The fifth installment of Bruce Willis’ career-making ‘Die Hard’ franchise, ‘A Good Day to Die Hard’, hit theaters February 14, 2013. Unfortunately, seasoned moviegoers know February is the dumping ground for lazy, unimaginative, sloppy action flicks. ‘A Good Day to Die Hard’ is without a doubt the final nail in the coffin for Detective John McClane, and Toonari is here to explain why the franchise needs to bite the dust for good. Mild spoilers ahead.

John McClane has nothing left to offer the audience

The original ‘Die Hard’ was a hit: the snarky New York officer ran around kicking butt, getting beaten up, and generally pissing off one of the greatest film villains of all time. John McClane is a household name because of his lack of respect for authority, his foul mouth, and his easy trigger finger. By the fifth film, McClane is no longer an honest, lucky guy in the wrong place at the wrong time. He comes across as boorish and arrogant in the Moscow setting. His character works so much better in the previous films, even in the lukewarm ‘Live Free or Die Hard,’ that in the fifth movie he seems like a hollow shell of himself.

The writers keep giving him annoying sidekicks

One of the reasons why ‘Die Hard’ was so awesome is because it was one guy hopelessly outnumbered by bigger, stronger, badder German mercenaries. Adding a foil to John McClane is unnecessary (with the exception of Zeus (Samuel L. Jackson) in ‘Die Hard 3’ because he was funny, useful, and a great character). Jack McClane (Jai Courtney) is nothing more than a younger, less interesting shadow of his father and served absolutely no purpose other than to bounce dialogue off of his much cooler predecessor.

The villains cannot hold their mud compared to Hans Gruber

By far, this new villain is the weakest threat of the bunch. The first ‘Die Hard’ characterized Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) so well that he is almost as much of a household name as McClane. He was vicious, articulate, and cunning. The new villain is dull, has weak motivations, and is stuffed full of clichés. Even worse, the villain in the trailer is not the true villain and dies in the third act with no build up. The real villain is revealed in the last thirty minutes of the film,but it does not add anything to the story.

The films are almost entirely independent of each other after the third movie

The first two ‘Die Hard’ sequels worked because they made references to the original and tied back into the story relatively well. However, the fourth and fifth films barely string anything from the previous flicks together, aside from a brief cameo by McClane’s daughter (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). Jack McClane’s continuous digs at his dad for not caring about national security make no sense when John McClane stops cyber-terrorist Thomas Gabriel (Timothy Olyphant) from stealing millions of dollars that would have collapsed the U.S. government. Additionally, McClane’s previous cohorts are forgotten. The audience never finds out what happened to Al (Reginald VelJohnson), Zeus, Matthew (Justin Long) or any other characters who made it out of the earlier movies alive. It is foolish to continue making movies without referencing the characters who helped make them worthwhile.

The filmmakers seem to misunderstand why we love the ‘Die Hard’ series

There are a plethora of reasons why the first ‘Die Hard’ is an American classic. The action is relatively realistic and superb, the stakes are high, and the dialogue is wonderfully irreverent. It is an incredibly memorable film because it presented a great character with plenty of flaws, a nasty villain, an engrossing heist, and a metric ton of violence and profanity. By the fifth film, it is impossible to see any of the enjoyable aspects of the franchise any longer; it has been bogged down with sickening clichés and an invincible main character with no involvement in the story. McClane has no motivation to hunt down the villain in ‘Good Day’, and that is one of the movie’s worst flaws.

With any luck, this ‘Die Hard’ will be the last, as many reviews reflect our aforementioned issues with the flick. It is safe to say that McClane should lay down his gun and retire before he starts making the audience wish they would die. Hard.

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Marvel’s ‘The Avengers’ cast mates Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Samuel L. Jackson, Jeremy Renner and Mark Ruffalo will present together on the Oscar stage, show producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron announced last week.

“We are happy to re-unite the ‘Avengers’ cast to present on our show,” said Craig Zadan and Neil Meron. “Audiences who enjoyed the year’s biggest box office hit will be excited to see these terrific actors back together again.”

Downey has twice been nominated for an Oscar, for his leading role in ‘Chaplin’ (1992) and for his supporting role in ‘Tropic Thunder’ (2008).

Evans, who will be making his first Oscar show appearance, will be seen in the upcoming ‘The Iceman’.

Jackson was nominated in 1994 for his supporting role in ‘Pulp Fiction’.  He can also be seen in this year’s Best Picture nominee ‘Django Unchained’.

