Lyzsi SinclairMovie News Roundup 27th May 2010...
I realised I hadn't done a film news round-up since the beginning of the month, so I've found a few stories from within the last week or so to catch you all up. From release dates, to casting news and new projects on the go – I've got it all. So sit back, relax and read on...
We start with some sequel news that will make a lot of teenage girls in particular happy – the news of “Mean Moms”, a sequel to the 2004 hit film “Mean Girls”. For those who don't know, “Mean Girls” was written by “Saturday Night Live” alumni, and Sarah Palin impersonator-extraordinaire, Tina Fey. With a dialogue between characters that is some of the most quoted in teen film – and also the inspiration for many a Facebook group (“Glen Coco? Four for you Glenn Coco, you go Glen Coco!”), it seems highly likely that a sequel will do pretty well. A brief synopsis from Variety says:
Personally I think New Line will get it right with this film, as long as they don't try to push too hard to make it “cool”. “Mean Girls” worked primarily because it was effortlessly easy to watch, and anything quoted wasn't an intentional decision on the part of the film, but more because it was fantastic dialogue. Only time will tell with this film....
Next, we have a few casting news snippets. First, if you remember from my “Comic Hollywood: Part Two” article, I mentioned how there was a possibility of Howard Stark (Tony Stark's father in “Iron Man” played by John Slattery) cropping up in “Captain America: The First Avenger”. Well it seems to be coming true, but in the form of a much younger version looking to be played by Dominic Cooper (“Mamma Mia”, “The History Boys”). Cooper was originally set to play one of the Warriors Three in the up-coming film “Thor” but was ousted at the last minute, so it makes sense that Marvel would pursue him for other things. Also in casting news, "Men In Black 3" now has it's villain in the form of “Flight Of The Concords” star Jemaine Clement. Early reports say that his character name will possibly be Boris or Yaz, and that he will be “charming and creepy at the same time”. "Men In Black 3" has a release date of May 2012.
Disney now, and with the story of “Cinderella” having many live action versions, none of them have ever (in my humble opinion) come close to the magic of the original animated feature. However that's something Disney set to change, as they've just paid a massive seven-figure amount to get Aline Brosh McKenna (the woman behind “27 Dresses” and “The Devil Wears Prada”) to come up with a brand new live-action version. Nothing else is really known at the moment, but considering her strong feminine characters in previous films, I somehow get the feeling that this Cinderella will be a little different, and perhaps more edgy, than any we've seen before.
Next, Orlando Bloom looks to be trying to change up his Hollywood heart throb and general 'goodie-goodie' image, with the news that he will play arch-nemesis the Duke of Buckingham in Paul W. S Anderson's re-imagining of “The Three Musketeers”. With a cast that so far includes British funny man James Cordon, Logan Lerman, Christoph Waltz (“Inglourious Basterds”) and Anderson's real-life wife Milla Jovovich; this film will be Anderson's first big time feature (he is more know for his B-movies like the “Resident Evil” franchise). Shooting is scheduled to begin late this summer with a release date currently for around about the same time next year. Orlando's character is the ultimate arch-nemesis of the trio, with him being described as “so cool you can chop him into cubes and serve with vodka”. Not going to say I'm excited about Bloom's casting for this, but I guess I'll just have to go see it when it's out, to see if he can change my mind.
“Jackie Brown” for myself, and a lot of people is one of the more underrated jewels in Mr Quentin Tarantino's crown. It has a strong cast, great plot, and a dirty quality to it that makes it all the more fantastic. Well hang on to your hats, because “Jackie Brown” is getting a sequel. Unfortunately, I'm less excited to tell you that Tarantino has given his blessing to it, but will not be involved with the film in any way at all (which is probably down to him having bigger things to do). The sequel is going to be penned by new writer Dan Schechter, and will be based on Elmore Leonard's novel “The Switch”. It will follow the start of the relationship of characters Ordell Robbie and Louis Gara (who were played by Samuel L. Jackson and Robert De Niro respectively), and the pair's first job together. Since Tarantino won't be involved, it's hard to say whether Jackson or De Niro will be, although I'd imagine with Jackson's schedule filled with work as Nick Fury, that he may not have the time. Either way this news makes me want to sit back, and go re-watch the brillance that is “Jackie Brown”, hoping that in Dan Schechter's hands, there can be a decent sequel.
