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Black Panther Trailer


Wakanda is one of Africa's biggest nations, it's still a third world country but it's also holder of many secrets. It's former ruler was King T'Chaka, the nation loved their King but he was killed by a bomb explosion, since then his son T'Challa is his rightful heir and  leader of the Black Panther tribe.

After returning to his country, T'Challa finds his country of Wakanda fragmented and in disarray; though his people are still loyal to the crown and his lineage, many people have seized the opportunity to take a piece of Wakanda for themselves - one of which T'Challa is all too familiar with.

Klaw is T'Challa's nemesis and is an incredibly intelligent yet despicably evil man who will go to any lengths to take what he thinks is his for the taking. Klaw wishes to take the Wakandan land for his own and is willing to destroy all its citizens if needs be.

Continue: Black Panther Trailer

'The Final Problem': Sherlock Season Four Finale Explains The Mysterious Sherrinford [Spoilers]


Benedict Cumberbatch Martin Freeman Mark Gatiss

The question all along, it seems, was not ''who' is Sherrinford?', but rather ''what' is Sherrinford?'. The season four finale of 'Sherlock' entitled 'The Final Problem' was rife with plot twists and a story much darker than any previous episode. Plus, the return of Jim Moriarty - sort of. Warning: Spoilers ahead.

SherlockBenedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman take on their final challenge of Sherlock season 4

As it's revealed that Watson (Martin Freeman) was not, in fact, shot in the head with a bullet but with a tranquiliser at the end of 'The Lying Detective', Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Dr. Watson confront Mycroft (Mark Gatiss) about the so-called Holmes sister Eurus (Sian Brooke), who Sherlock has no memory of. Mycroft eventually explains how she was their psychotic younger sibling whose genius far exceeded each of theirs. She was sent away at a young age after apparently killing Sherlock's dog Redbeard and is now held at a high security institution in the middle of the ocean called Sherrinford.

Continue reading: 'The Final Problem': Sherlock Season Four Finale Explains The Mysterious Sherrinford [Spoilers]

'The Lying Detective': Sherlock Is On The Brink Of Death In Episode Two [Spoilers]


Benedict Cumberbatch Martin Freeman Toby Jones

Another jaw-dropping episode from 'Sherlock' season 4 this weekend which saw this complicated sleuth meet the most evil man he has ever come across. And, potentially, the most evil woman. 'The Lying Detective' is the most intensely scary episode yet.

SherlockToby Jones stars as the villainous Culverton Smith in 'The Lying Detective'

So Watson (Martin Freeman) has a new therapist and he's having visions of his deceased wife Mary (Amanda Abbington) everywhere. That's what Sunday's (January 8th 2017) episode entailed. It turns out that she's having a good influence on him in the end, because it's her words combined with a frantic Mrs Hudson (Una Stubbs) who encourages Watson to help Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) and forgive him for his involvement in Mary's death. 

Continue reading: 'The Lying Detective': Sherlock Is On The Brink Of Death In Episode Two [Spoilers]

'Sherlock' Creators Tease Fans Over Future Of The Series


Benedict Cumberbatch Mark Gatiss Martin Freeman

‘Sherlock’ returns for a full series for the first time in nearly three years on New Year’s Day – but the growing Hollywood success of its chief stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman means that the new fourth series could be the last.

That is, at least, according to the BBC One drama’s co-creator Mark Gatiss, who told reporters at a recent screening that while everybody involved was enthusiastic to make more episodes, the increasing difficulty of getting them in the same place at the same time was placing the future of ‘Sherlock’ in jeopardy.

Sherlock

Continue reading: 'Sherlock' Creators Tease Fans Over Future Of The Series

Steven Moffat Assures Fans Series Four Is Not The End For 'Sherlock'


Benedict Cumberbatch Martin Freeman Steven Moffat

‘Sherlock’ fans can finally stop panicking, as showrunner Steven Moffat has confirmed that the BBC show will not end after its fourth season.

Worry hit fans a few months ago when star Benedict Cumberbatch was quoted as saying the show might end with series four, calling it “the end of an era”.

Sherlock season 4Amanda Abbington, Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman in 'Sherlock' series four

Continue reading: Steven Moffat Assures Fans Series Four Is Not The End For 'Sherlock'

Is Sherlock Going To Be No More?


Benedict Cumberbatch Martin Freeman

After it was revealed that Sherlock would be coming to our screens again in the trailer for series four many people were excited about the prospect of seeing the Arthur Conan Doyle character come to life once more. But could the New Years episode be the final one?

Now the beloved detective, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, is rumoured to be leaving us; bookies have dropped the odds on him meeting his end in what could be a massive spoiler for the highly anticipated return.

Benedict Cumberbatch at the premier of Dr. StrangeBenedict Cumberbatch at the premier of Dr. Strange

Continue reading: Is Sherlock Going To Be No More?

Air Date Revealed For 'Sherlock' Season 4 Episode 1 'The Six Thatchers'


Benedict Cumberbatch Mark Gatiss Martin Freeman

A trailer for the fourth season of 'Sherlock' has been re-released, this time featuring the air date of the first episode 'The Six Thatchers'. There's no new footage available, but creators were more than generous with what they released earlier this year. Fan theories are rife.

Benedict CumberbatchBenedict Cumberbatch returns as genius sleuth in 'Sherlock' season 4

The 'new trailer' that everyone's going on about is exactly the same as the initial teaser we saw from San Diego Comic-Con, only this time we get to see the release date. It confirms the heavy amount of speculation that it will air on New Year's Day, just like the 2016 special 'The Abominable Bride'.

Continue reading: Air Date Revealed For 'Sherlock' Season 4 Episode 1 'The Six Thatchers'

'Sherlock' Star Amanda Abbington Says Her Purse Was Stolen During Emmy Awards


Amanda Abbington Martin Freeman Steven Moffat

'Sherlock' actress Amanda Abbington has claimed her purse was stolen during Sunday night’s Emmy Awards in Los Angeles. The actress, who plays Mary Morstan in the BBC One drama alongside husband Martin Freeman, said her purse was taken while she was onstage collecting the show's award for Best Television Film.

Amanda Abbington and Martin FreemanAmanda Abbington (pictured with husband Martin Freeman) says her purse was stolen during the Emmy Awards

On Twitter yesterday Abbington told fans: "Thanks for the lovely tweets re; the Emmy's. So pleased we won! Cool, right? However, we went up to collect the Emmy, did some press, came back to my seat and some bastard had nicked my purse from under my seat. Nice.”

Continue reading: 'Sherlock' Star Amanda Abbington Says Her Purse Was Stolen During Emmy Awards

Just How Long Will 'Sherlock' Be On Our TV Screens?


Benedict Cumberbatch Steven Moffat Martin Freeman

Don't be alarmed, but there's a possibility that 'Sherlock' won't be on our screens for much longer according to the show's executive producer Steven Moffat. Apparently, it hangs on the schedule of stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman - and the movie offers they're getting are only getting bigger.

'Sherlock'Will 'Sherlock' series 4 be the last?

Moffat has even gone so far as to say the next series - set to air next year - could be the last if the actors contine to be as successful as they already are in the film industry. However, he also claims there's a chance that, even if it did get cancelled, there's no reason it won't be able to return in the future.

Continue reading: Just How Long Will 'Sherlock' Be On Our TV Screens?

Captain America: Civil War Trailer


The Avengers are suffering from an image crisis. As much good that they do and as many lives that they save, the superheroes also cause unlimited amounts of damage to cities and civilisation. The government wish to find an answer to this problem and they decide that all superheroes should be registered and held accountable for their actions. 

Tony Stark is brought in to begin talks on behalf of The Avengers, knowing how much damage he's personally done under his superhero disguise, Stark see the government's point and decides that a register wouldn't be entirely unwelcome. Captain America on the other hand has no such wishes; The Cap sees any government intervention as something beyond reasonable requirement. In the middle of all this is Cap's old friend Bucky who could be prosecuted under the new laws. As The Avengers are forced to split into two halves, it looks like there's going to be no way for the old team to form any kind of agreement. 

