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RED-LIGHTS

[BEST & WORST '12] Mr. Disgusting’s List of the Worst Horror Films of 2012!

Movies
Posted by MrDisgusting on December 24, 2012 @ 2:01pm
Category: Movies / Editorials

I recently has a few conversations with people about posting “Worst of the Year” lists as it’s in a way “kicking a dog when it’s down.” Time could be better spent sending positive energy into the world, but on the same token it’s our job to critique films; we are supposed to provide advice on what you should and shouldn’t see.

With that said, it doesn’t provide me with any pleasure to list out this year’s biggest disappointments – but without the bad, how can we learn from other people’s mistakes? If there’s anything to take away from these films, it’s learning what not to do in film. The biggest lesson this year? Don’t pretend to be a horror fan to cash in on our loyalty (I’m looking at you Smiley). READ MORE

[Blu-ray Review] ‘Red Lights’ Is Unfocused Despite Talent And Ambition

Movies
Posted by David Harley on October 01, 2012 @ 8:01pm
Category: Movies / Home Video

Reviewed by Michael Erb

Dr. Margaret Matheson (Sigourney Weaver) and Dr. Tom Buckley (Cillian Murphy) have dedicated their careers to debunking bogus paranormal events and teaching how these supernatural occurrences can be faked. But the pair are thrown for a loop when world renown psychic Simon Silver (Robert De Niro) comes out of retirement and attracts a great deal of publicity. Even with the help of Buckley’s star student and new paramour (Elizabeth Olsen), the skeptics are experiencing some genuinely strange phenomenon when they look into Silver. The team may have to accept the possibility that Silver is the real deal and coming straight for them. READ MORE

Director Rodrigo Cortes Talks ‘Red Lights’ Plot Switch In This Featurette Teaser

Movies
Posted by MrDisgusting on October 01, 2012 @ 1:00pm
Category: Movies / Exclusives

From Buried director Rodrigo Cortes comes Red Lights, the Cillian Murphy, Sigourney Weaver, Elizabeth Olsen, Toby Jones and Robert De Niro starrer arriving on DVD + Digital Copy & Blu-ray October 2. Below we’ve landed an exclusive interview featurette where Cortes speaks on flipping the beliefs of the characters mid-film.

“Veteran paranormal researchers Dr. Margaret Matheson (Sigourney Weaver) and Tom Buckley (Cillian Murphy) debunk fraudulent claims of ghost whispering, faith healing and other psychic phenomena by detecting what Matheson calls “red lights,” the subtle tricks behind every staged supernatural occurrence. But when the legendary blind psychic Simon Silver (Robert De Niro) comes out of retirement after 30 years, his once-fearless adversary.

Matheson warns Buckley to back off, fearing reprisal from the powerful Silver. Determined to discredit Silver, Buckley and his star student (Elizabeth Olsen) use every tool at their disposal to uncover the truth behind the charismatic, spoon-bending, mind reader. But Buckley is forced to reexamine his own core beliefs as his quest builds to a mind-blowing conclusion in this taut psychological thriller from award-winning writer and director Rodrigo Cortés (Buried).” READ MORE

[BD Review] ‘Red Lights’ Fails to Illuminate

Movies
Posted by David Harley on August 03, 2012 @ 5:50pm
Category: Movies / Reviews

Starting on July 13, Rodrigo Cortes’ Red Lights began its theatrical run and has continued to expand over the last few weeks, with more locations to come. Mike Ferraro caught up with the film this past week and found it to be a “dramatic film with no real payoff.” Check inside to read his thoughts.

In the film, “Robert De Niro stars as Simon Silver, a legendary psychic, perhaps the most famously gifted of all time, who returns after thirty years of mysterious absence to become the world’s greatest challenge to orthodox science and professional skeptics. Meanwhile, paranormal fraud investigator Tom (Cillian Murphy) begins to develop a dense obsession Silver, whose magnetism is enhanced dangerously with each new manifestation of inexplicable phenomena.”

