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'Sherlock' Season 4 Promises To Be "Most Shocking & Surprising" Yet


Benedict Cumberbatch Martin Freeman Mark Gatiss Steven Moffat

Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman will be returning to 221B Baker Street next year as Sherlock and Watson. The series' creators, Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, have confirmed the series will return for a special in 2015 followed by three episodes. But we're in for a long wait...

Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman
Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman star in Sherlock.

The special and the three episode fourth series will begin filming in January 2015 and will air later that year. Freeman has let slip that he suspects the series will be aired at Christmas time, as the previous two series have been. Speaking to the Telegraph, Freeman said "I think that might be for next Christmas. A Christmas special. That's what I understand."

Continue reading: 'Sherlock' Season 4 Promises To Be "Most Shocking & Surprising" Yet

Sherlock Twitter Deluge Reveals Information On Special Plus New Series


Benedict Cumberbatch Martin Freeman

As promised, The BBC revealed details of Sherlock’s upcoming adventures at 2:21pm today (July 2). The Tweets hint at “the most shocking and surprising” series yet, much to the delight of the show’s dedicated fan base.

Benedict CumberbatchBenedict Cumberbatch is coming back for more Sherlock

The announcement kicked off with: "Miss me?" #Sherlock, the hit @BBCOne drama, will return for a Special, followed by a series of three new episodes. #221back,” which was followed up with: “After the briefest of exiles, #Sherlock will return to face one of his biggest mysteries yet... #221back”

Continue reading: Sherlock Twitter Deluge Reveals Information On Special Plus New Series

"Fargo" Showrunner Noah Hawley Talks Hard Work, Toil And The Creative Process


Martin Freeman Keegan-Michael Key

Fargo viewers are split on last night’s finale – for some it was a disappointing ending to an otherwise great show, for others it cemented the series' place as "one of the year's best dramas."

While opinions on the first season settle, the writers have time to congratulate themselves on a job well done. Head writer Noah Hawley talked to Forbes, recalling the process of bringing the Cohen Brothers’ vision to the small screen. The transition required a lot of remodeling and the end result is a dark, quirky, and very witty series that plays as its own story, rather than a cheap knockoff of the 1996 film. First of all, Hawley says, the series is very much its own entity, with a completely different tone to the movie – a much darker one.

Billy Bob Thornton
Billy Bob Thornton had an excellent turn as the psychotic and frequently terrifying Lorne Malvo

Continue reading: "Fargo" Showrunner Noah Hawley Talks Hard Work, Toil And The Creative Process

'The Hobbit: Battle Of The Five Armies': What We Know, So Far


Peter Jackson Martin Freeman

We’ve got to admit The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies certainly sounds a lot more climactic than The Hobbit: There and Back Again. The producers seem to agree as well, considering they have officially changed the name of the movie. It’s even been changed on IMDb so you know that they mean business.  It's pretty apt to change the movie’s title to include a reference to the titular action of the final installment. There and Back Again just seemed like too safe a title to bring to an end Peter Jackson’s 13 year bid to recreate the world of J.R.R. Tolkein.

Martin Freeman Bilbo BagginsMartin Freeman will reprise his role as Bilbo Baggins

Unlike it’s previous title, The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies, gives a lot more away about what could potentially happen in the final film. For those who haven’t read the books it wouldn’t be a stretch to assume that there will be a battle. Between five armies. Not a major spoiler, but certainly a lot more telling than There and Back Again.

Continue reading: 'The Hobbit: Battle Of The Five Armies': What We Know, So Far

The Next 'Breaking Bad'? 'Fargo' Ep. 1 Is A Must-See [Video]


Martin Freeman Billy Bob Thornton Joel Cohen Ethan Coen

New television series Fargo premiered last night on FX, giving American audiences a first taste of the adaptation of the Coen Brothers famed 1996 dark comedy. Starring Martin Freeman ('The Hobbit') and Billy Bob Thornton ('Armageddon'), the new show has been developed by Noah Hawley ('Bones') but has received the blessing of Joel and Ethan Coen, who are acting as executive producers.

Martin Freeman Lester Nygaard Fargo
British Star Martin Freeman Adopts A Minnesotan Drawl For His 'Fargo' Character.

With plenty of black humour and often shockingly overblown violence, the show has been described by Hawley as more like ''a ten hour movie'', than a traditional series. Set in snowy Minnesota, Fargo is a furtherance of the '90s crime classic and has already been tipped by some as the next Breaking Bad in terms of its must-watch factor. Colin Hanks, Bob Odenkirk, Oliver Platt, Kate Walsh, Keith Carradine, Adam Goldberg, Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele all take supporting roles in the show.

Continue reading: The Next 'Breaking Bad'? 'Fargo' Ep. 1 Is A Must-See [Video]

Is FX's 'Fargo' TV Series The Next BIG Thing?