 As their opinions deepen and rivalries are deepens, certain members of Hydra begin to tighten their control and their plans for future domination of the world are getting stronger. The Avengers must find a way to put their differences aside in order to beat the real enemy.

Everything We Know So Far About 'Sherlock' Series 4


Benedict Cumberbatch Martin Freeman

The fourth season of 'Sherlock' is finally on the way, even if we'll have to wait until next year to see it. We've been promised that Holmes will face demons from his past and his faithful companion Dr. Watson will have the responsibility of fatherhood on his shoulders this time.

Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman in SherlockBenedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman are back in 'Sherlock' series 4

We're still frustratingly oblivious to any real details on the forthcoming 3-episode series, and creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss have done well in tying up loose ends in New Year's Day BBC special 'The Abominable Bride' to avoid any obvious speculation. That won't stop the die-hard fans though.

Continue reading: Everything We Know So Far About 'Sherlock' Series 4

'Sherlock' Series Four Begins Filming


Benedict Cumberbatch Martin Freeman Mark Gatiss Steven Moffat

Benedict Cumberbatch has said he’s “thrilled” to be back working on the series that made him a megastar, as filming for the long-awaited season four of ‘Sherlock’ finally gets under way.

Fans of the BBC series have been promised that “ghosts of the past” will visit the new three-part instalment, which will see 39 year old Cumberbatch return as the famous detective alongside Martin Freeman as Dr. Watson. The episodes will be directed by American Rachel Talalay, whose previous credits include The Wind in the Willows and ‘Doctor Who’.

“I can't wait for everyone to see season four,” Cumberbatch said on Wednesday (April 6th). “But you will have to wait… though not for long… and it will be worth it.” No broadcast date has yet been confirmed.

Continue reading: 'Sherlock' Series Four Begins Filming

'Sherlock' Victorian Special Tops China Box Office After Worldwide Cinematic Success


Benedict Cumberbatch Martin Freeman

Though quite a few people have complained that it was too confusing, the ‘Sherlock’ special length episode ‘The Abominable Bride’ has become an international box office success in cinemas in addition to its high ratings on British television.

The feature-length episode, starring its regulars Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman reprising their roles as Holmes and Watson but in the Victorian era of Arthur Conan Doyle’s original stories, received the highest viewing figures in Britain over the festive period when it was broadcast on New Year’s Day.

SherlockThe 'Sherlock' Victorian special episode 'The Abominable Bride' has become an international box office success

Continue reading: 'Sherlock' Victorian Special Tops China Box Office After Worldwide Cinematic Success

'Sherlock' Special Draws Largest TV Audience During Festive Period


Benedict Cumberbatch Martin Freeman

‘Sherlock’s’ latest special, which aired on New Year’s Day, has attracted the highest viewing figures of the festive period with 8.4 million Britons tuning in to BBC1. The drama starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Matin Freeman beat programmes including ‘Eastenders’, the Queens speech and ‘Downton Abbey’ to become the period’s most viewed show.

SherlockBenedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman in ‘Sherlock’.

Overnight figures show that an average of 8.4 million viewers tuned in, while the show peaked with 8.9 million during the 90 minute special. But those figures are down from last year’s when 9.2 million people tuned in on New Year’s Day to watch the first episode of the show’s third series.

Continue reading: 'Sherlock' Special Draws Largest TV Audience During Festive Period

Benedict Cumberbatch, Charlotte Church And Other Celebs Criticised For Speaking Out About Political Topics


Benedict Cumberbatch Charlotte Church Bob Geldof Martin Freeman

Outspoken celebrities such as Benedict Cumberbatch, George Clooney, Katie Hopkins and Charlotte Church have been condemned in a new article by a former special adviser to the Conservative Home Secretary Theresa May.

Cumberbatch, 39, famously used his starring role in ‘Hamlet’ at the Barbican to raise money and awareness of the Syrian refugee crisis earlier this year, at one point proclaiming “f*** the politicians”.

Benedict Cumberbatch Sophie HunterBenedict Cumberbatch with Sophie Hunter at the 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' premiere

Continue reading: Benedict Cumberbatch, Charlotte Church And Other Celebs Criticised For Speaking Out About Political Topics

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot - Teaser Trailer


Being over 40 and a female journalist in the city means you don't necessarily get the good projects to work on. Kim Barker is just one of those women and she's in need of a new dose of... something. Her relationship is static and her life hasn't exactly become the success story she hoped it would.

When her news organisation is looking for some new field reporters, Kim decides that it might be the chance she's looking for. Sure, the new job might be based in Kabul, but it's got to be better than what she's got. Arriving in the foreign land, she's sent to 'the fun house', a name given to the building where all the foreign journalists live. Learning how to report from two countries and moving back and forth with armed escorts soon becomes the norm for Kim and she develops a an affection for a country most would be wanting to distance themselves from.

As well as reporting - often menial - stories, Kim quickly becomes absorbed in the local way life as well as finding a few new friends also living in the fun house. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot is based on Kim Barker's memoir The Taliban Shuffle: Strange Days in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Get Your First Look At The So-Named Abominable Bride In New Sherlock Teaser Trailer


Benedict Cumberbatch Martin Freeman

It's been nearly two years since the last episode of 'Sherlock' was aired, and fans have been waiting patiently for the assured next instalment. The excitement started building when it was announced that it would be a one-off Victorian edition, and now the new teaser for 'The Abominable Bride' has been released, the New Year can't come soon enough.

SherlockBenedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman return in Sherlock special

It seems Benedict Cumberbatch doesn't just apply Holmes to the modern world with finesse, but also embodies the traditional deerstalker-donning detective with jaw-dropping accuracy - that's if the new trailer is anything to go by. In this latest clip we see a veiled assassin emerging from a horse-drawn carriage with a shotgun; a supposed figure of a dead woman who Sherlock eerily dubs 'the avenging ghost'.

Continue reading: Get Your First Look At The So-Named Abominable Bride In New Sherlock Teaser Trailer

Captain America: Civil War - First Look Trailer


As the world of Marvel super heroes become ever more entwined, Captain America: Civil War picks up where Ant-Man ends. As the Avengers take on more and more missions, the damage they cause is ever increasing and the government feel it's time to put an end to their unlimited power.

Captain America gains information so sensitive that he knows even his closest friends aren't going to believe it, Captain America and Falcon are alone. With The Avengers now broken into two sides, Captain America believing the superheroes shouldn't be regulated and Iron Man on the other, believing the government have a valid argument.

Can The Avengers overcome their differences and fight a new force that threatens to destroy the world as we know it. Captain America: Civil War sees many of our favourite Marvel character appear, these include: Black Widow, Hawkeye, Spider-Man, Black Panther & War Machine.

Steven Moffat Promises 'Sherlock' Season 4 Will Include "Emotional Upheaval"


Steven Moffat Benedict Cumberbatch Martin Freeman

Steven Moffat, in a recent interview, has revealed some details of the upcoming fourth season of Sherlock. Although neither Moffat nor his co-creator Mark Gatiss have started writing the series, Moffat promised Sherlock series four will be "enjoyable and fun" but also include "emotional upheaval".

Benedict Cumberbatch
Benedict Cumberbatch stars in Sherlock.

Read More: New Sherlock Special to Be Set in Victorian England.

Continue reading: Steven Moffat Promises 'Sherlock' Season 4 Will Include "Emotional Upheaval"

Martin Freeman Says 'Sherlock' Would Lose Sheen With New Episodes


Martin Freeman

Martin Freeman, who plays John Watson in the BBC's critically acclaimed Sherlock, says the show could lose some of its sheen if the corporation keeps making new seasons. A fourth outing of the show will hit screens next year and there is a planned Christmas special at the end of 2015.

SherlockMartin Freeman plays Watson in the BBC's critically acclaimed Sherlock

However, Freeman is cautious of Sherlock overkill and suggests creating new shows every year may be too much.

