ShockTillYouDrop got their hands on our first look at zombie romance movie Warm Bodies, which stars Nicholas Hoult (X-Men: First Class) and Teresa Palmer (I Am Number Four).

The movie is an adaptation of Isaac Marion’s novel, and if you’re getting a Twilight vibe it’s probably because Summit Entertainment are behind it.

When a highly unusual zombie rescues a girl from imminent death at the hands of his cohorts, their unlikely romance sets in motion a chain of events that will transform him, his fellow dead, and maybe even the whole lifeless world.

Jonathan Levin (The Wackness) is directing the movie, which also stars Rob Corddry, John Malkovich, Analeigh Tipton, Dave Franco and Cory Hardrict. Summit will release Warm Bodies on August 10, 2012.

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According to Heat Vision Teresa Palmer (I Am Number Four) is in talks to join Nicholas Hoult in Summit Entertainment’s adaptation of Isaac Marion’s novel Warm Bodies, which has been described as ‘Twilight meets Shaun of the Dead‘.

The book follows an existentially-tormented zombie named R (Hoult) who begins an unlikely friendship with the human girlfriend of one of his victims. The blossoming relationship starts a chain reaction that will transform him, his fellow zombies and maybe the whole lifeless world.

Palmer will play “the daughter of one of the humans’ military leaders who is tiring of a life of constantly fighting off zombie attacks.” She’s probably playing the ‘human girlfriend’ too.

Jonathan Levin (The Wackness) is directing and the aim is to begin filming this summer for a 2012 release.

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Did my eyes deceive me? A comedy about getting the girl, set in the ‘80s, and no John Cusack in sight? Is Hollywood evolving in some respects? After watching the 92 minute feature Take Me Home Tonight, the answer is a mild yes.

The overall storyline is pretty standard and all the staple characters – spoiled rich guy, the likeable loser/dreamer, the “it” girl, etc. – found in all these types of period comedies are still involved. What ends up separating the plethora of these coming-of-age flicks, is whether the script will focus on the characters or dwell on the nostalgia and behavior of the time period. In this story’s case, the ’80s gimmick.

MIT graduate Matt Franklin (Topher Grace) is as smart as they come in his field of engineering. He’s almost “Rain Man” smart. For whatever reason, he chooses not to get a job using his expertise and decides to work at a video store in a Los Angeles mall. His father (Michael Biehn) is baffled by Matt’s lack of direction and continues to put the pressure on him to do something with his life. Matt is 22 and subscribes to the philosophy of not committing to something unless he is sure about. The only one who seems to support him is his twin sister Wendy (Anna Faris). Also, his longtime best friend Barry (Dan Fogler) backs his every move. Frankly though, Barry can’t really comment on Matt’s life, since he bypassed college to become a car salesman. And not a real good one at that.

Matt begins to see classmates from his 1984 high school class while working his video store gig. Including his high school crush that he never talked to in Tori Frederking (Teresa Palmer). All of a sudden, Matt’s life has a purpose. He believes he has a second chance to get the girl of his dreams. However, he realizes that his current stature in the world may be a turn-off. So he invents a new one. After spinning lies about a big financial career, he follows Tori to a party that all of his former classmates will be attending. Hosted by Sherman High School’s most popular student, the popped-collar wearing Kyle Masterson (Chris Pratt). Matt, Wendy and a ready to rock Barry, invade the party – each with their own agenda – and find themselves taking part in Motley Crue-like back stage shenanigans.

By reading the above plot summary, one might think that Matt will have to match wits with the popular Kyle Masterson in order to get Tori’s attention. And there has to an under-the-radar type girl who has always been by his side. Well, that’s not the case, and by side-stepping a few other similar clichés, is the reason why this particular ’80s coming-of-age concept flick evolved just enough. There is no climatic showdown between two people. It is basically Matt fighting against himself. This plot point becomes more substantial as the story opens up and will draw the audience in. Personally, this was a pleasant surprise, for the opening 15-20 minutes suggested that this could be going nowhere fast. Taking away some of the usual type-cast behavior of the characters adds a welcomed depth to the story. Or at least something different. Which is a relief because the comedic elements are not consistently strong enough to keep one entertained the entire duration.

