Thor The Dark World Premiere Pictures
Stars including Tom Hiddleston, Natalie Portman and Chris Hemsworth turned out for the world premiere of sequel Thor The Dark World in London’s Leicester Square. Check out the full gallery of red carpet pictures below:
Thor The Dark World Review
The Plot:
With Loki imprisoned on Asgard and Thor busy restoring order to the war torn nine realms, a strange discovery on earth triggers the return of a vengeful ancient race, determined to plunge the universe back into darkness. Thor must reunite with his lost love Jane Foster and even work alongside his treacherous brother Loki in order to save those he loves and the whole of existence.
The Good:
In the aftermath of The Avengers and the climactic pyrotechnics of Iron Man 3, the much anticipated Thor sequel had a lot to live up to. Thor’s first solo adventure set a high standard for production value and marked a more fantastical departure for Marvel, but at times felt restricted by its small scale earthly sets. The Dark World massively expands the scope of the action, spanning continents, alien worlds and the entirety of space and time. It’s bigger and undeniably better.
Despite the introduction of Game of Thrones Director Alan Taylor and the ominously suggestive title The Dark World, the most welcome surprise about this sequel is that it is actually even more knowingly witty, self-aware and outright hilarious. Those fearing a seriously sombre sequel can stop worrying. Marvel continues its impressive winning streak of balancing peril and poignant moments with well-timed laughs.
Leading man Chris Hemsworth has now developed Thor over several movies, transforming him from a cocky swaggering meathead into a thoughtful heroic warrior. Among all Marvel’s beloved but often troubled heroes, it’s been perhaps the most subtle but also satisfying journey. Hemsworth has a charisma that goes beyond his perfectly sculpted torso and rugged godlike features.
Tom Hiddleston as Loki has quickly amassed a shamelessly devoted fan following that in many ways even eclipses fans affection for his heroic brother Thor. It’s easy to see why. Every word out of Loki’s wry smile is liquid comedy gold. Almost every line seems destined to become an instantly quotable fan favourite. Loki practically steals the entire movie, once again.. surprising nobody.
Natalie Portman fans will be pleased to see Jane Foster given a real purpose and presence in this film, having spent much of the first Thor adventure simply marvelling at Hemsworth’s godly physique. Likewise Stellan Skarsgard and Kat Dennings provide a lot of welcome laughs with their limited screen time. Special mention also has to go to Chris O’Dowd who turns in a delightful cameo.
The Bad:
It’s hard to find any genuine flaw with The Dark World. Perhaps some fans that prefer more grounded earthly adventures may be a little less enthusiastic about the prospect of a plot built around evil space elves, quantum mechanics and mystical weapons. But in truth Marvel has earned the right by now to trust audiences to suspend disbelief enough to handle something a little more fantastical. The Dark World is competently grounded by well-developed characters and convincing comedy.
Fierce critics and mewling quims might suggest that new nemesis Malekith feels a little generic. Christopher Eccleston in truth has very little work to do beneath elaborate makeup, with a character that seemingly wants to end the universe simply because he prefers the lights off. Keeping this new threat as simple as possible does however allow more room to focus on the joyously complex relationship between bickering brothers Thor and Loki. Let’s face it nobody is ever going to outshine an anti-hero like Loki.
The Ugly Truth:
Thor The Dark World lives up to every expectation anxious Marvel fans could possibly have had. It continues to develop the ever growing Marvel Universe and some of its most beloved characters. Seeing Loki as a major presence is an especially welcome joy. It’s a relief that the film recognises that it’s never really stronger than when the two feuding brothers share the screen.
With a flawless cast matched by dazzling special effects and a legitimately awe inspiring climactic battle Thor the Dark World is a near perfect big screen blockbuster. It’s easily one of Marvel’s best efforts to date and continues to set the stage for even more new adventures.
Check out the bromance packed world premiere interview with Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston below:
BAFTA Children’s Awards Nominations List 2013
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has today announced the nominations for its annual British Academy Children’s Awards, which honour the very best in children’s media. The ceremony will be held on Sunday 24 November at the London Hilton, Park Lane. Leading the way with four nominations is supernatural drama Wolfblood, with Drama, Writer and Performance nominations for Aimee Kelly and Bobby Lockwood. Peppa Pig follows a close second with three nominations for Pre-School Animation and Writer as well as Multiplatform for the Peppa Pig’s Holiday mobile app.
