http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=51568
http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=51575
This is looking really good. Michael Bay is sure to top himself with the sequel to the 2007 summer blockbuster.
"Autobots, transform and roll out!" - Optimus Prime (Peter Cullen)
P.S.
Believe it or not, Peter Cullen also does the voice of Eeyore from Winnie-the-Pooh. Unbelievable but true!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
Eartha Kitt dies at 81
From tvguide.com:
"Eartha Kitt, an actress well known for her turn as TV's Catwoman and a singer whose choral calling cards included the sultry and seasonal 'Santa Baby,' died on Thursday of colon cancer, says a family spokesperson. She was 81.
Kitt's career spanned six decades, during which time she won two Emmys (for her voice work in The Emperor's New School, a small-screen adaptation of the animated feature The Emperor's New Groove) and collected several Tony and Grammy nominations.
Kitt began her career in 1946 as one of the Sans-Souci Singers in Katherine Dunham's Broadway production Bal Negre. That performance drew the appreciation of Orson Welles, who cast Kitt in his Paris staging of Faust — and later dubbed the exotic beauty the 'most exciting woman in the world.'
Kitt's debut album was released in 1954 and featured such songs as 'I Want to Be Evil' and 'Santa Baby.' Her first lead film role came in 1958, starring opposite Nat King Cole in St. Louis Blues.
On television, Kitt of course made a purrrrfect fit as Catwoman on the late-1960s Batman series, replacing Lee Meriwether (who originated the role in a TV-movie). A 1965 guest appearance on I Spy netted Kitt an Emmy nomination.
As an author, she penned three autobiographies as well as Rejuvenate, a 2001 guide to staying physically fit.
In her personal life, Kitt was famously outspoken. After condemning the Vietnam war at a White House luncheon hosted by Lady Bird Johnson, she was investigated by the FBI and CIA, and found herself performing almost exclusively overseas.
Kitt's most recent performances included providing the voice of Yzma in the 2000 Disney release The Emperor's New Groove and a 2003 Broadway revival of Nine (where she replaced Chita Rivera)."
She will be remembered to me as Yzma from The Emperor's New Groove, Kronk's New Groove and The Emperor's New School.
"Eartha Kitt, an actress well known for her turn as TV's Catwoman and a singer whose choral calling cards included the sultry and seasonal 'Santa Baby,' died on Thursday of colon cancer, says a family spokesperson. She was 81.
Kitt's career spanned six decades, during which time she won two Emmys (for her voice work in The Emperor's New School, a small-screen adaptation of the animated feature The Emperor's New Groove) and collected several Tony and Grammy nominations.
Kitt began her career in 1946 as one of the Sans-Souci Singers in Katherine Dunham's Broadway production Bal Negre. That performance drew the appreciation of Orson Welles, who cast Kitt in his Paris staging of Faust — and later dubbed the exotic beauty the 'most exciting woman in the world.'
Kitt's debut album was released in 1954 and featured such songs as 'I Want to Be Evil' and 'Santa Baby.' Her first lead film role came in 1958, starring opposite Nat King Cole in St. Louis Blues.
On television, Kitt of course made a purrrrfect fit as Catwoman on the late-1960s Batman series, replacing Lee Meriwether (who originated the role in a TV-movie). A 1965 guest appearance on I Spy netted Kitt an Emmy nomination.
As an author, she penned three autobiographies as well as Rejuvenate, a 2001 guide to staying physically fit.
In her personal life, Kitt was famously outspoken. After condemning the Vietnam war at a White House luncheon hosted by Lady Bird Johnson, she was investigated by the FBI and CIA, and found herself performing almost exclusively overseas.
Kitt's most recent performances included providing the voice of Yzma in the 2000 Disney release The Emperor's New Groove and a 2003 Broadway revival of Nine (where she replaced Chita Rivera)."
She will be remembered to me as Yzma from The Emperor's New Groove, Kronk's New Groove and The Emperor's New School.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
CHRISTMAS DAY OPENINGS
Bedtime Stories
Adam Sandler (Skeeter Bronson), Keri Russell (Jill), Guy Pierce (Kendall), Russell Brand (Mickey), Lucy Lawless (Aspen), Courtney Cox (Wendy); Directed by Adam Shankman
A hotel handyman's life changes when the lavish bedtime stories he tells his niece and nephew start to magically come true.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Brad Pitt (Benjamin Button), Cate Blanchett (Daisy); Directed by David Fincher
In the WWI era of New Orleans, a man is born elderly and proceeds to age backwards.
Marley & Me
Owen Wilson (John Grogan), Jennifer Aniston (Jenny Grogan); Directed by David Frankel
A family learns important life lessons from their adorable, but naughty and neurotic dog.
