Jigsaw Tests Into MTV's Killer Halloween

This week's horror-movie-themed bloodletting continues with Day 4 of MTV's Killer Halloween, an in-depth competition in which we ask you, the best and brightest fans, to vote on who is the boldest, baddest and scariest movie murderer. Which horror-movie baddie has the best personality? Make your pick in our MTV Movies Blog poll! Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, Leatherface, Chucky, Michael Myers and Ghostface all have received spotlight treatment, and now it's time to turn the focus toward a seriously scary mass-murderer: Jigsaw. Jigsaw Name: John "Jigsaw" Kramer, so nicknamed for his practice of cutting puzzle pieces out of the flesh of victims who didn't "pass" his deadly tests in the "Saw" movie franchise Occupation: Civil engineer turned sadistic self-appointed judge of others' life choices Weapons: Practical home-improvement items found at a local Home Depot or Lowe's, along with the aid of a few helping hands here and there Archenemy: People who waste or don't appreciate their lives, laziness Profile: Kramer is a former civil engineer who is dying from colon cancer. After an unsuccessful suicide attempt, he suddenly gains a new appreciation for life and sets out to make others appreciate what they have before it's too late. Unfortunately, and as is standard in all good horror flicks, his methods are a bit twisted. In an effort to test his victims' survival instincts, he crafts deadly and torturous traps that play upon his captives' character flaws. He doesn't really want his victims to die, but makes it nearly impossible for them to survive. Horror-movie expert Ryan Turek, managing editor of ShockTillYouDrop.com, explains Jigsaw's brilliance: "Behind the flayed flesh and exposed guts his messy traps leave behind, Jigsaw does have a pretty solid message to pass along: Live your life and live it right. It's up to the people he captures to survive the blades, gears and barbed wire of his contraptions," Turek told MTV News, adding that what separates Jigsaw from other horror-movie killers is the fact that he's basically a regular guy. "That's something that the audience can invest in and be terrified of: that lurking behind this amiable face is something incredibly deranged. That somber, withering older guy in the corner? He's quietly eyeballing you and probably has a trap waiting for you somewhere. It also helps that he's smart," Turek continued. "This is a man with an education, and to a degree, you can respect him, which is a scary thought. Jigsaw's vicious tests get the audience engaged in a discussion about right and wrong. He forces people to better themselves. I'm waiting for the day 'The Jigsaw Challenge' reality show hits television. We're not that far off, are we?" Check out everything we've got on "Saw." For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com. John Kramer, known as Jigsaw, in "Saw" Photo: Lions Gate Films

'Breaking Dawn' Director Talks Sex Scene 'Adjustment'

Was the first cut of "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1" racy enough to be slapped with an R rating? In the December issue of Glamour UK, star Kristen Stewart revealed that Bella and Edward's feather-strewn sex scene was so saucy that it had to be recut. "It was so weird, it didn't even feel like we were doing a 'Twilight' film," she recalled to the British mag. "I was like, 'Bella! What are you doing? Wow! What is happening here?!' It was very surreal. We [originally] got rated R. They recut it." Though director Bill Condon couldn't confirm the R rating when MTV News recently spoke with him on the phone, he did reveal the approach necessary to earn a more teen-friendly PG-13 for the November 18 release. "It's almost clinical the kind of strict guidelines [the MPAA] have about anything that appears to be — how do I put it delicately? Can It Still Be Steamy With a PG-13? Predict On Facebook That appears to be, let's call it thrusting. In fact, you know, it was so much more about romance than it was about hot-and-heavy action, so it was a very kind of simple adjustment to make." If filming the infamous sex scene was one of the simplest items on Condon's honeymoon to-do list, one of the most difficult was scouting the location: the secluded Isle Esme owned by Carlisle Cullen. "We went to Brazil where it was at, that felt important to us," he said. "There are very few houses built on the water because it's against the law. So they're mostly built up, so it was hard to find a house that was like that. It took us — wow — we were five hours outside of Rio and then a boat trip of 40 minutes to get to this one island that had the house that we wanted." It was a good thing Condon was satisfied with the locale seeing as he and the crew spent several unexpected extra hours there. "We spent four days there and one night, when we had this incredible hurricane and couldn't get off the island," he said. "Eighty of us slept in the house on the floor and in bathtubs. It was incredible." Tweet your questions for Rob, Kristen, and Taylor to@MTVNews tagged #AskTwilight! Check out everything we've got on "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1." For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com. Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart in "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 1" Photo: Summit Entertainment

