Director Francis Lawrence confirmed to ShockTillYouDrop.com over the summer that plans were in the work for an I Am Legend Prequel, and now Will Smith is speaking out about the story.
In an interview with Collider, the actor says "It's essentially the fall of the last city – the last stand of Manhattan. The movie would be...within the body of the movie D.C. and then Manhattan would fall as the last city. It's a really cool idea trying to figure it out...there's a reason why we have to take a small band and we have to get into D.C. So we have to make our way from New York to D.C. and then back to New York."
He says they're still working out the narrative kinks. And it will indeed be a prequel, not a sequel as was recently reported elsewhere on the web.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Kanye Edges GNR, Ludacris For No. 1 Debut
Kanye West earns his third straight No. 1 on The Billboard 200 as "808s & Heartbreak" bows in the top slot. The Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam set moved 450,000 copies in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan, the artist's lowest debut sales frame since his first album, "The College Dropout," bowed with 441,000 in 2004.
His last release, "Graduation," began with 957,000 at No. 1 last year, while sophomore set "Late Registration" checked in with 860,000 at No. 1 in 2005.
With the help of Thanksgiving sale prices and a performance from the singer at the Nov. 23 American Music Awards, sales for Taylor Swift's Big Machine album "Fearless" increase 23% to 267,000, pushing the set up 4-2.
At No. 3 with 261,000 is Guns N' Roses' Best Buy exclusive "Chinese Democracy" (Black Frog/Geffen), the first studio album of original material from the group since 1991. GNR's last studio efforts, "Use Your Illusion I" and "Use Your Illusion II," debuted at Nos. 2 and 1 respectively, with 685,000 and 770,000 after being released on the same day in 1991.
Since then, the act has charted with a covers set (1993's "The Spaghetti Incident?" with a 190,000 debut), a live effort (1999's "Live Era '87 - '93;" 60,000) and the 2004 "Greatest Hits" package (169,000).
Beyonce's "I Am ... Sasha Fierce" (Music World/Columbia) declines by 47% in its second week, dropping 1-4 with 257,000. Debuting right behind at No. 5 is Ludacris' "Theater of the Mind" (DTP/Def Jam) with 213,000. It's the first time one of the rapper's albums debuted anywhere but No. 1 since 2001's "Word of Mouf" bowed and peaked at No. 3.
The Killers' third album, "Day & Age" (Island) enters at No. 6 with 193,000. Its 2006 predecessor, "Sam's Town," bowed at No. 2 with 315,000.
After debuting at No. 2 last week, Nickelback's "Dark Horse" (Roadrunner) slips to No. 7 on a 46% decline to 178,000. Chop Shop/Atlantic's soundtrack to the runaway hit film "Twilight" falls 6-8 with 162,000 (+29%) while the multi-label "Now 29" hits compilation earns a 26% sales increase to 145,000, slipping 7-9. David Cook's self-titled 19 Recordings/RCA debut rounds out the top tier, descending 3-10 with 112,000 (-60%).
Other debuts this week include Barry Manilow's "Greatest Songs of the Eighties" (Arista) at No. 14 with 78,000, the Coldplay EP "Prospekt's March" (Capitol) at No. 15 with 77,000, Trace Adkins' "X: Ten" (Capitol Nashville) at No. 32 with 37,000, Jeremy Camp's "Speaking Louder Than Words" (Tooth & Nail) at No. 38 with 32,000 and Linkin Park's "Road to Revolution" (Warner Bros.) at No. 41 with 31,000.
At 12.15 million units, sales this week are up 29% compared to last week's sum, but down 0.7% compared to the same sales week last year.
His last release, "Graduation," began with 957,000 at No. 1 last year, while sophomore set "Late Registration" checked in with 860,000 at No. 1 in 2005.
With the help of Thanksgiving sale prices and a performance from the singer at the Nov. 23 American Music Awards, sales for Taylor Swift's Big Machine album "Fearless" increase 23% to 267,000, pushing the set up 4-2.
At No. 3 with 261,000 is Guns N' Roses' Best Buy exclusive "Chinese Democracy" (Black Frog/Geffen), the first studio album of original material from the group since 1991. GNR's last studio efforts, "Use Your Illusion I" and "Use Your Illusion II," debuted at Nos. 2 and 1 respectively, with 685,000 and 770,000 after being released on the same day in 1991.
Since then, the act has charted with a covers set (1993's "The Spaghetti Incident?" with a 190,000 debut), a live effort (1999's "Live Era '87 - '93;" 60,000) and the 2004 "Greatest Hits" package (169,000).
Beyonce's "I Am ... Sasha Fierce" (Music World/Columbia) declines by 47% in its second week, dropping 1-4 with 257,000. Debuting right behind at No. 5 is Ludacris' "Theater of the Mind" (DTP/Def Jam) with 213,000. It's the first time one of the rapper's albums debuted anywhere but No. 1 since 2001's "Word of Mouf" bowed and peaked at No. 3.
The Killers' third album, "Day & Age" (Island) enters at No. 6 with 193,000. Its 2006 predecessor, "Sam's Town," bowed at No. 2 with 315,000.
After debuting at No. 2 last week, Nickelback's "Dark Horse" (Roadrunner) slips to No. 7 on a 46% decline to 178,000. Chop Shop/Atlantic's soundtrack to the runaway hit film "Twilight" falls 6-8 with 162,000 (+29%) while the multi-label "Now 29" hits compilation earns a 26% sales increase to 145,000, slipping 7-9. David Cook's self-titled 19 Recordings/RCA debut rounds out the top tier, descending 3-10 with 112,000 (-60%).
Other debuts this week include Barry Manilow's "Greatest Songs of the Eighties" (Arista) at No. 14 with 78,000, the Coldplay EP "Prospekt's March" (Capitol) at No. 15 with 77,000, Trace Adkins' "X: Ten" (Capitol Nashville) at No. 32 with 37,000, Jeremy Camp's "Speaking Louder Than Words" (Tooth & Nail) at No. 38 with 32,000 and Linkin Park's "Road to Revolution" (Warner Bros.) at No. 41 with 31,000.
At 12.15 million units, sales this week are up 29% compared to last week's sum, but down 0.7% compared to the same sales week last year.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Hayley Williams Talks New Paramore Album
"I don't want to turn into this dark band," the punk banshee tells SPIN.com of the band's post-Twilight music.
Now that Twilight has conquered America's eyes and ears, Nashville punk band Paramore, who contributed two new songs to the vampire movie's chart-topping soundtrack, is finally ready to return to the studio to record the follow up to 2007's Riot!. But, dear Twilight fans, don't expect a repeat of the goth-ish "Decode."
"I don't want to turn into this dark band," frontwoman Hayley Williams tells SPIN.com. "I don't want that to be us all the time, because I really love our more energetic songs that are poppier and catchier. But I think there'll definitely be some of that sound -- but that's definitely not going to be all of it!"
Currently Paramore are at home in Nashville, taking a break from a long and tumultuous 2007, a year that saw the band tour exhaustively, which resulted in messy band in-fighting and speculation of a split. All the drama, explains Williams, has fueled much of the lyrical content for the forthcoming record.
"It's just been relationships within the band," she says. "We're a bunch of friends that have grown up together playing music, and you get to the point on the road where it's all business. It's a very hard thing to mix. We've learned a lot about friendships, and we've learned a lot about relationships in general, and that'll definitely be a part of the record."
As for the songs, they're still coming together. "Josh [Farro, lead guitarist] and I are getting together and writing. We've had a crazy year. But at the same time, we're really excited to write new material." And when the songs are complete, Paramore -- who traveled to New Jersey to record Riot! -- plan to stay put. "We want to record in Nashville. We've never recorded in our hometown."
Rhythm guitarist Taylor York -- an unofficial, touring member of the band -- will be on in on the sessions too. [Taylor's] definitely going to be working on the record," Williams explains. "He's a great writer and a great performer. But we're trying to be cautious and make sure it's what he wants, and make sure everyone's on the same page before we make it absolutely official."
So when can fans expect new material? We want to get it out by the end of the summer," Williams shouts. "Oh yeah, definitely!"
Now that Twilight has conquered America's eyes and ears, Nashville punk band Paramore, who contributed two new songs to the vampire movie's chart-topping soundtrack, is finally ready to return to the studio to record the follow up to 2007's Riot!. But, dear Twilight fans, don't expect a repeat of the goth-ish "Decode."
"I don't want to turn into this dark band," frontwoman Hayley Williams tells SPIN.com. "I don't want that to be us all the time, because I really love our more energetic songs that are poppier and catchier. But I think there'll definitely be some of that sound -- but that's definitely not going to be all of it!"
Currently Paramore are at home in Nashville, taking a break from a long and tumultuous 2007, a year that saw the band tour exhaustively, which resulted in messy band in-fighting and speculation of a split. All the drama, explains Williams, has fueled much of the lyrical content for the forthcoming record.
"It's just been relationships within the band," she says. "We're a bunch of friends that have grown up together playing music, and you get to the point on the road where it's all business. It's a very hard thing to mix. We've learned a lot about friendships, and we've learned a lot about relationships in general, and that'll definitely be a part of the record."
As for the songs, they're still coming together. "Josh [Farro, lead guitarist] and I are getting together and writing. We've had a crazy year. But at the same time, we're really excited to write new material." And when the songs are complete, Paramore -- who traveled to New Jersey to record Riot! -- plan to stay put. "We want to record in Nashville. We've never recorded in our hometown."
Rhythm guitarist Taylor York -- an unofficial, touring member of the band -- will be on in on the sessions too. [Taylor's] definitely going to be working on the record," Williams explains. "He's a great writer and a great performer. But we're trying to be cautious and make sure it's what he wants, and make sure everyone's on the same page before we make it absolutely official."
So when can fans expect new material? We want to get it out by the end of the summer," Williams shouts. "Oh yeah, definitely!"
Further Adventures in Babysitting Still Happening
In 2007, I told you about Disney’s plan to tant the memory of the now classic 1980’s teen adventure comedy Adventures in Babysitting by casting Raven Symone (That’s So Raven, The Cosby Show) in the part played by Elisabeth Shue in the original film.
Nearly 20 months went by, which gave us a bit of false hope that the remake had fallen into development heck. Not the case. The Chicago Sun Times reports that Miley Cyrus is also set to star in the project, and will begin filming after she films a few more episodes of her Disney cable television show.
The film will be retitled “Further Adventures in Babysitting,” and is currently set for a tentative 2010 release.
Nearly 20 months went by, which gave us a bit of false hope that the remake had fallen into development heck. Not the case. The Chicago Sun Times reports that Miley Cyrus is also set to star in the project, and will begin filming after she films a few more episodes of her Disney cable television show.
The film will be retitled “Further Adventures in Babysitting,” and is currently set for a tentative 2010 release.
Keanu Reeves Says No to Speed 3; Maybe to Bill and Ted 3
Earlier this week, it was reported that Fox has a scriptment for Speed 3, which involves the return of Officer Jack Traven, the lead character played by Keanu Reeves in the original film. Many people just assumed that Keanu would want to return to the down and out action film franchise. But Reeves didn’t return for Speed 2: Cruise Control, so why would he return for this one? Especially since he’s made enough bank from the Matrix sequels to pick and choose his projects. And it looks like I was right. Reeves told IGN UK:
“I don’t know if they are going to make another one, and if they are it won’t be with me… honestly!”
That said, Reeves seemed to entertain the idea of another Bill and Ted movie:
“Maybe we could do it with them both grown up — they haven’t saved the world and they’re just living their lives as middle-aged men. That sound’s quite funny.”
As much as I love the Bill and Ted movies, I think I’d much prefer to see Speed 3 with Keanu in the lead.
“I don’t know if they are going to make another one, and if they are it won’t be with me… honestly!”
That said, Reeves seemed to entertain the idea of another Bill and Ted movie:
“Maybe we could do it with them both grown up — they haven’t saved the world and they’re just living their lives as middle-aged men. That sound’s quite funny.”
As much as I love the Bill and Ted movies, I think I’d much prefer to see Speed 3 with Keanu in the lead.
Will Signourney Weaver Appear In The ‘Ghostbusters’ Sequel? She’s Got Ideas
Should we not want another “Ghostbusters” film? I’m conflicted, are you? Well, how you and I feel is becoming an increasingly moot question because the development of the sequel has certainly gathered steam in the last few months. First it was announced that a pair of “Office” writers were scripting the third adventure. Then Bill Murray spoke with us and others about how intrigued he was about coming back to the franchise at long last. Hell, Murray even had an ide…adding a female Ghostbuster to the fray.
This afternoon I got chance to chat with Dana Barrett herself and yes, Ms. Sigourney Weaver is well aware of the chatter. “I’ve heard about it,” she said, adding “I’m supposed to get in touch with Bill [Murray] next week.”
Weaver called Murray’s potential involvement “great” and said she’s wondering if he thinks Dana ended up with Venkman. “Does he think we got married or something?” she laughed. Weaver wasn’t sure if there was a place for her in the story but she did think someone deserves a spot. “I would hope that my little Oscar would be one of the Ghostbusters even if I’m not in it!”
This afternoon I got chance to chat with Dana Barrett herself and yes, Ms. Sigourney Weaver is well aware of the chatter. “I’ve heard about it,” she said, adding “I’m supposed to get in touch with Bill [Murray] next week.”
Weaver called Murray’s potential involvement “great” and said she’s wondering if he thinks Dana ended up with Venkman. “Does he think we got married or something?” she laughed. Weaver wasn’t sure if there was a place for her in the story but she did think someone deserves a spot. “I would hope that my little Oscar would be one of the Ghostbusters even if I’m not in it!”
J. Michael Straczynski On ‘World War Z’: ‘The Scale Of What We’re Doing Here Is Phenomenal’
When “Quantum of Solace” director Marc Forster was chosen to helm the adaptation of Max Brooks’ “World War Z” zombie-stravaganza, we noted that it was a surprising pairing — but with noted television, movie and comics author J. Michael Straczynski already penning the screenplay and Brad Pitt’s Plan B producing, the project was certainly developing some heat. Now, with “Solace” in its fifth impressive week at the box office, MTV News spoke to Straczynski about the addition of Forster to the already buzzworthy project and how he plans to adapt Brooks’ novel.
“We talk about it as a thriller, the closest comparison being ‘The Bourne Identity,’” explained Straczynski, who’s also penning a “Forbidden Planet” revisiting. “Most zombie movies to this point have been small, focusing on a few people in a house. And this has got real scare. You’re in India with hundreds of boats trying to get out of there with a tidal wave of zombies. The scale of what we’re doing here is phenomenal.”
Straczynski told us the first draft of the screenplay was completed in the Spring, and the “World War Z” team had been waiting for a director for several months before Forster was attached.
“Now that Marc is here, I’m working with his notes to make one final pass on the script,” said Straczynski. “Our hope is to get it moving into production by the first of the year.”
As for how he plans to adapt the novel, which is written from the perspective of a United Nations agent reporting on the events of the zombie outbreak through interviews and eyewitness statements, Straczynski said he plans to preserve that storytelling angle as much as possible. In fact, the movie will serve to show how the book was produced in Brooks’ zombie-infested world.
“The fictional concept of the book is that its written by someone with the UN, so let’s tell that story,” he explained. “Let’s show the book being written. We follow this guy all over the world as he goes on these interviews, and he has his own personal story as well. You’re cutting between the past and the present, how he got to this point.”
“It has that international feel to it, and because it goes backward and forward in time, we can cherry-pick our favorite moments in the book,” continued Straczynski. “Some of it is crazy in scale. It’s huge. It’s as political as the book was. And it ends with that book being completed.”
“We talk about it as a thriller, the closest comparison being ‘The Bourne Identity,’” explained Straczynski, who’s also penning a “Forbidden Planet” revisiting. “Most zombie movies to this point have been small, focusing on a few people in a house. And this has got real scare. You’re in India with hundreds of boats trying to get out of there with a tidal wave of zombies. The scale of what we’re doing here is phenomenal.”
Straczynski told us the first draft of the screenplay was completed in the Spring, and the “World War Z” team had been waiting for a director for several months before Forster was attached.
“Now that Marc is here, I’m working with his notes to make one final pass on the script,” said Straczynski. “Our hope is to get it moving into production by the first of the year.”
