Dont Be Afraid of the Dark: Guillermo Del Toro's next horror project

Guillermo Del Toro is a visual genius and an amazing storyteller. Each of his movies that he directed or produced, he leaves his signature mark through character design or story, and it shows. Pan's Labyrinth, I feel, embodies all aspect of Guillermo. It is a work of art and it is distinctively his own. If you compare the monsters from this movie to another film of his, Hell Boy, you can see the designs of the creatures sharing stark similarities.
Guillermo has been readying his new US horror movie, Don't Be Afraid of the Dark. From production pictures that I have seen so far, it follows in the same footstep as Pan's Labyrinth. Katie Holmes is casted as the girlfriend of Alex (played by Guy Pearce). Bailee Madison plays as Sally, Alex's young daughter, who arrives in Rhode Island to live with her father and his girlfriend in his 19th century Mansion that he is restoring. As she explores the mansion, she comes across a hidden basement that hasn't been opened for nearly a century. Opening the basement, Sally unleashes evil creatures that dwelled inside. Now it is up to Sally to try to convince her dad that their house now is host to these dark creatures.
I'm a huge fan of Haunted House horror movies and this movie seems to be that. After seeing the trailer for this movie, I instantly thought Pan's Labyrinth and I can't be more excited. For starters, we follow the story of a young girl and then the creatures resembles Guilermo's past creature design. It's a dark fantasy mixed with horror and mystery.
I believe that horror movies shouldn't just be cheap scares, but it should be able to leave a long lasting feeling of being afraid. There should be horror movies that are considered art house films (like A Tale of Two Sisters) or even be critically acclaimed. Although this movie won't be either, it should still fill the empty void of fantasy horror.

Here's a trailer of Don't Be Afraid of the Dark:


And new Images from the Movie:

Anime Expo 2011

Although I'm not that big into Japanese Animation like I was many years ago, I always wanted to attend an Anime Expo Convention. Its geeky and nerdy, but it looks pretty damn fun. Anime Expo is being hosted from July 1-4 at the L.A. Convention Center. The big draw is that everyone gets to Cosplay which is dressing up like a character from a series or video game. Let you inner fandom free here. Theres game, shows, panels, and merchandise. If you do go, make sure you bring a wad of cash. Well maybe next year I'll get a chance to go.



You can check out Anime Expo 2011 here

I'd love to see some cosplay so if you have any Anime Expo 2011 cosplay picture, you can send them to my email here or send a link on a comment and I'll post the best ones.


Image Source: LA Weekly at  link

Transformers 3: The Dark of The Moon

Explosions. Destruction. Adrenaline.
Another Michael Bay movie is out and it's the third sequel to the Transformers series, The Dark of the Moon. I just came back from this super action packed movie and I must say it is LONG. There is no shortage of action scenes in this two hour and fifty minute movie. Those expecting Megan Fox to sex up the screens will be sad to see her missing in this movie. Instead Victoria Secret model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is the new love interest of Shia Labeouf's character. Michael Bay made sure to show that his latest transformer had every bit of fan service in it compared to his previous movies, starting with a scene showing a close up of Rosie's amazing booty as she makes her way up the stairs, all in the first 20 minutes. So yeah, Michael pretty much has 'everything' in this movie: Explosions, Robots, cheesy humor, and a super hottie.
I opted for the digital showing instead of the 3-D digital version. Personally, I'm not a big fan of 3-D movies in theaters. Most movies are converted from standard version to 3-D and the transition actually ruins the movie. 3D also takes away the realism of the movie, making the CGI look horrible. So I rather not pay that extra 3 dollars for something that isn't necessary for the enjoyment of a movie.
The CGI in this movie is incredible and the Autobots and Deceptacon look realistic. Michael Bay really stepped up in improving the technology in the movie. It looks great. The most epic scene in the movie is *spoiler, but not really since this scene is shown in trailers* when the snake-like Deceptacon wrapped itself around this tall skyscraper building and tore it down. Explosions are  more intense. Buildings, Cars, and city are all destroyed beautifully.
The story, a slight step down from the first movie, is a continuing saga, picking up from where the last Transformers: The Rise of the Fallen has left off. Optimus Prime and the Autobot crew are now working for the CIA helping fix the turmoil of man. With the Autobots busy, the Deceptacon are busy planning something huge. And huge it is. There is some small plot lines that really don't work but none of that actually affects the overall story.
Summer Action flicks can't get any bigger than this. Although the movie is long, it is pretty enjoyable and does out-do the Rise of the Fallen (but not the first Transformers).
*Side note: My girlfriend pointed it out and I think it's pretty funny. Near the end of the movie, pay attention to Rosie's shoe. Yeah, she made it through all that with those on.*

Image Courtesy: Courtesy of Michael Bay and Transformers: The Dark of the Moon