The Spirit
Gabriel Macht (Denny Colt/The Spirit), Samuel L. Jackson (The Octopus), Scarlett Johannson (Silken Floss), Eva Mendes (Sand Sarif); Directed by Frank Miller
Rookie cop Denny Colt returns from the beyond as The Spirit, a hero whose mission is to fight against the bad forces in Central City.
Valkyrie
Tom Cruise (Colonel Claus Philipp Maria Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg); Directed by Bryan Singer
Based on actual events, a plot to assassinate Hitler is unfurled during the height of WWII.
UPDATE: In a shocker (to me at least), Marley & Me opened #1 at the Box Office this weekend. The Spirit, on the other hand, bombed hard opening at #9. Previous #1 Yes Man dropped to #4 and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (an Oscar contender) opened at #3. And finally, the Adam Sandler comedy Bedtime Stories opened at #2 (which bothered me since it's Adam Sandler + Disney = family comedy).
Who Watches the Watchmen? Fox apparently.
From nytimes.com:
“LOS ANGELES — In a surprise ruling, a federal judge in Los Angeles said he intended to grant 20th Century Fox’s claim that it owns a copyright interest in the Watchmen, a movie shot by Warner Brothers and Legendary Pictures and set for release in March.
The decision was disclosed in a five-page written order issued on Wednesday. Gary A. Feess, a judge in the United States District Court for Central California, said he would provide a more detailed order soon.
Fox has been seeking to prevent Warner from releasing the film. The superhero adventure, based on the ‘Watchmen’ graphic novel, is being directed by Zack Snyder (who also directed 300) and has shaped up as one of most eagerly anticipated releases for next year.
At an earlier hearing, the judge said he believed that issues in the case could be settled only at a trial, which was scheduled for late January. On Wednesday, however, Judge Feess said he had reconsidered and concluded that Fox should prevail on crucial issues.
‘Fox owns a copyright interest consisting of, at the very least, the right to distribute the Watchmen motion picture,’ the ruling said.
Fox acquired rights to the ‘Watchmen’ graphic novel in the late 1980s for the producer Lawrence Gordon, but eventually dropped its own plan to make a movie from its story, about the underside of life for superbeings.
Mr. Gordon later pursued the project with Universal Pictures, and then with Paramount Pictures, before shooting it with Warner and Legendary under an arrangement that allows Paramount to distribute the film abroad.
In ruling on Wednesday, Judge Feess advised both Fox and Warner to look toward a settlement or an appeal.”
Huh. Last time I checked:
"Watchmen" graphic novel = DC Comics
DC Comics = Warner Bros.
Apparently now, some California judge says:
"Watchmen" graphic novel = DC Comics
DC Comics = 20th Century Fox + Warnerz teh suck biznatch!
UPDATE: Yay Fox for screwing with the fans and not getting into a settlement with Warner Bros. and throwing the March 6th date into doubt.
For more info on this recent development:
http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=51577
UPDATE 2: Maybe Fox got the fear of... Rorshach in them because ComingSoon reports that Watchman release date talks are "productive". Don't make us have to go after Wolverine, FOX! Cause we will...if we have to.
For more info on this recent development:
http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=51840
UPDATE 3: Maybe they've finally put things together.
For more info on this recent development:
http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=51975
“LOS ANGELES — In a surprise ruling, a federal judge in Los Angeles said he intended to grant 20th Century Fox’s claim that it owns a copyright interest in the Watchmen, a movie shot by Warner Brothers and Legendary Pictures and set for release in March.
The decision was disclosed in a five-page written order issued on Wednesday. Gary A. Feess, a judge in the United States District Court for Central California, said he would provide a more detailed order soon.
Fox has been seeking to prevent Warner from releasing the film. The superhero adventure, based on the ‘Watchmen’ graphic novel, is being directed by Zack Snyder (who also directed 300) and has shaped up as one of most eagerly anticipated releases for next year.
At an earlier hearing, the judge said he believed that issues in the case could be settled only at a trial, which was scheduled for late January. On Wednesday, however, Judge Feess said he had reconsidered and concluded that Fox should prevail on crucial issues.
‘Fox owns a copyright interest consisting of, at the very least, the right to distribute the Watchmen motion picture,’ the ruling said.
Fox acquired rights to the ‘Watchmen’ graphic novel in the late 1980s for the producer Lawrence Gordon, but eventually dropped its own plan to make a movie from its story, about the underside of life for superbeings.
Mr. Gordon later pursued the project with Universal Pictures, and then with Paramount Pictures, before shooting it with Warner and Legendary under an arrangement that allows Paramount to distribute the film abroad.
In ruling on Wednesday, Judge Feess advised both Fox and Warner to look toward a settlement or an appeal.”
Huh. Last time I checked:
"Watchmen" graphic novel = DC Comics
DC Comics = Warner Bros.
Apparently now, some California judge says:
"Watchmen" graphic novel = DC Comics
DC Comics = 20th Century Fox + Warnerz teh suck biznatch!