With that being said, this is one of those flicks that benefit greatly from multiple viewings. The comedy will resonate more by a third viewing I believe. Certain scenes and/or characters are delivered in such an awkward way – which is done purposely – that the audience is caught off-guard. For instance, the dialogue interaction between Matt and the wheel-chair guy is meant to be funny, but it just isn’t the first time through. Reason being, the tweaking of how all the characters interact with each other deviates from the norm commonly found in these particular flicks. I guarantee that by the 2^nd or 3^rd viewing, that particular scene will derive a good chuckle.

As far as performances go, everyone was serviceable and did their part. Topher Grace has never been the most charismatic guy on screen. Though his career was born from a sitcom, he just isn’t that funny and really needs to be put in the right situations via the script. He does work well with the people around him though. Dan Fogler seems to channel a little Sam Kinison in his performance in both looks and vocal delivery. It might not be a bad idea to give his character “Barry Nathan” his own movie. One will wish that the writers loosened the noose just a bit more on Fogler’s character, for the results would have enhanced the entertainment value. If they did decide to go that route though, the story would have lost its balance and tone. That’s a tough trade-off to debate.

Anna Faris is just there and seems to be content in that role lately. The rest of the cast is just used to give the audience a break from the main plot of Matt and Tori, which ends up opening the door and letting in a handful of funny skits involving sex, drugs and, uh…Sex and drugs.

Overall, Take Me Home Tonight needs to be seen because its replay value down the road will be worth it. It really is one of those flicks that you’ll keep discovering funny moments that you didn’t catch the first time around. It does resemble late ’80s and early ’90s products and only incorporates a sample of unique concepts. So even though it deviates from the formula here and there, it may be too subtle for some to recognize the tweaks. Actually, it seems like an adult version of License to Drive in some respects, fused with a taste of Better Off Dead. Guess that equates to a homage piece then.

RATING: 3.5 out of 5

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In keeping with the delivery style of I Am Number Four, we’re (well, I am) going to bag the opening tease paragraph and just dive right into what went down in this 110 minute flick. As one will see, this approach can be a good, and possibly bad idea, for both mediums.

John (Alex Pettyfer) – better known as Number 4- is a wanted man. Actually, he’s wanted alien that looks exactly like an 18 year-old high school student. And Ryan Phillippe. He is labeled number 4 due to the fact that 9 special children are the only ones that can save other planets from the evil race that decimated their former world. Right away, the audience will know that he’s not from Earth, and that above mentioned small contingent of evil outer-space warriors – that look like a Nu-Metal band from the late ’90s – wants him destroyed ASAP. John has not fully realized all his powers and therefore has to live under the strict rules via his sworn protector Henri (Timothy Olyphant).

Anytime John’s powers involuntarily come out to play, Henri immediately packs up the place and they move to a new city complete with new identities. This gives John a version of cabin-fever and he begins to casually disregard Henri’s tactics. As they arrive at their latest hideaway city in Ohio, John convinces Henri to let him attend high school, as long as he promises not to draw attention to himself. Well, that plan goes to hell real quick, for he sticks up for the class-nerd in Sam (Callan McAuliffe) and begins seeing the former “it” girl Sarah (Dianna Argon). Which pisses off the Mr. popular football star Mark (Jake Abel).

When Mark either picks on Sam and/or tries to keep Sarah away from John, out of nowhere John’s X-Men like powers take over. Powerful beams of light shine through the palms of his hands, and his physical strength increases ten-fold. Realizing that John’s powers – or legacies as they call them – are growing, Henri fears these public outbursts are also drawing the attention of the Mogadorians, who plan on destroying Earth once they eliminate the remaining numbers. Taking all that into account, Henri prepares John to battle the Mogadorians. But he’s is going to need help from Sam, Sarah, his dog Bernie Kosar and whichever of the 9 legacies are still alive.

