Tag Archives: movie notes

Kyle Chandler & Elle Fanning sign on for Abrams’ ‘Super 8’

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Paramount Pictures has let slip the first two stars to come out of J.J. Abrams’ upcoming 2011 sci-fi flick Super 8.  They are Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights) and Elle Fanning (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Dakota’s sister).  Principal photography began September 20 in West Virginia.  Interested in learning more about Super 8?  Head over to the May 7 post that features the teaser trailer and (sparse) details surrounding the project that is shrouded in mystery.  It’s an Abrams pursuit; what else more could you ask for?

[Via EW]

Universal granted rights to Stephen King’s ‘The Dark Tower’, film trilogy and TV series coming soon

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Big, big news for fans of The Dark Tower.  Deadline reports that Universal Pictures and NBC Universal Television Entertainment have been granted the rights to the enormously epic Stephen King book series (there are seven in total).  It is going to be adapted for the big and small screen with director Ron Howard at the helm.  He will be joined by his A Beautiful Mind and The Da Vinci Code cohorts Akiva Goldsman (writer, Fringe) and Brian Grazer (producer, 24, Friday Night Lights, Arrested Development).

The unprecedented plan to adapt The Dark Tower to the screen has me choked up in excitement.  A feature film will introduce the characters and universe to viewers.  A TV series will follow the first movie and act as a bridge to the second movie.  Next the sequel will hit theatres, then a second season will air on TV.  Instead of acting as a bridge to the final movie in the trilogy, season 2 will focus on the backstory of a young Deschain (the main character).  The last movie will pick up where the sequel left off, following a mature Deshain completing his journey.  Whoever is going to play Deshain (rumor has it it’ll be a big name star) will be required to carry on his role in both the feature films and the TV series.  Deadline points out that by using the same sets, cast, and crew on the movies and TV series the production team will contain costs on what promises to be an expensive undertaking.  It’s been confirmed that Howard will direct and Goldsman will scribe the first feature film and TV season.  Goldsman, Grazer, and King will serve as producers.

King originally approached JJ Abrams and Lost executive producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse with the idea of adapting The Dark Tower for the screen.  According to Deadline they “never cracked the sprawling plotline and all the characters”, so Goldsman wasted no time contacting his partner-in-crime Howard with the notion of helming the project.  Howard recalls Goldsman’s pitch: “Akiva said, ‘Stephen will not let go of it, but it’s like nothing else you’ve ever read.”  Howard continued, “It was frustrating because it’s one of those works where you read it, and then at odd times, the imagery and sensations just pop up in your mind.  This is going to be an amazing life experience for us, trying to do justice to the story and the universe.”

Howard shared with Deadline his thoughts on how his approach with adapting The Dark Tower compares to Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Ring series: “What Peter did was a feat, cinematic history. The approach we’re taking also stands on its own, but it’s driven by the material. I love both, and like what’s going on in TV. With this story, if you dedicated to one medium or another, there’s the horrible risk of cheating material. The scope and scale call for a big screen budget. But if you committed only to films, you’d deny the audience the intimacy and nuance of some of these characters and a lot of cool twists and turns that make for jaw-dropping, compelling television. We’ve put some real time and deep thought into this, and a lot of conversations and analysis from a business standpoint, to get people to believe in this and take this leap with us. I hope audiences respond to it in a way that compels us to keep going after the first year or two of work. It’s fresh territory for me, as a filmmaker.”

King also commented on today’s news: “I’ve been waiting for the right team to bring the characters and stories in these books to film and TV viewers around the world. Ron, Akiva, Brian along with Universal and NBC have a deep interest and passion for the The Dark Tower series and I know that will translate into an intriguing series of films and TV shows that respect the origins and the characters in The Dark Tower that fans have come to love.”