Continue reading: Martin Freeman Says 'Sherlock' Would Lose Sheen With New Episodes

'The Hobbit: Battle Of The Five Armies' Trailer Is The Best Middle Earth Teaser Yet


Martin Freeman Peter Jackson Ian McKellen

A new trailer for Peter Jackson's The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies has rolled out online at the end of the big week of hype for cinema. Christopher Nolan's Interstellar is doing huge business across the globe, while Disney announced the official title for Star Wars Episode VII, The Force Awakens, whilst confirming that Toy Story 4 is happening in 2017.

Battle of the Five ArmiesBenedict Cumberbatch's Smaug is causing havov in 'The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies'

So spare a thought for Lord of the Rings fans who are still busy sinking their teeth into a new trailer for the final instalment in the Hobbit adventure. We're now just six weeks from the global release on December 17, 2014 and the initial trailer released in July was heralded as one of the best teasers of the year. As Forbes put it, it evoked the "gloom and doom of the Return of the King teaser, eleven years ago."

Continue reading: 'The Hobbit: Battle Of The Five Armies' Trailer Is The Best Middle Earth Teaser Yet

Martin Freeman Signs On For Adolf Eichmann Holocaust Drama


Martin Freeman

Martin Freeman, the star of Sherlock and the Hobbit movies, has signed on for a feature length BBC drama about the 1961 trial of ex-Nazi officer Adolf Eichmann, known as the architect of the Holocaust.

Martin FreemanMartin Freeman will star in 'The Eichmann Show'

To mark the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, The Eichmann Show will revisit the infamous trial that was televised around the world. Freeman will play Milton Fruchtman, who produced TV coverage of the trial, while Anthony LaPaglia – known for TV drama Without a Trace – will play the director, Leo Hurwitz.

Continue reading: Martin Freeman Signs On For Adolf Eichmann Holocaust Drama

It's A Long Wait, But Benedict Cumberbatch Insists Sherlock's Christmas 2015 Return Will Be 'Phenomenal'


Benedict Cumberbatch Martin Freeman Mark Gatiss Steven Moffat

We are trembling with excitement over the return of the world's favourite aloof sleuth after 'Sherlock' series 3 spectacularly concluded earlier this year with a finale that no-one was expecting. So what's in store for Holmes and Watson in series 4?

Benedict Cumberbatch [L] and Martin Freeman [R] in Sherlock
Is Benedict Cumberbatch as excited as we are for series 4?

It's sad to say we can't be expecting any Baker Street action for more than a year with our next dose of 'Sherlock' coming as a 2015 Christmas special. While the end of series 2 left us pondering Holmes' dramatic survival after leaping off a multi-storey building, we've been mulling over the Moriarty Mystery and his apparent resurrection since January - and now we have plenty more time to think about it.

Continue reading: It's A Long Wait, But Benedict Cumberbatch Insists Sherlock's Christmas 2015 Return Will Be 'Phenomenal'

Creative Primetime Emmy Awards 2014 [Pictures]


Allison Janney James Lipton Bryan Cranston Benedict Cumberbatch Martin Freeman Game Of Thrones HBO

The stars stepped out onto the red carpet for one of the glitziest ceremonies of awards season: the Creative Primetime Emmys.

Having previously won for NBC's political drama 'The West Wing' as White House press secretary C.J. Cregg, Allison Janney’s award for outstanding guest actress in a drama series for her role in Masters of Sex, which also stars Michael Sheen and Lizzy Caplan, was a particular highlight. 

Backstage, Janney highlighted that playing Margeret Scully was certainly challenging at times. "I felt that Margaret Scully challenged me in ways that I've never been challenged before as an actress on so many levels - on an emotional level, on a physical level - and having to do sex scenes was extraordinarily nerve-wracking and stressful for me and something that I didn't think I'd have to do at this age, frankly," she explained.

Continue reading: Creative Primetime Emmy Awards 2014 [Pictures]

James Corden's Gone All USA: But Which Other Comedy Brits Have Flown Across The Pond?


James Corden Martin Freeman Ashley Jensen Simon Pegg Jane Leeves

It looks like British favourite James Corden has successfully sealed his fate as another Brit over on American shores with his appointment as the new host of CBS’ Late Late Show all but confirmed by the broadcaster itself. Of course, just because he’s travelling over to the US to have a go in the host seat of a different studio does not automatically mean he’s going to be a hit and, so far, his selection has not been met with too raucous an applause, mainly because most Americans don’t know who he is.

James Corden
James Corden is said to be the next host of American chat show, The Late Late Show

However, that’s not to say he won’t win his new state-side audience over because, if Corden has proved anything with his British career to date, it’s that he’s not too bad at his job.

Continue reading: James Corden's Gone All USA: But Which Other Comedy Brits Have Flown Across The Pond?

A Week In Movies: Get On Up Premieres, Cooper Cooks In London, Trailers For Tusk, Mockingjay, The Hobbit And Mad Max


Chadwick Boseman Dan Aykroyd Mick Jagger Bradley Cooper Uma Thurman Kevin Smith Johnny Depp Julianne Moore Martin Freeman Tom Hardy

Get On Up

The stars came out for the New York premiere this week of Get on Up, starring Chadwick Boseman as Godfather of Soul James Brown. He was joined on the red carpet by costars Dan Aykroyd and Tika Sumpter, as well as soul singer Bobby Byrd and rock icon Mick Jagger. The film opens this weekend in the US and next month in America. 

Part 1 - Bobby Byrd Brings Family To 'Get On Up' NY Premiere

Continue reading: A Week In Movies: Get On Up Premieres, Cooper Cooks In London, Trailers For Tusk, Mockingjay, The Hobbit And Mad Max

Film Franchises That Go On Forever


Martin Freeman Peter Jackson Ian McKellen Vin Diesel Sylvester Stallone Bruce Willis Harrison Ford Johnny Depp Mickey Rourke

The Hobbit trilogy has been criticised by some viewers for having too little content spread too thinly over the course of too many films. Originally, the idea was to split the 1937 J. R. R. Tolkien story over two films; however, in 2012, director Peter Jackson confirmed his plans for a third film; some six years after the two-film decision had been made.

Peter Jackson
Director of The Hobbit, Peter Jackson, originally thought the franchise would only spread across two films 

Was this to enhance viewers’ experience of the story or was it because three films make more money than two? Audiences will never know. They will instead have to settle with a narrative with a lot less to say than The Lord of the Rings trilogy over the same number of motion pictures; with the final chapter in the piece, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, released in the UK on 12 December.

Continue reading: Film Franchises That Go On Forever

The Best Movie Trailers To Emerge From Comic-Con 2014


Tom Hardy Daniel Radcliffe Peter Jackson Martin Freeman Jennifer Lawrence

The San Diego Comic-Con may be over but the buzz surrounding its contents is only just beginning. Showing teasers left, right and centre, the convention has set the scene for an exciting year of film.

Here are some of the best trailers from the event.

Mad Max rides into town

Continue reading: The Best Movie Trailers To Emerge From Comic-Con 2014

'Fargo' Upping Sticks To Sioux Falls For Season 2 - But You Knew That Already?


Martin Freeman Billy Bob Thornton Fargo

The second season of FX's critically acclaimed series Fargo will feature a new setting and new cast, it's executive producer Noah Hawley has announced. The series starring Martin Freeman and Billy Bob Thornton is a contender for outstanding miniseries at the forthcoming Emmy Awards.

FargoAllison Tolman [L] and Bob Odenkirk [R] in 'Fargo'

However, speaking at the Television Association Critics summer press tour this week, Hawley confirmed that the second season would feature an entirely new setting, story and characters though they will be connected to the 'Fargo' world. Season two will take place in Sioux Falls, South Dakota in 1979.

Continue reading: 'Fargo' Upping Sticks To Sioux Falls For Season 2 - But You Knew That Already?