As stated above, the stripper-like tease structure commonly found in my reviews is not happening this time around. Like the flick, hopefully getting right to it will provide instant satisfaction (if only that was the case in real-life). I Am Number Four is a misplaced blockbuster. Meaning, this would be a huge and appropriate hit for the summer blockbuster season. There’s action, a substantial story, intelligent writing, decent acting and dazzling special-effects. It begs the question why DreamWorks and Walt Disney Pictures did not position this for a summer release date?

Sure the editing is choppy at times, for one can easily tell a chunk of footage was taken out from scene-to-scene based on the continuity of the characters’ actions. Which then bled into the writing being a tad irresponsible here and there. For instance, the audience never finds out the true origins of John/Number 4 and Henri’s journey. Why are they so human-like? Also, what is the rationale behind the Mogadorians bloodlust? How does Henri know so damn much? Questions such as these will linger, but keep in mind, this is just the first in a series of upcoming books (more on that below).

Yet these are all minor quirks that wash away very quickly. The script remains thoughtful and savvy in working with how a modern society would react to the abnormal actions the lead had to portray. That execution alone will have the audience impressed and wanting to be drawn deeper into this story. In fact, I Am Number Four needs to start producing a Number 2…As in sequel.

People that have ever wanted to wield some kind of superpower, find the right girl and be a part of higher cause will eat this flick right up. In an effort not to give too much away, “John” or “Number 4’s” powers come from his hands. So when he gets these “jazz” hands going, his power is Star Wars force-like. When the final act gets rolling, the display character puts on – along with another hidden digit (Teresa Palmer) – will keep one in awe. Credit this to the way the camera captures the action sequences. A nice balance of wide and tight shots enhance every fight scene. And believe it or not, you’ll actually care about the outcome of all the characters.

Overall, I Am Number Four is a marriage of X-Men and Spider-Man. With a better delivery. Since this is based off a proposed series of books that were just recently published, the ability of being mindful in the way society currently thinks; and improving on the faults of past comic/Sci-Fi themed products; enables I Am Number Four to feel energetic and fresh, despite borrowing angles from its predecessors in the genre.

The summer blockbuster season has come early my friends. Get to the theater and see this!

RATING: 4 out of 5

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DreamWorks Pictures has released the first teaser trailer for D.J. Caruso’s I Am Number Four which stars Alex Pettyfer, Timothy Olyphant, Teresa Palmer, Dianna Agron, Kevin Durand, Callan McAuliffe and Jake Abel.

The film follows John Smith (Pettyfer), a fugitive on the run from ruthless enemies sent to destroy him. Changing his identity, moving from town to town with his guardian Henri (Olyphant), John is always the new kid with no ties to his past. In the small Ohio town he now calls home, John encounters unexpected, life-changing events — his first love, powerful new abilities and a connection to the others who share his incredible destiny.

D.J. Caruso’s previous films include Disturbia and Eagle Eye (both starring Shia LaBeouf), so I Am Number Four could go either way. I think i’ll wait for the full trailer to see whether to spend money on it, but human-looking aliens with superhuman powers is an interesting concept.

I Am Number Four will be released 18 February 2011.

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With Marc Webb’s Spider-Man set to begin filming in December Columbia will now be getting a cast together to join Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker. The next big decision will be for the female lead, which in the Spider-Man universe is usually Mary Jane, however according to Heat Vision the love interest will be a different female character.

Who that character will be is unknown at the moment. It could be either Gwen Stacy, Felicia Hardy (Black Cat), or another character, but the decision not to include Mary Jane is most likely to ensure the reboot avoids similar story-lines from Sam Raimi’s trilogy.

Here are the up-and-coming actresses who are currently meeting with director Marc Webb:

Ophelia Lovibond, a British up-and-comer who appeared in “Nowhere Boy” and “4.3.2.1” and recently wrapped William Monahan’s “London Boulevard”;

Lilly Collins, who appeared in “The Blind Side” last year and will be seen in “Priest.”