Don’t forget to write your own review and let all of B-D know what you thought. READ MORE

[BD Review] ‘Red Lights’ Is A Misguided And Boring Waste Of Potential

Movies
Posted by MrDisgusting on July 13, 2012 @ 11:10am
Category: Movies / Reviews

Now in theaters everywhere is Red Lights, Rodrigo Cortes’ followup to his Sundance hit Buried.

BD’s Ryan Daley wrote in with his review from last Sundance (we’re republishing it) – to say he didn’t care for the film would be putting it mildly.

“What’s most frustrating about Red Lights is that it’s one of those movies that seems like it’s going to get better at any given second. The performances are great; you can tell the entire cast believes in this thing. But ultimately, the movie serves as the perfect example of an excellent idea, poorly executed. Even the final twist is poorly conceived, packing far less of a punch than Cortes probably intended––sort of an “anti-payoff”, in the words of one colleague.”

Click the title for the entire review or return here to write your own this weekend.

Red Lights

Posted by Bloody Disgusting Staff on July 13, 2012 @ 12:00am
Category:

Veteran paranormal researchers Dr. Margaret Matheson (Sigourney Weaver) and Tom Buckley (Cillian Murphy) debunk fraudulent claims of ghost whispering, faith healing and other psychic phenomena by detecting what Matheson calls “red lights,” the subtle tricks behind every staged supernatural occurrence. But when the legendary blind psychic Simon Silver (Robert De Niro)comes out of retirement after 30 years, his once-fearless adversary Matheson warns Buckley to back off, fearing reprisal from the powerful Silver. Determined to discredit Silver, Buckley and his star student (Elizabeth Olsen) use every tool at their disposal to uncover the truth behind the charismatic, spoon-bending, mind reader. But Buckley is forced to reexamine his own core beliefs as his quest builds to a mind-blowing conclusion in this taut psychological thriller from award-winning writer and director Rodrigo Cortes (Buried).

[San Diego Comic-Con '12] Take A Peak At A Seance From ‘Red Lights’

Movies
Posted by MrDisgusting on July 11, 2012 @ 12:39pm
Category: Movies / Videos

In theaters this Friday, July 13 Millenium Entertainment takes us inside an extended seance scene from their forthcoming Red Lights (Ryan Daley’s review), which hails from Buried director Rodrigo Cortes. Before you get to the video you have to sit through an agonizing introduction by Sigourney Weaver.

Having premiered at the Sundance Film Festival to negative reviews, “Veteran paranormal researchers Dr. Margaret Matheson (Sigourney Weaver) and Tom Buckley (Cillian Murphy) debunk fraudulent claims of ghost whispering, faith healing and other psychic phenomena by detecting what Matheson calls “red lights,” the subtle tricks behind every staged supernatural occurrence. But when the legendary blind psychic Simon Silver (Robert De Niro)comes out of retirement after 30 years, his once-fearless adversary Matheson warns Buckley to back off, fearing reprisal from the powerful Silver. Determined to discredit Silver, Buckley and his star student (Elizabeth Olsen) use every tool at their disposal to uncover the truth behind the charismatic, spoon-bending, mind reader. But Buckley is forced to reexamine his own core beliefs as his quest builds to a mind-blowing conclusion in this taut psychological thriller.”

Watch several more clips here.

Exclusive

[Interview] Transcript From Our Twitter Interview With ‘Buried’ And ‘Red Lights’ Director Rodrigo Cortes

Movies
Posted by EvanDickson on July 06, 2012 @ 12:42pm
Category: Movies / Exclusives

In theaters July 13 from Millenium Entertainment is Red Lights, the new thriller from Buried director Rodrigo Cortes. Last week we conducted a Twitter interview with him (via @rodrigocor7es and @BDisgusting) to get his take on psychics, Robert De Niro and how Red Lights compares to Buried.

