An extended trailer for Universal's Snow White and the Huntsman has been released exclusively via Comcast and it looks mighty impressive.
Hossein Amini rewrote original scribe Evan Daugherty's version of the classic fairy tale with Evan Spiliotopoulos taking a crack at it The story expands the role of the Huntsman (Chris Hemsworth). Ordered to take the evil Queen's (Charlize Theron) stepdaughter Snow White (Kristen Stewart) into the woods and kill her, The Huntsman instead lets her go and becomes something of a mentor who teaches her how to fight and survive.
Sam Claflin plays the Prince while Ian McShane is Caesar, the leader of the dwarfs. with--Ray Winstone Bob Hoskins Toby Jones Nick Frost and Steven Graham round them out--Liberty Ross and Noah Huntley will play the parents of Snow while Lily Cole and Sam Spruell also star.
Rupert Sanders called action for producer Joe Roth
The pic will open June 1, 2012.
Everyone will of course be watching to see how the so called Snow White rivalry will be playing out...
Relativity Media's "Mirror Mirror" whereThe Blind Side actress Lily Collins will play Snow White Armie Hammer (The Social Network) has been cast as The Handsome Prince and Julia Roberts will play the Evil Queen/Stepmother. Mirror is playing for laughs has a much lighter tone.
As its March 30th bow fast approaches, and having seen enough footage from both films I think the market place should be able to handle both. The reason I say that is because each one seems so vastly different from the other. It would be one thing if the films were both comedies or dark action adventures. But they are clearly not the same film.
Which one will be more profitable? Hard to say. Reaction is a tough thing to predict for this kind of thing without some box office numbers in hand. Reviews for both will make or break the rivalry--If both films get love from audiences and the critics then then the race for the number 1 Snow White will be more fun to chart....And don't forget that there's always the direct weekend competion of each Snow tale that will factor in as well here.
There's yet another film in the works using the Snow White fairy tale as its backdrop. Saoirse Ronan has been cast in the lead role in the film "The Order of the Seven" for Disney Production on that film starts this Fall.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Chris Witherspoon Interview: A Raging Success
Late last year indie filmmaker Chris Witherspoon reached out to me about his horror suspense thriller Rage--at the time I promised to conduct an interview with the him...Well busy lives for both of us prevented us from getting that chance to chat until recently....Trust me though this will be worth the wait.
Inspired by Steven Spielberg’s classic TV movie Duel and films such as John Carpenter’s Halloween, the film tells the story of Dennis Twist (Rick Crawford) who encounters a mysterious motorcyclist and sets in motion a day-long battle that grows more and more sinister by the moment.
In this exclusive interview for TLR Chris talks candidly about where the idea for the film came from, it's most controversial sequence, it's success what he thinks about the industry and more....
Tell me a little about yourself: When did you know you wanted to make films?
I’ve wanted to make films since I was 12 years old. After watching Stars Wars I begged my mother to buy me a super 8mm film camera and I was hooked after that. I ran around my neighborhood filming anything and everything, people talking, walking down the street, watching television… Like I said anything and everything. After awhile I started scripting little story ideas and getting my family and friends involved as actors and crew members.
Talk about your Influences. What films or people inspire you?
The greatest influence on me becoming a filmmaker was my mother who was an artist herself. She turned me on to a lot of books. She was a big fan of Stephen King so I became a big fan of King's. She took me to the movies a lot when I was a kid. We watched all kinds of movies, every genre, but mostly horror films. As a director, Steven Spielberg was the first to influence me. After awhile I started to study the works of other directors like Carpenter, Ridley Scott, Coppola, Scorsese and Francois Truffaut but the directors that I consider my all time favorites are Stanley Kubrick and Alfred Hitchcock. The thing that I believe these directors all have in common is that they are amazing storytellers. They understand how to convey a story in all of the elements that are involved in telling a story, visually, audibly, story structure and sub textually…etc. The films that have blown my mind over the years are films like Jaws, Halloween, Citizen Kane, 2001 A Space Odyssey, Pulp Fiction, Clockwork Orange, Alien, Aliens, Blade Runner and everything that Hitchcock made. I could go on and on.
We certainly have the Hitchcock thing in common as well as sharing a lot of favorite films. Moving on, tell me what else have you worked on?
I’ve worked in a variety of position in the film industry, everything from special effects artist, production assistant, production accountant, coordinator and many other positions. I’ve worked on films like Re-Animator, From Beyond, Angel (student by day prostitute by night) and many other films. I also worked in commercials and music videos for several years.
Give me some background on Rage. Where did the idea come from?
Rage came out of some personal issues that were taking place in my life and it was also heavily inspired by Steven Spielberg’s 1971 film classic “Duel”. The personal stuff that took place in my life was, I had been having an affair and the mother of my children found out and that brought about a very destructive end to our relationship. Regretfully, it was our three children, who were completely innocent, that were the biggest victims. During this time I was up late one night and Duel happen to be on television so I watched it and was amazed at how good it still was after all these years. At that point I had an epiphany which I believe was very cathartic in retrospect. I took the things that happen in my personal life and formed the majority of the subtext of the film and Duel would serve as the inspiration for the surface stuff…i.e., being pursued by a faceless antagonist who wants to destroy you for reasons that you are not completely aware of. At the end of the day the film is about the decisions that we make and how those decisions affect those around us, especially, the innocent.
How was the casting process completed?
We held opened casting calls in both Portland and Los Angeles. We had approximately 10 days of casting in L.A. where we meet Rick Crawford, who landed the lead role, and Anna Lodej, Jo Black Jacob and M.L. Maltz were cast there as well. We returned to Portland and had three days of casting. The local actors that were cast were Audrey Walker, who plays Crystal Twist along with Richard Topping and Spencer Conway.
You wear many "hats" on Rage, what is your favorite?
I do a lot of stuff on my films and it’s not a vanity thing or that I’m some kind of control freak but instead it’s because of necessity. I’ve never had a lot of money to work with so instead of having to beg someone to come on board and perform a job for little or no money I have found it easier to just do it myself. Having said that I’d have to say that my favorite hat to wear is a tie between writing, directing and editing. In my opinion all three jobs are as equally as important. They are the areas that have the most direct effect on what the end product will ultimately be.
What was filming Rage like? Give me your best and worst experiences.
The best for me was the rape scene in Rage. Having a scene turn out just the way you envisioned it in your mind when you were writing it is a great feeling. I knew that it could be a very good scene, a very powerful scene, and it worked out even better than I thought. The worst aspect would be the lack of time. Rage was shot in only 24 days and I just wish that I could of had more time… and money for that matter. Most people think that Rage was made for 100k (I wish). The reality is that it was made for a sparse 47 thousand dollars.
Describe the film's main Character
The films lead is the Dennis Twist character and I would describe him as a “flawed everyman”. Yes I said “everyman” because, arguably, he is an accurate representation of many men today. He’s not very happy with his job or his entire life for that matter and he is having an affair. The number one cause of divorce today is still infidelity so it’s not like men can’t relate to him. Which is funny because at different screenings of Rage, I’ve seen the responses of the men in the audience and even though Dennis is not a very good person, I think that most men don’t want him to get caught. Basically, all of Dennis' problems are self-inflicted.
What separates Rage from other films in the same genre?
I think that Rage differs from most films in the indie horror genre because it is a hybrid. Rage is a suspense-thriller with horror overtones. To be completely honest when I started writing Rage I didn’t think of it as a horror film. I thought of it as a straight drama at first and as I continued writing I realized it had become a suspense-thriller and it wasn’t until we started filming that I realized that Rage would be considered a horror film. This has caused some people to be conflicted in their opinions. Blood and guts horror fans are a little thrown off. But I believe that in order to bring some originality to the genre we have to look to other genres and change up the recipe a bit.
What's the overall reaction been like to the film?
I’m very happy to say that the reaction so far has been great. Festival wise, Rage finished up its run this past November at Horror Quest where it won their highest honor, the “Best at Quest” award, which brought the awards total for Rage to 15, including 5 for best feature, and that ain’t bad. Rage has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from reviewers all over the world.