“Scre4m” (or “Scream 4”) now, and there's news on some of the actors set to be cast, (and of course killed as helpless victims) in the new addition to the franchise. Actors such as Rory Culkin, Lake Bell, Hayden Panettiere (“Heroes”) and Ashley Greene (The “Twilight” films) are all rumoured to be starring alongside the regular main cast of Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox Arquette and David Arquette. However, Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson are said to be keeping the script firmly under-wraps, so it's making it difficult for the actors to decide whether or not come on board, with only a character description to go on. Production starts at the beginning of July this year.
If you are anything like me, you will be someone who is always disappointed when video game film adaptations are released. Sure I'll go and see them, and I even own a few on DVD – but they never live up to the game for me, and are rarely something I'll recommend. Well I have three lots of video game film news for you next, starting with the announcement of a sequel to the 2007 film “Hitman”. Starring Timothy Olyphant and distributed by Fox, this was a really weak and very forgettable adaptation directed by Xavier Gens. With the sequel announced, there has been a change of director – with Spanish director David Benmayor taking the helm. Perhaps Fox are hoping a new director can do what the first film failed to do, and possibly fare better with the video-game playing fans. I personally would need more news before I'd consider seeing it, as currently I have no desire at all to waste another couple of hours of my life watching it...
The second bit of news is that the popular Playstation 3 title “Heavy Rain” has had it's rights bought by Unique Features, and is heading to a big screen near you. The game was such an awesome thing to play through, so I'd hope that anyone who is considered for the film adaptation would have had at least some experience playing it through a few times first. Final bit of video game film news is that Legendary Pictures have bought the rights to the Mass Effect video game franchise. A film of the fantastic 'space opera' is coming our way with “Thor” screenwriter Mark Protosevich attached to the project. Avi and Ari Arad, John Jashni and Thomas Tull will be producing.
Finally, I have a run-down for some release dates for films heading your way in the next couple of years...
So there's all I have for you for now. I'm currently working on another big article looking at Hollywood's relationship with a source material for you all; and as I said in my cinema release round-up I shall be reviewing the up-coming film “She's Out Of My League” on Sunday – as well as bringing you some other film reviews. Flix Out.
We start with some sequel news that will make a lot of teenage girls in particular happy – the news of “Mean Moms”, a sequel to the 2004 hit film “Mean Girls”. For those who don't know, “Mean Girls” was written by “Saturday Night Live” alumni, and Sarah Palin impersonator-extraordinaire, Tina Fey. With a dialogue between characters that is some of the most quoted in teen film – and also the inspiration for many a Facebook group (“Glen Coco? Four for you Glenn Coco, you go Glen Coco!”), it seems highly likely that a sequel will do pretty well. A brief synopsis from Variety says:
“Mean Moms will begin the way Mean Girls did, with a family moving to a new town and coping with an entirely unfamiliar social order. This time the star will be a happily married mother of two, coping with the world of 'competitive parenting'.”
Personally I think New Line will get it right with this film, as long as they don't try to push too hard to make it “cool”. “Mean Girls” worked primarily because it was effortlessly easy to watch, and anything quoted wasn't an intentional decision on the part of the film, but more because it was fantastic dialogue. Only time will tell with this film....
Next, we have a few casting news snippets. First, if you remember from my “Comic Hollywood: Part Two” article, I mentioned how there was a possibility of Howard Stark (Tony Stark's father in “Iron Man” played by John Slattery) cropping up in “Captain America: The First Avenger”. Well it seems to be coming true, but in the form of a much younger version looking to be played by Dominic Cooper (“Mamma Mia”, “The History Boys”). Cooper was originally set to play one of the Warriors Three in the up-coming film “Thor” but was ousted at the last minute, so it makes sense that Marvel would pursue him for other things. Also in casting news, "Men In Black 3" now has it's villain in the form of “Flight Of The Concords” star Jemaine Clement. Early reports say that his character name will possibly be Boris or Yaz, and that he will be “charming and creepy at the same time”. "Men In Black 3" has a release date of May 2012.
