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ATTENTION: Dexter series finale spoilers below:

One of the most common complaints with the Dexter series finale was while it certainly appeared that Dexter’s death was inevitable, the writing team opted instead to let him live. Fans were infuriated when they saw the serial killer pilot his boat directly into a hurricane, only to survive and become a lumberjack at some point in the future. The decision to keep Dexter among the living has been partially explained by the show’s producer, John Goldwyn. At the New York Film Festival, Goldwyn explained Dexter’s fate was less of a choice on the writers’ part and more of a mandate from Showtime’s executives.

During an interview with Vulture at the premiere of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Goldwyn discussed Showtime’s directive to Showtime’s creative team. “They won’t let us kill him,” the producer stated. “Showtime was very clear about that. When we told them the arc for the last season, they just said, ‘Just to be clear, he’s going to live.'” This directive led Dexter‘s writers to present the ending that ultimately aired.

One of the most persistent and damaging problems in film, television, comics, and other entertainment arenas is executive interference. While there are plenty of legitimate reasons for high-level management to come in and influence the direction taken by a property, I believe the creative team should be free to make the majority of the important decisions without executives hovering over their shoulders dictating every move. Management and creators have different goals that sometimes run into conflict with each other. One side is primarily focused on making money, a worthy and completely understandable position. However, when profit alone is the ultimate objective, writers and producers may be forced to make uncomfortable choices that hurt the quality of the property.

It appears Dexter’s disappointing finale (along with some of the other choices made in previous seasons) is the result of Showtime’s quest for more profits overriding the wishes and plans of the writers. One possible reason for Showtime’s request to keep Dexter alive might be an unannounced plan for a spinoff or continuation of his story in the future. The merit of this idea aside, most fans of the show agree that letting Dexter live, especially in the manner he did, diminishes the series’ brand. After hearing how Dexter’s original producer, Clyde Phillips, planned to end the series, I am doubly dissatisfied in the ending was the result of Showtime’s demands.

Did Dexter’s conclusion work for you? Do you have any thoughts about Showtime’s instructions to the writing team? How do you feel about executive interference? Post your comments below!

Source: Variety

I was late in joining the Breaking Bad club. I always get put off TV shows that have a lot of hype and fans who claim it to be flawless and perfect. As soon as I did start watching it I was hooked and I recently finished the five season run. It’s not flawless nor perfect. But, it IS one of the most consistently constructed television shows that, even in weaker points is leaps and bounds over most TV.

In the aftermath of the season 5 finale, everybody and their gran had an opinion, something to say about how the show ended and its ultimate legacy. Director Oliver Stone is the most recent celebrity individual to express his thoughts and they aren’t as positive as you might think. At a press conference for his new Documentary The Untold History of the United States he had this to say;

“I happen to not watch the series very much, but I happened to tune in and I saw the most ridiculous 15 minutes of a movie – it would be laughed off the screen,”

He continued on to talk about the specifics of the final episode and Walters actions;

Nobody could park his car right then and there and could have a machine gun that could go off perfectly and kill all of the bad guys! It would be a joke,”
“It’s only in the movies that you find this kind of fantasy violence. And that’s infected the American culture; you young people believe all of this s***!

Batman and Superman, you’ve lost your minds, and you don’t even know it! At least respect violence. I’m not saying don’t show violence, but show it with authenticity.”

Now, I have no problem with someone who doesn’t like the show or didn’t like how the conclusion played out. I’d go so far as to say there was some minor pacing issues and some of the actions could be accused of being a little bit easy in comparison to earlier seasons. I do have a problem with someone who, as he admits, didn’t watch the series very much. The events that took place were built on previous experiences the characters had been through and work well because of it – yes what Walt did wasn’t exactly difficult, but he ultimately didn’t have anything to lose therefore it can be argued he was being slightly careless in his actions. Actions which ultimately had consequences for Walt which he certainly expected, though not necessarily in that way. If Oliver is a passive viewer, seeing a couple episodes out of context, how is he to understand that? How could he understand the power of Walt and Skyler in the apartment? Also, any violence that took place was far more realistic than what I saw in Oliver’s work such as Natural Born Killers.

What do you guys think? Is his assessment right? Is he merely trying to stir the pot for his own publicity? Comment below.