Billy Bob Thornton Martin Freeman Keith Carradine Colin Hanks

The TV series adaptation of the Coen brothers Oscar-winning movie Fargo has received strong reviews ahead of its premiere on FX tonight. The show stars Billy Bob Thornton as Lorne Larvo, who arrives in a Minnesota and immetely brings major changes to the lives of insurance salesman Lester Nygaard (Martin Freeman), Officer Molly Solverson (Alison Tolman), the daughter of the former Chief (Keith Carradine) and singer father Gus Grimly (Colin Hanks).

Martin Freeman FargoMartin Freeman as Lester in 'Fargo'

"A perfectly mixed cocktail equally parts menacing and suspenseful, washed down with surprising notes of hilarious satire and pulpy violence, FX's version of Fargo is most certainly not a pale imitation of the gruesome dark comedy," said the Daily Beast's Kevin Fallon.

Continue reading: Is FX's 'Fargo' TV Series The Next BIG Thing?

Video - Martin Freeman Spotted At The FX Networks Screening Of 'Fargo' - Part 1


'The Hobbit' star Martin Freeman is snapped arriving on the red carpet of FX Networks Upfront screening of their upcoming crime drama series 'Fargo' held at SVA Theater in New York. The series is written by Noah Hawley and is based on the Coen brothers' 1996 film of the same name.

Continue: Video - Martin Freeman Spotted At The FX Networks Screening Of 'Fargo' - Part 1

Which Of These Movies Will Be The Biggest Of 2014?


Chris Evans Martin Freeman

The Lego Movie is sitting firmly atop the highest grossing movies of 2014 list, having raked in over $410 million. The animated film has been a huge hit with cinema goers and critics, although we’re not even half way through the year yet, there’s still time for it be knocked off the top spot.

The Lego Movie The Lego Movie is currently the highest grossing movie of 2014

It looks as though Captain America: The Winter Soldier, which has only been on the big screen for a couple of weeks, could easily come along and steal its crown. It’s already taken over $308 million at the box office, which sounds impressive but still leaves it at the number three spot, $16 million behind 300: Rise of an Empire. There’s still time, Captain America.

Continue reading: Which Of These Movies Will Be The Biggest Of 2014?

Three Major Predictions For 'The Hobbit There And Back Again'


Martin Freeman Orlando Bloom Richard Armitage Benedict Cumberbatch Lee Pace Lord Of The Rings The Hobbit

We’re two films, five hours and one cliffhanger into The Hobbit film series and final installment, There And Back Again, is due out in December. This means we’re in for about eight months of speculation. The trailer isn’t even out yet, but looking back on the source material, there are a few predictions to be made about the final film. We'd put a spoiler warning here, but you know...the book has been out for almost 90 years, just saying.

Martin Freeman
This one might be less about Bilbo and more about... well, everyone else.

3. The Battle of the Five Armies. At this point in the franchise, we are yet to see Thorin get consumed by greed, which is one of the main plot points in The Hobbit. At one point, the King Under the Mountain should hole up with his gold and refuse to pay any compensation to the people of Laketown (who at this point are about to have their town torched by Smaug) or to the Wood Elves. The two armies are on their way to lay siege to the mountain, when they discover that there is an orc and warg army on the way too. Basically the culmination of the entire series.

Continue reading: Three Major Predictions For 'The Hobbit There And Back Again'

Svengali Review


OK

There's enough charming energy in this loose London music scene comedy to keep us entertained, but the plot drives us round the bend by refusing to go anywhere. Yes, this is one of those achingly British films that pulls the rug out from under its characters (and indeed its audience) every time they're threatened with even a moment of happiness.

Our hero is Dixie (Jonny Owen), who leaves rural Wales when he discovers a band on YouTube that he thinks he can manage into stardom. In London, he discovers that the Premature Congratulations (Michael Sosha, Dylan Edwards, Joel Fry and Curtis Thomson) are four hapless young men who make great music but have barely a whiff of common sense between them. So his efforts to promote them are more difficult than expected, especially since his record-exec childhood friend Horsey (Roger Evans) won't give him the time of day. Then just as Dixie's girlfriend Shell (Vicky McClure) gets fed up with his debt-incurring ways, The Prems suddenly become the hottest unsigned band in London.

Not that Dixie is capable of getting them signed to one of the labels clamouring for them. No, this is one of those movies in which everything goes wrong on cue. Not only does success remain tantalisingly out of reach, but Dixie also has problems with a loan shark (Michael Smiley) and a surly record-shop boss (Martin Freeman). And his father is dying too. These are far too many obstacles for a scruffy little movie, and not one of them feels either relevant or necessary. It's merely Owen the screenwriter torturing Owen the actor. He may be relentlessly charming on-screen, but it's all so contrived that we know it's pointless to care about anything.

Continue reading: Svengali Review

Is 'Svengali' Really The Funniest British Film In Years?