'The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies' Gets A Facebook Photo Tease


Peter Jackson Ian McKellen Martin Freeman

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies’ won’t be out for another 6 months, which means it’s just the right time to start dripping teaser photos, trailer snippets and plot bytes to keep Tolkienites’ appetites whetted.

GandalfIan McKellen‘s Gandalf in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

The latest tease comes in the form of a ‘first look’ style reveal on the film’s official Facebook page. In it, Ian McKellen‘s Gandalf and Luke Evans‘ Bard the Bowman are looking at something presumably ominous  - let’s face it: they’re not laughing at Bilbo trying out Legolas’s bow, are they?

Continue reading: 'The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies' Gets A Facebook Photo Tease

'Richard III': Martin Freeman’s Shakespearean Turn Won’t Be His Crowning Glory


Martin Freeman

Richard III, Jamie Lloyd's latest Shakespearean staging, has debuted in London to much clamour from fans of The Hobbit actor Martin Freeman, who is cast in the titular lead role. Whilst Freeman's casting is a shrewd move from the director, who evidently recognises the importance of attracting audiences unfamiliar with Shakespeare.

However, several reviewers have been wondering whether this was such a good idea after all. "Jamie Lloyd's staging of Richard III is unecessarily complicated, while Martin Freeman feels like a boy sent to do a man's work, says The Telegraph's Charles Spencer.

Describing the production as "director's theatre at its self-advertising worst," the reviewer adds "Freeman gives a disappointingly underpowered performance as Richard, normally one of the most thrilling roles in Shakespeare."

Continue reading: 'Richard III': Martin Freeman’s Shakespearean Turn Won’t Be His Crowning Glory

Why Did Peter Jackson Change Hobbit Film's Name To 'The Battle Of The Five Armies'?


Peter Jackson Martin Freeman Benedict Cumberbatch

Despite some early criticisms, Peter Jackson’s ‘Hobbit’ trilogy has provided some memorable moments in the ever-expanding Tolkien universe. With one film left, due to be released this December, a high profile name change has taken place, from “There and Back Again” to “The Battle of The Five Armies”. So what’s behind the change?

The Desolation of SmaugEvangeline Lily and Orlando Bloom will be back in the third film, which is now called "The Battle of The Five Armies"

Peter Jackson released a lengthy statement on his Facebook page, in which he attempts to explain the shift. “Our journey to make The Hobbit Trilogy has been in some ways like Bilbo’s own, with hidden paths revealing their secrets to us as we’ve gone along. “There and Back Again” felt like the right name for the second of a two film telling of the quest to reclaim Erebor, when Bilbo’s arrival there, and departure, were both contained within the second film,” he wrote.

Continue reading: Why Did Peter Jackson Change Hobbit Film's Name To 'The Battle Of The Five Armies'?

Introducing 'Fargo', Your New 'Breaking Bad', 'True Detective', Etc, Etc


Martin Freeman Coen Brothers Billy Bob Thornton

Fargo regularly finds itself on the top rung of movie buffs' top lists, so when a TV adaptation was announced last year, there was obvious scepticism. Writer and showrunner Noah Hawley is the man behind the series - which extends the Coen Brothers classic movie to 10 one-hour episodes.

FargoMartin Freeman as Lester Nygaard in 'Fargo'

By mid last week, we already knew that Hawley had succeeded. The U.S critics had their say and the reviews were glorious. Now, following Fargo's premiere in the UK on Sunday (April 20, 2014), the Brits have had their say.

Continue reading: Introducing 'Fargo', Your New 'Breaking Bad', 'True Detective', Etc, Etc

'Fargo' Proves A Pleasantly Dark Surprise For UK Audiences


Martin Freeman Billy Bob Thornton

Last night UK viewers got their first look at ‘Fargo’ on the small screen as the series debuted on Channel 4. Based on the Coen brothers' 1996 movie of the same name, many didn't know what to expect from the black comedy starring Martin Freeman and Billy Bob Thornton, but as it happens the critics seem to have been pleasantly surprised.

Martin Freeman in FargoMartin Freeman stars as Lester Nygaard

‘Fargo’ the TV series opened much like the movie as “This is a true story” came up on the screen. It of course isn’t a true story and neither was the movie. What the film and series have in common is the small town Minnesota setting which brought back memories of the 1996 movie to TV viewers. Then there’s the characters, ‘The Office’ and ‘Sherlock’ star Martin Freeman plays Lester Nygaard, the series version of William H Macy’s character. Billy Bob Thornton is the menacing villain who corrupts Nygaard and Allison Tolman is the series’s Marge, but not pregnant. 

Continue reading: 'Fargo' Proves A Pleasantly Dark Surprise For UK Audiences

What Can We Expect From FX's 'Fargo' Tonight?


Billy Bob Thornton Martin Freeman

Tonight marks the premiere of FX’s new mini series ‘Fargo’, based on the Coen Brothers movie of the same name. Whilst the film has become more than worthy of the cult classic title, what exactly can we expect from this 10 episode series.

Martin Freeman in Fargo Martin Freeman stars in 'Fargo'

Joel and Ethan Coen, the minds behind the big screen Fargo, are sticking close to the television series, serving as executive producers. They will not, however, be writing or directing. Taking on writing duties is Noah Hawley, who was responsible for developing the series. Hawley previously worked on the series ‘Bones’ and created the ABC series ‘The Unusuals’.

Continue reading: What Can We Expect From FX's 'Fargo' Tonight?

Bob Odenkirk On The "Intense Evil And Darkness" Of Fargo


Bob Odenkirk Billy Bob Thornton Martin Freeman Coen Brothers

Bob Odenkirk isn’t a stranger to dark themes being explored on TV, especially having played the much loved and key character of Saul Goodman – lawyer to both Walter White and Jesse Pinkman – on AMC’s hit meth drama, Breaking Bad. 

Martin Freeman in FargoMartin Freeman stars in TV's 'Fargo'

The actor, who is set to reprise the role of his career for the Breaking Bad spin off, Better Call Saul, also stars in the upcoming TV adaptation of The Coen Brothers’ 1996 hit, ‘Fargo’, which debuts on FX Canada on April 15 and on April 20 on Channel 4 in the U.K.

Continue reading: Bob Odenkirk On The "Intense Evil And Darkness" Of Fargo

More Bard Than Bilbo? What To Expect From 'The Hobbit: There And Back Again'


Richard Armitage Luke Evans Martin Freeman Peter Jackson

Yesterday saw the release of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug on DVD, which leaves us free to obsessively think about the final instalment of the trilogy! The Hobbit: There and Back Again is the third and last film based on JRR Tolkien’s 1937 book of the same name and will provide us with a conclusion to the adventures of Bilbo Baggins and the band of dwarves. But what do we know about The Hobbit: There and Back Again, and what can we expect?

Bilbo Baggins The Hobbit Will Bilbo play more of a backseat role in the upcoming movie?

The second film left us on a monumental cliffhanger. With Smaug finally sick of talking he makes his way towards Laketown, breathing “I am fire, I am death.” Cue credits. Thanks a lot, Peter Jackson! We’re guessing that Bard will be having none of Smaug’s home invasion, there were some hints dropped that he may be whipping out his black arrow (not a euphemism) and fighting back against the greedy guts who’s been hogging all that gold for years.  Luke Evans, who plays the Bard, told MTV, “We’ve only just touched on Bard’s real storyline. It’s exciting. That’s why I’m so excited about it.” We’re pretty darn excited too!

Continue reading: More Bard Than Bilbo? What To Expect From 'The Hobbit: There And Back Again'

Six Studios Suing Megaupload's Kim Dotcom Over Copyright Infringement


Martin Freeman

Litigation from one major film studio would be more than enough for one website handle, but Megaupload.com - and its founder, Kim Dotcom - is facing the wrath of six separate films studios who allege the site and its operators "facilitated, encouraged, and profited" from copyright infringement.

The HobbitThe Hobbit Was The Most Downloaded Movie of 2013

In its pomp, Megaupload had about 150 million registered users before it was shut down by US regulators in 2012, which made it the 13th most frequently visited website, bases on estimations. 

