I like catching up with all the latest gossip from Hollywood, and over the last month we've had Comic-Con with a plethora of announcement about new Marvel titles, a third Hobbit and more than our fair share of action adventures. The trouble is, I do find it hard to care about all these whizz bang pop comic book adaptations. Sure I was excited about The Dark Knight Rises as anyone else, but if you look at my viewing habits over the last 4 years I've over seen two superheroes in cinemas (Batman and Thor). It's the oscar baity drama's that I tend to go for most often, and on this front there's been very little news since my last report, indeed 3 of the 5 projects I am going to mention have already had their Runs Like a Gay debut. Still I've promised to report on all the new titles catching my eye on IMDb, and I intend to do so.
I'm so Excited
Even without knowing anything about Pedro Almodovar's latest cinematic offering that title's expressing how many cinephiles feel about it. With The Skin I Live in the Spanish master showed he could subvert genre and add his own blend of high camp into any subject - even torture porn - so taking a ridiculous set-up like a doomed plane flight with a highly excitable cast and crew you know he has something special up his sleeves.
The first set photo, above, confirms Almodovar stylish design will once again be present and the cast reads like a best of Almodovar's previous collaborators with Javier Cámara, Blanca Suárez and Lola Dueñas among the passengers and crew. Not to mention rumoured cameo's from Penelope Cruz, Paz Vega and Antonio Banderas.
Look out for I'm so Excited at Cannes next year where it's bound to cause a stir and melt a few hearts on the croisette.
Read on for cyborgs, and a Broadway star
Battle Angel
Now I know James Cameron has vowed to be only in the business of making Avatar sequels from here on in, however someone obviously haven't told our Bristolian programming friends who have put the manga adaptation back on his slate, admittedly with no firm date for release. I could try to explain the bonkers plot again, or even give a brief history of Cameron's attachment, however it's much easier to point to the post labels and invite you to look through my previous posts.
Go for Sisters
John Sayles is one of the most reliable directors in the American independent scene, with a back catalogue filled with classics and near-masterpieces. Who among us actors cannot forget the stunning "Anal Probe" monologue in Passion Fish or the moody atmosphere of Lone Star? His last film, Amigo (right), unfortunately didn't find a UK distributor but I remain hopeful that this project, about two friends reunited after a 20 year separation when one becomes the parole officer for the other. Edward James Olmos, LisaGay Hamilton and Isiah Washington have been confirmed in the cast so far.
Rover
If I didn't know better I would read the synopsis for this Aussie Western, starring Guy Pearce and Robert Pattinson (yeah, I sort of feel sorry for him right now), and think Mad Max rip-off, avoid. However whilst it indicates a dangerous and dysfunctional near future with roaming gangs of violent criminals there's no mention of Angry Anderson, Thunderdome or even a hint of nuclear Armageddon so perhaps there's something more to it. David Michod, who made a name helming the bleak Animal Kingdom is back in the directors chair, so expect Air Supply on the soundtrack, the odd bit of slo-mo and a massive shock in the final couple of shots.
Squirrel to the Nuts
For as long as I can remember writing this blog there's been rumours that Peter Bogdanovich (pictured right) will be returning to behind the camera's for the first time since 2002's underrated Cat's Meow. Finally after Wes Anderson and Noah Baumbach have joined forces to produce and Owen Wilson agreed to star at the Broadway producer at the centre of the story it's finally looking like it will happen. From this distance it looks like a screwball comedy about Wilson's infatuation with a hooker turned actress and his desire to help her climb the slippery slope of fame. Sounds like a perfect mix of director and subject.
Tuesday, 7 August 2012
When Title's and Feeling's collide (Coming Soon - August 2012)
Thursday, 12 July 2012
On the trail of the Story (Coming Soon - July 2012)
I didn't see anything this weekend - mainly because I'm not going to travel all the way to London for a foreign language short anthology with decidedly mixed reviews - so I thought why not resurrect my news features. Back before my 2011 hiatus I was regurgitating news on a weekly basis, relaying the lovely readers with the odd casting gossip and production release that nudged my fancy. When I came back it was quietly shelved due to the enormous work involved - however I really miss scanning the web for the latest script options to see what might be coming up in 4 years time so it's back back back. Only now I'll only be doing it once a month and will in essence be waiting for the films that really interest me to go into pre-production on IMDb. So here we are, the first edition of the new monthly column "Coming Soon" dedicated to the best the movies to look forward to.