A shooting schedule has not been mapped out yet, but you can be damn sure I’m keeping my hear to the ground and will report back any and all information regarding the plans moving forward for The Dark Tower adaptation.  For a major studio to sign on and agree to telling a story on two vastly different platforms is a rare, unprecedented feat.  With Howard, Goldsman, and Grazer on board, I have no doubt the upcoming epic will impress.

Update: Stephen King sat down for an exclusive interview with EW and shared more thoughts on the project.  Look after the break for the goods.

[Via Deadline; EW, here & here; IGN] Continue reading Universal granted rights to Stephen King’s ‘The Dark Tower’, film trilogy and TV series coming soon →

Creator Mitch Hurwitz says Arrested Develpment movie script is halfway done

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Since Arrested Development executive producer and Narrator Ron Howard uttered the final line of the 2003-06 FOX series (“No, I just don’t see it as a TV series.  Maybe a movie?”), fans of the cancelled cult hit have been yearning for an official press release stating that a movie based on the Bluth family is a-go.  Though word has yet to escape from the mouth of a studio exec, AD creator Mitch Hurwitz has kindly updated fans on the matter.  Hurwitz was on hand this week at the Television Critics Association press tour (touting his new FOX series Running Wilde, starring AD alum Will Arnett and David Cross) and he gave this straight answer to the press: “We’re writing it [the script]; we’re about halfway through.”  He sounds very confident that the script will get picked up and things will move forward as planned.  “We will make this movie.  The only stumbling blocks will be scheduling.  Everybody wants to play together.”  That is true; virtually every actor from the ensemble cast has publically state they are willing and excited to reprise their roles for a movie.  Hurwitz added, “It’s not going to be a big money maker.  It’s going to be fun, like a family reunion.”  That is exactly what I am expecting it to be, nothing more.  To see Michael, George Michael, G.O.B., Buster, Lindsey, Tobias, Maeby, Lucille, George Sr., and Oscar together again, for one last hurrah, would be a wonderful treat.  Oh, and who could forget…STEVE HOLT!  The only information Hurwitz would divulge is that political references are being changed (from George Bush to President Obama) since the script was “started it awhile ago” and that “the Bluths may not be vacationing in the Gulf of Mexico anymore.”  Beyond the rewrites, completing the script, and recasting the Uncle Mel character, “we have a clear path”, Hurwitz reassures.  I will be keeping my ear to the ground with this one; as soon as a deal is struck with final script in tow you will be informed.

[Via Reuters; NYMag; MTV]

‘The Avengers’ will move on without Edward Norton as Hulk

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Hollywood is good at some things and bad at others.  Filling the role of The Hulk falls in the latter category.  Ang Lee’s Hulk (2003) starred Eric Bana as the genetically-enhanced superhero.  People didn’t like that movie so they started from scratch.  Louis Leterrier’s The Incredible Hulk (2008) introduced us to a new Hulk played by Edward Norton.  This reboot was better received by the fans and critics.  After it broke that Joss Whedon would direct the dream team consisting of Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Edward Norton, Samuel L. Jackson, and Scarlett Johannson, fans ’round the world were ready and willing to accept this group as The Avengers.  Then this hit the ‘Net: Edward Norton is out.  Entertainment site HitFlix got the exclusive scoop, and this is the statement they received from Marvel Studios President of Production Kevin Feige:

“We have made the decision to not bring Ed Norton back to portray the title role of Bruce Banner in the Avengers. Our decision is definitely not one based on monetary factors, but instead rooted in the need for an actor who embodies the creativity and collaborative spirit of our other talented cast members. The Avengers demands players who thrive working as part of an ensemble, as evidenced by Robert, Chris H, Chris E, Sam, Scarlett, and all of our talented casts. We are looking to announce a name actor who fulfills these requirements, and is passionate about the iconic role in the coming weeks.”

