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“Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover” is a proverb whose simple existence proves the fact impressionable souls will do so without fail. This monthly column focuses on the film industry’s willingness to capitalize on this truth, releasing one-sheets to serve as not representations of what audiences are to expect, but as propaganda to fill seats. Oftentimes they fail miserably.

August spells the end of summer and start of awards season with a couple “prestige” openings from the likes of Kathryn Bigelow and Destin Daniel Cretton in wide release (from Annapurna Pictures and Lionsgate respectively). It’s nice to see big-ish studios showing independent voices some love in 2017 (although Bigelow is obviously no stranger to Hollywood budgets) alongside bigger sibling Sony’s partnership with Edgar Wright and Baby Driver.

It’s not all highbrow, though. Fans of Annabelle have a prequel to its prequel (Annabelle: Creation hits August...

To give the impending Smackdown some context we're looking at the year 1973. Here's Glenn on tickets sold...

1973 was like the end of a box-office era. While year-end charts weren’t suffocated with superheroes, CGI natural disasters, and dystopian visions of futuristic societies for a little while yet, but 1973 was as far as I can tell the last year to not have a single now-traditional effects-driven film in the top ten hits of the year. Just one year later in 1974 the end-of-year charts would include the one-two punch The Towering Inferno and Earthquake (plus Airport '75), and 1975 essentially ushered in the modern era of the blockbuster with Jaws and since then it's been a steady increase.

Here is what the top ten films of 1973 looked like.

01 The Sting $156m

02 The Exorcist $128m

03 American Graffiti $96.3m

04 Papillon $53.3

05 The Way We Were $45m

06 Magnum Force $39.7

07 Last Tango In Paris $36.1

08 Live And Let Die...

In today's world of studio movie making, let's face it, it's all about franchising. It's all about the sequels. In fact, this weekend we have two sequels hitting theaters in 22 Jump Street and How to Train Your Dragon 2. The first is a comedy sequel and it's receiving great reviews, despite the fact comedies rarely have good sequels. The second has the potential to be one of the biggest movies of the summer and perhaps the biggest animated movie of 2014. Whyc Sequels sell and if they're good they sell even more. That said, last week I started considering the sequels that were actually better than the original film in any given franchise. This isn't a question of what are the best sequelsc (I've already made that list.) Instead, what sequels managed to exceed the quality and entertainment of the film(s) that came before them. In this sense I have...

This week marks the 25th anniversary of "The Dead Pool," which, perhaps no one realized at the time, was the final "Dirty Harry" movie. The movie was released on July 13, 1988, shortly after Eastwood turned 58, and while the actor has continued to play cops and gunslingers and action heroes, he tossed away Inspector Harry Callahan's badge for good.

"Dead Pool" isn't a great movie (though it did give early career boosts to Patricia Clarkson, Liam Neeson, and Jim Carrey), but it matters because it marked the end of an era -- and perhaps the beginning of another. It marked a farewell to the most influential cop drama series in modern film history, and it paved the way for our current wave of similar shoot-'em-up heroes, loose-cannon cops who are even more dangerous and misanthropic than the criminals they collar.

With 1971's original "Dirty Harry," Eastwood helped bury the Western genre that...

“Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover” is a proverb whose simple existence proves the fact impressionable souls will do so without fail. This monthly column focuses on the film industry’s willingness to capitalize on this truth, releasing one-sheets to serve as not representations of what audiences are to expect, but as propaganda to fill seats. Oftentimes they fail miserably.

—

This month may be one of the least creative in terms of movie posters ever. Between the laziness, litany of character sheets, and over-used technique, I think I only actually like two entries out of the bunch.

The small number of releases doesn’t help matters as far as diversifying—especially with so few independents to temper the summer season’s blockbuster onslaught—but you still hope to catch a couple gems from the big studios. May will be a moneymaker either way, so perhaps no one wanted...

