Dragonology on screen

So reportedly the "faux nonfiction" children's book Dragonology is being adapted for the big screen. Maybe more interesting than the book itself is the way in which it is written and presented. Yes I had to think about what a faux nonfiction book was too.

To explain from the wiki page it reprints the publishers note found at the beginning of the first volume in the book series "This book purports to be the facsimile of an original published on a print run of 100 copies in 1895, of which a copy was recently found in a bookshop near the Seven Dials in London. Unfortunately, the publisher has been unable to ascertain whether a real Dr. Ernest Drake ever lived in St. Leonard's forest or wrote a book called Dragonology and so, with regret, is unable to make any claim as to the truth of this and must present this volume merely as an interesting curiosity."

Weird eh? Kinda cool though. The story itself sounds ok, " Hartman's fantasy adventure take revolves around a group of dragonologists who go on a globetrotting quest to keep a corrupt man from taking control of the world's dragons and using them to wipe out humanity."

Hopefully its something that will be done well. They pretty much always seem to screw up dragon films, so I have some reservations, but I'm glad they're trying at least. I think I'll wait at least until I see more, or possibly a trailer before judging this one.
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Kasdan on Robotech

Last September it was reported that the beloved 80s anime property, and one of my all time favorites, Robotech was coming to the big screen with Tobey Maguire and his production company behind the wheel. Since then there hasn't been too much news on development of the project, that is until now. Over at CHUD they are reporting from a reliable source that rumor has it none other than Lawrence Kasdan is taking on the script duties for the film!

Kasdan of course, is one of the most beloved screenwriters of our time penning classics like The Empire Strikes Back, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Body Heat, The Big Chill, Silverado, and a bunch more. He has a pedigree that could do wonders for getting the ball rolling on the Robotech movie. I certainly hope this rumor proves true, because I am really looking forward to a Robotech film.

So this is great news in my book, I'm looking forward to more development on this one.
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Punisher War Zone trailer

The trailer for Punisher: War Zone has dropped, and I think it looks pretty darn sweet.



The movie comes out December 5th, 2008.
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The lucky bastard

I think we all know Leprechauns are tricky.

But, did you know that we might be giving them all the power they need? In marshmallow form??? I just read this story online, that says that Lucky Charms intends to add a new permanent magical marshmallow to its cereal mix. This is apparently the first time a new charm has been added on a permanent basis in 10 years. Although most if not all of the mallows have been altered in more recent history. The new marshmallow will be a magical hourglass and apparently it will give Lucky the ability to stop time!

I know the kids are always after his lucky charms, but serious did you realize that his charms give Lucky superpowers?! And whats more according to the article already "The cereal contains Lucky’s magical charms, each of which bestow upon Lucky their own special powers: hearts (power to bring things to life), shooting stars (power to fly), horseshoes (power to speed things up), clovers (luck, but you never know what kind of luck you’ll get), blue moons (power of invisibility), rainbows (instantaneous travel from place to place) and balloons (power to make things float)."

Are you serious? This little guy is like the entire Avengers and Justice League rolled into one. And lets face it, he simply CANNOT be trusted. Why General Mills would ever allow this is beyond me. How on earth those kids ever manage to get any cereal without being killed is a miracle, and one that probably won't hold out. You think these guys can contain their murderous rampages? Think again.



Bottom line, Leprechauns cannot be trusted. Don't be fooled. And for god sakes please don't give them any more magical power; or marshmallows.
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Marvel logos

Here's one more tantalizing picture from the Licensing Expo going on in NYC right now, MTV Movies Blog snagged this pic of the upcoming Marvel slate in logo form. Not that it means these films will really happen when they're supposed to, but its still neat to see.

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New Clone Wars trailer

Check out this just launched theatrical trailer for Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Its very atmospheric.



The upcoming tv show will start with a splash in theaters this summer, on August 15th, before coming to Cartoon Network in the Fall.
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Turning 30...

So I feel like I should spend some time reflecting here today. Today I'm 30. It seems like it should be a sort of milestone. I'm not totally sure it is, but it seems like the convention to accept it as one. Personally I've always preferred defining my life by actions and events, than arbitrary days; but since I'm here, and a little reflection is always a good thing I thought I'd share some revelations that I've had in these past 30 years on earth. I won't claim that this is any groundbreaking wisdom here, but its how I live my life, and that's worked out pretty well so far :)

I've had a lot of good times and a few bad ones over the past 30 years. I've definitely made my share of mistakes. But I really try to live without regrets. Sure I get bogged down by the past sometimes, and as you all know I enjoy my nostalgia, but I don't want to ever feel like I would've made different choices. I couldn't have, or I wouldn't be me now. I've definitely made mistakes, and will again I'm sure, but I know I'm a better smarter person for the life experiences that I've had. If I have one thing to share, totally honestly, its live without regret.

