Even though the movie isn't set for a summer 2008 release, the online viral campaigns for The Dark Knight continues full speed ahead.

Check out a brand spanking new portrait of Heath Ledger's Joker below. Though he's totally creepy, I have to admit that I kind of dig it... perhaps I should make it into a t-shirt?

But that's not all, a brand new website has popped up called rent a clown which features portraits of people with painted clown faces over 7 pages (their names are all thug names). Though there's no indication yet of a Dark Knight connection, maybe going back there over the next few months will unleash an ominous tidbit of what the Joker has in store.

The biggest coup for the week has got to be this leaked slideshow of production pictures for the film. If you look carefully, there are a few new images that many of us haven't seen yet and they just might hint at some major plot points of the film. 

- There is a picture of two Batman's. Is someone else pretending to be Batman?

- Looks like Batman gets a brand new suit. It seems more streamlined and bendable!

- There's going to be at least two intimate confrontations between the Joker and Batman. One in a prison cell and the other in a possible bank.

- Aaron Eckhart's photo is the first time we see his character Harvey Dent. As you know, Harvey will become the evil Two Face (it's in the comic books, so I'm not spoiling anything). But that picture kind of forshadows his eventual look, don't you think?

What will they leak out next? I'll keep you posted when I find out myself!

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Continuing to entertain US audiences with the raunchy and painfully humourous Superbad, the coming of age film raked in a decent $18 million dollars in it's second week of release and remained at the top of the box office heap (current tally is $68.6 million in only 10 days!). Considering the movie only cost $20 million to make, this film is easily a massive hit for the team behind this summer's other comedic smash, Knocked Up!

For those who didn't watch teens embarass themselves this weekend, they found entertainment in the form of Bourne Ultimatum ($12.4 million), Rush Hour 3 ($12.3 million) , new releases Mr. Bean's Holiday ($10.1 million) and the Jet Li vs Jason Statham action pic War ($10 million).

With the summer season coming to a close, the only other contenders for box office #1 are Halloween (a graphic retelling by Rob Zombie of the classic horror movie) and the wonderfully silly Balls of Fury (co-starring Maggie Q). Will they be able to kick the Superbad boys off the top? We'll find out in a weeks time!    

Click onwards to watch the trailers and other goodies of the potential #1's of next week...

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check out the latest trailers this week compiled just for you!

A gritty action drama where Denzel Washington goes against Russell Crowe!

A jealous member of the Jesse James gang, plots to kill his leader. Will Brad Pitt live?

The return of Alien vs Predator!

The many A-list faces of Bob Dylan.

Nicholas Cage returns to live out his adventurer dreams. Wasn't the 1st movie exciting enough?

A romantic comedy with my buddy Steve Carrell!

Hungry crocodiles decide to attack a group of tourists.

The return of Harold and Kumar!

And a weird movie that kind of defies description. Just watch the trailer already!

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Did you watch my interviews on VIP Access yet? If not, flip over to Star Movies this Sunday, August 26th at 8:30 (Southeast Asia) already!

Now If you've already seen my dorky mug on TV, let me tell you about what happened after the interviews. Though it was great talking to the cast of Evan Almighty, it was even better checking out their 'green' carpet world premiere and after party! Here is my recount of that day:

[Look! I'm stripey like a zebra!]

After the Evan Almighty interviews, we were given passes to attend the after party in which the organizers set up shop in a back lot of Universal Studios filled with kiddie games and yummy burger sliders. Guess where I hovered?

But before all that, Steve Carrell and company had to attend the world premiere of their film. Since I had time to kill (and didn't have to cover the event), I did something I haven't done in awhile and mixed in with the fans.

[Boy, they clean up well don't they?]

Then right before I was about to leave, I saw another familiar face attending the premiere:

 

Yep! That would be Zachary Quinto (aka Sylar and the furture Mr. Spock) from the hit TV series Heroes. Since I am a complete television fanatic, I was in giddy heaven.

So imagine my surprise when I saw Sylar, I mean, Zachary, standing in line for burger sliders at the after party few hours later. While everyone else was oblivious that we were in the prescence of a tv baddie, I couldn't stop staring like a dorky fanboy! The fact that I caught myself eating in the vicinity of Zachary and his friends made me realise that I needed to get out more (just in case you were wondering, he likes his sliders with cheese).