As for how he plans to adapt the novel, which is written from the perspective of a United Nations agent reporting on the events of the zombie outbreak through interviews and eyewitness statements, Straczynski said he plans to preserve that storytelling angle as much as possible. In fact, the movie will serve to show how the book was produced in Brooks’ zombie-infested world.
“The fictional concept of the book is that its written by someone with the UN, so let’s tell that story,” he explained. “Let’s show the book being written. We follow this guy all over the world as he goes on these interviews, and he has his own personal story as well. You’re cutting between the past and the present, how he got to this point.”
“It has that international feel to it, and because it goes backward and forward in time, we can cherry-pick our favorite moments in the book,” continued Straczynski. “Some of it is crazy in scale. It’s huge. It’s as political as the book was. And it ends with that book being completed.”
Miller Says Sin City 2 is Getting Closer
IGN UK talked to The Spirit writer/director Frank Miller, who says that he's ready to join up with Robert Rodriguez again for Sin City 2:
"Sin City 2 is written," he told the site. "It's mainly a matter of working out the details of the production. I'm hoping to do it with Robert Rodriguez again in the same circumstances that we did the first one, and we could be shooting as soon as April."
Stay tuned for possible further updates!
"Sin City 2 is written," he told the site. "It's mainly a matter of working out the details of the production. I'm hoping to do it with Robert Rodriguez again in the same circumstances that we did the first one, and we could be shooting as soon as April."
Stay tuned for possible further updates!
Will Smith Confirms Hancock Sequel
Did you enjoy Hancock? Too bad, Will Smith says a sequel is “definitely” happening, telling JoBlo that there are a lot of unexplored characters in the Hancock universe that would be ripe for a sequel. I’m actually one of the few who liked Hancock, or at least the first half of it. But I have absolutely no interest in a sequel. Unfortunately, Hancock grossed over $623 million worldwide, which solidifies the idea to movie studio executives. But the real question is: Will moviegoers pay for a second Hancock film? Answer: Yes, because all Will Smith films make huge bank.
The Dark Knight Returns to Theaters on January 23rd 2009
Warner Bros. will re-release The Dark Knight on January 23 in a nationwide launch, guaranteeing that it will become the fourth film to take in more than $1 billion in worldwide box office, reports Variety.
The film has earned $530.3 million domestically and $465.9 million internationally, leaving it less than $4 million short of the billion-dollar milestone. Only Titanic, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest have topped that mark.
The Dark Knight also is the second-highest domestic grosser of all time, trailing only Titanic.
The re-release will come six weeks after the DVD and Blu-ray Disc launch of The Dark Knight, set for Tuesday.
Dan Fellman, president of Warner's domestic distribution, made the announcement Thursday. "We wanted to provide one more opportunity for moviegoers to experience it on the bigscreen as it was meant to be seen," he added.
The film has earned $530.3 million domestically and $465.9 million internationally, leaving it less than $4 million short of the billion-dollar milestone. Only Titanic, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest have topped that mark.
The Dark Knight also is the second-highest domestic grosser of all time, trailing only Titanic.
The re-release will come six weeks after the DVD and Blu-ray Disc launch of The Dark Knight, set for Tuesday.
Dan Fellman, president of Warner's domestic distribution, made the announcement Thursday. "We wanted to provide one more opportunity for moviegoers to experience it on the bigscreen as it was meant to be seen," he added.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Brand New Music Video: Cobra Starship - Kiss My Sass
COBRA STARSHIP - Kiss My Sass
And if you like music check out my new blog Useless Radio, which is all about music, and where I will be posting new music videos from now on.
And if you like music check out my new blog Useless Radio, which is all about music, and where I will be posting new music videos from now on.
Bateman on the Arrested Development Movie
For far too long, Jason Bateman just couldn't get "Arrested." Since the untimely cancellation of the cult favorite series "Arrested Development," which aired on Fox from 2003-2006, Bateman has continued to express an interest in reviving the series as a feature film. And finally last month, Bateman's co-star Jeffrey Tambor confirmed the much-discussed movie was a likely go, with series creator Mitch Hurwitz and executive producer Ron Howard reportedly inking deals with Fox Searchlight shortly thereafter.
ComingSoon.net got the update on the "Development" developments from Bateman:
ComingSoon,net: Will it be a relief when you actually start filming the "Arrested Development" movie so that people will stop asking you about it?
Jason Bateman: I don't mind talking about it! I'm as big a fan of it as they are. So I feel sort of fortunate that I'm able to give them information on it. I would want them to give me information on it if they had it. I can say that we're looking better than ever. There are just a few more conversations to be had with some cast members to see if they want to be a part of it. Once we get the head count we'll be able to go forward with it and hopefully start shooting in the summer.
CS: Is the story already on paper?
Bateman: I don't think so. I know that Mitch has a couple of ideas, but he's really waiting to nail it down until he knows exactly who's going to be involved.
CS: Do you see having Michael Cera and your relationship in film as something crucial? I thought that was one of the more important parts of the show.
Bateman: Sure. It's not obviously my decision to make. It'll be Mitch's, but there are so many different ways to go with it just based on it being an ensemble. I can't wait to see what he cooks up.
ComingSoon.net got the update on the "Development" developments from Bateman:
ComingSoon,net: Will it be a relief when you actually start filming the "Arrested Development" movie so that people will stop asking you about it?
Jason Bateman: I don't mind talking about it! I'm as big a fan of it as they are. So I feel sort of fortunate that I'm able to give them information on it. I would want them to give me information on it if they had it. I can say that we're looking better than ever. There are just a few more conversations to be had with some cast members to see if they want to be a part of it. Once we get the head count we'll be able to go forward with it and hopefully start shooting in the summer.
CS: Is the story already on paper?
Bateman: I don't think so. I know that Mitch has a couple of ideas, but he's really waiting to nail it down until he knows exactly who's going to be involved.
CS: Do you see having Michael Cera and your relationship in film as something crucial? I thought that was one of the more important parts of the show.
Bateman: Sure. It's not obviously my decision to make. It'll be Mitch's, but there are so many different ways to go with it just based on it being an ensemble. I can't wait to see what he cooks up.
They Live Remake
Strike Entertainment is in talks to acquire rights to remake John Carpenter’s 1988 cult film They Live.
Based on Ray Nelson’s 1963 short story “Eight O’Clock in the Morning”, They Live was part sci-fi thriller and part black comedy. Pro wrestler Roddy Roddy Piper played a down-on-his-luck construction worker who discovered a pair of special sunglasses which allowed him to see the world as it really is. He finds that all printed matter contains subliminal advertising and that many humans are actually aliens who in charge of the massive campaign to keep humans subdued. One of the film’s highlights is a five-and-half minute alley fight scene. The movie is also notable for coining Piper’s famous tagline “I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass… and I’m all out of bubblegum.”
I’m sure the change in economic times could be incorporated in the social satire of the story, and while a They Live remake is inevitable, I’m not sure that it wouldn’t be better served in five or ten years. I’m not one of those delusional people that say you shouldn’t remake a classic, because its going to happen one way or another — that’s a fact. But I do believe that Hollywood should only consider a remake when the original film becomes largely unrelatable to the general public. And you can call me an old, but I think there is no question that They Live still plays.
That said, Strike’s credits include Children of Men and Zack Snyder’s remake of Dawn of the Dead – so they’re a good company to develop such a project. No screenwriter has been announced.
Based on Ray Nelson’s 1963 short story “Eight O’Clock in the Morning”, They Live was part sci-fi thriller and part black comedy. Pro wrestler Roddy Roddy Piper played a down-on-his-luck construction worker who discovered a pair of special sunglasses which allowed him to see the world as it really is. He finds that all printed matter contains subliminal advertising and that many humans are actually aliens who in charge of the massive campaign to keep humans subdued. One of the film’s highlights is a five-and-half minute alley fight scene. The movie is also notable for coining Piper’s famous tagline “I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass… and I’m all out of bubblegum.”
I’m sure the change in economic times could be incorporated in the social satire of the story, and while a They Live remake is inevitable, I’m not sure that it wouldn’t be better served in five or ten years. I’m not one of those delusional people that say you shouldn’t remake a classic, because its going to happen one way or another — that’s a fact. But I do believe that Hollywood should only consider a remake when the original film becomes largely unrelatable to the general public. And you can call me an old, but I think there is no question that They Live still plays.
That said, Strike’s credits include Children of Men and Zack Snyder’s remake of Dawn of the Dead – so they’re a good company to develop such a project. No screenwriter has been announced.
Russell Brand Developing Arthur Remake
British comedian Russell Brand is developing a remake of Arthur, the 1981 comedy that starred Dudley Moore, for Warner Bros. as a potential starring vehicle.
Brand is meeting with scribes to write the screenplay, which will be produced by MBST's Larry Brezner, whose credits range from Good Morning, Vietnam to HBO's recent "Little Britain USA."
The original movie followed a boozy playboy rascal who is set to inherit a fortune if he marries an heiress his family thinks will make something out of him. However, he falls in love with a working-class woman and turns to his valet for help when his family makes him choose between money and love.
Brand is meeting with scribes to write the screenplay, which will be produced by MBST's Larry Brezner, whose credits range from Good Morning, Vietnam to HBO's recent "Little Britain USA."
The original movie followed a boozy playboy rascal who is set to inherit a fortune if he marries an heiress his family thinks will make something out of him. However, he falls in love with a working-class woman and turns to his valet for help when his family makes him choose between money and love.
Tim Burton's Next is Dark Shadows?
Collider.com talked to producer Richard D. Zanuck, who says that director Tim Burton and Johnny Depp are making Dark Shadows next summer and that it's Tim's next project after Alice in Wonderland.
The film, written by John August, is based on the cult '60s supernatural TV show created by Dan Curtis. Johnny Depp would play Barnabas Collins, the vampire patriarch of the series.
With over 1,225 episodes, "Dark Shadows" was a highly atmospheric, spooky soap-opera that featured gothic horror staples like vampires, monsters, witches, werewolves, ghosts and zombies that ran from 1966 - 1971 and featured actor Jonathan Frid as Collins.
The film, written by John August, is based on the cult '60s supernatural TV show created by Dan Curtis. Johnny Depp would play Barnabas Collins, the vampire patriarch of the series.
With over 1,225 episodes, "Dark Shadows" was a highly atmospheric, spooky soap-opera that featured gothic horror staples like vampires, monsters, witches, werewolves, ghosts and zombies that ran from 1966 - 1971 and featured actor Jonathan Frid as Collins.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Johnny Depp to Star in Hand of Dante
Johnny Depp's production company Infinitum Nihil has acquired screen rights to the Nick Tosches novel "In the Hand of Dante." The novel will be developed as a potential star vehicle for Depp, reports Vareity.
Depp will produce with his Infinitum Nihil partner Christi Dembrowski. The company, which has a first-look deal with Warner Bros. and Graham King's GK Films, optioned the book with its own money.
The book revolves around Dante's masterwork "The Divine Comedy," and tells parallel storylines involving Dante in 14th-century Italy as he tries to complete the work, and a contemporary storyline involving Tosches, who is asked to authenticate what might be Dante's original manuscript. Depp would play Tosches. The novel was published in 2002.
Depp, who is playing the Mad Hatter in the Tim Burton-directed Alice in Wonderland, has a dance card that includes toplining another "Pirates of the Caribbean" film, The Lone Ranger, and voicing the title character in the Gore Verbinski-directed animated film Rango.
Depp will produce with his Infinitum Nihil partner Christi Dembrowski. The company, which has a first-look deal with Warner Bros. and Graham King's GK Films, optioned the book with its own money.
The book revolves around Dante's masterwork "The Divine Comedy," and tells parallel storylines involving Dante in 14th-century Italy as he tries to complete the work, and a contemporary storyline involving Tosches, who is asked to authenticate what might be Dante's original manuscript. Depp would play Tosches. The novel was published in 2002.
Depp, who is playing the Mad Hatter in the Tim Burton-directed Alice in Wonderland, has a dance card that includes toplining another "Pirates of the Caribbean" film, The Lone Ranger, and voicing the title character in the Gore Verbinski-directed animated film Rango.
NBC Announces Post-Super Bowl Primetime Schedule
NBC today announced its post-Super Bowl primetime schedule, which includes the "ER" series finale:
NBC unveiled today a wide spectrum of its post-January mid-season schedule that features the series premieres of the new drama "Kings" (March 19) with a two-hour event, plus the season debuts of "Medium" (February 2) and a two-hour "Celebrity Apprentice" (March 1) -- as well as original episode returns for "Chuck" (returning with a special "3-D" episode February 2), "Heroes" (which begins "Fugitives," a new volume on February 2) and "Life" (February 4) -- and the movie event "XIII" (February 8 & 15). All the series and movie events will be given a huge promotional boost during "Super Bowl XLIII" on February 1.
Immediately following "Super Bowl XLIII" on February 1, NBC will broadcast an original, hour-long episode of "The Office" (10:30-11:30 p.m. ET; simultaneously to all time zones). Noteworthy announcements regarding this special episode are forthcoming.
In addition, NBC has scheduled the two-hour series finale of "ER" for Thursday, March 12 (9-11 p.m. ET).
The original movie event "XIII," starring Val Kilmer and Stephen Dorff, will air on Sunday, February 8 and 15 (9-11 p.m. ET both nights).
Premieres for additional mid-season shows -- "The Untitled Amy Poehler Project" and "The Philanthropist" - will be announced at a future date.
The announcements were made by Ben Silverman, Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios.
"February and March are going to be exciting months on NBC and the Super Bowl is just the beginning," said Silverman. "The biggest event on television will provide the perfect promotional platform as we launch some of the most eagerly anticipated new and returning shows on any schedule."
Beginning February 2, Monday nights will feature original episodes of "Chuck" (8-9 p.m. ET), the latest volume of "Heroes" (9-10 p.m. ET) and the return of "Medium" (10-11 p.m. ET).
NBC unveiled today a wide spectrum of its post-January mid-season schedule that features the series premieres of the new drama "Kings" (March 19) with a two-hour event, plus the season debuts of "Medium" (February 2) and a two-hour "Celebrity Apprentice" (March 1) -- as well as original episode returns for "Chuck" (returning with a special "3-D" episode February 2), "Heroes" (which begins "Fugitives," a new volume on February 2) and "Life" (February 4) -- and the movie event "XIII" (February 8 & 15). All the series and movie events will be given a huge promotional boost during "Super Bowl XLIII" on February 1.
Immediately following "Super Bowl XLIII" on February 1, NBC will broadcast an original, hour-long episode of "The Office" (10:30-11:30 p.m. ET; simultaneously to all time zones). Noteworthy announcements regarding this special episode are forthcoming.
In addition, NBC has scheduled the two-hour series finale of "ER" for Thursday, March 12 (9-11 p.m. ET).
The original movie event "XIII," starring Val Kilmer and Stephen Dorff, will air on Sunday, February 8 and 15 (9-11 p.m. ET both nights).
Premieres for additional mid-season shows -- "The Untitled Amy Poehler Project" and "The Philanthropist" - will be announced at a future date.
The announcements were made by Ben Silverman, Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios.
"February and March are going to be exciting months on NBC and the Super Bowl is just the beginning," said Silverman. "The biggest event on television will provide the perfect promotional platform as we launch some of the most eagerly anticipated new and returning shows on any schedule."
Beginning February 2, Monday nights will feature original episodes of "Chuck" (8-9 p.m. ET), the latest volume of "Heroes" (9-10 p.m. ET) and the return of "Medium" (10-11 p.m. ET).
The CW Sets Midseason Schedule
The CW Network has set its midseason schedule, featuring new episodes of its scripted series and the premiere of the scare-fest reality series "13 Fear Is Real":
The CW's smash hit Monday lineup returns on January 5, with new episodes of sophomore sensation "GOSSIP GIRL" (8:00-9:00p.m. ET), followed by fan favorite "ONE TREE HILL" (9:00-10:00p.m. ET).
Two freshman series return to the Tuesday lineup on January 6 with new episodes of this season's most buzzed-about series, "90210" (8:00-9:00p.m. ET), leading into the critical hit "PRIVILEGED" (9:00-10:00p.m. ET).
The new Wednesday night schedule kicks off on January 7, featuring the premiere of new horror/reality series "13 FEAR IS REAL" (8:00-9:00p.m. ET), in which 13 people compete to "stay alive" while facing their deepest fears in an all-out elimination competition and scare-fest. An encore performance of "90210" (9:00-10:00p.m. ET) will follow the new series on Wednesday nights.
