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This 2011 theatrical remake of John le Carré’s spy classic is a happy surprise — it’s every bit as distinctive and accomplished as the famed Alec Guinness TV miniseries. Swedish director Tomas Alfredson and the writers know how to tell a story — at just over two hours it’s neither bloated nor curtailed. Gary Oldman immediately makes the brilliant George Smiley his own — he’s younger but just as quiet and secretive. Oldman is surrounded by distinctive talent, an ensemble that serves the story: John Hurt, Colin Firth, Toby Jones, Ciarán Hinds, Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark Strong, Tom Hardy. It’s a delight for mystery-spy fans whether or not they’re familiar with the John le Carré-George Smiley universe.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray

Kl Studio Classics

2011 / Color / 2:35 widescreen / 128 min. / Street Date February 22, 2022 / available through Kino Lorber / 39.95

Starring: Gary Oldman, Tom Hardy, John Hurt, Colin Firth, Toby Jones,...

Netflix will not be adding Russian propaganda programming to its platform in the territory, contrary to initial reports over the weekend.

Under a law that was projected to take effect March 1, Netflix would have been obligated to carry content from Channel One, entertainment network Ntv and a Russian Orthodox Church channel.

The streaming giant, which launched local-language service in Russia a little more than a year ago, is understood to have fewer than 1 million of its 222 million global subscribers there.

Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine has put the media spotlight on the country’s business relationships and protocols, including in the media. “Given the current situation, we have no plans to add these channels to our service,” a rep told Deadline in a statement.

Its media watchdog, Roskomnadzor, added Netflix as an “audiovisual service” last year, along with other streaming outlets with at least 100,000 viewers. Those on the registry...

Russian producer Alexander Rodnyansky brings a basket brimming with projects to this year’s AFM as he looks forward to easier international conditions as the Covid pandemic begins to recede.

Deals with two of Russia’s biggest platforms — Kinopoisk HD on local search engine giant Yandex, and Okko, part of leading bank Sber (which has a client base that numbers 90 million) — as well as a strategic partnership and first-look deal with Apple to produce Russian-language and multilingual international shows for Apple Plus TV allows the two-time Oscar nominee a breadth of material with which to work.

Top projects include “Red Rainbow,” the winner of this year’s co-production pitching competition at Series Mania. “Rainbow” is based on a true story set in 1979 about three young gay activists from West Berlin who are invited to Moscow on an official visit, not realizing that homosexuality is a crime in the Soviet Union.

Natasha Merkulova and Aleksey Chupov, directorial duo behind the Venice title “Captain Volkonogov Escaped” – vying for a Golden Lion – thought about Jean-Paul Belmondo when creating their main character, a Ussr law enforcer who suddenly goes on the run and finds himself pursued by his former colleagues. The legendary French actor, known for “Breathless” and “Pierrot le Fou,” died on Sept. 6.

“In one of the earlier versions of the script, we even had a similar ending to ‘Breathless’. Then we changed it, but its spirit remained,” Chupov tells Variety in Venice after the film’s world premiere. “We grew up on his movies.”

The Russian-Estonian-French co-production, though set in 1938, is not a faithful take on the politically charged period, with the directors opting for a “retro-utopia” instead and, as they say, reinventing the past.

“Making a typical historical drama just wasn’t interesting to us. I know people who like making them,...

Netflix has revealed that filming is underway on its first major Russian drama series, Anna K.

Filming began early this month on the Russian Original, a contemporary retelling of Leo Tolstoy’s classic novel Anna Karenina.

Svetlana Khodchenkova (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) is starring as Anna Karenina in the series, which is filming in Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia. The series is set in modern day Russia, where socialite Anna Karenina, the wife of the soon-to-become governor of St. Petersburg, enters a life-changing love affair with Vronsky, the dashing heir of an aluminum empire. Their affair quickly careens out of control, threatening the delicate balance of their familial bonds and social relationships.

Anna Nagler, Director, Local Language Originals, Cee, Russia and Poland, disclosed the start of production during a Series Mania panel about the streamer’s European growth.

The audience heard that the number of viewers for Netflix’s non-English...

Marta Kessler as Kira and Svetlana Khodchenkova as Lilya in “Sekta.” Courtesy of MHZChoice.com

Good news, of a sort. The US is apparently not the only country having problems with cults. The Russian TV miniseries “Sekta” (“The Sect”) dramatizes the emotional and physical brutality of what cults can do to the gullible, and how hard it can be for others to rescue and de-program the victims. Powerful, if unpleasant, to witness, yet seemingly insightful and realistic about short and long-term effects on all touched by such situations.

The protagonist is a nurse, Lilya (Svetlana Khodchenkova), who helps a trio of parent-hired freelancers after they’ve managed to retrieve an unwilling Nika (Anastasiya Chistyakova) from her large, violent cult. The leader is a charismatic guy who claims the usual sort of insight beyond this lifetime, and a path to eternal bliss. They have no problem using any means to retake Nika,...