Skinny and Cat
Luckily we're starting with a headline grabbing return to directorial duties for Barbra Streisand following a 16 year gap since The Mirror has Two Faces was critically mauled. Furthermore it's a significant departure from her previous gigs - not only because she doesn't appear to be the star but also because the film will document the marriage of photojournalist Margaret Bourke-White and novelist Erskine Caldwell (presumably he's skinny, she's cat) between 1939 and 1943.
It's potentially a fascinating piece of modern history, Bourke White (pictured) remains one of the most influential figures in 20th century photography, the only Western journo in Moscow during the German invasion and also known for her Buchenwald pictures she met Caldwell in the mid 30's and collaborated on a number of projects highlighting the socio-economic effects of Dust-bowl Oklahoma.
I don't know what causes the breakdown in their marriage, but given it's two successful, arty and politically active figures in the turbulent 1940's I expect the narrative to be bursting with showy moments for the two leads, Colin Firth and Cate Blanchett and don't be surprised if one or both of them turn up at the Academy in 2015.
Read on for dancing penguins, disgraced politicians and the only news stories that really matter (to me, anyway).
American Bullshit
It's no surprise to see the 2010 blacklist script by Eric Singer making it into production, documenting the infamous FBI sting operation Abscam that took down Senator Harrison Williams (left) and 5 Representatives on corruption charges in the late 1970's radically changed the way America viewed it's politicians and ultimately clarified the way the FBI could handle corruption cases and the entrapment rules they must follow. Using a fake Sheikh (similar to more recent tabloid tactics) vast brides were paid through a holding company to purchase asylum in the US for the undercover agents.
There's a bit of a trend towards wacky Government shenanigans in the 70's that started with The Men who Stare at Goats and continues with Argo later this year so there's a proven audience for this sort of satirical patriotism. David O'Russell will direct with Christian Bale, Amy Adams and possibly Bradley Cooper starring.
Great Wall
I have mentioned Ed Zwick's semi-history of the only man-made object visible from space, so I won't go into it too much. Only to say I am a touch concerned by the early casting of Hanry Cavill and Benjamin Walker, both of whom have points deducted against them for faltering starts to their blockbuster careers - The Immortals and Abe Lincoln: Vampire Hunter respectively and both are noticeably not Chinese, and whilst I appreciate the addition of Ziyi Zhang to the headlining cast surely the story should focus on the generations of Warriors, Emperor's and Peasant's who were instrumental in the building of the wall.
Murder Mystery
Everyone likes a whodunnit, don't they? Admittedly most of us prefer to relax in front of the TV on a Sunday afternoon rather than head to the cinema but then again how often will you see Charlize Theron as one half of an American couple heading to a isolated European hotel (hopefully as cliched as the picture to the right) only to stumble upon the corpse of another guest. We don't yet know the tone, or the vital husband part of the casting, so there's limited reason for excitement, however if they go for a campy Agatha Christie feel I'm sure I'll be persuaded to see it.
Saving Mr. Banks
In spite of it's reputation as one of the greatest Children's films of all time Australian writer P.L. Travers was extremely reluctant to allow anyone to adapt her Mary Poppins series of books and was notoriously bitter about the final film, feeling it missed the tone of her writing and hating the animated sequences ordering Walt Disney to remove them - you probably know he ignored her request.
This sounds like a delicious blend of two headstrong figures butting heads over a cinematic collaboration so expect audiences and critics to love it. So far Tom Hanks is in to play Disney and Emma Thompson Travers with Colin Farrell as her father. If that sounds odd it's probably worth noting he died when the author was just 8, a demoted banker much like the Mr. Banks character brought to life by David Tomlinson, and no doubt the similarities between the father character in the book and Travers' own life will be highlighted.
Splinter Cell
Mark this down as a project I am vaguely curious about at this stage, but certainly won't be making any promises about actually seeing it. Based on the computer game (left) which in turn was based on an concept by best-selling author Tom Clancy... The game is virtually unique in that it positively encourages stealth and non-lethal tactics, in many ways emulating the blacks ops background that it's hero Sam Fisher possesses. There has never been a successful game to screen adaptation so plenty of healthy scepticism is required but with the right director and cast on board this does have potnetial to be a taut thriller.