UPDATE: Yay Fox for screwing with the fans and not getting into a settlement with Warner Bros. and throwing the March 6th date into doubt.
For more info on this recent development:
http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=51577
UPDATE 2: Maybe Fox got the fear of... Rorshach in them because ComingSoon reports that Watchman release date talks are "productive". Don't make us have to go after Wolverine, FOX! Cause we will...if we have to.
For more info on this recent development:
http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=51840
UPDATE 3: Maybe they've finally put things together.
For more info on this recent development:
http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=51975
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Bruce Boxleitner Returning for TRON 2.0
From ComingSoon.net:
"Bruce Boxleitner, who played Alan Bradley and the title character in Walt Disney Pictures' 1982 film TRON, is currently filming a role for the studio's upcoming TRON 2.0. He joins fellow original cast member Jeff Bridges and newcomers Olivia Wilde and Beau Garrett in the anticipated action-adventure.
In the original, hacker/arcade owner Kevin Flynn (Bridges) is digitally broken down into a data stream by a villainous software pirate known as the Master Control Program (MCP) and reconstituted into the internal, 3-D graphical world of computers. It is there, in the ultimate blazingly colorful, geometrically intense landscapes of cyberspace, that Flynn joins forces with Tron (Boxleitner) to outmaneuver the MCP that holds them captive in the equivalent of a gigantic, infinitely challenging computer game.
Though plot details are being kept under wraps, it is know that the new movie will act as the 'next chapter'. Wilde will play a worker in the virtual world who tries to help fight Master Control Program, while Garrett will play a siren in the virtual world."
"Bruce Boxleitner, who played Alan Bradley and the title character in Walt Disney Pictures' 1982 film TRON, is currently filming a role for the studio's upcoming TRON 2.0. He joins fellow original cast member Jeff Bridges and newcomers Olivia Wilde and Beau Garrett in the anticipated action-adventure.
In the original, hacker/arcade owner Kevin Flynn (Bridges) is digitally broken down into a data stream by a villainous software pirate known as the Master Control Program (MCP) and reconstituted into the internal, 3-D graphical world of computers. It is there, in the ultimate blazingly colorful, geometrically intense landscapes of cyberspace, that Flynn joins forces with Tron (Boxleitner) to outmaneuver the MCP that holds them captive in the equivalent of a gigantic, infinitely challenging computer game.
Though plot details are being kept under wraps, it is know that the new movie will act as the 'next chapter'. Wilde will play a worker in the virtual world who tries to help fight Master Control Program, while Garrett will play a siren in the virtual world."
NO NEW NARNIA MOVIE!!
From ComingSoon.net:
Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media have confirmed that for budgetary and logistical reasons the Burbank-based studio is not exercising its option to co-produce and co-finance The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader with Walden. The Hollywood Reporter says the third installment was in preproduction and set for a spring shoot for a planned May 2010 release. The development puts the participation of the talent attached in doubt, adds the trade. Michael Apted was on board to direct a script by Steven Knight. The key players of the second installment, Prince Caspian -- Ben Barnes, Georgie Henley, William Moseley and Anna Popplewell -- were to return for the third film. Walden has a strong relationship with the C.S. Lewis estate and will shop Treader in hopes of finding a new partner. The most likely candidate at this stage is Fox, which markets and distributes Walden fare under the Fox Walden banner. Any partnership on a "Narnia" movie will require a substantial investment, however. Caspian, which filmed in the Czech Republic, Mexico and New Zealand, cost $200 million. The first film, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, was shot mostly in New Zealand for $180 million.
Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media have confirmed that for budgetary and logistical reasons the Burbank-based studio is not exercising its option to co-produce and co-finance The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader with Walden. The Hollywood Reporter says the third installment was in preproduction and set for a spring shoot for a planned May 2010 release. The development puts the participation of the talent attached in doubt, adds the trade. Michael Apted was on board to direct a script by Steven Knight. The key players of the second installment, Prince Caspian -- Ben Barnes, Georgie Henley, William Moseley and Anna Popplewell -- were to return for the third film. Walden has a strong relationship with the C.S. Lewis estate and will shop Treader in hopes of finding a new partner. The most likely candidate at this stage is Fox, which markets and distributes Walden fare under the Fox Walden banner. Any partnership on a "Narnia" movie will require a substantial investment, however. Caspian, which filmed in the Czech Republic, Mexico and New Zealand, cost $200 million. The first film, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, was shot mostly in New Zealand for $180 million.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
New MONSTERS VS. ALIENS Trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQyewrJYuzw
This is, probably, going to be the best DreamWorks Animations film since Madagascar and before that Shrek (which recently opened a Broadway musical. Go figure.).