Some people have had problems with a few scenes, including the rape scene. They believe that I went too far, which I disagree. I know that there are many films that have rape scenes in them that are much more graphic. Just two for example are “I Spit On Your Grave” and “Irreversible”. When I asked people for specifics about the scene they always describe things that are just not there. Hitchcock called this the “transference of the menace from the screen to the mind of the viewer”. This happened with audiences who in 1961 described the shower scene in “Psycho” saying that you could see the knife penetrate Janet Leigh’s body. We all know that not true. Ironically it was the Psycho shower scene that I studied when designing the rape scene in Rage.
I would add that, while the film does have it's share of violence--the reaction to the rape scene is a bit over blown. Aside from the examples that Chris discussed, I would call your attention to the The Killer Inside Me, which features a far more brutal looking sequence.... Talk about what's on the horizon for you.
Next up is a project that I’ve wanting to make for a very long time. It’s a horror anthology entitled “The Twilight Hotel”. I originally wanted to make it before Rage but it was just too big a film, budget wise, and I knew I couldn’t raise the money necessary to produce it. The idea for this film comes from two of my all time favorite television shows, “The Alfred Hitchcock Hour” and Ron Serling's “The Twilight Zone”.
They are two faves of mine as well.
I’ve always wondered what would of happened if Alfred Hitchcock had directed episodes of the Twilight Zone? In the screenplay I created a place, an old 1920s rundown art deco hotel where people, who aren’t very good people to start with, check into the Twilight and must deal with their personal demons…literally. The film will have all the trademark qualities, the suspense and mystery of Hitchcock and the surprise twist endings and supernatural aspects of the Twilight Zone, and I hope to have funding in place as soon as possible and look to start production by the end of the year or early 2013.
Share your thoughts on the how you see the film industry.
I’m not a big fan of the industry as it exists today. Well let me be a little more specific… I’m not a big fan of what Hollywood is producing. I used to think, in the late 90’s, Hollywood had become too formulaic with no originality. Today to say that would be a BIG understatement. It really sucks when you already know the ending of a movie even before the opening credits finishing running. I think that it’s time for a major shake up in Hollywood. The same way there was when the studio system gave way to the original independents and film school students in the 1970’s.
And finally--Your chance to say anything else...
Just thank you very much for taking the time to speak with me about Rage and I look forward to coming back and talking with you once distribution plans are finalized.
You are most welcome and I look forward to our next chat!
Be sure to check out the film's official website and Twitter feed for updates. You will be glad you did!
Inspired by Steven Spielberg’s classic TV movie Duel and films such as John Carpenter’s Halloween, the film tells the story of Dennis Twist (Rick Crawford) who encounters a mysterious motorcyclist and sets in motion a day-long battle that grows more and more sinister by the moment.
In this exclusive interview for TLR Chris talks candidly about where the idea for the film came from, it's most controversial sequence, it's success what he thinks about the industry and more....
Tell me a little about yourself: When did you know you wanted to make films?
I’ve wanted to make films since I was 12 years old. After watching Stars Wars I begged my mother to buy me a super 8mm film camera and I was hooked after that. I ran around my neighborhood filming anything and everything, people talking, walking down the street, watching television… Like I said anything and everything. After awhile I started scripting little story ideas and getting my family and friends involved as actors and crew members.
Talk about your Influences. What films or people inspire you?
The greatest influence on me becoming a filmmaker was my mother who was an artist herself. She turned me on to a lot of books. She was a big fan of Stephen King so I became a big fan of King's. She took me to the movies a lot when I was a kid. We watched all kinds of movies, every genre, but mostly horror films. As a director, Steven Spielberg was the first to influence me. After awhile I started to study the works of other directors like Carpenter, Ridley Scott, Coppola, Scorsese and Francois Truffaut but the directors that I consider my all time favorites are Stanley Kubrick and Alfred Hitchcock. The thing that I believe these directors all have in common is that they are amazing storytellers. They understand how to convey a story in all of the elements that are involved in telling a story, visually, audibly, story structure and sub textually…etc. The films that have blown my mind over the years are films like Jaws, Halloween, Citizen Kane, 2001 A Space Odyssey, Pulp Fiction, Clockwork Orange, Alien, Aliens, Blade Runner and everything that Hitchcock made. I could go on and on.
We certainly have the Hitchcock thing in common as well as sharing a lot of favorite films. Moving on, tell me what else have you worked on?
I’ve worked in a variety of position in the film industry, everything from special effects artist, production assistant, production accountant, coordinator and many other positions. I’ve worked on films like Re-Animator, From Beyond, Angel (student by day prostitute by night) and many other films. I also worked in commercials and music videos for several years.
Give me some background on Rage. Where did the idea come from?
Rage came out of some personal issues that were taking place in my life and it was also heavily inspired by Steven Spielberg’s 1971 film classic “Duel”. The personal stuff that took place in my life was, I had been having an affair and the mother of my children found out and that brought about a very destructive end to our relationship. Regretfully, it was our three children, who were completely innocent, that were the biggest victims. During this time I was up late one night and Duel happen to be on television so I watched it and was amazed at how good it still was after all these years. At that point I had an epiphany which I believe was very cathartic in retrospect. I took the things that happen in my personal life and formed the majority of the subtext of the film and Duel would serve as the inspiration for the surface stuff…i.e., being pursued by a faceless antagonist who wants to destroy you for reasons that you are not completely aware of. At the end of the day the film is about the decisions that we make and how those decisions affect those around us, especially, the innocent.
How was the casting process completed?
We held opened casting calls in both Portland and Los Angeles. We had approximately 10 days of casting in L.A. where we meet Rick Crawford, who landed the lead role, and Anna Lodej, Jo Black Jacob and M.L. Maltz were cast there as well. We returned to Portland and had three days of casting. The local actors that were cast were Audrey Walker, who plays Crystal Twist along with Richard Topping and Spencer Conway.
You wear many "hats" on Rage, what is your favorite?
I do a lot of stuff on my films and it’s not a vanity thing or that I’m some kind of control freak but instead it’s because of necessity. I’ve never had a lot of money to work with so instead of having to beg someone to come on board and perform a job for little or no money I have found it easier to just do it myself. Having said that I’d have to say that my favorite hat to wear is a tie between writing, directing and editing. In my opinion all three jobs are as equally as important. They are the areas that have the most direct effect on what the end product will ultimately be.
What was filming Rage like? Give me your best and worst experiences.
The best for me was the rape scene in Rage. Having a scene turn out just the way you envisioned it in your mind when you were writing it is a great feeling. I knew that it could be a very good scene, a very powerful scene, and it worked out even better than I thought. The worst aspect would be the lack of time. Rage was shot in only 24 days and I just wish that I could of had more time… and money for that matter. Most people think that Rage was made for 100k (I wish). The reality is that it was made for a sparse 47 thousand dollars.
Describe the film's main Character
The films lead is the Dennis Twist character and I would describe him as a “flawed everyman”. Yes I said “everyman” because, arguably, he is an accurate representation of many men today. He’s not very happy with his job or his entire life for that matter and he is having an affair. The number one cause of divorce today is still infidelity so it’s not like men can’t relate to him. Which is funny because at different screenings of Rage, I’ve seen the responses of the men in the audience and even though Dennis is not a very good person, I think that most men don’t want him to get caught. Basically, all of Dennis' problems are self-inflicted.
What separates Rage from other films in the same genre?
I think that Rage differs from most films in the indie horror genre because it is a hybrid. Rage is a suspense-thriller with horror overtones. To be completely honest when I started writing Rage I didn’t think of it as a horror film. I thought of it as a straight drama at first and as I continued writing I realized it had become a suspense-thriller and it wasn’t until we started filming that I realized that Rage would be considered a horror film. This has caused some people to be conflicted in their opinions. Blood and guts horror fans are a little thrown off. But I believe that in order to bring some originality to the genre we have to look to other genres and change up the recipe a bit.
What's the overall reaction been like to the film?
I’m very happy to say that the reaction so far has been great. Festival wise, Rage finished up its run this past November at Horror Quest where it won their highest honor, the “Best at Quest” award, which brought the awards total for Rage to 15, including 5 for best feature, and that ain’t bad. Rage has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from reviewers all over the world.
Some people have had problems with a few scenes, including the rape scene. They believe that I went too far, which I disagree. I know that there are many films that have rape scenes in them that are much more graphic. Just two for example are “I Spit On Your Grave” and “Irreversible”. When I asked people for specifics about the scene they always describe things that are just not there. Hitchcock called this the “transference of the menace from the screen to the mind of the viewer”. This happened with audiences who in 1961 described the shower scene in “Psycho” saying that you could see the knife penetrate Janet Leigh’s body. We all know that not true. Ironically it was the Psycho shower scene that I studied when designing the rape scene in Rage.