On Thursday, the heroic team of "SMALLVILLE" (8:00-9:00p.m. ET) and "SUPERNATURAL" (9:00-10:00p.m. ET) will return to The CW's line-up with new episodes on January 15.
On Friday night, "EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS" (8:00-8:30p.m. ET) and "THE GAME" (8:30-9:00p.m. ET) return to The CW's comedy block with new episodes on January 9. Encore performances of "13 FEAR IS REAL" will begin airing Friday nights on January 9.
The Devil and his minions will be back on the trail of evil-doers when "REAPER" returns to the schedule on Tuesday, March 17 (9:00-10:00p.m. ET).
The CW's smash hit Monday lineup returns on January 5, with new episodes of sophomore sensation "GOSSIP GIRL" (8:00-9:00p.m. ET), followed by fan favorite "ONE TREE HILL" (9:00-10:00p.m. ET).
Two freshman series return to the Tuesday lineup on January 6 with new episodes of this season's most buzzed-about series, "90210" (8:00-9:00p.m. ET), leading into the critical hit "PRIVILEGED" (9:00-10:00p.m. ET).
The new Wednesday night schedule kicks off on January 7, featuring the premiere of new horror/reality series "13 FEAR IS REAL" (8:00-9:00p.m. ET), in which 13 people compete to "stay alive" while facing their deepest fears in an all-out elimination competition and scare-fest. An encore performance of "90210" (9:00-10:00p.m. ET) will follow the new series on Wednesday nights.
On Thursday, the heroic team of "SMALLVILLE" (8:00-9:00p.m. ET) and "SUPERNATURAL" (9:00-10:00p.m. ET) will return to The CW's line-up with new episodes on January 15.
On Friday night, "EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS" (8:00-8:30p.m. ET) and "THE GAME" (8:30-9:00p.m. ET) return to The CW's comedy block with new episodes on January 9. Encore performances of "13 FEAR IS REAL" will begin airing Friday nights on January 9.
The Devil and his minions will be back on the trail of evil-doers when "REAPER" returns to the schedule on Tuesday, March 17 (9:00-10:00p.m. ET).
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Kevin McKidd Says He's a Thor Contender
Kevin McKidd, who currently stars on "Grey's Anatomy," told IGN that he's still a contender for the lead role in Marvel Studios' Thor.
The actor, most known for "Journeyman" and "Rome," says there's been "a lot of back and forth" but that nothing has been determined. He acknowledged that Kenneth Branagh is directing it, a choice that makes him even more excited about the film.
Marvel Studios is targeting a July 16, 2010 release for Thor.
The actor, most known for "Journeyman" and "Rome," says there's been "a lot of back and forth" but that nothing has been determined. He acknowledged that Kenneth Branagh is directing it, a choice that makes him even more excited about the film.
Marvel Studios is targeting a July 16, 2010 release for Thor.
CBS Announces Mid-Season Programming Plans
CBS has announced its mid-season line-up. The full press release follows:
"Flashpoint," Last Summer's Top Original Scripted Series, Returns Friday, Jan. 9, 9:00-10:00 PM
"Harper's Island," a 13-Episode Mystery Event, Premieres Thursday, April 9, 10:00-11:00 PM and Concludes Thursday, July 2
"Game Show in My Head," a New Game Show from Ashton Kutcher, Premieres Saturday, Jan. 3, 8:00-9:00 PM
"Survivor" Returns Thursday, Feb. 12, 8:00-9:00 PM
The 14th Edition of "The Amazing Race" Premieres Sunday, Feb. 15, 8:00-9:00 PM
CBS today announced mid-season schedule changes that include the return of the drama FLASHPOINT, the premiere of the mystery event HARPER'S ISLAND, the debut of the new game show GAME SHOW IN MY HEAD and the returns of the Network's reality hits SURVIVOR and THE AMAZING RACE.
FLASHPOINT, last summer's top original scripted series, premieres Friday, Jan. 9 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT).
FLASHPOINT, starring Enrico Colantoni, Hu gh Dillon, Amy Jo Johnson, David Paetkau, Michael Cram, Sergio Di Zio, Ruth Marshall and Mark Taylor, depicts the emotional journey into the tough, risk-filled lives of a group of cops in the Strategic Response Unit (inspired by Toronto's Emergency Task Force).
FLASHPOINT is produced by Pink Sky Entertainment in association with CBS Paramount Network Television. Bill Mustos and Anne Marie La Traverse are executive producers.
HARPER'S ISLAND, a 13-episode mystery event, premieres Thursday, April 9 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) and concludes Thursday, July 2 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT). HARPER'S ISLAND is about a group of family and friends who travel to a secluded island for a destination wedding. They've come to laugh... to love... and, though they don't know it... to die. As the wedding festivities begin, friendships are tested and secrets exposed as a murderer claims victims, one by one, transforming the wedding week of fun and celebration into a terrifying struggle for survival. In every episode, someone is killed and every person is a suspect, from the wedding party to the island locals. By the end of the 13 episodes, all questions will be answered, the killer will be revealed and only a few will survive.
Jon Turteltaub ("Jericho") and Jeffrey Bell ("Alias," "Angel," "The X-Files") are executive producers for CBS Paramount Network Television in association with Junction Entertainment. Karim Zreik ("Jericho"), Dan Shotz ("Jericho") and Tyler Bensinger ("Cold Case") are co-executive producers and Ari Schlossberg ("Hide and Seek") is co-executive producer and creator.
GAME SHOW IN MY HEAD, a hidden camera game show from Ashton Kutcher, premieres Saturday, Jan. 3 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT). Ordinary people must perform extraordinary tasks on an unsuspecting public to win up to $50,000. Under the watchful eye of host Joe Rogan, each contestant performs five outrageous, embarrassing and hilarious tasks worth $5,000 each. In a no-holds-barred bonus round, each contestant has the chance to double their money up to $50,000.
GAME SHOW IN MY HEAD is from fox21, produced by Hat Trick Productions and Katalyst Films. Executive producers are Jimmy Mulville & Leon Wilde and Ashton Kutcher, Jason Goldberg, Karey Burke and Michael Binkow.
The 18th edition of SURVIVOR premieres Thursday, Feb. 12 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) while THE AMAZING RACE returns with its 14th edition on Sunday, Feb. 15 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT).
"Flashpoint," Last Summer's Top Original Scripted Series, Returns Friday, Jan. 9, 9:00-10:00 PM
"Harper's Island," a 13-Episode Mystery Event, Premieres Thursday, April 9, 10:00-11:00 PM and Concludes Thursday, July 2
"Game Show in My Head," a New Game Show from Ashton Kutcher, Premieres Saturday, Jan. 3, 8:00-9:00 PM
"Survivor" Returns Thursday, Feb. 12, 8:00-9:00 PM
The 14th Edition of "The Amazing Race" Premieres Sunday, Feb. 15, 8:00-9:00 PM
CBS today announced mid-season schedule changes that include the return of the drama FLASHPOINT, the premiere of the mystery event HARPER'S ISLAND, the debut of the new game show GAME SHOW IN MY HEAD and the returns of the Network's reality hits SURVIVOR and THE AMAZING RACE.
FLASHPOINT, last summer's top original scripted series, premieres Friday, Jan. 9 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT).
FLASHPOINT, starring Enrico Colantoni, Hu gh Dillon, Amy Jo Johnson, David Paetkau, Michael Cram, Sergio Di Zio, Ruth Marshall and Mark Taylor, depicts the emotional journey into the tough, risk-filled lives of a group of cops in the Strategic Response Unit (inspired by Toronto's Emergency Task Force).
FLASHPOINT is produced by Pink Sky Entertainment in association with CBS Paramount Network Television. Bill Mustos and Anne Marie La Traverse are executive producers.
HARPER'S ISLAND, a 13-episode mystery event, premieres Thursday, April 9 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) and concludes Thursday, July 2 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT). HARPER'S ISLAND is about a group of family and friends who travel to a secluded island for a destination wedding. They've come to laugh... to love... and, though they don't know it... to die. As the wedding festivities begin, friendships are tested and secrets exposed as a murderer claims victims, one by one, transforming the wedding week of fun and celebration into a terrifying struggle for survival. In every episode, someone is killed and every person is a suspect, from the wedding party to the island locals. By the end of the 13 episodes, all questions will be answered, the killer will be revealed and only a few will survive.
Jon Turteltaub ("Jericho") and Jeffrey Bell ("Alias," "Angel," "The X-Files") are executive producers for CBS Paramount Network Television in association with Junction Entertainment. Karim Zreik ("Jericho"), Dan Shotz ("Jericho") and Tyler Bensinger ("Cold Case") are co-executive producers and Ari Schlossberg ("Hide and Seek") is co-executive producer and creator.
GAME SHOW IN MY HEAD, a hidden camera game show from Ashton Kutcher, premieres Saturday, Jan. 3 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT). Ordinary people must perform extraordinary tasks on an unsuspecting public to win up to $50,000. Under the watchful eye of host Joe Rogan, each contestant performs five outrageous, embarrassing and hilarious tasks worth $5,000 each. In a no-holds-barred bonus round, each contestant has the chance to double their money up to $50,000.
GAME SHOW IN MY HEAD is from fox21, produced by Hat Trick Productions and Katalyst Films. Executive producers are Jimmy Mulville & Leon Wilde and Ashton Kutcher, Jason Goldberg, Karey Burke and Michael Binkow.
The 18th edition of SURVIVOR premieres Thursday, Feb. 12 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) while THE AMAZING RACE returns with its 14th edition on Sunday, Feb. 15 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT).
ABC Midseason: Castle Storms Monday, Cupid Targets Tuesday, and More Dancing
The latest salvo in ABC's multi-pronged midseason announcement details the premiere dates for four new series, while leaving the fates of three "lame ducks" in question.
What's New That We Now Know:
• Lest the parquet actually cool off, Season 8 of Dancing with the Stars will premiere Monday, March 9, at 8 pm/ET.
• Castle, starring Nathan Fillion as a mystery novelist who assists a female NYPD detective (Stana Katic), will air Mondays at 10 pm, starting March 9.
• Cupid, in which Bobby Cannavale and Sarah Paulson (hope to) pick up where Jeremy Piven and Paula Marshall left off in 1999, will call Tuesdays-at-10 home, as of March 24.
• The Unusuals, starring the disparate likes of Amber Tamblyn (Joan of Arcadia), Harold Perrineau (Lost) and Adam Goldberg as NYPD detectives, reports for duty Wednesday, April 8, at 10 pm.
Other Notes of Interest:
• The Bachelor premieres Monday, Jan. 5, with a two-hour special. It's followed by the debut of Tyra Banks' True Beauty. Samantha Who? returns with fresh episodes on the 12th.
• On Tuesdays, starting Jan. 6, both According to Jim (at 8 pm) and Scrubs (at 9) will air episodes in batches of two.
• Ramping up to Lost's three-hour Season 5 premiere on Jan. 21 will be a rebroadcast of last year's final three hours, airing the night of Jan. 14.
What We Still Don't Know:
• Where/when will Pushing Daisies, Eli Stone and Dirty Sexy Money air the last of their Season 2 episodes? Right now, the only "vacancy" is a "TBA" slot in front of Lost, Wednesdays at 8, and ABC isn't about to handicap its heavy hitter with a lightweight lead-in. (Read more about Daisies and Dirty Sexy in this Wednesday's Mega Buzz.)
What's New That We Now Know:
• Lest the parquet actually cool off, Season 8 of Dancing with the Stars will premiere Monday, March 9, at 8 pm/ET.
• Castle, starring Nathan Fillion as a mystery novelist who assists a female NYPD detective (Stana Katic), will air Mondays at 10 pm, starting March 9.
• Cupid, in which Bobby Cannavale and Sarah Paulson (hope to) pick up where Jeremy Piven and Paula Marshall left off in 1999, will call Tuesdays-at-10 home, as of March 24.
• The Unusuals, starring the disparate likes of Amber Tamblyn (Joan of Arcadia), Harold Perrineau (Lost) and Adam Goldberg as NYPD detectives, reports for duty Wednesday, April 8, at 10 pm.
Other Notes of Interest:
• The Bachelor premieres Monday, Jan. 5, with a two-hour special. It's followed by the debut of Tyra Banks' True Beauty. Samantha Who? returns with fresh episodes on the 12th.
• On Tuesdays, starting Jan. 6, both According to Jim (at 8 pm) and Scrubs (at 9) will air episodes in batches of two.
• Ramping up to Lost's three-hour Season 5 premiere on Jan. 21 will be a rebroadcast of last year's final three hours, airing the night of Jan. 14.
What We Still Don't Know:
• Where/when will Pushing Daisies, Eli Stone and Dirty Sexy Money air the last of their Season 2 episodes? Right now, the only "vacancy" is a "TBA" slot in front of Lost, Wednesdays at 8, and ABC isn't about to handicap its heavy hitter with a lightweight lead-in. (Read more about Daisies and Dirty Sexy in this Wednesday's Mega Buzz.)
Ben Stiller Working on Zoolander Sequel?
I thought that the chance for a Zoolander sequel died when the film failed to gross $46 million domestically. Sure, there is more to the story, the film was released just weeks after 9/11/2001. But that still doesn’t excuse the film’s low bottom line — $45 million isn’t a great take for a $30 million-budgeted PG-13 comedy. Well apparently either Ben Stiller is delusional or Paramount thinks that a sequel could perform better in an era where America turns out in droves for films like Four Christmases.
Ben Stiller tells WENN that he is currently looking at scripts and a deal for a sequel is finally close to being made. But the quote from Stiller included in the story doesn’t seem nearly as confident:
“I’ve been trying to get Zoolander 2 together and we’ve had a few scripts. I feel that is the sequel I really would like to do some day because I like the original and I would make sure it was something new and worthy of it first.”
So I’m not so sure that a sequel is “close to being made” as the story states. I remember being excited to see the 2001 film as it teamed Stiller, Will Farrell and Owen Wilson (who I had, at the time, just discovered in Wes Anderson’s debut film Bottle Rocket). But I don’t remember being terribly disappointed with Zoolander when I finally screened it at my local multiplex. And I’ve never felt that the film has gained a cult following on DVD like many the comedies my friends and I often quote. But maybe I’m wrong…
Ben Stiller tells WENN that he is currently looking at scripts and a deal for a sequel is finally close to being made. But the quote from Stiller included in the story doesn’t seem nearly as confident:
“I’ve been trying to get Zoolander 2 together and we’ve had a few scripts. I feel that is the sequel I really would like to do some day because I like the original and I would make sure it was something new and worthy of it first.”
So I’m not so sure that a sequel is “close to being made” as the story states. I remember being excited to see the 2001 film as it teamed Stiller, Will Farrell and Owen Wilson (who I had, at the time, just discovered in Wes Anderson’s debut film Bottle Rocket). But I don’t remember being terribly disappointed with Zoolander when I finally screened it at my local multiplex. And I’ve never felt that the film has gained a cult following on DVD like many the comedies my friends and I often quote. But maybe I’m wrong…
Fox Wants Keanu Reeves to Return for Speed 3?
In 2007, Dennis Hopper told The Guardian that he was set to reprise his role as Howard Payne in a third Speed film. Some people assumed it had to be a remake considering (spoiler warning) Hopper’s character died at the end of the first film. Well apparently now. A scooper on AICN has confirmed that a scriptment for Speed 3 is floating around Hollywood. Not only that, but the story features the return of Officer Jack Traven, the lead character played by Keanu Reeves in the original film.
But the real question is, will Fox be able to lure Keanu back? As many remember, Reeves decided not to return for the sequel, Speed 2: Cruise Control. The actor has since starred in The Matrix trilogy which made him the highest paid actor of all time. And with his passion project in the horizon, an Untitled Chef Project helmed by David Fincher, I’m guessing Reeves might need some convincing to come back for a third film. It would have to be one hell of a script.
A lot of people don’t give the original Speed film enough credit. It was actually a pretty kick ass high concept (heck, its the definition of high concept) action flick. I wouldn’t mind seeing another if the idea were right. But what’s the chances? It seems to me that the executives at Fox are looking for ways to make some more money off of some of their established franchises, especially with talk of a Planet of the Apes prequel. Lets just hope they aren’t planning a Speed 3-D!
But the real question is, will Fox be able to lure Keanu back? As many remember, Reeves decided not to return for the sequel, Speed 2: Cruise Control. The actor has since starred in The Matrix trilogy which made him the highest paid actor of all time. And with his passion project in the horizon, an Untitled Chef Project helmed by David Fincher, I’m guessing Reeves might need some convincing to come back for a third film. It would have to be one hell of a script.