Three Nights
Baseball is probably the most filmed sport outside of boxing, probably because it's relatively easy to understand the rules, is instantly connected to the American cultural experience and combines an element of team responsibility and individual attainment, so the sport has played host to a gamut of genre's from inspirational biopic (Pride of the Yankee's) to social realism (Sugar) to classic good vs. evil triumphalism (The Natural). Yet few of these films are actually about Baseball. So who knows if this latest Edward Burns and Billy Bob Thornton starer will actually be about the on-pitch activities in a play-off or about the diverse strategies employed by the coaches. My money's on Ed Burns' side winning either way.
You Belong to Me
Rob Reiner may be more known for his slight sentimental output of the last ten years but it's worth remembering that at one stage his was one of the most reliable directors in Hollywood, bouncing from glorious comedy (The Princess Bride) to iconic coming of age drama (Stand by Me) to disturbing thriller (Misery) with deft professionalism. Hopefully his next project will be a return to form in the later genre as his psychiatrist hero accidently mentions enough of his personal life to send his psychotic patient into a Cape Fear like attack on the good doctor. At the moment it's still to be cast but Reiner has a lot of friends in Hollywood so expect a A-list family unit to boost the ticket sales soon.
The last time Reiner had a unbalanced protagonist there was no scrimping on either the tension or the genuinely terrifying violence - hopefully he'll still have the same nerve.
Wednesday, 10 September 2008
Trailers
I don't know about you but I am exhausted. Over the last 30 days I have linked to a trailer a day. Some of those films will be great - others dreadful. But I'm looking forward to seeing each and every one of them when they come out at cinemas.
I've barely scratched the surface of the upcoming films that interest me. Over the next few months we'll be seeing terrorism, lost children, suicide, cannibalism and child abuse and there'll be trailers for each of these and more.
I'll only be putting up trailers now when they're new and exciting, but please use the labels check out some of the one's I've already posted and let me know if your as excited about these films as I am.
Cheers
Friday, 5 September 2008
Out this week (07/09/08)
As is usually the case we follow a poor week with a slightly better week for new releases. If I had to choose it would be Keira in a corset, anytime.
Bangkok Dangerous
Nicolas Cage is a good actor. I mean that - he probably makes it to my top 100 actors working today. What he isn't is a man with the ability to pick a good project. Hitman who falls in love with his hit. Dismal, dismal, dismal.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●●○○○○○○○
Disaster Movie
The title says it all. See this if you want to know how bad a film must be in order to get just one on the runs like gay exciteometer.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●○○○○○○○○○
The Duchess
Keira Knightley marries Ralph Fiennes, has an affair with Dominic Cooper, wears big wigs, starts a political party, gambles, has nothing in common with Princess Diana, etc. The costumes will be amazing - the history lesson less so.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●●●●●○○○○
Rocknrolla
The critics are undecided about whether this is a return to form for Mr. Madonna, or merely a cheap facsimili of his better efforts. Either way his style, and a reasonably good looking cast make this one to watch.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●●●●○○○○○
Thursday, 4 September 2008
Coming Soon (maybe)
Rounding up those whispers of interesting films on their way.
Poltergeist
The forthcoming remake of the "cursed" early eighties horror fave Poltergeist has found a director in Vadim Perelman. I'm not a fan of the original, in fact I've never watched it in full, but I am concerned with the choice of Vadim. It brings to mind the last time a serious director was called in to helm a horror retread: Dark Water anyone?
Broken Embraces 
The fourth collaboration between Pedro Almodovar and Penelope Cruz is coming along, with a distribution deal signed. Pedro's also let slip it's influences include Leave her to Heaven. Can't wait.
My Very Own Love Song
Forest Whitaker and Renee Zellweger have signed on for this tale of a wheelchair bound singer finding love. I hope they find love with each other.
I'm sorry I have no better pictures to represent love songs.
Thursday, 28 August 2008
Coming Soon (maybe)
It's been a quiet week since I last updated any coming soon news but these two stories have interested me a little.
