic To Debut At Toronto Film Festival


Idris Elba Naomie Harris Steve McQueen Nelson Mandela

The highly anticipated Nelson Mandela biopic, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, will premiere in Canada at the Toronto Film Festival. The film – already collecting Oscar momentum – sees Idris Elba take the leading role, with Naomie Harris in a supporting role as Winnie Mandela.

Idris ElbaNaomie Harris
Elba and Harris star in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

"As soon as we saw it, we knew that it would set the right tone for opening night. It's a movie about what we thought is one of the most important issues of the day - information and who controls it," said Cameron Bailey, the festival's artistic director.

Continue reading: Nelson Mandela Biopic To Debut At Toronto Film Festival

In 'Luther' Finale, Everything Is Uncertain, All The Time, Always


Idris Elba

Warning: Spoilers ahead. Last night’s Luther season finale might have been jam-packed with exciting twists and turns, but there’s only one thing anyone really wants to talk about: Alice is back. Fan excitement over the return of Luther’s brilliant anti-hero piqued and spilled out into various social networks last night, as Alice returned for an episode of high tension and superb dialogue. Seriously, the line “Some little girls grow up wanting ponies... I wanted to be a widow" should probably go down in TV writing history.

Idris Elba, Luther Still
Apparently, even President Obama is rooting for Luther's return.

As usual, the episode offered precious little information about Alice’s life away from Luther, prompting fans to rally around the old cry “Spinoff!” Aside from Alice’s return, this episode was the usual hectic jumble of darkness and angry screaming men, but a few moments did stand out. A particularly satisfying one – in a gruesome, bloodthirsty way – was George Stark’s all-too-timely death. Justice wasn’t completely served, since it wasn’t Luther that did him in, but still – balance was restored. Mostly. Sort of.

Continue reading: In 'Luther' Finale, Everything Is Uncertain, All The Time, Always

As 'Luther' Comes To An End, Idris Elba Looks To A Bright Future


Idris Elba Nelson Mandela Ruth Wilson Daniel Craig

It’s been less than a meteoric rise to the top for Idris Elba, rather a slow slog, with plenty of hard work and adapting in between. He’s been a top-level drug lord in HBO’s The Wire, Captain Janek in Prometheus and Stacker Pentecost in Guillermo del Toro’s action epic, Pacific Rim.

Idris Elba LutherElba ponders things on Luther

British audiences know him for his turn as Luther in the crime drama of the same name, while U.S folks will recognize him as Stringer Bell. Soon, though, the world will know him as Nelson Mandela in Mandela, a film for which he’s already being touted as Oscar material for.

Continue reading: As 'Luther' Comes To An End, Idris Elba Looks To A Bright Future

First Full Trailer For Ibris Elba's 'Mandela' Biopic Released Online [Watch]


Idris Elba Naomie Harris Nelson Mandela

In what was definitely a well-timed publicity stunt that had long been discussed, the trailer for Idris Elba's star turn as Nelson Mandela was released in cinemas (and later online) the coincide with the former South African ruler's 95th birthday this Thursday (July 18). The first full trailer for Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom is one filled with gravitas and a powerful performance, giving potential audiences their first proper look at the biopic.

Idris Elba
Elba looks like a prime candidate for Best Actor at the 2014 Oscars

The two-and-a-half minute clip gives us a relatively comprehensive look into the life and work of the iconic South African freedom fighter, with Elba taking on the young Mandela during his first brushes with the law and his meeting with future wife Winnie (Naomie Harris), before being sentenced to a lengthy prison term and eventual fight back against the system - all with K'Naan's 'Wavin' Flag' serving as the soundtrack.

Continue reading: First Full Trailer For Ibris Elba's 'Mandela' Biopic Released Online [Watch]

Luther Movie Gets Biggest Hint Yet As Idris Elba Talks Plot


Idris Elba Daniel Craig

A Luther movie has been mooted for a while now, with British audiences desperate for their favorite crime drama to be realised on the big screen. But it’s not just the fans who want it done; the show’s star, Idris Elba is keen for it to happen too, as he’s been explaining to IGN.

Idris ElbaElba wants a Luther movie, which isn't surprising

“There’s a massive possibility ‘cos I’ve been talking to Neil [Cross] about it for the last year,” he explained. “I think we’re finally got into the place, ‘right we’re going more forward with it’” Luther is currently enjoying its third season, which is made up of longer episodes, suggesting that the show would slide into film form without much work.

Continue reading: Luther Movie Gets Biggest Hint Yet As Idris Elba Talks Plot

US Weekend Box Office Results: 'Grown Ups 2' Defies Critics By Placing Ahead Of 'Pacific Rim'


Adam Sandler Guillermo Del Toro Brad Pitt David Spade Channing Tatum Armie Hammer Johnny Depp Kevin James Charlie Day Superman Kevin Hart Sandra Bullock Melissa McCarthy Idris Elba Robert Kazinsky Max Martini

Grown Ups 2 has placed ahead of Pacific Rim in the US Weekend Box Office. Adam Sandler's comedy received highly critical reviews, in contrast with the mixed response Pacific Rim received.

Guillermo Del Toro
Pacific Rim director Guillermo Del Toro at the film's London Premiere.

Critics may have universally panned Adam Sandler's latest comedic contribution yet it's somehow managed to beat the other new release, Pacific Rim, in the US Weekend Box Office (12th-14th July). Despicable Me 2 topped the Box Office charts for the second week in a row. 

