film Archives

AppWizard

June 1, 2025

Elden Ring Nightreign artist wanted part of the game to feel ‘more cozy, more welcoming, more at home,’ so naturally she drew on Dark Souls for inspiration

Saori Mizuno, an Environmental Artist at FromSoftware, discussed the world design of Elden Ring Nightreign, highlighting the intention to create an environment that starts off familiar but gradually shifts into the unknown. The design team focused on themes of light and dark to enhance the atmosphere, with Limveld initially appearing beautiful but revealing a haunting quality. Mizuno drew inspiration from the Studio Ghibli film Spirited Away to evoke a sense of longing for home. The Round Table Hold is designed as a cozy and welcoming hub, reminiscent of the Firelink Shrine in Dark Souls. Despite the game's challenges, Mizuno's design encourages players to explore the beauty of Limveld.

AppWizard

June 1, 2025

19 Best Movies New to Streaming in June: ‘A Minecraft Movie,’ Hitchcock Collection on Netflix, ‘Presence’ and More

Brad Pitt’s “F1,” the live-action adaptation of “How to Train Your Dragon,” and the “John Wick” spinoff “Ballerina” are among the anticipated blockbusters in theaters this month. “A Minecraft Movie” has become available for home viewing on Max, grossing 0 million at the global box office and generating social media excitement with enthusiastic screenings. Some screenings led to law enforcement being called due to excessive cheering and popcorn throwing. Director Jared Hess commented on the phenomenon, finding humor in the situation and expressing delight at the communal experience. Upcoming streaming releases include the Classic Hitchcock Collection on June 1, “Cleaner” on June 13, “The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie” on June 27, “Presence” on June 3, “The Actor” on June 30, “Deep Cover” on June 12, and “Love Me” on June 16.

AppWizard

May 31, 2025

Jack Black’s ‘Steve’s Lava Chicken’ Jockeys to No. 1 on Top Movie Songs Chart

Jack Black's song "Steve's Lava Chicken" debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Top Movie Songs chart for April and is the shortest song to ever appear on the Billboard Hot 100, clocking in at 34 seconds. The song achieved 20.1 million official on-demand streams and sold 3,000 downloads in April, debuting at No. 78 on the Hot 100. It outperformed other songs, including "Mary Jane's Last Dance" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, which was No. 2 with 14.6 million streams, and "Casual" by Chappell Roan at No. 3 with 13.8 million streams. Rod Wave's "Sinners" debuted at No. 5 with 14.3 million streams, and Eric Prydz's "Call On Me" returned to the charts at No. 7 with 2.6 million streams. The top 10 includes songs from various films, including contributions from Snow White and Holland.

AppWizard

May 31, 2025

Minecraft Trading Card Boxes With Exclusive Inserts Are Up For Grabs At Amazon

Panini's 2024 Minecraft Trading Card products are in high demand, with many retailers sold out or limiting sales. Amazon has restocked two primary Minecraft card boxes: Blaster Boxes and Mega Boxes. The Blaster Box contains six booster packs (36 cards total) and features exclusive Cubic Parallel cards, while the Mega Box includes 12 booster packs with a higher likelihood of obtaining numbered cards. The complete set has 221 base cards, including 25 rare inserts for Minecraft's 15th anniversary. Availability at major retailers like GameStop and Walmart is limited, but local card shops may still have stock. Panini's offerings are strictly for collecting, not a trading card game. The recent interest may be linked to the success of the Minecraft film adaptation.

AppWizard

May 31, 2025

‘A Minecraft Movie’ sucks, I love it

“A Minecraft Movie” is a 100-minute film that debuted on April 4, featuring a disjointed plot, lackluster script, and minimal character development. The film takes viewers into the “overworld” of Minecraft, where characters attempt to return to reality but face a rushed narrative that prioritizes action and comedy over coherent storytelling. Jack Black stars as Steve, with Jason Momoa as Garrett Garrison, showcasing strong chemistry. Supporting characters, including siblings Henry and Natalie, lack depth, and Jennifer Coolidge’s subplot feels inconsequential. Despite critical reception, the film has grossed over half a billion dollars, driven by the popularity of Minecraft and viral snippets of dialogue. Audience members engaged with the film during screenings, indicating a level of enjoyment despite its flaws.