Turkish release poster for Magnum Force (1973)

Here's a great chance to enjoy the abstract designs on classic Polish and other European film posters from the Cold War era:

"Eye Sea Posters sources original vintage film posters from around the world and makes them available at reasonable prices. Our collection is handpicked with an emphasis on design.

We specialize in Polish film posters from the 60's and 70's by artists like Jerzy Flisak, Wiktor Gorka, Andrzej Krajewski and Maciej Zbikowski and upload new stock to our site regularly."

Click here to visit site...

What is Page 2? Page 2 is a compilation of stories and news tidbits, which for whatever reason, didn’t make the front page of /Film. After the jump we’ve included 56 different items, fun images, videos, casting tidbits, articles of interest and more. It’s like a mystery grab bag of movie web related goodness. If you have any interesting items that we might've missed that you think should go in /Film's Page 2 - email us [1]! Header Photo: What If Fall 2011 Movie Posters Told The Truth [2]? CinemaBlend [3] lists the 10 Great Movies Featuring At Least 5 Oscar Nominated Actors [4] Un-Pixarfied [5] Toy Story. Mini-Geek Deal: Amazon [6] is offering 55% off Being Human: The Complete First, Second and Third Seasons on Blu-ray. [7] Today's t-shirt of the day on TeeFury [8] is a Star Wars/Cheers mash-up design "To All My Friends". Filmophilia [9] lists Joseph Gordon-Levitt's Top Five Roles [10] Today's t-shirt of Ript Apparel [11] is a...

Game Of Thrones ends, 8 Out Of 10 Cats returns, Castle turns up, and new Dexter makes it to the UK. Meet our UK TV round-up...

This week, most of the good stuff is stuffed into tonight's telly lineup, but unless you have a PVR or dual telly setup, you'll may need to make some tough choices.

At 9:00pm tonight, Friday June 17th, the eleventh series of 8 Out Of 10 Cats returns on Channel 4. That's right. We did say, eleven series of the comedy panel show, hosted by Jimmy Carr, have aired. How time flies when you're laughing, eh? The first of nine episodes looking into and poking fun at statistics and the opinions of the public on current happenings in the world sees Sean Lock return to his role as team captain and welcomes fellow comedian, Jon Richardson, at the opposing table. Carr's intros are always a highlight, and the...

Psychoville. Doctor Who. Lots of interesting movies. It's not a bad week ahead on UK TV...

Returning from a holiday week, there's only a couple spots to circle on geek calendars this week.

One we missed in our week away was the return of Psychoville. The comedy-horror programme is airing on BBC Two, Thursdays at 10pm. If you missed the premiere last night, you can catch it on iPlayer here. Then read our review and air your opinions about the return here.

We also have an interview with series co-creator/co-star, Steve Pemberton, which reveals an interesting connection between his portrayal of the murderous son, David, in Psychoville and his role as Ripperologist, Edward Buchan, in Whitechapel, as well as a peek into where and how some of these bizarre character creations first come to life.

Then, we'll remind you that this week's Doctor Who starts a little later, at 6:15pm on BBC 1, Saturday,...

Being Human is back! Nurse Jackie heads back to UK TV screens! Charlie Brooker's How TV Ruined Your Life begins! And there are loads of upcoming films on British telly, too...

There are only a few new shows starting up in the coming week, but the next seven days brings some precious gems of telly programming...

Your humble, scouring servant of the telly schedules is not a huge fan of medical dramas. But last year's first series of Nurse Jackie has undone an admirably long run of avoidance of hospital-set shows and ruined a perfect record. Edie Falco (Oz, The Sopranos) owns the role of pill-fuelled ER nurse, Jackie Peyton, a character who's almost as equally admirable as she is deplorable. Jackie's addiction leads her to make amoral choices, while her nearly ferocious dedication to her job makes her almost heroic at times in her defence and care of patients and family.