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One year ago, I was sitting in the lobby of The Four Seasons hotel waiting to interview Looper director Rian Johnson during Fantastic Fest. While prepping, I struck up a conversation with a very energetic, intelligent young man who, after a few minutes, I recognized as actor Noah Segan. I had just seen Noah as Kid Blue in Looper, and here he was in Austin; having flown down on his own dime and staying with friends for no other reason than to support the film and his friend Rian.

I was blown away by his drive, his passion, and the how remarkably similar our experiences were. We were, and remain, two people trying to succeed at being professional creatives. The challenges we faced and the behind-the-scenes skills our respective ventures required were far more alike than I could have ever imagined. On a whim, I fired up the tape recorder and what resulted was probably the best interview I have ever done.

You can read that Movies.com interview right here.

Now, one year later, Noah returns to Fantastic Fest, not to promote a film, but to be a juror and to participate in the Fantastic Debates. Again, it’s his passion that directed him to Austin, and what found our paths crossing yet again. It seemed only fitting to fire up the tape recorder again for a follow-up. How had Noah’s situation changed? Did he still feel that drive and hunger for success?

Noah, once again, proved to be an amazing interviewee. He provided two invaluable pieces of advice:

“There is no us vs. them…there is only us.” –Seems pretty fitting for this website, no?
“Be your own asshole.”–When you hear the context for this, you will fist-pump, no seriously, fist-pumping will occur.

Click the above player to listen to our chat. I am really hoping this becomes a regular series.

Moreover, sound off in the comment section! Are you a professional trying to survive in a creative field? Did Noah’s words inspire you? What are your own challenges and tactics for overcoming them?

“By the power of Grayskull, I have the power-“ to be understandably apprehensive about the latest news regarding the big screen adaptation of Masters of the Universe. News being that Terry Rossio has been tapped to pen the script for Columbia Pictures. Rossio previously worked on The Lone Ranger, a film that was not received well by critics for a variety of reasons, one of which being the bland script. I cannot vouch as to the validity of the complaints having not seen the film myself, but the consensus points towards this news not being anything to get too excited about.

The toy line created by Mattel also spawned four animated television series, several comic book series and a live action film starring Dolph Lundgren. The property centers most notably around a warrior by the name of Adam who utters the previously quoted text to become the heroic He-Man and battles the evil villain, Skeletor.

Masters of the Universe is very much a fantasy story that really only serves as nostalgia for those who grew up with it. We’ve seen these nostalgic movies- most notably the Transformers series- rake in the big bucks, but I just don’t see Masters of the Universe duplicating that level of success. G.I. Joe: Retaliation director John M. Chu was attached to direct at one but, but that has since fell through. There have been no rumblings in regards to casting just yet, but I’d suspect to see names like Channing Tatum and Taylor Kitsch once the rumours start firing on all cylinders.

Who would you like to see direct the newest big screen adaptation of Masters of the Universe? Who would you like to star in it? Are you apprehensive about Terry Rossio writing the script? Tell us your thoughts below!

Via: The Hollywood Reporter

One of the best films at this year’s Fantastic Fest was E.L. Katz’s Cheap Thrills. In the film, two estranged friends cross paths with a demented millionaire who takes advantage of their financial desperation. He forces them to play a depraved and violent game of truth or dare for profit.

During the festival, Brian had a chance to sit down with the film’s star Pat Healy (who readers might also recognize from The Innkeepers and Compliance). Unfortunately, Brian ran into Chris first who issued his own dare. For every legitimate interview question Brian asked, Chris dared him to read an insulting/offensive question form a list he provided. Brian would then be paid for each one.

Would Brian do it? How long before Pat lost it? Check out the most dangerous interview OneOfUs.Net has ever done. Cheap Thrills hits theaters in February and VOD in January. You do NOT want to miss it.

Note: Pat was 100% in on the joke and we want to thank him for being such a great sport.

Wolverine fans will have more of the Ol’ Canuklehead then ever before when The Wolverine: Unleashed Extended Cut drops on Dec. 3 on Blu-ray and DVD.

This edition of the film, which is also unrated, will feature an additional 40 MINUTES to the already 125 minutes theatrical run-time, making Wolvy’s sophomore solo outing just shy of 3 hours! This version is also packed with features not found on the standard Blu-ray and DVD editions such as an audio commentary by the film’s director, James Mangold.