A lot of people don’t give the original Speed film enough credit. It was actually a pretty kick ass high concept (heck, its the definition of high concept) action flick. I wouldn’t mind seeing another if the idea were right. But what’s the chances? It seems to me that the executives at Fox are looking for ways to make some more money off of some of their established franchises, especially with talk of a Planet of the Apes prequel. Lets just hope they aren’t planning a Speed 3-D!
Shia LaBeouf to Star in The Associate
Paramount Pictures has set Shia LaBeouf to play the title role in the big screen version of John Grisham's upcoming legal thriller "The Associate," which the studio has just acquired rights to. Lorenzo di Bonaventura is producing.
Variety says LaBeouf will play a student who's about to graduate from Yale Law School when he's manipulated into accepting a job at a prestige law firm and given privileged information about a multibillion-dollar lawsuit.
The novel, Grisham's first legal thriller since 2005's "The Broker," will be published in January by Random House.
Paramount-based Di Bonaventura, who as an executive worked on the Grisham films A Time to Kill and The Client, received the book in the Middle East, where he and LaBeouf were shooting Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. There, they agreed to do it together.
Variety says LaBeouf will play a student who's about to graduate from Yale Law School when he's manipulated into accepting a job at a prestige law firm and given privileged information about a multibillion-dollar lawsuit.
The novel, Grisham's first legal thriller since 2005's "The Broker," will be published in January by Random House.
Paramount-based Di Bonaventura, who as an executive worked on the Grisham films A Time to Kill and The Client, received the book in the Middle East, where he and LaBeouf were shooting Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. There, they agreed to do it together.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Flight Of The Conchords Season Two Premiere
You heard it here first. Funnyordie.com will have the exclusive season 2 premiere of Flight of the Conchords starting December 17th. The show will premiere on HBO on January 9th. In the meantime I implore you to check out some classic episode clips and songs.
Rob Zombie Returning for Halloween 2?
Too good to let slide until we get some hard facts, a morsel of info has come our way regarding a sequel to Rob Zombie's Halloween.
It's been widely reported at this point that Inside helmers Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo have parted ways with Dimension Films and Trancas International's proposed Halloween 2, leaving the door open to anyone. An insider phoned in this afternoon exclusively informing ShockTillYouDrop.com that Rob Zombie is going to reprise his duties as director and carry on the new Myers legacy that he forged with Tyler Mane behind the mask.
Where does that leave Tyrannosaurus Rex? Well, according to our source, the project is on hold for now since Halloween 2 is expected to start shooting in March. But questions remain: If this is true, has Zombie been at work on a story? Is a script complete? Will a script be complete by March? The man is busy hatching his new album, where's his focus?
There's much to consider.
I've put phone calls and e-mails in to all parties potentially involved. Now we just wait for a confirmation or a denial.
It's been widely reported at this point that Inside helmers Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo have parted ways with Dimension Films and Trancas International's proposed Halloween 2, leaving the door open to anyone. An insider phoned in this afternoon exclusively informing ShockTillYouDrop.com that Rob Zombie is going to reprise his duties as director and carry on the new Myers legacy that he forged with Tyler Mane behind the mask.
Where does that leave Tyrannosaurus Rex? Well, according to our source, the project is on hold for now since Halloween 2 is expected to start shooting in March. But questions remain: If this is true, has Zombie been at work on a story? Is a script complete? Will a script be complete by March? The man is busy hatching his new album, where's his focus?
There's much to consider.
I've put phone calls and e-mails in to all parties potentially involved. Now we just wait for a confirmation or a denial.
30 Seconds To Mars In 'Good Spirits' Despite $30 Million Lawsuit
'The great news is the music is better than ever,' frontman Jared Leto says of upcoming album.
Jared Leto isn't going to let a little thing like a $30 million lawsuit slow him or his band, 30 Seconds to Mars, down. In fact, if anything, it's made them even more prolific.
According to Leto, 30 Seconds to Mars have been hard at work on the yet-to-be-titled follow-up to 2005's A Beautiful Lie, for which they've enlisted the talents of British post-punk producer Flood (Nine Inch Nails, Sigur Rós). Even though there's a $30 million rain cloud looming overhead, Leto said the band's in "good spirits" and that they're "working together as a band better than we ever have before," and are feeling more inspired than they have in years.
"Our only concrete goal is to make something amazing, and something that we're proud of, and something that's fulfilling and challenges us," Leto told MTV News recently. "We really try to just collectively participate in a creative experiment that hopefully ends up being something we're really proud of. But when you're in it, you can't help but be 1,000 percent focused on what's going on in that time. That's why I like making music so much, because it really commands your entire being. It takes all of you. And when you're making it with other people as well, it's a really unique experience. It's really making an actual 'record' of this time in our lives, and it's saying something in creative terms about who and what we are — our thoughts, our fears, our hopes, our dreams."
Leto claims that this new LP is inspired by a number of life experiences he's been through, and that the band has been able to evolve from A Beautiful Lie, making this next record his favorite effort to date.
"We've had this phenomenal experience travelling the world, and as you come into contact with different cultures, different people, you can't help but be influenced by that in some sort of way," he said. "I think this record is about faith, about spiritual matters, and that just happens to be what we're thinking about and talking about in our lives right now. I said when the last album came out that I wanted to destroy the first record, which I think we did. We took a dramatic turn from the first to the second, and I think this new record follows that path. It's exciting to us, and we're really passionate about it."
Of course, the $30 million lawsuit — filed by the band's former label, Virgin Records, back in August — is still pending, and Leto freely spoke about the suit that contends the guys failed to produce three of the five records they were obligated to deliver under their 1999 contract, which the band entered into with the now-defunct Immortal Records.
In 2004, Virgin took over that contract, which the band later "repudiated," claiming that they were "excused from such performance from and after July 4, 2008, pursuant to California Labor Code Sec. 2855 (a)." That law mandates that a contract "may not be enforced against the employee beyond seven years from the commencement of service under it."
"It's our first lawsuit," he joked. "When you have a $30 million lawsuit against you, it's part of your life. Some days you feel invincible, and other days you can be obsessed with it. Some days you can get a little pissed. We've always had a phenomenal relationship with our record company. We have been sued for terminating our record contract, and, really, for exercising our legal right. We've been signed for over nine years now, and under California law, you can't be bound to a contract for more than seven years."
Leto said the band will challenge the filing, because in his opinion, the suit doesn't have legs.
"It's all about fairness," he said. "It's about companies treating artists fairly. It's an age-old debate and, unfortunately, it will probably continue into the distant future. Record companies — and in particular, EMI — want their bands to work for free. They want their bands to work for slave wages. We would do this for free, because we love doing this — but there's a principle there. We feel really confident that this is the right thing to do — to confront this and not shy away, not to be scared, to challenge the status quo. The great news is the music is better than ever. We're making the best album we've ever done."
Jared Leto isn't going to let a little thing like a $30 million lawsuit slow him or his band, 30 Seconds to Mars, down. In fact, if anything, it's made them even more prolific.
According to Leto, 30 Seconds to Mars have been hard at work on the yet-to-be-titled follow-up to 2005's A Beautiful Lie, for which they've enlisted the talents of British post-punk producer Flood (Nine Inch Nails, Sigur Rós). Even though there's a $30 million rain cloud looming overhead, Leto said the band's in "good spirits" and that they're "working together as a band better than we ever have before," and are feeling more inspired than they have in years.
"Our only concrete goal is to make something amazing, and something that we're proud of, and something that's fulfilling and challenges us," Leto told MTV News recently. "We really try to just collectively participate in a creative experiment that hopefully ends up being something we're really proud of. But when you're in it, you can't help but be 1,000 percent focused on what's going on in that time. That's why I like making music so much, because it really commands your entire being. It takes all of you. And when you're making it with other people as well, it's a really unique experience. It's really making an actual 'record' of this time in our lives, and it's saying something in creative terms about who and what we are — our thoughts, our fears, our hopes, our dreams."
Leto claims that this new LP is inspired by a number of life experiences he's been through, and that the band has been able to evolve from A Beautiful Lie, making this next record his favorite effort to date.
"We've had this phenomenal experience travelling the world, and as you come into contact with different cultures, different people, you can't help but be influenced by that in some sort of way," he said. "I think this record is about faith, about spiritual matters, and that just happens to be what we're thinking about and talking about in our lives right now. I said when the last album came out that I wanted to destroy the first record, which I think we did. We took a dramatic turn from the first to the second, and I think this new record follows that path. It's exciting to us, and we're really passionate about it."
Of course, the $30 million lawsuit — filed by the band's former label, Virgin Records, back in August — is still pending, and Leto freely spoke about the suit that contends the guys failed to produce three of the five records they were obligated to deliver under their 1999 contract, which the band entered into with the now-defunct Immortal Records.
In 2004, Virgin took over that contract, which the band later "repudiated," claiming that they were "excused from such performance from and after July 4, 2008, pursuant to California Labor Code Sec. 2855 (a)." That law mandates that a contract "may not be enforced against the employee beyond seven years from the commencement of service under it."
"It's our first lawsuit," he joked. "When you have a $30 million lawsuit against you, it's part of your life. Some days you feel invincible, and other days you can be obsessed with it. Some days you can get a little pissed. We've always had a phenomenal relationship with our record company. We have been sued for terminating our record contract, and, really, for exercising our legal right. We've been signed for over nine years now, and under California law, you can't be bound to a contract for more than seven years."
Leto said the band will challenge the filing, because in his opinion, the suit doesn't have legs.
"It's all about fairness," he said. "It's about companies treating artists fairly. It's an age-old debate and, unfortunately, it will probably continue into the distant future. Record companies — and in particular, EMI — want their bands to work for free. They want their bands to work for slave wages. We would do this for free, because we love doing this — but there's a principle there. We feel really confident that this is the right thing to do — to confront this and not shy away, not to be scared, to challenge the status quo. The great news is the music is better than ever. We're making the best album we've ever done."
December 2008 Movie Releases
December 5
- Cadillac Records
- Extreme Movie (limited)
- Frost/Nixon (limited; expands: Dec. 12; expands: Dec. 25)*
- Hunger (L.A. Oscar run; limited release: March 2009)
- Let Them Chirp Awhile (NY; Chicago release: Dec. 12; LA release: Jan. 2)
- Local Color (limited)
- Nobel Son
- Punisher: War Zone***
December 10
- The Reader (NY, LA, SF; expands: Dec. 25; wide: Jan. 9, 2009)
- Wendy and Lucy (limited)
December 12
- Adam Resurrected (NY, LA)
- Dark Streets (limited)
- The Day the Earth Stood Still (conventional theaters and IMAX)
- Delgo
- Doubt (limited; expands: Dec. 19; expands: Dec. 25)
- Gran Torino (limited; wide: Jan. 9)
- Nothing Like the Holidays
- Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (limited)
- Timecrimes (Los CronocrÃmenes) (NY, LA)
- What Doesn't Kill You (NY, LA)
- Where God Left His Shoes (NY)
- While She Was Out (limited)
December 17
- The Wrestler (limited)***
December 19
- The Brothers Bloom (limited; wide: Jan. 16, 2009)
- The Class (1-Week NY, LA Oscar Run; NY, LA release: Jan. 30, 2009)
- Moscow, Belgium (NY)
- Nothing But the Truth (NY, LA; expands: Jan. 9, 2009)
- Seven Pounds****
- The Tale of Despereaux
- Yes Man***
December 24
- The Secret of the Grain (Graine et le mulet, La) (NY)
- Theater of War (NY)
December 25
- Bedtime Stories*
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button**
- Last Chance Harvey
- Marley & Me
- The Spirit****
- Waltz with Bashir (NY, LA)
December 26
- Revolutionary Road
- Valkyrie*
December 31
- Defiance (limited; wide: Jan. 16, 2009)
- Good (limited)
- The Lodger (limited)
DECEMBER 5th
Cadillac Records [limited]
Director: Darnell Martin
Stars: Adrien Brody, Beyoncé Knowles, Mos Def (Full Cast)
Studio: TriStar Pictures
The Plot: A chronicle of the rise and fall of Chess Records, the Chicago-based record label founded by Leonard Chess (Brody), whose musical ear and business savvy helped foster the careers of Etta James (Knowles), Chuck Berry (Def), and other rhythm-and-blues pioneers.
THE BUZZ: All my single ladies: Let the idea of Beyoncé Knowles starring as Etta James attract or repel you to this rhythm & biopic, but I have to say that Bey's revealing statements about her pop-star side (let's just pretend they're actual-real quotes) and the arrival of her bi-polar solo album makes me interested in her now more than at any other time in her career. She'd probably be the first person to proclaim that her voice and look doesn't exactly match up with Ms. James's, though I'm hoping Etta's wild side will have a lasting effect on Ms. Knowles. (Hmm, perhaps Sasha Fierce should have been cast instead?) Sony's been rather quiet on this one, and I'm wondering if the thought here is to give it an awards-qualifying release this month, then blow it out come January. And I'm dying to see what Mos Def (who should reunite Black Star) brings to the screen as Chuck Berry. Mr. Brody is going to have to fight to not be upstaged.
Frost/Nixon [LA/NY] Wide release: 12/25
Director: Ron Howard
Stars: Frank Langella, Michael Sheen, Kevin Bacon (Full Cast)
Studio: Universal Pictures
The Plot: BBC host David Frost interviews Richard Nixon in 1977, where the scandal-plagued President opens up about his role in the Watergate scandal.
THE BUZZ: Opie does alright racking up the Oscar noms when he takes on American tales of a certain era (Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind). Add to the mix Frank Langella (who was seriously overlooked last year for Starting Out in the Evening) as tricky Dick, a Tony-nominated play by The Queen's Peter Morgan and sprinkle a little Bacon (Kevin, that is) and you can expect similar results this awards season.
Punisher: War Zone
Director: Lexi Alexander
Stars: Ray Stevenson, Dominic West, Julie Benz (Full Cast)
Studio: Lionsgate
The Plot: Continuing his crusade to punish violent criminals, former FBI agent Frank Castle (Stevenson) arrives in New York to take on the city's underworld bosses.
THE BUZZ: Seems like we'll never know the details of what happened behind the camera here, so we'll treat the rumors of director Lexi Alexander (Green Street Hooligans) being booted from the project as uncorroborated reports that, while never denied by Lionsgate, aren't exactly trustworthy. We can say that Alexander won the battle to keep her R-rated vision, though we're not sure if she wanted the score to be comprised solely of heavy-metal thunder worthy of a WWE champion's entrance music. Looking at what's going on in front of the camera, we wish the new Frank Castle, Ray Stevenson (aka Titus from HBO's "Rome") all the best in his effort not to go the way of Thomas Jane once War Zone's theatrical run is up (Jane said he didn't work for a year after the original movie was released in 2004). Ditto co-star Dominic West, another HBO vet whose post-"Wire" career isn't looking all that prosperous; perhaps Marvel can find a home for him in one of their myriad projects in development.
Nobel Son [limited]
Director: Randall Miller
Stars: Alan Rickman, Bryan Greenberg, Shawn Hatosy (Full Cast)
Studio: Freestyle Releasing
The Plot: A young chemistry student (Hatosy) throws a wrench into the existence of Nobel Prize-winning scientist Eli Michaelson (Rickman) by first kidnapping his son (Greenberg), then exposing Michaelson to his family friends, and colleagues as the pompous, unscrupulous egomaniac he has become since his triumph.
THE BUZZ: Perhaps writer-director Randall Miller and his co-writer/producer Jody Savin deserve some sort of award for first delivering Bottle Shock as one of the true indie success stories of the year, then cranking up more buzz for Nobel Son, their 2007 project that has been lauded already as a fast, loose, and original caper flick. We all know that Alan Rickman, who stars in both films, is one of the most versatile contemporary actors, but what no one would have predicted in a year where the future of indie-movie distribution has been called into question is to have a filmmaking pair chart two hits in a crowded market without the benefit of A-list wattage. We're stoked for the behind-the-scenes duo, and their wonderfully diverse cast -- many of whom are in both Bottle and Nobel).
Timecrimes [LA/NY]
Director: Nacho Vigalondo
Stars: Karra Elejalde, Candela Fernández (Full Cast)
Studio: Magnolia Pictures
The Plot: After being subjected to a bizarre attack, a man (Elejalde) is transported one hour back in time, where he meets himself, then introduced to events that will lead up to an unthinkable -- but preventable? -- crime.