Amazon is selling Pee-Wee's Playhouse The Complete DVD Collection [1] for only $20.99, almost 50% off the $40 msrp. The set includes all 45 episodes in Pee-Wee’s Playhouse Volume 1 and Pee-Wee’s Playhouse Volume 2, plus the bonus Pee-Wee’s Playhouse Christmas Special. Other DVD and Blu-Ray deals: Blu-ray Deal of the Week is The Pillars of the Earth [2] on Blu-ray for $32.99, 53% off the $70msrp. The television mini-series was nominated for 3 Golden Globes. Justified: The Complete First Season on Blu-ray [3] for only $21.99, 56% off the $50 msrp. Preorder: Star Wars: The Complete Saga on Blu-ray [4] for $89.99, 36% off, Monsters Special Edition Blu-ray (+Digital Copy) [5] for $15.99, 47% off. Archer: Season 1 on DVD [6] for $13.49, 55% off. $7.99 each Blu-Rays: Léon: The Professional (Theatrical and Extended Edition) [7] $8.99 each Blu-Rays: Bad Boys [8], The Running Man [9], Labyrinth [10], Moon [11] $9.49 each Blu-Rays: Magnolia [12], The Neverending Story [13] $9.99 each Blu-Rays: La Confidential [14], Gone with the Wind 70th Anniversary Edition [15], Speed Racer [16], Traffic (Blu-ray/DVD Combo) [17] Superman: The Complete Animated Series [18] DVD Set for $20.99, 61% off.

Amazon's Blu-ray Deal of the Week is The Pillars of the Earth [1] on Blu-ray for $32.99, 53% off the $70msrp. The television mini-series was nominated for 3 Golden Globes. Other DVD and Blu-Ray deals: Justified: The Complete First Season on Blu-ray [2] for only $21.99, 56% off the $50 msrp. Preorder: Star Wars: The Complete Saga on Blu-ray [3] for $89.99, 36% off, Monsters Special Edition Blu-ray (+Digital Copy) [4] for $15.99, 47% off. Firefly: The Complete Series on DVD for Only $14.99 [5], 70% off the suggested retail price of $50. Archer: Season 1 on DVD [6] for $13.49, 55% off. $7.99 each Blu-Rays: Léon: The Professional (Theatrical and Extended Edition) [7] $8.99 each Blu-Rays: Bad Boys [8], The Running Man [9], Labyrinth [10], Moon [11] $9.49 each Blu-Rays: Magnolia [12], The Neverending Story [13] $9.99 each Blu-Rays: Office Space (Special Edition with Flair!) [14], La Confidential [15], Gone with the Wind 70th Anniversary Edition [16], Speed Racer [17], Traffic (Blu-ray/DVD Combo) [18] Superman: The Complete Animated Series [19] DVD Set for $20.99, 61% off. The New World (The Extended Cut) [20] Blu-ray for $10.49 Dirty Harry/Magnum Force...

New Deals: Two-Year subscription to Sound and Vision Magazine [1] for only $3.99 (retail price is $49.90). Use code "Sound". Office Space (Special Edition with Flair!) Blu-ray [2] for $10.99, 69% off. Archer: Season 1 on DVD [3] for $13.49, 55% off. Beauty and the Beast [4] (Three-Disc Diamond Edition) Blu-ray/DVD Combo for $14.99, 63% off. Superman: The Complete Animated Series [5] DVD Set for $20.99, 61% off. La Confidential [6] for $9.99, 60% off. Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon on Blu-ray [7] for $7.99, 68% off. Inception on DVD [8] for $9.99, 66% off. Speed Racer on Blu-ray [9] for $9.99, 50% off. Other DVD and Blu-Ray deals: Preorder: Star Wars: The Complete Saga on Blu-ray [10] for $89.99, 36% off. Firefly: The Complete Series on DVD for Only $14.99 [11], 70% off the suggested retail price of $50. Gone with the Wind 70th Anniversary Edition [12] on Blu-ray for $9.99 Blu-ray Deal of the Week: The Last of the Mohicans: Director's Definitive Cut [13] on Blu-ray for $14.99 $7.99 each Blu-Rays: Léon: The Professional (Theatrical and Extended Edition) [14] $8.99 each Blu-Rays: Bad Boys [15], The Running Man [16], Labyrinth [17], Moon...