Tintin
There've been a number of rumours about uber-director Steven Spielberg, and his projects, over recent weeks.
First The Trial of the Chicago 7 changed director to Paul Greengrass, although now there appears to be no name attached to it at all. Then Herge announced Tintin was to be directed by Peter Jackson, who's currently attached to the sequels, although this has been denied. Spielberg is apparantly still in the chair. That's good, but I'd rather see him challenge himself with some meaty films.
Up in the Air
George Clooney has igned up to Jason "Juno" Reitman's next project: Up in the Air. It's about a guy trying to collect one million air miles - so far so loopy.
Saturday, 23 August 2008
Is Shakespeare getting hot again?
I realise that's probably a facile title but I have been noticing him quite a bit over the last 3 months.
Tilda Swinton is scheduled to take the role of Lady Macbeth in Come Like Shadows, there's an all star cast gathering for King Lear including Anthony Hopkins, Naomi Watts and Keira Knightley. Just this week James McAvoy and Emily Blunt have been outed as the star-crossed lovers in the bizarre sounding Gnomeo and Juliet. Finally I also spotted on imdb that Julie Taymor will be returning to the bard for The Tempest.
Now I don't know about you but I've not seen such a glut of Shakesperean adaptations in a long while, probably not since he fell in love with Gwynneth Paltrow (who's also in King Lear). Of course I had to check this theory and naturally I was proved wrong.
If we take a look at imdb the cinematic Shakespearean releases have been increased each decade since the 70s by about 45%. And if we look on a closer scale we can see that over the noughties adaptations have been slowing down with just 3 in 2008 against 9 in 2004. What has changed is the newsworthyness of the talent involved. As strange as this may seem Keira Knightley is a bigger box office draw than Al Pacino (who portrayed Shylock in 2004).
Perhaps the statistics are showing the turning of the tide and the growth is indeed coming to a close. If so these starry versions must be the last hurrah before a period of decline. Maybe Marlowe or Jonson will come back into fashion. I expect it's more likely to be a short term blip. Shakespeare wrote in such a way that generation after generation are captivated by the insights he had into human interactions and situations. The writing is so powerful that directors and actors will always want to present new ideas and interpretations.
Not to mention Branagh still has loads of them to make.
I expect I'll go to see at least 2 of the films I listed, but I think I will also be looking out for the more obscure adapatations. I wouldn't want to miss anything great just because it doesn't have a marquee name.
What do you think? What is the future for Shakespeare? Will the trend for more adaptations continue or are we about to hit an Elizabethan recession? Feel free to comment.
Tuesday, 19 August 2008
Coming Soon (maybe)
All the news that's fit to take a slight interest in.
Sex and Sylvia Plath
The buzzed script from newbie writer Jennifer O'Kieffe has been picked up by WAM films. The story is based on a 16 year old teenager who obsesses on death and shares a lover with her mother. Sounds like a laugh riot to me. It's got good pedigree, though - nominated for the Sanuel Goldwyn award and on last years Black List of unproduced screenplays.
Untitled Nancy Meyers Flick
Yes Nancy Meyers is responsible for formulaic romantic comedies like The Holiday and Something's Gotta Give but it has to be said she can get decent performances from the genre. Her latest, currently plotless, has Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin signing on so it might be worth a gander.
Serious Man
The Coen brother's have decided on their next project. A Serious Man has beaten back Surbicon and Hail Ceasar (honestly the one I'm more interested in based on the imdb synopsis). It's about a man who's life is falling apart around him when his wife leaves and his brother doesn't. It's too soon to tell if it's No Country or Burn After Reading type Coen.
Wednesday, 13 August 2008
Coming Soon (Maybe)
Antichrist
Willem Dafoe and Charlotte Gainsborough have signed on to Lars von Trier's Antichrist. I love saying that: Lars von Trier's Antichrist. Personally I'm not sure which is more unlikely; that Scorcese's Christ turns up in this or that Charlotte Gainsborough would be married to him.
The Challenge
George Clooney's Smoke House production company has picked up the rights to Jonathan Mahler's legal thriller left. It's too early to say what involvement Clooney may have with the final product, but with this sort of liberal firework (it's based on the true story of Bin Laden Chaffeur's fight for a fair trail) he's sure to be front and centre of the final product.