I would add that, while the film does have it's share of violence--the reaction to the rape scene is a bit over blown. Aside from the examples that Chris discussed, I would call your attention to the The Killer Inside Me, which features a far more brutal looking sequence.... Talk about what's on the horizon for you.
Next up is a project that I’ve wanting to make for a very long time. It’s a horror anthology entitled “The Twilight Hotel”. I originally wanted to make it before Rage but it was just too big a film, budget wise, and I knew I couldn’t raise the money necessary to produce it. The idea for this film comes from two of my all time favorite television shows, “The Alfred Hitchcock Hour” and Ron Serling's “The Twilight Zone”.
They are two faves of mine as well.
I’ve always wondered what would of happened if Alfred Hitchcock had directed episodes of the Twilight Zone? In the screenplay I created a place, an old 1920s rundown art deco hotel where people, who aren’t very good people to start with, check into the Twilight and must deal with their personal demons…literally. The film will have all the trademark qualities, the suspense and mystery of Hitchcock and the surprise twist endings and supernatural aspects of the Twilight Zone, and I hope to have funding in place as soon as possible and look to start production by the end of the year or early 2013.
Share your thoughts on the how you see the film industry.
I’m not a big fan of the industry as it exists today. Well let me be a little more specific… I’m not a big fan of what Hollywood is producing. I used to think, in the late 90’s, Hollywood had become too formulaic with no originality. Today to say that would be a BIG understatement. It really sucks when you already know the ending of a movie even before the opening credits finishing running. I think that it’s time for a major shake up in Hollywood. The same way there was when the studio system gave way to the original independents and film school students in the 1970’s.
And finally--Your chance to say anything else...
Just thank you very much for taking the time to speak with me about Rage and I look forward to coming back and talking with you once distribution plans are finalized.
You are most welcome and I look forward to our next chat!
Be sure to check out the film's official website and Twitter feed for updates. You will be glad you did!
Everyone Is Jumping For Joy!
The well reviewed Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum comedic take big screen version of the TV series 21 Jump Street took the top spot away from 2 time champ CGI toon of the Classic Dr. Seuss tale The Lorax. The big budget action adventure John Carter continued its lomg fall to Earth. Will Ferrell's spanish comedy Casa de mi Padre did well in limited release.
Pamela McClintock of THR:
Sony and MGM's 21 Jump Street lit up the R-rated comedy marketplace, opening to a stellar $35 million at the domestic box office.
Starring Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum, the light-hearted take on the classic TV show nabbed the best debut ever for a non-sequel, non-summer R-rated comedy, as well as one of the best bows on the books for an action-buddy comedy or a film-to-television adaptation.
21 Jump Street easily wrested the weekend crown from Universal and Illumination's hit Dr. Seuss' The Lorax, which has ruled the domestic box office the past two weekends. The Lorax, coming in No. 2, continued to do good business in its own right, grossing $22.8 million in its third outing for a domestic cume of $158.4 million, by far the best showing of 2012.
Disney's tentpole John Carter continued to struggle, grossing $13.5 million in its second weekend for a weak 10-day domestic cume of $53.2 million. Overseas, the pic grossed $40.7 million--including a strong $10.4 million debut in China--for an international total of $126.1 million and worldwide cume of $179.3 million. Those are big numbers, but far short of what the movie needs to make up for its $250 million budget (Disney is looking at a $100 million write-down or more).
Even with the strong performances of 21 Jump Street and Lorax, the domestic box office dipped behind last year's levels for the first time this year, with revenues down 8 percent. March Madness may have been a distraction for moviegoers, while there was bad weather on parts of the West Coast.
Box office obsevers credit strong reviews and good word of mouth for 21 Jump Street's better-than-expected numbers.
Directed by Phil Word and Chris Miller, 21 Jump Street received a B CinemaScore Friday night, although those under the age of 25 gave the pic an A. Sony's own exit polling showed that 50 percent of audience was under the age of 25, although CinemaScore's exit polling that 67 percent were actually over the age of 25.
The film's ethnically diverse audience -- 47 percent of Friday's audience was non-white -- also bodes well for 21 Jump Street's playability, as well as the fact that it played fairly evenly among the genders, with males making up 53 percent of those buying tickets and females 47 percent.
21 Jump Street features Hill and Tatum as bumbling police officers who go undercover in a high school to bust up a drug ring. 21 Jump Street is a victory for Sony and MGM, which partnered on the $42 million film.
The TV show, which aired on the Fox network from 1987-91, was far more serious and is famous for launching Johnny Depp's acting career (Depp makes a cameo in the remake).
Hill produced 21 Jump Street with Michael Bacall -- who penned the script --and Neal H. Moritz (the late Stephen J. Cannell also has a producing credit).The movie also stars Brie Larson, Dave Franco, Ellie Kemper, Rob Riggle and Ice Cube.
21 Jump Street was the only new nationwide release of the weekend--but it wasn'tt the only new title with big comedic names. Will Ferrell's Spanish-language pic Casa De Mi Padre made its limited debut, opening in 382 theaters across the country and grossing an estimated $2.2 million to come in No. 9.
Top 10 Domestic Box Office, March 16-March 18
1. 21 Jump Street, 1/3,121, Sony/MGM, $35 million.
2. Dr. Seuss' The Lorax, 3/3,769, Universal/Illumination, $22.8 million, $158.4 million.
3. John Carter, 2/3,749, Disney, $13.5 million, $53.2 million.
4. Project X, 3/2,22, Warner Bros., $4 million, $48.1 million.
5. A Thousand Words, 2/1,890, Paramount/DreamWorks, $3.8 million, $12.1 million.
6. Act of Valor, 4/2,765, Relativity/Bandito Brothers, $3.7 million, $62.4 million.
7. Safe House, 6/1,920, Universal, $2.8 million, $120.2 million.
8. Journey 2, 6/2,922, New Line/Warner Bros., $2.5 million, $95.1 million.
9. Casa De Mi Padre, 1/382, Lionsgate, $2.2 million.
10. This Means War, 5/1,660, Fox, $2.1 million, $50.5 million
Next: Three words The Hunger Games....
Pamela McClintock of THR:
Sony and MGM's 21 Jump Street lit up the R-rated comedy marketplace, opening to a stellar $35 million at the domestic box office.
Starring Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum, the light-hearted take on the classic TV show nabbed the best debut ever for a non-sequel, non-summer R-rated comedy, as well as one of the best bows on the books for an action-buddy comedy or a film-to-television adaptation.
21 Jump Street easily wrested the weekend crown from Universal and Illumination's hit Dr. Seuss' The Lorax, which has ruled the domestic box office the past two weekends. The Lorax, coming in No. 2, continued to do good business in its own right, grossing $22.8 million in its third outing for a domestic cume of $158.4 million, by far the best showing of 2012.
Disney's tentpole John Carter continued to struggle, grossing $13.5 million in its second weekend for a weak 10-day domestic cume of $53.2 million. Overseas, the pic grossed $40.7 million--including a strong $10.4 million debut in China--for an international total of $126.1 million and worldwide cume of $179.3 million. Those are big numbers, but far short of what the movie needs to make up for its $250 million budget (Disney is looking at a $100 million write-down or more).
Even with the strong performances of 21 Jump Street and Lorax, the domestic box office dipped behind last year's levels for the first time this year, with revenues down 8 percent. March Madness may have been a distraction for moviegoers, while there was bad weather on parts of the West Coast.
Box office obsevers credit strong reviews and good word of mouth for 21 Jump Street's better-than-expected numbers.
Directed by Phil Word and Chris Miller, 21 Jump Street received a B CinemaScore Friday night, although those under the age of 25 gave the pic an A. Sony's own exit polling showed that 50 percent of audience was under the age of 25, although CinemaScore's exit polling that 67 percent were actually over the age of 25.
The film's ethnically diverse audience -- 47 percent of Friday's audience was non-white -- also bodes well for 21 Jump Street's playability, as well as the fact that it played fairly evenly among the genders, with males making up 53 percent of those buying tickets and females 47 percent.