After snarfing down yet another mini-burger, my ride told me that she was leaving, so begrudingly I left the coolest bad ass character on tv and rode back to the hotel with a free potted plant on my lap (that was part of the gift basket).

Trust me, I don't act the fool when around a Clooney or a Pitt. Call me weird!

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On my first assignment for VIP Access, I was sent on the difficult mission to interview the cast and director of Evan Almighty .

Now I've interviewed loads of celebs in the past, but this was the first time I was actually allowed to instigate a proper conversation with them as an on-air interviewer (I've spent the past few years completely behind the scenes, wearing the most casual outfits on the planet since I knew I'd never be on camera. Basically, my mother would NOT be proud!).

So picture me actually nervous for the first time doing these interviews. Worried about what I was going to say, frightened that a pimple would pop up overnight on my nose and blown up for all of Asia to see (come to think about it, no need since you'll be able to see these things all this weekend on the show!). 

So how were the interviews?

Well... the first thing that came into my mind was, how am I going to have a light witty conversation with some of Hollywood's funniest people? Steve Carrell, Wanda Sykes and even Lauren Graham are all witty and smart in everything they do, so I had to have my best game on.

Also, if you didn't know, the rule of thumb for comedians is that most of them aren't that funny in real life (sorry to shatter your image). They tend to save their insane energy for the big screen.

Lucky for me, something must have been in the water because the whole experience was a pure joy.  

Wanda Sykes admitted to never wanting to work with animals again. She also admitted that she thinks God is Oprah ("She tells you to read a book, and you do!"). Lauren Graham was totally chatty even though I kind of outed myself as a BIG rabid Gilmore Girls fan (her recently cancelled tv series). Director Tom Shadyac thought I was mocking his Jesus-hair. And Steve Carrell claimed that there is, "a bit of Carrell in (Brad) Pitt".

Wacky? You bet!

If you want to see me do my inagural on-air interviews, check out VIP Access this weekend and then come back a few days later to watch the whole uncensored she-bang on this blog! (Be nice!)

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Episode #2 of VIP ACCESS gets a calling from a higher power and premieres on STAR Movies this Sunday night at 8:30pm HKT / 9:30pm MAL with EVAN ALMIGHTY.  Tune in to the further mis-adventures of Evan Baxter (Steve Carrell) as receives the word of God (Morgan Freeman) to build an ark....in the middle of his upper-middle class suburban neighborhood.

Not only do we go behind the scenes of the biggest comedy of the summer, our intrepid reporter, Stevie jumps in with exclusive interviews with Carrell and the rest of the all-star cast.  Plus we bring you the latest news on recent and upcoming movies hitting theaters near you as well as a special report from the Cinemanila Film Festival that recently took place in, where else, Manila.

Let us know what you think of the show and hit that comment button!

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Last night, 31 year old California film editor, Will Bigham, triumphed over 17 fellow filmmakers to win a $1 million dollar Dreamworks Pictures development deal on the summer reality series On The Lot.

Though I've been watching sporadically here in the US, I made an effort to catch the finale just to see if my favorite filmmaker would win the coveted prize (he did!).

With over 12,000 submissions worldwide, the final 18 contestants were basically thrown into a weekly crash course in filmmaking; directing shorts with proper crews and a talented pool of actors.

But in the end, it was Will's savvy and mainstream style that triumphed over the rest. After the announcement, Steven Spielberg personally greeted Will at the gates of Dreamworks, showing him to his new office (how cool is that?).

To watch Will's competition winning films, go here. 

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If you liked yesterday's pics of Hitman, wait until you check out these new images of next year's The Dark Knight!

With the plotline kept totally under wraps, what we do know is that director Christopher Nolan is reuniting Christian Bale (Bruce Wayne / Batman), Michael Caine (Alfred), Morgan Freeman (Lucius Fox) and Gary Oldman (Lieutenant James Gordon) to this dark sequel.

New additions include Maggie Gyllenhaal who replaces Katie Holmes as Rachel Dawes. But the biggest casting news is the fact that Heath Ledger (Joker) and Aaron Eckhart (Harvey Dent / Two Face) will terrorize Gotham with their villain-ry!