Anjelina Jolie is lining up Edwin A. Salt as her next action project. Given that Wanted was sold on her (and sold well) and she's kind of dead in that this is just the sort of thing she needs to keep at the top of the box office, even if the CIA agent lead needs a couple of tweaks to make it work.
Tenn
The Warrier
Gavin O'Connor seems undeterred by the delays and problems he's faced with Pride and Glory and has moved production on his next film, The Warrier, to the next level. It's about mixed martial arts so there's about a 25% chance it will be any good. Fingers crossed. In any case looking at the net it's bound to involve sculpted guys with few clothes on beating the crap out of each other so who really cares about the quality.
Monday, 11 August 2008
Trailers- Boy in the Striped Pajamas
It has occoured to me that each week I let you know what's coming out and rate my excitement but I've never really said what it is that excites me.
There are many things it could be. The talent, source material, buzz and early reviews all feed into my opinions (I freely admit I read reviews before seeing films). One important aspect is the trailer; and I've been unfairly neglecting the trailers here. I've linked to other sites and sometimes just mentioned their up but that's not really good enough so starting today for the next few weeks I will endeavour to spotlight new trailers that have caught my eye, and as new ones come along I'll add them into the mix.
I'm starting with The Boy in Striped Pajamas. It's out in the UK in September and will be the first of a long list of WW2 related films coming out over the next 12 months. I know this sort of thing never really goes out of fashion but we have Valkyrie, Australia, Defiance, Miracle at St. Anna, The Reader, Inglorious Bastards all on thier way.
Striped Pajamas takes the holocaust as the basis for the story, but shows it from a boy's perspective. Take a look at the traler below and let me know what you think.
Coming Soon (Maybe)
It's time to do a quick catch-up of the latest rumours and news that have hit my interest.
Inglorious Bastards 
The casting of Quentin's new flick carries on with Brad Pitt, Eli Roth and B.J. Novak all signing on the dotted line. I'm still pretty ambivalent about this at the moment (although Brad is making me change my mind). Satying that if the promises of a completed film for Cannes next year are kept to than I'll have to see it just to see how the project comes across.
Don Quixote
Terry Gilliam is taling about resurrcting his Don Quixote. Originally planned in 2001 the adaptation of Cervantes' novel was due to star Johnny Depp and Jean Rochefort and was beset by as many disasters as the titular hero. It's a perfect fit for Gilliam's style and way of thinking and Lost in La Mancha 2 would be fantastic.
Antichrist
Lars von Trier has secured funding for his Antichrist project. It's a horror film. From the director of Dogville and Dancer in the Dark. How can you not want to see it?
Scared Straight 
Nicolas Cage. In a prison. There's a riot. He has to rescue people from the really baad men. Is this Con Air, without the Air?
Finally Bioshock
I wouldn't normally look twice at a videogame adaptation (luddite snob that I am) but as this is being developed by Gore Verbinski whose Pirates movies, or at least the first one, showed that he's capable of making something from the most unlikely sources then my interest is piqued. The game seems to be an underwater Doom of sorts (feel free to correct me in the comments) so there could be some opportunities for suspense and less chance of multiple unnecessary double crosses. 
Sunday, 3 August 2008
Coming Soon (maybe)
BAD NEWS - The Prince of Persia has ben pushed back until 2010 to complete post production.
Don't get me wrong. I'm under no illusions that PoP will be a good film. I don't rate Mike Newell as an action director, I mean really don't the producers look at his previous films? And Ben Kingsley has a supporting role so we can't guarantee any quality there.
In spite of all this, and my complete lack of knowledge about the source game, I am very keen. mainly because I have imagined the entire film involves Jake Gyllenhaal running around dressed like Aladdin in short trousers and an open waist coat.
Mmmmm, Jake.
More gratuitous Jake shots after the jump.
Monday, 28 July 2008
Coming Soon (maybe)
It's been a while since I last did a coming soon post so I'm afraid there's a lot to catch up on. In no particular order (but read the last couple of paragraphs for soem audience participation):
Inglorious Bastards
The script for Tarantino's latest opus (and one that's been on the rumour mill for years) was sent out to just about every studio that might be able to finance it until The Weinstein Company offered, unsurprisingly, to pay up. The script reviews on the net were fairly positive but I'd wait until the final product before judging it, especially if Quentin splits it into 2 films as hinted.