THE BUZZ: It seems as though this year, more so than in any past year, any non-U.S. film that generates Stateside buzz is snatched up and put on the development track to Remakeville. That's the case with short filmmaker Nacho Vigalondo's feature debut, which is being handled by Children of Men screenwriter Tim Sexton as a potential project for David Cronenberg. While Timecrimes hasn't received the same favorable-across-the-board reception as, say, Let the Right One In (which will be directed by Cloverfield's Matt Reeves for a January 2010 release, FYI) it just might fare better with a slightly re-tinkered premise, if you believe one of the smarter online reviewers out there.
DECEMBER 10th
The Reader [LA/NY/SF]
Director: Stephen Daldry
Stars: Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes, Bruno Ganz (Full Cast)
Studio: Weinstein Company, The
The Plot: Post-WWII Germany: Nearly a decade after his affair with an older woman came to a mysterious end, law student Michael Burk is reunited with his former lover (Winslet) as she defends herself in a war-crime trial.
THE BUZZ: Call it the battle of the slimmed-down movie moguls: Superproducer Scott Rudin tussled with studio chief Harvey Weinstein over the release date of director Stephen Daldry's follow up to The Hours. Rudin and his filmmaker wanted a 2009 berth, but Harvey wasn't having it, an indication that the former Oscar-winning champ is -- dare we say it? -- getting back into shape for next February. Right after the drama had subsided (at least in the press), Rudin walked away from the film, and then the reports of HW hassling Reader producer Sydney Pollack on his deathbed surfaced, painting one of the ugliest portraits in recent movie history. I will be happy when the people who actually made and star in this troubled saga begin stumping for the film -- especially Kate Winslet, who has a curious bond to this project, and might be competing against herself for her elusive Best-Actress statue next year (her Revolutionary Road arrives on Christmas). Meanwhile, I wonder if Scott Rudin will option his own Reader-era story and turn it into a future Oscar-winning, postwar drama.
Wendy and Lucy [limited]
Director: Kelly Reichardt
Stars: Michelle Williams (Full Cast)
Studio: Oscilloscope Pictures
The Plot: Troubles besiege Wendy (Williams) during her trip from Indiana to Alaska, where she hopes to find gainful employment at a fish cannery. While stopped in Oregon, she's caught shoplifting food for her beloved dog, Lucy, which causes the duo to become separated, and presents to Wendy an increasingly dire set of circumstances as she searches for her companion.
THE BUZZ: In her last film, Old Joy, Kelly Reichardt explored the fragility of interpersonal relationships; her latest seems to hone in on the individual, and how just about anyone these days could easily be pulled under by a simple misstep, economic or otherwise. (I am so dying to see this.) It's been reported that Reichardt initially thought Michelle Williams was too pretty for this role and she didn't allow her to wear makeup or wash her tomboy haircut for several-weeks-long shoot. (She probably got lo-fi beauty tips from co-star Will Oldham, who will hopefully be in every future Reichardt project.) My eye is on Willaims to see if she lands a Best Actress nomination alongside two other well-received indie performances: Anne Hathaway in Rachel Got Married and Kristin Scott Thomas in I've Loved You So Long. Could Williams also be nominated for Synecdoche, New York?
DECEMBER 12th
Doubt [limited]
Director: John Patrick Shanley
Stars: Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams (Full Cast)
Studio: Miramax Films
The Plot: The principal (Streep) of a Catholic school in the Bronx grows suspicious of a priest (Hoffman) who might have crossed the line with one of their students; her subsequent accusation leads to a tense confrontation that also involves a young nun (Adams) who might have proof of the priest's wrongdoing.
THE BUZZ: John Patrick Shanley adapts and directs the film version of his Broadway play, which can boast of the fifth-longest run in history. Meanwhile, producer Scott Rudin, who divorced himself from The Reader after a bust-up with Harvey Weinstein, is still in good shape to vie for some best-picture awards, since the buzz temperature here is climbing as December draws near. Look for Streep to extend her lead in the number of total Best Actress nominations, for Hoffman to rack up another nod (one of possibly two if Synecdoche, New York lives up to its avant-garde promise), and for Adams to probably walk away with her first Oscar. Then there's the presence of Viola Davis, who has turned more than one critic's head with her performance as the mother of the student who may or may not have fallen under the influence of Hoffman's Father Brendan Flynn.
Nothing Like the Holidays
Director: Alfredo De Villa
Stars: John Leguizamo, Freddy RodrÃguez, Debra Messing (Full Cast)
Studio: Overture Films
The Plot: The scattered members of the Rodriguez family return to their parents' home in Chicago to celebrate the holiday season, as well as their youngest's safe return from combat overseas. But when old tensions surface, the pressure is on the individuals to truly come together as a family.
THE BUZZ: Formerly known as Humbolt Park (a Puerto Rican neighborhood in Chicago), NLtH represents director Alfredo De Villa's (Washington Heights) first dabbling in mass-appeal filmmaking. With a Chi-town setting, such a likable cast, and a built-in audience, all it should take is an appealing trailer and savvy marketing to get this comedy to stand out during the holiday rush -- though I imagine the mainstream press will be focusing on Four Christmases.
The Day the Earth Stood Still
Director: Scott Derrickson
Stars: Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly, Kathy Bates (Full Cast)
Studio: Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation
The Plot: Aliens land on Earth with an important message for its citizens. A remake of the classic 1951 sci-fi film directed by Robert Wise.
THE BUZZ: The original '51 flick is pretty much close to perfect, so we were just as surprised as you were to learn that what it really needed was Keanu?! But, here he is, returning to the genre that made him the One, hooked up to wires, interrogated by some creepy goon in a black tie and warning us against the threat of complete global annihilation. Worked before, so there's no reason to think this remake/reboot/re-whatever won't draw us in this time around. Even if it leaves us feeling a bit nostalgic for the old Gort.
For the director's take on the trailer, check this out.
Gran Torino [LA/NY]
Director: Clint Eastwood
Stars: Clint Eastwood, Bee Vang (Full Cast)
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures
The Plot: When his prized 1972 Gran Torino nearly is stolen, disgruntled Korean War vet Walt Kowalski (Eastwood) looks to clean up his neighborhood, which has been taken over by gangs. Reluctantly, Kowalski also forms a bond with one of his neighbors, a Hmong teenager, whose family is embroiled in a gang-related conflict.
THE BUZZ: Clint Eastwood's under-wraps project is getting a reveal at year's end, in hopes that his Detroit-set story of racism, revenge, and urban decline will result in an Eastwood-heavy Oscar field. Apple has the trailer online, and it's confirmed that Christian Bale officially has some competition in the Best Grumble category. I like that Mr. Eastwood is updating his own Dirty Harry persona (make it more age-appropriate); he also seems to be providing a societal critique that is reminiscent of 70s-era urban-panic movies. Does the trailer, however, feel a bit rushed to you -- an indication that yet another film from a notable director (think: Oliver Stone here) has been given the hurry-up treatment for potential Oscar glory? GT could be up for Best Director by default, but Best Picture?
What Doesn't Kill You [LA/NY]
Director: Brian Goodman
Stars: Ethan Hawke, Mark Ruffalo, Brian Goodman (Full Cast)
Studio: Yari Film Group Releasing
The Plot: Two lifelong friends who have survived the mean streets of South Boston find it increasingly hard to maintain a balance between their personal lives and the "jobs" they take for a local crime boss (Goodman).
THE BUZZ: WDKY marks the arrival of actor-turned-director Brian Goodman, who mined his personal experiences in order to generate this story of two friends quickly moving in opposite directions in their lives, with both of them facing potential dead ends. Since the drama's debut at the Toronto Film Festival back in September, critics have indicated that Goodman's ultra-convincing story, as well as the interplay between Ruffalo and Hawke ("career bests," we hear), take the familiar-sounding tale to new heights. Let's see how well Yari Film Group does in getting the word out on this one; the studio has kept most of their films under wraps this year (The Accidental Husband, Assassination of a High School President), though they are making an awards-season push with this film and Nothing But the Truth.
Delgo
Director: Marc F. Adler Jason Maurer
Stars: Freddie Prinze Jr., Val Kilmer, Anne Bancroft (Full Cast)
Studio: Freestyle Releasing
The Plot: When Delgo (voice of Prinze, Jr.), a troubled teenager, is framed for a crime he didn't commit, his subsequent prison escape leads him and a group of unlikely friends on adventure to save two sparring races from a common enemy.
THE BUZZ: Yes, this is the animated movie that has been around since 2003, back when co-star Val Kilmer missed out on a role in Collateral. To be honest with you: I'm not exactly sure what the storyline is here -- I'm cobbling together bits and pieces of information available on myriad websites. But I can say this is another questionable gamble on the part of distributor Freestyle Releasing, aka the studio who gave Uwe Boll a three-picture deal back in January (a relationship that seemed to dissolve with the release of Dungeon Siege). Can Delgo and his pals rake in as much money as those Fly Me to the Moon kids?
DECEMBER 17th
The Wrestler [limited]
Director: Darren Aronofsky
Stars: Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood (Full Cast)
Studio: Fox Searchlight Pictures
The Plot: With his battle scars and failing heart, retired professional wrestler Randy "The Ram" Robinson (Rourke) jumps back into the squared cirle, climbing his way up the independent-circuit ladder, with his eyes on a showdown with his longtime rival.
THE BUZZ: I could come up with a dozen wrestling metaphors to describe Darren Aronofsky's apparently triumphant return to scrappy, independent filmmaking, while I join the circle of whisperers who are guessing that Mickey Rourke will be up for Oscar glory here, but I'm, well, hesitant. The fact remains that Aronofsky couldn't find native funds for this one, and he turned to Wild Bunch, the French foreign sales company who also backed Soderbergh's four-hour Che Guevera biography. And though the film, essentially a three-character drama, was purchased by Fox Searchlight, I don't think The Wrestler is going to be their Juno-like success this year -- neither commercially nor critically. In fact, I hear press at both festivals just sorta rolled their eyes at this one. However, I really hope I eat my own words, because I'm pro-Aronofsky, provided The Fountain can be ignored.
DECEMBER 19th
Seven Pounds
Director: Gabriele Muccino
Stars: Will Smith, Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson (Full Cast)
Studio: Columbia Pictures
The Plot: A professional man (Smith) who is close to suicide for his role in an auto accident that claimed the lives of seven people finds a reason to live, and to atone, when he falls for a woman (Dawson) who wants to help him deal with his grief.
THE BUZZ: Get way down and then be lifted back up a second time by Will Smith and his Pursuit of Happyness director Gabriele Muccino. I don't think we know the full scope of the story just yet -- there are whispers about Smith's character assuming the identity of his brother (possibly played by Michael Ealy?) -- but you and I both can imagine the weighty drama is being positioned for a third Best-Actor nomination for Smith. There must have been tremendous pressure on greenish screenwriter Grant Nieporte to deliver, and I've seen plenty of postings championing his script. I thought Happyness' screenplay was wispy, but that didn't prevent it from international success, so I have to surmise that Smith's bulletproof career is in no danger of taking a dent this holiday season ... even if he made a few enemies in LA this time around.
The Tale of Despereaux
Director: Sam Fell Robert Stevenhagen
Stars: Matthew Broderick, Emma Watson, Dustin Hoffman (Full Cast)
Studio: Universal Pictures
The Plot: Banished from his home for being more man than mouse, Despereaux (Broderick) is befriended by Princess Pea (Watson) who teaches him the value of reading books (instead of eating them) as well as a fellow outcast, Roscuro the Rat (Hoffman), who is interested in hearing the stories Despereaux has learned. When Roscuro is shunned by the princess, however, he plots her kidnapping, putting Desperaux's human-sized bravery to the test.
THE BUZZ: Triplets of Belleville director Sylvain Chomet first began work on Despereaux, though he eventually left the project to continue development on a Jacques Tati-scripted project that may or may not be his next film. Chomet was temporarily replaced by Corpse Bride co-director Mike Johnson, though the giant mouse ears wound up being handled by veteran animator Robert Stevenhagen and Flushed Away's Sam Fell. This is definitely the second most-interesting animated project of the year (nothing is beating WALL•E) and it's cool to see Chomet's influence lingering in the trailer. Given the derth of family films this holiday season, Despereaux is the champion by default -- though the picture has certainly captured our attention.
The Brothers Bloom [limited]
Director: Rian Johnson
Stars: Rachel Weisz, Adrien Brody, Mark Ruffalo (Full Cast)
Studio: Summit Entertainment
The Plot: A pair of brothers and veteran conmen (Brody and Ruffalo) target an enigmatic wealthy woman (Weisz) as their potential last job, fully unaware of the twists in the road ahead of them.
THE BUZZ: This is the first title in an interesting slate of releases for Summit Entertainment, who made us giggle last year with their parking-lot thriller P2. More exciting: Bloom is writer-director Rian Johnson's follow up to Brick, one of the most-debated films within IMDb circles (just so you know). What gets us excited here is: the casting of Rinko Kikuchi (Babel) as the brothers' accomplice; knowing that filming occurred all over Europe and Asia; anticipating Johnson's crafted dialogue and his second attempt at fooling his audience.
Yes Man
Director: Peyton Reed
Stars: Jim Carrey, Zooey Deschanel (Full Cast)
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures
The Plot: What happens when you agree with everyone and say "yes" to everything? Carl (Carrey) is about to find out when he chooses to become overly agreeable for an entire year.
THE BUZZ: Carrey returns to form (almost literally if you consider the kinda sorta plot similarities with Liar, Liar). Combined with this year's earlier Seuss success and what we've seen from his next romp, it looks like the $20 million man is ready to make us laugh again.
Nothing But the Truth [LA/NY]
Director: Rod Lurie
Stars: Kate Beckinsale, Matt Dillon, Vera Farmiga (Full Cast)
Studio: Yari Film Group Releasing
The Plot: Reporter Rachel Armstrong (Beckinsale) is handed a jail sentence for refusing to name her source, a covert CIA operative, for her article on a American missile attack against Venezuela.
THE BUZZ: Writer-director Rod Lurie (Resurrecting the Champ) apparently distorts the Judith Miller/Valerie Plame affair to a humorous extent, but at least one reviewer has wondered aloud if the filmmaker intended to create a comic melodrama, or a more hard-hitting awards contender. No real matter, since it's being positioned for a Best Actress nomination for Beckinsale and can potentially serve as a bitter/sweet note in a season of perhaps-too-earnest dramas of the war variety, and otherwise. Meanwhile, it's not like Kate B. needed a career makeover or anything, but I'm glad to see she's getting some grit under her fingernails, instead of more gore.
DECEMBER 25th
Bedtime Stories
Director: Adam Shankman
Stars: Adam Sandler, Keri Russell, Courteney Cox (Full Cast)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
The Plot: Somehow, someway, the lavish bedtime stories that a hotel handyman (Sandler) tells his niece and nephew start to magically come true.
THE BUZZ: Softly doth Adam Sandler step into family-friendly territory under the chopless direction of Adam Shankman. Ooh, will there be dance sequences with co-stars Courteney Cox and Russell Brand? I'm digging for the dirt on this one ...
The Spirit
Director: Frank Miller
Stars: Gabriel Macht, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson (Full Cast)
Studio: Lionsgate
The Plot: A rookie cop (Macht) returns from the dead to fight crime from the shadows of Central City. His main opposition is a former lab technician who has reinvented himself as The Octopus (Jackson), an elusive criminal mastermind who knows the secrets behind his nemesis.
THE BUZZ: While we still don't know if those Sin City sequels will ever get made, how cool is it that Frank Miller has moved on to directing his own projects after learning the trade alongside Robert Rodriguez? Sin City's enduring popularity and influence, combined with Iron Man's success (which proved that a lesser-known comic-book character can resonate with general audiences) has helped position The Spirit as a potential holiday-season hit, not the frost-bitten confection it was threatening to become with that nasty original release date of January 2009. The question on our mind is: If we're moved by The Spirit, could Samuel L. Jackson (a.k.a. The Octopus and, just maybe, Nick Fury) find himself immersed in two different comic franchises?
Revolutionary Road [limited]
Director: Sam Mendes
Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet (Full Cast)
Studio: DreamWorks Distribution
The Plot: A young couple raising a family in a Connecticut suburb during the mid-1950s look to break free from their frustratingly mediocre lives.