21 Jump Street features Hill and Tatum as bumbling police officers who go undercover in a high school to bust up a drug ring. 21 Jump Street is a victory for Sony and MGM, which partnered on the $42 million film.
The TV show, which aired on the Fox network from 1987-91, was far more serious and is famous for launching Johnny Depp's acting career (Depp makes a cameo in the remake).
Hill produced 21 Jump Street with Michael Bacall -- who penned the script --and Neal H. Moritz (the late Stephen J. Cannell also has a producing credit).The movie also stars Brie Larson, Dave Franco, Ellie Kemper, Rob Riggle and Ice Cube.
21 Jump Street was the only new nationwide release of the weekend--but it wasn'tt the only new title with big comedic names. Will Ferrell's Spanish-language pic Casa De Mi Padre made its limited debut, opening in 382 theaters across the country and grossing an estimated $2.2 million to come in No. 9.
Top 10 Domestic Box Office, March 16-March 18
1. 21 Jump Street, 1/3,121, Sony/MGM, $35 million.
2. Dr. Seuss' The Lorax, 3/3,769, Universal/Illumination, $22.8 million, $158.4 million.
3. John Carter, 2/3,749, Disney, $13.5 million, $53.2 million.
4. Project X, 3/2,22, Warner Bros., $4 million, $48.1 million.
5. A Thousand Words, 2/1,890, Paramount/DreamWorks, $3.8 million, $12.1 million.
6. Act of Valor, 4/2,765, Relativity/Bandito Brothers, $3.7 million, $62.4 million.
7. Safe House, 6/1,920, Universal, $2.8 million, $120.2 million.
8. Journey 2, 6/2,922, New Line/Warner Bros., $2.5 million, $95.1 million.
9. Casa De Mi Padre, 1/382, Lionsgate, $2.2 million.
10. This Means War, 5/1,660, Fox, $2.1 million, $50.5 million
Next: Three words The Hunger Games....
TDKR: Nolan Screens The Rough Cut For Top Execs!
Director Christopher Nolan held a screening of his rough cut of The Dark Knight Rises for the suits at Warner Bros. on Friday says THR
Sources say Nolan has been a fixture on the Warners lot during the past few days after finishing a months long shoot and editing process. Since the sequel doesn't open until July 20th Nolan has plenty of time to tweak his epic Bat Finale making any changes that he and the top brass deem necessary
The film opens the week after this year's Comic-Con-an event that Nolan has yet to attend given that all of his other fanboy flicks have opened well before the event--which begs the question...Will The Dark Knight Rise in San Diego?...
Christian Bale Tom Hardy Anne Hathaway, Joseph Gordon-Levitt Marion Cotillard Josh Pence, Alon Aboutboul and Nestor Carbonell star along with a return of the trilogy's ensemble cast such as Morgan Freeman Gary Oldman and Michael Caine Cillian Murphy might be making a cameo
Matthew Modine Tom Conti Joey King Daniel Sunjata Diego Klattenhoff Christopher Judge "CSI: Miami" co-star Adam Rodriguez and Burn Gorman take on secondary roles. Rob Brown and Italian actor Massi Furlan have small roles in the film as well
Nolan called action on the DKR from a screenplay he wrote with bro Jonathan Nolan, from a story by Nolan and David S. Goyer that features Bane (Hardy) and Catwoman (Hathaway) plotting to take down Batman (Bale)
Sources say Nolan has been a fixture on the Warners lot during the past few days after finishing a months long shoot and editing process. Since the sequel doesn't open until July 20th Nolan has plenty of time to tweak his epic Bat Finale making any changes that he and the top brass deem necessary
The film opens the week after this year's Comic-Con-an event that Nolan has yet to attend given that all of his other fanboy flicks have opened well before the event--which begs the question...Will The Dark Knight Rise in San Diego?...
Christian Bale Tom Hardy Anne Hathaway, Joseph Gordon-Levitt Marion Cotillard Josh Pence, Alon Aboutboul and Nestor Carbonell star along with a return of the trilogy's ensemble cast such as Morgan Freeman Gary Oldman and Michael Caine Cillian Murphy might be making a cameo
Matthew Modine Tom Conti Joey King Daniel Sunjata Diego Klattenhoff Christopher Judge "CSI: Miami" co-star Adam Rodriguez and Burn Gorman take on secondary roles. Rob Brown and Italian actor Massi Furlan have small roles in the film as well
Nolan called action on the DKR from a screenplay he wrote with bro Jonathan Nolan, from a story by Nolan and David S. Goyer that features Bane (Hardy) and Catwoman (Hathaway) plotting to take down Batman (Bale)
"There Is Darkness Everywhere Mr. President"
The newest teaser trailer for the comic book adaptation of this summer's Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter is here...And I have to say that thus far I really like what I see here.
Based on the Seth Grahame-Smith written book--The story sees President Abraham Lincoln re imagined as the ass-kicking nemesis of vampires everywhere, a man who saw his own mother killed by a bloodsucker when just a young boy, and who has vowed vengeance ever since. Yet it also weaves in historical facts about his term in the White House.
Simon Kinberg and Grahame-Smith wrote the adapted script
Benjamin Walker will play Abe, while the great Rufus Sewell ("Dark City) has been cast as the vampire villain Adam Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Alan Tudyk Anthony Mackie and Dominic Cooper also star
Timur Bekmambetov both directs and co-produces the pic with Tim Burton and Jim Lemley.
The pic is pegged for release on release on June 22nd this year.
Based on the Seth Grahame-Smith written book--The story sees President Abraham Lincoln re imagined as the ass-kicking nemesis of vampires everywhere, a man who saw his own mother killed by a bloodsucker when just a young boy, and who has vowed vengeance ever since. Yet it also weaves in historical facts about his term in the White House.
Simon Kinberg and Grahame-Smith wrote the adapted script
Benjamin Walker will play Abe, while the great Rufus Sewell ("Dark City) has been cast as the vampire villain Adam Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Alan Tudyk Anthony Mackie and Dominic Cooper also star
Timur Bekmambetov both directs and co-produces the pic with Tim Burton and Jim Lemley.
The pic is pegged for release on release on June 22nd this year.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Ratner Wants His MTV?
Director Brett Ratner is circling the film adaptation of author Craig Marks and Rob Tannenbaum's book "I Want My MTV: The Uncensored Story of the Music Video Revolution" says The Hollywood Reporter.
Jody Lambert will write the adapted screenplay from the non-fiction book that chronicles the history of the cable channel MTV--from it's inception in the early 80s, its growth throughout the late 80s and 90s, and its place as a power player in our current facination with pop culture and entertainment.
Ratner is producing the the film along with Jimmy Miller. It unclear whether Ratner will call action from the big chair or not at this point.
John Cheng will serve as executive producer.
The film's production timetable is not yet set
Jody Lambert will write the adapted screenplay from the non-fiction book that chronicles the history of the cable channel MTV--from it's inception in the early 80s, its growth throughout the late 80s and 90s, and its place as a power player in our current facination with pop culture and entertainment.
Ratner is producing the the film along with Jimmy Miller. It unclear whether Ratner will call action from the big chair or not at this point.
John Cheng will serve as executive producer.
The film's production timetable is not yet set
WonderCon '12 Prometheus Invades
While attending WonderCon 2012 director Ridley Scott co-star Charlize Theron and writer Damon Lindelof talked about "Prometheus" and then unveiled fresh footage....Later eclipsed by the bow of an intense full trailer....
During the Prometheus Panel:
Scott, once again played down the Alien connection, saying that while there has been talk of the movie having "DNA from Alien," once he and Lindelof began story meetings, it morphed into something else.
"It evolved into another universe," he said. "If we're lucky, there'll be a second part. It does leave you with some nice open questions."
Scott talked about how making sci-fi movies has changed over time. A man in a rubber suit played the alien in Alien, "...today you can pretty much do anything you want with digital technology" he said. And it's harder to engage audiences these days. "We're almost action-filmed out, almost science fiction-filmed out," Scott said. "So the baseline question is: how original are you going to be?"
Scott didn't really talk about the original aspects of the film, continuing the level of secrecy around the project that has extended to the actors. "This the closest we'll feel to CIA spies, where we can't tell our loved ones what we are working on," Theron said.
The level of secrecy seemed to leave attending fans wanting more
Michael Fassbender Noomi Rapace Idris Elba Rafe Spall, Sean Harris, Logan Marshall-Green Ben Foster Kate Dickie Emun Elliott Patrick Wilson and Benedict Wong also star.