Continue reading: Six Studios Suing Megaupload's Kim Dotcom Over Copyright Infringement

Martin Freeman Lands Richard III Role In Shakespeare Play


Martin Freeman

Martin Freeman has followed his 'Sherlock' co-star Benedict Cumberbatch to a London stage production.

The 42 year-old will play Richard III in his first ever Shakespearean role this coming summer. Freeman will play the Machiavellian King from July until September at Trafalgar Studios in Whitehall, the Daily Mail reports.

The play's director, Jamie Lloyd, is currently casting for other roles in Richard III.

Continue reading: Martin Freeman Lands Richard III Role In Shakespeare Play

88 Years Later, JRR Tolkien's 'Beowulf' Is To Hit Bookshelves


The Hobbit Martin Freeman Lord Of The Rings

JRR Tolkien's translation of the epic Beowulf is to be published for the first time almost 90 years after its completion. Beowulf: A Translation and Commentary will be published in May, giving Tolkien fans an extraordinary insight into the book that helped inspire The Lord Of The Rings and The Hobbit.

The Hobbit There and Back AgainMartin Freeman in The Hobbit: There and Back Again

The book, to be published in the UK by HarperCollins, has been edited by Tolkien's son Christopher Tolkien, who said the attention to detail gives rise to "a sense of immediacy and clarity of his vision."

Continue reading: 88 Years Later, JRR Tolkien's 'Beowulf' Is To Hit Bookshelves

'Svengali': A Rock 'N' Roll Comedy For Musos With An All-Star British Cast [Trailer + Pictures]


Martin Freeman Vicky McClure Matt Berry

The trailer has been released for new British music movie Svengali, a 21st century look at the British music industry and how minnows can become big fish on the scene. The comedy focusses on one man trying to establish himself as a manager to be reckoned with against all the odds.

Svengali Vicky McClure Jonny Owen
Jonny Owens & Vicky McClure Star In 'Svengali.'

Dixie (Jonny Owen) is a Welsh postman who rocks up in London to pursue his dream of becoming the next big music mogul. He comes across The Premature Congratulations and believes he can help this up-and-coming band hit the big time.

Continue reading: 'Svengali': A Rock 'N' Roll Comedy For Musos With An All-Star British Cast [Trailer + Pictures]

Sherlock Stars Cumberbatch And Freeman Confirm Gay Scene Was Cut


Benedict Cumberbatch Martin Freeman

Fan fiction authors should look away now, as you’ll all have collective heart attacks before penning the most homoerotic erotic Sherlock story ever written. But it’s true: Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman – aka Sherlock and Watson – had a gay scene cut from season three of the BBC crime drama.

Sherlock stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin FreemanSherlock stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman

You’ll remember the context well if you’re a fan of the show. That strange middle episode, the one with the wedding, contained a lengthy section focusing on Watson’s bachelor party, at which Sherlock was the only guest. Plenty of beers later and the pair are investigating a crime that would eventually tie in to the rest of the series, but rumors were soon flying round that the pair were actually drunk and shot a scene in a gay bar.

Continue reading: Sherlock Stars Cumberbatch And Freeman Confirm Gay Scene Was Cut

Sherlock To Continue Until Benedict Cumberbatch Gets Too Famous, Vows Steven Moffat


Benedict Cumberbatch Steven Moffat Martin Freeman

Benedict Cumberbatch has told reporters in the US in no uncertain terms that he and co-star Martin Freeman are definitely up for filming a new season of hit BBC detective drama Sherlock. Upon its third season airing, the show has just enjoyed its best ratings to date in the US and last weekend's series finale in the UK was branded "perfect" by critics.

Sherlock Holmes Benedict Cumberbatch John Watson Martin Freeman
If All Goes To Plan, There'll Definitely Be More 'Sherlock' Action Coming Our Way.

In the face of fans hungry for more of the electric chemistry between Cumberbatch's Sherlock and Freeman's Watson, the stars are excited to reveal that there'll probably be more 221B Baker Street drama headed our way. Though there has been no official announcement yet regarding a new series, executive producer Steven Moffat told the audience at the Television Critics Association press tour that "['Sherlock'] will continue until Benedict gets too famous."

Continue reading: Sherlock To Continue Until Benedict Cumberbatch Gets Too Famous, Vows Steven Moffat

Last Week's Box Office Saw The Hobbit Dethroned - What Will This Weekend Bring?


Martin Freeman Disney Chiwetel Ejiofor Benedict Cumberbatch

After ruling the roost for nearly a month in both the US and UK, The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug has finally fallen from its perch atop the box office charts. In the UK, American Hustle stormed the chart after gaining terrific reviews, knocking The Hobbit into second place and Frozen into third.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of SmaugThe Hobbit's supremacy was scuppered by Disney's animated winter powerhouse, Frozen

In North America on the other hand, Frozen made a post-holiday surge - perhaps sparked by the continent's "polar vortex" ice storm - to take the top spot. Other new films last week included Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones, which wasn't screened to the press and managed to land at second place in the US and fifth in the UK.

Continue reading: Last Week's Box Office Saw The Hobbit Dethroned - What Will This Weekend Bring?

What Have The Illegal Downloaders Been Watching? 2013's Most Pirated Film


Martin Freeman Paul Walker

For those who give into temptation – the temptation being seemingly unlimited to films music and TV for free with little chance of getting caught – then life’s pretty good: they can settle down in their comfortable homes, tucking into DVD quality movies with or without subtitles. Well, sometimes with hardcoded Mandarin subtitles, but that doesn’t matter.

The HobbitMartin Freeman as a young Bilbo Baggins

Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey proved the most popular film for torrent fans, with an estimated 8.4m downloads, and that’s despite the fantasy epic being available on the streaming service, Netflix. Up next was Quentin Tarantino’s dark slavery comedy, Django Unchained, while Fast & Furious 6 took third spot.

Continue reading: What Have The Illegal Downloaders Been Watching? 2013's Most Pirated Film

Box Office Top Ten: "The Hobbit" Is On Fire, But Disney's Record Breaker Is "Frozen" Into Place


Martin Freeman

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is likely to become the season’s not-so-surprising smash success. The second film from The Hobbit trilogy continued to dominate the box office over the past weekend, its third in a row. Despite a number of holiday releases, Bilbo Baggins & co. held on to the Number 1. spot with $29.9 earned over the three day period, bringing its total to $190 million earned domestically in the three weeks since its release (according to Box Office Mojo).

Martin Freeman, The Hobbit Still
Bilbo Baggins keeps the lead, despite Frozen's success.

As predicted, Smaug is soaring through the holiday period and into the New Year. The only other movie to match its three-week run in 2013 has been Alfonso Cuaron’s Gravity. Disney’s Frozen has also been doing well on the holiday box office front, following as a close second with $28.8 million over the weekend period. Anchorman 2 fell a spot to No. 3 with $20.2 million, while American Hustle took fourth place with $19.6 million.

Continue reading: Box Office Top Ten: "The Hobbit" Is On Fire, But Disney's Record Breaker Is "Frozen" Into Place

You Can't Budge Smaug - 'The Hobbit' Fights Off 'Anchorman 2' Competition


Martin Freeman Will Ferrell

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug has continued its journey at the top of the box office, decimating the competition with its solid franchise state, huge CGI set pieces and epic proportions. It even managed to stop Ron Burgundy in his tracks.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of SmaugIt's all smiles for Martin Freeman in Desolation of Smaug

Peter Jackson's Hobbit sequel took in $31.5 million in its second weekend of release for Warner Bros., adding to the $73.6m the fantasy goliath took on its opening weekend. It's now made more than $400 worldwide, including $96 million internationally over the weekend.