Continue reading: US Weekend Box Office Results: 'Grown Ups 2' Defies Critics By Placing Ahead Of 'Pacific Rim'

Wasted Opportunity As 'Trap For Cinderella' Garners Average Reviews


Tuppence Middleton Idris Elba

Trap For Cinderella - based on the novel Piège pour Cendrillon by Sébastien Japrisot – stars Tuppence Middleton, Alexandra Roach, Kerry Fox, Aneurin Barnard, Frances de la Tour. It tells the story of two friends torn apart by a tragic fire, leaving one dead and one severely disfigured, both physically and mentally as she suffers from severe amnesia. But has the solid cast and an intriguing plot translated into a good movie?

Check out the Trap For Cinderella trailer

Sadly not: the critics are still weighing in on this one, but early indications would suggest that this is a wasted opportunity from Iain Softley, the British director behind the film. “There's a very classy cast in supporting roles (Kerry Fox, Frances de la Tour, Alex Jennings) but this fails to come alive,” suggests Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian. “Maybe a Hitchcock or Chabrol could have made something gripping from the melodrama and mystery of it all but this feels workmanlike and obvious,” says the Daily Express’s Allan Hunter.

Continue reading: Wasted Opportunity As 'Trap For Cinderella' Garners Average Reviews

Long Walk To Freedom: Idris Elba As Nelson Mandela Is Favourite For Oscar [Trailer]


Idris Elba Nelson Mandela Guillermo Del Toro Naomie Harris William Nicholson Harvey Weinstein

Idris Elba is the man to beat the 2014 Academy Awards for his portrayal of South African President Nelson Mandela, according to the bookmakers, anyway. Elba's star has risen in recent years thanks to BBC series Luther, rumors of the James Bond role and a role in Guillermo Del Toro's latest blockbuster Pacific Rim.

Idris Elba Nelson MandelaNaomie Harris
Idris Elba [L] as Nelson Mandela and Naomie Harris [R] as Winnie Mandela

The first trailer for upcoming biopic Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom - from The Other Boleyn Girl director Justin Chadwick - rolled out online this week and features a startling, if limited, first look at Hackney-born Elba's performance "No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin. People learn to hate. They can be taught to love for love comes more naturally to the human heart," goes the spine-tingling voiceover as Mandela moves across the valley. It appears Elba - wearing Mandela's signature yellow shirt - has got the President's poise down to a tee.

Continue reading: Long Walk To Freedom: Idris Elba As Nelson Mandela Is Favourite For Oscar [Trailer]

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Trailer


Nelson Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and the first black President of South Africa when he was elected in 1994 after spending 27 long years behind bars under the conviction of sabotage and plotting to overthrow the government. He has been a symbol of hope to the world and has received more than 250 awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize, for his efforts to restore peace and brotherhood between the white man and the black man. Now, at the grand age of 94, he is peacefully looking towards the end of his life and what better way to pay tribute to this extraordinary individual than to document his life story in film to remind the world just how important this man was to the history of humankind.

This dramatic biopic has been adapted from Mandela's 1994 autobiography 'Long Walk to Freedom' which documented his childhood, growing up, his education and his harrowing life in prison before being welcomed on his release as a hero. It has been directed by Justin Chadwick ('The Other Boleyn Girl', 'The First Grader') and written by William Nicholson ('Les Misérables', 'Gladiator', 'Nell') and will hit UK cinemas next year on January 3rd 2014. 

Click Here To Read Our - Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Movie Review 

Ron Perlman Opens Up On His 'Pacific Rim' Cameo


Ron Perlman Guillermo Del Toro Charlie Day Idris Elba Charlie Hunnam

Apart from the epic set pieces, which saw huge robots fighting huge monsters from the deep, one of the best things about Pacific Rim were Charlie Day and Ron Perlman’s exchanges. Day - an eccentric scientist whose brilliance is only hampered by his own shortcomings – and Perlman – an imperious black-market oligarch with the gold-tipped shoes and outlandish outfit to match – enjoy possibly the best-scripted scenes in the film, so much so that they’re featured heavily in the trailer.

Ron PerlmanPerlman at the Pacific Rim premiere

"I got the impression that that character was supposed to be played by someone of a different ethnicity," says Perlman on the role to The Guardian, "and when Guillermo took over, he thought how about if we went with a completely oversized Jew from New York who dressed like PT Barnum, a purveyor of all things materialistic? It took a character that's completely full of shit to start with, then added a whole other layer of full of shit-ness, a double dose."

Continue reading: Ron Perlman Opens Up On His 'Pacific Rim' Cameo

Pacific Rim Review


OK

The best thing about this massive blockbuster is the way it updates the classic Japanese monster movie to the 21st century, with a first-rate cast and staggeringly good effects. Sadly, the script isn't up to scratch, throwing in enjoyable comedy and corny melodrama while maintaining such a formulaic structure that there isn't a single moment of actual suspense. We never doubt for a second how all of this is going to end or who will survive.

It all begins in the present day, as gigantic creatures called kaiju appear through a temporal rift in the Pacific Ocean floor near Hong Kong. They start attacking cities (inexplicably starting with San Francisco), and humanity takes years to fight back, building massive robots called jaegers that are piloted by two-man teams. Over even more years of fighting, the monsters learn how to stop the jaegers, so military leader Pentecost (Elba) assembles his best jaeger pilots in Hong Kong, including the haunted Becket (Hunnam) and father-son Aussie duo Herc and Chuck (Martini and Kazinsky). And as they plan their assault, the scientist Newt (Day) makes a startling discovery about the kaiju.