Despite all these extra features, it remains to be seen which will be the better edition of the film. Extended editions are often stuffed with either cinematic gold or a bunch of detritus unfit to even be stuck to the bottom of someone’s shoe. Many people consider the extended cut of Kingdom of Heaven to be the definitive experience of the film yet most also consider the longer edition of Donnie Darko to be so horrendous that it ruins the film, so a longer run-time is by no means any seal of quality.

What will make or break The Wolverine: Unleashed Extended Cut is just what exactly they originally cut back in. If this extra content is some well paced character moments coupled with some longer and bloodier action sequences then we might have a real winner on our hands. On the flip side if all they have drawn out scenes of Hugh Jackman moping around and an even longer version of the already ridiculous and lengthy final confrontation then in addition to all those exclusive extra features they may want include a barf bag.

So what do you think folks, are you excited about this bigger, longer, and uncut Wolverine movie, or does the thought of it fill you with dread all the way to your adamantium laced skeleton? Let us know in the comments below!

Via Ain’t It Cool News

There was a great deal of different emotions when Disney acquired LucasFilm and a new trilogy of Star Wars movies was announced. People were shocked, angered, worried and excited all within the same, very vocal breath. The fact that the future of the franchise was no longer George Lucas’ baby was a relief for most.

Now, the prequels aren’t great and Lucas very much got carried away with CGI and nostalgia. But, I do find there are things to like in Episode One and even more so in Episode Two and Three (there is, honestly!). More importantly, Lucas has had an undeniable influence on film making and technology as a whole ushering in the age of digital effects with ILM and even single handedly making digital film making a possibility within Hollywood and the mainstream. When the multi-billion dollar deal was closed with Disney, it was unclear what role Lucas had and would have in carving out the future of Star Wars and how long the process had begun before the deal happened. In a video interview with flicksandthecity, George’s son Jett Lucas has revealed that it is more than we probably expected. In the interview, he explains;

“We knew probably a year prior (to the purchase) he had started writing and king of researching, starting his whole little process,” Lucas said about his father. “About half way through that process was when the idea of selling to Disney came up…It’s nice because he’s happiest when he’s writing and doing something with his time.”

Admitting he already knows what is going to happen, Jett also revealed that Lucas (understandably) found it very difficult to begin the process of working on the film and then let it go and has subsequently been talking to J.J. Abrams frequently.

The fact that George, or anyone would have a hard time letting go of the Franchise and the creative control is entirely understandable and a piece of me is glad that he is still seemingly very close to the production BUT someone else is driving everything forward.

You can check out the entire interview right now below.

Do you think George should back off entirely or are you glad he still has a say? Comment below and be kind to the man!

Source: Comingsoon.net

Man I hate it when this happens to me. I stop by my local coffee shop on my way to school, and then I accidentally knock some person’s drink over on my way to my seat. I offer to buy them another drink, but NO, the person has to get all ‘psycho crazy telekinetic’ on me. Ugh, I hate Mondays.

Thinkmodo, which is a viral marketing company stationed in the lovely city of New York, is up to more scandalous shenanigans. This company’s way of marketing involves “F**KING WITH SOME CUSTOMERS” (their words, not mine). Their previous marketing stunt was done for the film Chronicle, in where RC planes where made in the likeness of the main characters from the film. They flew these hover-muppets around NY city, and the citizens lost their minds (I love the taste of hyperbole).

Now, their recent stunt is for the film Carrie, which is yet another remake of a film made in 1976 of the same name which was in turn adapted from the novel Carrie written by Stephen King (*sigh*, more remakes within remakes for Hollywood). This time around, they targeted some innocent bystanders at ‘sNice Cafe who witnessed a woman telekinetically attack a poor gentleman who accidentally knocked over her coffee, and then subsequently have a mental breakdown while she wreaks psychic havoc out on the coffee shop. (You can see the this in action on Youtube.) How did they accomplish this feat? This is what the Co-founder of Thinkmodo told the folks at Yahoo Movies:

“The stunt team had to build a fake wall and rehearse the wall stunt. A separate crew was installing the hidden cameras and setting up a control room downstairs. A third crew was in charge of the props: spring loaded books, motorized tables & chairs, and spring-loaded picture frames.”