Having premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, “Veteran paranormal researchers Dr. Margaret Matheson (Sigourney Weaver) and Tom Buckley (Cillian Murphy) debunk fraudulent claims of ghost whispering, faith healing and other psychic phenomena by detecting what Matheson calls “red lights,” the subtle tricks behind every staged supernatural occurrence. But when the legendary blind psychic Simon Silver (Robert De Niro)comes out of retirement after 30 years, his once-fearless adversary Matheson warns Buckley to back off, fearing reprisal from the powerful Silver. Determined to discredit Silver, Buckley and his star student (Elizabeth Olsen) use every tool at their disposal to uncover the truth behind the charismatic, spoon-bending, mind reader. But Buckley is forced to reexamine his own core beliefs as his quest builds to a mind-blowing conclusion in this taut psychological thriller.”

Head inside to check out the interview! READ MORE

A Taste Of Psychic Warfare In Several ‘Red Lights’ Clips

Movies
Posted by MrDisgusting on July 04, 2012 @ 11:10am
Category: Movies / Videos

In theaters July 13, we’ve just added several clips from Millenium Entertainment’s Red Lights (Ryan Daley’s review), which hails from Buried director Rodrigo Cortes.

Interview

[Interview] Tune In To Twitter For Our Interview With ‘Red Lights’ Director Rodrigo Cortes!

Movies
Posted by EvanDickson on June 26, 2012 @ 11:20am
Category: Movies / Interviews

In theaters July 13 from Millenium Entertainment is Red Lights, the new thriller from Buried director Rodrigo Cortes. We’ll be interviewing him on Twitter at 11AM PST/2PM EST Today! All you have to do is tune in at that time and make sure you’re following @rodrigocor7es and of course @BDisgusting and you’re all set!

Head inside for the trailer! READ MORE

[News Bites] ‘Catching Fire’ Casting, International Posters, & ‘The Exorcist’ Stage Play Gets Shields, McDowell & Teller FX!

Movies
Posted by MrDisgusting on June 22, 2012 @ 2:52pm
Category: Movies / News

The NY Post is writing that John Doyle’s “The Exorcist” stage play, which has been adapted from William Peter Blatty’s 1971 novel, begins performances next month at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles. And while producers Ben Sprecher and Sonia Friedman are keeping a lid on expectations, they hear that if the reviews are good, the production will land on Broadway, possibly at the John Golden Theatre, in the fall. Teller, of Penn and Teller fame, is providing a few effects. A source who watched him practice a levitation scene says it’s “genuinely creepy.” Brooke Shields is playing Regan’s mother, and Richard Chamberlain is playing Father Merrin (Max von Sydow in the movie). Should the show move to Broadway, Shields will be coming with it. Chamberlain, however, will not. The producers have offered the role to Malcolm McDowell (Halloween, Clockwork Orange).

The Playlist is reporting that Mia Wasikowska (Stoker, Alice in Wonderland ) and Zoe Aggeliki (R.I.P.D.) are in the mix for “Johanna Mason” in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. The character becomes a strong ally with Katniss and Peeta during the 75th Hunger Games, but has a testy relationship with Katniss who likens her to an older sister who hates you. She’s a fierce competitor, who has no family and friends left in District 7 where she hails, with her weapon of choice being an axe. Francis Lawrence directed the sequel for Lionsgate, which aims at a November 2013 release.

Lastly we’ve added a pair of international posters, the first for Rodrigo Cortes’ Red Lights, in theaters July 13 from Millenium Entertainment. Sigourney Weaver, Robert De Niro, Cillian Murphy, Elizabeth Olsen, Toby Jones, Joely Richardson, Leonardo Sbaraglia all star in the psychic thriller. Also added in an international one-sheet for the already released Stateside Chernobyl Diaries, which begins its international run this weekend.

Robert De Niro’s Bright Lights Tainted by ‘Red Lights’ In Fresh Imagery

Movies
Posted by MrDisgusting on June 15, 2012 @ 12:36pm
Category: Movies / Images

In theaters July 13, Millenium Entertainment has provided us with 5 new hi-res stills from Red Lights (Ryan Daley’s review), hailing from Buried director Rodrigo Cortes.

Movies
Posted by MrDisgusting on June 01, 2012 @ 5:36pm
Category: Movies / Videos

A pretty cool video has landed on YouTube that features star Sigourney Weaver explaining what Red Lights (Ryan Daley’s review) actually are. Hailing from Buried director Rodrigo Cortes, the Weaver asks you to watch the video for “red lights” and to click when you spot one. Interactive videos? Nice.