Most of the film is played as a massively over-serious action movie in which manly, muscly heroes set out to save the planet. The relational melodrama always feels like a distraction, including Pentecost's assistant (Kikuchi), who wants to be a pilot and carries a torch for Becket. There's also a dose of bromance as Newt tries to loosen up his so-British sidekick (Gorman). And to help spice things up, we also get some comic relief from Perlman, who is hilarious as a swaggering black-market dealer. None of these characters is very complicated, but the gifted actors all do what they can with the roles.

Continue reading: Pacific Rim Review

Pacific Rim V Transformers - Guillermo Del Toro Falls Short At Box-Office [Pictures]


Guillermo Del Toro Michael Bay Charlie Hunnam Idris Elba Rinko Kikuchi

Before Guillermo Del Toro’s Pacific Rim was released, Michael Bay seemed to take a little pot-shot at him, bemoaning all the ‘rip-off’ robot movies around and imploring fans of that genre to stick with Transformers – the franchise he brought to the big screen with a huge budget back in 2007. The thing is, Bay's movies took tons and tons of cash at the box office. The first, in 2007, took over $700 million. The second took more, while the third took over $1 billion.

Pacific Rim Kaiju
The Kaiju are a formidable foe

Pacific Rim got nowhere near the Transformers movies following its opening week at the box-office. According to the Hollywood Reporter, it opened to around $37 million - a troubling number given the tentpole's massive $190 million-plus budget, not including a pricey marketing campaign. 

Continue reading: Pacific Rim V Transformers - Guillermo Del Toro Falls Short At Box-Office [Pictures]

'Pacific Rim' Dubbed One Of The Most Memorable Movies In Years


Guillermo Del Toro Idris Elba Warner Brothers

Guillermo Del Toro's big-budget sci-fi action movie Pacific Rim should have been horrible. I mean, it really should have been horrible. It costs hundreds of millions to make, it's about monstrous creatures called Kaiju rising from the sea and beginning a war with humanity and, well, it's called Pacific Rim - which just sounds weird.

The problem is, it's not that horrible, apparently. Critics have been weighing in on del Toro's movie for the past couple of days and the consensus appears to be that the Mexican filmmaker has done a pretty good job. "Pacific Rim is just the kind of big-ticket sci-fi adventure you'd want del Toro to make -- provided you'd want him to make one at all," said Stephanie Zacharek of the Village Voice. Matthew Toomey of ABC Radio Brisbane was the most effusive in his praise for the all-action film, he said: "I'd strongly argue that Pacific Rim is one of the more memorable, distinctive action releases in recent years."

Ian Nathan of Empire magazine continued the plaudits, "Del Toro is giving scope to a boyhood lust for mayhem, the multi-million-dollar equivalent of kicking over sandcastles and torturing insects. There is something infectiously juvenile in that. Catch his Drift and you'll have a brawl," he said.

Continue reading: 'Pacific Rim' Dubbed One Of The Most Memorable Movies In Years

What Links Del Toro's Pacific Rim And UK Soft Rockers Keane?


Guillermo Del Toro Keane Idris Elba

So there's the question. What links one of the Hollywood's most famous directors - Guillermo Del Toro - with British band Keane? Well, we're going to tell you. It's the wave.  The Hokusai wave, of course. The new movie is set in a near future where soldiers pilot giant mecha into battle against invading giant monsters who have risen from the sea. Sounds mental doesn't it?

Clearly, there's been plenty of varied inspiration for Pacific Rim though probably none more than the work of Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai, particularly his famous print The Great Wave off Kanagawa. Created in the 1820s, the striking image of a crashing wave is one of the most famous pieces of Japanese art - you'll know. "I would say 'Give me a Hokusai wave,' " del Toro told Variety of his inspiration. "I think (the vfx team) did a tremendous job; we use the waves and weather in the movie very operatically."

Hokusai's famed image has inspired tons of artists, including the English rock band Keane whose 2006 album Under the Iron Sea took inspiration from the image for the artwork. The album went in at No.1 on the UK chart and No.4 on the Billboard 200. It has since sold 3,000,000 copies worldwide.

Continue reading: What Links Del Toro's Pacific Rim And UK Soft Rockers Keane?

Pacific Rim Is Big But Empty Say The Critics - Review Roundup


Idris Elba

Guillermo Del Toro missed out on his chance to helm The Hobbit films, with the Tolkien-experienced Peter Jackson getting the nod. Now the Mexican film maker has had his hands on a multi-million Hollywood Blockbuster, but has he made the most of it?

Check out the Pacific Rim trailer here

The premise is simple: huge monsters are emerging from the depths of the ocean – a kind of portal to another world deep in the sea – and attacking populated cities, causing millions of death. The humans, that’s us; we then develop huge fighting robots, which require two soldiers fighting as one via a neural handshake, as they call it. Surprisingly, the critics haven’t slated it, but it hasn't been unanimously praised, either.