Lindelof worked with director Scott on the script, which was originally written by Jon Spaihts
Scott is said to have shot both an R rated and a PG-13 rated version of the script.
The pic has a June 8th, 2012 release date.
Why won't Scott just stop flip-flopping over whether or not there is a connection to Alien...and just admit it. This back and forth is getting old...
During the Prometheus Panel:
Scott, once again played down the Alien connection, saying that while there has been talk of the movie having "DNA from Alien," once he and Lindelof began story meetings, it morphed into something else.
"It evolved into another universe," he said. "If we're lucky, there'll be a second part. It does leave you with some nice open questions."
Scott talked about how making sci-fi movies has changed over time. A man in a rubber suit played the alien in Alien, "...today you can pretty much do anything you want with digital technology" he said. And it's harder to engage audiences these days. "We're almost action-filmed out, almost science fiction-filmed out," Scott said. "So the baseline question is: how original are you going to be?"
Scott didn't really talk about the original aspects of the film, continuing the level of secrecy around the project that has extended to the actors. "This the closest we'll feel to CIA spies, where we can't tell our loved ones what we are working on," Theron said.
The level of secrecy seemed to leave attending fans wanting more
Michael Fassbender Noomi Rapace Idris Elba Rafe Spall, Sean Harris, Logan Marshall-Green Ben Foster Kate Dickie Emun Elliott Patrick Wilson and Benedict Wong also star.
Lindelof worked with director Scott on the script, which was originally written by Jon Spaihts
Scott is said to have shot both an R rated and a PG-13 rated version of the script.
The pic has a June 8th, 2012 release date.
Why won't Scott just stop flip-flopping over whether or not there is a connection to Alien...and just admit it. This back and forth is getting old...
Blakeson Emcees Imitation Game
J Blakeson is in talks to direct the biopic "The Imitation Game" acoording to Variety.
The film deals with Alan Turing , an English mathematician, logician, cryptanalyst, computer scientist, criminally prosecuted and chemically castrated homosexual, and tortured soul who committed suicide by eating a cyanide-laced apple.Turing was highly influential in the founding of computer science and artificial intelligence, along with devising techniques for breaking German ciphers during the Second World War. He was also one of the earliest to explore the biological process of morphogenesis.
Graham Moore’s script is based on the biograpghy by Andrew Hodges
Nora Grossman and Ido Ostrowsky will produce.
Ron Howard was reportedly interested in directing the film last Fall and wanted Leonardo DiCaprio to play Turing but both have moved on.
The film deals with Alan Turing , an English mathematician, logician, cryptanalyst, computer scientist, criminally prosecuted and chemically castrated homosexual, and tortured soul who committed suicide by eating a cyanide-laced apple.Turing was highly influential in the founding of computer science and artificial intelligence, along with devising techniques for breaking German ciphers during the Second World War. He was also one of the earliest to explore the biological process of morphogenesis.
Graham Moore’s script is based on the biograpghy by Andrew Hodges
Nora Grossman and Ido Ostrowsky will produce.
Ron Howard was reportedly interested in directing the film last Fall and wanted Leonardo DiCaprio to play Turing but both have moved on.
MIller Trades Deadpool Movie For Gravel
Tim Miller is set to direct "Gravel" says Deadline
Based on the Warren Ellis' comic book the story focuses on the character William Gravel, a soldier in the British SAS, who uses his skills in dark magic to moonlight and battle supernatural beings for clients in order to make some extra cash.
Oliver Butcher and Stephen Cornwell are writing the adapted script
Rick Alexander will produce the picture.
Miller, who was previously hired to direct stuck in development hell Deadpool movie, also helped create the title sequence for David Fincher's version of "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo".
Based on the Warren Ellis' comic book the story focuses on the character William Gravel, a soldier in the British SAS, who uses his skills in dark magic to moonlight and battle supernatural beings for clients in order to make some extra cash.
Oliver Butcher and Stephen Cornwell are writing the adapted script
Rick Alexander will produce the picture.
Miller, who was previously hired to direct stuck in development hell Deadpool movie, also helped create the title sequence for David Fincher's version of "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo".
Butler Takes On Olympus Has Fallen
Gerard Butler is attached to star in the new action-adventure film Olympus Has Fallen says The Hollywood Reporter.
The screenplay comes from first-timers Creighton Rothenberger and Katrin Benedikt and centers on an ex-Secret Service agent who must foil a terrorist attack on The White House.
The search for a director is underway.
Butler Alan Siegel and Mark Gill will produce.
The screenplay comes from first-timers Creighton Rothenberger and Katrin Benedikt and centers on an ex-Secret Service agent who must foil a terrorist attack on The White House.
The search for a director is underway.
Butler Alan Siegel and Mark Gill will produce.
Beautiful Creatures Gets Supporting Trio
Margo Martindale, Zoey Deutch and Rachel Brosnahan are in final talks to join the cast of the supernatural love story "Beautiful Creatures" says Variety.
The story is based on the first in a trilogy of novels by authors Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. In the first book, high-school student Ethan Wate (Jack O'Connell) meets and becomes bewitched by Lena Duchannes (Alice Englert), a 16-year-old whose family has moved to the small South Carolina town where he lives. The two must confront a curse that has haunted her family for generations as she comes to grips with her powers.
Martindale will play Lena's Aunt Del who helps to protect her from the family's dark side. Deutch will play Emily Asher, Ethan's ex-girlfriend and the ringleader of the high school's popular clique that conspires against Lena. Brosnahan will play Genevieve, who appears as Ethan's love interest in flashbacks.
Oscar-nominated "The Help" actress Viola Davis plays a librarian and friend of the teen boy's deceased mother who loves him like a son and will do whatever she can to protect him. Emma Thompson will play the complex role of Mrs. Lincoln, who is a small town religious leader, who is also possessed by a dark witch named Sarafine Project X star Thomas Mann will play O'Connell's best friend Link who has a thing for both music and magic--Emmy Rossum's witch character named Ridley, who is also Englert's cousin. Jeremy Irons will play the role of Macon Ravenwood Uncle of Englert
Richard LaGravenese (P.S. I Love You and Freedom Writers) wrote the script and directs.
Erwin Stoff, Broderick Johnson Andrew Kosove and Molly Smith will produce the pic
Production kicks off in April in New Orleans
The story is based on the first in a trilogy of novels by authors Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. In the first book, high-school student Ethan Wate (Jack O'Connell) meets and becomes bewitched by Lena Duchannes (Alice Englert), a 16-year-old whose family has moved to the small South Carolina town where he lives. The two must confront a curse that has haunted her family for generations as she comes to grips with her powers.
Martindale will play Lena's Aunt Del who helps to protect her from the family's dark side. Deutch will play Emily Asher, Ethan's ex-girlfriend and the ringleader of the high school's popular clique that conspires against Lena. Brosnahan will play Genevieve, who appears as Ethan's love interest in flashbacks.
Oscar-nominated "The Help" actress Viola Davis plays a librarian and friend of the teen boy's deceased mother who loves him like a son and will do whatever she can to protect him. Emma Thompson will play the complex role of Mrs. Lincoln, who is a small town religious leader, who is also possessed by a dark witch named Sarafine Project X star Thomas Mann will play O'Connell's best friend Link who has a thing for both music and magic--Emmy Rossum's witch character named Ridley, who is also Englert's cousin. Jeremy Irons will play the role of Macon Ravenwood Uncle of Englert
Richard LaGravenese (P.S. I Love You and Freedom Writers) wrote the script and directs.
Erwin Stoff, Broderick Johnson Andrew Kosove and Molly Smith will produce the pic
Production kicks off in April in New Orleans
Gluck Disappears To Direct Drama
Comedy director Will Gluck ("Easy A" and "Friends With Benefits"), is set to tackle the drama "How To Disappear Completely says The Hollywood Reporter.".
The story focuses on a young prodigy in the musical and academic worlds who slowly finds his skill level dropping as he ages, creating conflict with his overbearing parents.
Ed Solomon ("Men In Black") wrote the script though Gluck is expected to take a pass at it as he preps to call the shots.
The film is a remake of a 2007 Swiss film called Vitus that starred noted actor Bruno Ganz ("Downfall")
Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Max Minghella and Timothy Bricknell are produce the pic.