I don’t know about you, but I feel bad for the girl who had her coffee spilled. Yeah sure, she needs to learn how to control her anger, but in all honesty she was just trying to… ESPRESSO herself! eh? eh? (Did you hear that? That was the sound of me getting fired). In all seriousness, I find this form of stunt marketing to be quite entertaining and effective. I don’t know about you, but to me it seems like most trailers today give away a lot of the film. Sometimes, they giveaway HUGE plot spoilers like what was shown in the Terminator Salvation trailer, where they revealed that Sam Worthington’s character was actually a cyborg. Even if it’s little things like seeing Michael Cera getting killed in the trailer for This is the End, it still would have been amazing to have experienced that in the theater organically. So I am 100% behind this stunt viral marketing thing they got going on! It builds intrigue for the film in a fun and creative way, that still keeps the product they are advertising in a shroud of mystery. So if Thinkmodo is reading this, I just want to say from the bottom of my heart… Thank you Thinkmodo. Thanks a latte.

Alrighty OOUies, now is the time to let your creativity shine! Do you have an idea for a marketing stunt for a film? What do you think of this form of marketing? What’s your favorite kind of coffee? Whatever it is, comment below and let One of Us know!

Via Yahoo Movies

Well after three years of adventures through time & space, Matt Smith has finished his tenure as the lovable immortal time traveler known as The Doctor.

Smith, who only has two more specials left as the 11th incarnation of the iconic lead character on the long running BBC sci-fi series Doctor Who, has filmed his final scenes for the upcoming Christmas Special. Who producer Marcus Wilson (who will also exit the show this year) confirmed via twitter that filming on the special had wrapped. “So it’s goodnight from me, and it’s goodnight from him,” Wilson’s tweet stated. “That’s a wrap. Christmas 2013. Thank you all.”

At the same time, the upcoming 12th doctor Peter Capaldi also visited the set to film his first scenes. Capaldi will be making a brief appearance in the special before taking over full time as the Doctor in Series 8 next year. However, before he can take over full time, we have two final appearances from Smith to look forward to; the 50th anniversary special entitled “The Day of the Doctor” which will see Smith alongside the 10th Doctor David Tennant and the mysterious John Hurt (rumoured to be playing a missing Incarnation) which will air on November 23rd and the above mentioned Christmas special which will air on Christmas Day.

This is a curious time for many fans of Doctor Who, myself included. While the show (which first aired in 1963) has been a staple of geek culture for half a century over in its native Britain, the show never quite caught on in a large way in the United States until the recent relaunch that started in 2005. I didn’t even start hearing about Doctor Who until Matt Smith’s second series started wowing my friends and I could see why. Smith always played the role with this engaging mixture of an older man’s knowledge and a childlike curiosity for everything around him. From the way his lanky frame comically bopped around an adventure to the somber moments where he contemplated his existence as an immortal traveler, Smith’s performance made for a very memorable Doctor that definitely appealed to a mass audience. While he may not by my personal favorite Doctor (Christopher Eccleston’s 9th FTW), Smith’s tenure has certainly made an impact on my love for the show that can’t be erased.

So, now that he’s leaving, should we be looking forward to Peter Capaldi as the 12th? I certainly am, especially after seeing his brilliant comedic performance in 2009′s In The Loop. While he may not be able to carry over that vulgar tone to the role of The Doctor, Capaldi expressed a certain amount of gravitas and sarcastic wit in that film which could be used quite well as The Doctor. Who show runner Steven Moffat has emphasized that the 12th Doctor will be quite different from Smith’s incarnation, which is the inherent genius of the regeneration concept in the Doctor Who universe; it allows for such an interesting way of changing up the character. A new actor takes over and gives The Doctor a different personality that gives the show new avenues in which to take the character, which I’m sure Capaldi will embody once he takes on the mantle.

Via Digital Spy

Now, what about you all out there? Will you be crying into your colorful scarves when Mr. Smith leaves this Christmas or will you be firing up your sonic screwdrivers in anticipation for what Mr. Capaldi can bring to the part? Post your opinions in the comments below!

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Brian, Chris, and HEY! Luke Mullen break down the latest in Blu-ray/DVD releases in the most terrifying fashion imaginable. That is, they are forced to careen through a terrifying gauntlet of titles of vastly divergent quality levels. While last week brought loads of great horror titles, this week’s offerings from our preferred genre are…largely lacking.

In addition, the guys die of apocalyptic laughter during This Is the End, head back down the yellow brick road, and engage in an entirely inappropriate discussion of the attractiveness of animated mermaids. Plus a new giveaway! Listen & share, if you dare!