Continue reading: Pacific Rim Is Big But Empty Say The Critics - Review Roundup

Kanye West Offers Up Glittering Review Of Del Toro's 'Pacific Rim'


Guillermo Del Toro Kanye West Idris Elba

If you've been frantically refreshing Rotten Tomatoes for reviews of Guillermo Del Toro's monsters versus robots movie Pacific Rim, than quit it. Though the movie has garnered some negative press stateside with low tracking numbers, executives at Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros will have been doing huge freeze-frame high fives all around the office this morning after a certain rapper with a certain new album out gave the movie a gushing mini-review.

After a screening of Pacific Rim this week, Kanye West took to Twitter to tell his 9 million followers, "I saw a pre-screening of Pacific Rim yesterday and it's easily one of my favorite movies of all time," he wrote on Thursday, "This is not another 'Robot' movie.Guillermo del Toro is a master." Though marketers behind the movie will be bashing their heads against keyboards trying to figure out why they didn't think of 'This is not another Robot movie' for the tagline, it's generally good news all round for a movie that costs an eye-popping $180 million to make. Cinematic audiences appear to be shunning the blockbusters this summer in favour of feel-good animated movies (see Despicable Me 2, The Lone Ranger), though Pacific Rim has little to beat in terms of debuts. It goes up against Sony's Adam Sandler comedy Grown Ups 2 on July 12 which will undoubtedly pull in the crowds, though won't run away with the box-office top spot. 

Watch the Pacific Rim trailer:

Continue reading: Kanye West Offers Up Glittering Review Of Del Toro's 'Pacific Rim'

Pacific Rim Premiere – Stars Ready For Apocalypse Now After Epic Movie


Idris Elba Charlie Hunnam

Pacific Rim looks like a ‘leave your brain at the door and enjoy the ridiculousness’ type of film. There’s no proviso, no pretention; it’s monsters, machines, aliens and saving the world.

Check out the Pacific Rim trailer here

And so epic was the film, the stars believe they’re ready for any sort of apocalypse that might or might not strike the earth. “Yeah I’d be ready, because I’m the commander of the ship,” says the film’s lead star, Idris Elba when asked if he’s ready to deal with the movie’s events in real life.

Continue reading: Pacific Rim Premiere – Stars Ready For Apocalypse Now After Epic Movie

From Small Screen To Cinema Screen – Is A Luther Movie Going To Happen?


Idris Elba

Luther has proved to be a smash hit. It combines a gritty, urban British setting, sick and twisted protagonists and the languid, dulcet tones of the honey-throated maverick cop, Idris Elba. No wonder a feature length movie is being talked about now the show is in its third season, then.

Idris ElbaElba looking cool at London's Leicester Square

Taking the crime drama from the small screen shouldn’t be too difficult logistically; the current season is split into four one-hour episodes, and the average length for a multifaceted crime film is around two hours – all they need is a solid story. But for Elba, the issue isn’t with the practicalities, but the current state of the movie business.

Continue reading: From Small Screen To Cinema Screen – Is A Luther Movie Going To Happen?

Second Trailer For Pacific Rim Raises Story Expectations [Video]


Guillermo Del Toro Charlie Hunnam Idris Elba

With nine days left until Pacific Rim hits theatres, Guillermo Del Toro and co. have graced us with the final trailer. It’s big, it’s bad, it features something that sounds vaguely like dubstep, that much you’d expect. So what’s different this time. Well, cast your eyes back to the first theatrical trailer for the film. If you’re anything like most of us on the internet, it featured two of the things that get your heart racing – giant monsters and giant robots. Don’t ask why, it simply happens and it’s a fact for any 10-year-old kid as much as any adult with a soft spot for sci-fi/video games/high-budget action flicks/any of the above. Here, see for yourself.

Watch the first trailer for Pacific Rim here.

Continue reading: Second Trailer For Pacific Rim Raises Story Expectations [Video]

Sam Mendes Returning To Direct New 'James Bond' Movie In 2014


Sam Mendes Daniel Craig Idris Elba Barbara Broccoli Michael Wilson Adele James Bond

Sam Mendes has made a U-turn on his decision to bow out of the James Bond franchise after helming the $1.1 billion Skyfall movie, considered one of the best 007 films in the series. Mendes had initially distanced himself from the idea of directing the follow-up to Skyfall, owing to his work on the West End launch of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and his directing of King Lear. Producers Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli appeared resigned to Mendes' departure and began the hunt for his successor, with Sherlock director Guy Ritchie installed as the early favorite to re-team with Daniel Craig.

Some speculation has suggested Craig would follow Mendes out of the door, with Idris Elba coming in as a replacement, though it now appears the high profile duo are back for a new movie. According to Deadline.com, Mendes and the producers got back in touch recently and agreed that the director could work through his theatre commitments before starting production on the new Bond film next year. 

It will be great news for fans of Daniel Craig as Bond. Since his first outing in Casino Royale, the British star has played a more vulnerable version of the ruthless agent, even appearing physically incapable of the job in some segments of Skyfall. The change of direction for the character has led to the often tongue-in-cheek overly sexualised franchise developing into an intelligent spy story with action, humor and crisp cinematography.

Continue reading: Sam Mendes Returning To Direct New 'James Bond' Movie In 2014

Could 'Thor: The Dark World' Emerge As Marvel's Finest For 2013? [Trailer & Pictures]


Chris Hemsworth Natalie Portman Tom Hiddleston Idris Elba

Natalie Portman as Jane Foster and Chris Hemsworth as Thor in Thor: The Dark WorldNatalie Portman as Jane Foster and Chris Hemsworth as Thor in Thor: The Dark World

Thor has had a pretty rough couple of years, what with battling his adoptive brother Loki and other enemies in The Avengers, but he's dusted himself down and is back for more. In Thor: The Dark World, the hammer wielding hero returns to Earth to reunite with his beloved Jane Foster, played here by Natalie Portman, and whisks her back to his home in Asgard.
 
