While I’m not the biggest fan of found footage movies, I must say EARTH TO ECHO looks pretty darn cool. Playing off a storyline that feels like E.T. mixed with CHRONICLE, the new film from Relativity Media is now officially on our radar for 2014 thanks to an awesome new trailer. Starring Teo Halm, Brian “Astro” Bradley, Reese Hartwig and Ella Linnea Wahlestedt, and directed by Dave Green, it hits theaters July 4th weekend… well, July 2nd actually. JJ Abrams attempted to recapture the Steven Spielberg sensibilities of E.T. in SUPER 8, and while some enjoyed that experience, others found it somewhat lacking. This may improve upon that idea in a big way, at least the potential is there. While I could spend time trying to explain why it’s so intriguing to us, it’s probably easier to just have you watch the trailer and see for yourself. Tell us your thoughts in the comments.
Director: Dave Green
Screenplay by: Henry Gayden
Based on a story by: Henry Gayden & Andrew Panay
Cast: Teo Halm, Brian “Astro” Bradley, Reese Hartwig and Ella Linnea Wahlestedt
Producers: Andrew Panay, Ryan Kavanaugh
Executive Producers: Tucker Tooley, Ron Burkle, Jason Colbeck, Mark B. Johnson
Synopsis:
Tuck, Munch and Alex are a closely bonded trio of inseparable friends, but their time together is coming to an end. Their neighborhood is being destroyed by a highway construction project that is forcing their families to move away. But just two days before they must part ways, the boys find a cryptic signal has infected their phones. Convinced something bigger is going on and looking for one final adventure together, they set off to trace the messages to their source and discover something beyond their wildest imaginations: hiding in the darkness is a mysterious being, stranded on Earth, and wanted by the government. This launches the boys on an epic journey full of danger and wonder, one that will test the limits of their friendship and change all of their lives forever.
Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff. 