Martin Freeman Vicky McClure Matt Berry

'Svengali' pulls together some of the most popular British actors and comedians for a film that satirises the music industry. At the centre of all this is Dixie, a postman from South Wales played by Jonny Owen who dreams of finding the next big band - until he does. What follows is a classic fish-out-of-water underdog story that sees our Dixie navigate the notoriously fickle music industry.

Svengali Vicky McClure Jonny Owen
Vicky McClure and Jonny Owens star in 'Svengali'

The film also stars Vicky McClure, otherwise known as the queen of independent British cinema. Having made her name in ‘This is England’ and the subsequent spin-offs, she is arguably the headline cast member in a long list of home-grown heroes. 

Continue reading: Is 'Svengali' Really The Funniest British Film In Years?

Svengali Trailer


Dixie is a Welsh postman who has arrived in London to follow his dreams of becoming the next big music mogul. After months of watching YouTube videos, he comes across The Premature Congratulations - a band that he thinks could make it big. Teaming up with his partner Michelle, he searches for the band and offers to be their manager. They're initially nonchalant about the situation, but they start to grow in confidence as Dixie lands them more and more gigs. However, they also start lacking in appreciation for poor Dixie, who is struggling to pay his rent on very little income and is facing difficult times ahead if he wants to communicate with the major powers of the UK music industry. With The Prems slowly slipping from his grasp and Michelle becoming increasingly more frustrated with him, Dixie is forced to think carefully about his future both privately and professionally.

This musical comedy is about the struggles of the backbone of any music industry - the managers. It was written by and stars Jonny Owen in his screenwriting debut, and was directed by John Hardwick ('33X Around the Sun'). 'Svengali' is due for release in cinemas on March 21st 2014 and on DVD and Blu-ray on April 7th.

Svengali Movie Review - Click here to read.

'Fargo' TV Series Will Reach Your Eyes, And Ears, Via Channel 4


Martin Freeman Billy Bob Thornton

Channel 4 is the lucky winner of 'Fargo', the new TV series based on The Coen Brothers’ famous film. We say lucky because loads of people are going to watch it, but there’s also scant regard for the way airing rights are actually distributed mixed in there, too. The series premieres in the U.S. on FX in April, and will air shortly after on Channel 4 in the U.K.

Martin Freeman in FargoMartin Freeman in Fargo. Image: FX

Channel 4's chief creative officer Jay Hunt said: "Fargo is a perfect Channel 4 show – a dark comedy, beautifully directed with a stunning cast. We are excited to be bringing it to a British audience."

Continue reading: 'Fargo' TV Series Will Reach Your Eyes, And Ears, Via Channel 4

If Benedict Cumberbatch Dies, Sherlock Dies, Says Mark Gatiss


Benedict Cumberbatch Martin Freeman

'Sherlock' creator and showrunner Mark Gatiss didn’t spare the dramatics when talking about Benedict Cumberbatch’s importance to the show. When underlining the integral role his leading man plays, the words “under” and “bus” were uttered.

Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin FreemanBenedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman are indespensible to Sherlock, says Gatiss

"If Benedict went under a bus tomorrow it would be the end of the show,” Gatiss announced to the Daily Mirror. "Benedict and Martin are our stars. We do three episodes a year and although people want more that's all we can do. They are so famous now it's difficult to get them."

Continue reading: If Benedict Cumberbatch Dies, Sherlock Dies, Says Mark Gatiss

'Sherlock' Season 4 Could Begin As Early As Christmas 2014


Benedict Cumberbatch Martin Freeman

Sherlock’s season three finale aired in the US last night, but it seems fans may not have too long to wait until season four. UK newspaper The Sun has reported that Sherlock could have its season 4 premiere this Christmas. A source told the newspaper, “the BBC is desperate for a Sherlock Christmas Day special this year. It wants its biggest guns ready.”

Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman could return to our screens sooner than expectedBenedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman could return to our screens sooner than expected

Fans will remember the agonising two year gap between the shows 2nd and 3rd season, but this time BBC bosses want to capitalise more quickly on the shows popularity. The third series was the UK’s most watched drama since 2001, with over 11 million viewers tuning in to the season finale. The success of the series has seen the career of stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman take off. However if Sherlock is to return at Christmas filming would most likely have to begin this March, leaving little time for the busy actors to clear their schedules. One good sign is that creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss did meet recently to discuss plans for future series.

Continue reading: 'Sherlock' Season 4 Could Begin As Early As Christmas 2014

Don't Rule Out A 'Sherlock' Movie Just Yet, Says Steven Moffat


Benedict Cumberbatch Martin Freeman Steven Moffat Mark Gatiss

In general, TV shows that are turned into movies never come close to emulating the same kind of success or that same edge that made the orignal creation such a joy to behold in the first place. When Sherlock, the BBC's hit modern update of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's detective series, is concerned however, a movie version of the feature-length programme seems to make a lot of sense.