Based on the photos below, this version of the Joker is one freaky looking dude!

Scary right?

Anyway, I've saved the best image for last as you also get a first look at Batman's new vehicle, the Batpod. I wonder if it's a hybrid?

(release date: July 18, 2008)

(if you haven't seen it yet, check out the trailer inside...)

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Brian introduced the trailer for the highly anticipated Luc Besson produced movie Hitman a few weeks back. Well as the October release date gets closer, we managed to get our grubby hands on the official poster and 1st image of Timothy Olyphant (Live Free of Die Hard) as Agent 47 (aka Hitman) for you guys!

 

While I was surfing around getting the lowdown on this film, I found out that director Xavier Gens also has another movie coming out this year called Frontier(s) (and boy, if you like horror, this looks good!!)

(check out the trailers for both hitman and frontier(s) inside)

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As expected, the extremely naughty coming of age comedy Superbad raked it in this weekend with a record breaking $31.2 million gross (the biggest opening ever for the usually quiet August 15th weekend).

Though expectations for the comedy were high (the buzz from everyone was on high alert this week!), the releasing studio, Sony Pictures, wasn't sure if the raunchy film would equal box office success. Now the executives can probably go to sleep!

Other films in the top 5 belong to Rush Hour 3 ($21.8 million), The Bourne Ultimatum ($19 million), The Simpsons Movie ($6.7 million) and The Invasion (at $6 million).

While I was trolling the net, I found a cheeky unrated trailer and interview with Superbad stars Jonah Hill and Michael Cera. I have a feeling the interview is fake, so don't take it seriously (Also, there's some language, so please watch at your own discretion!)

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And it don't stop...the next episode of VIP ACCESS drops on STAR Movies this Sunday, August 26th at 8:30 (Southeast Asia) with EVAN ALMIGHTY starring everyone's favorite office manager, Steve Carrell and Oscar-winner Morgan Freeman reprising his role as God.

In this sequal to the smash-hit, BRUCE ALMIGHTY, Steve Carrell reprises his role as Evan Baxter who has since moved up in the world from anchorman to Congressman.  Elected on a slate for creating change, he now struggles as a freshman politician in a system that is geared for change, but maybe not always for the better.  That's when God (Freeman) steps in.  He directs Evan to build an ark because a flood is coming.  And before you can strap on your floatation device, creatures of all sorts, start arriving in pairs.

So keep your eye on this space.  We have news, interviews, and all sorts of weird and wonderful things.  In the meantime, check out the trailer.

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Our very first show is in the can and out in the field, but if you either missed it or just want to see it again, check your local listings for the repeat airings.  But we do have some clips--and many might think they're the best bits--archived here for your convenience.

First up is the centerpiece of "The Main Event": Dom's one-on-one interview with Nicole Kidman, who was in Sydney filming AUSTRALIA--Baz Luhrman's historical epic and first film since MOULIN ROUGE.  Much has already been written about the interview, but she did hold up fairly well after her 42 previous interviews and finally warmed up when she started to talk about extreme sports (??!!).  Dom did his best George Clooney impersonation by having his head cocked to one side through most of the interview.  He just needs to put his head down, look up with his eyes and then cock his head to the side to nail it.

Next, are the voice talents from the Hong Kong version of THE SIMPSONS MOVIE.  Wyman Wong--ever the comedian--jokes about what it's like winning the part of giving voice (in Cantonese) to Homer Simpson.  If his answer doesn't epitomize consumerism in HK, I don't know what does.  Actress and musician Josie Ho also talks about why Homer is her hero, while singers Denise Ho and Ivana Wong talk about being Bart and Lisa, respectively.  It's a shame Denise didn't break out in her Bart laugh.

Finally, Hong Kong actors Ronald Cheng and Edwin Leung were at the premiere of RATATOUILLE.  Ronald provided the voice of Remy and for those of you too lazy to google it, gives a lovely description of the delicious dish that is Ratatouille.  (FYI, there's no "rat" in it).  RATATOUILLE, which garnered an astonishing 96% fresh rating on the influential review site Rotten Tomatoes, is still in theaters; a testament to how well it's playing to audiences of all ages.  Don't miss it.

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Last week I discussed the casting for producer Drew Barrymore's film adaptation of the bestselling book, "He's Just Not That Into You". Looks like I was premature in that announcement cause two new cast members joined this week and boy, are they biggies!

