"Family Guy: It's A Trap !" - Dec 21

"Family Guy: It's A Trap!", the final uncensored, animated parody of "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi" will be released December 21st on DVD/Blu-ray from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

The new film, follows the successful DVD releases of "Family Guy: Blue Harvest" and "Family Guy: Something, Something, Something Dark Side."

"...'Luke Skywalker' (Chris Griffin) and 'Princess Leia' (Lois Griffin) must travel to 'Tatooine' to free 'Han Solo' (Peter Griffin) by infiltrating the wretched stronghold of 'Jabba the Hutt' (Joe), the galaxy's most loathsome and dreadful gangster. Reunited, the Rebels team up with a tribe of 'Ewoks' to combat the 'Imperial' forces on the forest moon of 'Endor'.

"Meanwhile the 'Emperor' (Carter Pewterschmidt) and 'Darth Vader' (Stewie Griffin) conspire to turn Luke to the dark side and young Skywalker is determined to rekindle the spirit of the 'Jedi' within his father.

"The 'Galactic Civil War' has never been more outrageous, as the Rebel forces gather to attack the seemingly defenseless and incomplete second 'Death Star' in the battle that will determine the fate of the galaxy..."

"Family Guy: It's A Trap!" includes cameo voices by Patrick Stewart and Michael Dorn reprising their roles from "Star Trek: The Next Generation", Adam West ("Batman"), Carrie Fisher ("Star Wars Trilogy") and talkhost Rush Limbaugh as the voice of the 'Rancor'.

"'Family Guy' is one of the top selling TV on DVD franchises in the marketplace, due in large part to the enormous success of the 'Star Wars' parodies," said Mike Dunn, President, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

"Seth MacFarlane and the creative and passionate writers and animators at Fuzzy Door Productions have done it again with the latest installment; it is some of their finest work to date."

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek the "Family Guy" animated "Star Wars" parodies...

Craig's "Bond" Returns For "Blood Stone 007"

"Blood Stone 007" is the new action-adventure video game, developed by Bizarre Creations, published by Activision for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS and Microsoft Windows platforms.

It is the 23rd game in the "James Bond" series, released November 2, 2010 in North America, featuring the voices and likenesses of current movie Bond, Daniel Craig and Judi Dench as 'M'.

The game is a third-person shooter with elements of hand-to-hand combat and driving sequences. There is also a multiplayer mode of up to 16 players that pits spies against mercenaries.

The player assumes the role of protagonist 'James Bond' (Craig) who teams up with wealthy socialite 'Nicole Hunter' (Joss Stone) to stop a plot involving weaponized biological agents.

Set across Athens, Istanbul, Monaco, Siberia, Bangkok and Burma, Bond fights a group of terrorists led by 'Pomerov'.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Blood Stone 007"...

Relativity Media Believes In "The Bible Code"

Relativity Media reports it has purchased film rights to best-selling author Michael Drosnin's "Bible Code" books, including "The Bible Code", "Bible Code II: The Countdown" and the newest in the series "Bible Code III: Saving the World" which warns of an impending 'Armageddon'.

The series is based on a 3000 year-old code in the Bible found by a top Israeli scientist and confirmed by a senior code breaker at the US National Security Agency, revealing historical events and predicting the future. The code has successfully predicted world events such as the election of President Barack Obama, the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
The studio will develop the books into a tentpole film to be released in 2012.

Drosnin, a former reporter for the Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal, insists that the code is real.

"The Bible Code series has been one of my favorites since the first installment was published," said Ryan Kavanaugh, CEO of Relativity. "As a science junkie, realizing that the statistical probability that the code could be accurate is nearly impossible makes this an incredible story that must be told."

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"Darkwing Duck: The Duck Knight Returns"- Nov 10

Sneak Peek Boom! Studios' "Darkwing Duck: The Duck Knight Returns" trade paper back, available November 10, written by Ian Brill, with art by James Silvani and a cover by Magic Eye Studios.

"...Once the greatest protector of 'St. Canard', 'Darkwing Duck' was known the world over as 'The Terror That Flaps In The Night.' Now, mysteriously, DW has not been seen or heard from in well over a year -- and St. Canard finds that evil is once again on the rise.

But when a nefarious plan threatens everyone, Darkwing Duck knows it's time for the 'Duck Knight' to return!..."