Sherlock
Stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman have made a name for themselves in Hollywood since Sherlock's debut

With the show's stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman currently mentioned among the highest echelons of Hollywood actors, it seems less and less likely that a Sherlock film will ever come to fruition, however during a recent chat with Entertainment Weekly, series writer and creator Steven Moffat revealed that a Sherlock movie might not be completely out of the question yet. With a fourth and potentially a fifth season already under construction, Moffat and the rest of the Sherlock team still have plenty of ideas to work with, ideas that may make their way on to the big screen.

Continue reading: Don't Rule Out A 'Sherlock' Movie Just Yet, Says Steven Moffat

Steven Moffat On Mega Sherlock Ratings: "It Isn't Supposed To Be Like This"


Benedict Cumberbatch Martin Freeman Steven Moffat

Sherlock has been a barnstorming success, and it’s not often you get to hand that phrase out. It might not seem like a surprise to us schmucks, but the show’s writer and producer, Steven Moffat, can’t believe the BBC drama is bringing in the kind of numbers it is.

Sherlock Season 3 cast

Moffat says in a statement: "It isn't supposed to be like this. Sherlock began life as a surprise hit, and now in its third series, it's rating higher than ever." The third and final installment of the current series, His Last Vow, pulled in 8.8million viewers, which equated to 32.1% audience share.

Continue reading: Steven Moffat On Mega Sherlock Ratings: "It Isn't Supposed To Be Like This"

Sherlock "Perfect" Series Finale 'His Final Vow' Earns Mass Critical Praise


Benedict Cumberbatch Martin Freeman Amanda Abbington Steven Moffat

Sherlock wrapped up in style as the final episode of the BBC detective drama aired last night and sent shockwaves of excitement throughout fans and critics. It's barely believable that after months of excruciating anticipation, the third and final episode of Steven Moffat's drama has come and gone.

Sherlock Benedict Cumberbatch Martin Freeman
It's Unanimous: The 'Sherlock' Finale Was A Big Hit.

Though the show's 8.8 million viewer average represented a fall from the gradually decreasing levels of the previous two episodes, the drama still; managed to net a sizeable audience with enough glowing reviews to ensure plenty of additional iPlayer views.

Continue reading: Sherlock "Perfect" Series Finale 'His Final Vow' Earns Mass Critical Praise

'Sherlock' Super Villain To Be Unmasked For Season Finale [Trailer]


Benedict Cumberbatch Martin Freeman Steven Moffat Mark Gatiss

Sherlock returned earlier this month for its third season and did so it fantastic form, with the first two episodes gaining major plaudits from fans and critics alike. With the season finale due to air on Sunday, 12 January, there is already a lot to live up to, but the unmasking of a new villain should do the trick for fans of the show with even the highest of standards.

Sherlock
Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Dr. Watson (Martin Freeman) have been on fine form again

Lars Mikkelsen briefly appeared as the villainous Charles Magnussen at the end of season three opener 'The Empty Hearse' and on Sunday's episode we will get to see him carry out his evil deeds in full, a prospect that Mikkelsen himself says will be worth the wait. Describing Sherlock's (Benedict Cumberbatch) newest foe as a "supreme" villain who "lives off preying on other people," Magnussen promises a wholly different kind of villain to Andrew Scott's Jim Moriarty.

Continue reading: 'Sherlock' Super Villain To Be Unmasked For Season Finale [Trailer]

Sherlock Seasons 4 And 5 Feature Gatiss And Moffatt's 'Best Ideas Ever'


Benedict Cumberbatch Martin Freeman Steven Moffat

Sunday sees the end of Sherlock series 3 – a three-part series comprising feature-length episodes, the second of which saw a remarkable change of pace for the show. And you can expect more of the pace changes, as the show’s creators, Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat have confirmed that seasons 4 and 5 are going ahead; and not only that, they feature some of pair’s best work yet.

Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin FreemanBenedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman in Sherlock

“Rather excitingly, Mark and I, for no particular reason, we just got out of the rain and sat at the top of the [Sherlock] production bus… and we just started plotting out what we could do in the future,” Moffat explained. “And we plotted out the whole of series four and five.” (Metro)

Continue reading: Sherlock Seasons 4 And 5 Feature Gatiss And Moffatt's 'Best Ideas Ever'

'Sherlock' Makes Triumphant Return: The Viewing Figures And Reviews Don't Lie


Benedict Cumberbatch Martin Freeman Steven Moffat

While Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman were off living their Hollywood dreams, fans of Sherlock were eagerly awaiting season three of the dynamic crime drama. Luckily, be for contractual obligation or love, the show’s stars returned to make the festive comeback something to savour.

Sherlock Season 3 castThe Sherlock cast have made the show's return a success

The numbers say it all: the return of Sherlock to BBC One was watched by an average of 9.2 million people, with a 9.7 million peak during the first five minutes of the first episode. It’s not exactly a spoiler to suggest that people were eager to see how Sherlock came back after ‘dying’ at the end of season 2.