The story focuses on a young prodigy in the musical and academic worlds who slowly finds his skill level dropping as he ages, creating conflict with his overbearing parents.
Ed Solomon ("Men In Black") wrote the script though Gluck is expected to take a pass at it as he preps to call the shots.
The film is a remake of a 2007 Swiss film called Vitus that starred noted actor Bruno Ganz ("Downfall")
Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Max Minghella and Timothy Bricknell are produce the pic.
Sony Jumps for A 21 Sequel
Jonah Hill, Michael Bacall and Sony have inked a deal to develop a treatment for a 21 Jump Street sequel that Bacall will write says Variety.
Hill and co-star Channing Tatum are expected to return both in front of the camera and as executive producers, however those talks haven't started yet
Bacall and Hill collaborated on the story for the first film which had a strong opening yesterday.
Sony was making moves for a sequel a few weeks ago. Now it's official...
Bacall is also working on the script for the as yet Untitled Project X Sequel
Hill and co-star Channing Tatum are expected to return both in front of the camera and as executive producers, however those talks haven't started yet
Bacall and Hill collaborated on the story for the first film which had a strong opening yesterday.
Sony was making moves for a sequel a few weeks ago. Now it's official...
Bacall is also working on the script for the as yet Untitled Project X Sequel
Mockingbird Trio For Bertino
Todd Stashwick, Audrey Marie Anderson and Alexandra Lydon are set to star in the micro-budget thriller "Mockingbird" aka "Red Balloons" says Heat Vision.
The film follows a couple (Stashwick & Anderson) who are given a camera and a set of instructions. They must carry out those instructions or someone will die.
Bryan Bertino wrote and will direct the found footage picture
Lydon's part is unknown.
Bertino, Jason Blum, Adrienne Biddle, Marc Platt and Adam Siegel are producing the film.
Production kicks off in April in Los Angeles.
The film follows a couple (Stashwick & Anderson) who are given a camera and a set of instructions. They must carry out those instructions or someone will die.
Bryan Bertino wrote and will direct the found footage picture
Lydon's part is unknown.
Bertino, Jason Blum, Adrienne Biddle, Marc Platt and Adam Siegel are producing the film.
Production kicks off in April in Los Angeles.
Gallagher Is Scared Of The Dark
David Gallagher has signed on to star in the thriller "Scared of the Dark" says STYD.
Plot deets are being kept under wraps.
Jake Webber and Morgane Slemp will co star.
Takashi Shimizu will direct from a script he co-wrote with Stephen Susco.
Takashige Ichise, Maya Fukuzawa, Robert G. Tapert and Kazue Udagawa will produce.
Plot deets are being kept under wraps.
Jake Webber and Morgane Slemp will co star.
Takashi Shimizu will direct from a script he co-wrote with Stephen Susco.
Takashige Ichise, Maya Fukuzawa, Robert G. Tapert and Kazue Udagawa will produce.
Friday, March 16, 2012
American Reunion Trailer: A Well Placed Thumb....
Here is the theatrical trailer for the April 6th comedy sequel American Reunion...
The story sees everyone coming together for the Great Falls high school reunion, which will feature most of the original cast members. In the film Michelle (Alyson Hannigan) is still married to Jim (Jason Biggs) and the pair have a kid..
Thomas Ian Nicholas Seann William Scott Chris Klein Tara Reid, Mena Suvari, Shannon Elizabeth Jennifer Coolidge Eddie Kaye Thomas John Choand Eugene Levy as well as fellow newbies 30 Rock star Katrina Bowden former "Heroes" cast member Dania Ramirez Jay Harrington Ali Cobrin and Vik Sahay
Harold & Kumar creators Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg will both write and direct Cho of course also plays Harold for Harwitz and Schlossberg
Chris Moore and Craig Perry will produce the sequel.
The previous three theatrical films in the franchise made $754.6 million in global box-office, while several direct-to-DVD releases like American Pie Presents Band Camp, American Pie Presents The Naked Mile, American Pie Presents Beta House set sales records.
As for this reunion it looks like it might be fun...
The story sees everyone coming together for the Great Falls high school reunion, which will feature most of the original cast members. In the film Michelle (Alyson Hannigan) is still married to Jim (Jason Biggs) and the pair have a kid..
Thomas Ian Nicholas Seann William Scott Chris Klein Tara Reid, Mena Suvari, Shannon Elizabeth Jennifer Coolidge Eddie Kaye Thomas John Choand Eugene Levy as well as fellow newbies 30 Rock star Katrina Bowden former "Heroes" cast member Dania Ramirez Jay Harrington Ali Cobrin and Vik Sahay
Harold & Kumar creators Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg will both write and direct Cho of course also plays Harold for Harwitz and Schlossberg
Chris Moore and Craig Perry will produce the sequel.
The previous three theatrical films in the franchise made $754.6 million in global box-office, while several direct-to-DVD releases like American Pie Presents Band Camp, American Pie Presents The Naked Mile, American Pie Presents Beta House set sales records.
As for this reunion it looks like it might be fun...
Zwart Takes On Revived Instruments
Director Harald Zwart (The Karate Kid remake) has taken over the revived big screen adaptation of Cassandra Clare's supernatural novel series The Mortal Instruments says The Hollywood Reporter.
The adaptation was nixed by Sony Pictures in February and then picked up by Constantin Film...
Mortal follows Fray (Lily Collins who is attached to star) who has "The Sight" and can see both demons and Shadowhunters. When Clary's mother is abducted, she is forced to learn about her bloodline and abilities in order to get her mother back.
Jessica Postigo and I. Marlene King wrote the adapted script. Robert Kulzer, Michael Lynne and Robert Shaye are producing.
Jamie Campbell Bower had been cast as Jace Wayland, one of the best Shadowhunters. Bower is not mentioned by THR in the article--The Jace role had Alex Pettyfer in talks for it at one point.
Scott Charles Stewart was set to helm but vacated after the collapse instead choosing to start work on a TV series based on his film Legion.
Production on Mortal Instruments is set to begin on August 15th in Toronto
The adaptation was nixed by Sony Pictures in February and then picked up by Constantin Film...
Mortal follows Fray (Lily Collins who is attached to star) who has "The Sight" and can see both demons and Shadowhunters. When Clary's mother is abducted, she is forced to learn about her bloodline and abilities in order to get her mother back.
Jessica Postigo and I. Marlene King wrote the adapted script. Robert Kulzer, Michael Lynne and Robert Shaye are producing.
Jamie Campbell Bower had been cast as Jace Wayland, one of the best Shadowhunters. Bower is not mentioned by THR in the article--The Jace role had Alex Pettyfer in talks for it at one point.
Scott Charles Stewart was set to helm but vacated after the collapse instead choosing to start work on a TV series based on his film Legion.
Production on Mortal Instruments is set to begin on August 15th in Toronto
Burrell And Charles Embody Mr. Peabody & Sherman
Modern Family star Ty Burrell is replacing Robert Downey Jr. as the voice of the genius talking dog Mister Peabody in a new 3-D animated film based on the classic cartoon "Mr. Peabody & Sherman" says The Hollywood Reporter
As part of the original "Rocky & Bullwinkle & Friends", the characters created by Jay Ward--Mr. Peabody and his pet boy Sherman used The Wayback Machine to travel through time and discover new things about historical figures.
Max Charles (young Peter Parker in the July superhero reboot The Amazing Spider-Man) will play Sherman.
Rob Minkoff ("The Haunted Mansion") directs from a script by Jeffrey Ventimilia and Joshua Sternin that was reworked by Craig Wright (Six Feet Under)
Alex Schwartz and Denise Nolan Cascino (Shrek the Third) will be producing the pic, with Tiffany Ward, Eric Ellenbogen and Jason Clark set as executive producers.
Mr. Peabody and Sherman will be hitting theaters March 14th, 2014.
As part of the original "Rocky & Bullwinkle & Friends", the characters created by Jay Ward--Mr. Peabody and his pet boy Sherman used The Wayback Machine to travel through time and discover new things about historical figures.
Max Charles (young Peter Parker in the July superhero reboot The Amazing Spider-Man) will play Sherman.