True confessions of Charlotte Doyle
Pierce Brosnan continues with his career resurgence playing against Saoirse Ronan in this adaptation of the popular novel - maybe one to take the teens to.
Nine
Next years Fellini musical is gathering one of the most interesting casts of all time: Daniel Day-Lewis, Nicole Kidman, Kate Hudson, Penelope Cruz, Judi Dench, Marion Cotillard and Sophia Loren. 6 Oscars and 11 further nominations between them - that's going to be a fun trailer.
Twilight, Body of Lies and W have all released trailers. I'd link to them but I haven't the time. Consider "Don't teenage vampire's have lovely skin","Nice goatee, Leo" and "Those were the best bits?" as suitable commentary.
Darren Aronofsky has been confirmed as the director of the updated Robocop and Philip Noyce is directing both Captain Blood and Edwin A. Salt. Honestly I'm not making this stuff up.
Alice in Wonderland
Tim Burton has his Alice (Mia Wasikowska - no, I don't know her either) for his part live action part animated version of Lewis Carroll's classic children's book. There's plenty of dark down that rabbit hole for Burton's sensibilities but so far no-one has made a really satisfying version of it. Let's hope that he doesn't just fill it with pointless star cameo's - hang on maybe he should.
Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter
Helena Bonham Carter as the Queen of Hearts
Make your comments please...
Monday, 21 July 2008
The Dark Knight
The Dark Knight is curently breaking records every where you look: All Time opening Weekend (beating Spider-Man 3 by $4m), Biggest single day gross, Fastest to $100m etc.
In fact in 3 days it's already grossed over 75% of the total US gross of Batman Begins and is 44% ahead of notorious flop Batman and Robin.
How is it doing this? There are multiple factors that could be behind this massive take:
A) General love for all things Batman.
B) Superb and innovative viral campaign.
C) Respect for Batman Begins and desire to see the follow-up.
D) Excellent reviews.
E) Curiosity about Heath Ledger.
Which do you think has tipped the balance? Feel free to comment.
Tuesday, 15 July 2008
Coming Soon (Definitely - Cannes edition)
I've been looking at Box Office Mojo again, and there's a few new scheduled opening dates that I that you may like to share.
Blindness
A UK opening date of 14 November has been announced. Despite the lukewarm reaction at Cannes I'm still quite keen on seeing Meirelles' latest opus, the trailers have indicated a dreamy quality in the cinematography very different from the tone of the book and this should be a good enough reason to rush to see it.
What Just Happened
Actully this looks a bit rubbish - like a poor man's The Player - however I'm willing to give this fading Hollywood producer tale a try if only because Barry Levinson and Robert De Niro have both gone 10 years without a decent film and maybe their Wag the Dog reunion may be something interesting.
Like Blindness and What Just Happened this slice of life drama also debuted at Cannes, with significantly better press and the best actress award for Sandra Corveloni. The plot - four boys from the slums try to improve their lives in different ways - may be as old as time, but I'm hoping for a fantastic work from Walter Salles and Daniela Thomas.
The Argentine/Guerilla
We in the UK now have relaease dates for Steven Soderbergh love letters to Che Guevara 02 January and 20 February respectively. Benicio Del Toro won the best actor award at Cannes for the combined "Che" and it will certainly be interesting to see these films. Perhaps most interesting about these dates is whilst Optimum has announced them for here there is still no distributer for the US market in any form. You would have thought this was a guaranteed best actor oscar nomination - biopic, well liked star, he dies at the end - however if Focus Features don't pull their fingure out and organise a relaease strategy it could end up being a wasted opportunity.
Saturday, 5 July 2008
Coming Soon (Maybe)
Now, I know this is a lot later than usual, but I've had an extemely busy day. More on that later... Edwin A. Salt
It's been a while since the last coming soon, so what's new:
The Debt 
Has moved one stage closer to production with John Madden now set to direct. It's a remake of the Isreali film Ha-Hov concerning a retired Mossad agent who has has to rectify a mistake and cover up from the 60s. Nothing like You don't Mess with the Zohan, apparantly.
