Last week I bemoanded the lack of film news, crying out for the studios to release something vaguely interesting. They haven't exactly listened. We've had a cornucopia of casting misssives but not much else, although the two biggest stories this week have certainly caught my interest. I've also have an update of UK release dates which spreads out until December 2013 (no prizes for guessing the film) so with no further ado lets get on with the headlines.
Straight Outta Compton
I am not a fan of the seminal Gangsta rap pioneers N.W.A, I confess to being much more middle of the road with my musical tastes, however it's hard to ignore the impact of the Californian group that brought us Ice Cube and Dr. Dre. Their highly rated debut album "Straight Outta Compton" (which will be used as the title for an upcoming biopic) went double platinum and is largely considered one of the influential and ground-breaking musical works of the 1980's, at least in part due to the success being in spite of widespread criticism of the violent lyrics and US radio stations ignoring the phenomena.
The 20th anniversary album cover.
N.W.A members were poets, crying out against police brutality and racial inequality in the crime ridden streets they grew up in, angry and filled with rhetoric it's hard to argue against the aural and political demands of their work. Although retrospect is a hard thing, over the years Gangsta rap has become distorted it's pleas for equality have been replaced by bling worship and violent misogyny. Indeed the recent London riots have, in part, been blamed on the culture of greed and entitlement that has been spawned by N.W.A's antecedents.
Surely then it's time to go back to the beginning, to look at their story in it's own historical context and to dissect what it meant for the group to come from Compton. Of course rumours of this particular biopic have been circulating for years but the intensity of the talk has increased recently with Boyz in the Hood and Abduction director John Singleton recently telling the press he was working with Ice Cube on a script, a comment that the rights-owning studio New Line were quick to scotch (at least with regards to Singleton's involvement). I do hope we see some movement on this soon though.
Read on for superhero stories, some casting breakdowns and the latest release date changes.
Thor 2
I'm facing a dilemma right now. I liked Thor, I enjoyed what Kenneth Branagh brought to the superhero story and was amazed by the films design elements. But I didn't suspect for a second that I would go and see the sequel, I'm not even interested in seeing The Avengers, a movie that seems - even more than most comic book franchises - designed purely to make money. Now though comes the revelation that Marvel are in talks with Monster director Patty Jenkins about taking the helm. Let's just consider this. Branagh may have been a brave choice but his experience with Shakespearean themes and dialogue and the epic canvas he brought to Frankenstein at least backed up the productions decision. Jenkins has none of this, since steering Charlize Theron to an oscar for her murderous prostitute she's been largely drawn to TV - frankly it's so bizarre I can only be excited about the possibilities. Especially as it will be one of the largest movies to ever be directed by a woman.
Now I just have to find out whether I will understand the next instalment of Natalie Portman and Chris Hemsworth intergalatical love story with tuning into The Avengers.
Casting News
Brad Pitt, who's getting some very nice notices for his subtle work in Moneyball continues to be added to interesting and varied upcoming projects, including the news this weeks that David O Russell is hoping to recruit him for The Mission, the film about a six year hunt for US hostages in Columbia - no news on whether Pitt will be a hostage or part of the seal team out to rescue them. Of course any DOR related news must be taken with a pinch of salt because he's juggling so many projects in the air you never know which one will end up being made. Following last weeks rather young list of potential actors for the Man from U.N.C.L.E there's been at least two more sets of possibilities leaked from memos across the production teams, each more unlikely than the last - I mean do DiCaprio, Bale or Crowe really need this job let alone Robert Pattinson!!! Jackie Earle Haley is the latest to join Spielberg's Lincoln as the pro-slavery Senator Alexander Stephens - notably Steven also confirmed the movie will just look at a short period of Lincoln's life, will not be politically motivated and will be a conventional biographical set-up. Finally some great news for Robert Zemeckis's Flight in which Denzel Washington with accidently save the lives of hundreds of people - Don Cheadle has joined the cast. The last time these two appeared together was 1995's Devil in a Blue Dress, the superb noir tinted drama that saw both of them at the top of their game - hopefully working together again they can recapture that magic. 