'Expendables 2' Stuntman Dies In On-Set Accident

Tragedy has struck the Bulgarian set of the star-studded action sequel "The Expendables 2." A stuntman was killed when an accident occurred involving a rubber boat and an explosion. Two stuntmen were involved in the scene, which was filming around 7 p.m. local time on Thursday night. The second man suffered serious injuries, but he is now said to be in stable condition. No information has been released yet as to the identities of the men involved in the incident. A representative from the production company behind the Sylvester Stallone-produced film, Nu Image/Millennium Films, released a statement, saying, "It is with great regret that we confirm this unfortunate accident. Our hearts go out to the families and those on the production affected by this tragedy. The filmmakers are working closely with the authorities in responding to and investigating this accident." The accident occurred while the second unit filmed at the Ognyanovo dam in Bulgaria. None of the film's stars were present during the incident, as the first unit was filming at a resort more than two hours away. "Expendables 2" is scheduled to hit theaters next August and stars Stallone, Jason Statham, Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Chuck Norris and Jean-Claude Van Damme. It is the sequel to the hit 2010 action film written and directed by Stallone. The sequel reunites most of the cast, while adding Simon West as director and adding Norris and Van Damme to the lineup. Check out everything we've got on "The Expendables 2." For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com. Sylvester Stallone in "The Expendables" Photo: Lionsgate

'Dark Knight Rises' Prologue To Play Before IMAX 'Mission: Impossible'

It is almost certain now that the Dark Knight will be rising sooner than expected. As MTV News reported last week, there was a rumor circulating that a six-minute prologue to the upcoming Christopher Nolan Batman film, "The Dark Knight Rises," would play before IMAX showings of "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol." The presentation was, in theory, supposed to be similar to the Joker's reveal that played before IMAX screenings of "I Am Legend" in 2008. The rumor remained just that until theater chain AMC released a statement on their blog that reads: "The six-minute Dark Knight Rises prologue footage will only be shown on the higher resolution 70mm IMAX screens. Not the digital IMAX screens. Locations haven't been confirmed yet, so stay tuned for an update on AMC Theatre locations that will be showing the prologue Dark Knight Rises footage at a 70mm IMAX screen nearest you." AMC's statement aligned with the original rumor that had been posted on /Film, but news of the clip only showing on the "higher resolution 70mm IMAX screens" was an unexpected bit of information, though not entirely surprising. Nolan is known for his meticulous control over his films, so insisting on the higher res for the preview makes sense. This detail from the AMC post may spell trouble for some fans. If the report is accurate, the prologue will play on far fewer screens than initially expected. The digital IMAX screens tend to be more common than the 70mm format ones, so some fans may have to travel further than expected for their first glimpse at "The Dark Knight Rises." The post was the most solid confirmation yet about the footage, but it was soon removed. A new statement was issued by AMC, stating, "The information in this post has been retracted until further notice. Please refer to Warner Bros. for any information about The Dark Knight Rises." If AMC was confident enough to confirm the rumors, the prologue seems like more or less a certainty. The redaction by Warner Bros. could have to do with how they typically release Batman info. With "The Dark Knight," the "Why So Serious" marketing campaign involved highly complicated tasks that rewarded fans with content, like the Joker prologue. A straight news release for the "Dark Knight Rises" prologue would go against precedent. What do you want to see in the prologue for "The Dark Knight Rises"? Let us know in the comments below and on Twitter! Check out everything we've got on "The Dark Knight Rises." For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com. Christian Bale and Tom Hardy film "The Dark Knight Rises" Photo: Jared Wickerham/ Getty Images

