"Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" is now in GK Films' hands

Yet another news about a reboot film and studio acquirement. GK Films reportedly has acquired the rights to own and produce "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" reboot. And just like the other upcoming reboots ("Man of Steel", "The Amazing Spider-Man", and currently "Peter Pan Begins"), this movie will tell more in-depth story about the young and dynamic Lara Croft.

It will likely be based on the 2010's latest "Tomb Raider" video game in which it tells about the origins of Lara Croft. The game itself first published in 1996, and caught the gamers' attention instantly. It was a huge phenomenon, as now the game is considered as one of the most successful video games of all time. I was still in elementary school when I first played the "Tomb Raider" PC game, it was really cool! How could I forget fighting and shooting a tyrannosaurus inside a cave with a female character only armed with two pistols? And then at the 'Lara's home' section we got to see the Croft's mansion and tried to reveal the secrets within. It was fun!

Back to the movie, now that Angelina Jolie won't be returning to play the leading lady, a month ago there was a speculation that "Tron: Legacy" star Olivia Wilde was the frontrunner to replace Jolie. However this news hasn't been confirmed from both parties. I think seeing Wilde as the younger version of Lara Croft would be exciting, as she also have the sexy smart and tomboy side of Croft. "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" reboot is set to be released in 2013, and it will be the sixth movie produced together by Graham King (producer of numerous critically acclaimed movies like "The Departed", "Blood Diamonds", "The Aviator", and "The Town") and Tim Headington, who previously worked together in "London Boulevard", "The Young Victoria", "The Tourist", "Edge of Darkness", and recently released "Rango". Hopefully in the development of this production, it will be filled with great cast and crew, so they will create a more edgy "Tomb Raider" movie rather than a usual action flick.

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Olivia Wilde to star in "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider"?

Even though it unsuccessfully attracted critics, the "Tomb Raider" franchise surely was a huge box office. That's why the crew will bring the movie back to live in a 'reboot' project (just like what's happening to the superhero movies this time — go back to the start). Unfortunately, the iconic actress Angelina Jolie confirmed that she won't be joining any forthcoming "Tomb Raider" projects, so the studio needs to find a replacement.

But thanks to Movie Web, we got an inside scoop about this developing production. Olivia Wilde ("Tron: Legacy", "Cowboys & Aliens", and tv series "House"), is rumored to be the 'priority' to be cast. "This would be a far darker and more serious Tomb Raider movie, the idea is to get a top director and an intelligent script and make this an empowering character for women as well as a popular one with men. Olivia Wilde is one of the names being suggested for the lead role. She would appear to be ideal," said the source.

The "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" reboot is scheduled to be released in 2013.

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The Hottest Stars are on the Vanity Fair's Hollywood Issue cover

Vanity Fair's March Hollywood Issue cover: too hot to be true!

You might have seen the super hot cover of Vanity Fair's next month Hollywood Issue, which I really like! All of the people on the covers are my favorites, and I'm so happy that they have received such amazing reception last year, and will shine on again this year. Let's check out each actor's achievement and upcoming projects from left to right (special extended introduction for the four main actors on the cover)!

Ryan Reynolds. Named as Sexiest Man Alive by People Magazine last year, he's also probably an actor with the sexiest career. Movie goers started to recognize him more since 2009, where he appeared in four famous hits, from an indie feature "Adventureland", the summer blockbuster "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" where he played one of the X-heroes Deadpool, a romantic-comedy "The Proposal" alongside Sandra Bullock, and a critically-acclaimed indie drama "Paper Man". In 2010 he appeared in a thrilling movie "Buried", in which he had to deal with claustrophobic death trap while he is buried alive inside a coffin. He was cast as one of the most famous DC Comics character Green Lantern which will come out this summer, and a comedy "The Change Up" with Jason Bateman. He is currently signed for four projects, "RIPD", "The Croods", "Most Wanted", and "Safe House", and announced to star in X-Men's spin-off about "Deadpool" in 2012. Way to go, Ryan!

Jake Gyllenhaal. The Academy Award nominated actor (thanks to "Brokeback Mountain") was up for Golden Globe Awards earlier this year for his role in "Love and Other Drugs" (which eventually went to Paul Giamatti in "Barney's Vision"). He appeared in last year's summer blockbuster "Prince of Persia" as the iconic hero Prince Dastan. The Maggie Gyllenhaal's younger brother won't stop pleasing his loyal audience, by starring in upcoming sci-fi thriller "Source Code", alongside Vera Farmiga and Michelle Monaghan, and later a comedy titled "Nailed" with Jessica Biel, James Marsden, and Catherine Keener. Ever since he starred in the mystery "Donnie Darko", his career never stop climbing. "The Day After Tomorrow", "Jarhead", and "Zodiac" in which he starred as the leading role were all hits. He was back then rumored to replace Tobey Maguire for "Spider-Man", and although it didn't happen, he and Tobey starred in 2009's drama "Brothers" (as brothers, of course) with Natalie Portman and it received many positive receptions from movie critics. Looking forward for new Gyllenhaal movies!