Denzel and Don together, in one hell of a good movie.
Release Schedules
The floodgates have opened on 2013 with several big ticket releases confirming the UK dates this month. There's also a few guilty pleasure genre pieces and some Oscar contenders on their way too so sit back and relax at all these upcoming movies.
Dream House - Early buzz of Jim Sheridan's haunted house movie is not good, first there was the overeggy trailer and now it's not getting screened to critics in the States, can Daniel Craig's career recover from this and Cowboys? Remember your murdered family on 25 November 2011.
Trespass - And if the previous film seems like a turkey just imagine the whiff from this Joel Schumacher directed actioner which got utterly plastered at Toronto, looking like a low-rent Funny Games I won't be surprised if this date slips direct to DVD like Joel's last 2 movies. Get kidnapped in your own front room on 16 December 2012.
The Descendants - Following it's superb reception on the festival circuit - currently a bookies favourite to pick up a best film nomination if not the award - there's been a slight shift to a less busy week at the end of January. Reconnect with your kids on 27 January 2012.
Carnage - The cracking cast for Polanski's adaptation of Yasmina Reza's award winning short play make this one of the must sees of the season. Bitterly dissect your relationships on 03 February 2012.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel - As I type this I've been listening to an interview with Tom Wilkinson where he talks briefly about this upcoming India-set retirement home dramedy, he's a very humble interviewee so he's not selling it but it does look fun. Celebrate the best and worst of Britons abroad on 09 March 2012.
Big Year - So the set up is strange - Owen Wilson, Steve Martin and Jack Black spend a year birdspotting - yet there's still something lovable about such a crazy premise about obsession, although this delay in the release does not look good. Get twitching on 23 March 2012.
Great Hope Springs - Coming in 10 months later is David Frankel's next directorial gig, this Meryl Streep/Tommy Lee Jones comedy about marriage counselling - look out for an unlikely Oscar campaign if The Iron Lady fails . Start talking about the niggles on 04 January 2013.
One Thousand A.E. - Let's face it M. Night Shyamalan's career couldn't possibly get any lower rated than at present, however Will Smith - who's got a brilliant track record - is starring and producing so there must be something about the script. Commemorate the end of Earth on 07 June 2013.
Robopocalypse - Spielberg's next but one movie has already got a release date both here and in the States, no cast, no script, just the demise of mankind at the hands of sential robots- it's not going to be a cheerful summer next year. Run from your toaster on 03 July 2013.
Thor 2 - Yeah, it doesn't have a director yet and the little we know about it involves the continuation of the central quartet of relationships, but Marvel do like to plan ahead. Maintain relationships on two planets on 26 July 2013.
The Hobbit: There and Back Again - The second of Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings prequels is by far the most dangerous prospect, An Unexpected Journey will cover most of Toilkein's story and this will attempt to bridge the gap and complete the history of the ring, nevertheless it is incredibly anticipated so much so we have a release date 810 days in the future. Sit around with the precious on 13 December 2013.
All this talk of Thor's release date, and the director choice has reminded me of Chris Hemsworth wandering around with no shirt. Thanks Marvel.
Saturday, 24 September 2011
Do what with the Police? (Film News - 24/09/11)
Saturday, 9 April 2011
Sorting out the rubbish - (Movie News - 09/04/11)
I'm in London this week - it's Baby Jesus Freak don't ya know? - so I'm doing one of those tricks where I attempt to complete the news report in an internet cafe - writing up the stories as I hit them. It's so exciting as I want to keep the costs down and writing becomes much more intense!
Trash
The biggest title grabbing my attention is the children's adventure novel by Andy Mulligan which is about to get the multiplex treatment under the watchful eyes of Richard Curtis (writing) and Stephen Daldry (directing). That's a fascinating combo and frankly I'd probably see anything those two would plan to work on together, but this story seems especially intriguing.