Amongst the programmes with double nominations this year are The Amazing World of Gumball, which features in the Writer and Animation categories; Hackertime, for Comedy and Performer for Phil Fletcher as Hacker the Dog; Stepping Up, with nominations in the Drama and Writer categories; Horrible Histories, with a nomination in the Comedy category and one for its spin-off programme Horrible Histories: Gory Games in Entertainment; and Something Special, picking up nominations in Pre-School Live Action and Presenter for Justin Fletcher.
Justin Fletcher, BAFTA’s most-awarded children’s presenter, is himself double-nominated this year, as he picks up a second nomination in the Performer category for Justin’s House. Fletcher is joined in the Presenter category by Sam Nixon and Mark Rhodes, who are nominated together for Sam and Mark’s Big Friday Wind-Up, which also receives a nomination in Entertainment. Completing the Presenter category are Blue Peter’s Barney Harwood and Show Me Show Me’s Chris Jarvis, who receives his first BAFTA nomination this year.
Nintendo receives three nominations in the Game category for Animal Crossing New Leaf, Lego City Undercover and Luigi’s Mansion 2, with Activision’s Skylanders Giants completing the nominations. Brave, Life of Pi, ParaNorman and Wreck-it Ralph each receive a nomination in the Feature Film category.
This year’s new host, TV presenter Jake Humphrey, said: “Presenting the British Academy Children’s Awards is a way for me to say thank you to children’s TV for the career it has given me, and I can’t wait! We all remember the shows we watched as children; for me it was Pigeon Street, Knightmare, and Live & Kicking. The fact these memories are so strong 25 years later is a reminder of the deep impact children’s programming has on the audience.”
In addition, the BAFTA Kids’ Vote launches today, in which children aged between seven and 14 years have their say in a nationwide poll to choose their favourite film, television programme, website and game.
Over half a million votes were cast in 2012. Amongst the ten films on this year’s Film shortlist, the major franchises go head-to-head with Despicable Me 2, Monsters University, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 all included. In Television, the 2011 and 2012 winner Good Luck Charlie will have to stave off the competition from The Amazing World of Gumball, Jessie and Phineas and Ferb, who were all shortlisted last year as well.
The BAFTA Kids’ Vote in 2013 is supported by X Factor boy band and pop sensations, Union J, who will attend the ceremony to present to the Kids’ Vote winners on the night. Children can cast their votes at www.baftakidsvote.org. Voting for the BAFTA Kids’ Vote opens today (22 October 2013) at 09:00 and closes at 18:00 on Friday 22 November.
Danny Elfman Royal Albert Hall Concert Review
The Event:
Composer Danny Elfman and the BBC Concert Orchestra performed a selection of music from the films of Tim Burton, from Edward Scissorhands to Alice In Wonderland, showcasing a comprehensive collection of kooky musical magic in the lavish surroundings of the Royal Albert Hall.
The Good:
There are few creative collaborations that have yielded such marvellous and unique results as the union between Director Tim Burton and Composer Danny Elfman. It’s simply impossible to understate how much of a debt Burton’s work owes to the haunting, beautiful and anarchic soundtracks Danny Elfman has given them.
Burton is often praised for his wondrous dark visuals, but they would be utterly robbed of magic and personality without Elfman’s music. Elfman’s distinctive sounds gave Big Fish it’s whimsy, Batman its heroism and Pee-Wee his hysterical energy. It’s a rare privilege to hear them all performed by a premium quality orchestra under the expert conduction of John Mauceri.
It’s especially fascinating to see Elfman’s trademark sounds created live, with crashing drums and trumpets mingling with the haunting harmonies of the Maida Vale Singers. An array of strange instruments and frantic orchestral work matches perfectly with a giant screen showing memorable artwork and clips from Burton’s accompanying films.
Fans were also treated to a surprise performance by one of Tim Burton’s other loves/muses. Helena Bonham Carter took to the stage armed with huge hair and gothic charm to croon her way through Sally’s Song. What she lacks in vocal power she easily makes up for in sheer stage presence.