Renner was nominated for his leading role in 2009 Best Picture winner ‘The Hurt Locker’ and for his supporting role in ‘The Town’ (2010).  Renner had roles in this year’s ‘The Bourne Legacy’ and ‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’ (2011).

Ruffalo received his first nomination for his supporting role in 2010 Best Picture nominee ‘The Kids Are All Right’.

Oscars for outstanding film achievements of 2012 will be presented on Oscar Sunday, February 24, at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center, and will be hosted by Seth MacFarlane live on the ABC Television Network. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries worldwide.

Craig Zadan and Neil Meron are producers of critically acclaimed and award-winning feature films, television movies, series, and Broadway productions. Their feature films include ‘The Bucket List’, ‘Footloose’, ‘Hairspray’, and ‘Chicago’, which won six Academy Awards including one for Best Picture. For television, they’ve produced films of ‘Steel Magnolias’, ‘Life with Judy Garland’, and ‘A Raisin in the Sun’, among many others and the series “Smash” and “Drop Dead Diva.” They recently returned to their roots in live theater by producing Broadway revivals of the Tony-winning “Promises, Promises” and the Tony-winning 50th Anniversary revival of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”

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New York, U.S.A – The BET Awards 12 performance stage line-up is getting hotter and definitely “Too Big To Miss.” Added to the roster is platinum musician D’Angelo, who will make his long-awaited return to the television stage after twelve years. His highly anticipated performance can be seen at the BET Awards 12, only on BET Networks on July 1, 2012 at 8 p.m.

“Usually, we love to keep surprises…but this year we want everyone watching when D’Angelo takes the stage at the BET Awards!” exclaimed Stephen G. Hill, BET’s President of Music Programming and Specials. “His talents have been away from us for far too long and we’re excited and honored that he’s decided to make his American re-entry at this year’s BET Awards.”

As if the BET Awards 12 show surprises aren’t already enough, Ford has partnered with BET Networks for the fifth year in a row to sponsor the red carpet and Ford Hot Spot, as well as give one lucky viewer the opportunity to win a brand new 2013 Ford Escape and $1,000 in cash. The winner will be announced live during the ‘106 & PARK’ BET Awards Pre-Show: Live, Red & Ready on Sunday, July 1st starting at 6:00 p.m.

BET Awards 12 will be hosted by box office superstar Samuel L. Jackson, who was last scene in this summer’s The Avengers, and will include exciting performances by Usher, Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, G.O.O.D. MUSIC, Pusha T, Big Sean, Rick Ross, Meek Mill, Wale and 2 Chainz. This year’s Humanitarian Award, which will be presented by State Farm, will go to Reverend Dr. Al Sharpton, and Maze featuring Frankie Beverly will receive the coveted Cadillac Lifetime Achievement Award. Taraji P. Henson, Meagan Good, Kevin Hart and Cedric the Entertainer will grace the Shrine Auditorium stage as presenters on Sunday, July 1st at 8:00 p.m. on BET Networks. All times are ET/PT.

Image Courtesy of  D’Angelo

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Los Angeles, U.S.A. – IMAX Corporation, Marvel Studios and The Walt Disney Studios have announced that the epic Super Hero adventure Marvel’s The Avengers will be released in the immersive IMAX 3D format in 451 digital theatres worldwide. Domestically, the film will be released in 275 theatres beginning Friday, May 4.

The international debut of Marvel’s The Avengers got off to a record breaking start in IMAX theatres last weekend, significantly outperforming previous IMAX releases of Marvel films. More territories are launching in tandem with the North American release this week, including China. Domestic IMAX pre-sales are also strong and significantly ahead of any previous Marvel releases.

Marvel’s The Avengers, based on the well-known Marvel comic book series, is directed by Joss Whedonand stars Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Tom Hiddleston, with Stellan Skarsgard and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury.

Distributed by The Walt Disney Studios, Marvel’s The Avengers: An IMAX 3D Experience marks the third Marvel Studios film presented in IMAX, following the releases of Iron Man 2: The IMAX Experience in 2010 and Thor: An IMAX 3D Experience in 2011.

The IMAX release of Marvel’s The Avengers will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of An IMAX 3D Experience with proprietary IMAX DMR (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The crystal-clear images coupled with IMAX’s customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie.

About Marvel’s The Avengers
Marvel Studios presents “Marvel’s The Avengers” — the Super Hero team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins.

Starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Tom Hiddleston, with Stellan Skarsgard and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, and directed by Joss Whedon, “Marvel’s The Avengers” is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963 and a comics institution ever since. Prepare yourself for an exciting event movie, packed with action and spectacular special effects, when “Marvel’s The Avengers” assemble in summer 2012.

“Marvel’s The Avengers” is presented by Marvel Studios in association with Paramount Pictures. The film is being produced by Marvel Studios’ President Kevin Feige and executive produced by Alan Fine, Jon Favreau, Stan Lee, Louis D’Esposito, Patricia Whitcher, Victoria Alonso and Jeremy Latcham. The story is by Zak Penn and Joss Whedon and the screenplay is by Joss Whedon. The film releases May 4, 2012, and is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

http://marvel.com/avengers_movie

Marvel’s The Avengers has been rated PG-13 by the MPAA for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action throughout, and a mild drug reference.

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The Tribeca Film Festival (TFF), presented by American Express, on March 28 announced that Marvel’s The Avengers, presented by Marvel Studios in association with Paramount Pictures, will close its 11th edition on Saturday, April 28. Closing night will take place at Tribeca BMCC PAC and is sponsored by BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Gin.

Honoring the spirit of the Tribeca Film Festival, the screening will allow the opportunity for Marvel’s The Avengers to celebrate everyday heroes from police agencies, fire departments, first responders and various branches of the U.S. military.  These local heroes will have an opportunity to attend the screening and meet the cast.

Marvel Studios’ producer Kevin Feige says, “We are proud that Marvel’s The Avengers is the closing film of this year’s Tribeca Film Festival and we are excited to welcome local heroes to the screening as special guests. We all know and love our iconic Super Heroes, but when it really counts, it’s our real-life heroes who save the world every day by making it a better place for all of us.”

Starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Tom Hiddleston, with Stellan Skarsgard and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, and directed by Joss Whedon, Marvel’s The Avengers is an engaging, character-driven story packed with action, adventure and special effects.

When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins to assemble the iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow.

Marvel’s The Avengers is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963 and a comics institution ever since.

“Marvel’s The Avengers is an exciting ride that absolutely transports audiences,” said Jane Rosenthal, Co-Founder of the Tribeca Film Festival. “It is the perfect way to end our 11th Festival.”

Comments director Joss Whedon, “Showing at Tribeca is both an honor and a double homecoming for me, who grew up in Manhattan, and for the movie, which wrapped production there.  I’m thoroughly psyched to be closing the festival with our intimate little think-piece.”

“Marvel’s The Avengers” is produced by Marvel Studios’ Producer Kevin Feige and executive produced byAlan Fine, Jon Favreau, Stan Lee, Louis D’Esposito, Patricia Whitcher, Victoria Alonso and Jeremy Latcham. The story is by Zak Penn and Joss Whedon, and the screenplay is by Joss Whedon. The film releases May 4, 2012, and is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

The 11th annual Tribeca Film Festival will take place from April 18-29, 2012.

Visit www.tribecafilm.com/festival for more information about TFF’s 2012 programs and the full line-up of films.

Image Courtesy of   https://www.facebook.com/AvengersUK

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DreamWorks Animation SKG, has announced that Ryan Reynolds will lead an all-star cast including Paul Giamatti, Michael Pena,Luis Guzman, Bill Hader, Richard Jenkins, Ken Jeong, Michelle Rodriguez, Maya Rudolph, Ben Schwartz, Kurtwood Smith, Snoop Dogg and Samuel L. Jackson in the Company’s upcoming original film Turbo, which tells the story of an ordinary garden snail with dreams of racing greatness. Turbo is scheduled to come to the big screen on July 19, 2013.

“Ryan Reynolds’ infectious enthusiasm and humor will bring life to the lead role of Turbo and set the tone for this amazing roster of all-star voice talent,” said DreamWorks Animation Chief Creative Officer Bill Damaschke. “This high-octane journey will take audiences on the race of their lives and completely re-define the traditional notion of moving at a snail’s pace!”

David Soren (Merry Madagascar), a DreamWorks Animation veteran as a story artist, voice actor and director, is set to direct the film based on his own original concept. Soren is co-writing the script with Robert Siegel (The Wrestler) and Darren Lemke (Shrek Forever After). Lisa Stewart (Monsters vs. Aliens, Almost Famous) is producing with Susan Rogers serving as co-producer.