The story, according to Wikipedia:
"When California resident Susan Murphy mysteriously grows to 49 ft 11 in, on her wedding day, she is labelled a monster and taken in by the military to a institution housing other monsters, such as Dr. Cockroach, Ph.D., an insect-headed mad scientist, the Missing Link, a thousands-of-years-old fish-man, B.O.B., an indestructible gelatinous mass and Insectosaurus, a fuzzy bug that makes even Susan look tiny by comparison. When a UFO lands and aliens demand that Earth be given to them, General W.R. Monger suggests to the President that the monsters can provide the firepower to defeat the aliens."
The all-star cast includes -
Reese Witherspoon as Susan Murphy / Ginormica
Paul Rudd as Derek
Hugh Laurie as Dr. Cockroach, Ph.D.
Will Arnett as The Missing Link
Seth Rogen as B.O.B.
Kiefer Sutherland as Gen. W.R. Monger
Stephen Colbert as The President of the United States
Rainn Wilson as Gallaxhar
This is, probably, going to be the best DreamWorks Animations film since Madagascar and before that Shrek (which recently opened a Broadway musical. Go figure.).
The story, according to Wikipedia:
"When California resident Susan Murphy mysteriously grows to 49 ft 11 in, on her wedding day, she is labelled a monster and taken in by the military to a institution housing other monsters, such as Dr. Cockroach, Ph.D., an insect-headed mad scientist, the Missing Link, a thousands-of-years-old fish-man, B.O.B., an indestructible gelatinous mass and Insectosaurus, a fuzzy bug that makes even Susan look tiny by comparison. When a UFO lands and aliens demand that Earth be given to them, General W.R. Monger suggests to the President that the monsters can provide the firepower to defeat the aliens."
The all-star cast includes -
Reese Witherspoon as Susan Murphy / Ginormica
Paul Rudd as Derek
Hugh Laurie as Dr. Cockroach, Ph.D.
Will Arnett as The Missing Link
Seth Rogen as B.O.B.
Kiefer Sutherland as Gen. W.R. Monger
Stephen Colbert as The President of the United States
Rainn Wilson as Gallaxhar
Beckinsale to play Catwoman?
From IMDB.com:
"British actress Kate Beckinsale would love to play Catwoman in the next Batman movie - because she is determined to take on more action roles. Speculation has been growing in recent months over which actress will take on the role of the villainess in a follow-up to this year's The Dark Knight, with internet gossips suggesting that Angelina Jolie is the main contender for the part. But Beckinsale is adamant that if she was offered the chance to star opposite Christian Bale in a new film about the Caped Crusader, she would definitely agree. She tells MTV.com, 'Absolutely, that would be awesome. I'd love to do that.' And Beckinsale adds that she is keen to add to her action movie portfolio, because starring in the Underworld vampire movie franchise gave her the confidence to tackle more physical films. She adds, 'One of the things I've done wrong with my career is not have a massive game plan for it. I was very surprised to ever find myself even considered for an action movie. I'm like the literary, academic geek who's not very good at sports, so it was amazingly shocking that anyone would ever do that. I like to be surprised.'"
Now I remember the false casting choices and that hardly anyone has been cast for TDK 2 save for Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox but this is one casting choice I could actually see happen. Let's keep our fingers crossed.
"British actress Kate Beckinsale would love to play Catwoman in the next Batman movie - because she is determined to take on more action roles. Speculation has been growing in recent months over which actress will take on the role of the villainess in a follow-up to this year's The Dark Knight, with internet gossips suggesting that Angelina Jolie is the main contender for the part. But Beckinsale is adamant that if she was offered the chance to star opposite Christian Bale in a new film about the Caped Crusader, she would definitely agree. She tells MTV.com, 'Absolutely, that would be awesome. I'd love to do that.' And Beckinsale adds that she is keen to add to her action movie portfolio, because starring in the Underworld vampire movie franchise gave her the confidence to tackle more physical films. She adds, 'One of the things I've done wrong with my career is not have a massive game plan for it. I was very surprised to ever find myself even considered for an action movie. I'm like the literary, academic geek who's not very good at sports, so it was amazingly shocking that anyone would ever do that. I like to be surprised.'"
Now I remember the false casting choices and that hardly anyone has been cast for TDK 2 save for Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox but this is one casting choice I could actually see happen. Let's keep our fingers crossed.
G-FORCE is go.
From IMDB.com:
"A specially trained squad of guinea pigs is dispatched to stop a diabolical billionaire from taking over the world."
From ComingSoon.net:
"Armed with the latest high-tech spy equipment, these highly trained guinea pigs discover that the fate of the world is in their paws. Tapped for the G-Force are guinea pigs Darwin (voice of Sam Rockwell), the squad leader determined to succeed at all costs; Blaster (voice of Tracey Morgan), an outrageous weapons expert with tons of attitude and a love for all things extreme; and Juarez (voice of Penelope Cruz), a sexy martial arts pro; plus the literal fly-on-the-wall reconnaissance expert, Mooch, and a star-nosed mole, Speckles (voice of Nicolas Cage), the computer and information specialist."
http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=51499
Now, honestly, I did think that Beverly Hills Chihuahua was going to bomb badly. As I thought that Alvin and the Chipmunks would fail. It just goes to show that I can't stick two feet in my mouth.