What I’m getting from this statement is that the production team, including Whedon, did not get along so well with Norton, this led to creative differences, and utlimately to Norton’s exit.  But shortly this statement was released, Norton’s agent Brian Swardstrom of WME retaliated by calling Feige’s statement “offensive” and his comments “unprofessional, disingenuous and clearly defamatory.”  Apparently Norton met with Whedon and “several weeks of civil, uncontentious discussions” resulted.  In the end, though, Marvel “had decided to go in another direction with the part.”  Whatever the reason may be the fact remains so–Ed Norton will not play Hulk in The Avengers and Hollywood is back to the drawing board yet again with this apparent impossible to cast character.  The movie is still set for a summer 2012 release.

[Via Hitflix, here & here]

Andrew Garfield is the new Spider-Man

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Goodbye Tobey Maguire.  Hello Andrew Garfield.  “Andrew who?” you ask.  He’s a 26-year-old Brit who is best known in the UK for his film Boy A.  In the U.S. he’s appeared in The Other Boleyn Girl and The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus and has roles in the upcoming movies The Social Network and Never Let Me Go.  After a falling-out between previous Spider-Man director Sam Raimi and the studio heads, Sony Pictures decided to scrap Spidey 4 and start from scratch with a Spider-Man reboot that will focus largely on Peter Parker’s teenage years in high school.  An official press statement shares the pertinent news:

After a comprehensive worldwide casting search, Andrew Garfield has been chosen to portray Peter Parker when Spider-Man swings back onto the screen in 3D on July 3, 2012. The new film will begin production in early December directed by Marc Webb from a screenplay by James Vanderbilt. Laura Ziskin and Avi Arad will produce the film from Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios.

Director Marc Webb ((500) Days of Summer) on Garfield as the new Spidey: “Though his name may be new to many, those who know this young actor’s work understand his extraordinary talents. He has a rare combination of intelligence, wit, and humanity. Mark my words, you will love Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker.”  Look after the break for the full press statement.

Will Garfield be able to pull it off as the next Spider-Man?  Somehow he was able to beat out fan favorites Logan Lerman (Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief), Anton Yelchin (J.J.’s Star Trek), and Aaron Johnson (Kick-Ass).  The only concern I have is his age.  At 26 years old, I’m worried about how they plan to make us believe he is a teenager.  Lerman, who is only 18 years of age, feels to me like he’d fit the suit best.  With a release slated for 2012, the studio has plenty of time to transform Garfield just as they did with a young Maguire back in 2002.

[Via SciFiWire] Continue reading Andrew Garfield is the new Spider-Man →

Pee-wee Herman flick is in the works, with Judd Apatow producing

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Oh, what wonderful news this is!  After making a successful comeback in his new “Pee-wee Herman Show” revival at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, actor Paul Reubens is ready to bring his act to the big screen with some help from funnyman Judd Apatow (Talladega Nights, Knocked Up, Superbad, Walk Hard, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Step Brothers, Pineapple Express, Funny People, Get Him to the Greek).  I mean look at that track record!  Moving on… Apatow has signed on to executive produce and Paul Rust (Inglourious Basterds, I Love You, Beth Cooper) will pen the script to what’s being described as “a gigantic adventure.”  The yet-t0-be-titled flick will be Pee-wee’s first movie since 1985’s Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, a strange and wild movie directed by a young Tim Burton and scored by Danny Elfman.  “Let’s face it, the world needs more Pee-wee Herman,” Apatow tells Variety.  Agreed!  “I am so excited to be working with Paul Reubens — who is an extraordinary and ground-breaking actor and writer.  It’s so great to watch him return with such relevance.”  Reubens shares the same excitement.  “There is no one like Judd in our business — he loves comedy with emotion and heart, and he sees what we do as art.  I can’t believe I’m getting this opportunity to be working with him.”  A director and release window have not been decided on yet.

Need your Pee-wee fix now?  Reubens is getting ready for a short stint on Broadway beginning October 26 at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre in NYC.