Turbo is a snail who dreams of being the greatest racer in the world, just like his hero, 5-time Indianapolis500 champ, Guy Gagne. His obsession with speed and all things fast has made him an oddity and outsider in the slow and cautious snail community, and a constant embarrassment to his careful older brother, Chet.

Turbo desperately wishes he could escape the slow-paced life he’s living. As luck would have it, he gets that chance one fateful day after a freak accident when he suddenly finds himself vested with the power of incredible speed. Turbo embarks on an extraordinary journey to achieve the impossible: racing against the best that IndyCar has to offer. Turbo is the ultimate underdog who achieves the impossible by refusing to let his limitations get in the way of his dreams.

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More than 60 Black celebrities have united with Greater Than AIDS to bring attention to the severe and disproportionate epidemic facing Black Americans and reduce the stigma surrounding the disease. Black Americans account for half of the approximately 1.1 million people living with HIV/AIDS in this country today — and 44 percent of new infections — while representing just 12 percent of the population.

Blacks are also more likely to die of AIDS as compared to other racial and ethnic groups. Coinciding with National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (Feb. 7), Greater Than AIDS is debuting new public service ads (PSAs), coordinated social media posts and other messages from popular Black television and film actors, directors, producers, and others in Hollywood about the devastating effect of HIV/AIDS in the Black community.

Many of the participating talent spoke about people they knew who are living with or have died from the disease. Participating talent will be supporting the campaign’s themes of unity, hope and empowerment through their own Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms and through personal appearances.

“This is an unprecedented response from the Black Hollywood community to an issue that has touched so many of our lives,” said Phill Wilson, President and CEO, Black AIDS Institute. The Black AIDS Institute is a co-founding partner with the Kaiser Family Foundation of Greater Than AIDS.

“Our voice is one of the most powerful tools we have in combating the ignorance and stigma that still surrounds this disease.” The celebrities featured in this campaign are all members of the Black AIDS Institute’s Black Hollywood Task Force on AIDS, which works to engage the Hollywood community in an effort to fight HIV/AIDS.

“The artists and executives who have joined us in this campaign realize that no matter the celebrity, they are also members of the Black community, and they are trying to do their part.”

“HIV/AIDS is a deeply personal issue for many Black Americans, yet the issue is too often silent in many communities,” said Tina Hoff, Senior Vice President and Director, Health Communication and Media Partnerships, Kaiser Family Foundation.

According to a national survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, more than 60 percent — three in five — Black Americans know someone living with HIV/AIDS or who has died from the disease; for most, a family member or close friend.

The Kaiser Family Foundation and the Black AIDS Institute are executive producers.  Linda Jones of The Mass Appeal produced, and Vanessa Williams (SOUL FOOD) with Quincy LeNear and Deondray Gossett (THE DL CHRONICLES, THE VOICE) directed.

Black Hollywood Task Force GREATER THAN AIDS PARTICIPATING TALENT:

