'Beverly Hills Cop 4' in development

My first true encounter with the comical genius of Eddie Murphy was when I became old enough to appreciate his work on the 80's comedy film series 'Beverly Hills Cop'. Alex Foley is the cocky, ignorant personality that resonates with Murphy's innate humor in vintage fashion. Just last week, TV producer Shawn Ryan announced that Paramount Pictures is looking to develop another feature film. Murphy is locked in to reprise his role as Foley, and 'Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol' writers Josh Appelbaum and Andre Nemec are on board to write the script. 

I think a large part of the film's success came from the context of 1980's Los Angeles, with it's retro theme music and classic appeal. I look forward to seeing how the producers, writers, and Murphy himself adjust the series to the modern comedy scene.

Share any thoughts or comments about the return of 'Beverly Hills Cop' to the big screen.

'300: Rise of an Empire' (FIRST TRAILER)

Zack Snyder is plenty busy with that Clark Kent guy, so not much surprise that he isn't directing the sequel to his epic '300' film. Instead, Noam Murro (A Good Day to Die Hard) will direct and Snyder will serve as lead producer and writer. The first trailer recently released, and seems to bring the same dramaturgical aesthetic as it's popular first installment. I remember reading that this sequel will focus more on the perspective of Xerxes and his army, which seems evident from the trailer. We also see and hear Lena Headey (Game of Thrones) who we remember as Queen Gorgo of Sparta. Set to release next March, plenty to look forward to from Murro and Snyder. Check out the trailer below.   

Justice League rumors FINALLY confirmed

Surrounding the anticipation for Zack Snyder's Man of Steel installment has been stealthy chatter about the possibility of a future Justice League movie. As reported by Slashfilm.com, Warner Bros. is already fast tracking the Man of Steel sequel with writer David Goyer. Apparently the plan is to bring back Snyder and Christopher Nolan to extend the series much like we've seen with their Marvel counterparts Spiderman and Ironman. In concordance with the sequel update, the Justice League spectacle is finally taking shape. Deadline reported that writer David Goyer's deal is part of a 3-picture deal he signed which will include the Man of Steel sequel and, officially, the Justice League movie. 

SFX: 'Man Of Steel' star Henry Cavill says joint Superman and Batman movie could be 'really interesting'

The common responses from Snyder and Goyer in response to Justice League have been attributed to the success of Man of Steel. Understandably, you need Superman to have a massive box office return before considering that option. But as Goyer now endures questioning about what to expect from a Justice League universe, premature developments have since begun to unfold.

Talking to Jon Lyus from Hey U Guys, Goyer shared, "Zack (Snyder) has said that Bruce Wayne exists in this universe," adding, "It would be a different Bruce Wayne from Chris' (Nolan) Dark Knight trilogy". Whoa. So this shared DC Comics universe commenced by Man of Steel is veering off from Nolan's legendary resurgence of Batman? As if formally combatting their Marvel rivals, the highest grossing and greatest super hero franchise of all time in The Avengers wasn't difficult enough. Along with having to create original versions of fellow Justice League members Wonder Woman, The Flash, Aquaman, and Cyborg, not to mention a desperate re-creation of Ryan Reynolds' pathetic Green Lantern, an effective re-modulation of Batman will now also be needed. I don't think the pressure could be any greater for Snyder, Goyer, DC Comics, and Warner Bros. as they have now officially declared war against Marvel. 

Man of Steel is now in theaters, and is reportedly on pace to rake in at least $100 million in it's opening weekend. 

New 'Thor 2' director says sequel will be....funny?

As reported by Mike Sampson of Screen Crush, newly appointed director for Marvel's 'Thor 2: The Dark World' Alan Taylor (Game of Thrones) is sharing his thoughts on preparations for the sequel, due to release this fall. Previous director Kenneth Branagh opted not to return from the first film, and Taylor talked to Empire Magazine about his vision for the anticipated sequel. While sharing his desire for a "darker tone", Taylor insisted, "It's really important that it still be funny". 

I share the polite sentiments of Mike Sampson and the good people at Screen Crush on this 'Thor' update. Comic relief in superhero movies have almost become a necessary supplement. As effectively noted by Sampson, 'Ironman' enjoys Robert Downey Jr.'s amusing nature as Tony Stark. 'The Avengers' applied appropriate moments of solid comedy throughout. I think an important factor is the context. Marvel is owned by Disney, which means the content is, at some level, expected to maintain family-friendly tones. Even so, I was personally turned off by the comedic twist in 'Ironman 3' regarding the Mandarin villain; it felt too much like a comedy and somewhat downplayed the overall severity. What we (or at least I) liked about 'Thor' was the majestic allure of Asgard and the hard-smashing presence of Thor's hammer. It's not that there's no room for comical relief, but this 'Dark World' sequel sounds like it should be more perilous than amusing. 

Share your own thoughts or impressions of Alan Taylor's remarks, and be on the look out for 'Thor 2: The Dark World' scheduled to release on November 8 this fall.

New 'Man of Steel' trailer

"Fate of Your Planet"

Now the fourth released official trailer for Zack Snyder's 'Man of Steel' we finally catch subtle glimpses of battle footage and a warped introduction ad from our villain General Zod (Michael Shannon), who means to obliterate Earth by surrender of Superman (Henry Cavill). We also see Lois Lane (Amy Adams) confidently suited in what looks like a mechanized space suit. You have to love the anticipation for the film which is supplemented by only peeks at what to expect visually and creatively from Snyder. The combination with Christopher Nolan is impeccable and vastly encouraging for the production and story. You expect Snyder's version to hilariously surpass Bryan Singer's 'Superman Returns' from 2006, which you might only remember because of, Kevin Spacey? Anyway, check out the intense, hard-hitting new trailer below. 'Man of Steel' hits theaters June 14.