Rob Minkoff ("The Haunted Mansion") directs from a script by Jeffrey Ventimilia and Joshua Sternin that was reworked by Craig Wright (Six Feet Under)
Alex Schwartz and Denise Nolan Cascino (Shrek the Third) will be producing the pic, with Tiffany Ward, Eric Ellenbogen and Jason Clark set as executive producers.
Mr. Peabody and Sherman will be hitting theaters March 14th, 2014.
Dark Shadows Trailer De-Fangs Film?
The first trailer for Tim Burton's Dark Shadows movie has hit....
Johnny Depp Michelle Pfeiffer, Helena Bonham Carter, Eva Green, Jackie Earle Haley, Bella Heathcote, Chloë Moretz Thomas McDonell Jonny Lee Miller Gulliver McGrath also star in the pic based on the cult TV Series a spooky soap-opera that featured gothic horror staples.
Original cast members Lara Parker (Angelique), Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie Evans and Josette du Pres), David Selby (Quentin Collins) and yes Jonathan Frid (Barnabas Collins) have cameos.
Seth Grahame-Smith has penned the script while Depp, Graham King, Richard Zanuck, Christi Dembrowski and David Kennedy are producing the pic.
The film hits theaters on May 11th
I'm kinda surprised that the film plays up the camp factor as much as it does--considering that Burton's Gothic sensibilities usually avoid over the top stuff--Save for the disappointing Mars Attacks! Might be fun though....
Johnny Depp Michelle Pfeiffer, Helena Bonham Carter, Eva Green, Jackie Earle Haley, Bella Heathcote, Chloë Moretz Thomas McDonell Jonny Lee Miller Gulliver McGrath also star in the pic based on the cult TV Series a spooky soap-opera that featured gothic horror staples.
Original cast members Lara Parker (Angelique), Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie Evans and Josette du Pres), David Selby (Quentin Collins) and yes Jonathan Frid (Barnabas Collins) have cameos.
Seth Grahame-Smith has penned the script while Depp, Graham King, Richard Zanuck, Christi Dembrowski and David Kennedy are producing the pic.
The film hits theaters on May 11th
I'm kinda surprised that the film plays up the camp factor as much as it does--considering that Burton's Gothic sensibilities usually avoid over the top stuff--Save for the disappointing Mars Attacks! Might be fun though....
Jackman Takes Prisoners After All
Hugh Jackman will star in the long gestating thriller "Prisoners" says THR
Aaron Guzikowski's lauded script centers on a small-town carpenter named Keller (Jackman) whose young daughter and best friend are kidnapped. After the cops fail to find them, the man turns vigilante and starts an investigation of his own. After the cops fail to find them, Keller takes the law into his own hands, but in the process runs up against the big city detective assigned to the case.
Incendies helmer Denis Villeneuve's calling action on the film.
This one's been around for quite some time folks...Over the years directors like Antoine Fuqua and Bryan Singer, and actors like Christian Bale, Mark Wahlberg Leonardo DiCaprio and even Jackman have all been attached at one point in in time. All of them dropped out for various reasons.
Andrew Kosove, Broderick Johnson, Kira Davis and Adam Kolbrenner will produce.
Production will begin early 2013, once Jackman completes "The Wolverine” with a November 2013 release planned.
Aaron Guzikowski's lauded script centers on a small-town carpenter named Keller (Jackman) whose young daughter and best friend are kidnapped. After the cops fail to find them, the man turns vigilante and starts an investigation of his own. After the cops fail to find them, Keller takes the law into his own hands, but in the process runs up against the big city detective assigned to the case.
Incendies helmer Denis Villeneuve's calling action on the film.
This one's been around for quite some time folks...Over the years directors like Antoine Fuqua and Bryan Singer, and actors like Christian Bale, Mark Wahlberg Leonardo DiCaprio and even Jackman have all been attached at one point in in time. All of them dropped out for various reasons.
Andrew Kosove, Broderick Johnson, Kira Davis and Adam Kolbrenner will produce.
Production will begin early 2013, once Jackman completes "The Wolverine” with a November 2013 release planned.
Fox & Saldana Fuel Swindle
Paramount Pictures has purchased Enzo Mileti and Scott Wilson's action-heist spec script "Swindle" says Deadline.
Though the storyline is being kept under wraps, the film has been designed as a star vehicle for hotties Megan Fox and Zoe Saldana.
Both actresses will also produce the pic with Michael De Luca ("Moneyball").
Though the storyline is being kept under wraps, the film has been designed as a star vehicle for hotties Megan Fox and Zoe Saldana.
Both actresses will also produce the pic with Michael De Luca ("Moneyball").
Paranormal 4 Gets Writer
Zack Estrin has been charged to handle the script for Paranormal Activity 4 says Heat Vision.
The premise for the film is being kept under wraps.
Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman, who directed Paranormal Activity 3, are expected to return for the fourth but sources say the studio is not yet in negotiations with the duo.
Even though the script isn't done, the film is already set for an October 19th release.
Estrin works with both the Paranormal Activity Franchise producer Jason Blum and creator Oren Peli on TV's The River
The premise for the film is being kept under wraps.
Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman, who directed Paranormal Activity 3, are expected to return for the fourth but sources say the studio is not yet in negotiations with the duo.
Even though the script isn't done, the film is already set for an October 19th release.
Estrin works with both the Paranormal Activity Franchise producer Jason Blum and creator Oren Peli on TV's The River
Goodloe Gets "Best Of Me"
J. Mills Goodloe ("The Mountain Between Us") has been hired to write the script for a film adaptation of Nicholas Sparks' latest bestseller The Best of Me says Deadline.
The story follows two former small-town high school sweethearts from opposite sides of the tracks. Now middle-aged, they’ve taken wildly divergent paths but neither has forgotten their first love affair and the past is confronted when they return to their hometown for a funeral.
Goodloe is starting work on the adaptation as this post is published
Denise Dinovi and Sparks are producing the film.
The latest Sparks based film The Lucky One starring Zac Efron, hits the cineplex on April 20th 2012.
The story follows two former small-town high school sweethearts from opposite sides of the tracks. Now middle-aged, they’ve taken wildly divergent paths but neither has forgotten their first love affair and the past is confronted when they return to their hometown for a funeral.
Goodloe is starting work on the adaptation as this post is published
Denise Dinovi and Sparks are producing the film.
The latest Sparks based film The Lucky One starring Zac Efron, hits the cineplex on April 20th 2012.
Blood Ties All Set To Go
Clive Owen, Billy Crudup, Mila Kunis and James Caan are set to star in Guillaume Canet's 1970's-set crime thriller "Blood Ties" says Heat Vision.
An adaptation of the French novel "Les Liens du sang", the story centers on a younger brother (Crudup) who has to ask his ex-convict older brother (Owen) to go back into the underworld to help out the family.
Zoe Saldana and Marion Cotillard are already set to play love interests. Matthias Schoenaerts has been offered a role in the film.
Canet who starred in the 2008 French film version and James Gray co-wrote the adapted script.
Alain Attal and John Lesher will produce the pic.
Production hopes to kick off this April in New York
An adaptation of the French novel "Les Liens du sang", the story centers on a younger brother (Crudup) who has to ask his ex-convict older brother (Owen) to go back into the underworld to help out the family.
Zoe Saldana and Marion Cotillard are already set to play love interests. Matthias Schoenaerts has been offered a role in the film.
Canet who starred in the 2008 French film version and James Gray co-wrote the adapted script.
Alain Attal and John Lesher will produce the pic.
Production hopes to kick off this April in New York
Cat In The Hat CGI-Style
As the CGI toon of the Classic Dr. Seuss tale The Lorax continues to make money over fist--Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment have decided to take on another Seuss classic for their next CG-animated film--The Cat in the Hat according to Deadline.
"Cat" is indeed Seuss' most famous story worldwide, the decision to make this pic comes after Universal already made a live-action version of the story with Mike Myers in 2003 that was a major flop.
The notion behind the redo is that the Seuss stories seem to connect with audiences better in animation as they are doing with 'Lorax' and Horton Hears a Who! in 2008.
Rob Lieber will write the script that Chris Meledandri will produce.
Illumination is also working on a film about the life of Dr. Seuss with Johnny Depp attached to play the author.
"Cat" is indeed Seuss' most famous story worldwide, the decision to make this pic comes after Universal already made a live-action version of the story with Mike Myers in 2003 that was a major flop.
