November 24th sees the release of Disney’s 50th full-length animated film Tangled, based loosely on the famous fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, and starring Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, Ron Perlman, and a loaded cast of talented actors. I had an opportunity to screen the film recently at the Disney AMC 12 at Disneyland in Anaheim, California — and sit down with cast members Zachary Levi (Chuck), Donna Murphy (The Fountain, The Nanny Diaries), as well as directors Nathan Greno and Byron Howard, to talk about the process of making an animated film, and a bit more.

The Marvel train is still rolling with Dr. Strange in the hopes of taking a C-level comic book and turning it into another hit. The tees aren’t crossed yet on any real deal, but the possibility that the magical man might end up at Pixar is still out there. The most recent sign – an interview with comic artist Brendan McCarthy saying, “I was over in Hollywood earlier this year mooching about, and I had a meeting at Disney and the conversation drifted around to Pixar animating a Dr. Strange movie.” It’s nothing set in stone, but putting the Pixar name behind the hero would definitely give him a popularity boost. On the other hand, taken on something out of their wheelhouse might hobble Pixar in a way. A Marvel fantasy hero doesn’t exactly fit into their body of work. They’ve seen an old man hit a construction worker and a batch of toys almost come to a violent death, but are they ready to take on a neurosurgeon learning black magic in the Himalayas? And does the world really want him animated? [Cinema Blend]

Marvel Studios hitting hard out of the gate with Iron Man as their first independent production was a lot like seeing a high school draftee hit a home run in his first major league appearance. Hence, the blended horse racing and baseball analogies. It was equal parts right place, right time, and right cultural momentum blended with choosing the right personnel to bring the lesser-known hero to life. This was the beginning of a huge new moment in superhero films. Fans had grown exhausted by Fox’s attempts to understand comic books, and 2007′s melee attack of Ghost Rider, Spider-Man 3, and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer had audiences reeling. Thus, the news that Marvel would be striking out on their own to make their own way in the world was refreshing. The comic book people were going to be making comic book movies. Unfortunately, there’s a problem that threatens to slow Marvel’s momentum and change the way it makes movies altogether.

For 36 days straight, we’ll be exploring the famous 36 Dramatic Situations by presenting a film that exemplifies each one. From family killing family to prisoners in need of asylum, we brush off the 19th century list in order to remember that it’s still incredibly relevant today. Whether you’re seeking a degree in Literature, love movies, or just love seeing things explode, our feature should have something for everyone. If it doesn’t, please don’t burst into song and proclaim your impatience at becoming the leader of the land. Part 9 of the 36-part series takes a look at “Vengeance Taken For Kindred Upon Kindred” with The Lion King.

  The surprises are what to look forward to at Comic-Con, and Disney didn’t disappoint. After the Tron: Legacy panel invited the audience to possibly become part of the movie by making a lot of synchronized noise, moderator Patton Oswalt announced that Disney was going to reboot The Haunted Mansion to a weak smattering of applause. The announcement was followed by Guillermo del Toro striding onto the stage after being announced as the film’s director. No hobbits for him – at least not yet. The visionary plans on creating a truly frightening version of the property that will “make children scream” if you take them. So, keep that in mind if you have an unruly child in need of some scaring straight. According to del Toro, the film will focus on the Hat Box Ghost – a fixture from the original 1969 park attraction, and a figure that should make just about anyone wet themselves with fear. Oswalt summed up what everyone was feeling best: The man who created Pan’s Labyrinth has been given full reign over the ghostly mythology of a classic Disney fixture. And they won’t be returning Eddie Murphy’s phone calls.

The 90s are no longer safe. Unless they are. It took me a while to do the calculation, but apparently people born in 1990 turned 20 this year, and that means that Hollywood has suddenly realized there’s an entire decade’s worth of material that’s ostensibly retro enough to hammer into our theaters. It’s been a long time coming, but if the report that Disney wants to put live-action Gargoyles on the big screen is truly an adaptation of the Mouse’s very own cartoon show of the same name, then 1990 has been breached, and the entire decade is now vulnerable to remakes, a creepy live-action Duck Tales, and possibly a “Blossom” film. Luckily, there are scarce details (beyond Disney molding this in the same glossy-to-hide-the-lack-of-substance way they’re doing all action adventure these days) so it might be a newer concept or it might see Goliath, Hudson, Broadway and the whole crew resurrected for feature length. [Heat Vision]

It’s been a while since we’ve heard any movement on this, but horror and Del Toro fans should rejoice with the news that Miramax’s remake of Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark has gotten a release date of its very own. And, unlike every superhero property out there, it’s a release that’s within the next 8 months. Mark your calendar and be ready to ring in the new year with some strange visitors that live in your basement.

Kevin and Neil meet up in the miraculously bird-free Magical Studio in the Sky to gush over the latest Pixar release – Toy Story 3. They also shrug their shoulders at Jonah Hex, not having had a chance to review it at the time of recording.

Disney wants to use you to sell its products, but you won’t be getting paid. How do you feel about that?

Disney and Fox are both developing their own takes. Let’s look at each and see who will come out on top.

We take a look at the hundred-year history of Robin Hood in film and discover that Sean Connery seems to be the common thread.

So you’re looking for something sporty with good gas mileage that’s slightly less dangerous than a Toyota?

Kevin and Neil connect in the Magical Studio in the Sky after a long week of movie-watching. Like the wusses at Comedy Central, the Fat Guys refuse to show a depiction of the Prophet Muhammed. So there.

We have to say goodbye to the King of the Wild Frontier – Fess Parker.

You’ve been overloaded with blue, and Tron Legacy knows this. Therefore, they’re making your world a little more yellow. Poster style.

Of course, as with all Burton movies, the first question in everyone’s mind is “who will Johnny Depp play?”

Plus, a great new video that gives us a look at how Disney is bringing it to the screen.

While 2009 may have been a weak year for movies overall, animated films shined in a way they haven’t in a very long time.

Kevin Carr sits his chubbiness down and sees if The Princess and the Frog, Invictus and The Lovely Bones can make the grade.

On the 16th anniversary of the first public screening of Clerks, we get personal with the man, the myth, the lunchbox as he rips his heart off his sleeve and slams it down on the table.