Watch the Thor: The Dark World trailer here!

Of course, living happily ever after would be too easy (and a little boring) and Thor unfortunately brings Jane back to terrible danger. A dark race led by the ruthless Malekith plans to plunge the entire universe into oblivion, leaving Thor to confront his imprisoned brother for help. The new movie is the sequel to Kenneth Branagh's 2011 movie and is set some time after Joss Whedon's The Avengers. Based on the comic books of Stan Lee, Larry Lieber and Jack Kirby, Thor 2 is helmed by a new director in Alan Taylor (Game of Thrones, Mad Men) though is penne d by returning screenwriter Don Payne (Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer) alongside Christopher Yost  (The Avengers) and Stephen McFeely (The Chronicles of Narnia).

Continue reading: Could 'Thor: The Dark World' Emerge As Marvel's Finest For 2013? [Trailer & Pictures]

Thor: The Dark World Trailer


Following the dramatic events of 'Thor' and 'The Avengers' which saw Thor battling not only his double-crossing adoptive brother Loki but a series of other nemeses, the hammer wielding hero returns to Earth to reunite with his beloved Jane Foster and whisk her away to his home in Asgard. Unfortunately, he ends up bringing her towards terrible danger that he himself could not fathom. A dark race that predates even the oldest corners of the universe; a race of elves led by the ruthless Malekith who plans to plunge the entire universe back into oblivion in a vengeful pursuit that will destroy everything that Thor and Odin have fought to protect. In desperation, Thor confronts his imprisoned brother and asks for help in exchange for his freedom with the promise that he will destroy Loki if he dares betray him again. Can Thor and the rest of Asgard defeat the latest dark force that threatens them? Or will such a primitive power prove impossible to overcome?

Here is the new sequel to Kenneth Branagh's 2011 movie 'Thor' that is set some time after the events of Joss Whedon's 'The Avengers'. 'Thor: The Dark World' is based on the comic books by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber and Jack Kirby and sees a new  director, Alan Taylor ('Game Of Thrones', 'Mad Men', 'The Emperor's New Clothes'), with the return of screenwriter Don Payne ('Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer') alongside Christopher Yost ('The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes') and Stephen McFeely ('The Chronicles of Narnia', 'Captain America: The First Avenger'). It is set to hit the UK on October 30th 2013.

Click here to read: Thor: The Dark World Movie Review

Can Kylie Minogue Outdo Sienna Miller As Edie Sedgwick?


Kylie Minogue Sienna Miller Peter Serafinowicz Edie Sedgwick Andy Warhol Idris Elba

Kylie Minogue has landed a starring role in a Sky Arts TV comedy based on Andy Warhol's muse Edie Sedgwick. The Australian pop princess - who is dedicating more time to the acting side of her career - will appear in an edition of Playhouse Presents titled Hey Diddly Dee, with comic Peter Serafinowicz playing the enigmatic artist.

The drama follows a group of actors putting on a production about Warhol, with Minogue playing a Sedgwick-style character called Bibbi. "When the script was sent to me, I read it and knew instinctively I wanted to be part of this project. In Hey Diddly Dee, Marc [Warren, director] has created a beautiful and quirky story," said Kylie in a statement. Sedgwick was an artist student who joined Warhol at the infamous 'Factory' - the pop artist's studio and debauched hangout for a group of cool New York eccentrics, some of them drug addicts. She gained fame as a Warhol muse and successful fashion model, though died in 1971 at the age of 28. A coroner ruled her death as "undetermined/accident/suicide" though her death certificate stated the immediate cause was "probably acute barbiturate intoxication." She was played by British actress Sienna Miller in the 2006 movie Factory Girl, which received mixed reviews from critics, though most lauded the actress' individual performance. Film 4 said, "Sienna Miller guarantees herself a bit more than 15 minutes with a strong performance in an otherwise dazed and confused film." James Christopher of The Times said, "Miller is a genuine surprise as the damaged star. But the film leaves her very much as it finds her: a clueless naïve."

Minogue has appeared in a number of movies including Leos Carax's frankly bizarre Holy Motors, which was tipped to win the Palme d'Or in 2012, though eventually lost out to Amour. The Guardian's Peter Bradshaw gave it 5 stars, saying, "A gorgeous furry teacup of a film." Hey Diddly Dee is due to screened on Sky Arts on March 14, which will be followed by a Playhouse Presents episode written and directed by Idris Elba, and another by artist Grayson Perry.

Continue reading: Can Kylie Minogue Outdo Sienna Miller As Edie Sedgwick?

New Pacific Rim Trailer Pits Humans Vs. Aliens (Again)


Idris Elba Guillermo Del Toro Charlie Hunnam

Aliens have a pretty nasty habit of generally getting up in earth’s face and attempting to, well, end all existence. However as the new trailer for Pacific Rim shows their constant invasions haven’t got boring yet, and they’re even finding new ways in which to land on our perennially doomed planet.