Anne Hathaway. For me, she'll always be the "Princess Amelia of Genovia". "Princess Diaries" was the first movie where I caught Anne for the first time, and I liked her immediately. She's likeable, funny, and witty, there's no reason to hate her. From "Bride Wars" to "The Devil Wears Prada", seems like she really fits in playing any role she wants. But she proved that she is also capable in doing dramatic roles, by getting an Academy Award nomination for her role in "Rachel Getting Married". She starred in 'serious' movies like "Havoc" (with Joseph Gordon-Levitt as well — and there was a LOT of nudity, I was kinda shocked that Anne was willing to star in this kind of movie!) and "Brokeback Mountain" (as Jake Gyllenhaal's wife). And just like Gyllenhaal, she was nominated for a Golden Globe for "Love and Other Drugs" in which she starred with Gyllenhaal, again. She is currently signed to play Batman's famous lover/enemy Catwoman in upcoming "The Dark Knight Rises", and she is set to host the Oscars this month with the guy who's on her right...

James Franco. Forget about Harry Osborn the Spider-Man's frienemy, the UCLA attendee has been stepping into the more mature and classier role. Remember his great portrayal of Harvey Milk's gay-lover Scott Smith in "Milk" with Sean Penn? Well yes, I'm talking about a true talent. In 2010 he appeared in five movies; "Date Night", "Howl", a leading role in "William Vincent", "Eat Pray Love", and the movie which made him receive an Oscar nomination this year, "127 Hours". More invasion of James Franco this year, again with five movies; "Your Highness", "Rise of the Apes", "The Broken Tower", "Lovelace", and "The Iceman". Well I don't think the host will win the Oscar (afterall, people are already rooting for Colin Firth in "The King's Speech"), but this is an inevitable achievement for the actor who's currently enrolling as a college student. Watching he and Anne host the Oscar will be lovely!

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Movie Review: "Tron: Legacy"

A couple of weeks ago I made a pact with myself, to ‘control my desire to watch movies at the cinema’ whenever a new one comes out—at least until the end of this month. It isn’t like my usual activity, you know, I’ve been striving myself to watch the latest movie in the premiere date. I don’t know, I had this mindset that watching movie at the exact date of its premiere somehow more ‘prestigious’ and ‘cool’.

I kept the promise and voila, I could resist myself not to go to the cinema even though Rapunzel, Unstoppable, The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader, and Tron: Legacy were released. For me this is an accomplishment, because I must say I’m a movie mania. I can watch four to five different movies in a month, even watch two movies in a day. It’s probably the same as those fashionistas and shopaholic who can’t help just looking at the ‘new release’ mini dress or shoes. It was rather impulsive.

And eventually today, at 24 December—the Christmas Eve, I went to watch one of those movies. I chose Tron: Legacy, because last week I watched Disney Mara-TRON with Olivia Wilde and Garrett Hedlund on it (they’re super gorgeous!) and was simply curious about this movie. I haven’t watched the predecessor though, but I read Olivia’s tweet that we aren’t obliged to watch the first one to understand this sequel. OK, let’s go directly to my review!

Despite the rather predictable plot, Tron: Legacy is a great movie choice before the curtain of 2010 closed. The movie is just simply cool—I suggest you have to watch the 3D version because the special effect is AWE...wait for it...SOME (trying to pull out some Barney Stinson here, haha)! It’s really nice to see that the director might chose this simple plot because it’s under Walt Disney Pictures production, and Disney movies are mostly (and somehow must be made) suitable for kids (at least teenagers), so they had to create a good balance between the super advanced effects and understandable storyline.

Any of the Grid fights are absolutely my favourite. The motorcycle race is superb—I wonder if that kind of race track actually exist. And I love the design of the Tron world. Jeff Bridges successfully brings the ‘feel of the movie’, as a hopeless father/ inventor who’s ‘alienated’ by his own creations. I gotta say that Bridges is the star, and even though I love Hedlund and Wilde so much, they simply work as the ‘eye candies’.

Since I haven’t watched the first movie, I actually feel that I didn’t watch this movie as a whole. I mean, I still need to figure out some things: Flynn said he created Clu and Tron to help him build the real Tron world. But unfortunately I, as the viewer, don’t have much information about the Tron himself (even though at the end of the movie they reveal it). The ending is cheesy and unsatisfying, but I almost cried when Flynn let his son get away with Quorra and he sacrifices himself (I told you, Jeff Bridges is the man!). Not forget to mention that seeing the incredible effect is so worth it! Plus, Daft Punk did a really great job on scoring this movie. The epic-techno (OK to be honest I don't know the genre name) music suits the movie theme: sophisticated and futuristic.

So what are you waiting for? Go to your nearest theatre to experience the Tron world itself. Don’t forget to choose the 3D version if you have an extra cash. In case you want to go out and hang out with your family in this Christmas holiday, watching Tron: Legacy might be a great choice. Happy Holidays and have a great weekend, people!

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