THE BUZZ: Avoiding the whole Kate and Leo back together again thing is like trying to steer clear of a giant iceberg. So, we'll just get all the OMG's out of our system now and crown Mendes the new "King of the World" for this brilliant (and nepotistic) casting move.
Valkyrie
Director: Bryan Singer
Stars: Tom Cruise, Bill Nighy, Carice van Houten (Full Cast)
Studio: United Artists
The Plot: Near the end of WWII, Claus von Stauffenberg (Cruise) leads to group of fellow German army colonels in an attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler; the event would later be called the July 20 Plot of 1944.
THE BUZZ: With each release-date change, our interest in Valkyrie only increases. Will it become known as the title that topples the reportedly dissolving United Artists partnership between Tom Cruise and longtime producing partner Paula Wagner, or will it mark the successful reunion of director Bryan Singer and Usual Suspects writer Christopher McQuarrie, who haven't worked together since they made one another famous? If the players involved here ratchet up the Valkyrie's action/thriller angle, we expect they will successfully combat everything working against this film: myriad production woes (including a late-stage shooting delay that caused the release date to be pushed back from the July 4th holiday), the public's disinterest in T.C., said public's recent indifference to war movies, holiday competition, etc. Still, the look is right and if this creative team reaches its zenith, this is exactly the sort of fare that will get adults into the multiplex during this season.
Marley & Me
Director: David Frankel
Stars: Owen Wilson, Jennifer Aniston (Full Cast)
Studio: Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation
The Plot: An impossibly cute, but impossible-to-live-with yellow Labrador retriever named Marley teaches his newlywed owners a thing or two about patience and parenthood.
THE BUZZ: There must be some kind of rule in Hollywood about when a big-time star decides to make a dog movie. We're guessing for Aniston and Wilson, it's when they're done working with Ben Stiller.
Last Chance Harvey [limited]
Director: Joel Hopkins
Stars: Dustin Hoffman, Emma Thompson, Kathy Baker (Full Cast)
Studio: Overture Films
The Plot: During a weekend in which Harvey Shine (Hoffman) travels to London for his daughter's wedding, her first learns that he's lost his job back in New York, then he discovers he won't be the man giving away the bride at the ceremony. The one good thing that happens -- his meeting Kate (Thompson), a prickly but nevertheless enchanting Londoner -- might be the beginning of some much-needed change in Harvey's life.
THE BUZZ: Writer-director Joel Hopkins explored romantic complications in his debut, Jump Tomorrow, which was embraced by indie circles on both sides of the Atlantic. Now he steps up to the majors with a potential awards contender (now that The Road and The Soloist have been pushed to 2009, Oscar buzz has trickled down to smaller films such as Harvey). I wouldn't be surprised if Hoffman and Thompson are positioned for nominations, and considering the story's Before Sunrise tones (albeit for the generation ahead of Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy), a Best Original Screenplay nomination is not out of the question.
Waltz with Bashir [limited]
Director: Ari Folman
Stars: Ari Folman, Ron Ben-Yishai, Ronny Dayag (Full Cast)
Studio: Sony Pictures Classics
The Plot: By meeting and interviewing old friends from around the world, Ari, a former member of the Israeli Army, retraces his spotty personal history to a life-changing incident that occurred during his country's 1982 invasion of Lebanon.
THE BUZZ: Uh-oh, the Academy has another Persepolis situation on their hands... Turns out Ari Folman's surrealist animated war drama never had its mandatory one-week run in New York City this year (something that had to be in place by the end of last August), so it's no kudos for Bashir, easily one of the best-received documentaries on the international film-festival circuit. Personally, while I think the rule is so old fashioned, I find it odd that the doc's NYC-based distributor, Sony Pictures Classics, missed the bus here. The Joe Sacco set is up in arms!!
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Director: David Fincher
Stars: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton (Full Cast)
Studio: Paramount Pictures
The Plot: Benjamin Button was born under unusual circumstances. As everyone around him grew older, he aged backwards, making the challenges of life such as creating friendships, finding a job and falling in love all the more difficult and heartbreaking.
THE BUZZ: A curious choice for Fincher, who's never been one to go the fantasy-romance route. Seems more like a Case for Tim Burton. But, reteaming with Pitt (thrice already) is always a pleasure. Plus, sharing screen time with Blanchette and Swinton? We're swooning. Word of mouth has it that Button's visual effects are stunning, even if that train in the trailer looks a little too much like the Polar Express.
- Cadillac Records
- Extreme Movie (limited)
- Frost/Nixon (limited; expands: Dec. 12; expands: Dec. 25)*
- Hunger (L.A. Oscar run; limited release: March 2009)
- Let Them Chirp Awhile (NY; Chicago release: Dec. 12; LA release: Jan. 2)
- Local Color (limited)
- Nobel Son
- Punisher: War Zone***
December 10
- The Reader (NY, LA, SF; expands: Dec. 25; wide: Jan. 9, 2009)
- Wendy and Lucy (limited)
December 12
- Adam Resurrected (NY, LA)
- Dark Streets (limited)
- The Day the Earth Stood Still (conventional theaters and IMAX)
- Delgo
- Doubt (limited; expands: Dec. 19; expands: Dec. 25)
- Gran Torino (limited; wide: Jan. 9)
- Nothing Like the Holidays
- Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (limited)
- Timecrimes (Los CronocrÃmenes) (NY, LA)
- What Doesn't Kill You (NY, LA)
- Where God Left His Shoes (NY)
- While She Was Out (limited)
December 17
- The Wrestler (limited)***
December 19
- The Brothers Bloom (limited; wide: Jan. 16, 2009)
- The Class (1-Week NY, LA Oscar Run; NY, LA release: Jan. 30, 2009)
- Moscow, Belgium (NY)
- Nothing But the Truth (NY, LA; expands: Jan. 9, 2009)
- Seven Pounds****
- The Tale of Despereaux
- Yes Man***
December 24
- The Secret of the Grain (Graine et le mulet, La) (NY)
- Theater of War (NY)
December 25
- Bedtime Stories*
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button**
- Last Chance Harvey
- Marley & Me
- The Spirit****
- Waltz with Bashir (NY, LA)
December 26
- Revolutionary Road
- Valkyrie*
December 31
- Defiance (limited; wide: Jan. 16, 2009)
- Good (limited)
- The Lodger (limited)
DECEMBER 5th
Cadillac Records [limited]
Director: Darnell Martin
Stars: Adrien Brody, Beyoncé Knowles, Mos Def (Full Cast)
Studio: TriStar Pictures
The Plot: A chronicle of the rise and fall of Chess Records, the Chicago-based record label founded by Leonard Chess (Brody), whose musical ear and business savvy helped foster the careers of Etta James (Knowles), Chuck Berry (Def), and other rhythm-and-blues pioneers.
THE BUZZ: All my single ladies: Let the idea of Beyoncé Knowles starring as Etta James attract or repel you to this rhythm & biopic, but I have to say that Bey's revealing statements about her pop-star side (let's just pretend they're actual-real quotes) and the arrival of her bi-polar solo album makes me interested in her now more than at any other time in her career. She'd probably be the first person to proclaim that her voice and look doesn't exactly match up with Ms. James's, though I'm hoping Etta's wild side will have a lasting effect on Ms. Knowles. (Hmm, perhaps Sasha Fierce should have been cast instead?) Sony's been rather quiet on this one, and I'm wondering if the thought here is to give it an awards-qualifying release this month, then blow it out come January. And I'm dying to see what Mos Def (who should reunite Black Star) brings to the screen as Chuck Berry. Mr. Brody is going to have to fight to not be upstaged.
Frost/Nixon [LA/NY] Wide release: 12/25
Director: Ron Howard
Stars: Frank Langella, Michael Sheen, Kevin Bacon (Full Cast)
Studio: Universal Pictures
The Plot: BBC host David Frost interviews Richard Nixon in 1977, where the scandal-plagued President opens up about his role in the Watergate scandal.
THE BUZZ: Opie does alright racking up the Oscar noms when he takes on American tales of a certain era (Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind). Add to the mix Frank Langella (who was seriously overlooked last year for Starting Out in the Evening) as tricky Dick, a Tony-nominated play by The Queen's Peter Morgan and sprinkle a little Bacon (Kevin, that is) and you can expect similar results this awards season.
Punisher: War Zone
Director: Lexi Alexander
Stars: Ray Stevenson, Dominic West, Julie Benz (Full Cast)
Studio: Lionsgate
The Plot: Continuing his crusade to punish violent criminals, former FBI agent Frank Castle (Stevenson) arrives in New York to take on the city's underworld bosses.
THE BUZZ: Seems like we'll never know the details of what happened behind the camera here, so we'll treat the rumors of director Lexi Alexander (Green Street Hooligans) being booted from the project as uncorroborated reports that, while never denied by Lionsgate, aren't exactly trustworthy. We can say that Alexander won the battle to keep her R-rated vision, though we're not sure if she wanted the score to be comprised solely of heavy-metal thunder worthy of a WWE champion's entrance music. Looking at what's going on in front of the camera, we wish the new Frank Castle, Ray Stevenson (aka Titus from HBO's "Rome") all the best in his effort not to go the way of Thomas Jane once War Zone's theatrical run is up (Jane said he didn't work for a year after the original movie was released in 2004). Ditto co-star Dominic West, another HBO vet whose post-"Wire" career isn't looking all that prosperous; perhaps Marvel can find a home for him in one of their myriad projects in development.
Nobel Son [limited]
Director: Randall Miller
Stars: Alan Rickman, Bryan Greenberg, Shawn Hatosy (Full Cast)
Studio: Freestyle Releasing
The Plot: A young chemistry student (Hatosy) throws a wrench into the existence of Nobel Prize-winning scientist Eli Michaelson (Rickman) by first kidnapping his son (Greenberg), then exposing Michaelson to his family friends, and colleagues as the pompous, unscrupulous egomaniac he has become since his triumph.
THE BUZZ: Perhaps writer-director Randall Miller and his co-writer/producer Jody Savin deserve some sort of award for first delivering Bottle Shock as one of the true indie success stories of the year, then cranking up more buzz for Nobel Son, their 2007 project that has been lauded already as a fast, loose, and original caper flick. We all know that Alan Rickman, who stars in both films, is one of the most versatile contemporary actors, but what no one would have predicted in a year where the future of indie-movie distribution has been called into question is to have a filmmaking pair chart two hits in a crowded market without the benefit of A-list wattage. We're stoked for the behind-the-scenes duo, and their wonderfully diverse cast -- many of whom are in both Bottle and Nobel).
Timecrimes [LA/NY]
Director: Nacho Vigalondo
Stars: Karra Elejalde, Candela Fernández (Full Cast)
Studio: Magnolia Pictures
The Plot: After being subjected to a bizarre attack, a man (Elejalde) is transported one hour back in time, where he meets himself, then introduced to events that will lead up to an unthinkable -- but preventable? -- crime.
THE BUZZ: It seems as though this year, more so than in any past year, any non-U.S. film that generates Stateside buzz is snatched up and put on the development track to Remakeville. That's the case with short filmmaker Nacho Vigalondo's feature debut, which is being handled by Children of Men screenwriter Tim Sexton as a potential project for David Cronenberg. While Timecrimes hasn't received the same favorable-across-the-board reception as, say, Let the Right One In (which will be directed by Cloverfield's Matt Reeves for a January 2010 release, FYI) it just might fare better with a slightly re-tinkered premise, if you believe one of the smarter online reviewers out there.
DECEMBER 10th
The Reader [LA/NY/SF]
Director: Stephen Daldry
Stars: Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes, Bruno Ganz (Full Cast)
Studio: Weinstein Company, The
The Plot: Post-WWII Germany: Nearly a decade after his affair with an older woman came to a mysterious end, law student Michael Burk is reunited with his former lover (Winslet) as she defends herself in a war-crime trial.
THE BUZZ: Call it the battle of the slimmed-down movie moguls: Superproducer Scott Rudin tussled with studio chief Harvey Weinstein over the release date of director Stephen Daldry's follow up to The Hours. Rudin and his filmmaker wanted a 2009 berth, but Harvey wasn't having it, an indication that the former Oscar-winning champ is -- dare we say it? -- getting back into shape for next February. Right after the drama had subsided (at least in the press), Rudin walked away from the film, and then the reports of HW hassling Reader producer Sydney Pollack on his deathbed surfaced, painting one of the ugliest portraits in recent movie history. I will be happy when the people who actually made and star in this troubled saga begin stumping for the film -- especially Kate Winslet, who has a curious bond to this project, and might be competing against herself for her elusive Best-Actress statue next year (her Revolutionary Road arrives on Christmas). Meanwhile, I wonder if Scott Rudin will option his own Reader-era story and turn it into a future Oscar-winning, postwar drama.
Wendy and Lucy [limited]
Director: Kelly Reichardt
Stars: Michelle Williams (Full Cast)
Studio: Oscilloscope Pictures
The Plot: Troubles besiege Wendy (Williams) during her trip from Indiana to Alaska, where she hopes to find gainful employment at a fish cannery. While stopped in Oregon, she's caught shoplifting food for her beloved dog, Lucy, which causes the duo to become separated, and presents to Wendy an increasingly dire set of circumstances as she searches for her companion.
THE BUZZ: In her last film, Old Joy, Kelly Reichardt explored the fragility of interpersonal relationships; her latest seems to hone in on the individual, and how just about anyone these days could easily be pulled under by a simple misstep, economic or otherwise. (I am so dying to see this.) It's been reported that Reichardt initially thought Michelle Williams was too pretty for this role and she didn't allow her to wear makeup or wash her tomboy haircut for several-weeks-long shoot. (She probably got lo-fi beauty tips from co-star Will Oldham, who will hopefully be in every future Reichardt project.) My eye is on Willaims to see if she lands a Best Actress nomination alongside two other well-received indie performances: Anne Hathaway in Rachel Got Married and Kristin Scott Thomas in I've Loved You So Long. Could Williams also be nominated for Synecdoche, New York?
DECEMBER 12th
Doubt [limited]
Director: John Patrick Shanley
Stars: Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams (Full Cast)
Studio: Miramax Films
The Plot: The principal (Streep) of a Catholic school in the Bronx grows suspicious of a priest (Hoffman) who might have crossed the line with one of their students; her subsequent accusation leads to a tense confrontation that also involves a young nun (Adams) who might have proof of the priest's wrongdoing.
THE BUZZ: John Patrick Shanley adapts and directs the film version of his Broadway play, which can boast of the fifth-longest run in history. Meanwhile, producer Scott Rudin, who divorced himself from The Reader after a bust-up with Harvey Weinstein, is still in good shape to vie for some best-picture awards, since the buzz temperature here is climbing as December draws near. Look for Streep to extend her lead in the number of total Best Actress nominations, for Hoffman to rack up another nod (one of possibly two if Synecdoche, New York lives up to its avant-garde promise), and for Adams to probably walk away with her first Oscar. Then there's the presence of Viola Davis, who has turned more than one critic's head with her performance as the mother of the student who may or may not have fallen under the influence of Hoffman's Father Brendan Flynn.
Nothing Like the Holidays
Director: Alfredo De Villa
Stars: John Leguizamo, Freddy RodrÃguez, Debra Messing (Full Cast)
Studio: Overture Films
The Plot: The scattered members of the Rodriguez family return to their parents' home in Chicago to celebrate the holiday season, as well as their youngest's safe return from combat overseas. But when old tensions surface, the pressure is on the individuals to truly come together as a family.
THE BUZZ: Formerly known as Humbolt Park (a Puerto Rican neighborhood in Chicago), NLtH represents director Alfredo De Villa's (Washington Heights) first dabbling in mass-appeal filmmaking. With a Chi-town setting, such a likable cast, and a built-in audience, all it should take is an appealing trailer and savvy marketing to get this comedy to stand out during the holiday rush -- though I imagine the mainstream press will be focusing on Four Christmases.
The Day the Earth Stood Still
Director: Scott Derrickson
Stars: Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly, Kathy Bates (Full Cast)
Studio: Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation
The Plot: Aliens land on Earth with an important message for its citizens. A remake of the classic 1951 sci-fi film directed by Robert Wise.