Disney now, and with the story of “Cinderella” having many live action versions, none of them have ever (in my humble opinion) come close to the magic of the original animated feature. However that's something Disney set to change, as they've just paid a massive seven-figure amount to get Aline Brosh McKenna (the woman behind “27 Dresses” and “The Devil Wears Prada”) to come up with a brand new live-action version. Nothing else is really known at the moment, but considering her strong feminine characters in previous films, I somehow get the feeling that this Cinderella will be a little different, and perhaps more edgy, than any we've seen before.
Everyone's using this image with Scarlett Johansson...So am I!
Next, Orlando Bloom looks to be trying to change up his Hollywood heart throb and general 'goodie-goodie' image, with the news that he will play arch-nemesis the Duke of Buckingham in Paul W. S Anderson's re-imagining of “The Three Musketeers”. With a cast that so far includes British funny man James Cordon, Logan Lerman, Christoph Waltz (“Inglourious Basterds”) and Anderson's real-life wife Milla Jovovich; this film will be Anderson's first big time feature (he is more know for his B-movies like the “Resident Evil” franchise). Shooting is scheduled to begin late this summer with a release date currently for around about the same time next year. Orlando's character is the ultimate arch-nemesis of the trio, with him being described as “so cool you can chop him into cubes and serve with vodka”. Not going to say I'm excited about Bloom's casting for this, but I guess I'll just have to go see it when it's out, to see if he can change my mind.
Bloom and Cordon will play enemies in the film.
“Jackie Brown” for myself, and a lot of people is one of the more underrated jewels in Mr Quentin Tarantino's crown. It has a strong cast, great plot, and a dirty quality to it that makes it all the more fantastic. Well hang on to your hats, because “Jackie Brown” is getting a sequel. Unfortunately, I'm less excited to tell you that Tarantino has given his blessing to it, but will not be involved with the film in any way at all (which is probably down to him having bigger things to do). The sequel is going to be penned by new writer Dan Schechter, and will be based on Elmore Leonard's novel “The Switch”. It will follow the start of the relationship of characters Ordell Robbie and Louis Gara (who were played by Samuel L. Jackson and Robert De Niro respectively), and the pair's first job together. Since Tarantino won't be involved, it's hard to say whether Jackson or De Niro will be, although I'd imagine with Jackson's schedule filled with work as Nick Fury, that he may not have the time. Either way this news makes me want to sit back, and go re-watch the brillance that is “Jackie Brown”, hoping that in Dan Schechter's hands, there can be a decent sequel.
Jackson and De Niro as Ordell and Louis
“Scre4m” (or “Scream 4”) now, and there's news on some of the actors set to be cast, (and of course killed as helpless victims) in the new addition to the franchise. Actors such as Rory Culkin, Lake Bell, Hayden Panettiere (“Heroes”) and Ashley Greene (The “Twilight” films) are all rumoured to be starring alongside the regular main cast of Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox Arquette and David Arquette. However, Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson are said to be keeping the script firmly under-wraps, so it's making it difficult for the actors to decide whether or not come on board, with only a character description to go on. Production starts at the beginning of July this year.
If you are anything like me, you will be someone who is always disappointed when video game film adaptations are released. Sure I'll go and see them, and I even own a few on DVD – but they never live up to the game for me, and are rarely something I'll recommend. Well I have three lots of video game film news for you next, starting with the announcement of a sequel to the 2007 film “Hitman”. Starring Timothy Olyphant and distributed by Fox, this was a really weak and very forgettable adaptation directed by Xavier Gens. With the sequel announced, there has been a change of director – with Spanish director David Benmayor taking the helm. Perhaps Fox are hoping a new director can do what the first film failed to do, and possibly fare better with the video-game playing fans. I personally would need more news before I'd consider seeing it, as currently I have no desire at all to waste another couple of hours of my life watching it...
