Disney just held the second ‘D23 Expo’ this past weekend in Anaheim, their membership-based fan event, and released a ton of info on upcoming movies. We weren’t able to make it (mark my words, next year) but a lot of blogs have been doing a great job of summing up the news. To make it easy to find out what was announced, we’ve compiled all the biggest stories into this roundup. I’m sure we missed something, but everything here is pretty awesome. It definitely sounds like Disney is doing a good job with these conventions.

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I know, I know. It’s not technically Pixar, but come on Lasseter, you’re turning into a bit of a hypocrite. Remember the John Lasseter that stormed into Disney when he took command and cancelled all the horrible direct-to-DVD sequels and spin-offs that were in production? Wha’ Happen?

Via Cartoon Brew

Avengers...disco!

Something we discussed in the first episode of Bubble Pipe Theater (that should go live next week) is the fact that so many photos and videos of next summer’s two biggest movies, The Dark Knight Rises and The Avengers, are leaking online like crazy. Fanboys are in full-on speculation/rage mode about a lot of the things leaking, but lets face it, these folks know what they’re doing, and the final product is going to look a hell of a lot better.

That being said, the footage from the ‘Avengers’ set that leaked today featuring Thor and Captain America can be considered spoilerish, so read on after the jump.

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There’s a lot of movies for geeks to be excited about in 2011. Lots of superheroes are getting their first movies, the Harry Potter saga is coming to an end, and The Muppets are finally getting a new movie that looks like it’s at least trying to pay homage to the classic Muppets.

I haven’t posted any of the short viralish teasers that Disney’s released, partly because I’m trying to not repost things from other blogs as much, but mainly because I was waiting for the first full trailer.

I think it was worth the wait. The voices may not be the same, but it has that Muppet spirit. In case you’re still not convinced, here are some reasons why you should be excited:

• Written by Jason Segal and Nicholas Stoller
• Directed by James Bobin, co-creator of Flight of the Conchords
• Zach Galifianakis as a hobo
• All the other cameos
• Original songs by Bret McKenzie of Flight of the Conchords

What do you think? Are you going to line up with me to see it at midnight?

Via Slashflim

I want to tap into Zack Snyder’s brain and figure out what the true vision for Sucker Punch really was. The man has been on the verge of something perfect and revolutionary ever since he broke in the director’s chair. Sucker Punch has flashes of brilliance, beauty, and awe-inspiring style that demonstrates why a trip to the big screen is still worth it. However, if your trip to theater requires more motivation than to see the latest special effects spectacular, you may be better served testing out your home theater with a Sucker Punch rental down the road.

After the initial voice-over, the introduction to Sucker Punch sets up the main character, Baby Doll played by Emily Browning (Lemony Snicket’s), and her trip to the insane asylum with absolutely no dialog. A haunting remake of “Sweet Dreams” kicks off the consistently strong soundtrack while Baby Doll’s hopeless journey unfolds before our eager eyes. Snyder’s knack for visual flare is on full display even when setting up a much more reality based scene than his recent films. I found the tragic setup to be the strongest piece of storytelling in the entire film, and a fantastically subtle delivery of his constant camera movement and dramatic angles. Unfortunately, the strong start begins to crumble when the character’s start opening their mouths to speak.
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