Do things. I know it sounds obvious, but actually doing things, anything really but hopefully something your passionate about, is basically the most rewarding experience you can have. Doing nothing, accomplishes nothing. The apathetic angst of my formidable teenage years is bullshit; and I think everyone knows it. Doing things, and caring about doing it matters. I have always felt better about myself when I'm engaged in something. This is probably also the biggest ongoing struggle for me as well. It's just sooo easy to sit back and chill, let life just sort of wash over you. Yes that's an experience as well, but why lie in the waves when you could be surfing? My goal for the next 30 years, is to do more things that I love, and let myself enjoy them. I don't know if I'll ever actually 'live up to my potential' but I'd be a fool if I didn't keep trying.

You know I'm a sometimes kind of overly-dramatic person, right? Well probably because of that, there have been a few times in my life, I can think of three, where either I thought I was going to die, or for some other reason I has a very brief amount of time to contemplate my life as a whole. In those times, those few seconds where I have been faced with analyzing the state of my life because I thought, if only for a few seconds, that this would be my end I've come to a few starting and very reassuring conclusions. I don't know if anyone else out there has experienced what I'm talking about, faced with the thought of immediate death, I have had moments of total lucidity. That totally cliched moment where my life has actually flashed in front of my eyes. Only for real. It's a pretty interesting experience, and if you've ever had it you have to just know, that if humans ever found a way to tap into that potential brainpower whenever we wanted, we could do anything.

And in those odd moments of lucidity, its always come down to two things. Well one feeling, one reaction, I've got a lot of love in my life, and I'm really thankful for that. I'm happy. Honestly happy, because I've been blessed with a lot of amazing people who care about me. And I enjoy life, I really do. Have you ever met those hippies who wander around and tell everyone they meet that they love them? Well, that's about it. I mean I get it. Life and everything in it is beautiful, and I love life. Even the bad parts are still a part of the whole, and that whole is the most amazing thing ever. ever. If there is one thing that makes me believe in God, this is it. Because to me God is that power of love. Just like Huey Lewis said it was...

I guess if I had a point to that thought, it would be that I'd advise you to try to recognize what's around you. Don't fill your life with hate, or fear, or regrets there's no point in holding onto that stuff. Try to embrace life. And appreciate all of the good things, and people around you.

Alright, this is a bit too serious now I suppose. I know its not typically what I talk about here, but this is important to me, so thanks for taking the time to read. Turning 30 isn't a bad thing at all. I'm happy, I'm always learning, and I still have things to work on. Overall its a good day, overall its a good life. Thanks for helping make it so everyone, peace out.
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Jay and Seth vs the Apocalypse coming soon

You may have seen the short 'trailer' made by Seth Rogan and Jay Baruchel on Youtube for Jay and Seth vs the Apocalypse. If you haven't well its a hilarious Odd Couple sort of short film. And now according to Variety its going to be a feature length movie. The movie, which aims to shoot in 2009 will be expanded and written by Seth Rogan and Evan Goldberg, who previously teamed up to write Knocked Up, Superbad, and Pineapple Express.

Should be comedy gold. Check out the trailer for the short film version of the story below.


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New Babylon A.D trailer

An all new trailer for Babylon A.D. and its in English this time. Finally I'm getting some real emotional impact from this film, and wow. looks very cool. Care of IGN.



This movie just jumped about 2 more points up my interest scale. Nice work guys. The movie comes out August 29th, 2008.
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Licensing Expo pics

A few pictures from the NY Licensing Show have turned up online. Check out a bunch from Ray over at his Coppermine page here, pointed via ComingSoon. And there are a few more over at AICN here and here. The best are these ones.

Robocop... coming in 2010. Now that was fast eh?



A lovely display set up for G.I. Joe... not sure what that machine is exactly.



Bad lighting on this Terminator Salvation poster... kinda lame teaser poster as well.



Can't say I'm super excited about the upcoming animated film, read more here, but man that poster is absolutely beautiful.



WWWTA. So completely awesome.

UPDATE - MTV Movies Blog has a full pic of this Where the Wild Things Are poster.


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Cap in Hulk?!

Well we may not be getting Hilary Swank as Black Widow in The Incredible Hulk film, but we just might be getting Captain America; sort of... The rest of this post may contain SPOILERS, so beware...

a few days ago Hulk director Louis Leterrier told G4TV that "As a filmmaker and as a fan, I like to go see movies and watch them several times ... and every time I see it, discover little things in the background. Did you know that in Iron Man, Captain America's shield can be found somewhere? Well in Hulk you might see Captain America himself!". As the video's down you can read more on it at Wired. But Seriously WTF?!!?! Captain America making an appearance in The Incredible Hulk?! Why that would be, simply incredible! ;)

Seriously though, could this just be another ploy like the black hearted grinch Avi Arad proved to be with his Black Widow red herring... or could it actually be something real? None of the early reviews I read mentioned anything about this... But it looks like the mystery has been solved. Yes Captain America was in the film, BUT the scene has been cut from the final theatrical version.