Continue reading: 'Sherlock' Makes Triumphant Return: The Viewing Figures And Reviews Don't Lie

'Sherlock' Behind-The-Scenes Video Released Ahead Of Season Three Premiere [Video]


Benedict Cumberbatch Martin Freeman Mark Gatiss Steven Moffat

Sherlock is back on our screens on News Years Day (well, New Years Night to be specific) after a long hiatus and as fans of the hit series practically hang off the edge of their seats in anticipation, the BBC have treated us to a short behind-the-scenes glimpse of what we might expect when the show returns.

Benedict Cumberbatch MArtin Freeman
The boys are back in town!

The show returns to BBC 1 at 9pm with the episode The Empty Hearse in which Sherlock’s (Benedict Cumberbatch) shock 'death' in The Reichenbach Fall is explained and he is reunited with Dr. Watson (Martin Freeman), with the events of the rest of the season kicking off from there. Of course, the reunion between the two central characters is an emotional affair and one that had to be approached in a delicate and particular way. According to series co-creator and writer Steven Moffat, speaking in the new clip, this is exactly what he and co-creator Mark Gatiss have achieved.

Continue reading: 'Sherlock' Behind-The-Scenes Video Released Ahead Of Season Three Premiere [Video]

Sherlock's Amanda Abbington On Being Benedict Cumberbatch And Martin Freeman's Third Wheel


Benedict Cumberbatch Martin Freeman Amanda Abbington

The 1st January draws nearer and so does the prospect of the BBC's mystery series Sherlock returning to the small screens. In the third series we'll finally find out how Sherlock managed to avoid death and see Watson's romantic encounter with his real-life girlfriend, Amanda Abbington.

Amanda Abbington
Martin Freeman & Amanda Abbington Ended Up Working Together On 'Sherlock.'

"Don't c**p where you eat," goes the famous saying and indeed it's generally accepted that you shouldn't mix work and romance. So what happens when your actual partner becomes your on-screen squeeze? The 39 year-old actress spoke to The Independent about what it was like invading the everlasting bromance of her lover, Martin Freeman, and Benedict Cumberbatch, AKA Sherlock.

Continue reading: Sherlock's Amanda Abbington On Being Benedict Cumberbatch And Martin Freeman's Third Wheel

'The Hobbit 2' Still Dominates Box Office Despite 'Frozen' Festive Surge [Trailer]


Martin Freeman Will Ferrell Peter Jackson Ben Stiller

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug has maintained its number one position in the box office charts for a third week. Peter Jackson's sequel has fought of competition from Disney animation Frozen, comedy Anchorman: The Legend Continues and crime drama American Hustle to claim 2013's final weekend triumph.

The Hobbit
'The Hobbit 2' Maintains Its Box Office Stronghold.

So far The Hobbit has collected $190 million at the worldwide box office but the total is still behind the original instalment which had already picked up $230 million by the third weekend. In its sixth week of release, Disney's Frozen gave a still impressive performance, taking $28.8 million behind The Hobbit's $29.9 million weekend total.

Continue reading: 'The Hobbit 2' Still Dominates Box Office Despite 'Frozen' Festive Surge [Trailer]

What A Year For Benedict Cumberbatch: What's Next In 2014?


Benedict Cumberbatch Martin Freeman

British actor Benedict Cumberbatch winds up his most successful year yet by playing the iconic dragon Smaug in Peter Jackson's epic fantasy adventure The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, the second film in the Tolkien-inspired franchise.

Hear Cumberbatch's ominous voice in the Desolation of Smaug trailer

Now firmly in the A-list, Cumberbatch's work in 2013 included roles as the villainous Khan (sort of) in Star Trek Into Darkness and as Julian Assange in the biopic The Fifth Estate; that latter of which saw him lauded for his efforts to portray the Wikileaks founder, while the film as a whole was widely criticised.

Continue reading: What A Year For Benedict Cumberbatch: What's Next In 2014?

Fanfictiongate: When Benedict Cumberbatch And Martin Freeman Reading Sherlock Fanfic Made The Internet Explode


Benedict Cumberbatch Martin Freeman

Sunday rolled around, bringing with it the hotly anticipated third season premiere of BBC’s Sherlock. The lucky few fans who were treated to the early screening of the first episode were not disappointed, although the internet is and will remain blissfully spoiler-free. Apparently those present at the premiere are sworn to silence under threat of being scorned by Benedict Cumberbatch himself, or at least we assume so.

Benedict Cumberbatch, The Hobbit Premiere
Benedict Cumberbatch was obviously uncomfortable at having to read the explicit piece of fanfic.

But even without any significant plot giveaways, it was an eventful evening none the less, not least because of the Q&A with the cast and writers, which followed the premiere. One thing that ruffled more than a few feathers online was the bit during the Q&A when head writer Cailtlin Moran introduced the show’s stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman to the wonderful (if mildly intimidating) world of Sherlock fanfiction.