Currently in production on the second season of “To the Lake,” a dark depiction of a world affected by a mysterious virus, which has gained worldwide popularity on Netflix, Moscow-based 1-2-3 Production is only just getting started. As Variety found out, the second season of “Call Center” is also in active development, with “Dreams of Alice,” an eight-episode series chosen for the Berlinale Series Market Selects in March, at a work-in-progress stage. Survival drama “The Big Game,” about a reality show gone wrong, is also in the works.

“We were happy to see that people in so many countries watched ‘To the Lake’ and that it landed in the top 10 in over 70 territories,” says Evgeniy Nikishov, general producer of TV-3 channel, who heads the company alongside Valeriy Fedorovich. “It has received a flood of fan posts and comments on social media, emails to our company and directly to the actors of the show.

Netflix has ordered “Anna K,” a TV adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s classic “Anna Karenina,” as its first-ever Russian original drama series, the streaming service said Wednesday. The series is described as lavish retelling of Tolstoy’s novel, but set in modern-day Russia.

The show will star Svetlana Khodchenkova in the title role of Anna Karenina, the wife of the soon-to-become governor of St. Petersburg, who enters a life-changing love affair with Vronsky, the dashing heir of an aluminum empire, per “Anna K’s” synopsis. Their affair quickly careens out of control, threatening the delicate balance of their familial bonds and social relationships. Set between cosmopolitan Moscow, historic St. Petersburg, and Russia’s rugged countryside, the drama explores themes of passion and loyalty.

Roman Kantor and Maria Mikulina are writing “Anna K,” which will be directed by Valeriy Fedorovich, Evgeniy Nikishov, Natasha Merkulova, Aleksey Chupov and Kantor. Producers include Fedorovich,...

Svetlana Khodchenkova will play the title character.

Netflix has set its first Russian original drama series – Anna K (working title), an adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s classic 1878 novel Anna Karenina.

The series will be a “lavish and contemporary retelling” of the novel according to Netflix. It will star Svetlana Khodchenkova in the title role. Khodchenkova’s credits include Tomas Alfredson’s 2011 feature Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.

Anna K will be written by Roman Kantor, and produced for Netflix by Valeriy Fedorovich and Evgeniy Nikishov of Russian firm 1-2-3 Production. Additional producers are Kantor and Sergey Kornikhin, while Fedorovich, Nikishov, Kantor,...

Netflix has set a contemporary reimagining of Leo Tolstoy’s iconic novel Anna Karenina as its first-ever Russian original drama series.

Titled Anna K, the series will be produced by Moscow-based 1-2-3 Production and stars Svetlana Khodchenkova in the title role. Khodchenkova has appeared in features including Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and The Wolverine.

The project is billed as a lavish retelling of the literary classic, set in modern Russia. It centers on Anna Karenina, the wife of the soon-to-become governor of St. Petersburg, who enters a life-changing love affair with Vronsky, the dashing heir of an aluminum empire.

Their affair quickly careens out of control, threatening the delicate balance of their familial bonds and social relationships. Set between cosmopolitan Moscow, historic St. Petersburg, and Russia’s rugged countryside, the drama explores themes of passion and loyalty.

Roman Kantor and Maria Mikulina are the writers, while Anna K will be directed by Valeriy Fedorovich,...

Netflix is taking on Tolstoy with Anna K., its first-ever Russian original series. The new drama is a modern-day retelling of Leo Tolstoy’s classic novel Anna Karenina. Svetlana Khodchenkova (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) will play the titular lead.

In the updated Netflix version, Anna Karenina is a socialite and wife of the soon-to-be governor of St. Petersburg, who enters a life-changing love affair with Vronsky, the dashing heir of an aluminum empire. Their affair threatens the delicate balance of their familial bonds and social relationships.

Anna Karenina is considered one of the greatest novels of all time. It begins with one ...

Netflix is taking on Tolstoy with Anna K., its first-ever Russian original series. The new drama is a modern-day retelling of Leo Tolstoy’s classic novel Anna Karenina. Svetlana Khodchenkova (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) will play the titular lead.

In the updated Netflix version, Anna Karenina is a socialite and wife of the soon-to-be governor of St. Petersburg, who enters a life-changing love affair with Vronsky, the dashing heir of an aluminum empire. Their affair threatens the delicate balance of their familial bonds and social relationships.

Anna Karenina is considered one of the greatest novels of all time. It begins with one ...

MK2 Films has come on board to handle world sales on “House Arrest,” a satirical drama directed by critically acclaimed Russian helmer Aleksey German Jr. (“Dovlatov”) that tackles Russia’s judicial system.

“House Arrest” follows David, a Russian university professor who takes to social media to criticize his city’s administration and the Mayor’s dodgy dealings. But David soon finds himself accused of embezzlement and placed under house arrest. Despite the overbearing surveillance, double-crossing acquaintances, and growing media interest, David remains defiant and will not apologize.

“I came up with this project many years ago. The drama of a man fighting to keep his dignity,” said German Jr. “This film is an essential and intimate statement about what inner freedom is and how important it is to stay honest to yourself,” added the politically-engaged helmer.

German Jr.’s credits include “Paper Soldier,” which won Venice’s best director award,...