You are not imagining things, both Jennifer Aniston (The Break Up) and Scarlett Johansson (The Nanny Diaries, Lost In Translation) have agreed to take part in the now star studded ensemble romantic comedy "He's Just Not That Into You".  

With Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Connelly and Ginnifer Goodwin already signed on as the confused female contigent trying to find love in Baltimore, don't be surprised if more announcements will be made in the coming weeks. Heck, let's just assume that Julia Roberts and Cameron Diaz are on board next!

(release date: 2009)

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We've collected some of the newest trailers out this week!

Check out the latest comedy by the Farrelly Brothers (There's Something About Mary) starring Ben Stiller, the official trailer to the new Ang Lee film, then a hilaious mock-biopic about the ficticious musical legend Dewey Cox produced by Judd Apatow (Superbad, Knocked Up), then finally take a look at the moving award season bait film 'The Kite Runner'.

(all this just a click away...) 

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The crazy talented actress Dakota Fanning (Charlotte's Web, War of the Worlds) is just one of the many actors coming to Hong Kong this fall!

Chris Evans (Sunshine, Fantastic Four), Dakota Fanning, Camilla Belle (When A Stranger Calls, 10,000 BC) and Djimon Hounsou (Blood Diamonds) have all been cast in the super powered thriller Push by director Paul McGuigan (Lucky Number Slevin).

The film, about a group of American expats who are wanted by the government because of their extraordinary telekinetic and clarivoyant abilities, is expected to shoot in Hong Kong this fall. 

Sounds really cool! Hopefully we'll get the chance to talk to them while they're in town!  

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Quick reminder: don't miss the premiere of the very first episode of VIP ACCESS this Sunday at 8:30pm HKT/ 9:30pm MAL only on STAR Movies.

This week we go deep into THE INVASION, Nicole Kidman & Daniel Craig's sci-fi thriller based on the original Body Snatchers movie.  We have an exclusive clip from the film, one you can't see anywhere else except in theaters and of course, Dom's interview with Nicole, chronicled here.

Not only that, but we report from the Hong Kong premieres of RATATOUILLE and THE SIMPSONS, plus present what's currently in as well as coming soon to theaters near you including DISTURBIA, (1-18-08)/"CLOVERFIELD", and THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM.  However, I have to admit, there's a waaaay  better trailer of BU out there.  Cheers to Matt for being such a good sport.  It's refreshing.

After the show, tell us what you think.  We appreciate your comments.

Coming to a theater near you:
Hong Kong     Aug 23
Indonesia     Aug 29
Malaysia      Aug 30
Philippines   Aug 29
Singapore     Sep 13
Thailand      Aug 23
India         Aug 31
Taiwan        Sep 01

Links:
THE INVASION, official site

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Since I didn't get the chance to chat with Nicole Kidman about our VIP Access inaugural film Invasion, I had to get the 411 on how it all went down with our main guy Dom (who got to meet her in person in Sydney). Rather than wait for the interview to premiere this weekend on Star Movies, I called up Dom last night and found a few interesting bits about the Academy Award winner. Turns out she has a thing for Aliens (the Ripley series, not the being themselves) and according to Dom, is a "tough cookie".

Check out our whole phone conversation inside!

(so... who will blink first?)

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This is a great week for new trailers!

We got a hilarious looking comedy called 'Be Kind, Rewind' starring Jack Black and Mos Def. Zombies continue to harass Milla Jovovich in 'Resident Evil: Extinction'. Reece Witherspoon takes on the US government. Paul Giamatti goes head to head with Clive Owen in 'Shoot em Up'. Robert Redford directs an all star cast including Meryl Streep and Tom Cruise. And an all new movie starring Joan Chen set in Australia.

All of this inside!

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Check out who got cast in what future Hollywood release this week! 

First up, we take a look at the ensemble romantic comedy 'He's just not that into you' based on the bestselling self-help book.

A comic book hero called 'The Spirit' comes to life.

The return of a director of Titanic proportions.  

And finally, a romantic comedy that will hopefully bring back the Sandra Bullock mojo that seems to have been missing of late.

All of this is inside the casting couch (just a click away)!  

Ornate, no?

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