AppWizard

May 31, 2025

What’s New On Max In June 2025? ‘A Minecraft Movie,’ ‘The Gilded Age’ And More Streaming

Warner Bros.' streaming service, Max, will feature the arrival of A Minecraft Movie, which follows a group of heroes transported into the Minecraft universe. The film does not have a specific release date. The third season of The Gilded Age premieres on June 22, focusing on the rivalry between wealthy families in 1800s New York. The reboot of Sex and the City, And Just Like That…, will continue with new episodes throughout June. Max will also offer a variety of films, including Bullet Train, Parasite, and the entire Hunger Games series. New content on Max in June includes: - June 1: A Hologram for the King, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Casino, Fight Club, Parasite, and The Hunger Games series. - June 2: BBQ Brawl, Season 6. - June 3: Bullet Train. - June 4: 1000-lb Roomies, Fatal Destination. - June 5: Bea’s Block, Chespirito: Not Really on Purpose. - June 6: House Hunters International, Parthenope. - June 10: Virgins. - June 11: Guy’s Grocery Games. - June 12: Bitchin’ Rides, Mini Beat Power Rockers. - June 13: Cleaner, House Hunters, Maine Cabin Masters, Super Sara, Toad & Friends. - June 16: Hero Ball. - June 17: Dr. Sanjay Gupta Reports: Animal Pharm, Super Mega Cakes. - June 19: Expedition Unknown, Mystery At Blind Frog Ranch. - June 20: House Hunters, Lu & The Bally Bunch, Now or Never: FC Montfermeil, Teen Titans Go!. - June 21: The Kitchen, The Never Ever Mets. - June 22: The Gilded Age, Season 3. - June 23: Match Me Abroad. - June 24: Enigma, Mean Girl Murders, The Invitation. - June 25: Rehab Addict. - June 27: House Hunters, My Mom Jayne, Pati, The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie. - June 29: #Somebody’s Son, Family or Fiancé. - June 30: 90 Day Fiancé: Pillow Talk, Truck U.

AppWizard

May 30, 2025

Digital Domain vs. the Nether Horde: Behind the VFX of Minecraft

VFX Supervisor Piotr Karwas and Animation Supervisor Liz Bernard discussed the visual effects of Minecraft: The Movie, which includes 187 shots completed in 25 weeks. Karwas, with experience from films like World War Z, served as Cinematic Director, merging CG storytelling with Minecraft's aesthetic. Bernard, with a background from The Lion King, was the Previs Supervisor, focusing on visual planning and comedic tone. Digital Domain assisted with the final battle sequence, and Karwas learned about Minecraft lore from his children. The team worked to balance humor and visuals, ensuring consistency across departments. They faced technical challenges in creating custom VFX shots and animating characters like Piglins and Iron Golems, navigating the constraints of their blocky designs. Karwas is also exploring generative AI to enhance creativity in visual effects workflows.

Winsage

May 29, 2025

Microsoft engineer confirms Windows 8 Redpill feature lockout was named after The Matrix

Redpill was a mechanism in Windows 8 designed to activate disabled features for authorized users, inspired by the red pill from The Matrix movie. It utilized the licensing subsystem to shield under-development features from both internal employees and the public. Microsoft engineer Raymond Chen confirmed the origin of the Redpill codename. The mechanism aimed to restrict access to hidden features, which included enhancements like a new Start menu and a redesigned logon interface. Critics argue that this approach may have limited valuable feedback, contributing to the perception of Windows 8 as a misstep. In contrast, current Windows development trends favor transparency and collaboration.

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

‘A Minecraft Movie’ Tops DEG Digital Transactions Chart for Week of May 18

The Minecraft Movie is being produced by a collaboration of renowned studios, focusing on storytelling that resonates with audiences of all ages. The film aims to reflect the core themes of exploration and creativity from the Minecraft experience, utilizing innovative animation techniques to represent the game's iconic pixelated style. The casting process includes a mix of established stars and emerging talent, supported by a creative team of experienced directors and writers passionate about gaming culture. The production team has initiated outreach programs to engage the Minecraft community, allowing fans to contribute ideas and feedback.

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

Warner’s ‘A Minecraft Movie’ Debuts No. 1 Atop Weekly U.K. Home Entertainment Sales Chart Through May 28

The upcoming Minecraft Movie aims to translate the popular block-building game into a cinematic experience, focusing on themes of friendship, exploration, and resilience. It features a talented cast of actors voicing iconic characters and is directed by a skilled team experienced in animation and live-action films. The filmmakers are using innovative animation techniques to replicate and enhance the game's distinctive visuals, creating an immersive experience. The production team is engaging the Minecraft community for input and inspiration, fostering a sense of ownership among fans. The film is generating significant anticipation as its release date approaches.