Disney Plus is adding an underrated Marvel movie this week. On New Year’s Day, the Mouse House’s streaming service will debut yet another film from the X-Men franchise that Disney inherited from Fox. While we’re still waiting to find out how the studio handles the R-rated Logan, January 1st sees its predecessor, 2013’s The Wolverine, become available to stream for subscribers in the US and other territories.

Hugh Jackman’s second solo outing as the immortal antihero has Logan travel to Japan when he’s summoned by an elderly businessman who he saved during World War II. Sucked into a shadowy realm of yakuza and samurai, Wolverine is pushed to the emotional and physical brink as he faces his own mortality for the first time. Rila Fukushima, Tao Okamoto, Svetlana Khodchenkova, Hiroyuki Sanada and Famke Janssen co-star.

James Mangold’s first outing in the X-universe isn’t...

Fencing drama recently closed the Moscow International Film Festival.

China’s Huashi.TV and Europe’s Koch Film have acquired rights to Russian sports drama On The Edge from Moscow-based Central Partnership.

German firm Koch Films has secured rights for Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and Luxembourg, and will receive a limited theatrical release.

The feature, directed by Eduard Bordukov, centres on a heated rivalry between the world’s top saber fencer and a talented newcomer, and recently closed the 42nd Moscow International Film Festival.

It opened in Russia on November 26, securing second place at the box office with takings of...

Roskino revealed the project, amongst others, at a Marche presentation today.

A host of new Russian projects in all kinds of different genres were announced in Cannes at a special presentation organised by Roskino.

Vera Glagoleva [pictured], director of Ralph Fiennes-starrer, Two Women, introduced her new project A Friend From Afar. Produced by Natalia Ivanova, this is the story of Russian writer Ivan Turgenev’s fatal affair with a French opera star seen through the eyes of his illegitimate daughter.

Audiences were also given their first look at The Other Cheek from producers Anastasia Perova, Vincent Cespedes, and Julia Lukashuk. The film focuses on a former figure-skater turned sports reporter plunged into the heavy-hitting world of boxing.

Producer Ilya Stewart presented Blood On The Dancefloor, a futuristic Hunger Games-style project set in a Europe recovering from a global war which has lapsed into a militant, misogynist Puritanism. Stewart confirmed the casting of three young Russian stars in leading...

Experimental filmmaker Nina Menkes is developing a new film examining the Israel-Palestinian conflict through the Greek legend of Theseus and the Minotaur.

Nina Menkes is developing a new film examining the Israel-Palestinian conflict through a loose re-telling of the Greek legend of Theseus and the Minotaur set against the backdrop of the Old City of Jerusalem in contemporary times.

Entitled simply Minotaur, the film revolves around a Christian Palestinian working with tourists in the Old City, who embodies both Theseus and the Minotaur, which manifests itself as a Hebrew-speaking beast that attacks visitors in the crypt of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. He has a mother called Pasiphae and falls for the beautiful foreign waitress Ariadne.

“First and foremost it’s an emotional story about the process of confronting the self and not living in denial which I think is a big issue around here… but it’s also a political story about here the country...

The Russian Cinema Fund, with backing from the Russian Ministry of Culture, presented 18 new Russian productions at a Cannes Market showcase yesterday.

The presentations were grouped into three sections: animations currently in production, completed features and works-in-progresss.

Highlights included hit animation sequel The Snow Queen 2 (already selling well for Wizart); Wizart’s new animation property Sheep and Wolves; Ralph Fiennes starrer Two Women (sold by Rezo) [pictured]; the English-language thriller Bathory; and Orlean from The Horde director Andrey Proshkin.

The films presented were:

Animation

The Snow Queen 2

Sold by Vizart, this 3D production from Melnitsa Animation will be delivered by the end of 2014. The first film was a hit released in several dozen international territories.

The Magic Tower

A 2D animated historical fantasy from Masterfilm, about a man with magical powers who realises that friendship is better than sorcery. Delivery set for November 2014.

Sheep and Wolves

To be delivered in spring or autumn 2015 by director Andrey...

The Russian Cinema Fund, with backing from the Russian Ministry of Culture, presented 18 new Russian productions at a Cannes Market showcase yesterday.

The presentations were grouped into three sections: animations currently in production, completed features and works-in-progresss.

Highlights included hit animation sequel The Snow Queen 2 (already selling well for Wizart); Wizart’s new animation property Sheep and Wolves; Ralph Fiennes starrer Two Women (sold by Rezo) [pictured]; the English-language thriller Bathory; and Orlean from The Horde director Andrey Proshkin.

The films presented were:

Animation

The Snow Queen 2

Sold by Vizart, this 3D production from Melnitsa Animation will be delivered by the end of 2014. The first film was a hit released in several dozen international territories.

The Magic Tower

A 2D animated historical fantasy from Masterfilm, about a man with magical powers who realises that friendship is better than sorcery. Delivery set for November 2014.

Sheep and Wolves

To be delivered in spring or autumn 2015 by director Andrey...