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Joker Sells "Daydream Nation" To Anchor Bay

Following the Canadian film "Daydream Nation", opening September's TIFF 'Canada First! Program', Tim Brown's Joker Films has now sold director Michael Goldbach’s first feature to Anchor Bay Films, who acquired distribution rights for the US, UK and Australia/New Zealand territories.

"...'Caroline Wexler' (Kat Dennings) is a witty, sexy 17 year old who quickly realizes she has little in common with the 'hicks' that populate her new high school. So she has an affair with the one person she connects with – her handsome young teacher, 'Mr. Anderson'. Caroline’s extracurricular affair takes a turn for the worse when she realizes Andreson is not only deeply dysfunctional, but also tormented by a mysterious past. When she breaks off the affair in favor of a classmate, Anderson does everything to sabotage the budding high school romance. Caroline’s chaotic life begins to mirror the hysteria of the small town as rumors of a killer start to swirl. In the middle of a high school party-turned full blown riot, Caroline’s life changes forever..."

The film also stars Reece Thompson, Andie McDowell, Rachel Blanchard and Josh Lucas.

"Daydream Nation" was produced by Trish Dolman and Christine Haebler of Screen Siren Pictures and The Film Farm, in association with Lila 9th Productions.

The film will be released theatrically by Anchor Bay in 2011.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Daydream Nation"...

Warners Stakes Out "Dark Shadows"

Further to Sneak Peek reporting June 2008 on the Johnny Depp/Tim Burton feature reboot of 1960's horror TV 'soap opera' "Dark Shadows", a production start has finally been staked out by Warners for April 2011, with Depp’s Infinitum Nihil and Graham King’s GK Films producing.

The film will be written by Seth Grahame-Smith ("Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter"), who will draft a rewrite of a previous screenplay by John August.

"Dark Shadows", created by Dan Curtis, originally aired weekdays on the ABC television network, June 27, 1966 to April 2, 1971. The story 'bible' for the show was written by Art Wallace.

The series became popular a year into its run, with the introduction of Canadian actor Jonathan Frid, playing 200-year old vampire 'Barnabas Collins' who encounters other vampires, werewolves, ghosts, zombies, man-made monsters, witches, warlocks, time travel and a parallel universe.

Writer Malcolm Marmorstein, who specifically created the character of Collins, also created characters 'Sam Hall', 'Gordon Russell' and 'Violet Welles'.

The TV series often used classic ('public domain') stories with gothic themes, giving them an unusual twist, including "Dracula", "Frankenstein", "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde", "The Picture of Dorian Gray", "The Turn of the Screw" and "Wuthering Heights", freely borrowing prose from authors Edgar Allan Poe, Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, Mary Shelley, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Henry James and H. P. Lovecraft, while exploring the history of the 'Collins' family.

Collins was originally the object of desire, circa 1795, for the witch 'Angelique Bouchard' who invoked a vampiric curse upon him. In the present day, Collins is released from his coffin by 'Willie Loomis', whereby the vampire kidnaps waitress 'Maggie Evans', believed to be the reincarnation of his lost love 'Josette du Pres'.

The original music score for the series, by Robert Cobert, entered the Billboard top 20 national album chart in 1969. The spoken-word instrumental track "Quentin's Theme", earning Cobert a Grammy nomination, was recorded by the Charles Randolph Grean Sounde, peaking at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1969.

1,225 episodes of "Dark Shadows" were produced during its TV run, with a feature film released in 1970.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Dark Shadows"...

"Mummy" Director Adapting Koontz' "Odd Thomas"

According to reports director Stephen Sommers ("The Mummy") will adapt author Dean Koontz' novel "Odd Thomas", for producers Howard Kaplan and John Baldecchi.

The 'Odd Thomas' character debuted in Koontz's 2003 novel of the same name, as a twenty-year-old man who lives in the desert town of 'Pico Mundo', California, and is able to see spirits of the dead.

He is able to make himself heard to them but they cannot speak to him, although they may make signs or mouth words.

The ghost of Elvis Presley was once a constant companion to him, until Elvis moved on and the ghost of Frank Sinatra became Odd's new companion.

Odd's name was originally intended to be 'Todd', but there was an error on his birth certificate. His mother is a neurotic who has a psychotic fixation with handguns. Odd's father divorced her when Odd was one year old. His unique ability to see the dead (among other paranormal 'gifts') complicates his life and forms the basis of the novels.

When the first novel begins he is a 20 year-old fry cook, with a particular proficiency for pancakes. He uses his abilities to aid the lingering spirits who seek him out, as Odd and his girlfriend 'Stormy Llewellyn', attempt to prevent a crime in his hometown.