"A specially trained squad of guinea pigs is dispatched to stop a diabolical billionaire from taking over the world."
From ComingSoon.net:
"Armed with the latest high-tech spy equipment, these highly trained guinea pigs discover that the fate of the world is in their paws. Tapped for the G-Force are guinea pigs Darwin (voice of Sam Rockwell), the squad leader determined to succeed at all costs; Blaster (voice of Tracey Morgan), an outrageous weapons expert with tons of attitude and a love for all things extreme; and Juarez (voice of Penelope Cruz), a sexy martial arts pro; plus the literal fly-on-the-wall reconnaissance expert, Mooch, and a star-nosed mole, Speckles (voice of Nicolas Cage), the computer and information specialist."
http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=51499
Now, honestly, I did think that Beverly Hills Chihuahua was going to bomb badly. As I thought that Alvin and the Chipmunks would fail. It just goes to show that I can't stick two feet in my mouth.
STAR TREK is ready for beam out.
From ComingSoon.net:
"Star Trek director J.J. Abrams says that they are nearing the finish line for the anticipated movie, opening in theaters and IMAX on May 8. He wrote the following on Facebook:
We're just making final tweaks to the movie -- we should be totally locked next week. Then we're going to flash-freeze it so it's totally fresh for you in May. I can't wait for you to see the movie. The cast is awesome. The action and effects pushed the stunt team and ILM beyond their limits. I'm so grateful to this cast and crew -- and to all of you for your interest and patience. We'll continue to update this page with new info and exclusives, so check back when you think of it. In the meantime, have a happy, healthy, fun holiday! From the last days of the sound mix,
JJ"
I just hope that he puts a "In Memory of" for Randy Pausch and Majel Barrett-Roddenberry
"Star Trek director J.J. Abrams says that they are nearing the finish line for the anticipated movie, opening in theaters and IMAX on May 8. He wrote the following on Facebook:
We're just making final tweaks to the movie -- we should be totally locked next week. Then we're going to flash-freeze it so it's totally fresh for you in May. I can't wait for you to see the movie. The cast is awesome. The action and effects pushed the stunt team and ILM beyond their limits. I'm so grateful to this cast and crew -- and to all of you for your interest and patience. We'll continue to update this page with new info and exclusives, so check back when you think of it. In the meantime, have a happy, healthy, fun holiday! From the last days of the sound mix,
JJ"
I just hope that he puts a "In Memory of" for Randy Pausch and Majel Barrett-Roddenberry
Monday, December 22, 2008
New LAND OF THE LOST and PUSH posters
http://www.cinematical.com/photos/land-of-the-lost-teaser-poster/1239571/
Land of the Lost is a film remake of a '70s show about a forest ranger (Will Ferrell) along with his two children inadvertently stumble into a mysterious land populated by dinosaurs and other creatures, including the mysterious and dangerous race of Sleestak.
http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=51476
Push is an action packed sci-fi thriller involving a group of young American ex-pats (among them, Fantastic Four's Johnny Storm himself, Chris Evans and Charlotte's Web and upcoming Coraline star Dakota Fanning) with telekinetic and clairvoyant abilities, hiding from a clandestine U.S. government agency.
Land of the Lost is a film remake of a '70s show about a forest ranger (Will Ferrell) along with his two children inadvertently stumble into a mysterious land populated by dinosaurs and other creatures, including the mysterious and dangerous race of Sleestak.
http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=51476
Push is an action packed sci-fi thriller involving a group of young American ex-pats (among them, Fantastic Four's Johnny Storm himself, Chris Evans and Charlotte's Web and upcoming Coraline star Dakota Fanning) with telekinetic and clairvoyant abilities, hiding from a clandestine U.S. government agency.
The Director of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD has passed.
From IMDB.com:
"To Kill A Mockingbird director Robert Mulligan has died at the age of 83. The moviemaker, who received an Oscar nomination for helming the 1962 drama, passed away at his Connecticut home on Friday after suffering a heart attack. Mulligan began his career working on live TV in New York in the early 1950s before graduating to movies in 1957 with Fear Strikes Out, the story of baseball pitcher Jimmy Piersall. He went on to direct over 20 pictures including 1978's Bloodbrothers and 1991's The Man in the Moon, the film debut of Hollywood actress Reese Witherspoon."