• Laila Ali, professional athlete/actress/spokesperson
• Tatyana Ali, actress (THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL-AIR/NBC, LOVE THAT GIRL!/TV ONE)
• Anthony Anderson, actor (LAW & ORDER/NBC, THE BERNIE MAC SHOW/FOX, K-VILLE/FOX, THE SHIELD/FX NETWORK, THE DEPARTED, TRANSFORMERS)
• Robb Armstrong, nationally syndicated cartoonist  (JUMPSTART)
• Essence Atkins, actress (ARE WE THERE YET/TBS, HALF AND HALF/UPN, SMART GUY/THE WB)
• Rochelle Aytes, actress (THE FORGOTTEN/ABC)
• Obba Babatunde, actor (PRIVATE PRACTICE/ABC,  HALF & HALF/UPN)
• Alimi Ballard, actor (NCIS/CBS, NUMB3RS/CBS)
• Denise Boutte, actress (MEET THE BROWNS/TBS, WHY DID I GET MARRIED)
• RaVaughn Brown, singer/actress (COLUMBIA RECORDS)
• Rhyon Brown, actress (LINCOLN HEIGHTS/ABC FAMILY)
• Yvette Nicole Brown, actress, (COMMUNITY/NBC)
• Anthony Burrell, actor (THE SKINNY)
• Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd, casting director (SPARKLE, JUMPING THE BROOM, NOTORIOUS, STOMP THE YARD 1 & 2)
• Affion Crockett, actor/comedian (IN THE FLOW WITH AFFION CROCKETT/FOX)
• Leah Daniels, casting director (PRECIOUS, LOVE THAT GIRL!, ATL, THE WAYANS BROS, THE PAPERBOY)
• Gary Dourdan, actor (CSI/CBS, JUMPING THE BROOM)
• Bill Duke, filmmaker/director/actor
• Nadine Ellis, actress (LET’S STAY TOGETHER/BET)
• Jennia Fredrique, actress (THE SKINNY)
• Jennifer Freeman, actress (MY WIFE AND KIDS/ABC)
• Jason George, actor (GREY’S ANATOMY/ABC, OFF THE MAP/ABC)
• Lance Gross, actor (TYLER PERRY’S HOUSE OF PAYNE/TBS)
• Dennis Haysbert, actor (24/FOX, THE UNIT/CBS)
• Samuel L. Jackson, actor/producer (JUNGLE FEVER, PULP FICTION, CAPTAIN AMERICA, STAR WARS III, IRON MAN 2, KILL BILL 2, CHANGING LANES, SHAFT, A TIME TO KILL)
• Carlon Jeffery, actor (ANT FARM/DISNEY)
• Jill Marie Jones, actress (GIRLFRIENDS/UPN & THE CW)
• Orlando Jones, actor/comedian (MAD TV/FOX, THE EVIDENCE/ABC)
• Tamala Jones, actress (CASTLE/ABC)
• Kenny Lattimore, award winning musical artist
• Robinne Lee, actress (HOUSE OF PAYNE/TBS, SEVEN POUNDS)
• Nia Long, actress (THIRD WATCH/NBC, THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL-AIR/NBC)
• MC Lyte, musical artist (President of the L.A. Chapter of the Grammys Recording Academy)
• Eva Marcille, model/actress (AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL/THE CW, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS/CBS)
• Christopher Massey, actor (ZOEY 101/NICKELODEON)
• Kyle Massey, actor (THAT’S SO RAVEN/DISNEY, CORY IN THE HOUSE/DISNEY, DANCING WITH THE STARS/ABC)
• Dr. Lisa Masterson, M.D., host (THE DOCTORS/CBS)
• Elizabeth Mathis, actress (TRON: LEGACY)
• Rashad McCants, NBA player
• Nicki Micheaux, actress (LINCOLN HEIGHTS/ABC FAMILY)
• Tia Mowry, actress (THE GAME/BET)
• Naturi Naughton, actress/musical artist (NOTORIOUS, FAME, 3LW, PLAYBOY CLUB/NBC)
• Michaela Pererira, anchor (KTLA NEWS)
• James Pickens, Jr., actor (GREY’S ANATOMY/ABC)
• Isa Rahman, actor/model
• Gina Ravera, actress (THE CLOSER/TNT)
• REBORN, gospel hip hop artist
• Robi Reed, Vice President of Talent and Casting (BET)
• Dominique Reighard, model (AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL/THE CW)
• Shaun Robinson, ACCESS HOLLYWOOD
• J Rome, musical artist (COLUMBIA RECORDS)
• B. SCOTT, celebrity online blogger
• Tasha Smith, actress (TYLER PERRY’S FOR BETTER OR WORSE/TBS)
• Jurnee Smollett, actress (FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS/NBC, THE DEFENDERS/CBS, THE GREAT DEBATERS,  GRIDIRON GANG)
• Jussie Smollett, Actor (THE SKINNY)
• Chelsea Tavares, actress (UNFABULOUS/NICKELODEON, JUST JORDAN/NICKELODEON)
• Tamara Taylor, actress (BONES/FOX)
• Bobb’e J. Thompson, actor (30 ROCK/NBC , TYLER PERRY’S FOR BETTER OR WORSE/TBS, BOBB’E SAYS/CARTOON NETWORK, THAT’S SO RAVEN/DISNEY ROLE MODELS)
• Tammy Townsend, actress (LINCOLN HEIGHTS/ABC FAMILY, SHERRI/LIFETIME TV, ROCK ME, BABY/UPN, FAMILY MATTERS)
• Brian White, actor (MEN OF A CERTAIN AGE/TNT, GOOD DEEDS)
• Michael Jai White, actor (TYLER PERRY’S FOR BETTER OR WORSE/TBS)
• Jesse Williams, actor (GREY’S ANATOMY/ABC)
• Oren Williams, actor (REBOUND, COLD CASE/CBS)
• Tyler James Williams, actor (EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS/THE CW)
• Vanessa Williams, director/actress (MELROSE PLACE/FOX, SOUL FOOD/SHOWTIME)
• Zachary Williams, actor (ROMEO!/NICKELODEON , LINCOLN HEIGHTS/ABC FAMILY)
• Zo Williams, radio personality (HOST OF THE VOICE OF REASON/FOXX HOLE SATELLITE RADIO)
• Camille Winbush, actress (SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER/ABC FAMILY, THE BERNIE MAC SHOW/FOX)
• Blake Young-Fountain, actor (THE SKINNY, TWO BROKE GIRLS/CBS)