'Lone Ranger' Is 'Built Around Tonto,' Director Says

Now that Disney, Gore Verbinski and Johnny Depp have ironed out most of the budget kinks surrounding their production of "The Lone Ranger," we can all rest easy that the masked man and his trusty sidekick Tonto are headed to the big screen soon. When MTV News caught up with Verbinski at the Hollywood Awards Gala Monday night, where his quirky animated film "Rango" received the Hollywood Animation Award, we asked how he was feeling about the film and what his plans are for the adaptation. "I feel great. We're not shooting a Western in the middle of winter; the whole thing is pushed into a more reasonable time of year, so now we have to go make the movie," Verbinski said, speaking to the film's new May 31, 2013, release date. "There's been a lot of talk. Hopefully in a year and a half we'll have something we can talk about." Verbinski went on to say that he's been hard at work on the screenplay for two years and that the central character is not the Ranger. "It's all built around Tonto," he said. "You've heard the Lone Ranger's story; you just haven't heard it told from this guy, and he was there." Depp has already teased that their take on the beloved duo's Western adventures will be "interesting," to say the least. "I like the character. I think I have interesting plans for the character, and I think the film itself could be entertaining and very funny," he said. "But also I like the idea of having the opportunity to make fun of the idea of the Indian as a sidekick — which has always been [the case] throughout the history of Hollywood. The Native American has always been a second-class, third-class, fourth-class, fifth-class citizen, and I don't see Tonto that way at all. So it's an opportunity for me to salute Native Americans." For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com. Gore Verbinski Photo: MTV News

'In Time': The Reviews Are In!

What do you get when you mix a futuristic, time-as-money/life-or-death premise; a cast of pretty young things, including Justin Timberlake, Amanda Seyfried, Matt Bomer and Cillian Murphy; plus the sound sci-fi sensibilities of writer/director Andrew Niccol ("Gattaca," "The Truman Show") and appropriately stylized cinematography by Roger Deakins ("True Grit," "The Reader")? "In Time" is what, a complex, visually appealing sci-fi thriller that has audiences and critics somewhat divided. (The critical collective over at Rotten Tomatoes is at 36 percent rotten, while its audience rating sits at 76 percent fresh.) Take a few moments to check out the film's ticking points, if you will, as we sift through the "In Time" reviews! The Story "The premise builds on the notion that time is money. In the movie's dystopian future, where today's cars have tomorrow's grilles, time has replaced money. People are born with genetic clocks that stop at the age of 25; after that they've got one year in which to beg, borrow, steal or even earn more time. If they don't, the digital clocks embedded in their forearms dwindle down to zero and they time out, i.e., die. That's clever, right? But then there are roving gangs called Minute Men (Teddy Boy types out of 'A Clockwork Orange') who steal time; the borderline-silly spectacle of almost everyone looking 25; the polemic element of social injustice (the richest of the rich can live forever because they've got eons socked away); and the action-adventure element, a clumsy amalgam of Robin Hood, 'Bonnie and Clyde,' 'The Avengers,' 'Les Misérables,' 'Dick Tracy' (for the color and graphics) and Mr. Niccol's earlier, and impressive, genetic-engineering opus 'Gattaca.' " — Joe Morgenstern, Wall Street Journal The Sci-Fi Confusion/ High-Concept Factor "For a movie about the importance of maximizing every second, 'In Time' ultimately grows repetitive and wears out its welcome. It's fast-paced and hugely stylish, though, with its great-looking cast and a mix of gleaming, futuristic visuals and grimy, industrial chic. And it's a welcome return to the kind of slick sci-fi Niccol made his name on in the mid-'90s with 'Gattaca' and 'The Truman Show' (which he wrote). But his high-concept premise raises several nagging questions. Why do all the inhabitants of this dystopian world (which happens to look just like downtown Los Angeles and Century City) stop aging at 25, then find themselves with only a year left unless they can buy themselves more? When did this start — what is the purpose? And if Justin Timberlake is so busy working in a factory just so he can afford to live one day to the next, where does he find time to go to the gym?" — Christy Lemire, The Associated Press The Performances "There are moguls who are mean and have more time than God, which they bank in banks. Chief among them is a calculatingly evil Philippe Weis ('Mad Men's' Vincent Kartheiser, well-turned-out here too), with daughter Sylvia (Seyfried) the apple of Daddy's eye — although whether he loves her or time more will be tested. There are regular bad guys, time thieves called Minutemen, led by Alex Pettyfer, who seems to be getting a little too comfortable in bad-guy roles ('Beastly,' 'Tormented'), as Fortis. Meanwhile, inflation is rampant; the class divide is growing ever wider; the world is ripe for an action hero. Cue Timberlake. 'In Time' was supposed to turn Timberlake into a superhero, though given the way he manages a fairly massive pop career with an increasingly impressive acting portfolio ('Social Network' most recently), that may not be necessary. He brings an interesting sensibility to his characters, Will included, that suggest a complex interior that 'In Time' never quite reveals. The same goes for Seyfried ('Mamma Mia!,' 'Red Riding Hood'), who can do a lot more than use those big eyes and sleek lines." — Betsy Sharkey, Los Angeles Times The Final Word, Pro-Con-Pro Style "There's plenty to enjoy about that genre standard, which, with the help of the cinematographer Roger Deakins (shooting in digital), Mr. Niccol transforms into a neonoir gaudily washed in green and gold. There's a memorable night scene when Will and Sylvia sprint across a succession of roofs pursued by Raymond, the camera racing parallel with the couple, the exuberance of their freedom and flight palpable. Here, as in other scenes where Mr. Niccol let his images do the talking, the movie works, despite its wavering tone and slow-and-go energy. But then the characters open their mouths and start going on about minutes and hours, clocks and watches, and their time running out and not having enough time and where's my time, don't waste my time, that time will get you killed, brother can you spare some time because, well, I'm all out." — Manohla Dargis, The New York Times "One problem with 'In Time' is that it's more fun to describe than to sit through. Another is that Niccol's direction of his cast is spotty at best. Timberlake has the steely visage and stubbled cheeks for a rogue hero, but Seyfried, always a watchable presence, has trouble connecting with Sylvia's inner rebellious streak or, for that matter, lending urgency to her line readings. The film's crucial failing, though, is that Niccol's imagination is vigorously literary but not thrillingly cinematic. The movie exhausts its capital about halfway through — devolving, as the Timekeeper tracks the lovers on the run, into a series of car chases and foot races, none of them very spiffily executed. If you're like me, you will be captivated by the first hour and, after that, impatiently checking your watch." — Richard Corliss, Time "Even if 'In Time' descends from its gripping and thought-provoking premise into a mediocre chase thriller before it's over, it's still pretty damn satisfying to watch in the current climate. Of course the contradictions of capitalism are just as present in eras of widespread affluence as in eras of recession or stagnation, but we see them a hell of a lot more clearly at the moment. Niccol is dramatizing the human costs of the concentration of wealth, expressed by Philippe in the film with the formula that some must die so others can live forever. Somewhere Marx quips that capital is immortal even if its possessors are not; this movie's imaginative leap is to conflate the two and build a world where even death, the great leveler in human affairs, can be bought off." — Andrew O'Hehir, Salon.com Check out everything we've got on "In Time." For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com. Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried in "In Time" Photo: 20th Century Fox