[Via Variety]

Teaser trailer: The Social Network

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The Social Network aka The Facebook Movie stars Jesse Eisenberg (Zombieland) as Mark Zuckerberg, Justin Timberlake as Sean Parker, as well as Brenda Song (The Suite Life of Zack & Cody), Andrew Garfield (the next Spider-Man), and Rashida Jones (Parks & Recreation).  It’s directed by David Fincher (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), written by Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing), and executive produced by Scott Rudin, Kevin Spacey, and Michael DeLuca.  Like the book The Accidental Billionaires by Ben Mezrich, the film will focus on the founding of Facebook and all of the internal battles that took place.

I have to say that this teaser is rather bland; it has not piqued my interest in the least to want to see this movie, and that’s what trailers are supposed to do.  If there’s one rewarding aspect to take away from it it’s the amazing score that’s being provided by Trent Reznor (of Nine Inch Nails) and Atticus Ross.  “…when I read the script and realized what [Fincher] was up to, I said goodbye to that free time I had planned,” said Reznor on his site.  He calls the movie “really fu**ing good.  And dark!”  Look after the break for the theatrical poster which reads, “You don’t get to 500 million friends without making a few enemies.”

[Via Pitchfork; Wiki] Continue reading Teaser trailer: The Social Network →

Teaser: The Smurfs

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The Smurfs are making their way to the big screen next summer in a live action/CGI animated feature-length film directed by Raja Gosnell (Beverly Hills Chihuahua, Scooby-Doo).  Since this is only a teaser trailer, it’s difficult to read what the plot of the movie is.  Here’s how the Wiki page describes it:

Set in the Middle Ages, the evil wizard Gargamel (Hank Azaria) discovers the Smurf’s village and chases them into some woods. The Smurfs get scattered and Clumsy Smurf (voiced by Anton Yelchin) wanders into a “forbidden” grotto and some of the other Smurfs follow. Since it’s also a blue moon, a magical portal within the grotto transports them into Central Park in New York. They take shelter with a married couple (Neil Patrick Harris and Jayma Mays) and try to find a way back to their village before Gargamel finds them.

The live cast includes Hank Azaria as Gargamel, Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother), Jayma Mays (Glee), Sofía Vergara (Modern Family), and Tim Gunn (Project Runway).  The voice actors include Jonathan Winters as Papa Smurf, Katy Perry as Smurfette, Alan Cumming as Gutsy Smurf, George Lopez as Grouchy Smurf, Gary Basaraba as Hefty Smurf, Anton Yelchin as Clumsy Smurf, Fred Armisen as Brainy Smurf, John Oliver as Vanity Smurf, Paul Reubens as Jokey Smurf, Kenan Thompson as Greedy Smurf, B. J. Novak as Baker Smurf, Jeff Foxworthy as Handy Smurf, and Wolfgang Puck as Chef Smurf.

The Smurfs hit theatres in 3D on August 3, 2011.

[Via Wiki]

Les Grossman film is a-go

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Those of us who watched this year’s MTV Movie Awards were treated to a surprise appearence by none other than Les Grossman, the raunchy foul-mouthed producer from 2008’s Tropic Thunder.  Played to perfection by Tom Cruise, Grossman started the awards show off with one of his infamous rants and later interuppted a comedy sketch when he came on stage with Jennifer Lopez for a dance number.  Anyway, it appears as if the stint was done to reintroduce the audience to the character of Les Grossman and build hype for an entire movie based on him.  Cruise will star and produce in the upcoming Grossman flick.  He’s partnered with Tropic Thunder co-star and director Ben Stiller and producer Stuart Cornfeld of Red Hours Films to make this movie happen.  Michael Bacall (Scott Pilgrim vs. the World) has been selected to write the screenplay.  Take a look at these choice quotes from the unorthodox press release that comes from Paramount:

Tom Cruise, along with Ben Stiller and Stuart Cornfeld of Red Hour Films will produce and have secured the life rights to Grossman.

Grossman, best known as a mega producer, has most recently mentored talents such as Rob Pattinson and Taylor Lautner.