Continue reading: Fanfictiongate: When Benedict Cumberbatch And Martin Freeman Reading Sherlock Fanfic Made The Internet Explode

Box Office Breakdown: 'Desolation Of Smaug' Dominates, With 'Frozen' Steadily Catching Up


Martin Freeman Evangeline Lilly Orlando Bloom Benedict Cumberbatch Tyler Perry

As predicted, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is the clear winner of this past weekend’s box office. The second installment in Bilbo Baggins’ journey predictably came in first with $73,6 million, although it didn’t face much in the way of competition this weekend.

Martin Freeman, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Martin Freeman returns as Bilbo Baggins.

Even so, the second Hobbit film saw a noticeable drop from its predecessor, which opened last year to $83,6 million, making it a 13% drop. The film is predicted around $263 domestically, but that would still put it behind An Unexpected Journey's $303 million stateside and $1 billion in worldwide earnings. 

Continue reading: Box Office Breakdown: 'Desolation Of Smaug' Dominates, With 'Frozen' Steadily Catching Up

Inside The Tech Of The Hobbit: Frame Rates And 'Softening' Desolation


Peter Jackson Martin Freeman

As you’ll know, if The Hobbit trilogy means anything to you, an Unexpected Journey caused controversy with its high framerate, unsettling viewers and, in come cases, making them feel physically sick. And while a tangible reaction is something all auteurs strive for, Peter Jackson will have been looking for goose bumps rather than sick-bags.

Martin Freeman in The Desolation of SmaugMartin Freeman in The Desolation of Smaug

An Unexpected Journey was one of the first major cinema releases to be screened at 48 frames per second, which caused many to complain about the super high frame rate. Usually, on a smaller screen, people strive for 60 frames per second – videogamers especially – but on the large cinema screens, it didn’t sit pretty.

Continue reading: Inside The Tech Of The Hobbit: Frame Rates And 'Softening' Desolation

Martin Freeman Defends Lover Against Online Hatred, Compares Sherlock And Hobbit Fans [Trailer]


Martin Freeman Amanda Abbington Benedict Cumberbatch

Martin Freeman may not be your typical Hollywood A-lister but the 42 year-old British actor has worked himself into two franchises that seem to magnetise particularly rabid fans. Freeman reprises his role of Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug at this weekend's eagerly-anticipated worldwide release and also looks forward to accompanying Benedict Cumberbatch in BBC crime drama Sherlock in January.

Martin Freeman
Martin Freeman Is More Famous Than Ever, But Has The Fans To Deal With.

His most recent roles as Watson to Cumberbatch's Sherlock and Bilbo have transformed the actor from a lowly salesman in The Office to global fame and the first name on fans' lips at comic-con events. However, the actor has revealed that he feels more famous for playing Watson instead of the plucky hobbit on a valiant quest.

Continue reading: Martin Freeman Defends Lover Against Online Hatred, Compares Sherlock And Hobbit Fans [Trailer]

The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug Review


Excellent

With wittier action and a few more sharply defined characters, this second episode in Peter Jackson's trilogy is more engaging than the somewhat over-packed An Unexpected Journey. Once again, the key to enjoying the film is to distance it from the beloved novel: this is a big adventure movie as opposed to Tolkien's light-hearted romp. And that's not necessarily a bad thing.

There isn't much actual plot, as we are between the set-up and conclusion, so the film consists of a series of set-pieces as Bilbo (Freeman) and his band of dwarves continue their journey to reclaim the dwarf throne in the Lonely Mountain. Gandalf (McKellen) heads off to confront the shifty, shadowy Necromancer (Cumberbatch), while Bilbo and crew head into the creepy Mirkwood, where they confront gigantic spiders before being captured by wood-elves. This is where they meet Legolas (Bloom), whose feisty sidekick Tauriel (Lilly) falls for sexy dwarf Kili (Turner) as they continue their journey to Lake-town. There they get help from Bard (Evans) as they launch their final assault on the mountain, where the dragon Smaug (also Cumberbatch) is napping on the dwarves' vast treasure.

Jackson directs with a spark of energy and humour that holds our attention even when things begin to look a little too digitally animated (basic laws of physics apparently don't apply in Middle Earth). And each sequence also provides some depth of character, especially in the overall journey of Bilbo, nicely played by Freeman as a guy who is only just discovering his own ingenuity and bravery. By contrast, McKellen's plot is much darker as he faces off against unnerving evil. As in the first film, the other strong character is Thorin (Armitage), the heir to the dwarf throne grappling with the idea of a return to power.

Continue reading: The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug Review

The Hobbit: Smaug's Home Erebor Would Cost $6 Billion To Buy


Benedict Cumberbatch Peter Jackson Martin Freeman Lord Of The Rings The Hobbit

Erebor, The Lonely Mountain where Smaug the Dragon lives in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, would cost around $6 billion to buy, if it was real, according to a new housing report. US real estate experts Movoto have put together some details of the "multilevel property" to coincide with the release of The Desolation of Smaug - based on JRR Tolkien's Hobbit book. The company has previously estimated the price of Hogwarts, Wayne Manor and Barbie's dream house in Malibu.