Whereas –as the narrator aptly points out – aliens are expected to come from the sky whenever they do come down to strike us forthwith, in Pacific Rim it’s a bit different, with a portal to dimension handily located right in the seas of the world. We should have double checked down there really. Anyway, the result appears to be plenty of humans running around terrified, big giant creatures chucking cars around like pebbles and generally messing up the upholstery of the entire planet. Why smash up something you want to rule? You’re only making yourself more work when it comes to tidying up later.

The scale of Pacific Rim looks vast, with director Guillermo Del Toro clearly hoping that it’ll prove one of the summer blockbusters upon its release in July of next year. The film stars the likes of Charlie Hunnam and Idris Elba as they try and help humanity battle for its survival. We should have boarded up the sea or something, that’d have foiled them. Check out the trailer below. 

Continue reading: New Pacific Rim Trailer Pits Humans Vs. Aliens (Again)

Daniel Craig Joins Johnny Depp As One Of World's Top Paid Actors


Daniel Craig Pierce Brosnan Roger Moore Sean Connery Timothy Dalton Idris Elba

Daniel Craig, 44, is officially the highest earning Bond actor of all time and has now risen to become one of the top paid actors in the world. Though there had been murmurings that Craig would leave his post as 007, the Lancashire born actor has now signed a £31 million contract to pay the international spy twice more.

The pay-rise was inevitable following the phenomenal success of Skyfall, Sam Mendes' new Bond movie that took £57 million in 12 days in the UK. Craig is expected to appear in the next movie as early as 2014, though it's unclear whether his pal Mendes will be back behind the camera. For his first appearance as Bond in Casino Royale, Craig was paid £1.9 million before getting £4.4 million for the follow-up Quantum of Solace. His salary more than doubled to £10.7 million for Skyfall, which was £3 million more than Pierce Brosnan got for The World Is Not Enough in 1999. In today's money, Roger Moore was paid an average of £6.3 million per movie, while Timothy Dalton got £5.4 million. Craig has been lauded by critics as the best Bond since Sean Connery - who was paid just £10,000 for Dr No - and possibly the best Bond ever. His salary for the next two movies puts him firmly amongst Hollywood's elite earners, such as Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt and Johnny Depp. It is thought the latter commands around $20 million per instalment of the hugely successful Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. Yesterday, Craig paid a visit to Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, where he introduced a special screening of Skyfall to 800 British servicemen and women.

The new deal could scupper Idris Elba's chances of landing the Bond role. Though he's met with producers regarding becoming 007, he would be 46-years-old in 2018, the likely year of the first post-Daniel Craig Bond. 

Idris Elba And Mumford And Sons Collaborate In Beautiful Video For 'Lover Of The Light'


Idris Elba Mumford And Sons

Both Idris Elba and Mumford & Sons are absolutely at the top of their game, so their collaboration in a music video for the band, though somewhat unexpected, is a really good idea on paper. The surprise pairing reflects the equally surprising role that Elba is in in the partnership as he took up the non-standard role of director.

Being a Golden Globe winning actor for his role in Luther, Elba's appearance in the video is genuinely affecting. Nevertheless, despite stunning cinematography, an interesting concept and the absolutely beautiful surroundings of Pembrokeshire, where it was filmed, there is a distinct disconnect between the video and the song. Unlike some of the most iconic music videos in history, such as Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' or the lesser known, but captivating video for Mars Volta's 'Televators', in which both the video and the song come together as one and truly compliment one another, Elba's offering gives very little to the Mumford song. Nevertheless, both are absolutely excellent examples of what they are alone- film making, and music. 

Quoted in the Sun, Mumford said  "We are huge fans of Idris's work, as he's the most badass British actor since RICHARD BRIERS. So we trusted him... We've been fortunate to work with some great directors but we've never really enjoyed being in videos... making a video that we're not in made it a lot more fun. What [Elba and writer Dan Cady] directed we are proud to present."

Is Idris Elba The Next Man To Take The James Bond Mantle?


Idris Elba Daniel Craig

Daniel Craig as James Bond - it seems to have worked well, and will continue for another two films after Skyfall, but who can fulfil 007's shoes when Craig's done with the job?

Well, Idris Elba is emerging as the hot favourite to enjoy as turn as the super spy. In 2008, Daniel Craig told The Telegraph: "I think the role could easily be played by a black actor because the character created by Ian Fleming in the '50s has undergone a great deal of evolution and continues to be updated." Craig was, of course, talking in light of Obama's election, but it would be wrong to place anyone in a position simply doe to the colour of their skin. And don't be fooled; Elba's not in line simply to satisfy a yearning for ethnic diversity in the role, he's a damn fine actor, as evidenced by expert roles in The Wire and Luther, both of which winning him critical praise. 

It is about time the James Bond franchise caught up with the rest of the world, though; nearly every year we see the same thing: a Caucasian bond and a 'foreign' villain. Maybe a white-British villain trying to outwit an Ecuadorian Bond; how about that then MGM, Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures? Just mix it up, that's all we're saying. 

Continue reading: Is Idris Elba The Next Man To Take The James Bond Mantle?

Could Idris Elba Be The Next James Bond?


Idris Elba Daniel Craig Dominic West

With Skyfall already proving to be a hit with audience and critics alike, speculation is already being place on who might replace Daniel Craig as James Bond, with The Wire's Idris Elba the front-runner to take over the post as 007.

Bookmakers Paddy Power have slashed the odds on Elba being the next Bond, making him the first black actor to portray the famed special agent, with his Prometheus co-star Michael Fassbender coming in second favourite. 