Based on the celebrated comic book arc, this epic action-adventure takes Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), the most iconic character of the X-Men universe, to modern-day Japan. Out of his depth in an unknown world, he will face a host of unexpected and deadly opponents in a life-or-death battle that will leave him forever changed. Vulnerable for the first time and pushed to his physical and emotional limits, he confronts not only lethal samurai steel but also his inner struggle against his own immortality, emerging more powerful than we have ever seen him before. The Wolverine features: Director: James Mangold Hugh Jackman as Logan/Wolverine Tao Okamoto as Mariko Yashida Rila Fukushima as Yukio Famke Janssen as Jean Grey Hiroyuki Sanada as Shingen Yashida Svetlana Khodchenkova as Dr. Green/Viper Will Yun Lee as Kenuichio Harada Haruhiko Yamanouchi as Yashida Brian Tee as Noburo Mori X-Men: Days of Future Past hits theaters May 23, 2014. Follow @KingPatel7 !function(d,...

With the summer movie season right around the corner (the release of "The Amazing Spider-Man 2" this Friday pretty much marks the occasion), it's time to look ahead and see which actors' careers are primed for lift-off. This time last year there were stars like "Man of Steel's" Henry Cavill, "Pacific Rim's" Charlie Hunnam and "The Wolverine's" Svetlana Khodchenkova looking to make headway. But which of this summer's players will have truly broken out by the time the hot months are over? Click through the gallery story below for a few guesses and thoughts, and feel free to chime in with your own in the comments section.

Images: Make-up Effects Group The Wolverine - Based on the celebrated comic book arc, this epic action-adventure takes Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), the most iconic character of the X-Men universe, to modern day Japan. Out of his depth in an unknown world he will face a host of unexpected and deadly opponents in a life-or-death battle that will leave him forever changed. Vulnerable for the first time and pushed to his physical and emotional limits, he confronts not only lethal samurai steel but also his inner struggle against his own immortality. The Wolverine was be directed by James Mangold (Knight and Day), from a script written by Christopher McQuarrie. Starring: Hugh Jackamn (Logan/Wolverine), Svetlana Khodchenkova (Viper), Hiroyuki Sanada (Shingen), Hal Yamanouchi (Yashida), Tao Okamoto (Mariko), Rila Fukushima (Yukio), Brian Tee (Norubo Mori), and Will Yun Lee (Kenuichio Harada/Silver Samurai). Available Now on Digital HD, DVD, and Blu-ray.

Voting is now open in the 8th Annual KidsPickFlicks.com Pick Awards and Your vote is important! The Pick Awards is the way teens, tweens and kids can show what we think is Best and what is important to us in movies. Check out the categories and the nominees and then go to the home page of KidsPickFlicks.com to vote - you can vote once a day in each category! 

Pick Movie of 2013:

Despicable Me 2

Epic

Frozen

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Monsters University

Ick Movie of 2013:

G.I. Joe: Retaliation

The Host

The Lone Ranger

Turbo

Pick Actress:

Abigail Breslin, "Valentine Wiggin" in Ender's Game

Joey King, "Emily" in White House Down

China Anne McClain, "Charlotte Mackenzie" in Grown Ups 2

Katherine McNamara, "Sarah O'Malley" in Contest

Hailee Steinfeld, "Juliet Capulet" in Romeo & Juliet

Sophie Nelisse, "Liesel Meminger" in The Book Thief

 

Pick Actor:

Asa Butterfield,...

Elizabeth Bathory was said to have bathed in the blood of virgins, so naturally she's been the subject of many a horror film over the years. The Countess is once again gearing up for a return, and a hot young actress has been cast in the iconic role. Read on!

THR reports that The Wolverine star Svetlana Khodchenkova has landed the lead role in the upcoming film Lady of Csejte, a historical thriller that follows the 16th century Hungarian serial killer, labeled the most prolific female serial killer in history. The film will also star Isabelle Allen (Les Miserables).

The Transylvania shoot begins later this month.

Andrei Konst will make his directorial debut with the pic, from a script by Matthew Jacobs. Glacier Films is financing and producing the film, alongside Steven Schneider (Paranormal Activty, Insidious).

Visit The Evilshop @ Amazon!

Got news? Click here to submit it!

Bathe in blood in the comments section below!

• Zoe Saldana and Sam Worthington have finalized deals to reprise their roles as Neytiri and Jake Sully in the three upcoming Avatar sequels for director James Cameron. News of their “expected” return was first reported in August. Stephen Lang is also returning as Marine Colonel Quaritch. The three follow ups will be shot back to back and are rolling out to theaters in December of 2016, 2017, and 2018. [THR]

• End of Watch star Michael Peña has reportedly been offered a role in Marvel’s Ant-Man. The Edgar Wright-directed pic is expected to begin shooting this spring with leads Paul Rudd and Michael Douglas...

Jurassic World

Chris Pratt will officially join Bryce Dallas Howard in the upcoming "Jurassic World" at Universal Pictures.