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Legendary Launching Graphic Novels

Thomas Tull, Legendary Pictures Chairman, CEO, reports that former IDW comic book editor Bob Schreck will be Editor-in-Chief of Legendary Comics, a new division dedicated to publishing original graphic novels.

Legendary are noted for co-producing numerous Warners features including the upcoming "Superman: Man of Steel" (2012), "The Dark Knight Rises" (2012), "Sucker Punch" (2011) and "Jack The Giant Killer" (2011).

Notable past efforts include "Inception" (2010), "Watchmen" (2009), "The Dark Knight" (2008), "300" (2006), "Superman Returns" (2006) and "Batman Begins (2005).

Legendary Comics plans to publish four to six graphic novels a year for both digital/traditional print distribution. Schreck will release the company's inaugural project within the first half of 2011, working with Kathy Vrabeck, President of Legendary Digital.

"Bob Schreck is one of the most highly-regarded curators and editors of comic culture in our industry," said Tull. "He is the perfect leader with the right balance of passion and editorial skills to spearhead Legendary Comics, committed to being a new home for groundbreaking artists and the characters and stories they create, in an art form we love."

"We have a real opportunity to deliver hard-hitting characters and exciting, innovative storylines to comic book aficionados," said Schreck. "We are in the fortunate position of already having major support from the community and collaborations lined up with world-class creators."

"Bob Schreck is a joy to work with," said writer/artist Frank Miller. "He's tough but affable, mindful of the publisher's needs but a happy warrior on the side of the artist".

"I'm thrilled that Legendary is going to be entering the world of comics," said Neil Gaiman. "I've been amazed and delighted by their respect for creators in the movie arena, and it can only be good news for the whole world of pop culture..."

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Things Heating Up For "Firebreather"- Nov 24

The Cartoon Network will premiere their first original movie, "Firebreather", based on the Image Comics series, by Phil Hester and Andy Kuhn, Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2010. The CGI feature is directed by Peter Chung ("Aeon Flux") and written by Jim Krieg.

"...It's not easy being a teen like 'Duncan'. His mom wants him to pay more attention to his homework, while his dad -- a 120-foot, fire-breathing 'Kaiju' from the depths of the earth -- wants him to follow in his monstrous footsteps. Duncan faces trials by fire from two worlds -- in one, overcoming his father's challenges to prepare for the Kaiju throne; in the other, coping with life in a new high school. Ultimately, Firebreather is a story of a boy choosing between two different paths put before him by his parents. Through it all, only Duncan can determine his own future..."

Cast includes Jesse Head as 'Duncan', Dana Delany as 'Margaret', Kevin Michael Richardson as 'Belloc', Reed Diamond as 'Barnes', Amy Davidson as 'Jenna', Tia Texada as 'Isabel', Dante Basco as 'Kenny' and Josh Keaton as 'Troy'.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Firebreather"...

New Films Gives A Hand To "Burning Palms"

According to reports, New Films International has acquired worldwide rights to writer/director Christopher B. Landon's dark comedy feature "Burning Palms", starring Zoe Saldana, Dylan McDermott, Paz Vega and Rosamund Pike.

The film interlaces five stories set in different LA neighborhoods, "...where no taboo is left unexplored as each character careens toward a dark and often comic fate..."

"We are excited to be distributing 'Burning Palms' worldwide and planning the US theatrical release for early 2011", said Nesim Hason, President, New Films International and New Films Cinema.

"'Burning Palms' is a daring film", said producer Oren Segal. "Writer, director Christopher B. Landon delivered a powerful narrative, with performances from an incredibly strong cast. 'Burning Palms' is an experience that audiences will never forget."

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Burning Palms"...

"Disney Epic Mickey" - November 26

Sneak Peek a new 'Character Overview' showcasing developer Warren Spectors' upcoming "Disney Epic Mickey" video game, from Junction Point Studios.

Premise revolves around 'forgotten' Disney toon characters, who were 'pushed' out of the spotlight by Mickey, 'Goofy' and 'Donald Duck', with 'Oswald Rabbit', 'Horace Horsecollar', and 'Clarabelle Cow', living in a 'Cartoon Wasteland'.

The game is a sprawling mixture of adventure and platformer, wrapping up the story of Disney's most famous mouse in a story that spans the cartoon character's entire animated history.

Players will control 'Mickey Mouse' as he moves around "...in a world devoid of color, painting it back to life..."

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Disney: Epic Mickey"...