In theaters July 13, “Veteran paranormal researchers Dr. Margaret Matheson (Sigourney Weaver) and Tom Buckley (Cillian Murphy) debunk fraudulent claims of ghost whispering, faith healing and other psychic phenomena by detecting what Matheson calls “red lights,” the subtle tricks behind every staged supernatural occurrence. But when the legendary blind psychic Simon Silver (Robert De Niro)comes out of retirement after 30 years, his once-fearless adversary Matheson warns Buckley to back off, fearing reprisal from the powerful Silver. Determined to discredit Silver, Buckley and his star student (Elizabeth Olsen) use every tool at their disposal to uncover the truth behind the charismatic, spoon-bending, mind reader. But Buckley is forced to reexamine his own core beliefs as his quest builds to a mind-blowing conclusion in this taut psychological thriller.”

‘Red Lights’ Trailer Questions Simon Silver’s Extraordinary Powers!

Movies
Posted by MrDisgusting on May 30, 2012 @ 7:02pm
Category: Movies / Trailers

Millenium Entertainment has released the Hitchcockian one sheet and official theatrical trailer for Red Lights (Ryan Daley’s review), which hails from Buried director Rodrigo Cortes.

Movies
Posted by MrDisgusting on May 29, 2012 @ 12:58pm
Category: Movies / News

MTV has premiered a series of pretty lame character posters for Millenium Entertainment’s forthcoming Red Lights (Ryan Daley’s review), which hails from Buried director Rodrigo Cortes.

In theaters JUly 13, Sigourney Weaver and Cillian Murphy play paranormal investigators who specialize in uncovering frauds. When famous psychic Simon Silver (Robert De Niro) comes out of retirement, Murphy’s character becomes determined to reveal the show as a hoax. Elizabeth Olsen also stars.

The character posters, as displayed below, show Weaver, Olsen, De Niro and Murphy, each featuring the different character’s thought-process.

First English ‘Red Lights’ Trailer Flashes For UK Release

Movies
Posted by MrDisgusting on April 12, 2012 @ 9:36am
Category: Movies / Trailers

In theaters July 13 from Millennium Entertainment is ever so disappointing Red Lights, the follow-up to Rodrigo Cortes’ Buried.

Sigourney Weaver plays a psychologist who investigates into paranormal activity focuses on whether or not a world-renowned psychic, played by Robert DeNiro, is actually a fraud, her results are far from expected. Cillian Murphy is the film’s actual protagonist who goes head-to-head with DeNiro. Out of the Sundance premiere Ryan Daley wrote, “‘Red Lights’ left [the audience] squirming in outright boredom.”

While we’ve already seen a Spanish trailer, the boys at Empire scored the first English-language trailer via the UK release, which hits their cinemas on June 22. READ MORE

‘Red Lights’ Will Display Battle Of The Uber-Psychics This July

Movies
Posted by MrDisgusting on April 06, 2012 @ 1:09pm
Category: Movies / News

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Millenium Entertainment is to release Rodrigo Cortes’ battle of the psychics, Red Lights, in theaters on July 13.

Starring Sigourney Weaver, Elizabeth Olsen and Cillian Murphy, “Two investigators of paranormal hoaxes, the veteran Dr. Margaret Matheson and her young assistant, Tom Buckley, study the most varied metaphysical phenomena with the aim of proving their fraudulent origins. Simon Silver, a legendary blind psychic, reappears after an enigmatic absence of 30 years to become the greatest international challenge to both orthodox science and professional skeptics. Tom starts to develop an intense obsession with Silver, whose magnetism becomes stronger with each new manifestation of inexplicable events. As Tom gets closer to Silver, tension mounts, and his worldview is threatened to its core.”