"To Kill A Mockingbird director Robert Mulligan has died at the age of 83. The moviemaker, who received an Oscar nomination for helming the 1962 drama, passed away at his Connecticut home on Friday after suffering a heart attack. Mulligan began his career working on live TV in New York in the early 1950s before graduating to movies in 1957 with Fear Strikes Out, the story of baseball pitcher Jimmy Piersall. He went on to direct over 20 pictures including 1978's Bloodbrothers and 1991's The Man in the Moon, the film debut of Hollywood actress Reese Witherspoon."
Saturday, December 20, 2008
NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: BATTLE OF THE SMITHSONIAN Teaser Trailer!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGf3AfrXBdE
From ComingSoon.net:
"It's a new 'Night' and 'Museum' for Ben Stiller, who is joined by several other stars from the original film, as well as new characters from history -- including Amy Adams as famed aviatrix Amelia Earhart, Hank Azaria as villainous Egyptian pharaoh Ka Mun Rah, Christopher Guest as Russian tyrant Ivan the Terrible and Alain Chabat as Napoleon. Owen Wilson is back as cowboy Jedediah, and Robin Williams again rides into history as Teddy Roosevelt. The centerpiece of the film will be bringing to life the Smithsonian Institution, which houses the world's largest museum complex with more than 136 million items in its collections."
From ComingSoon.net:
"It's a new 'Night' and 'Museum' for Ben Stiller, who is joined by several other stars from the original film, as well as new characters from history -- including Amy Adams as famed aviatrix Amelia Earhart, Hank Azaria as villainous Egyptian pharaoh Ka Mun Rah, Christopher Guest as Russian tyrant Ivan the Terrible and Alain Chabat as Napoleon. Owen Wilson is back as cowboy Jedediah, and Robin Williams again rides into history as Teddy Roosevelt. The centerpiece of the film will be bringing to life the Smithsonian Institution, which houses the world's largest museum complex with more than 136 million items in its collections."
Friday, December 19, 2008
THE GREEN HORNET director steps down
Stephen Chow, the guy from KUNG FU HUSTLE, has resigned as director of The Green Hornet but will stay on as Kato, the Green Hornet's martial-arts assistant.
The Green Hornet himself will be played by comedian Seth Rogen, who also co-wrote the film.
The film is, of course, based on the pulp hero - a newspaper publisher by day who by night goes out in his masked "Green Hornet" identity to fight crime as a vigilante, accompanied by his similarly masked Asian assistant Kato and driving a car, equipped with advanced technology, called "the Black Beauty".
The film will be released July 2, 2010.
IGN reports:
"The tone of the film will be a 'very intense action movie' but also focus on the humorous nature of the relationship between Kato and the titular central character."
The Green Hornet himself will be played by comedian Seth Rogen, who also co-wrote the film.
The film is, of course, based on the pulp hero - a newspaper publisher by day who by night goes out in his masked "Green Hornet" identity to fight crime as a vigilante, accompanied by his similarly masked Asian assistant Kato and driving a car, equipped with advanced technology, called "the Black Beauty".
The film will be released July 2, 2010.
IGN reports:
"The tone of the film will be a 'very intense action movie' but also focus on the humorous nature of the relationship between Kato and the titular central character."
Frank Miller reinvents BUCK ROGERS
From ComingSoon.net:
"Frank Miller and Odd Lot Entertainment, the creator and production company behind upcoming The Spirit are close to teaming again on the classic sci-fi property Buck Rogers."
Who knows? If Spirit does well, why wouldn't he tackle a famous pop-culture icon like "Buck Rogers".
More from ComingSoon.net:
"Miller will write and direct his own big-screen take on the comic serial; while the creator has only begun to sketch ideas, it's expected to be a darker take, with many of Miller's signature visual elements and themes, such as corruption and redemption."
Let's not forget that it was serials like Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon that inspired George Lucas to create Star Wars.
MORE from ComingSoon.net:
"One of the first pop-culture vehicles to tackle the issue of space exploration, the story of Buck Rogers began life as a comic serial in the late 1920's and early '30's and has seen numerous film and television versions over the years."
For more information on the pop culture hero:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buck_Rogers
UPDATE:
It seems like the failure of The Spirit has finally caught up with Frank Miller. Variety reports that Miller has left the project. Whether Buck Rogers will roam space ever again on the silver screen is anybody's guess.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Majel Barrett-Roddenberry has died.
Majel Barrett-Roddenberry, the widow of "Star Trek" creator Gene Roddenberry, died today of leukemia at her home in Bel-Air at the age of 76. She went peacefully and was surrounded by her son Eugene “Rod” Roddenberry Jr and family friends.
Majel Barrett has appeared in every incarnation of the popular science fiction series and is sometimes referred to as “the First Lady of Star Trek”. In addition to appearing on screen in various different capacities, Majel also provided the voice of starship onboard computers for The Original Series, The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, Enterprise, most of the Star Trek films and computer games. Majel recently completed voice work for JJ Abrams' Star Trek, reprising her role as the voice of the Starship Enterprise computer.