Continue reading: You Can't Budge Smaug - 'The Hobbit' Fights Off 'Anchorman 2' Competition

'Anchorman 2' Staying Classy To Top US Box Office This Weekend


Will Ferrell Anchorman Steve Carell Paul Rudd David Koechner Peter Jackson Martin Freeman Jennifer Lawrence Bradley Cooper David O Russell Christian Bale Disney Tom Hanks Emma Thompson

Anchorman 2: The Lengend Continues has been lighting up cinema screens since Wednesday (18 December) this week and looks set to continue its impressive run into next week and emerge as the top grossing film of the weekend. Having opened strongly mid-week, the reunited Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd and David Koechner have maintained their steady rise to the top.

Anchorman 2
All the gang, plus a secretary and some other guy, are back for the new Anchorman

In just five days since it was released, the film is estimated to have made $61.3 million already (via Box Office Mojo), with a massive $40.1 million coming in over the weekend period alone. Clearly people have recognised that Anchorman 2 is kind of a big deal, and they responded as expected.

Continue reading: 'Anchorman 2' Staying Classy To Top US Box Office This Weekend

A Week In News: Ian Watkins Sentenced, Beyonce's Record Breaking Album, The Hobbit Establishes Box Office Stronghold


Beyonce Knowles Daft Punk Peter Jackson Martin Freeman Khloe Kardashian Seth Macfarlane Lamar Odom

Beyonce

Beyoncé's Secret Album Breaks Records: Last week's biggest story was Beyoncé's unexpected and sudden album release, where she dropped Beyoncé with minimal farefare. Nevertheless, Queen Bey's fans were sent into a buying frenzy, pushing the singer to the top of the Billboard and iTunes charts and securing a fifth number one for the R&B megastar.

Ian Watkins Sent Down: Former Lostprophets singer and "committed" paedophile Ian Watkins has been jailed for 35 years at Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday for a string of child sex offences. The judge said Watkins took "evident delight" in abusing children after the rocker pleaded guilty last month to 13 offences. Read about the full sentencing here.

Continue reading: A Week In News: Ian Watkins Sentenced, Beyonce's Record Breaking Album, The Hobbit Establishes Box Office Stronghold

'The Hobbit: Desolation Of Smaug' Is On Fire At Box Office Opening Weekend Debuting $73.7 Million Domestically


Martin Freeman

'The Hobbit: Desolation Of Smaug' as predicted dominates the North American box office on opening weekend with garnering an impressive $73.7 million from ticket sales. The epic sequel melted Disney's latest animation, 'Frozen', off the top spot as it earned $22.2 in its third weekend, bringing its overall domestic ticket total to $164.4 million.

Martin Freeman
Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins in 'The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug'

'Smaug' received the fourth biggest December opening ever, coming behind 'Avatar' ($77 million), 'I Am Legend' ($77.2 million) and 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' ($84.6 million).

Continue reading: 'The Hobbit: Desolation Of Smaug' Is On Fire At Box Office Opening Weekend Debuting $73.7 Million Domestically

A Week In Movies: SAG And Globe Nominations, The Stars Hit Europe, Big Sci-fi Trailers Debut...


Tom Cruise Leonardo Dicaprio Martin Freeman Channing Tatum Brendan Gleeson Jason Bateman

The Wolf Of Wall Street Logo

As we move properly into awards season, films are jostling to be the frontrunner. This week saw nominations announced by the Golden Globes and the Screen Actors Guild, two key awards in the run-up to Oscar night. At the moment, the leading contenders are David O Russell's Abscam comedy-drama American Hustle and Steve McQueen's 12 Years a Slave. But anything can happen, see the other contenders here.

The dark horse in the awards race is The Wolf of Wall Street, a late entry into contention. The film held its European premiere in Paris on Monday, attended by Leonardo Dicaprio, director Martin Scorsese and costar Jean Dujardin. Buzz is growing quickly for the film, which opens in most cinemas in January. Watch the latest trailer for Wolf Of Wall Street here!

Continue reading: A Week In Movies: SAG And Globe Nominations, The Stars Hit Europe, Big Sci-fi Trailers Debut...

Will The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug's Mixed Reaction Have A Box Office Effect?


Martin Freeman Benedict Cumberbatch

Peter Jackson struck gold with the Lord of The Rings trilogy, translating J.R.R Tolkien’s epic novels to the big screen and, in many cases, opening it up to a new audience. The fantasy classics stand tall in the annals of box office notoriety, and have become Christmas re-watch stalwarts. A bona-fide success, there’s no doubt.

Martin Freeman The HobbitMartin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins in 'The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug'

His decision to stretch out The Hobbit story - a book of 400 pages, around the same as each of the Lord of The Rings books - into a fully fledged trilogy, hasn’t been received quite as well. Criticised for hopelessly elongating a simply story, Jackson’s legacy is under threat in the midst of 'The Desolation of Smaug’s' release tomorrow, Friday 13. But will the lukewarm reviews have an adverse affect on the fiscal performance of the film?

Continue reading: Will The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug's Mixed Reaction Have A Box Office Effect?

Can 'The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug' Succeed Where It's Predecessor Failed? Review Round-Up


Peter Jackson Martin Freeman Ian McKellen Orlando Bloom James Nesbitt Richard Armitage

Having narrowly escaped several deadly confrontations with the likes of trolls, stone giants and an innumeral amount of orcs, Bilbo Baggins, still in the company of Gandalf and the Dwarves of Erebor, continues his adventure to return the dwarves to their rightful home, coming across their most difficult deeds yet this time around. They reach the Lonely Mountain, guarded by the colossal dragon Smaug, and must pit their wits against their greatest challenge yet, as well as yet more goblins, orcs, giant spiders and some very untrustworthy elves.

Bilbo Baggins
Bilbo gets serious this time around

The first time around, Biblo (Martin Freeman), the returning Gandalf (Ian McKellen) and our dwarf friends were met with a mix reception by a largely indifferent collection of critics. This time around, the overall view is still a relatively unconvinced one, but it does seem as though Peter Jackson's latest Tolkein epic has regained some of the vigor from the beloved Lord of the Rings trilogy and a number of notable critics were left impressed after watching the film.

Continue reading: Can 'The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug' Succeed Where It's Predecessor Failed? Review Round-Up

Santa's Travelling Secrets Revealed In 'Saving Santa' [Trailer + Pictures]


Martin Freeman Tom Conway

Ever wondered how the hell Father Christmas does it? He starts off in the North Pole, and gets presents to every kid by the time they wake up. Don’t even start to think about timezones, as you may start to unravel something deep and dark.

Saving SantaMartin Freeman voices Bernard - an Elf on a mission to save Santa

Luckily, Saving Santa answers our questions. But not before Santa faces a real threat to his Christmas Eve routine, something the plucky Elf Bernard – voiced by Martin Freeman – has to stop. Twice. See, evil forces are hell-bent on discovering the secret of Santa’s sledge.

Continue reading: Santa's Travelling Secrets Revealed In 'Saving Santa' [Trailer + Pictures]

Hobbit Fans Get Treat As Extra Long 'Desolation Of Smaug' Trailer Hits


Martin Freeman Orlando Bloom Ian McKellen Peter Jackson

Ahead of the second film in Peter Jackson’s Hobbit trilogy’s release, an extended, for-the-fans trailer has been released, giving us a better look at the Desolation of Smaug, which will hit cinemas this December.

Martin Freeman
Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins in 'The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug'

The long trailer was shown at a fan event, which featured a Q&A with the film’s stars, Orlando Bloom, Evangeline Lilly, Lee Pace, Luke Evans, Richard Armitage, Andy Serkis, and, of course, the director Peter Jackson.

Continue reading: Hobbit Fans Get Treat As Extra Long 'Desolation Of Smaug' Trailer Hits

A Week In Movies: Big Films Hit Britain, New York Premieres For Hanks And The Coens, Statham Fights Back


James McAvoy Saoirse Ronan Kevin Macdonald Tom Hanks Paul Greengrass Carey Mulligan John Goodman Adam Driver Jason Statham Martin Freeman Orlando Bloom

James McAvoy in Filth

Two big British films hit UK cinemas this week. After storming the Scottish box office last weekend and garnering rave reviews across the board, Filth arrives in the rest of the country this week. Based on the novel by Irvine Welsh (Trainspotting), the Edinburgh black comedy stars  in a career-redefining role as a deeply nasty cop. Read our 'Filth' review here.

