Thompson on Hollywood

Immersed in Movies: VFX Retrofitting for Abrams' Hybrid Vision of Old and New in 'Star Trek Into Darkness'

Features

Like "Skyfall," "Star Trek Into Darkness" is a hybrid of the old and the new in completing its rite of passage reboot. Except J.J. Abrams has the advantage of time travel, which he introduced in the first movie, for creating a parallel universe that allows him to break the rules of the beloved sci-fi franchise for the 21st century while still honoring its iconic spirit.

By Bill Desowitz
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May 17, 2013 2:36 PM
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WATCH: New 'Star Trek Into Darkness' Trailer, Captain Kirk vs. Benedict Cumberbatch Villain -- "No Ship Should Go Down Without Her Captain"

Video

The third and final trailer for J.J. Abrams’ "Star Trek Into Darkness" continues the focus on Captain Kirk’s emotional journey and emphasizes his test of wills with Benedict Cumberbatch’s taunting baddie.

By Bill Desowitz
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April 16, 2013 3:05 PM
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Empire Special J. J. Abrams Issue: 'Star Trek,' 'Star Wars,' and 'Lost'

News

J.J. Abrams fans, get thee to a newstand. Empire Magazine has published a special fold-out edition for a special "J. J. Abrams" issue, which devotes a whopping 75 pages devoted to the film and TV writer-director-producer.

By Maggie Lange
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April 13, 2013 4:25 PM
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‘Star Trek Into Darkness’ Preview Report: Producer Bryan Burk Talks Promo Tour, Franchise Future

News

Friday in London, Paramount Pictures screened an extended look at "Star Trek Into Darkness" at the BFI IMAX cinema, introduced by producer Bryan Burk and including the opening 28 minutes of the film plus two other extended sequences. What they showed of J.J. Abrams’ belated sequel, which arrives four years after he rebooted the franchise with 2009’s "Star Trek," was thrilling stuff, even if you don’t count yourself a colossal (or even casual) Trekkie. That, as Burk explained in his intro to the footage, has always been their primary goal with this sequel: to make a film that appeals across the board.

By Matt Mueller
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March 8, 2013 5:46 PM
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Who Should Direct Bond 24? Take Our Poll

Features

Now that Sam Mendes has dropped out of directing "Bond 24," who should helm the follow-up to the billion-dollar "Skyfall"? The new MI6 table's been set with M (Ralph Fiennes), Q (Ben Whishaw), and Moneypenny (Naomie Harris), and with no more rites of passage or existential crises to deal with, Daniel Craig's 007 is now fully formed and reporting for duty "with pleasure."

By Anne Thompson and Bill Desowitz
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March 7, 2013 4:17 PM
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'Star Trek' Guru J.J. Abrams Directing 'Star Wars' Ignites Reaction: Why He Can Do Both

News

Emotions are running high with the news that J.J. Abrams will direct the newest installment of "Star Wars," due in theaters in 2015. Below, a roundup from the web, including Abrams' past words about his reservations to direct the storied franchise, rumors of other directors, a selection of amusing Tweets from fans, and more.

By Anne Thompson and Beth Hanna
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January 25, 2013 2:27 PM
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Weekend Recap: 'Alice in Wonderland' Sequel, Heroine Complex Short Films, Depp's Don Quixote, What's Next for Refn, Cuaron and Abrams

News

Disney is making moves to follow up "Alice in Wonderland" with a sequel. The 3-D 2010 Tim Burton film, featuring Mia Wasikowska as Alice and Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter, grossed $1 billion worldwide. Variety reports that Disney has brought back scriptwriter Linda Woolverton, who also wrote "Beauty and the Beast" and "The Lion King," to do the job.

By Maggie Lange
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December 10, 2012 12:12 PM
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First Look: Cumberbatch Causing Epic Destruction in 'Star Trek Into Darkness'?

News

Check out the new poster for J. J. Abrams' upcoming "Star Trek Into Darkness." Abrams will preview new footage and offer an intro to the world on December 9 and 10.

By Beth Hanna
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December 3, 2012 12:45 PM
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TV: J.J. Abrams' 'Revolution' in NC, Ciaran Hinds Joins 'Game of Thrones' & the Haunting Trailer for 'Homeland' Season 2

Television

J.J. Abrams' latest TV show, "Revolution," has begun location shooting in Wilmington, North Carolina. Set fifteen years in the future, "Revolution" is a dystopian sci-fi drama, with the rural NC location evoking a once civilized landscape that has been taken over by nature...

By Beth Hanna
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August 17, 2012 3:54 PM
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Amazon Prime Instant Adds 'Fringe' & 'West Wing' to Library for a Supernatural-FBI-Clinton-Administration Summer

News

Fans of showrunner-creators Aaron Sorkin and J.J. Abrams will find this exciting: Amazon announces today a licensing agreement with Warner Bros. to add both "Fringe" and "The West Wing" to its Prime Instant Video library this summer. Both titles were previously unavailable.