The undisputed highlight of the night is when Elfman himself took to the stage to perform a medley of songs from cult classic The Nightmare Before Christmas. His theatrical performance and jerky dancing compliments a stellar vocal performance as Jack The Pumpkin King. Elfman’s obvious glee at getting to personally bring his beloved songs to one of the most famous stages in the world is infectious, spreading quickly from the front row to the farthest comers of the theatre. Throughout the hall endless rows of spectators sat happily captivating by Elfman’s eerie melodies.
The Bad:
In truth the only slight disappointment on an otherwise rapturous night of musical celebration is that the performance is limited to Elfman’s endless collaborations with Tim Burton. Elfman is responsible for so many iconic scores, from Spider-Man to The Simpson that in an ideal world the programme might have sacrificed less adored works like Planet of The Apes in favour of a little more variety and those crowd-pleasing favourites.
The Ugly Truth:
Danny Elfman proudly proclaimed the night to the best of his entire life. Many of the ecstatic audience seemed to share that sentiment, honouring his eccentric genius with frequent bouts of thunderous applause and eager standing ovations. Seeing Burton and Elfman stand hand in hand at the final curtain call is the perfect way to draw a close to over two hours of musical magnificence.
Programme Set List:
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure
Beetlejuice
Sleepy Hollow
Mars Attacks!
Big Fish
Batman/Batman Returns
Interval
Planet of The Apes
Corpse Bride
Dark Shadows
Frankenweenie
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Edward Scissorhands
Alice In Wonderland
Stars Attending London Film Festival 2013
The 57th BFI London Film Festival has announced further stars and directors joining the line up for this year’s Festival. Talent gracing the red carpet will include Kate Winslet, Josh Brolin, Jason Reitman, Tom Hiddleston, Jesse Eisenberg, John Curran, Dane DeHaan, Alex Gibney, Greg Wise, Robin Wright, Ari Folman, Anna Kendrick, Emily Mortimer, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Charlie Cox, Jodie Whittaker, Christian Cooke, Annabelle Wallis, Tahar Rahim, David Thewlis and Terry Gilliam. Colin Farrell and Ruth Wilson join the stellar line up for the Closing Night film, the World Premiere of SAVING MR. BANKS.
They join previously announced Festival guests Paul Greengrass, Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi, Barry Ackroyd, John Lee Hancock, Emma Thompson, Alison Owen, Stephen Frears, Judi Dench, Steve Coogan, Steve McQueen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Alfonso Cuarón, David Heyman, Sandra Bullock, Joel & Ethan Coen, Carey Mulligan, Oscar Isaac, Ralph Fiennes, Abdellatif Kechiche, Léa Seydoux, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Alain Guiraudie, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Alexander Payne, Lukas Moodysson, Glenda Jackson, Peter Brook and Daniel Radcliffe.
The 57th BFI London Film Festival will welcome over 500 guests for the 12 day event; including over 150 directors and over 110 actors attending for the 235 feature films.
Filmmakers supporting their work in Official Competition for Best Film include: Catherine Breillat and Isabelle Huppertwith ABUSE OF WEAKNESS; Richard Ayoade, Yasmin Paige, Craig Roberts, Noah Taylor with THE DOUBLE; Pawel Pawlikowskiwith IDA; Hirokazu Kore-eda with LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON; Ritesh Batra with THE LUNCHBOX; Jahmil X.T. Qubeka, Mothusi Magano, Petronella Tshuma with OF GOOD REPORT; Ahmad Abdalla, Asser Yassin with RAGS AND TATTERS; Clio Barnard, Conner Chapman and Shaun Thomas (both Shaun and Conner are also Best British Newcomer nominees) with THE SELFISH GIANT; Peter Landesman with PARKLAND; David Mackenzie and Jonathan Asser (another Best British Newcomer nominee) with STARRED UP; John Curran with TRACKS and Jonathan Glazer with UNDER THE SKIN.
The directors of some of the year’s major international festival hits present their features in UK and European premieres: Director Steven Knight brings LOCKE, his Venice and Toronto sensation; Golden Bear winner Călin Peter Netzer attends with CHILD’S POSE; Silver Bear winner Danis Tanović attends with AN EPISODE IN THE LIFE OF AN IRON PICKER, and Sebastián Lelio joins the Festival to present GLORIA, a Berlin favourite. Un Certain Regard Best Director Alain Guiraudie is joined by his STRANGER BY THE LAKE cast Christophe Paou, Patrick d’Assumçao. Dan Krauss presents THE KILL TEAM which won Best documentary at Tribeca, and Andrew Worsdale brings DURBAN POISON which won Best South African film at Durban IFF. Brie Larson who won Best Actress at Locarno for SHORT TERM 12 will also attend with director Destin Cretton. Morgan Neville will present his Sundance hit TWENTY FEET FROM STARDOM. San Sebastian’s Golden Shell winner Mariana Rondón presents BAD HAIR.