Don’t be afraid to show your love for Digital Noise and all things OneOfUs over at The Podcast Awards! Be sure to nominate our shows now!

Thinking of purchasing any of the titles we discussed? Or anything from Amazon in general? Please access Amazon via our links to help support the site. We really appreciate it!

Follow Digital Noise on Twitter and make sure to review us on iTunes.

‘Dexter’ Producer: Showtime Determined Dexter’s Fate (SPOILERS)

Oliver Stone heavily criticizes ‘Breaking Bad’ Finale (potential spoilers)

Interview: ‘Looper’s Noah Segan Urges You To Be Your Own Asshole!

You can read that Movies.com interview right here.

Noah, once again, proved to be an amazing interviewee. He provided two invaluable pieces of advice:

“There is no us vs. them…there is only us.” –Seems pretty fitting for this website, no?
“Be your own asshole.”–When you hear the context for this, you will fist-pump, no seriously, fist-pumping will occur.

Click the above player to listen to our chat. I am really hoping this becomes a regular series.

Moreover, sound off in the comment section! Are you a professional trying to survive in a creative field? Did Noah’s words inspire you? What are your own challenges and tactics for overcoming them?

‘The Lone Ranger’ Co-Writer Takes On ‘Masters of the Universe’

Infestation: Truth or Dare Interview With ‘Cheap Thrills’ Pat Healy

One of the best films at this year’s Fantastic Fest was E.L. Katz’s Cheap Thrills. In the film, two estranged friends cross paths with a demented millionaire who takes advantage of their financial desperation. He forces them to play a depraved and violent game of truth or dare for profit.

Would Brian do it? How long before Pat lost it? Check out the most dangerous interview OneOfUs.Net has ever done. Cheap Thrills hits theaters in February and VOD in January. You do NOT want to miss it.

Note: Pat was 100% in on the joke and we want to thank him for being such a great sport.

Wolverine Cuts Loose With An Extended Edition Of His Latest Film!

Jett Lucas reveals Lucas’ involvement in new Star Wars Trilogy

Will This Viral Marketing Stunt ‘Carrie’ Audiences To Theaters

11th ‘Doctor Who’ Matt Smith Has Filmed His Final Scenes

Digital Noise Episode 14: So Bad It’s Scary

In addition, the guys die of apocalyptic laughter during This Is the End, head back down the yellow brick road, and engage in an entirely inappropriate discussion of the attractiveness of animated mermaids. Plus a new giveaway! Listen & share, if you dare!

Don’t be afraid to show your love for Digital Noise and all things OneOfUs over at The Podcast Awards! Be sure to nominate our shows now!

Thinking of purchasing any of the titles we discussed? Or anything from Amazon in general? Please access Amazon via our links to help support the site. We really appreciate it!

Noah, once again, proved to be an amazing interviewee. He provided two invaluable pieces of advice:

“There is no us vs. them…there is only us.” –Seems pretty fitting for this website, no? “Be your own asshole.”–When you hear the context for this, you will fist-pump, no seriously, fist-pumping will occur.

Click the above player to listen to our chat. I am really hoping this becomes a regular series.

Moreover, sound off in the comment section! Are you a professional trying to survive in a creative field? Did Noah’s words inspire you? What are your own challenges and tactics for overcoming them?

One of the best films at this year’s Fantastic Fest was E.L. Katz’s Cheap Thrills. In the film, two estranged friends cross paths with a demented millionaire who takes advantage of their financial desperation. He forces them to play a depraved and violent game of truth or dare for profit.

Would Brian do it? How long before Pat lost it? Check out the most dangerous interview OneOfUs.Net has ever done. Cheap Thrills hits theaters in February and VOD in January. You do NOT want to miss it.

Note: Pat was 100% in on the joke and we want to thank him for being such a great sport.

In addition, the guys die of apocalyptic laughter during This Is the End, head back down the yellow brick road, and engage in an entirely inappropriate discussion of the attractiveness of animated mermaids. Plus a new giveaway! Listen & share, if you dare!

Thinking of purchasing any of the titles we discussed? Or anything from Amazon in general? Please access Amazon via our links to help support the site. We really appreciate it!

“There is no us vs. them…there is only us.” –Seems pretty fitting for this website, no?
“Be your own asshole.”–When you hear the context for this, you will fist-pump, no seriously, fist-pumping will occur.