Ron Howard confirmed the news whilst tweeting a photo from Sunday night's Golden Globes which showed Chris and Bryce meeting for the first time. [Source: Perez Hilton]

Noah

Darren Aronofsky has confirmed that he's cast Nick Nolte in the role of the watcher Samyaza in his upcoming Biblical epic "Noah". [Source: Twitter]

Silence

"Girls" star Adam Driver is reportedly the newest cast member to join Andrew Garfield and Ken Watanabe in Martin Scorsese's 17th century Japanese thriller 'Silence'. Shooting aims to begin next summer. [Source: Showbiz 411]

Lady of Csejte

Russian actress Svetlana Khodchenkova ("The Wolverine") has scored the title role in Andrei Konst's historical thriller "Lady of Csejte" at Glacier Films.

The story is based on the life of serial killer Countess Bathory, who killed hundreds of children in 16th century Transylvania. Isabelle Allen also stars.

Russian actress Svetlana Khodchenkova, who starred in The Wolverine and appeared in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, has been cast as the lead in horror-thriller Lady of Csejte. The film is set to shoot in Transylvania in January. Andrei Konst will make his directorial debut with the pic, from a script by Matthew Jacobs. Glacier Films is financing and producing the film, which will also star Isabelle Allen (Les Miserables).  The historical thriller follows the 16th century Hungarian serial killer Countess Elizabeth Bathory, labeled the most prolific female serial killer in history. Steven Schneider (Paranormal Activity, Insidious) is producing

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Artwork by Steve Jung To see more of Steve's work, please visit his website, stevejung.net. You can also visit his blog, jungsketch.blogspot.com, for helpful tips and tutorials. Based on the celebrated comic book arc, this epic action-adventure takes Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), the most iconic character of the X-Men universe, to modern day Japan. Out of his depth in an unknown world he will face a host of unexpected and deadly opponents in a life-or-death battle that will leave him forever changed. Vulnerable for the first time and pushed to his physical and emotional limits, he confronts not only lethal samurai steel but also his inner struggle against his own immortality. The Wolverine was be directed by James Mangold (Knight and Day), from a script written by Christopher McQuarrie. Starring: Hugh Jackamn (Logan/Wolverine), Svetlana Khodchenkova (Viper), Hiroyuki Sanada (Shingen), Hal Yamanouchi (Yashida), Tao Okamoto (Mariko), Rila Fukushima...

Despite being one of Marvel’s most insanely popular characters, Wolverine has struggled a bit on the big screen. Sure, Hugh Jackman defied expectations when he first signed on to play the Canadian mutant. After, in the comics, the guy is short and stocky whereas Jackman is over six feet tall. He fit the ensemble in the X-Men trilogy of films quite nicely, playing off James Marsden’s Cyclops as both vied for Jean Grey’s love only to both watch her die in X-Men: Last Stand.

If there was any character ready for a spinoff film, it was Wolverine but X-Men Origins; Wolverine was a bit of a messy disappointment, overstuffed with other mutants and telling his poignant backstory. Still, the character was tantalizing for 20th Century Fox so they went back to the drawing board – and the comics – for inspiration offering up this summer’s The Wolverine,...

Costume Designs: Isis Mussenden * Costume Illustrations: Phillip Boutte Jr.. Click Here To See 1 More Design At Film Sketchr Based on the celebrated comic book arc, this epic action-adventure takes Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), the most iconic character of the X-Men universe, to modern day Japan. Out of his depth in an unknown world he will face a host of unexpected and deadly opponents in a life-or-death battle that will leave him forever changed. Vulnerable for the first time and pushed to his physical and emotional limits, he confronts not only lethal samurai steel but also his inner struggle against his own immortality. The Wolverine was be directed by James Mangold (Knight and Day), from a script written by Christopher McQuarrie. Starring: Hugh Jackamn (Logan/Wolverine), Svetlana Khodchenkova (Viper), Hiroyuki Sanada (Shingen), Hal Yamanouchi (Yashida), Tao Okamoto (Mariko), Rila Fukushima (Yukio), Brian Tee (Norubo Mori), and Will Yun Lee (Kenuichio Harada/Silver...

The Wolverine - 20th Century Fox - Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray Combo Pack, and DVD Director: James Mangold Cast: Hugh Jackman, Hiroyuki Sanada, Svetlana Khodchenkova, Brian Tee, Will Yun Lee. Full cast + crew It's a safe bet that The Wolverine will be better remembered than its box office would indicate. It only made $133 million in the U.S., which put it far behind the bigger superhero movies of the year (Iron Man 3, Man of Steel and Thor: The Dark World), and you'd think that would mine the film is a stinker, but that's just not the case. The reality is that fans probably felt they had Wolverine fatigue, and assumed this one probably wasn't any better than Wolvie's last solo film. It is, though. It's much, much...

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Artwork by Michele Moen Based on the celebrated comic book arc, this epic action-adventure takes Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), the most iconic character of the X-Men universe, to modern day Japan. Out of his depth in an unknown world he will face a host of unexpected and deadly opponents in a life-or-death battle that will leave him forever changed. Vulnerable for the first time and pushed to his physical and emotional limits, he confronts not only lethal samurai steel but also his inner struggle against his own immortality. The Wolverine was be directed by James Mangold (Knight and Day), from a script written by Christopher McQuarrie. Starring: Hugh Jackamn (Logan/Wolverine), Svetlana Khodchenkova (Viper), Hiroyuki Sanada (Shingen), Hal Yamanouchi (Yashida), Tao Okamoto (Mariko), Rila Fukushima (Yukio), Brian Tee (Norubo Mori), and Will Yun Lee (Kenuichio Harada/Silver Samurai). Available Now on Digital HD. On Blu-ray & DVD Dec. 3.