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

On the basis that Erebor includes an entire underground city and working on the assumption that Middle Earth mirrors Europe, Movoto has valued Smaug's luxury property at $6 billion. It estimates that the Lonely Mountain is slightly north of Kirov in Russia and is probably around 44 square miles.

Continue reading: The Hobbit: Smaug's Home Erebor Would Cost $6 Billion To Buy

Serious About 'Sherlock' - New Trailer Hits The Net Ahead Of Season 3 Bow


Benedict Cumberbatch Martin Freeman Amanda Abbington

The BBC’s decision to reboot classic adventure franchises like Dr. Who and Sherlock has been nothing short of a phenomenon. With millions tuning in to see the Doctor’s 50th anniversary, and even more expected for the Christmas special, Sherlock is set to make a comeback with season 3 on New Year’s Day – and it’s got the same dedicated fan base as any of the BBC’s strong drama contingent.

Sherlock Season 3 castFrom left to right: Louise Brealey, Amanda Abbington, Martin Freeman, Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark Gatiss and Una Stubbs

The crux of season three, as evidenced in the new fast-twitch, exhilarating trailer, featuring Benedict Cumberbatch’s now-iconic vocal chords, is the faking of the mercurial detective’s death. "I don't care how you faked it. I wanna know why," asks Watson; Sherlock’s faithful yet oft-inquisitive partner in fighting crime, played by Martin Freeman.

Continue reading: Serious About 'Sherlock' - New Trailer Hits The Net Ahead Of Season 3 Bow

Cast And Crew Of 'Sherlock' Season 3 Promises Viewers They're "In For A Treat"


Benedict Cumberbatch Martin Freeman Steven Moffat Mark Gatiss

Sherlock will return to BBC1 on 1 January, 2014, a hearse parading through the streets of London revealed last month, and as stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman and series creators and writers Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss addressed the expectations surrounding the impending thid season, they promised that fans won't be let down.

Sherlock
Sherlock's return won't disappoint fans, hopefully

Cumberbatch said that viewers are "in for a treat" when Sherlock returns in season opener 'The Empty Hearse' and his sentiment was shared by Freeman, Moffat and Gatiss.

Continue reading: Cast And Crew Of 'Sherlock' Season 3 Promises Viewers They're "In For A Treat"

'The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug' Premiere Brings Together All-Star Cast [Pictures]


Peter Jackson Martin Freeman Benedict Cumberbatch Orlando Bloom Evangeline Lilly Richard Armitage Luke Evans Stephen Fry

Last night (December 3) saw the premiere for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug at Los Angeles’ Chinese Theater. While the final Hobbit film wrapped filming back in summer, the production team and cast, including Martin Freeman, Benedict Cumberbatch, Orlando Bloom, director Peter Jackson and many others, will still have plenty of chances to catch up at premieres and promotional events leading up to the film’s release. They clearly enjoyed doing so last night, if photos from the premiere are any indication.

Peter Jackson, TLC Chinese Theater
Jackson attends the premiere with his daughter, actress Katie Jackson.

To see more pictures from the event head on over to the next page or follow the link to our full gallery.

Continue reading: 'The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug' Premiere Brings Together All-Star Cast [Pictures]

'Sherlock' Series 3 Announced For New Years Day Via Hearse In London [Trailer]


Benedict Cumberbatch Martin Freeman Steven Moffat

The UK air date for the third season of Sherlock has been confirmed. The hit BBC detective drama, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, will return to BBC1 on New Years Day. The BBC has broken the news via a hearse driving through the streets of London with flowers arranged into "SHERLOCK" and "01 01 14" with the hashtag #sherlocklives printed on the window.

Sherlock
Benedict Cumberbatch [L] and Martin Freeman [R] Are Back For 'Sherlock' Season 3

Naturally, the use of social media has meant that the news has spread quickly throughout the Twittersphere with fans reacting excitedly to the major excitement. The new series will reveal how Sherlock managed to fake his own death after Moriarty forced suicide upon him and whether the villain truly could have died. We're guessing not seeing as Sherlock would be left without his greatest nemesis.

Continue reading: 'Sherlock' Series 3 Announced For New Years Day Via Hearse In London [Trailer]

BBC Christmas Telly Sees 'Sherlock' Make Long-Awaited Return With Series 3


Benedict Cumberbatch Matt Smith Martin Freeman Peter Capaldi

The BBC always likes to surprise us over their Christmas television schedule, chucking in a curveball every so often to keep us on our toes. But what they love even more is using their flagship shows as hallmarks to their festive programming.

