Mike Sampson is the Editor-in-Chief of ScreenCrush. He studied to become a lawyer and worked as an architectural planner after graduating college but neither of these professions afforded him the opportunity to watch movies and TV for a living. He previously served as the Editor-in-Chief of JoBlo.com for 10 years. He lives in New Jersey and probably spends too much time playing video games and overthinking things.
Mike Sampson
‘The Interview’ to Begin Streaming Online Starting Today; $6 to Rent, $15 to Buy
Just last week it seemed possible that 'The Interview' may never be seen anytime soon as Sony Pictures canceled the theatrical release and claimed they had no immediate plans for a VOD debut. But, following yesterday's news that 'The Interview' will run in select theaters on Christmas Day, comes more details on their plans to simultaneously stream the film online.
‘23 Jump Street’ Will Also Be a ‘Men in Black’ Reboot. Huh?
‘23 Jump Street’ is a sequel that is surely happening, this despite all the many hilarious sequel jokes during the ‘22 Jump Street’ end credits. The franchise is just too popular to let die. But, how exactly would you sequelize ‘22 Jump Street’, which did a pretty effective job of sending up sequel cliches? Well, you send Jenko and Schmidt to the Men in Black program, of course.
‘Frozen’ Short Film “Frozen Fever” to Debut in Theaters With ‘Cinderella’
Guess what, parents? You're going to see Disney's live-action 'Cinderella' remake in theaters. Possibly more than once. Because that is when you, and more importantly the kids in your life, will be able to see the next 'Frozen' adventure—the short film "Frozen Fever"—for the first time.
‘Star Wars: Episode 7’ Trailer Beats ‘Avengers 2’ Record; Could Become Biggest of All-Time
Much was made about how the ‘Avengers 2' trailer broke online viewing records for 2014, shattering the previous record by ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’. But, records were made to be broken and it took just over a month for the ‘Avengers 2’ trailer to be surpassed, not surprisingly by the ‘Star Wars: Episode 7’ trailer, which, if it keeps up at its current pace, could set the all-time record for trailer views.
‘Jurassic Park 4’ Trailer: Welcome to Jurassic World!
“You just went and made a new dinosaur? Probably not a good idea.”
And, there’s the ‘Jurassic Park 4’ trailer summed up for you in pretty much one exchange. While the previous ‘Jurassic Park’ films dealt with the folly of John Hammond’s original plans for the park, this new film imagines a world where Jurassic Park is now up and running. The kinks have been worked out. Raptors are trained. But, people are still people and that means they do really stupid things. Like create massive “hybrid” dinosaurs to goose attendance at their park.
‘Peanuts’ Trailer: Charlie Brown, Still a Blockhead
As Charlie Brown and Snoopy are perhaps best known for their classic holiday special ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas,’ it only makes sense that the new ‘Peanuts’ trailer debuts with a very Christmas-y feel. You have to wait until next Christmas to see the CGI ‘Peanuts’ movie, but you can get a taste of what it will look and feel like with this new trailer.
‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Soundtrack to Be Released on Cassette Tape in November
As successful as 'Guardians of the Galaxy' was at the box-office (and, as the highest-grossing film of the year, it certainly was that), the film's iconic soundtrack was equally as successful. "Awesome Mix Vol. 1" spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and is currently the 10th largest selling album of 2014. You've been able to buy the digital album, the CD, vinyl and even a "Deluxe Edition," but so far, no actual cassette like the mix tape in the film. But, that's all about to change.
‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Star Dave Bautista Cast as ‘Bond 24′ Villain
We'd previously heard that the 'Bond 24' filmmakers wanted the villain for the upcoming sequel to be unlike the modern day villains and instead a throwback to the big hulking henchmen like Jaws or Oddjob. The casting call was looking for "an imposing, extremely physically fit actor" over 6'2" tall. Not a ton of guys like that around, but the director Sam Mendes didn't have to look further than the biggest movie of the year.
‘Tetris’ Movie in the Works, Will Be a “Very Big, Epic Sci-Fi” Film
What was a joke just two years ago, is now going to be a reality: the classic strategy video game 'Tetris' is becoming a movie.
Dan Aykroyd Wants ‘Ghostbusters’ to Be Like the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Ever since the Marvel Cinematic Universe became a huge success, there were immediate imitators trying to follow that same model. From the 'Justice League' films to 'Amazing Spider-Man' and, heck, even the upcoming 'Star Wars' movies. It all seemed a bit much, to be honest. But, this latest news might take the cake (or donut?) when it comes to biting style. Dan Aykroyd, the only one involved with the original 'Ghostbusters' who seems to want to have anything to do with the new 'Ghostbusters' says he wants to relaunch the franchise following the Marvel "shared universe" strategy.