Beavis And Butt-Head 'Taking Shots' At Reality Shows, Mike Judge Promises

It's been almost 14 years since the slackest slackers of a generation, Beavis and Butt-head, filled the airwaves with their shenanigans, but when the duo return to television with new episodes Thursday (October 27), the MTV they return to is quite a different one. Creator Mike Judge had to address the changes to the channel when deciding which direction to take the show in. Without music videos playing as regularly on MTV, there is less of an opportunity for Beavis and Butt-head to sit around and comment on them as they did during the show's original run. Reality shows like "Jersey Shore" and "16 and Pregnant" have replaced what were formerly blocks of music videos, and Judge said he wanted the new "Beavis and Butt-head" episodes to reflect that shift. According to Judge, MTV reality shows comprise 60 percent of the content Beavis and Butt-head sit and watch now. The transition from music videos to reality programming has been an easy one for Judge. "I think it is easier taking shots at the reality shows than music videos," Judge said. Missed it the first time around? MTV's Remote Control has a Beginner's Guide To "Beavis and Butt-head"! But Beavis and Butt-head didn't just make fun of the videos they watched. "In the beginning of the first run, I did a lot of what I would call taking shots at the videos," Judge said. "But then a lot of times I would just have them talk about whatever, and it didn't necessarily have that much to do about saying anything one way or another about the video." Reality TV, on the other hand, is a different story. Judge has found that with the new crop of shows, the material is too ripe for ridicule to ignore. "With the reality shows, it just feels like pay dirt to me," Judge said. "Those shows have just been really fun to have Beavis and Butt-head watch." Don't miss "Beavis and Butt-head" when it returns to TV Thursday at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Beavis and Butt-Head Photo: MTV