Sherlock Season 3Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman star in Sherlock

This year: Sherlock takes center-stage. With the excitement of Doctor Who’s 50th anniversary still in the air, the BBC have capitalized on a great period of drama, announcing the still-alive Sherlock will return soon, while the customary Christmas special for the Doctor received its first trailer.

Continue reading: BBC Christmas Telly Sees 'Sherlock' Make Long-Awaited Return With Series 3

Saving Santa Trailer


Bernard, a lowly stable elf responsible for cleaning the reindeer's stables is forced to travel through time in order to save Christmas from the invading army commandoes taking over the North Pole. Bernard must convince any elf that will be believe him that the invading forces are coming as he races through time (using Santa's secret time travelling sleigh) to save Santa and the secret of Christmas! Only Bernard can stop the evil antagonist Neville Baddington who is determined to steal Santa's secrets for himself! 

Saving Santa is a 3D adventure (also available in 2D at selected cinemas) from Kaleidoscope Entertainment and Gateway Films starring Martin Freeman (The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, Love Actually) as Bernard the elf and Tim Conway (McHale's Navy, Spongebob Squarepants) as Santa, promising to be the animated Christmas adventure of the year!

Due for release November 29th (UK) Saving Santa is the directorial debut by acclaimed animator Leon Joosen (The Little Mermaid, Space Jam) and Editor Aaron Seelman (Space Chimps 2: Zartog Strikes Back) and written by Tony Nootage (story) and Ricky Roxburn (screenplay). 

Continue: Saving Santa Trailer

Sherlock Is Back On PBS Despite Cumberbatch And Freeman's Hollywood Calling


Benedict Cumberbatch Martin Freeman

It spawned a spike in the careers of both Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, causing Hollywood to come calling for both, but they’ll be back as Sherlock and Watson as the modern telling of Arthur Conan Doyle’s comes back for a third season on PBS.

Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman
Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman in Sherlock

Sherlock will return to PBS Masterpiece on Jan. 19 at 10 p.m, which chimes in nicely with another British export, Downton Abbey, which will air on January 5th. This is the first time the American air date has been announced before the U.K gets theirs, but the BBC have ‘first dibs’ on the show, so U.K audiences: you’ll get it before Jan 19th.

Continue reading: Sherlock Is Back On PBS Despite Cumberbatch And Freeman's Hollywood Calling

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug - International Trailer


Bilbo Baggins has narrowly escaped several deadly confrontations with the likes of trolls, stone giants and countless orcs alongside his faithful wizard partner Gandalf and the hardy Dwarves of Erebor as they passed through the treacherous Misty Mountains. Their quest to retrieve the dwarves' vast pile of treasure and the land that they once called their home is at a peak as they reach the Lonely Mountain. Guarded by a colossal dragon named Smaug, the Lonely Mountain proves to be even more perilous than where they had just been and armed only with elven swords and Bilbo's Ring, they must make the ultimate defeat while fighting giant spiders and more goblins along the way. More threats face them in the form of untrustworthy elves with intelligence that far surpasses any of the travellers' put together, and their chances of survival are becoming very slim indeed.

'The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug' is the second instalment of 'The Hobbit' movie trilogy directed by Peter Jackson ('King Kong', 'The Lovely Bones', 'The Lord of the Rings') and based on the novel by JRR Tolkien. Screenwriters Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens and Guillermo del Toro make their return as do much of the previous cast alongside some new faces. It is due to be released in the UK on December 13th 2013.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Movie Review - Click Here To Read

The World's End Review


Very Good

After Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, Pegg and Wright conclude their so-called Cornetto Trilogy with yet another riotously inspired exploration of British culture: the pub crawl. And this time it's apocalyptic! But what makes the film thoroughly endearing is its focus on old friendships that are so well-played that we can't help but find ourselves on-screen even when things get very, very silly.

Pegg plays Gary, the ringleader of his band of school pals. It's been more than 20 years since their failed attempt to visit all 12 pubs in their hometown of Newton Haven. Now approaching 40, Gary hasn't grown up nearly as much as his friends, so it takes a bit of convincing to get the now-settled Andy, Ollie, Pete and Steve (Frost, Freeman, Marsan and Considine) to reunite for a renewed attempt to drink their way through town. Then after the first couple of pints, they start to suspect that something isn't quite right. People are behaving strangely, as if there are alien body snatchers taking over the town. So to avoid attracting attention, the boys just carry on getting blind drunk on their way to the 12th pub, The World's End.

As in the previous films, Pegg and Wright continue developing the characters and their inter-relationships even as everything falls apart around them. Sure, the end of the humanity seems to be upon them, but there's unfinished business between them that needs sorting out, and besides there are more pints to drink. Along the way, things are spiced up as they meet Ollie's sister Sam (Pike), who shocks Gary by refusing to pick up where they left off. They also encounter a former teacher (Brosnan), the town's crazy old man (Bradley) and a shady guy known as The Reverend (Smiley).

Continue reading: The World's End 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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