Meanwhile, Saoirse Ronan stars in the introspective thriller How I Live Now, set in a present-day Britain that's engulfed in war. Opening in the UK this weekend and in America next month, the film is directed by Kevin Macdonald (The Last King of Scotland), and the cast includes rising stars George MacKay (Hunky Dory) and Tom Holland (The Impossible). We gave the film 4/5 you can read the 'How I Live Now' review here.

Continue reading: A Week In Movies: Big Films Hit Britain, New York Premieres For Hanks And The Coens, Statham Fights Back

'The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug' New Trailer - Ready For More? [Trailer + Pictures]


Martin Freeman Peter Jackson Ian McKellen Richard Armitage Benedict Cumberbatch Evangeline Lilly Orlando Bloom

The second film in The Hobbit franchise The Desolation of Smaug has a brand new trailer, which sees the Elves and the Dwarves reluctantly unite, Bilbo Baggins captured by The Ring's power and the terrifying Smaug breath fire. The action packed movie is set for for a Christmas time release but you can catch a glimpse of the fantasy epic right now. 

Ian McKellen Desolation of SmaugIan McKellen As Gandalf In The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

In The Desolation of Smaug we re-join Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and his trials & tribulations alongside the Wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen) and thirteen Dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) on the marathon quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor.

Continue reading: 'The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug' New Trailer - Ready For More? [Trailer + Pictures]

Martin Freeman To Star In FX's Reboot Of The 1996 Film Fargo, Alongside Billy Bob Thornton


Martin Freeman

The 'Hobbit' star has been cast the lead role in FX's reboot of the 1996 crime film 'Fargo'.

The Hollywood Reporter claims that Martin Freeman is going to be the lead role and play Lester Nygaard who will be based on the character William H Macy played in the 90's black comedy.

The film was directed by the Cohen Brothers and received seven Academy award nominations with winning two Oscar awards for 'Best Original Screenplay' and 'Best Actress In A Leading Role' for Frances Mcdormand who played 'Marge Gunderson'.

Continue reading: Martin Freeman To Star In FX's Reboot Of The 1996 Film Fargo, Alongside Billy Bob Thornton

Martin Freeman Cast In Lead Role For TV-Version Of 'Fargo'


Martin Freeman Billy Bob Thornton Joel Cohen

Martin Freeman will take on the central role in the upcoming TV adaption of the Coen Brothers 1996 Oscar-nominated film Fargo. The Hobbit star has been handed the role of Lester Nygaard, who was originally portrayed by William H. Macy, in the 10-episode limited series based on by the cult 1996 film.

Martin Freeman
Freeman will take on William H. Macy's role

Freeman is the latest main character to be cast in the series, with Billy Bob Thornton already lined up to star in the television spin-off to portray a completely new character. The series, which will be set in Minnesota and follow a different premise to the original 1996 film, will supposedly feature an completely different "real crime" story, with Nygaard this time being a hapless insurance salesman who is manipulated by the passing stranger Lorne Malvo (Thornton). Throughout the series, Malvo will sink his teeth into Freeman's character and enlist him to carry out illegal, money-spinning ploys on his behalf.

Continue reading: Martin Freeman Cast In Lead Role For TV-Version Of 'Fargo'

Martin Freeman To Star In 'Fargo' TV Show, But As Which Character?


Martin Freeman Ethan Coen

Martin Freeman, the British actor who began his career alongside Ricky Gervais on The Office before going onto Hollywood stardom, has signed on to star on FX's adaptation of the Coen brothers' classic Fargo.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Freeman will play the role of Lester Nygaard, portrayed by William H. Macy in the 1996 feature film that was nominated for best picture at the Oscars and remains a Coen brother's fan favourite. The new 10-episode limited series will follow an all-new "true crime story" with a new case.

Freeman's character is an insurance salesman who has seen better days. His life suddenly changes forever when a mysterious stranger comes to town. The part earned Macy a nomination for best supporting actor at the Oscars and remains one of the finest individual performances in the Coen oeuvre. 

Continue reading: Martin Freeman To Star In 'Fargo' TV Show, But As Which Character?

The Hobbit: No Show At Comic-Con BUT A Behind-The-Scenes Sneak Preview [Video]


Peter Jackson Martin Freeman Ian McKellen Benedict Cumberbatch

It wasn't really a diva-ruling that the sequel to 2012's The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey won't be holding a panel at this year's Comic-Con: in his vlog, Jackson acknowledges that fans attending Comic-Con will be let down but time constraints and a busy schedule mean it just won't be possible. However, the Kiwi director apologises with a special behind-the-scenes production video that gives Hobbit fans an exclusive look into the world of The One Ring.

Peter Jackson
Director Peter Jackson Has Good News & Bad News For Fans.

On his YouTube channel, Jackson introduces the production diary with some "disappointing" news: he announced that he "wasn't ready to present anything from the Desolation of Smaug at comic con this year" due to no available cast to attend and he himself working busy six day weeks in order to make the second and third Hobbit movies "as cool as they can possibly be." Jackson's "good news" is the new video blog: the 10 minute video shows behind-the-scenes production shots including the team goofing around and green screen scenes, that demonstrate the hard work and preparation that goes into producing such an intricately detailed fantasy blockbuster. The most exciting aspect of the video is seeing the gigantic sets that are built for the movie, such as Mirkwood forest and Lake-town, as well as the reunited cast back in costume and ready to film.

Continue reading: The Hobbit: No Show At Comic-Con BUT A Behind-The-Scenes Sneak Preview [Video]

'Elementary' My Dear... Mycroft? Rhys Ifans To Join The Cast Of Sherlock Holmes


Rhys Ifans Jonny Lee Miller Lucy Liu Robert Downey Jr Benedict Cumberbatch Martin Freeman Basil Rathbone Jeremy Brett

Rhys Ifans will join the cast of Elementary, alongside Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Lui. The Welsh actor will play Mycroft Holmes, Sherlock's older brother. He is a definite feature in the season's premiere, airing in September but any possibility of further appearances has not been mentioned.

CBS' Elementary sets the traditional story of the famous detective in New York. Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu starring as Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson will, according to reports encounter Ifans in London. The season premiere will be set in the British capital as the deducing duo are forced to  deal with one of Sherlock's former cases. Ifans as Mycroft allows them to stay with him at Baker Street. Apparently a reasonable amount of sibling rivalry and tension will ensue. 

Rhys Ifans
Rhys Ifans, pictured at the 2012 Place for Peace dinner in London, is to join the cast of Elementary as Mycroft Holmes.

Continue reading: 'Elementary' My Dear... Mycroft? Rhys Ifans To Join The Cast Of Sherlock Holmes

The Hobbit 2: The Desolation Of Smaug Trailer - Beware Of Plot Twists


Martin Freeman Peter Jackson Elijah Wood Cate Blanchett Benedict Cumberbatch

The strategy for the new The Hobbit 2: The Desolation of Smaug trailer seems pretty simple: how many instantly recognisable things can be put in this? Put ‘em all in. But let’s be honest, as far as marketing tricks go, that one is pretty effective. If you’re a LotR or Hobbit fan to any degree, you’re probably jumping up and down waiting to see this in a theatre – on the inside at least. So, the bit that everyone was concerned about was, with a short book like The Hobbit, how on earth could Peter Jackson and co. manage to fill three (fairly long) films?

But Jackson seems to be managing alright – particularly since this is the part in which we finally get to see the main event – the dragon. And not just any dragon, but Smaug. Smaug the Terrible, Destroyer of the Dale, Captor of the Lonely Mountain... you get the gist. Smaug is a big deal. Ok, so we don’t actually get to see him in the trailer, but the rest of the CGI looks solid so we can only hope that the graphics team did Smaug the Magnificent (we can keep listing aliases forever) justice.