Greater Than AIDS is an unprecedented collaboration among a broad coalition of public and private sector partners united in response to the HIV/AIDS crisis in the United States, in particular among Black Americans and other disproportionately affected groups.  Through a national media campaign and targeted community outreach, Greater Than AIDS aims to increase knowledge and understanding about HIV/AIDS and confront the stigma surrounding the disease.

Image Courtesy of   https://www.facebook.com/greaterthanaids

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Since 1998, Marvel Productions has been releasing superhero movies after the other- but how could this once bankrupt company, grow to such a colossus?  In 1997, Marvel, a once vast comic book company collapsed. Forced to re-organize, the newly formed Marvel Enterprises started their movie production division. In 1998, they created Blade with Wesley Snipes, and the rest is history. Now, after considerable success at the box office Marvel is releasing one of their biggest projects: The Avengers.

The Avengers is a team assembled by S.H.I.E.L.D leader, Nick Fury. S.H.I.E.L.D. is a law-enforcement/ espionage agency that keeps the peace throughout the world.  With Captain America coming 4 issues later the team of superheroes first consisted of Wasp, Ant Man, Thor, Iron Man, and the Hulk.

With release scheduled for May 4, 2012, the movie started production on April 25, 2011. Crafting a star studded cast together, Marvel will be bringing most of the actors back that they used in their other movies, such as, Chris Hemworth Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Paul Bettany as the voice of Jarvis. Along with these old faces come new ones. Jeremy Renner will play Hawkeye, and Cobie Smulders will perform as Maria Hill.

If you know the Avengers, then you are probably wondering, “where is the Hulk?” Well, after Edward Norton’s falling out with Marvel, they replaced him with Mark Ruffalo. What is exciting about this new Hulk is that it is not all CGI. Mark Ruffalo will put on a motion-tracking suit and, in post-production, artists will draw on the Hulk according to Ruffalo’s movements. Oh, and Lou Ferigno is voicing the Hulk, no big deal.

The original writer of The Avengers is Zak Penn. He has written movies like X2, X-men: Last Stand and The Incredible Hulk but bringing all these characters into one movie proved a challenge to Penn. He told Craveonline.com, “My job is to kind of shuttle between the different movies and make sure that finally we’re mimicking that comic book structure where all of these movies are connected… There’s just a board that tracks ‘Here’s where everything that happens in this movie overlaps with that movie.’” However, though Zak Penn made the original script, the official writer is the director, Joss Whedon.

Joss Whedon, has written many hit movies like Toy Story, as well as underground cult TV classics like Buffy the Vampire Slayer—he also directed part of the series. With his reputation, many cult followers believe he will stay true to the comic’s story. Whedon was a fan of the comics as a kid, and has given a hint of what the movie will focus around. Whedon, had said at the 2010 Comic-Con,”these people shouldn’t be in the same room let alone on the same team — and that is the definition of family.”

In an interview for IamRogue.com, Tom Hiddleston, playing Loki, alluded to how each character interacts with each other.  “These are seven big egos, and I’m referring to the characters not the actors. They all want to be the alpha male, or in Black Widow’s case the alpha female. So he has made a virtue of that by having them all compete for the top dog slot,” Hiddleston said.

It seems like Loki will not be the only obstacle the Avengers need to overcome.  They will have to learn how to work together for the salvation of Earth. Its one large dysfunctional family of superheroes that the world relies on, they will need to learn how to rely on one another in order to make their team work.

Considering the fact that The Avengers has been in the works since 2005, it’s safe to say that this hero ensemble is long overdue and maintains its position as one of the most anticipated Marvel pictures yet.  With Joss Wedon behind the wheel and still riding the wave of Marvel Enterprises’ success in comic adaptations, movie fans can look forward to being blown away in summer 2012.

Image Courtesy of  http://www.facebook.com/TheAvengersMovie?sk=photos

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