Said Ben Stiller: “Les Grossman’s life story is an inspiring tale of the classic human struggle to achieve greatness against all odds. He has assured me he plans to quote, ‘F**king  kill the sh*t out of this movie and make Citizen f**king Kane look like a piece of crap home movie by the time we are done.’ I am honored to be working with him.”

When asked what the screenplay was about Grossman responded: “To quote my great friend Kirk Lazarus, ‘I don’t read the script, the script reads me.””

Adam Goodman, Paramount Film Group President said, “Everything I learned in this business, I’ve learned from Les. I started out as his assistant, and from the first day he threw his desk at me when I got his lunch order wrong, I have loved him like a father.

Yeah, this is really happening.  Look after the break for the full PR.

[Via Deadline] Continue reading Les Grossman film is a-go →

‘Transformers 3’ finds Megan Fox replacement in Victoria’s Secret model

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Though Paramount has yet to confirm the news, multiple sources reveal that Victoria’s Secret drop-dead-gorgeous model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley will replace Megan Fox as Sam Witwickey’s (Shia LaBeouf) love interest in the next Transformers flick.  Victoria’s Secret has gone so far as publishing this video that congratulates Rosie for making the cut.  And hot damn does she make a great replacement.  As much as I took pleasure in watching Megan Fox run for her life in the first two movies (she was the sole reason I went to see Transformers 2, really), I think Rosie will suffice, wouldn’t you say?  Out with the old, in with the new…right?

Production has begun on Transformers 3 with a release slated for July 1, 2011.  Michael Bay, your wish has been granted.

Note: Michael Bay directed an extended commercial for Victoria’s Secret back in December.  So yeah, there’s that.

[Via EW-PopWatch]

Megan Fox will not star in ‘Transformers 3’

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According to sources close to the production of Transformers 3, Megan Fox will not return as Mikaela Banes in the next installment of the franchise.  Way back in October director Michael Bay shared his thought about the future of the character, and they weren’t pretty; he was planning to kill her off somehow, someway.  And now it’s pretty much confirmed that Fox will not be back.  Interestingly, however,  “it was her decision not to return” according to Fox’s reps.  Still, if that is indeed the case, Bay must be thrilled to change the direction of the story by introducing a new love interest for Shia LaBeouf’s Sam Witwicky.  The rest of us…not so much.  I’d say that there’s no reason to sit through another iteration of Transformers without Fox on-screen, but with the recent addition of actor Alan Tudyk (Firefly, V, Dollhouse) I see a glimmer of hope.

[Via EW-HollywoodInsider; People]

(“Illegal”) trailer: Machete

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What started out as a mock-trailer inserted at the beginning of Robert Rodriguez & Quentin Tarantin’s 2007 double-feature Grindhouse/Death Proof is being spun into its own feature-length film.  Although Machete, directed by Robert Rodriguez and Ethan Maniquis, is not due out in theatres until September 3, Rodriguez cut his own non-theatrical trailer for the movie.  According to Rodriguez, who is publically against Arizona’s new immigration law (which makes failure to carry immigration documents a crime), the trailer has a “a special Cinco de Mayo message to Arizona.”

Machete stars Danny Trejo as a Machete Cortez, a knife-wielding renegade seeking revenge against lawmakers.  Fun fact, the character of Machete Cortez was first introduced to us in Rodriguez’s Spy Kids movie; he played the protagonists’ uncle.  Now take a look at the all-star cast: Danny Trejo, Cheech Marin*, Lindsay Lohan, Robert De Niro, Jessica Alba, Jeff Fahey*, Don Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez*, Steven Seagal, and Rose McGowan.  (Actors with stars next to their name all appeared on ABC’s Lost.  Thought that was interesting.)  Watch the “illegal” trailer above, and look after the break for the film poster.

[Via AintItCool; Wiki] Continue reading (“Illegal”) trailer: Machete →