Talking to Juado.com, Leterrier clarified saying "“There’s a point when Bruce Banner gives up on his quest for the cure and decide to kill himself. So he travels far North and reaches the Arctic Circle. You might have seen bits of it in some of the promos. The result was a very dark and strong scene, which Marvel, me and everyone else’s considered to be too hard to young audiences to take, so we’ve cut it. Having that said, when Bruce arrives at his destination he meets up with Captain America! At some point this week, we will make it available on the internet – but I cannot tell you where or when – and the material will definitely be on the DVD.”"

So I guess what hes implying is that there was a shot of Captain America stuck in the ice somewhere. Rumors about the Captain America movie say that The First Avenger: Captain America will be entirely a period WWII piece and end with the Captain frozen in the arctic ice only to be revived into the modern world in 2011, just in time for The Avengers movie. So at this point in the chronology Cap should logically be somewhere in the frozen north. Thats really kinda cool. My guess / hope is that the Hulk dislodges Cap from the ice and the scene ends with a man sized iceberg floating away...

Even though its not going to be in the final cut, I still think its pretty cool.

Oh and just to end on some very good news Leterrier told SuperheroHype that he is definitely up for more Hulk in the future saying "I'll do another Hulk movie any day of the week. I love it! I love the character, I love the TV show. I love that he's an anti-hero, It starts with a great story and great cast. If you like movies, you'll like Hulk". Very judicious words...
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Transporter 3 trailer

Here it is people, the trailer for a film a know you've all been waiting for, Transporter 3.



After its Cannes run, yes seriously, the film has been picked up for US distribution and will be hitting the big screen on November 26th, 2008.
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3 quick reviews

So while my wife has been traveling for work, I've been whiling my evenings away in front of the computer watching movies that I missed over the past few months. These aren't great movies by any means, but they are all films I've mentioned here at least once, and thought I'd share my thoughts on. Its a mediocre movie marathon!

10 000 BC

Ahh 10 000 BC. It seemed like a film that had so much to offer; a film with such promise. But then, it turned into a very average totally predictable mostly silly adventure film. The movie, which plays as a sort of Clan of the Cave Bear, stars a slew of young, pretty, and forgettable people dressed up as if they're supposed to be dirty and ugly. But since everyone has perfect shining teeth, dreadlocks that a quaffed just so, and toned tan bodies, I just couldn't buy it. Aside from the lack of realism on that front, the story itself goes from one ridiculous antic to another. The protagonist, is a mammoth hunter, who is destined to lead the serfs of Egypt in revolt against their (possibly Atlantean, possibly alien) overlords. And the film plays a little too campy for its own good. I know its supposed to be a fun, action movie, but it sure takes itself pretty seriously for what it is. When the sabertooth tiger decides not to eat the protagonist the second time because obviously he is the chosen one, I just lost all faith in anything decent really coming from the film. Its not a terrible movie, and I give the movie props for tackling a timeperiod that is largely ignored. But its not as good as it could be. And even with the over the top mammoth stampedes, this film is only really good for a rental. But just know what you're getting yourself into when you start.



Doomsday

This movie reminds me of a conglomeration of about 10 other movies, and essentially that's what it is. A lot of the Mad Max series, mixed with some Resident Evil, and elements of 28 Weeks Later, I Am Legend, C.H.U.D., The Warriors, and really any end of the world kind of film. Oh, but throw in some Transporter, and a large section of bad medieval stuff as well. Can't forget that stuff. The film is pretty much exactly as you'd expect, a total hodge podge cluster fuck. It is overly gory, has too many action scenes for its own good, and stinks of improbability. I honestly think as a film going culture we are past the point of believing that just because its the end of the world we all have to get mohawks and lip piercings. This is the kind of film a thirteen year boy old might really like, although it doesn't have enough nudity. But for the rest of us, this film is too much and too disjointed. Do not bother watching this film in any capacity.



Jumper

I can see why this film seemed like a good idea, especially for star Hayden Christensen's career. He needs a hit to get hit career on track soon, or its just going to get tougher and tougher. This might've been that hit if not for a few unfortunate flaws. The thing to remember with Jumper, the redeeming factor that you have to keep reminding yourself about is that this film is obviously made for a young adult audience. Taken in that context I can understand why they made some of the choices they did. The film is really melodramatic, an acting style that seems a perfect fit for the brooding Christensen. It also plays into a very comic book kind of feel. While an honestly serious take on this material would've been interesting, this film is definitely not that. Serious is not something you can label this film with at any point. But the actors are mostly charismatic. Sam Jackson does a serviceable job as the baddie, and the varied locations of the film are honestly impressive (it was filmed in 14 different countries). Whether as Christensen has indicated he would like, it should really be made into a trilogy of films remains to be seen. But as long as you keep what this film is and isn't in mind when watching I think Jumper isn't nearly as terrible as it could've been.