Artwork by Steve Jung To see more of Steve's work, please visit his website, stevejung.net. You can also visit his blog, jungsketch.blogspot.com, for helpful tips and tutorials. Based on the celebrated comic book arc, this epic action-adventure takes Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), the most iconic character of the X-Men universe, to modern day Japan. Out of his depth in an unknown world he will face a host of unexpected and deadly opponents in a life-or-death battle that will leave him forever changed. Vulnerable for the first time and pushed to his physical and emotional limits, he confronts not only lethal samurai steel but also his inner struggle against his own immortality. The Wolverine was be directed by James Mangold (Knight and Day), from a script written by Christopher McQuarrie. Starring: Hugh Jackamn (Logan/Wolverine), Svetlana Khodchenkova (Viper), Hiroyuki Sanada (Shingen), Hal Yamanouchi (Yashida), Tao Okamoto (Mariko), Rila Fukushima...

Stars: Hugh Jackman, Tao Okamoto, Rila Fukushima, Hiroyuki Sanada, Svetlana Khodchenkova, Brian Tee, Hal Yamanouchi, Will Yun Lee, Famke Janssen | Written by Mark Bomback, Scott Frank | Directed by James Mangold

In case you hadn’t noticed, there was another Wolverine film out this summer. Hugh Jackman took his cigar-smoking, brow-furrowing, claw-snikt-ing anti-hero to Japan in what was his sixth outing as Logan.

The last solo outing for the mutton-chopped one was X-Men Origins: Wolverine, a film that was bad enough for me to turn off halfway through and seemingly nixed any future ‘Origins’ spin offs, most prominently the mooted Magneto movie. Still, audience affection for the Canadian crime fighter, as well as an ever-game Jackman prompted the production of this outing, with Walk the Line director James Mangold at the helm.

Cards on the table, the length of films is a massive bugbear of mine (alongside umbrellas and the incorrect...

Concept artist, Kelton Cram, has recently contributed his artistic talents to Steven Spielberg's television series, Falling Skies, and Jon M. Chu's G.I. Joe: Retaliation. But today, I wanted to show you his designs for James Mangold's The Wolverine. In the film, Viper (Svetlana Khodchenkova) showcases a mutant ability to heal, by shedding her wounded skin. If you haven't seen the film, and you should, it's pretty gnarly. Concept Art by Kelton Cram Based on the celebrated comic book arc, this epic action-adventure takes Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), the most iconic character of the X-Men universe, to modern day Japan. Out of his depth in an unknown world he will face a host of unexpected and deadly opponents in a life-or-death battle that will leave him forever changed. Vulnerable for the first time and pushed to his physical and emotional limits, he confronts not only lethal samurai steel but...

  The Wolverine (2013) Film Review, a movie directed by James Mangold and starring Hugh Jackman, Tao Okamoto, Luke Webb, Famke Janssen, Svetlana Khodchenkova, James Fraser, Tao Okamoto, Luke Webb, James Fraser,  Svetlana Khodchenkova, Will Yun Lee, Ken Yamamura, Hal Yamanouchi, Rila Fukushima, and Brian Tee. Promoted as the Wolverine film X-Men fans have been [...]

Continue reading: Film Review: The Wolverine (2013): Best Standalone Logan Film So Far...

Providing a blockbuster breath of fresh air, The Wolverine ditches the usual end-of-the-world perils in what is Hugh Jackman's sixth turn as the mutton-chopped mutant.

Instead the film chooses a more personal path, adds a distinctive flavour of the Far East and, in setting itself apart in such a way, deserves to claw itself a solid position at the box office.

So far this summer we've had a world-threatening, skyscraper-toppling onslaught of big action movies such as Star Trek Into Darkess, Man of Steel and Pacific Rim, so it's a relief to bring things down to earth a little in the sci-fi/superhero genre.

The Wolverine still has action, of course, but far more character-focused than yet another computer-generated city or two falling down in obvious echoes of 9/11.

Director James Mangold's movie is intense, impressive and involving, with a densely-plotted story of dynastic struggles offering intrigue and betrayal,...

Concept Art by Wayne Haag Logan Hanging On Yukio Approaches Lab Yashida Lab Silver Samurai Logan Falling Lab Silver Samurai Plummeting Concept Art by Gerhard Mozsi Snow Village Yashida Bedroom Based on the celebrated comic book arc, this epic action-adventure takes Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), the most iconic character of the X-Men universe, to modern day Japan. Out of his depth in an unknown world he will face a host of unexpected and deadly opponents in a life-or-death battle that will leave him forever changed. Vulnerable for the first time and pushed to his physical and emotional limits, he confronts not only lethal samurai steel but also his inner struggle against his own immortality. The Wolverine will be directed by James Mangold (Knight and Day), from a script written by Christopher McQuarrie.. The cast includes: Hugh Jackamn (Logan/Wolverine), Svetlana Khodchenkova (Viper), Hiroyuki Sanada (Shingen), Hal Yamanouchi (Yashida), Tao Okamoto (Mariko...