THE BUZZ: The original '51 flick is pretty much close to perfect, so we were just as surprised as you were to learn that what it really needed was Keanu?! But, here he is, returning to the genre that made him the One, hooked up to wires, interrogated by some creepy goon in a black tie and warning us against the threat of complete global annihilation. Worked before, so there's no reason to think this remake/reboot/re-whatever won't draw us in this time around. Even if it leaves us feeling a bit nostalgic for the old Gort.
For the director's take on the trailer, check this out.
Gran Torino [LA/NY]
Director: Clint Eastwood
Stars: Clint Eastwood, Bee Vang (Full Cast)
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures
The Plot: When his prized 1972 Gran Torino nearly is stolen, disgruntled Korean War vet Walt Kowalski (Eastwood) looks to clean up his neighborhood, which has been taken over by gangs. Reluctantly, Kowalski also forms a bond with one of his neighbors, a Hmong teenager, whose family is embroiled in a gang-related conflict.
THE BUZZ: Clint Eastwood's under-wraps project is getting a reveal at year's end, in hopes that his Detroit-set story of racism, revenge, and urban decline will result in an Eastwood-heavy Oscar field. Apple has the trailer online, and it's confirmed that Christian Bale officially has some competition in the Best Grumble category. I like that Mr. Eastwood is updating his own Dirty Harry persona (make it more age-appropriate); he also seems to be providing a societal critique that is reminiscent of 70s-era urban-panic movies. Does the trailer, however, feel a bit rushed to you -- an indication that yet another film from a notable director (think: Oliver Stone here) has been given the hurry-up treatment for potential Oscar glory? GT could be up for Best Director by default, but Best Picture?
What Doesn't Kill You [LA/NY]
Director: Brian Goodman
Stars: Ethan Hawke, Mark Ruffalo, Brian Goodman (Full Cast)
Studio: Yari Film Group Releasing
The Plot: Two lifelong friends who have survived the mean streets of South Boston find it increasingly hard to maintain a balance between their personal lives and the "jobs" they take for a local crime boss (Goodman).
THE BUZZ: WDKY marks the arrival of actor-turned-director Brian Goodman, who mined his personal experiences in order to generate this story of two friends quickly moving in opposite directions in their lives, with both of them facing potential dead ends. Since the drama's debut at the Toronto Film Festival back in September, critics have indicated that Goodman's ultra-convincing story, as well as the interplay between Ruffalo and Hawke ("career bests," we hear), take the familiar-sounding tale to new heights. Let's see how well Yari Film Group does in getting the word out on this one; the studio has kept most of their films under wraps this year (The Accidental Husband, Assassination of a High School President), though they are making an awards-season push with this film and Nothing But the Truth.
Delgo
Director: Marc F. Adler Jason Maurer
Stars: Freddie Prinze Jr., Val Kilmer, Anne Bancroft (Full Cast)
Studio: Freestyle Releasing
The Plot: When Delgo (voice of Prinze, Jr.), a troubled teenager, is framed for a crime he didn't commit, his subsequent prison escape leads him and a group of unlikely friends on adventure to save two sparring races from a common enemy.
THE BUZZ: Yes, this is the animated movie that has been around since 2003, back when co-star Val Kilmer missed out on a role in Collateral. To be honest with you: I'm not exactly sure what the storyline is here -- I'm cobbling together bits and pieces of information available on myriad websites. But I can say this is another questionable gamble on the part of distributor Freestyle Releasing, aka the studio who gave Uwe Boll a three-picture deal back in January (a relationship that seemed to dissolve with the release of Dungeon Siege). Can Delgo and his pals rake in as much money as those Fly Me to the Moon kids?
DECEMBER 17th
The Wrestler [limited]
Director: Darren Aronofsky
Stars: Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood (Full Cast)
Studio: Fox Searchlight Pictures
The Plot: With his battle scars and failing heart, retired professional wrestler Randy "The Ram" Robinson (Rourke) jumps back into the squared cirle, climbing his way up the independent-circuit ladder, with his eyes on a showdown with his longtime rival.
THE BUZZ: I could come up with a dozen wrestling metaphors to describe Darren Aronofsky's apparently triumphant return to scrappy, independent filmmaking, while I join the circle of whisperers who are guessing that Mickey Rourke will be up for Oscar glory here, but I'm, well, hesitant. The fact remains that Aronofsky couldn't find native funds for this one, and he turned to Wild Bunch, the French foreign sales company who also backed Soderbergh's four-hour Che Guevera biography. And though the film, essentially a three-character drama, was purchased by Fox Searchlight, I don't think The Wrestler is going to be their Juno-like success this year -- neither commercially nor critically. In fact, I hear press at both festivals just sorta rolled their eyes at this one. However, I really hope I eat my own words, because I'm pro-Aronofsky, provided The Fountain can be ignored.
DECEMBER 19th
Seven Pounds
Director: Gabriele Muccino
Stars: Will Smith, Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson (Full Cast)
Studio: Columbia Pictures
The Plot: A professional man (Smith) who is close to suicide for his role in an auto accident that claimed the lives of seven people finds a reason to live, and to atone, when he falls for a woman (Dawson) who wants to help him deal with his grief.
THE BUZZ: Get way down and then be lifted back up a second time by Will Smith and his Pursuit of Happyness director Gabriele Muccino. I don't think we know the full scope of the story just yet -- there are whispers about Smith's character assuming the identity of his brother (possibly played by Michael Ealy?) -- but you and I both can imagine the weighty drama is being positioned for a third Best-Actor nomination for Smith. There must have been tremendous pressure on greenish screenwriter Grant Nieporte to deliver, and I've seen plenty of postings championing his script. I thought Happyness' screenplay was wispy, but that didn't prevent it from international success, so I have to surmise that Smith's bulletproof career is in no danger of taking a dent this holiday season ... even if he made a few enemies in LA this time around.
The Tale of Despereaux
Director: Sam Fell Robert Stevenhagen
Stars: Matthew Broderick, Emma Watson, Dustin Hoffman (Full Cast)
Studio: Universal Pictures
The Plot: Banished from his home for being more man than mouse, Despereaux (Broderick) is befriended by Princess Pea (Watson) who teaches him the value of reading books (instead of eating them) as well as a fellow outcast, Roscuro the Rat (Hoffman), who is interested in hearing the stories Despereaux has learned. When Roscuro is shunned by the princess, however, he plots her kidnapping, putting Desperaux's human-sized bravery to the test.
THE BUZZ: Triplets of Belleville director Sylvain Chomet first began work on Despereaux, though he eventually left the project to continue development on a Jacques Tati-scripted project that may or may not be his next film. Chomet was temporarily replaced by Corpse Bride co-director Mike Johnson, though the giant mouse ears wound up being handled by veteran animator Robert Stevenhagen and Flushed Away's Sam Fell. This is definitely the second most-interesting animated project of the year (nothing is beating WALL•E) and it's cool to see Chomet's influence lingering in the trailer. Given the derth of family films this holiday season, Despereaux is the champion by default -- though the picture has certainly captured our attention.
The Brothers Bloom [limited]
Director: Rian Johnson
Stars: Rachel Weisz, Adrien Brody, Mark Ruffalo (Full Cast)
Studio: Summit Entertainment
The Plot: A pair of brothers and veteran conmen (Brody and Ruffalo) target an enigmatic wealthy woman (Weisz) as their potential last job, fully unaware of the twists in the road ahead of them.
THE BUZZ: This is the first title in an interesting slate of releases for Summit Entertainment, who made us giggle last year with their parking-lot thriller P2. More exciting: Bloom is writer-director Rian Johnson's follow up to Brick, one of the most-debated films within IMDb circles (just so you know). What gets us excited here is: the casting of Rinko Kikuchi (Babel) as the brothers' accomplice; knowing that filming occurred all over Europe and Asia; anticipating Johnson's crafted dialogue and his second attempt at fooling his audience.
Yes Man
Director: Peyton Reed
Stars: Jim Carrey, Zooey Deschanel (Full Cast)
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures
The Plot: What happens when you agree with everyone and say "yes" to everything? Carl (Carrey) is about to find out when he chooses to become overly agreeable for an entire year.
THE BUZZ: Carrey returns to form (almost literally if you consider the kinda sorta plot similarities with Liar, Liar). Combined with this year's earlier Seuss success and what we've seen from his next romp, it looks like the $20 million man is ready to make us laugh again.
Nothing But the Truth [LA/NY]
Director: Rod Lurie
Stars: Kate Beckinsale, Matt Dillon, Vera Farmiga (Full Cast)
Studio: Yari Film Group Releasing
The Plot: Reporter Rachel Armstrong (Beckinsale) is handed a jail sentence for refusing to name her source, a covert CIA operative, for her article on a American missile attack against Venezuela.
THE BUZZ: Writer-director Rod Lurie (Resurrecting the Champ) apparently distorts the Judith Miller/Valerie Plame affair to a humorous extent, but at least one reviewer has wondered aloud if the filmmaker intended to create a comic melodrama, or a more hard-hitting awards contender. No real matter, since it's being positioned for a Best Actress nomination for Beckinsale and can potentially serve as a bitter/sweet note in a season of perhaps-too-earnest dramas of the war variety, and otherwise. Meanwhile, it's not like Kate B. needed a career makeover or anything, but I'm glad to see she's getting some grit under her fingernails, instead of more gore.
DECEMBER 25th
Bedtime Stories
Director: Adam Shankman
Stars: Adam Sandler, Keri Russell, Courteney Cox (Full Cast)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
The Plot: Somehow, someway, the lavish bedtime stories that a hotel handyman (Sandler) tells his niece and nephew start to magically come true.
THE BUZZ: Softly doth Adam Sandler step into family-friendly territory under the chopless direction of Adam Shankman. Ooh, will there be dance sequences with co-stars Courteney Cox and Russell Brand? I'm digging for the dirt on this one ...
The Spirit
Director: Frank Miller
Stars: Gabriel Macht, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson (Full Cast)
Studio: Lionsgate
The Plot: A rookie cop (Macht) returns from the dead to fight crime from the shadows of Central City. His main opposition is a former lab technician who has reinvented himself as The Octopus (Jackson), an elusive criminal mastermind who knows the secrets behind his nemesis.
THE BUZZ: While we still don't know if those Sin City sequels will ever get made, how cool is it that Frank Miller has moved on to directing his own projects after learning the trade alongside Robert Rodriguez? Sin City's enduring popularity and influence, combined with Iron Man's success (which proved that a lesser-known comic-book character can resonate with general audiences) has helped position The Spirit as a potential holiday-season hit, not the frost-bitten confection it was threatening to become with that nasty original release date of January 2009. The question on our mind is: If we're moved by The Spirit, could Samuel L. Jackson (a.k.a. The Octopus and, just maybe, Nick Fury) find himself immersed in two different comic franchises?
Revolutionary Road [limited]
Director: Sam Mendes
Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet (Full Cast)
Studio: DreamWorks Distribution
The Plot: A young couple raising a family in a Connecticut suburb during the mid-1950s look to break free from their frustratingly mediocre lives.
THE BUZZ: Avoiding the whole Kate and Leo back together again thing is like trying to steer clear of a giant iceberg. So, we'll just get all the OMG's out of our system now and crown Mendes the new "King of the World" for this brilliant (and nepotistic) casting move.
Valkyrie
Director: Bryan Singer
Stars: Tom Cruise, Bill Nighy, Carice van Houten (Full Cast)
Studio: United Artists
The Plot: Near the end of WWII, Claus von Stauffenberg (Cruise) leads to group of fellow German army colonels in an attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler; the event would later be called the July 20 Plot of 1944.
THE BUZZ: With each release-date change, our interest in Valkyrie only increases. Will it become known as the title that topples the reportedly dissolving United Artists partnership between Tom Cruise and longtime producing partner Paula Wagner, or will it mark the successful reunion of director Bryan Singer and Usual Suspects writer Christopher McQuarrie, who haven't worked together since they made one another famous? If the players involved here ratchet up the Valkyrie's action/thriller angle, we expect they will successfully combat everything working against this film: myriad production woes (including a late-stage shooting delay that caused the release date to be pushed back from the July 4th holiday), the public's disinterest in T.C., said public's recent indifference to war movies, holiday competition, etc. Still, the look is right and if this creative team reaches its zenith, this is exactly the sort of fare that will get adults into the multiplex during this season.
Marley & Me
Director: David Frankel
Stars: Owen Wilson, Jennifer Aniston (Full Cast)
Studio: Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation
The Plot: An impossibly cute, but impossible-to-live-with yellow Labrador retriever named Marley teaches his newlywed owners a thing or two about patience and parenthood.
THE BUZZ: There must be some kind of rule in Hollywood about when a big-time star decides to make a dog movie. We're guessing for Aniston and Wilson, it's when they're done working with Ben Stiller.
Last Chance Harvey [limited]
Director: Joel Hopkins
Stars: Dustin Hoffman, Emma Thompson, Kathy Baker (Full Cast)
Studio: Overture Films
The Plot: During a weekend in which Harvey Shine (Hoffman) travels to London for his daughter's wedding, her first learns that he's lost his job back in New York, then he discovers he won't be the man giving away the bride at the ceremony. The one good thing that happens -- his meeting Kate (Thompson), a prickly but nevertheless enchanting Londoner -- might be the beginning of some much-needed change in Harvey's life.
THE BUZZ: Writer-director Joel Hopkins explored romantic complications in his debut, Jump Tomorrow, which was embraced by indie circles on both sides of the Atlantic. Now he steps up to the majors with a potential awards contender (now that The Road and The Soloist have been pushed to 2009, Oscar buzz has trickled down to smaller films such as Harvey). I wouldn't be surprised if Hoffman and Thompson are positioned for nominations, and considering the story's Before Sunrise tones (albeit for the generation ahead of Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy), a Best Original Screenplay nomination is not out of the question.
Waltz with Bashir [limited]
Director: Ari Folman
Stars: Ari Folman, Ron Ben-Yishai, Ronny Dayag (Full Cast)
Studio: Sony Pictures Classics
The Plot: By meeting and interviewing old friends from around the world, Ari, a former member of the Israeli Army, retraces his spotty personal history to a life-changing incident that occurred during his country's 1982 invasion of Lebanon.
THE BUZZ: Uh-oh, the Academy has another Persepolis situation on their hands... Turns out Ari Folman's surrealist animated war drama never had its mandatory one-week run in New York City this year (something that had to be in place by the end of last August), so it's no kudos for Bashir, easily one of the best-received documentaries on the international film-festival circuit. Personally, while I think the rule is so old fashioned, I find it odd that the doc's NYC-based distributor, Sony Pictures Classics, missed the bus here. The Joe Sacco set is up in arms!!
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Director: David Fincher
Stars: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton (Full Cast)
Studio: Paramount Pictures
The Plot: Benjamin Button was born under unusual circumstances. As everyone around him grew older, he aged backwards, making the challenges of life such as creating friendships, finding a job and falling in love all the more difficult and heartbreaking.
THE BUZZ: A curious choice for Fincher, who's never been one to go the fantasy-romance route. Seems more like a Case for Tim Burton. But, reteaming with Pitt (thrice already) is always a pleasure. Plus, sharing screen time with Blanchette and Swinton? We're swooning. Word of mouth has it that Button's visual effects are stunning, even if that train in the trailer looks a little too much like the Polar Express.
Scott Frank’s Planet of the Apes Prequel
So what’s going on with the proposed Planet of the Apes sequel/prequel? 20th Century Fox has hired writer/director Scott Frank (The Lookout) to develop a new film based on the Planet of the Apes film property. At first it was rumored that the film would be a remake of Conquest of the Apes or a new film called Genesis: Apes, but according to Chud that is not the case.
The project is going under the working title “Caesar”. Fox’s Tom Rothman says that it is “a kind of prequel story before the first story, with a return to the social thematics that mark the first one, but with an entirely contemporary setting - Earth 2009.” The film won’t have talking monkeys and will not end with chimps taking over Earth. Instead the film will be a hard science fiction film about humans that use science to create hyper-intelligent chimpanzees.
I’m still not convinced that we need another Planet of the Apes reboot at this point. The general public is going to need more time to forget Tim Burton’s remake. And the original films still work.And lets face it, what’s the last good film project developed at Fox? But if you are going to reboot the Apes franchise at this point, Frank’s Caesar sounds like the best possible concept.
The project is going under the working title “Caesar”. Fox’s Tom Rothman says that it is “a kind of prequel story before the first story, with a return to the social thematics that mark the first one, but with an entirely contemporary setting - Earth 2009.” The film won’t have talking monkeys and will not end with chimps taking over Earth. Instead the film will be a hard science fiction film about humans that use science to create hyper-intelligent chimpanzees.