Continue reading: The Hobbit 2: The Desolation Of Smaug Trailer - Beware Of Plot Twists

A Week In Movies Feat: Tarantino's Django Unchained, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey And Tom Cruise's Jack Reacher All Premier


Quentin Tarantino Leonardo Dicaprio Jamie Foxx Samuel L Jackson Don Johnson Christoph Waltz Uma Thurman Martin Freeman Cate Blanchett Ian McKellen Tom Cruise Robert Duvall Rosamund Pike Armie Hammer Johnny Depp Henry Cavill Zack Snyder Amy Adams Michael Shannon Kevin Costner

Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained

In New York, Leonardo Dicaprio, Jamie Foxx, Samuel L. Jackson, Don Johnson and a bald-shaven Christoph Waltz attended the premiere of Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained, joking with the photographers as they posed for them. And Tarantino even turned up with his Kill Bill star Uma Thurman on his arm.

Meanwhile in London, the first part in Peter Jackson's new trilogy, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, had its royal film performance this week with much of the cast in attendance, including Martin Freeman, Cate Blanchett and Ian McKellen, who watched the film alongside Prince William. The film is in cinemas now, with the following chapters scheduled for next Christmas and the summer of 2014.

Continue reading: A Week In Movies Feat: Tarantino's Django Unchained, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey And Tom Cruise's Jack Reacher All Premier

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Review


Excellent

This first chapter of Peter Jackson's new Tolkien trilogy takes us back to the familiar settings and characters, inflating a simple journey into an epic adventure in the process. This film also looks strikingly different, shot both in 3D and 48 frames technology, double the definition of film. But it's the story we're really interested in.

The events take place 60 years before The Lord of the Rings, when Bilbo (Freeman) is a younger Hobbit enjoying a quiet life. Then he meets the wizard Ganfolf (McKellen) and everything changes. Suddenly he's invaded by 13 riotous dwarves led by Thorin (Armitage), who has decided to lead an expedition to reclaim their homeland from the sleeping dragon Smaug. Bilbo reluctantly agrees to help them, and their journey kicks off with a series of adventures as they are chased by wolf-riding orcs, captured by greedy goblins and terrorised by gigantic mountain-monsters. They also call in for help from the elf leaders Elrond and Galadriel (Weaving and Blanchett), and try to convince the sceptical wizard Saruman (Lee) to back their quest.

The film opens with familiar characters as the older Bilbo (Holm) chats with Frodo (Wood) before we flash back to the start. And Jackson continues to link the two trilogies like this, with connective characters and events as well as developing the simple novel into a much bigger epic, complete with tenacious villains. All of this is hugely involving, with tense moments that are nerve-shredding as well as scenes of dark emotion and broad humour. The best sequence is Bilbo's encounter with Gollum, which vividly reveals the progress in performance-capture technology over the last decade. We can even more clearly see Serkis in Gollum this time, and it gives the film a real kick.

Continue reading: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Review

A Week In Movies Feat: Kathryn Bigelow, Zero Dark Thirty, Tom Hooper, Les Miserables, Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Matt Damon, Martin Freeman And More!


Kathryn Bigelow Tom Hooper Hugh Jackman Russell Crowe Anne Hathaway Eddie Redmayne Amanda Seyfried Matt Damon Gus Van Sant Martin Freeman Colin Farrell Sam Rockwell Christopher Walken Tina Fey Paul Rudd

Zero Dark Thirty

Awards season kicked off in earnest this week with two major critical bodies - New York Critics and the National Board of Review - both naming the Osama bin Laden raid thriller Zero Dark Thirty as their film of the year. Jessica Chastain stars in the movie, which reunites director Kathryn Bigelow with The Hurt Locker writer Mark Boal. The new trailer promises another exciting, intense military action drama.

Another major awards contender is Tom Hooper's film of the epic musical Les Miserables, with a high-powered cast including Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Eddie Redmayne and Amanda Seyfried. All of them attended the glitzy red carpet world premiere in London this week. The film opens in America on Christmas Day, and in Britain in early January.

Continue reading: A Week In Movies Feat: Kathryn Bigelow, Zero Dark Thirty, Tom Hooper, Les Miserables, Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Matt Damon, Martin Freeman And More!

The Pirates! In An Adventure With Scientists! Review


Very Good
Aardman returns to hand-crafted clay-mation for this riotous seafaring romp.

The film is almost too crowded with witty visual and verbal gags to catch on a single viewing. Although it's also too corny to be a real classic.

The Pirate Captain (voiced by Grant) never gets any respect, especially with the Pirate of the Year competition gearing up. But his first mate (Freeman) and rag-tag crew (Tovey, Gleeson and Jenson) are fearlessly loyal. While accumulating plunder to win the award, they accidentally hijack a scientific ship and then travel with Charles Darwin (Tennant) to win a science prize in London. But this means that the crew needs to get dangerously close to venomous pirate-hater Queen Victoria (Staunton).

Continue reading: The Pirates! In An Adventure With Scientists! Review

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Trailer


Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit, who lives a quiet life in The Shire. His peace is interrupted one day when Gandalf arrives on his doorstep, persuading Bilbo to hold a party in his home. Bilbo refuses but has no choice but to agree when Gandalf pesters him.

Continue: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Trailer

The Pirates! In An Adventure With Scientists Trailer


The Pirate Captain, although relentlessly optimistic, has never won the Pirate of the Year Award. Perhaps it has something to do with his crew - many of them are pirates but some aren't (and one is a fish dressed in a pirate hat). Or maybe it's because he doesn't have much of a success rate when it comes to stealing treasure.

Continue: The Pirates! In An Adventure With Scientists Trailer

Love Actually Review


Very Good
I can only presume that the British calendar is so uniquely screwy that it allows for a Christmas movie to open a week after Halloween. Or maybe Love Actually is just in a universe of its own... one in which the prime minister is inaugurated in November and where an adverb can be used to modify a noun.

But a little oddness is forgivable: Directing a movie is a strange place for Richard Curtis, who's written umpteen Brit-friendly movies and TV shows over the years but hasn't directed one, until now.

Continue reading: Love Actually Review

Martin Freeman

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Martin Freeman

Date of birth

8th September, 1971

Occupation

Actor

Sex

Male

Height

1.69




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Martin Freeman Movies

Black Panther Trailer

Black Panther Trailer

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Captain America: Civil War Trailer

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Whiskey Tango Foxtrot - Teaser Trailer

Being over 40 and a female journalist in the city means you don't necessarily get...

Captain America: Civil War - First Look Trailer

Captain America: Civil War - First Look Trailer

As the world of Marvel super heroes become ever more entwined, Captain America: Civil War...

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies Movie Review

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies Movie Review

Peter Jackson's expanded take on J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit comes to a conclusion in a...

The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies Trailer

The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies Trailer

The Lonely Mountain has been reclaimed from the dragon Smaug. The dwarves of Thorin Oakenshield...

The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies Trailer

The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies Trailer

Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf and the mini-army of dwarves led by Thorin are facing an evermore...

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Svengali Movie Review

Svengali Movie Review

There's enough charming energy in this loose London music scene comedy to keep us entertained,...

Svengali Trailer

Svengali Trailer

Dixie is a Welsh postman who has arrived in London to follow his dreams of...

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Movie Review

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Movie Review

With wittier action and a few more sharply defined characters, this second episode in Peter...

Saving Santa Trailer

Saving Santa Trailer

Bernard, a lowly stable elf responsible for cleaning the reindeer's stables is forced to travel...

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Trailer

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Trailer

Bilbo Baggins has narrowly escaped several deadly confrontations with the likes of trolls, stone giants...

The World's End Movie Review

The World's End Movie Review

After Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, Pegg and Wright conclude their so-called Cornetto...

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Trailer

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Trailer

Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf and their company thirteen dwarves have managed to leave the Misty Mountains...

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