Glowing reviews one and all; I know. More to come as it comes my friends. Until next time, later :)
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New Next Avengers trailer

Check out this great new trailer for the upcoming direct to dvd movie Next Avengers.



For something thats an original creation, I think it looks pretty great. The dvd hits shelves on September 2nd, 2008.
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Valkyrie trailer

Check out this great new trailer for Valkyrie. Despite Tom Cruise Crazyness, I think this'll be a great movie.



After some schedule shuffling Valkyrie is set to come out February 13th, 2009.
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Incredible Unscripted Hulk

Check out this fun round table informal interview with Ed Norton, Liv Tyler, and Louis Leterrier for The Incredible Hulk.



They're funny :) I'm defintiely looking forward to next weekend.
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Iron Man 2 is coming when?

In a recent interview with Military.com Terrance Howard talked some about the proposed timeframe of Iron Man 2 and this has sparked another round of rumors. Howard said in the article that Iron Man 2 will begin filming in March of next year, which would fit right along with Marvels announced fasttrack schedule so that IM2 can hit theaters in 2010.

However these "confirmed" comments have stoked the fires, and Jon Favreau has responded with some comments people might not want to hear. Over on his Myspace page he has said the following in response to a reader question...

"Q - Any good news on contract talks between you and Marvel yet?
A - It’s been five weeks since the one and only phone call my reps have gotten from Marvel. I know their hands are full with the Hulk and I’m sure they will get into it shortly, as they tell me they intend to. I ran into the Marvel guys at the Hulk premiere and everyone sounded eager to get to work on IM2.

I am concerned, however, about the announced release date of April 2010. Neither Robert nor I were consulted about this and we are both concerned about how realistic the date is in light of the fact that we have no script, story or even writers hired yet. This genre of movie is best when it is done thoughtfully and with plenty of preparation. It might be better to follow the BB/DK, X/X2 three year release pattern than to scramble for a date. It is difficult because there are no Marvel 09 releases and they need product, but I also think we owe it to the fans to have a great version of IM2 and, at this point, we would have less time to make it than the first one."

So I guess we'll have to see what happens. As Favreau mentions, and like I was saying before Marvel seems to be waiting until The Incredible Hulk drops to really solidify their plans. More on this as it comes in.

On a sad sidenote. It looks like maybe we were wrong about Hilary Swank showing up as The Black Widow in either Iron Man or The Incredible Hulk. Word on the street from reviews of The Hulk say that she is not to be found in the film, and while we know that Tony's Stark shows up in character in the Hulk movie, I think we're looking at any appearance as a long shot. What does that mean? Was she not cast? What about what Avi Arad said? Or is it just a case of, she was cut from the film? Favreau directly responds to the questions of Swanks involvement in Iron Man by saying that "Hilary Swank was never involved in any way." And that my friends is just too bad. I know it may just sound like more fanboy talk, but I think Swank would fit the role perfectly. I sure hope shes still a part of Marvel's future plans. Maybe she'll show up in The Avengers...



UPDATE - MTV Movies has had some words with Avi Arad regarding his comments on the inclusion of Hilary Swank as Black Widow in Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk. While its not the best answer at least now we know what the heck happened. In the simplist terms possible, he fooled us. Elaborating he stated “She’s not there. She was never supposed to be. It got into the internet and, you know, especially with MTV. These rumors are starting,” Arad said, laughing mightily. “There were cameos that WERE real, and we were trying to move [the media] away from the real.” .... so there you go. No Swank at all. That kinda sucks :(
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John Carter update

Over at the Pixar Blog it was revealed that none other than Andrew Stanton, screenwriter of the Toy Story films, Finding Nemo, and Wall-E, as well as director on Nemo and Wall-E will be taking the reigns on John Carter of Mars. Stanton has said that he is currently writing the film. No official word yet, but seeing as its from the man himself I think we can take it on pretty good authority that its happening. Also, this doesn't mean John Carter will necessarily be an animated film. Lets keep this under control until we know whats really going on. As for now, I'm just happy that someone is finally moving forward on this again.

John Carter's first book, A Princess of Mars, was published originally in 1912 and it seems like people have been trying to make a film version ever since. I really look forward to this property finally gracing the big screen.
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Watchmen video 3

The third of twelve production video journals from Zack Snyder's film Watchmen has landed online over at CHUD. This time they talk about the riot scene at the prison. And you even get to see a guy lit on fire. Very cool.



The movie comes out on March 6th, 2009.
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Cute new Madagascar trailer

For the life of me I'm not sure why I haven't seen the first Madagascar film... those penguins just seem so funny. I'll have to rent it sometime. Check out this trailer for Madagascar 2: Escape 2 Africa.