Another person who died this year and will cameo in Star Trek is Randy Pausch, a college professor who created the Last Lecture. I highly recommend the book that he wrote, also titled The Last Lecture. It even has a chapter dedicated to Star Trek and William Shatner.
Majel Barrett has appeared in every incarnation of the popular science fiction series and is sometimes referred to as “the First Lady of Star Trek”. In addition to appearing on screen in various different capacities, Majel also provided the voice of starship onboard computers for The Original Series, The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, Enterprise, most of the Star Trek films and computer games. Majel recently completed voice work for JJ Abrams' Star Trek, reprising her role as the voice of the Starship Enterprise computer.
Another person who died this year and will cameo in Star Trek is Randy Pausch, a college professor who created the Last Lecture. I highly recommend the book that he wrote, also titled The Last Lecture. It even has a chapter dedicated to Star Trek and William Shatner.
WALT DISNEY PICTURES 2009 Preview
This year, Disney's prospects don't look too bad.
Race to Witch Mountain -- (March 13)
Dwayne Johnson (Jack Bruno), AnnaSophia Robb (Tia), Alexander Ludwig (Tony), Carla Gugino; Directed by Andy Finkman
A Las Vegas cab driver and a discredited astrophysicist attempt to rescue two paranormal siblings from the hands of a villainous man.
---
I never did see the original movies, but I did see the 1990s remake with Robert Vaughn as the villain. This looks to be a major improvement.
---
Up -- (May 29th)
An animated film by Disney/Pixar
Voices of: Ed Asner (Carl Frederickson), Jordan Nagai (Russell)
By tying thousands of balloon to his home, 78-year-old Carl Fredricksen sets out to fulfill his lifelong dream to see the wilds of South America, however, he learns he isn’t alone on his journey, since Russell, a wilderness explorer 70 years his junior, has inadvertently become a stowaway on the trip.
---
This looks to be the first all-people movie for Pixar since 2004's The Incredibles which used to be my all-time favorite Pixar movie (there really isn't a Pixar movie which isn't a favorite of mine) until this year's Wall-E. I'm just wondering if kids will respond to their main character being a really old guy voiced by Elf's Santa Claus.
---
When in Rome - - (September 18th)
Kristen Bell (Beth Harper), Josh Duhamel (Nick Beamon); Directed by Mark Steven Johnson
In New York City, a young art curator finds herself aggressively pursued by a band of wannabe lovers after she steals coins from a Roman fountain.
---
All I'm wondering, why is the guy who directed Daredevil and Ghost Rider doing a Disney romance-comedy? Casting looks great, plot looks great. Do as the Romans do!
---
A Christmas Carol - - (November 6th)
Perfomance Capture Film
Voices of: Jim Carrey (Ebenezer Scrooge), Richard E. Grant (Ghost of Christmas Past), John Cleese (Ghost of Christmas Present), Alan Rickman (Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come), Gary Oldman (Jacob Marley), William H. Macy (Bob Cratchit), Colin Firth (Fred), Bob Hoskins (Mr. Fezziwig), Robin Wright Penn (Mrs. Cratchit); Based on the story by Charles Dickens; Directed by Robert Zemeckis
An old and bitter miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, undergoes a profound experience of redemption over the course of one night with the help of three Christmas ghosts.
---
Jim Carrey as Scrooge? Directed by Robert Zemeckis?? I'm sold instantly! I'm only saddened that Michael J. Fox won't play Tiny Tim and Christopher Lloyd won't play Jacob Marley. Note that Jim Carrey performs all versions of Scrooge and the ghosts although the ghosts will be voiced by different actors.
---
Sonnenfeld Will Again be Saving the World
From ComingSoon.net -
"Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures has attached Barry Sonnenfeld (Men in Black, Get Shorty, "Pushing Daises") to direct and produce the action comedy The How-To Guide for Saving the World, from writer BenDavid Grabinski.
Sonnenfeld on The How-To Guide for Saving the World, 'One of the first things I read when I joined the manly William Morris Agency was BenDavid Grabinski's script. I loved the writing, and the concept: what would happen if one afternoon, the secret group that protects Earth from alien invaders was wiped out? Fortunately, they left behind an instruction manual for saving Earth. Unfortunately, a non-action-hero guy not unlike me, in terms of manliness, and a woman who s him, find the book, and have to save the planet from an impending attack.'"
I know that it sounds a lot like The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy but give Sonnenfeld credit. He directed the Men in Black movies for crying out loud! Besides, I love the stories of average-Joes who save the world. Look where Indiana Jones came from.
"Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures has attached Barry Sonnenfeld (Men in Black, Get Shorty, "Pushing Daises") to direct and produce the action comedy The How-To Guide for Saving the World, from writer BenDavid Grabinski.