Here’s a wicked new poster for the comic book movie “The Wolverine” by director James Mangold (Walk The Line, 3:10 To Yuma, Identity) from a script by Christopher McQuarrie and starring Hugh Jackman (The Greatest Showman on Earth, Les Miserables, Real Steel, X-Men: First Class), Will Yun Lee (Total Recall, Bangkok Love Story, Red Dawn), Hiroyuki Sanada (47 Ronin, Fallen Moon) and Svetlana Khodchenkova (Suspended Chronicles, The Royal Killer). Synopsis: Based on the celebrated comic book arc, this epic action-adventure takes Wolverine, the most iconic character of the X-Men universe, to modern day Japan. Out of his depth in an unknown world he faces his ultimate nemesis in a life-or-death [ Read More ]

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Concept Artist Jared Krichevsky only worked on James Mangold's The Wolverine for a short time, but he created a cool image of Viper (Svetlana Khodchenkova) shedding her skin. While conceptual illustrators, Gerhard Mozsi and Wayne Haag, were responsible for the set designs, that included: the Yashida Compound, Japanese Snow Village, Yukon Town, Funeral Pagoda, Ruins of Nagaski, and the interiors of the Love Hotel. Concept Art by Jared Krichevsky Concept Art by Gerhard Mozsi Snow Village Yashida Compound Concept Art by Wayne Haag Yukon Township Ruins of Nagasaki Funeral Pagoda Love Hotel Interior Yashida Estate Based on the celebrated comic book arc, this epic action-adventure takes Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), the most iconic character of the X-Men universe, to modern day Japan. Out of his depth in an unknown world he will face a host of unexpected and deadly opponents in a life-or-death battle that will leave him forever changed.

Stars: Hugh Jackman, Tao Okamoto, Rila Fukushima, Hiroyuki Sanada, Svetlana Khodchenkova, Brian Tee, Hal Yamanouchi, Will Yun Lee, Famke Janssen | Written by Mark Bomback, Scott Frank | Directed by James Mangold

Even Wolverine’s healing factor should not to be able to recover from the adamantium bullet to the head that was X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Based on box office numbers it was quite a success, however nearly all fans and critics feel it was a huge disaster that forever tainted Wolverine’s film stock. Considering that tumultuous uphill battle The Wolverine was up against it does its due diligence to remind you why the character of Wolverine is so beloved by fans.

As the title states this is Wolverine’s story. There are no other needles cameos of other X-Men, nor random attempts at franchise world building. Is this the Wolverine movie we have been waiting for? Yes it is…well...

Concept Art by Josh Nizzi Click Here To See 2 More Images The Wolverine will be directed by James Mangold (Knight and Day), from a script written by Christopher McQuarrie.. The cast includes: Hugh Jackamn (Logan/Wolverine), Svetlana Khodchenkova (Viper), Hiroyuki Sanada (Shingen), Hal Yamanouchi (Yashida), Tao Okamoto (Mariko), Rila Fukushima (Yukio), Brian Tee (Norubo Mori), and Will Yun Lee (Kenuichio Harada/Silver Samurai). The film will claw into theaters July 26, 2013. Concept Art by Josh Nizzi Click Here To See More Images Iron Man 3 was directed by Shane Black, from a screenplay written by Drew Pearce. The film opened in theaters May 3, 2013. It stars: Robert Downey Jr. (Tony Stark), Gwyneth Paltrow (Virginia Potts), Don Cheadle (Col. James Rhodes), and Ben Kingsley as The Mandarin.

By Ben Williams

It would be easy to be cynical about yet another entry into one of the many superhero franchises that seem to dominate the landscape of modern cinema these days, but at least with “The Wolverine” there seems have been a conscious effort to mark the film out as more than just another comic book summer blockbuster.

Adapted from the limited series by Chris Claremont and Frank Miller, “The Wolverine” sets out to do what all good films should do, and that’s to allow the characters to drive the story forward and thread the narrative with an overarching theme. In short, “The Wolverine” attempts to be more of a structured drama than a comic book adaptation, and in this it mostly it succeeds.

Set sometime after the events of “X Men: The Last Stand”, Hugh Jackman’s Logan has forsaken his identity as The Wolverine and is...

The Wolverine

USA, 2013

Written by Mark Bomback and Scott Frank

Directed by James Mangold

It would seem that Hugh Jackman has come full circle. When he appeared as Wolverine in 2000′s X-Men, he wasn’t a big enough star to carry the film by himself; he needed a quality picture around him to bear the load of audience expectations. Now, in this weekend’s The Wolverine, Jackman has become such a star — and so attached to this role in particular — that he is able to pull the audience through the film’s rough spots and ultimately make it entertaining.

The film is very loosely adapted from the first Wolverine solo comic, a 1982 four-issue series written by Chris Claremont and drawn by Frank Miller. The two stories share little beyond a Japanese setting and the names of certain supporting characters, but director James Mangold (Copland, 3:10 to Yuma) has clearly composed...