Blindness
Some new posters have appeared, including this gorgeous one of stunner Gael Garcia Bernal.
The helm has passed to Philip Noyce, Peter Berg having moved on to other things. This seems to be a more real version of Minority Report, so naturally Ton Cruise has been mentioned alongside it for some time. This is really just an excuse for a link to the Tom Cruise 25 years official website.
Wednesday, 2 July 2008
Coming Soon (definitely)
Death Defying Acts
After a bit of a wait, since it's premiere at last years Toronto festival, this Guy Pearce as Houdini film is set to come out over here on 08 August. I've been a fan of Guy waay back since Neighbours and it'll be good to see him on the big screen agian, especially in a tuxedo. The plot revolves around an affair between Houdini and a fake medium (Catherine Zeta-Jones). The trailer can be found here.
Body of Lies
The new Ridley Scott movie has settled on 10 October. I'm not sure about this, while I accept that Russell Crowe and Leonardo DiCaprio are both fantastic actors, I'm not sold on the consistency of Ridley's work. Also I'm still not sure whether the public are ready for Iraq movies, especially one based on a source novel that blasts the US decision to go into Iraq like this one does. I guess we'll have to wait and see.
Monday, 30 June 2008
Dark Knight
No Birthdays, no coming soon, and I still haven't finished my random film review from the weekend.
However Dark Knight reviews are coming in thick and fast and it's looking like all the pre release hype was correct.
Why not spend the day going through the trailers on the official site and letting out a little wee in anticipation.
Friday, 27 June 2008
Coming Soon (maybe)
Another round up of what's been tickling me over the last couple of days. Imagine, if you will, Chris O'Donnell and Leonardo Dicaprio visiting their elderly grandfathers, Pacino (terse and shouty) and De Niro (telling bad jokes and trying to still be with it), in a home for geriatric actors. As they recount stories of their glorious past Chris and Leo learn a lot about life and what it means to be an actor. Chris moves to the country to grow peanuts and Leo resolves to never make the same mistakes as his elders. In the flashback scenes we could use footage of actual films involving Pacino and De Niro, a la Whatever happened to Baby Jane.
The Ghost
Pierce Brosnan has let slip to MTV that he's prepping for a new thriller from Roman Polanski, concerning dark secrets from a former UK Prime Minister (Brosnan) being uncovered by his ghost writer (Nic Cage - yes really). It sounds like a good mix to me - Polanski is always good at building tension and Cage's wig has an almost legitimate reason to be wild.
39 Clues 
I don't really get this. Apparantly 39 Clues is some interactive, multi-media Kids thing with prizes and stuff. 10 books, and potentially 3 films are planned. Anyway Steven Spielberg has just brought the rights. I hope he doesn't direct as I'm still a fan of the 'berg and I'd rather see Tintin, Lincoln or the Chicago Seven than what to me sounds like gibberish. I mean how could I keep my head up high wandering into Smiths and buying a pack of trading cards?
Righteous Kill
Robert De Niro and Al Pacino are back. In a film from Jon Avnet, acclaimed director of Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe.
This is old news, I know, but it's new poster so I thought I'd show that.
To be honest I think I'd be more keen on this project if the film was going to be closer to Fried Green Tomatoes in tone and content.
To all Hollywood producers out there I'm waiting for your call. Anyone else feel free to leave a message about what you'd like to see De Niro and Pacino doing.
Wednesday, 25 June 2008
Coming Soon (maybe)
Not a day goes by tht some film project isn't announced or changes production status or start trailering that I'm not in the least bit interested in. Here are some stories that have had me going hmmm over the last week:
The Archive
James Mangold (Walk the Line, 3:10 to Yuma) to direct a script from David Auburn (Proof, The Lake House). Apparantly the story revolves aroung time travel. It should be interesting. I like Auburn's theatre work (although it didn't translate well onto the screen) and James Mangold is a seriously underrated director. This could be one to watch out for.
Spider-man 4
Release date confirmed for 2011.
Um... Tobey Maguire and Sam Raimi have yet to sign on for this. Now I love me some Spidey, but I'm not so keen on studio cash ins.