Sonnenfeld on The How-To Guide for Saving the World, 'One of the first things I read when I joined the manly William Morris Agency was BenDavid Grabinski's script. I loved the writing, and the concept: what would happen if one afternoon, the secret group that protects Earth from alien invaders was wiped out? Fortunately, they left behind an instruction manual for saving Earth. Unfortunately, a non-action-hero guy not unlike me, in terms of manliness, and a woman who s him, find the book, and have to save the planet from an impending attack.'"
I know that it sounds a lot like The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy but give Sonnenfeld credit. He directed the Men in Black movies for crying out loud! Besides, I love the stories of average-Joes who save the world. Look where Indiana Jones came from.
THE DARK KNIGHT 2 FALSE RUMORS
Now, I love The Dark Knight. The best Batman movie ever made. If you're going to make a sequel to the highest-grossing film of 2008, why screw it up one with this list of "potential" actors:
EDDIE MURPHY as THE RIDDLER - OH. GOD. NO. Jim Carrey was fine as the Riddler but this is ridiculous. Murphy is a talented actor, I'll admit, but he DOES NOT fit into the Nolan universe if he wants to make the movies as real as possible. But, on the other hand, look at his recent - Meet Dave, Norbit, and of course can anyone forget The Adventures of Pluto Nash? If you want good Murphy comedy, watch The Nutty Professor and its less than savory sequel Nutty Professor II: The Klumps. If you want good Murphy drama, watch Dreamgirls. Let's hope he redeems himself with Beverly Hills Cop IV.
SHIA LABEOUF as ROBIN - Honestly, I have no bad things to say about Mr. LaBeouf. I have admired him from Even Stevens to Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. However, this "casting" would never happen because Nolan has stated that the timeline of Batman Begins and TDK are set when Robin is in a crib somewhere. That and it's too similar to Crystal Skull when he was revealed as Indiana's son.
RACHEL WEISZ as CATWOMAN - If you paid attention to Lucius Fox's dialogue in TDK, "[Batman's armor] should do fine against cats," is a sly reference to Catwoman. This casting actually doesn't look that bad. Why not? At least she's not Cher.
Thank God these are merely rumors and that a TDK 2 will be on the up and up and darker than ever.
UPDATE: Good news - Morgan Freeman will reprise his role of Lucius Fox in TDK 2. Looks like its a good thing that the spy machine that Batman made for him exploded because if you remember, "As long as this machine is at Wayne Enterprises, I won't be."
UPDATE 2: IMDB.com says the film's tentative title is Gotham. Huh. Can't really say anything about it.
EDDIE MURPHY as THE RIDDLER - OH. GOD. NO. Jim Carrey was fine as the Riddler but this is ridiculous. Murphy is a talented actor, I'll admit, but he DOES NOT fit into the Nolan universe if he wants to make the movies as real as possible. But, on the other hand, look at his recent - Meet Dave, Norbit, and of course can anyone forget The Adventures of Pluto Nash? If you want good Murphy comedy, watch The Nutty Professor and its less than savory sequel Nutty Professor II: The Klumps. If you want good Murphy drama, watch Dreamgirls. Let's hope he redeems himself with Beverly Hills Cop IV.
SHIA LABEOUF as ROBIN - Honestly, I have no bad things to say about Mr. LaBeouf. I have admired him from Even Stevens to Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. However, this "casting" would never happen because Nolan has stated that the timeline of Batman Begins and TDK are set when Robin is in a crib somewhere. That and it's too similar to Crystal Skull when he was revealed as Indiana's son.
RACHEL WEISZ as CATWOMAN - If you paid attention to Lucius Fox's dialogue in TDK, "[Batman's armor] should do fine against cats," is a sly reference to Catwoman. This casting actually doesn't look that bad. Why not? At least she's not Cher.
Thank God these are merely rumors and that a TDK 2 will be on the up and up and darker than ever.
UPDATE: Good news - Morgan Freeman will reprise his role of Lucius Fox in TDK 2. Looks like its a good thing that the spy machine that Batman made for him exploded because if you remember, "As long as this machine is at Wayne Enterprises, I won't be."
UPDATE 2: IMDB.com says the film's tentative title is Gotham. Huh. Can't really say anything about it.
January 2009
Paul Blart: Mall Cop - - (January 16th)
Kevin James (Paul Blart)
Clumsy mall security guard Paul Blart has been rejected for the position of police officer several times, but now he must deal with a hostage situation in the West Orange Pavilion Mall.
Inkheart - - (January 23rd)
Inkheart - - (January 23rd)
Brendan Fraser (Mo Folchart), Paul Bettany (Dustfinger), Helen Mirren (Elinor Loredan), Jim Broadbent (Fenglio), Jennifer Connelly (Roxanne)
A young discovers her father has an amazing talent to bring characters out of their books and must try to stop a freed villain from destroying them all, with the help of her father, her aunt, and a storybook's hero.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