Amazon is selling Firefly: The Complete Series on DVD for Only $14.99 [1], 70% off the suggested retail price of $50. Other DVD and Blu-Ray deals: Gone with the Wind 70th Anniversary Edition [2] on Blu-ray for $9.99 Blu-ray Deal of the Week: The Last of the Mohicans: Director's Definitive Cut [3] on Blu-ray for $14.99 $7.99 each Blu-Rays: Léon: The Professional (Theatrical and Extended Edition) [4] $8.99 each Blu-Rays: Bad Boys [5], The Running Man [6], Labyrinth [7], The Dark Crystal [8], Moon [9] $9.49 each Blu-Rays: Magnolia [10], The Neverending Story [11] The New World (The Extended Cut) [12] Blu-ray for $10.49 Dirty Harry/Magnum Force (Action Double Feature) [13] on Blu-ray for $12.99 David Fincher's The Social Network on Blu-ray for only $16.99 [14], 51% off the $35 list price. The closest price on the internet is over $22 [15]. They are also selling the DVD version for $12.99 [16], 55% off the $29 list price. The movie will be released in stores on January 11th, 2011. Traffic (Blu-ray/DVD Combo) [17] for $9.99 Alien Anthology Blu-ray [18] for $69.99, 50% off the $140 msrp. [1] http://www.

Today's DVD and Blu-Ray deals: $7.99 each Blu-Rays: Dogma [1], Léon: The Professional (Theatrical and Extended Edition) [2] $8.99 each Blu-Rays: Labyrinth [3], The Dark Crystal [4], Moon [5] $9.49 each Blu-Rays: Magnolia [6], The Neverending Story [7] Sci-Fi Blu-Ray 3-Pack (Jumper / Independence Day / I, Robot) [8] for $20.99 The New World (The Extended Cut) [9] Blu-ray for $10.49 Deal of the Day: Rumpole of Bailey: Complete Series Megaset [10] (42 episodes on 14 DVDs) for $34.99, 65% off the $100 msrp. Amazon's TV Deal of the Week is Bones: Season 1-5 [11] for only $105.99, 63% off the $290 msrp. Dirty Harry/Magnum Force (Action Double Feature) [12] on Blu-ray for $13.49 Resident Evil - The High-Definition Trilogy [13] (Resident Evil/ Resident Evil: Apocalypse/ Resident Evil: Extinction) on Blu-ray for $24.99 David Fincher's The Social Network on Blu-ray for only $16.99 [14], 51% off the $35 list price. The closest price on the internet is over $22 [15]. They are also selling the DVD version for $12.99 [16], 55% off the $29 list price.  The movie will be released in stores on January 11th, 2011. Traffic (Blu-ray...

If you're looking for some last minute presents, I've compiled a list of the best DVD and Blu-ray deals on Amazon today. While you might have to pay for overnight shipping to get your gift by Friday, with some of the discounts, you'll still be saving a lot of money. However, if you're not in a rush, Amazon offers free shipping on any purchase over $25. If you've never seen The West Wing or Arrested Development, you can pick up both series for over 50% off. Lot's of other stuff as well. Here's the list: The West Wing: The Complete Series Collection $144.49 (52%) Back to the Future: 25th Anniversary Trilogy (+ Digital Copy) [Blu-ray] $38.99 (51%) Back to the Future: 25th Anniversary Trilogy (DVD + Digital Copy)$27.49 45%) Band of Brothers [Blu-ray] $36.49 (64%) Band of Brothers DVD $31.49 (61%) Arrested Development - The Complete Series (Seasons 1, 2, 3) $43.99 (51%) M*A*S*H - Martinis and Medicine The Complete Collection 70.99 (65%) Breaking Bad:...