As it says in the trailer, the film is set to come out on November 7th, 2008.
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Quick hitters

Here are a few quick tidbits that really deserve to be mentioned.

The new incarnation of Dune to be directed by Peter Berg looks like it may have found its screenwriter. Josh Zetumer is reportedly in talks to pen the film that's sure to have geeks round the world on the edge of their seats. Zeturner has also worked on the new Bond film Quantum of Solace.

The Prince of Persia film has added some new castmembers, Sir Ben Kingsley, Alfred Molina, and Gemma Arterton will now grace our screen alongside Jake Gyllenhaal as the prince with the magical dagger. Kingsley will reportedly play the films villain, the kind of role he seems to love to play, the vile Nizam, who as prince Dastan's uncle tries to steal the throne and lay the blame for his brothers murder squarely on our hero. Molina will play Sheik Amar, a mentor to the prince. And of course Gemma will play the beautiful and exotic princess Tamina.

In a recent interview, Jon Favreau talked a bit about his thought on Iron Man 2. He indicated his concern that he will not be able, even if he is offered, to direct both Iron Man 2 AND The Avengers movie (which he has campaigned for in the past) if only because of Marvels newly announced release timeframe. He also mentions how at this point Marvel seems to be sort of holding its breath to see how The Incredible Hulk does, and after that opens they will make more decisions on the future. As speculated the "Demon in a Bottle" storyline seems the next natural chapter for Iron Man, however he noted that he sees a lot of the same kind of imagery in the trailers for Hancock as the DIAB storyline. Favs also speaks a bit on some of the other interesting aspects of creating a Marvel Universe not just a single film, and why he has concerns about adapting the Mandarin to the big screen. Check out the rest of the interview at ComingSoon.

Sam Raimi has made public his desire to direct another Spider-Man film! Regarding the new script by James Vanderbilt he recently told ComingSoon "I'm hoping it's as great as our discussions were about it and I'm hoping it feels right for me because I love Spider-Man. I'm hoping I'm well rested enough to embrace it and I'm hoping Sony wants me to do it. If all of those things come together, I would love to do it. There are a lot of unknowns about the future." Additionally in a recent interview with IESB, JK Simmons (who played J. Jonah Jameson) mentions that as recently as February he talked with Tobey Maguire and he seemed amenable to coming back for more if the script was right. Although we should remember the current rumor has Sony eying up a back to back, or at least very quick turnaround, on Spidey 4 and 5. As with Iron Man 2, we'll probably have to wait until after Hulk opens for any real news out of Marvel.

Finally since I've mentioned it enough, a few early reviews for The Incredible Hulk have started to come out and they seem to honestly be extremely positive! See reviews here, and here and here. This is just great news if you ask me. I know I'm definitely going to try to be there opening weekend. :)
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TF2: ROTF

So now that Transformers 2 has begun filming we are going to start to see little tidbits of info leaking out. Oh I know Michael Bay vowed to disseminate a lot of misinformation this time around, but I think we can rely on this as pretty good authority. Transformers 2 has a subtitle.

Film producer Don Murphy pointed to a blog post on Reserve Result where they announced the title, and then later it was confirmed by Hasbro on their movie blog. Transformers 2 will be subtitled Revenge of the Fallen! Which I think we can all agree is totally awesome.

The movie is filming now in Bethlehem, PA and you can see a few spy reports starting to come in via ComingSoon, where they've got pictures and video. But for my money the absolute best news you're going to get on the film is still to be found only over at Transformers World 2005. They are just great.

Anyhow, Revenge of the Fallen is fantastic, I am just getting more and more excited about this sequel. Next summer is going to be a lot of fun :)
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An Ocean onscreen

Warren Ellis is one of my absolute all time favorite comic book writers. He's behind such classics as Transmetropolitan, The Authority, and Global Frequency. His books are smart and often violent and usually following a mystery. The process of unraveling, of characters learning as we do is something that he loves to explore, and the book in question today, Ocean, is no exception. As noted in The Hollywood Reporter, Ellis' graphic novel Ocean is coming to the big screen, with a screenplay being written by newcomer Ryan Condal.

Here's the story as described from the back of the book. "One hundred years from now, United Nations Weapons Inspector Nathan Kane is dispatched to Cold Harbor, a government research space station orbiting the Jovian Moon Europa. His mission is to analyze and access the origin and danger of what could possibly be the most significant discovery in history. But there is a glitch in the works - also orbiting Europa is a space platform operated by the multi-planetary super-conglomerate, DOORS. Fully automated, down to its staff of chip-in-head indentured servants, DOORS has but one motivation as it tries to wrest control over this remarkable discovery - to win the ancient prize at any cost. Now Kane and the crew of Cold Harbor find themselves in a life or death struggle, one in which human civilization could hang in the balance!"