Box office sees Hugh Jackman's Wolverine carve up first 20th Century Fox's The Wolverine topped the box office charts this weekend, scoring a mediocre $55 million at the domestic box office, but overseas the James Mangold film posted a big $86 million debut. The Hugh Jackman starrer which also includes Famke Janssen, Will Yun Lee, Tao Okamoto, Svetlana Khodchenkova, Brian Tee and Hiroyuki Sanada, averaged $14,016 per theater. Warner Bros. Pictures' The Conjuring horror continued well in its sophomore weekend at the box office, showing a 47% change and grossing $22.1 million from 3,022 theaters. Pic starring Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson and Lili Taylor has now made over $83.8 million Stateside from a $20 million production budget under horror maestro James Wan.

‘The Wolverine’ 2013 movie box office: Latest domestic summer season disappointment (photo: Hugh Jackman in ‘The Wolverine’) Starring Hugh Jackman, the James Mangold-directed The Wolverine debuted with a way lower than expected $21 million from 3,924 venues (3,063 of which in 3D) on Friday, July 26, 2013, including $4 million from Thursday evening and midnight shows, according to studio estimates found at Box Office Mojo. Generally speaking, $4 million or whereabouts from midnight screenings (in years past not including late Thursday shows) usually translates into a $60+ million opening weekend gross in North America — e.g., in summer 2011, Kenneth Branagh / Chris Hemsworth’s Thor with $65.72 million, and Joe Johnston / Chris Evans’ Captain America: The First Avenger with $65.05 million; in summer 2012, Marc Webb / Andrew Garfield’s The Amazing Spider-Man with $62 million; and earlier this summer season, Marc Forster / Brad Pitt’s World War Z with $66.41 million. World War Z‘s domestic overperformance notwithstanding, perhaps those late Thursday shows (and...

New The Wolverine movie delivered great action,drama,storyline, & more. 20th Century Fox released their new hardcore action flick, "The Wolverine" into theaters this weekend. I just checked it out,and thought it was really great,serving up major action,suspense,drama, great plot, and more. The movie stars: Hugh Jackman, Will Yun Lee, Svetlana Khodchenkova, Hiroyuki Sanada, Hal Yamanouchi, Tao Okamoto, Rila Fukushima, and Brian Tee. In the new flick, Wolverine aka Logan gets found by Yukio, just as he's getting ready to throw down in a violent bar fight in Canada, claiming her employer, Yashida, wants to speak with him,because Logan saved his life way back when. The only problem is Yashida lives in Tokyo,Japan. Yukio eventually persuades him to go,but just for a day. Later, when Logan arrives at Yashida's home,he quickly learns the real reason Yashida wanted to see him, was to...

Let's address the elephant in the room. Many of you will look at that one Viper image below, that I'm also using for the icon image, and notice that Jessica Biel ("The Texas Chainsaw Massacre") is depicted as Viper. A role that Svetlana Khodchenkova ended up playing in James Mangold's film. For those of you that don't know or forgot, about a year ago, it was reported, by multiple sites, that Jessica had landed the part. A day later, Jessica informed Hitfix that it wasn't a done deal. Then shortly after that, she officially exited the project claiming a scheduling conflict. You know, since she is so busy. Anyways, enjoy all the cool art below. Viper Concept Art by Joshua Min Wayne John Haag Pow Camp Capsule Hotel Ext 1 Capsule Hotel Ext 2 Red Light District Yukon Airport Based on the celebrated comic book arc, this epic action-adventure takes Wolverine...

Hugh Jackman returns for the seventh time as Logan/Wolverine in Marvel.s .The Wolverine,. a superhero movie that is really more about being a hero than being super. This time, the adventure takes our hero to Japan to say goodbye to a dying billionaire named Yashida. But it.s not just a friendly visit. Joining Jackman in the cast are Haruhiko Yamanouchi, Tao Okamoto, Rila Fukushima, Hiroyuki Sanada, Will Yun Lee, Brian Tee, and Svetlana Khodchenkova. Famke Janssen also returns to the franchise as Jean Grey, the love of Logan.s life.

And pssst, two characters from the .X-Men. franchise also return for .The Wolverine. Easter Egg found mid-credits.

Directed by James Mangold (.Walk the Line,. .3:10 to Yuma.), is .The Wolverine. worth all the hype? Take a look at my review below:...

One of the many concerns of actors (besides whether they’ll find work) is the fear of being typecast. That is being thought of for one kind of role. This may be why some actors don’t wish to reprise a role. The exception would be James Bond, with Sean Connery and Roger Moore each going on seven missions (and collecting some big paychecks). Well now the super hero roles are replacing that super spy for some actors ready to head into a string of big screen blockbusters. Hugh Jackman has now set a record for playing the same comic book based hero in the most feature films. Since 2000 Jackman has donned the claws of Logan Aka Wolverine in six movies (this includes the terrific cameo in 2011′s X Men: First Class), with next Summer’s X Men: Days Of Future Past still in production. But Robert Downey, Jr. is...