The notion behind the redo is that the Seuss stories seem to connect with audiences better in animation as they are doing with 'Lorax' and Horton Hears a Who! in 2008.
Rob Lieber will write the script that Chris Meledandri will produce.
Illumination is also working on a film about the life of Dr. Seuss with Johnny Depp attached to play the author.
Marty And Leo Are A Wolf Pack
Director Martin Scorsese and actor Leonardo DiCaprio are teamed up again to make "The Wolf of Wall Street" reports Deadline.
The story is based on the Jordan Belfort penned memoir that tells of his days as a hard partying, drug addicted stockbroker who was indicted in 1998 for security fraud and money laundering and served a 22-month federal prison stretch.
Terence Winter of Boardwalk Empire wrote the adapted script.
Scorsese, DiCaprio, Emma Tillinger Koskoff, Irwin Winkler, Jennifer Killoran, Alexandra Milchan, Riza Aziz and Joey McFarland will produce the film
While there is no domestic distributor set as yet--a production start is being planned for August in New York.
The story is based on the Jordan Belfort penned memoir that tells of his days as a hard partying, drug addicted stockbroker who was indicted in 1998 for security fraud and money laundering and served a 22-month federal prison stretch.
Terence Winter of Boardwalk Empire wrote the adapted script.
Scorsese, DiCaprio, Emma Tillinger Koskoff, Irwin Winkler, Jennifer Killoran, Alexandra Milchan, Riza Aziz and Joey McFarland will produce the film
While there is no domestic distributor set as yet--a production start is being planned for August in New York.
We Got A Jumper
The reviews for this weekend's only wide release are quite strong--Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum are on the beat in the big screen version of the TV series 21 Jump Street...It should do well...But will it beat 2 time champ CGI toon of the Classic Dr. Seuss tale The Lorax?
Meantime starting a limited run are two comedies: Will Ferrell speaks spanish in Casa de mi Padre and Jason Segel is Jeff Who Lives at Home.
Pamela McClintock of THR:
The Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum headliner 21 Jump Street is poised to stir up good business in its domestic box office debut this weekend, with projections showing the film grossing in the $25 million to $30 million range.
The big question is whether the well-reviewed movie can best holdover Dr. Seuss' The Lorax, which has ruled the roost for two straight weekends and has grossed $132.2 million to date domestically.
Box-office observers also will be watching to see how much Disney's ill-fated John Carter falls during its second weekend. The big-budget tentpole debuted to a meek $30.2 domestically and has grossed $37.6 million to date domestically.
From Sony and MGM, 21 Jump Street is a comedic take on the classic TV show that launched Johnny Depp's acting career and aired on the Fox network from 1987-91.
In the movie version -- costing $42 million to produce and rated R -- Hill and Tatum are two bumbling police officers who go undercover in a high school to bust up a drug ring. Neal H. Moritz and Stephen J. Cannell produced.
Hill produced 21 Jump Street with Michael Bacall, who penned the script. The movie also stars Brie Larson, Dave Franco, Ellie Kemper, Rob Riggle and Ice Cube (and don't be surprised if there is a Depp cameo).
Males under and over the age of 25 are virtually tied in terms of interest, according to prerelease tracking. Those two demos are followed by younger females then older females.
21 Jump Street is the only new nationwide release this weekend, but it's not the only new title featuring well-known comedy stars.
Debuting in limited runs are the Will Ferrell comedy Casa de mi Padre, which Lionsgate opens in 382 theaters. Ferrell produced the film with Adam McKay. Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna also star.
Paramount debuts the Jason Segel-Ed Helms starrer Jeff, Who Lives at Home in 254 theaters. Jay and Mark Duplass wrote and directed the film
Meantime starting a limited run are two comedies: Will Ferrell speaks spanish in Casa de mi Padre and Jason Segel is Jeff Who Lives at Home.
Pamela McClintock of THR:
The Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum headliner 21 Jump Street is poised to stir up good business in its domestic box office debut this weekend, with projections showing the film grossing in the $25 million to $30 million range.
The big question is whether the well-reviewed movie can best holdover Dr. Seuss' The Lorax, which has ruled the roost for two straight weekends and has grossed $132.2 million to date domestically.
Box-office observers also will be watching to see how much Disney's ill-fated John Carter falls during its second weekend. The big-budget tentpole debuted to a meek $30.2 domestically and has grossed $37.6 million to date domestically.
From Sony and MGM, 21 Jump Street is a comedic take on the classic TV show that launched Johnny Depp's acting career and aired on the Fox network from 1987-91.
In the movie version -- costing $42 million to produce and rated R -- Hill and Tatum are two bumbling police officers who go undercover in a high school to bust up a drug ring. Neal H. Moritz and Stephen J. Cannell produced.
Hill produced 21 Jump Street with Michael Bacall, who penned the script. The movie also stars Brie Larson, Dave Franco, Ellie Kemper, Rob Riggle and Ice Cube (and don't be surprised if there is a Depp cameo).
Males under and over the age of 25 are virtually tied in terms of interest, according to prerelease tracking. Those two demos are followed by younger females then older females.
21 Jump Street is the only new nationwide release this weekend, but it's not the only new title featuring well-known comedy stars.
Debuting in limited runs are the Will Ferrell comedy Casa de mi Padre, which Lionsgate opens in 382 theaters. Ferrell produced the film with Adam McKay. Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna also star.
Paramount debuts the Jason Segel-Ed Helms starrer Jeff, Who Lives at Home in 254 theaters. Jay and Mark Duplass wrote and directed the film
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Berry Enters The Hive For Good
Halle Berry will indeed star in the suspense thriller "The Hive" after all according to Variety.
Set against the backdrop of a 911 call center, Berry plays an emergency operator who must face her own fears in order to save a teenage girl from a disturbed killer.
Brad Anderson ("The Machinist," "Transsiberian") calls action on the film from a script by Rich D'Ovidio.
Berry was linked to the project back when Joel Schumacher was attached to direct, dropped out due to scheduling issues, and then came back onboard after production was delayed.
Robert Stein, Jeff Graup and Michael Helfant will produce the movie.
Production kicks off in June in Los Angeles.
Set against the backdrop of a 911 call center, Berry plays an emergency operator who must face her own fears in order to save a teenage girl from a disturbed killer.
Brad Anderson ("The Machinist," "Transsiberian") calls action on the film from a script by Rich D'Ovidio.
Berry was linked to the project back when Joel Schumacher was attached to direct, dropped out due to scheduling issues, and then came back onboard after production was delayed.
Robert Stein, Jeff Graup and Michael Helfant will produce the movie.
Production kicks off in June in Los Angeles.
O'Connor May Give New Peter Pan Film Flight
Director Gavin O'Connor (Warrior) is in talks to helm the Peter Pan project "Neverland" AKA "Pan", AKA Peter Pan Begins says Heat Vision.
Channing Tatum is attached to star in the film as Pan
Billy Ray's script explores the origin story of J. M. Barrie 's immortal young hero and envisions Pan and Captain Hook as brothers.
Joe Roth will produce.
OK this project got even more intriguing folks
Channing Tatum is attached to star in the film as Pan
Billy Ray's script explores the origin story of J. M. Barrie 's immortal young hero and envisions Pan and Captain Hook as brothers.
Joe Roth will produce.
OK this project got even more intriguing folks
Fillion Takes On Sea Monsters In Percy Sequel
Nathan Fillion will will play Greek god Hermes in the upcoming sequel Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Sea of Monsters says The Hollywood Reporter.
Thor Freudenthal helms this follow-up to 2010's The Lightning Thief with Logan Lerman, Alexandra Daddario and Brandon T. Jackson reprising their roles.
The film series follow an ordinary boy who discovers that he is the son of the Greek god Poseidon. In the 2nd book by author Rick Riordan Percy and his group of friends set out to find the mythical Golden Fleece and free a friend who has been captured
In the series, Hermes is the father of antagonist Luke (Jake Abel). Fillion replaces Dylan Neal who had a small role as Hermes in the first film.
Mary Birdsong, Yvette Nicole Brown and Missi Pyle will play The Fates, the sisterly trio of mythological goddesses who determine the destiny of all. Douglas Smith also stars
Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski ("Ed Wood," "Agent Cody Banks") wrote the script using elements from other books in the series as well.
Chris Columbus (who directed the first film) and Karen Rosenfelt will produce the pic with a March 26, 2013 release date set.
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