Others potentially in the mix are:

Teresa Palmer, who is currently shooting “I Am Number Four” and was the romantic lead in this summer’s “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.” The actress, repped by WME and Management 360, read with Garfield last weekend.

Emma Roberts has twice flown from the set of “Scream 4” for readings.

Mary Elizabeth Winstead, the love interest in “Scott Pilgrim vs the World,” was in the arachnid web but sources say she has now fallen out.

If this casting process is anything like the one for Spider-Man himself we will probably get a few more names over the upcoming weeks before Columbia and Marc Web eventually decide.

Which female character do you want to appear in the reboot, and who do you want to play her?

(Image of actresses from Collider)

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A new trailer for The Sorcerer’s Apprentice has Youtubed its way online. Despite only lasting 1 minute and 2 seconds it contains a lot of new footage, including new special effects shots and scenes featuring the film’s villain Maxim, played by Alfred Molina. We also see more of Teresa Palmer who plays Jay Baruchel’s lady friend in the film.

For me Nicolas Cage redeemed himself from all of his past duds with Kick-Ass, and I am now once again a Cage fan.

At the moment I’m not sure how The Sorcerer’s Apprentice will fare at the box office, as it could go either way. Opening the same day as Christopher Nolan’s Inception certainly won’t help Cage to kick-start a potential new franchise, and producer Jerry Bruckheimer recently said the box office battle “is going to be interesting”. Inception will be going after a more mature crowd, so Disney may aim their marketing towards the younger demographic.

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice will be released on July 16th and is directed by Jon Turteltaub (National Treasure and its sequel).

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An international trailer for The Sorcerer’s Apprentice has made its way online. It contains quite a lot of new footage not seen in the first trailer, including more shots featuring the film’s villain Maxim, played by Alfred Molina. We also see more of Teresa Palmer who plays Jay Baruchel’s lady friend in the film.

It definitely has that Jerry Bruckheimer vibe to it, which means it will probably be a fun ride. With both this and Kick-Ass Nicolas Cage may have a very good 2010, and we may finally be able to forgive him for The Wicker Man (if people haven’t already).

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice will be released on July 16th 2010 and is directed by Jon Turteltaub (National Treasure and its sequel).

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Filming for Disney’s The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is currently taking palace in New York City, and some snappers managed to get our first look at Nicolas Cage, Jay Baruchel and Teresa Palmer on set. Cage in particular looks a bit…different. However I’ll save negative judgement until we get a trailer.

Click the image below to see 8 more images!

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It seems the casting for Transformers 2 is well underway. Earlier today we heard that Superbad actor Jonah Hill was in negotiations for a part, and now IESB say that Australian actress Teresa Palmer has landed a role. Aussie newspaper Courier Mail reported today:

She was up, up and away as part of the cast of the beleaguered Justice League of America, but Teresa Palmer’s film fortunes have transformed again.

While her Justice role as baddie Talia al Ghul is seemingly in a permanent holding pattern, the talented Aussie actress, pictured, has apparently landed a role in the Transformers sequel, Transformers 2.

Her casting follows an Aussie theme for director Michael Bay. The blockbuster auteur cast another Aussie, Rachael Taylor, in the first live-action Transformers feature and the Tassie actress has been busy ever since, appearing in the Alan Rickman drama Bottle Shock and more recently Deception with Michelle Williams.

Palmer, too, has been busy of late, moving swiftly from the postponed George Miller-directed Justice League to star opposite Adam Sandler in Bedtime Stories.

IESB think that Palmer will be playing Sam’s (Shia LaBeouf) ex-girlfriend – late teens to early 20s, cute and cerebral– a total arty girl that leads her own punk band…

I’m hoping Michael Bay is seeing the obvious here. Teresa Plamers is Shia’s ex, Megan Fox is his new girl. This will no doubt cause friction and will result in a catfight in robot lube!

…maybe?

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