We were not a fan out of its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January. Unfortunately, as we update to the new site, the review is not available at this time. READ MORE

[News Bites] Final Days Of ‘Riddick,’ ‘Dark Shadows’ Character Banner & New ‘Red Lights’ Imagery

Movies
Posted by MrDisgusting on March 30, 2012 @ 3:01pm
Category: Movies / News

[News Bites] Final Days Of Riddick, Dark Shadows Character Banner & New Red Lights Imagery

Not quite big enough news to deserve its own story, the Lebanese Cinema Movie Guide shared the above Dark Shadows banner that features an amalgamation of colorful characters featured on the previous busstop ads including Johnny Depp, Cloe Moretz, Eva Green, Michelle Pfeiffer and Helena Bonham Carter. Barnabas Collins is unearthed May 11.

Opening in Spain today, head over to Aullidos to dig on a pair of TV spots for the Spanish release of [REC]3 Genesis. Magnet will release on VOD here in the States on August 3 with a limited theatrical slated for September 7.

Vin Disel took to his personal Facebook to share some final words from the Montreal set of Riddick, the R-rated Pitch Black sequel being helmed by David Twohy. “Tomorrow is the last day of principal photography… and you who have willed this rated “R” Riddick into being, will be proud. Universal is so excited about what they have been seeing that they are now making me especially excited to see the finished film… Haha… When is the release date Uni?… Our page wants to know. /smile P.s. Thanks for the positivity you bring… it makes it all worth it.”

Lastly (for now), we’ve received a few new images from Rodrigo Cortes’ foul ball, Red Lights, which we did not like out of the TIFF. Lights turns on a psychologist, played by Sigourney Weaver, and her assistant whose study of paranormal activity leads them to investigate a world-renowned psychic (Robert De Niro). Silent House and Martha Marcy May Marlene star Elizabeth Olsen is also featured. It opens in theaters May 3. READ MORE

Magnolia Picks Up ‘Emergo’, Film Avoids Getting A Red Light Or Being Buried,

Movies
Posted by EvanDickson on February 08, 2012 @ 4:52pm
Category: Movies / News

EmergoLand20812 Magnolia Picks Up Emergo, Film Avoids Getting A Red Light Or Being Buried,

Emergo, a haunted house flick directed by Carles Torrens and written by Buried and Red Lights helmer Rodrigo Cortes has been picked up by Magnolia and will hit VOD prior to a theatrical run.

Per Variety, “Magnolia has acquired U.S. rights to “Emergo,” the latest genre pic from Rodrigo Cortes and Adrian Guerra, the team behind Sundance players “Buried” and “Red Lights.”

Using the same release strategy as on “Melancholia,” Magnolia will bow “Emergo” via its Magnet label with the early VOD release timed for April 27 and theatrical six weeks later on June 1… The English-language ‘Emergo’ turns on a team of high-tech parapsychologists who investigate anomalous phenomena in an old, eerie house.

‘Emergo’ cost under $3 million, aided by a Spain shoot, with Barcelona doubling for California, and 90% interiors, Guerra said. Nevertheless, it uses 200 vfx, while 90% of effects are physical, he added.”

An earlier press release we reported on in November stated “All types of cameras are used – video, HD, 8mm, 16mm, and 35mm – as we follow scientists’ footsteps through a haunted house, casting a frightening spell over the audience. Brace yourself for this terrifying experience!”

Sounds like it could be interesting. It’s also encouraging that the film managed to get through post production with the whole “90% practical effects” thing intact.

Kai Lennox, Michael O’Keefee, Gia Mantegna, Rick Gonzalez, Fionna Glascott, Francesc Garrido all star. READ MORE

‘Red Lights’ Character Posters Are Red (And Orange-ish)!

Movies
Posted by EvanDickson on February 04, 2012 @ 1:31am
Category: Movies / Videos

RedlightsLand420312 Red Lights Character Posters Are Red (And Orange ish)!

Rodrigo Cortes’ Red Lights debuted at Sundance to mixed word of mouth (Mr. Disgusting’s review here). The Buried director’s psychological thriller stars Sigourney Weaver, Robert De Niro, Cillian Murphy and Elizabeth Olsen.

Acquired by Millenium Entertainment for theatrical distro, the pic begins “when a psychologist’s investigation into paranormal activity focuses on whether or not a world-renowned psychic is actually a fraud, her results are far from expected.”