Skyfall Bond-girl Naomie Harris is believed to be the one to have started the rumour mills spinning when she claimed to the Huffington Post that Elba was being lined up to become the next 007. She told the online paper: "I didn't realise that there was this talk and then I did a film with Idris and he said that he met Barbara Broccoli and that it does seem like there is a possibility in the future that there could very well be a black James Bond."

Continue reading: Could Idris Elba Be The Next James Bond?

Idris Elba, Damian Lewis's Odds Slashed To Become Next James Bond


Idris Elba Daniel Craig Sam Worthington Damian Lewis

The bookmakers have responded to Naomie Harris' claims that close friend Idris Elba has already met with Barbara Broccoli regarding becoming the next James Bond, after Daniel Craig - who currently stars in Skyfall - brings his tenure to a close.

Speaking at the London premiere of the new 007 movie, Bond girl Harris told the Huffington Post, "I didn't realise that there was this talk and then I did a film with Idris and he said that he met Barbara Broccoli and that it does seem like there is a possibility in the future that there could very well be a black James Bond." Elba's superb turn as Stringer Bell on HBO's 'The Wire' as well as his role as the maverick cop Luther has garnered Elba plenty of attention of both sides of the Atlantic. The London-born actor has plenty of things going for him, most notably that he's very, very cool. He briefly commented on the speculation last year, telling NPR, "It's a rumor. I just don't want to be the black James Bond. Sean Connery wasn't the Scottish James Bond, and Daniel Craig wasn't the blue-eyed James Bond." It's a fair point; though we're guessing Elba would be more than qualified to land the role on merit, too. Bookmaker William Hill has cautiously slashed his odds of becoming the next Bond to 9/2 (he was hardly in the Top 20 contenders this time last week), though now make Damian Lewis the outright favourite at 3/1. Though it's not clear why the Homeland actor is the frontrunner, he's another intriguing possibility. 

Though Elba would be our pick, we'd suggest sticking all the money you have on Sam Worthington

Continue reading: Idris Elba, Damian Lewis's Odds Slashed To Become Next James Bond

Prometheus Review


Excellent
There are clear echoes of Scott's last outer space thriller (1979's Alien) in this big, bold film, but this is something very different. It's certainly not a clear prequel. And even if the plot is full of holes, it's utterly mesmerising.

When archaeologists Shaw and Holloway (Rapace and Marshall-Green) figure out that ancient civilisations share a map to a specific star system, the Weyland CEO (Pearce) funds a two-year mission to get answers about the origin of humanity. Led by Weyland crony Vickers (Theron) and Captain Janek (Elba), Shaw and Holloway are accompanied by a helpful android (Fassbender) and a team of not-so-enthusiastic scientists. But what they find on this distant moon isn't what they expected, and the remnants of this civilisation aren't as dead as they seem.

Continue reading: Prometheus Review

Prometheus Trailer


Sir Ridley Scott's first sci-fi film since 1982 film Blade Runner, 'Prometheus' is set to be released on June 8th 2012.

Continue: Prometheus Trailer

Prometheus Trailer


In the future, Elizabeth Shaw leads a team of explorers into the furthest reaches of the universe, in order to discover the origins of human life. Things turn disastrous when they end up stranded on a distant planet. What the explorers discover could not only answer the question of how humans came to be but could also bring about our destruction.

Continue: Prometheus Trailer

Ghost Rider Spirit of Vengeance Trailer


Johnny Blaze was only seventeen years old when he accidentally signed his soul away in exchange for curing his father's cancer. His father is cured of cancer the day after but dies the same day in a motorcycle crash. From then on, Johnny is now the Ghost Rider, who will be at the beck and call of Mephisto, who had approached the young man with the contract.

Continue: Ghost Rider Spirit of Vengeance Trailer

Thor Trailer


Odin is one of the main gods on the planet of Asgard, when his son Thor acts naively and brings bring chaos in their peace-loving world he tells Thor he's unworthy, casts him out and revokes all his godly powers.

Continue: Thor Trailer

Takers Review


Bad
Loud and very violent (within the limits of a PG-13 rating), this supposedly gritty thriller strains so hard to be sleek and cool that it completely forgets to create believable characters or situations.

Cops Jack and Eddie (Dillon and Hernandez) are on the trail of a fiendishly efficient band of bank robbers made up of brainy, brawny Gordon (Elba) and his well-dressed goons (Brown, Walker, Christensen and Ealy). When former gang member Ghost (Harris) is released from prison, he presents them with a "once-in-a-lifetime job". But they only have five days to prepare, which is less than they're used to. Something seems fishy, but they go ahead with the heist. And sure enough, not only are the cops closing in, but Ghost may betray them.

Continue reading: Takers Review

The Losers Review


OK
Raucous and colourful, this comical action flick should be great fun, but a lack of plot or character development keep it from coming together. And it's not actually that funny or exciting.

On a mission in Bolivia, a five-man black-ops team is betrayed by their power-mad CIA boss Max (Patric) and left for dead. But they embark on a mission to get revenge and clear their names, with Clay (Morgan) leading techie Jensen (Evans), demolition expert Roque (Elba), driver-pilot Pooch (Short) and sniper Cougar (Jaenada). They also enlist the help of a sexy-but-shady woman (Saldana) as they track Max and his vile henchman (McCallany) from Miami to Los Angeles and try to stop his nefarious Bond-like plan.