And what exactly is the "most significant discovery in history"? Well it's a graveyard of sarcophagi burried under the ice. Coffins of a billion year old dead race.... but there's something else, another even crazier secret. I don't want to give anything away, but it's a fantastic little book that I'd definitely recommend anyone pick up. For sure its pretty hard sci fi, but with an excellent horror and political-thriller edge. The story itself is actually pretty accessible.

I am excited that they have decided to bring Ocean to the big screen. It's deinitely a film I think will be great, and the visuals should be stand out, I just hope this kind of 'more serious' science fiction translates into something people want to actually see.

In Stock Trades is selling the book for a mere $9.44 if you're interested.
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Capricorn...Two?

Let the remakes continue! Variety reports that the classic 70's film Capricorn One is getting an updated treatment. Kind of a science fiction, but more of a quasi political thriller Capricorn One follows the story of a massive conspiracy perpetrated against the American people by non other than its own government. The first manned mission to Mars is something everyone wants to see, and NASA will do anything to make it happen, even if they have to fake everything. The movie then follows an intrepid reporter (originally played by Elliot Gould) as he starts to unravel this mystery and tries to survive long enough to expose the truth.

I have to say, having never seen the film, it sounds great. Check out this trailer.



As for the remake, it's set to be directed by John Moore, of Behind Enemy Lines, and The Omen remake fame. The film is being written by Peter Buchman, who has recently made quite a splash at Cannes by mystifying everyone with his two part Che Guevara films written for director Steven Soderbergh, and starring Benicio Del Toro. No word on exactly what form the update will take, but I think we can safely say it will be quite the thriller. Now I think I'll try to track down the original.
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Ritchie on Sherlock

The Hollywood Reporter says that esteemed British director Guy Ritchie, has been hired on by Warner Brothers to develop and direct a new re-imagining of the Sherlock Holmes character. He will write the script based on an upcoming comic book written by Harry Potter producer Lionel Wigram and a previous script draft written by Michael Johnson. The comic reportedly takes a fresh look at the super sleuth and focuses on a more adventure heavy story that features a less stuffy Holmes and shines a light on some of his more "obscure character traits".

Back when Niel Marshall was set to direct this movie off of Johnson's script, it was reported that the film would feature Holmes bare knuckle boxing and sword fighting. It was reported that this version, then entitled "Sherlock" would be akin to Batman Begins. Of course Ritchie could change all of that completely, but I hope he sticks with the pumped up action adventure storyline.

I suppose we'll just have to wait and see. More on this as it develops.
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Terminator Salvation update

On the official film blog, director McG has posted another update on the state of Terminator Salvation, which has been filming for the past few weeks in New Mexico. In the post her comments on the plot saying

"This movie takes place several years after Judgment Day, but prior to 2029. Just like it took a long time to get an HD plasma screen in our world, it took Skynet a lot of research and development to get to the T-800, and this movie explores that "space between." We have all been fascinated with the world after Judgment Day. Here it is.

In this film, there are Hydrobots that patrol the water, Transports that move human prisoners around, Harvesters that collect human beings as lab rats for Skynet and Aerostats that survey all that is going on with the resistance the world over.

We've started shooting the T-600 - the bigger, grimier, nastier version that preceded the T-800.

Like Reese says, they're easier to spot but they pack a mini gun and carry kick ass fire power. They're eight-foot tall killers that prowl the badlands looking for anything with a heartbeat to terminate.

Stan Winston, Production Designer Martin Laing and ILM came up with the designs and that thing is on Kyle Reese's ass throughout the entire picture. Wanted to achieve that bummer, rubbery skin, prosthetic look that cloaks an unrelenting machine with a singular focus of killing."

Sounds pretty sweet. I'm a fan of future tech that's not overly advanced somehow. Also, McG addresses the recently leaked supposedly HUGE SPOILER that I won't print here but can be found here. He says pretty clearly that it is in fact Not True.

And finally, McG addresses the issues people were having over the planned PG-13 rating citing Batman Begins for the inspiration.

I have to say, I'm getting much more interested in how this movie playes out the more I hear about it. Hopefully we'l lstart to see some images soon.
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2 new ones... meh

I'm just not sure about either of these. I mean they sound like they should be the kind of thing I like, but something about them is just... well, lets let you be the judge...

The first film, according to Comingsoon is a new movie called Knowing. Written by Alex Proyas of Dark City, and I Robot fame. Here's the press release of the synopsis.

"In 1958, as part of the dedication ceremony for a new elementary school, a group of students is asked to draw pictures to be stored in a time capsule. But one of the students, a mysterious girl who seems to hear whispered voices, fills her sheet of paper with rows of apparently random numbers instead.

