Mike Sampson is the Editor-in-Chief of ScreenCrush. He studied to become a lawyer and worked as an architectural planner after graduating college but neither of these professions afforded him the opportunity to watch movies and TV for a living. He previously served as the Editor-in-Chief of JoBlo.com for 10 years. He lives in New Jersey and probably spends too much time playing video games and overthinking things.
Mike Sampson
Theater Owners Shoot Down Proposed Plan to Release New Films at Home on Opening Day
Two weeks ago came word of a controversial, yet intriguing concept proposed to both Hollywood studios and theater owners: a new encrypted set-top box that would allow moviegoers to watch new releases the same day they open in theaters. So, for example, you could watch Batman vs. Superman on March 25 on your couch for $50. The plan was generating some buzz and support from filmmakers like J.J. Abrams and Peter Jackson, but received its biggest setback today as the National Organization of Theater Owners have officially dismissed the proposal.
‘Finding Dory’ Trailer: You Can Go Home Again
Pixar has settled into a rhythm of releasing both sequels to huge hits and new, original movies in theaters. 2015 was home to two original Pixar movies — the Oscar-winning Inside Out and The Good Dinosaur — which means now it’s time for another sequel...
Apple Expected to Launch Original Programming With iPhone 7
Every year Apple announces a new iPhone at a big keynote event. Sometimes it’s an incremental update, like the iPhone 6S announced last September. Other times, like this year when Apple will announce the iPhone 7, it’s a big leap forward in technology. While there have been many rumors around the upcoming iPhone 7 (including no more headphone jack and wireless charging), none will be as exciting to movie and TV fans as this news: Apple is expected to make their official foray into original programming when the iPhone 7 launches, competing with both Netflix and Amazon.
‘Finding Dory’ Trailer: Pixar Returns With an Unforgettable Adventure
You’d be forgiven for thinking that Finding Nemo didn’t really need a sequel. It was a completely charming, yet contained adventure, wrapped up pretty neatly. But, it was a very, very successful Pixar movie and, these days, that means sequel. Of the first seven Pixar movies, only Finding Nemo and A Bug’s Life (which has seemed to be almost ret-conned out of existence in the Pixar universe) hadn’t yet had sequels, but that’s about to change next summer as Finding Dory opens in theaters.
‘Good Dinosaur’ Trailer: Can a Dinosaur Make You Cry?
In an alternate universe, Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur would’ve opened on its original release date, all the way back in November of 2013. But, it hasn’t been an easy road for Pixar’s next movie, which was delayed over two years while the director and cast was replaced, and almost the entirety of the story was rewritten. With the movie just over a month away, was Pixar able to save The Good Dinosaur? Watch the new trailer and see what you think.
2016 Oscars to Hire a ‘Well-Known’ Duo as Next Year’s Hosts
Last years Oscars host Neil Patrick Harris said almost immediately after the broadcast that he “doubted” he would ever do it again, explaining, “I don’t know that my family nor my soul could take it.” Which, of course, meant that the search for a replacement was on almost immediately. But, if you’re looking for just one person, you may be barking up the wrong tree. This year’s Oscars producers say “there will be multiple hosts for sure.”
Ronda Rousey to Star as Ronda Rousey in ‘Ronda Rousey: The Movie’
This past weekend Ronda Rousey continued to dominate the world of UFC fighting defeating challenger Bethe Correia with a devastating knockout in just 34 seconds. She may very well be the most dominate athlete in her sport. Hell, she might be the most dominate athlete in any sport. While she’s officially conquered the world of mixed martial arts, Rousey wants to next conquer Hollywood. After supporting roles in Furious 7 and Entourage, Rousey has signed on to star in a biopic about her own life for Paramount Pictures.
Lexus Just Created a Working Version of the ‘Back to the Future’ Hoverboard
With 2015 being the year Back to the Future II envisioned as the future, everyone is looking to celebrate what the future of 1989 was supposed to look like. Earlier this year, Nike announced they’d be releasing a version of Marty McFly’s self-lacing Air Mags. And now, Lexus may have one-upped them, releasing a teaser video revealing a sneak peek at an actual working hoverboard.
First Clear, Full Color Look at Ben Affleck in Costume From ‘Batman vs. Superman’
The Batman vs. Superman trailer came and went, and we still didn't get a great look at Ben Affleck in the traditional Batman costume (we’ll leave that armored suit out of this). We’ve all seen that black and white promo shot, but what does Batfleck look like in clear, full color? Today, we have that answer.
Director James Wan Still Has Trouble Watching the ‘Furious 7’ Ending
Fast and Furious 7 is an emotional movie; there's no getting around that. There were few dry eyes after the screening we attended. But, if it's this emotional for people who are watching the movie, can you imagine what it must be like for the people who made the movie, and knew Paul Walker? We spoke to director James Wan who told us that it's still so hard, he has to get up and leave the theater during the film's ending.
New ‘Avengers 2’ TV Spot Features a Ton of New Footage
We're all done with Avengers 2 trailers, but this new extended TV spot (which will air during the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament) has so much awesome new footage, it's almost as good as a full trailer.
The New ‘Star Wars: Episode 7’ Trailer is Ready and Here Is a Detailed Description
As we all breathe a sigh of relief that Harrison Ford appears to have suffered no life-threatening injuries in yesterday's plane crash, we can turn our attention to more trivial Star Wars matters: namely the new Star Wars: Episode 7 trailer. We had previously reported that the new Star Wars trailer will be in theaters with Avengers 2 and will make it's public premiere at Star Wars Celebration in mid-April. Now comes word that the new trailer is ready and a lucky few have reportedly already seen it. The good news is they were kind enough to pass along a brief description.