Continue reading: The Losers Review

RocknRolla Review


Excellent
Here's some good news for Guy Ritchie fans. RocknRolla gives off the impression that the once-heralded filmmaker isn't trying so hard any more to jolt, confuse, stimulate, and entertain his demanding followers. As a result, he delivers his most jolting, confusing, stimulating, and flat-out entertaining picture since Snatch in 2000.

RocknRolla is sexy, fast, loose, smart, and extremely funny. It's crammed with colorful criminals, which Ritchie and cinematographer David Higgs backlight to great effect. It chokes on delightfully screwy schemes, which the director and his editor James Herbert slice, tape, and test drive at breakneck speeds. And that's the key. It keeps moving, hardly caring if you are keeping up.

Continue reading: RocknRolla Review

American Gangster Review


OK
There's something dead in Denzel Washington's eyes nearly all of the way through Ridley Scott's American Gangster, which takes what should have been a mesmerizing slice of urban historical grit and grinds it into roughly two hours of standard issue cinema. Washington is playing Frank Lucas, a real-life crime boss who for a period lasting from the late 1960s into the following decade, ran Manhattan "from 110th to 155th, river to river." A real slick character who doesn't need to strut his worth on the street, Lucas hates flash like a junkie hates rehab: It reminds him of all he truly is but doesn't want to be. Facing off against him is New Jersey narc Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe), a womanizing tough guy with a short fuse but a heart of gold (aren't they all), who's so clean that when he and his partner come across $1 million in untraceable cash he had the bad manners to turn it all in without taking a single bill for himself. In a big-city police department in the 1970s, boy scout behavior like that will just plain get you killed -- the guy who's not on the take is the guy who could very well sell you down the river when the grand jury comes sniffing around for who is on the take.

Ridley Scott has a good thing going here, tossing these two Hollywood bigshots into the ring and letting them play cops and robbers while he slathers on the period detail with a trowel. There's some serious Superfly outfits (including a godawful $50,000 chinchilla coat that plays a surprisingly key part in a plot twist), a generous helping of soul music, enough fantastic character actors to choke a horse (Idris Elba, Jon Polito, Kevin Corrigan, an incredibly sleazy Josh Brolin, and so on), the specter of Vietnam playing on every television in sight, and the odd enjoyment one gets from watching cops in the pre-militarized, pre-SWAT days take down an apartment with just revolvers, the occasional shotgun, and a sledgehammer to whack down the door. Scott's smart enough to let the story cohere organically and without rush, keeping his main contenders apart for as long as could possibly be borne, making them fully developed characters in their own right and not just developed in opposition to the other. But there's something in this broad and expansive tale that can't quite come together, and it seems to start in Denzel's eyes.

Continue reading: American Gangster Review

The Reaping Review


Terrible
Trouble sleeping? Try The Reaping. As Stephen Hopkins' sinfully boring devil dance continues creeping, at your watch you'll be peeping. By the time you reach the preposterous conclusion, where a sequel-establishing twist looms like a Biblical plague, for humanity you'll be weeping.

You'll need more than faith to accept the film's ridiculous premise, cooked up by sibling screenwriters Carey and Chad Hayes. These two can't distinguish between horrifying and horrible. They last collaborated on the dreadful House of Wax remake starring Paris Hilton. Enough said.

Continue reading: The Reaping Review

Idris Elba

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Idris Elba

Date of birth

6th September, 1972

Occupation

Actor

Sex

Male

Height

1.9






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Idris Elba Movies

Thor: Ragnarok Movie Review

Thor: Ragnarok Movie Review

The most riotously enjoyable Marvel movie yet, this action epic benefits hugely from the decision...

Thor: Ragnarok Trailer

Thor: Ragnarok Trailer

With his friends and his hammer, Thor is virtually unbeatable by any creature in the...

Molly's Game Trailer

Molly's Game Trailer

To most of the world, Molly Bloom is a beautiful young skiing extraordinaire, but behind...

The Mountain Between Us Trailer

The Mountain Between Us Trailer

When two people from different walks of life find themselves unable to take their scheduled...

The Dark Tower Teaser Trailer

The Dark Tower Teaser Trailer

Jake Chambers is an 11-year-old boy who has been having visions of a strange other...

100 Streets Movie Review

100 Streets Movie Review

A multi-strand drama set in London, this film is very nicely shot and acted, but...

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Finding Dory Movie Review

Finding Dory Movie Review

It's been 13 years since the release of the Disney/Pixar hit Finding Nemo, and filmmaker...

Star Trek Beyond Movie Review

Star Trek Beyond Movie Review

This is where the Star Trek franchise officially shifts from thoughtful drama into thunderous action....

Star Trek Beyond Trailer

Star Trek Beyond Trailer

When the Starship Enterprise finds itself under forceful attack, the crew on board fight to...

Finding Dory Trailer

Finding Dory Trailer

Dory's past has always eluded her, she's a little forgetful fish whose bright character and...

Star Trek Beyond Trailer

Star Trek Beyond Trailer

Star Trek Beyond is the thirteenth film to be released from the Star Trek franchise...

Bastille Day Movie Review

Bastille Day Movie Review

An attempt to muscle in on Luc Besson's Taken-style of thriller, this is an odd...

The Jungle Book Movie Review

The Jungle Book Movie Review

Using remarkably photorealistic animation, this remake of the 1967 Disney classic is warm and enjoyable,...

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