Fast forward 50 years to the present: A new generation of students examines the contents of the time capsule and the girl's cryptic message ends up in the hands of young Caleb Myles. But it is Caleb's father, professor Ted Myles (Nicolas Cage), who makes the startling discovery that the encoded message predicts with pinpoint accuracy the dates, death tolls and coordinates of every major disaster of the past 50 years. As Ted further unravels the document's secrets, he realizes it foretells three additional events—the last of which hints at destruction on a global scale and seems to somehow involve Ted and his son.

When Ted's attempts to alert the authorities fall on deaf ears, he takes it upon himself to try to prevent more destruction from taking place.

This gripping supernatural thriller charts one man's faltering steps towards belief in the ultimate order of the universe even as he finds himself surrounded by mounting chaos. With the reluctant help of Diana Whelan (Rose Byrne) and Abby, the daughter and granddaughter of the now-deceased author of the cryptic prophecies, Ted's increasingly desperate efforts take him on a heart-pounding race against time until he finds himself facing the ultimate disaster—and the ultimate sacrifice"

Something about the film just sounds... meh. Maybe its the similarity to Next.

The next film, is called Push, and it stars the eminently horrible Chris Evans. Here's the description...

"Push is a sci-fi thriller that takes us into the secret world of psychic espionage. Our hero is Nick Gant (Chris Evans), a young man whose father was genetically altered to be the perfect government assassin. After the brutal murder of his father, Nick swears revenge on the agency that created him.

Hidden in the underworld of Hong Kong, Nick assembles a group of rogue psychics to defeat Division, the covert agency responsible for creating and experimenting with psychic drugs for decades.

Nick teams up with Cassie Holmes, a thirteen-year-old girl who can see the future, to track down a missing girl and a stolen suitcase that could potentionally bring the downfall of Division — the key to their mutual revenge. Combining their skills, they outwit assassins and learn about Division's latest secret weapon — a powerful and new experimental drug called R16, which could shift the tides of psychic warfare."

What is it about these films that just strikes me as kind of boring?! Maybe I just need to see some footage and then I'll get interested. For now, I think I'll just move on.
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Warners next summer

IESB has a wonderful article about the tentpole movies set to come out next summer from Warner Brothers. Obviously this year their tentpole, and by that I mean big summer films they expect to do gangbusters, included Speed Racer, Get Smart and The Dark Knight. These are the movies that they will throw their full weight behind. Movies that can generate buzz, and will receive the choicest advertising budgets. They are the movies that will make the company a winner for the year. So far their batting average this year isn't doing so hot. Speed Racer has not done anywhere near as well as they hoped, or as you know I think, it should have. And I have some concerns about how well Get Smart will do as well.

But next summer is the really tricky thing. What exactly is Warner's to do??? They've got one big movie already in production for next summer, Terminator: Salvation. But as the article mentions they would probably like to have at least one or two others. And while theres still a little bit of time to rush something into production, it'll definitely have to be quick. This my friends is still fallout from the writers strike, and if the actors go on strike, we're in even more trouble. After Warner's other planned event movie for summer '09 Justice League fell apart in Australia a few months ago its going to be a bit of a scramble for them no matter what now.

In terms of possibilities there look like a few. All of these films have scripts that are ready or almost ready and the potential to be awesome

Supermax is one, which just recently acquired the subtitle Green Arrow. sounds like it could be good. The story is about the superhero, Green Arrow, but its not at all what you'd imagine. Its actually a prison movie. The story follows Oliver Queen (the Green Arrow) as hes tossed in jail for a crime he didn't commit alongside a number of criminals he helped put there. Apparently there's only 10 minutes or so of him in costume, and the rest of the film is him first trying to survive in prison as a wanted man, and then teaming up with his former enemies to break out and try to clear his name. Latino Review has a great little run down that explains it better than me.

The only other straight superhero film on the board, a sure fire for the summer, that's close to ready is Billy Batson and the Legend of Shazam.... yes thats the full title of the Shazam film. While details are slim on this film, we do know that Dwayne The Rock Jonhson has been cast as the villain Black Adam. All that said, apparently some at WB still have hope for the Justice League film to come back together, although all indications seem to point to that not hapening.

The other two possibilities are interesting ones. First in the long awaited Johnny Quest film, which IESB speculate may be being eyed up by director Peter Segal, who is just finishing up promoting his newest film Get Smart. And second is the film that I am really rooting for being put into the fast-track fro development, the He-Man movie. I spoke a bit about this before, but if you want the real scoop, go read Latino Review's excellent script review that they recently published. They really got me excited about the possibility of this film, which sounds just totally badass. The script they read is not comic at all, its a serious sword and sorcery film, with what they call a perfect blend of technology and magic. They give the script an A+. Go check their post for more on the film including some direct material from the beginning, it sounds fantastic. Oh and the film is currently called Greyskull: Masters of the Universe.