I’m still not convinced that we need another Planet of the Apes reboot at this point. The general public is going to need more time to forget Tim Burton’s remake. And the original films still work.And lets face it, what’s the last good film project developed at Fox? But if you are going to reboot the Apes franchise at this point, Frank’s Caesar sounds like the best possible concept.
Weekly Ratings: 11/23 – 11/26
Sunday Ratings for American Music Awards, 24 and More
8 pm/ET
ABC's coverage of the 2008 American Music Awards topped the hour, dominated Sunday's demos and averaged 12.2 million total viewers for the night (a gain of 380 versus last year). Coming in No. 2 at 8 was 24: Redemption, which delivered 12.04 million heads over its two-hour run. That marks an 18-percent improvement over the Fox series' Day 6 finale, but down 23 percent from that season's opener. NBC's coverage of the Colts-Chargers game was the evening's most-watched program, averaging 12.29 million viewers. Facing stiff competition, Amazing Race (10.1 mil) slowed down 19 percent week-to-week.
9 pm
Cold Case placed third behind the AMAs and football with 12.07 million viewers, on par with its previous audience.
10 pm
The Unit inched up 200K to claim No. 3 with an audience of 9.99 million.
Monday Ratings: Another Biggest Bang, and Heroes Bounces Back
8 pm/ET
Dancing with the Stars averaged 21.33 million total viewers, a 13 percent increase over last season's final competition night, but down 14 percent from November 2007's big dance-off. Placing second, CBS' Big Bang Theory hit a new all-time high (10.19 million), while How I Met Your Mother delivered a season-best 10.04 mil. Chuck dipped 180 to claim third with 6.62 mil, and Sarah Connor dropped 680 thousand (to 4.62 mil).
9 pm
Two and a Half Men (14.9 million viewers) dropped 300K from last week's season high, while lead-out Worst Week held steady at 10.35 mil. Winning the back half of the hour, Samantha Who? surged 810K to 11.93 mil. With an audience of 7.85 mil, Heroes enjoyed its first week-to-week increase (+260K) since Oct. 13. Prison Break (5.25 mil, down 11 percent) and One Tree Hill (2.21 mil, down 19 percent), despite combining to drop a plethora of bombshells, both took dives.
10 pm
CSI: Miami topped the hour with 14.15 million viewers, down eight percent from last week's mighty audience. Both Boston Legal (8.68 mil) and My Own Worst Enemy (4.25 mil) saw gains of 250K.
Tuesday Ratings: How Many Did House Hold Captive?
8 pm/ET
NCIS continued its super-strong season, delivering 18.16 million total viewers (up 160K week-to-week). Topping the hour in demos and placing second in viewers was House's hostage episode, which drew 12.5 mil. (What did you think of the "super-sized" 67-minute saga? Vote in our poll/discuss below.) A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (11.1 mil) was up eight percent year-over-year, while Biggest Loser (6.77 mil) shed 10 percent from last Tuesday.
9 pm
Dancing with the Stars' season-ender partnered with an audience of 20.58 million, a small increase over the May finale but down 17 percent from last November's. At 15.9 mil, The Mentalist was up a hair. Fringe (8.73 mil) fell 630K.
10 pm
Opposite DWTS' final moments, both Without a Trace (10.37 million viewers, down 12 percent) and SVU (8.55 mil, down 15 percent) took big hits.
Wednesday Ratings: Rosie's Special… Is Not So Special
8 pm/ET
Bones topped the hour with 9.76 million total viewers (down nine percent week-to-week). Placing second, Old Christine (7.6 mil) and Gary Unmarried (7.72 mil) each dipped about 500 thousand. Rosie O'Donnell's variety special — which by several accounts was disappointing/excruciating — drummed up just 5.04 mil, effectively giving Ro's arch rival, Barbara Walters, bragging rights for the night (see: 10 pm). It also goes to prove that little good ever came from trumpeting, "Ladies and gentleman, Gloria Estefan... and Rachael Ray!" Pushing Daisies dropped another eight percent, to hit 4.45 mil.
9 pm
Criminal Minds (14 million viewers) and Private Practice (6.22 mil, and yes, Grant Show will be back) each fell 13 percent.
10 pm
CSI: NY (12.16 mil) edged out Barbara Walters' non-dirty, non-sexy sit-down with the Obamas (11.65 mil). Law & Order was a distant third, with 6.26 mil.
There will be no ratings report for Thursday night. Many apologies to those who woke up this morning anxious to know if Click beat this week's second broadcast of A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.
8 pm/ET
ABC's coverage of the 2008 American Music Awards topped the hour, dominated Sunday's demos and averaged 12.2 million total viewers for the night (a gain of 380 versus last year). Coming in No. 2 at 8 was 24: Redemption, which delivered 12.04 million heads over its two-hour run. That marks an 18-percent improvement over the Fox series' Day 6 finale, but down 23 percent from that season's opener. NBC's coverage of the Colts-Chargers game was the evening's most-watched program, averaging 12.29 million viewers. Facing stiff competition, Amazing Race (10.1 mil) slowed down 19 percent week-to-week.
9 pm
Cold Case placed third behind the AMAs and football with 12.07 million viewers, on par with its previous audience.
10 pm
The Unit inched up 200K to claim No. 3 with an audience of 9.99 million.
Monday Ratings: Another Biggest Bang, and Heroes Bounces Back
8 pm/ET
Dancing with the Stars averaged 21.33 million total viewers, a 13 percent increase over last season's final competition night, but down 14 percent from November 2007's big dance-off. Placing second, CBS' Big Bang Theory hit a new all-time high (10.19 million), while How I Met Your Mother delivered a season-best 10.04 mil. Chuck dipped 180 to claim third with 6.62 mil, and Sarah Connor dropped 680 thousand (to 4.62 mil).
9 pm
Two and a Half Men (14.9 million viewers) dropped 300K from last week's season high, while lead-out Worst Week held steady at 10.35 mil. Winning the back half of the hour, Samantha Who? surged 810K to 11.93 mil. With an audience of 7.85 mil, Heroes enjoyed its first week-to-week increase (+260K) since Oct. 13. Prison Break (5.25 mil, down 11 percent) and One Tree Hill (2.21 mil, down 19 percent), despite combining to drop a plethora of bombshells, both took dives.
10 pm
CSI: Miami topped the hour with 14.15 million viewers, down eight percent from last week's mighty audience. Both Boston Legal (8.68 mil) and My Own Worst Enemy (4.25 mil) saw gains of 250K.
Tuesday Ratings: How Many Did House Hold Captive?
8 pm/ET
NCIS continued its super-strong season, delivering 18.16 million total viewers (up 160K week-to-week). Topping the hour in demos and placing second in viewers was House's hostage episode, which drew 12.5 mil. (What did you think of the "super-sized" 67-minute saga? Vote in our poll/discuss below.) A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (11.1 mil) was up eight percent year-over-year, while Biggest Loser (6.77 mil) shed 10 percent from last Tuesday.
9 pm
Dancing with the Stars' season-ender partnered with an audience of 20.58 million, a small increase over the May finale but down 17 percent from last November's. At 15.9 mil, The Mentalist was up a hair. Fringe (8.73 mil) fell 630K.
10 pm
Opposite DWTS' final moments, both Without a Trace (10.37 million viewers, down 12 percent) and SVU (8.55 mil, down 15 percent) took big hits.
Wednesday Ratings: Rosie's Special… Is Not So Special
8 pm/ET
Bones topped the hour with 9.76 million total viewers (down nine percent week-to-week). Placing second, Old Christine (7.6 mil) and Gary Unmarried (7.72 mil) each dipped about 500 thousand. Rosie O'Donnell's variety special — which by several accounts was disappointing/excruciating — drummed up just 5.04 mil, effectively giving Ro's arch rival, Barbara Walters, bragging rights for the night (see: 10 pm). It also goes to prove that little good ever came from trumpeting, "Ladies and gentleman, Gloria Estefan... and Rachael Ray!" Pushing Daisies dropped another eight percent, to hit 4.45 mil.
9 pm
Criminal Minds (14 million viewers) and Private Practice (6.22 mil, and yes, Grant Show will be back) each fell 13 percent.
10 pm
CSI: NY (12.16 mil) edged out Barbara Walters' non-dirty, non-sexy sit-down with the Obamas (11.65 mil). Law & Order was a distant third, with 6.26 mil.
There will be no ratings report for Thursday night. Many apologies to those who woke up this morning anxious to know if Click beat this week's second broadcast of A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.
Weezer Raids Vaults, Records Xmas Carols
On the heels of the release of the second volume of Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo's home recordings, the group is now taking a look back into its own vaults.
Cuomo tells Billboard he has "no idea" when the tentatively titled "Odds and Ends" will be released, but describes it as "just another fun project to do. They're great songs, but for some reason they didn't make the final cut for [a] record. They span a vast period of time from the very beginning of our career in the early '90s right up to the present day."
Meanwhile, Cuomo says Weezer may tour next spring with Oasis, and is hoping to enlist Spike Jonze to direct a video for the song "The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived" from its recent "The Red Album."
And while the next Weezer studio album appears to be a ways off, the group recently recorded six Christmas carols that will be downloadable for the iPhone game "Tap Tap Revenge," including "Oh Holy Night." Says Cuomo, "They're the classics."
In addition, Cuomo recently wrote a song with sibling pop duo Aly & AJ, although it's unclear when it may see the light of day. "It was such a blast to remember how teenagers approach songwriting," he says of the experience. "Their minds just work so fast and they have no fear and no ego."
Cuomo's "Alone II: The Home Recordings" was released earlier this week by DGC/Interscope. The first installment came out in December 2007.
Cuomo tells Billboard he has "no idea" when the tentatively titled "Odds and Ends" will be released, but describes it as "just another fun project to do. They're great songs, but for some reason they didn't make the final cut for [a] record. They span a vast period of time from the very beginning of our career in the early '90s right up to the present day."
Meanwhile, Cuomo says Weezer may tour next spring with Oasis, and is hoping to enlist Spike Jonze to direct a video for the song "The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived" from its recent "The Red Album."
And while the next Weezer studio album appears to be a ways off, the group recently recorded six Christmas carols that will be downloadable for the iPhone game "Tap Tap Revenge," including "Oh Holy Night." Says Cuomo, "They're the classics."
In addition, Cuomo recently wrote a song with sibling pop duo Aly & AJ, although it's unclear when it may see the light of day. "It was such a blast to remember how teenagers approach songwriting," he says of the experience. "Their minds just work so fast and they have no fear and no ego."
Cuomo's "Alone II: The Home Recordings" was released earlier this week by DGC/Interscope. The first installment came out in December 2007.
Buscemi and Macdonald Join HBO's Empire
Steve Buscemi is in talks to star in "Boardwalk Empire," Martin Scorsese's drama pilot for HBO, says The Hollywood Reporter.
Kelly Macdonald also is in talks for a co-starring role in the project.
Written by Terrence Winter and to be directed by Scorsese, "Empire" is based on Nelson Johnson's book, which chronicles the 1920s origins of Atlantic City, N.J.
Buscemi would play Nucky Johnson, a cunning businessman who runs a liquor distribution ring at the onset of Prohibition.
The Scotland-born Macdonald would play Margaret, a smart Irish immigrant who married the wrong man to get out of her parents' house.
"Empire" is executive produced by Scorsese, his "Departed" star Mark Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson and Winter.
Kelly Macdonald also is in talks for a co-starring role in the project.
Written by Terrence Winter and to be directed by Scorsese, "Empire" is based on Nelson Johnson's book, which chronicles the 1920s origins of Atlantic City, N.J.
Buscemi would play Nucky Johnson, a cunning businessman who runs a liquor distribution ring at the onset of Prohibition.
The Scotland-born Macdonald would play Margaret, a smart Irish immigrant who married the wrong man to get out of her parents' house.
"Empire" is executive produced by Scorsese, his "Departed" star Mark Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson and Winter.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmases
The ComingSoon.net Box Office Report has been updated with studio estimates for the five-day Thanksgiving weekend.
Moviegoers got in the spirit as New Line/Warner Bros.' new holiday comedy, Four Christmases, topped the box office with an estimated $46.7 million Wednesday through Sunday. Starring Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon, the film averaged $14,112 in 3,310 theaters and cost about $80 million to make. Robert Duvall, Jon Favreau, Mary Steenburgen, Dwight Yoakam, Tim McGraw, Kristin Chenoweth, Jon Voight and Sissy Spacek co-star in the Seth Gordon-directed movie.
Last weekend's champ, Summit Entertainment's Twilight dropped to second and earned $39.5 million over the extended holiday weekend, pushing its total to $119.7 million after just two weeks. Based on the Stephenie Meyer novel, the vampire love story cost just $37 million to make.
Walt Disney Pictures' animated comedy adventure Bolt remained in third place and added $36 million. The movie has reached $66.9 million after two weeks.
Sony/MGM's Quantum of Solace dropped two spots to fourth and collected $28.1 million domestically in its third weekend, for a total of $142.1 million. Internationally, the 22nd James Bond film again won the weekend with $20.1 million from 73 markets, raising its foreign gross to $340.1 million. It is $92 million away from overtaking 2006's Casino Royale ($432.1 million) as the biggest foreign grosser of the 007 series. Worldwide, the film has reached $368.2 million.
Rounding out the top five was Baz Luhrmann's new epic Australia, starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. The film has earned $20 million from 2,642 theaters since opening Wednesday, averaging $7,570 per site. 20th Century Fox's romantic action adventure was made for $130 million.
DreamWorks Animation's Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa earned an additional $19.6 million in its fourth weekend. Produced for about $150 million, the sequel is at $159.5 million.
Jason Statham's return as Frank Martin in Transporter 3 landed in the seventh spot with $18.5 million from 2,626 million. The Lionsgate action film averaged $7,045 per theater.
Universal Pictures' Role Models continued to do well, making another $7.8 million in its fourth weekend for a total of $57.9 million. The Seann William Scott and Paul Rudd comedy cost only $28 million to make.
Focus Features released Gus Van Sant's Milk, starring Sean Penn, in just 36 theaters where it brought in an impressive $1.9 million, or an average of $51,833 per location.
Moviegoers got in the spirit as New Line/Warner Bros.' new holiday comedy, Four Christmases, topped the box office with an estimated $46.7 million Wednesday through Sunday. Starring Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon, the film averaged $14,112 in 3,310 theaters and cost about $80 million to make. Robert Duvall, Jon Favreau, Mary Steenburgen, Dwight Yoakam, Tim McGraw, Kristin Chenoweth, Jon Voight and Sissy Spacek co-star in the Seth Gordon-directed movie.
Last weekend's champ, Summit Entertainment's Twilight dropped to second and earned $39.5 million over the extended holiday weekend, pushing its total to $119.7 million after just two weeks. Based on the Stephenie Meyer novel, the vampire love story cost just $37 million to make.
Walt Disney Pictures' animated comedy adventure Bolt remained in third place and added $36 million. The movie has reached $66.9 million after two weeks.
Sony/MGM's Quantum of Solace dropped two spots to fourth and collected $28.1 million domestically in its third weekend, for a total of $142.1 million. Internationally, the 22nd James Bond film again won the weekend with $20.1 million from 73 markets, raising its foreign gross to $340.1 million. It is $92 million away from overtaking 2006's Casino Royale ($432.1 million) as the biggest foreign grosser of the 007 series. Worldwide, the film has reached $368.2 million.
Rounding out the top five was Baz Luhrmann's new epic Australia, starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. The film has earned $20 million from 2,642 theaters since opening Wednesday, averaging $7,570 per site. 20th Century Fox's romantic action adventure was made for $130 million.
DreamWorks Animation's Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa earned an additional $19.6 million in its fourth weekend. Produced for about $150 million, the sequel is at $159.5 million.
Jason Statham's return as Frank Martin in Transporter 3 landed in the seventh spot with $18.5 million from 2,626 million. The Lionsgate action film averaged $7,045 per theater.
Universal Pictures' Role Models continued to do well, making another $7.8 million in its fourth weekend for a total of $57.9 million. The Seann William Scott and Paul Rudd comedy cost only $28 million to make.
Focus Features released Gus Van Sant's Milk, starring Sean Penn, in just 36 theaters where it brought in an impressive $1.9 million, or an average of $51,833 per location.
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