Three boys (Raphael, Gardo, and Rat) in an unnamed third world country struggle to survive by recycling rubbish from the vast refuse mountains outside the major city where they live - I'm not trying to offend anyone but I imagine the Jardim Gramacho outside of Rio at this point. When the boys find something special, and then refuse a large bribe from a local policeman to hand it over it sparks a chain of events that will require all their cunning and courage to survive.
Sounds like it could meld a searing attack on modern poverty with the ind of adventure games children like exceptionally well. I'll be keeping an eye on this one.
Read on for controversial mayors, a weird virus, lies-a-plenty, Conrad's muse, a lost architect, a stupid murderer, the Godfather of Soul and our regular review of casting news.
Politics and Pasta
The autobiography of Buddy Cianci, the former mayor of Providence, Rhode Island is stirring up quite a controversy with it's claims of rebuilding the city and constant battle with mobsters as well as a stint inside for racketeering. Expect the big screen version to be along soon.
Prisoners of the Sun
We knew there'd be another one - although the when question is still there, but Spielberg and Peter Jackson will be swapping director/producer roles for the Tintin sequel. The Secret of the Unicorn is not too far off and will be followed by Prisoners of the Sun. The plot involves a mysterious illness affecting explorers and an Incan treasure that may be connected - sounds typical Herge and will likely be a great choice.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
I'm not sure I believe this myself, but the proposed remake of Danny Kaye's serial fantacist 1949 movie may just be back on track. Ben Stiller has seen the script and is very keen to get it made with him in the leading role. I'm ambivalent about Stiller's talents, but hopefully this will be a vehicle that can point him in an interesting direction.
Stanley
Joe Wright is making big plans for the next few years, with Hanna out in cinemas over the next few weeks he'll be turning his attention to Russian epic Anna Karenina. After that he's seriously considering a biopic of Sir Henry Morton Stanley, the explorer and journalist who "found" Dr. Livingston and who's journey into Africa inspired Conrad's "Hearts of Darkness".
The Tomb
Do you remember way back in early 2010 we mentioned a Bruce Willis project where he was a master architect locked in his own prison? Well, Bruce is out and former Governator Arnold Schwarzenegger is in, leading the 63-year-old's bid to return to the Hollywood elite. Apparently Antione Fuqua is still attached to helm, but given he has a Tupac biopic and a Chinese venture to complete first (see last week's news) expect a change of director soon.
True Crime
With Carnage having just wrapped Roman Polanski is already searching for his next challenge and seems to have stumbled on a Polish crime thriller. Based on a 2008 New Yorker article the film will follow the murder investigation after a body was found in the Oder river. The detectives eventually found clues in the published crime thrillers of the victims friend and colleague. Which just seems daft if he had done it..
Untitled James Brown Biopic
In completely regurgitated news is the largely unsubstantiated rumour that's Spike Lee's biopic of the great soul singer is still in the works (some five years since we last heard anything about it). Apparently Eddie Murphy and Usher are being considered to play Brown in various stages of his life.
Casting News
The names are starting to circulate for big screen Musical Les Miserables including Robert Downey Jnr, Anne Hathaway, Marion Cotillard and legendary British tenor Alfie Boe - expect plenty of rumours about this castlist right until the camera starts turning. Will Smith and little Jaden Smith have teamed up on M. Night Shyamalan's next sci-fi bustblocker One Thousnd A.E.. I realise Will wants his son to have all the advantages that he never had as a young actor, but surely he's seen M. Night's work and knows this will be a disaster. Catherine Zeta-Jones is the latest MILF to be wooed by Gerard Butler in Playing the Field. Penelope Cruz is planning to reunite with Woody Allen for his Rome set movie later this year, I can't work out whether that's a good thing for her.