The second bit of news is that the popular Playstation 3 title “Heavy Rain” has had it's rights bought by Unique Features, and is heading to a big screen near you. The game was such an awesome thing to play through, so I'd hope that anyone who is considered for the film adaptation would have had at least some experience playing it through a few times first. Final bit of video game film news is that Legendary Pictures have bought the rights to the Mass Effect video game franchise. A film of the fantastic 'space opera' is coming our way with “Thor” screenwriter Mark Protosevich attached to the project. Avi and Ari Arad, John Jashni and Thomas Tull will be producing.
Finally, I have a run-down for some release dates for films heading your way in the next couple of years...
“New Year's Eve” – Sequel to “Valentines Day” and set to include pop-star Justin Bieber: 9th December 2011.
“Journey To The Centre Of The Earth 2” - 3D sequel starring Josh Hutcherson but NO Brendan Fraser: 23rd September 2011.
“The Apparition” - Supernatural horror from Todd Lincoln: 9th September 2011.
“Final Destination 5” - We were told the fourth was the last one, but yet there's more: 26th August 2011.
“Red Riding Hood” - Gothic horror re-imagining with Amanda Seyfried and Gary Oldman: 22nd April 2011.
“Horrible Bosses” - Comedy with Jennifer Aniston, Colin Farell, Jason Bateman and Jamie Foxx: 29th July 2011.
“Hall Pass” - Farelly Brothers comedy with an all-star cast including Owen Wilson, Jenna Fischer, Stephen Merchant and Christina Applegate: 25th February 2011.
“Reboot Ralph” - Buena Vista animation: 22nd March 2013.
“Winnie The Pooh” - Family friendly fun: 15th July 2011.
“Journey To The Centre Of The Earth 2” - 3D sequel starring Josh Hutcherson but NO Brendan Fraser: 23rd September 2011.
“The Apparition” - Supernatural horror from Todd Lincoln: 9th September 2011.
“Final Destination 5” - We were told the fourth was the last one, but yet there's more: 26th August 2011.
“Red Riding Hood” - Gothic horror re-imagining with Amanda Seyfried and Gary Oldman: 22nd April 2011.
“Horrible Bosses” - Comedy with Jennifer Aniston, Colin Farell, Jason Bateman and Jamie Foxx: 29th July 2011.
“Hall Pass” - Farelly Brothers comedy with an all-star cast including Owen Wilson, Jenna Fischer, Stephen Merchant and Christina Applegate: 25th February 2011.
“Reboot Ralph” - Buena Vista animation: 22nd March 2013.
“Winnie The Pooh” - Family friendly fun: 15th July 2011.
So there's all I have for you for now. I'm currently working on another big article looking at Hollywood's relationship with a source material for you all; and as I said in my cinema release round-up I shall be reviewing the up-coming film “She's Out Of My League” on Sunday – as well as bringing you some other film reviews. Flix Out.
Horrorphile
Cinema Nut
Film News and Reviews...
The full title I think is "The Girl With The Red Riding Hood", and I agree that "The Company Of Wolves" is a great film. This new one is directed by Catherine Hardwicke ("Twilight"), and you're bang on with the werewolf thing. Amanda Seyfried is the main, Julie Christie is a knitting obsessed grandma, and Gary Oldman is a witch-hunting priest called Father Soloman. I'm sure I read who was going to be the wolf, but I forget his name
Basic story follows a series of bad things happening in Red’s medieval village caused by a terrifying werewolf...I'm intruiged but I'm not sure really what it's going to be like. At least we have a release date for it now :] Think you'll want to watch it when it's out, or would you want to know more first..?
Horrorphile
Catherine Hardwicke. Hmmmm. I liked Thirteen, although that was partly cos Nikki Reed had so much charisma. I have no interest in Twlight whatsoever.
Gary Oldman should be playing the wolf! The premise does sound remarkably like The Company of Wolves, which re-interpreted the Red Riding Hood story as a modern kind of fable. Yes, I'm very interested, but it also sounds like it'll be a PG-13 kinda flick, which slackens the pull for me.