And now some character one-sheets are beginning to emerge. I kind of like these, they’re slightly derivative but look cool. And I’m still eager to see the film, hopefully I like it more than some of the other people I’ve spoken to.

Hit the jump to check them out as well as take another look at the trailer! READ MORE

Interview

[Sundance '12] Interview: ‘Red Lights’ Director Rodrigo Cortes

Movies
Posted by Fred-Topel on February 02, 2012 @ 7:23pm
Category: Movies / Interviews

[Sundance 12] Interview: Red Lights Director Rodrigo Cortes

Rodrigo Cortes’ film Red Lights (review) divided audiences at Sundance. Some viewers really dug it. Cortes could tell I was not a fan, even though my questions were objective and diplomatic. It was cool though, he welcomed my discussion anyway.

Red Lights is named for the giveaway clues that something doesn’t belong. Cillian Murphy and Sigourney Weaver play scientific debunkers of paranormal hoaxes, faced with their match (Robert DeNiro), who either can circumvent all their countermeasures, or he really has psychic powers.

In his introduction to the premiere screening, Cortes told the audience not to expect anything. Now that you may have heard, we present my discussion with Cortes from the Sundance Film Festival. READ MORE

English-Language Version Of ‘Red Lights’ Trailer

Movies
Posted by MrDisgusting on February 01, 2012 @ 5:30pm
Category: Movies / Videos

English Language Version Of Red Lights Trailer

Out of all of the Sundance Film Festival titles I saw, I was most disappointed with Red Lights (review), Buried director Rodrigo Cortes’ psychological thriller starring Sigourney Weaver, Robert De Niro, Cillian Murphy and Elizabeth Olsen.

While a Spanish-language trailer surfaced a few weeks ago, we’ve now got our hands on the English version. Dig on it below. Watch for an official release date when slated. READ MORE

[Sundance '12]: ‘V/H/S’ Sells To Magnolia, Three Of The Film’s Producers Poisoned!

Movies
Posted by EvanDickson on January 26, 2012 @ 8:17pm
Category: Movies / Editorials

VHSLandscape12612 [Sundance 12]: V/H/S Sells To Magnolia, Three Of The Films Producers Poisoned!

Let this be a lesson. One that encourages you to pursue your dreams, but to avoid Dick Clark’s in the Salt Lake City Airport while doing so.

I’m sure you Bloody-Disgusting readers are as caught up as you need to be on what V/H/S is. My interviews with seven of the filmmakers were all published last week, leading many of you to wonder aloud, “how many people directed this d*mn thing?” And, “Does Joe Swanberg play Dexter?” If you’re not familiar with the film, feel free to click on that red title and learn all about it.

And then hit the jump for the epic story that unfolded because of it. READ MORE

[Sundance '12]: ‘Room 237′ A Gift For ‘Shining’ Obsessives!

Movies
Posted by EvanDickson on January 26, 2012 @ 5:06pm
Category: Movies / News

Room237Land12612 [Sundance 12]: Room 237 A Gift For Shining Obsessives!

Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival last week was Rodney Ascher’s Room 237, an experimental documentary that explores the numerous theories about the real meaning of Stanley Kubrick’s film The Shining. An we have a review!

Ryan Daley writes in from Sundance, “Many of the ideas presented are preposterous and absurd, but every interview subject has a point or two that’s surprisingly relevant. The film as a whole is insanely thought-provoking. And more importantly, whether it’s discussing subliminal Hitler mustaches or implied erections, Room 237 is consistently entertaining. But this is coming from someone who has seen ‘The Shining’ more than 20 times.”

From the official site, “‘Room 237′ is a subjective documentary that explores the numerous theories about the hidden meanings within Stanley Kubrick’s film The Shining. The film may be over 30 years old but it continues to inspire debate, speculation, and mystery. Five very different points of view are illuminated through voice over, film clips, animation and dramatic reenactments. Together they’ll draw the audience into a new maze, one with endless detours and dead ends, many ways in, but no way out…”

Click here for the full review. READ MORE