Directors supporting their work in First Feature Competition for the Sutherland Award include: Chika Anadu with B FOR BOY; Daniel Patrick Carbone with HIDE YOUR SMILING FACES; Anthony Chen with ILO ILO; John Krokidas with KILL YOUR DARLINGS; Alphan Eşeli with THE LONG WAY HOME; Michalis Konstantatos with LUTON; Fabio Grassadonia and Antonio Piazza with SALVO; Rob Brown (also Best British Newcomer nominee) with SIXTEEN; Vivian Qu with TRAP STREET; Fernando Franco with WOUNDED and Tom Shoval with YOUTH.
More debut features showcase the rich array of innovative new film talent across the programme and include Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s DON JON (Laugh Gala); Jill Soloway’s AFTERNOON DELIGHT; Adam Wimpenny’s BLACKWOOD; Destiny Ekaragha’s (Best British Newcomer nominee) GONE TOO FAR!; Biyi Bandele’s HALF OF A YELLOW SUN, Anthony Wilcox’s HELLO CARTER; Valeria Golino’s HONEY; Chiemi Karasawa’s ELAINE STRITCH: SHOOT ME; Frank Pavich’s JODOROWSKY’S DUNE; Gracie Otto’s THE LAST IMPRESARIO; Justin Hardy’s LOVE ME TILL MONDAY; Tom Berninger’s MISTAKEN FOR STRANGERS; Sini Anderson’s THE PUNK SINGER, and João Pedro Moreira’s OFF THE BEATEN TRACK.
Directors supporting their work in Documentary Competition for the Grierson Award include: Jessica Oreck withAATSINKI: THE STORY OF ARCTIC COWBOYS; Alex Gibney with THE ARMSTRONG LIE; Frederick Wiseman with AT BERKELEY;Zachary Heinzerling with CUTIE AND THE BOXER; Mark Cousins with HERE BE DRAGONS; Nicolas Philibert with LA MAISON DE LA RADIO; Greg Barker with MANHUNT; Rithy Panh with THE MISSING PICTURE; Paul-Julien Robert with MY FATHERS, MY MOTHER AND ME, Vitaly Mansky with PIPELINE; Matt Wolf with TEENAGE, and Kitty Green with UKRAINE IS NOT A BROTHEL.
Real lives provide cinematic inspiration this year. Festival guests attending to support films inspired by their own stories include: Philomena Lee and Martin Sixsmith join their on-screen counterparts for PHILOMENA; the subject of THE LAST IMPRESARIO, Michael White will attend the Festival; Freda Kelly joins director Ryan White for GOOD OL’ FREDA about her time with The Beatles, while former President of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize winner Lech Wałęsa attends the LFF to present WAŁĘSA. MAN OF HOPE.
Many filmmakers return to the Festival to present new work: Joanna Hogg, who won the FIPRESCI Prize for Unrelated during the LFF in 2007 screens EXHIBITION; Jordi Cadena (Elisa K - LFF 2010) attends with THE FEAR and Asli Özge (Men on The Bridge - LFF 2009) with LIFELONG. Walter Fasano attend with BERTOLUCCI ON BERTOLUCCI; Joey Figueroa and Zak Knutson with MILIUS; Cédric Klapisch (L’Auberge Espagnole) with CHINESE PUZZLE and Rebecca Zlotowski (Belle Épine) with GRAND CENTRAL. DRINKING BUDDIES director Joe Swanberg attends with actress Anna Kendrick, while Nicole Holofcener attends with Julia Louis-Dreyfus for ENOUGH SAID. Bruce Goodison brings his leads Noof Ousellam, Yasmin Mwanza for LEAVE TO REMAIN, while Nanouk Leopold presents IT’S ALL SO QUIET and Hélène Cattet and Bruno Forzani attend with their THE STRANGE COLOUR OF YOUR BODY’S TEARS.