Saturday, 23 October 2010
It's not the Happening (Film News - 23/10/10)
I have done provisional posts for "out this week" before, second guessing critical reactions to films not yet released, but this is a first time provisional news post. This weekend I am unable to reach a computer for longer than an hour (a big thanks to Kirklees Library service even for that opportunity) so I have looked up the stories on my crappy mobile and written my post in long hand with the hope of typing it up before the hour dealine is over. It's honestly like watching the closing sequence of a Bond movie here in the Library. Wish me luck:
Day of the Triffids
John Wyndham's classic apocalytic sci-fi novel about a meteor shower that blinds the World and the strange carnivorous plants that take over at the top of the food chain is not as cinematic as you might immediately suppose. There have been a number of noble efforts to adapt the project over the years including a recent BBC miniseries but thay have all failed to highlight the horror implicit in man-eating shrubs from which we are unable to defend ourselves. In most cases the main let down has been the animatronics and puppetry of the Triffids themsleves.
Step forward Sam Raimi, the producer/director responsible for making trees scary in the Evil Dead trilogy, to work his magic. Unfortunatley whilst I love Raimi's excellent comic-horror hybrids (the aforementioned trilogy and Drag me to Hell come to mind) I persoanlly believe the parable in Triffids only works if the terror is undiluted. As viewers of The Happening will attest it's hard to believe flora fighting back, and to suggest that mankinds grip on planetary domination is weak and fleeting will be tough where there are lashings of gory guffaws.
Can Raimi adequately turn off the comedy of will this just be another disappointing adaptation? Are the plants really just watching and waiting forour downfall? Let me know in the comments.
Read on for Affleck's choice, the end of humanity and MacGuffins galore.
Replay/Trade
The offers for Ben Affleck continue to mount up following the critical and commercial success of The Town. The latest two projects pitched to the writer/director are Replay, where a 40 year old gets to go back in time to 18 and relive his adult life (this sounds suspiciously like that awful Zac Efron vehicle 17 again to me), or Trade, which is based on a wife-swapping arrangement in professional baseball. On a side note isn't it odd how baseball and sex are always interlinked in a negative manner? Personally I'd rather see Affleck swinging his bat so I'm voting for Trade (I'm so very sorry for that image).
One Thousand A.E.
You would've thought that M. Night Shyamalan had been banned from the making movies given the relentless stream of abuse abuse heaped upon him on the internet. He's more reviled than even Uwe Boll and Brett Ratner (possibly because he once had so much promise). However The last Airbender took a credible $130m in the US domestic box office and it seems studios are still willing to let him handle a megaphone. Next up is this sci-fi epic set to star Jaden Smith (son of Will, and freash off The Karate Kid which passed $160m). Unsurprisingly we know nothing about the plot but rumours are rife that the AE of the title refers to After Earth. Although I personally suspect that a community of religious nutters have locked themsleves in a spaceship and told their kids about the end of the world even though their still all in a industrial estate in Slough. Nice (originalish) third act twist or what?
The Thin Man
The 1934 original is a classic screwball whodunnit with alcoholic well-to-do detective duo Nick and Nora Charles (played to perfection by William Powell and Myrna Loy) trying to find the eponymous missing scientist whilst mixing martinis and waliking their adorable Fox Terrier. The crime itself is such a periphery incident to watching the leads it can hardly be called a mystery but it does at least move the plot forward.
The original is a delightful cocktail so I struggle to see why Johnny Depp is so keen to update the project (with Rob Marshall at the helm), especially given how dipsomania is more frowned upon now than back in the gin swigging thirties. Saying that I can see how the idea of playing a playful drunk would appeal to the man behind Captain Jack.
Overall this might be worth watching but it could be a horrific travesty. Keep an eye what happens next.
Casting News
There may have been more castings bandied aroung this week but the only one that caught my eye is the replacement of Matt Dillon with John C. Reilly in Roman Polanski's God of Carnage. Reilly will play Jodie Foster's hubby with Kate Winslet and Christoph Waltz as the other couple in this stage to screen adaptation about parental grouping defending their children fighting and ending up emulating their petty motives. Sounds absolutely unmissable to me.