Whatever happens, you can bet it will happen soon. I'm very interested to see what Warners gets up to next summer. And for that matter what everyone else is planning too. One would presume the writers strike has dented the other studios summer plans as well. And with the potential SAG strike looming, everyone might have to scramble just to make ends meet next year. My hope is that a bit of desperation makes people work all the harder for me. For some insight into next summer from the other studios, check out this wiki list of set releases. And expect more on all of this to come, as its announced.
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MTV Movie Award winners

So the MTV Movie Awards aired this weekend, and there were some big big winners. Check em out below. If you'll remember I made a few predictions myself a while ago...

2008 MTV Movie Awards Winners

BEST MOVIE
-- Juno
-- Transformers
-- Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
-- I Am Legend
-- Superbad
-- National Treasure: Book of Secrets

BEST MALE PERFORMANCE
-- Will Smith -- I Am Legend
-- Shia LaBeouf -- Transformers
-- Denzel Washington -- American Gangster
-- Matt Damon -- The Bourne Ultimatum
-- Michael Cera -- Juno

BEST FEMALE PERFORMANCE
-- Ellen Page -- Juno
-- Keira Knightley -- Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
-- Katherine Heigl -- Knocked Up
-- Amy Adams -- Enchanted
-- Jessica Biel -- I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry

BEST VILLAIN
-- Johnny Depp -- Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
-- Denzel Washington -- American Gangster
-- Angelina Jolie -- Beowulf
-- Topher Grace -- Spider-Man 3
-- Javier Bardem -- No Country For Old Men

BEST COMEDIC PERFORMANCE
-- Johnny Depp -- Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
-- Adam Sandler -- I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry
-- Jonah Hill -- Superbad
-- Seth Rogen -- Knocked Up
-- Amy Adams -- Enchanted

BEST FIGHT
-- Matt Damon vs. Joey Ansah -- The Bourne Ultimatum
-- Tobey Maguire vs. James Franco -- Spider-Man 3
-- Hayden Christensen vs. Jamie Bell -- Jumper
-- Sean Faris vs. Cam Gigandet -- Never Back Down
-- Chris Tucker & Jackie Chan vs. Sun Ming Ming -- Rush Hour 3
-- Alien vs. Predator- Aliens vs. Predator -- Requiem

BEST KISS
-- Shia LaBeouf and Sarah Roemer -- Disturbia
-- Amy Adams and Patrick Dempsey -- Enchanted
-- Daniel Radcliffe and Katie Leung -- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
-- Ellen Page and Michael Cera -- Juno
-- Briana Evigan and Robert Hoffman -- Step Up 2 The Streets

BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE
-- Zac Efron -- Hairspray
-- Seth Rogen -- Knocked Up
-- Jonah Hill -- Superbad
-- Michael Cera -- Superbad
-- Chris Brown -- This Christmas
-- Nikki Blonsky -- Hairspray
-- Megan Fox -- Transformers
-- Christopher Mintz-Plasse -- Superbad

BEST SUMMER MOVIE SO FAR
-- Iron Man
-- Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
-- Sex and the City: The Movie
-- Speed Racer
-- The Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian

My personal predictions were just about as far off as possible, I only got 2 out of 9 correct. Ouch. Ah well, I was never any good at this kind of guessing :) Seems like it was a good show. I'll be watching it tomorrow on repeats. It's still sitting on my tivo. Maybe better than the Awards themselves though, check out this great 'viral' video for Tropic Thunder which aired as a part of the show. It's truly classic.


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Burn After Reading trailer

Oh man, this seriously looks like another great Coen Brothers film. Burn After Reading.



And what a cast too! The movie is set to come out September 12th, 2008.
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Apatow and Sandler

Judd Apatow is all set to direct his next movie, its only his third one people. This time out he plans to feature his good friend and one time roommate Adam Sandler as his lead in what I think 'could' be a rebirth of Sandler's career. I mean if anyone has the golden touch right now in terms of fans and critics it's Apatow. And basically no one in Hollywood is more bankable than Adam Sandler despite the continued crap fest of films. Zohan anyone?! Anyhow, these two comics teaming up for a movie incidentally about comics sounds like a good plan to me.

According to reports, the film will be about a couple of stand up comedians trying to make it big, and will also feature Apatows usual cast of Seth Rogen... et all. Apatow has said it will actually be much more of a drama than his previous, purely comedic efforts (40 Year Old Virgin, and Knocked Up). "It's a comedy, but it has more drama in it. A hilarious drama is what I'm going for," Apatow said. "Every movie, I'm trying to find a way to go deeper, to tell stories about subjects that are important and make them less and less broad while making them equally as funny. [This film is] another step in that progression." Id this a good, or bad sign though?

We'll have to wait and see what becomes of this movie. I'm not getting my hopes up yet, but hey you never know...
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Zack and Miri trailer

Check out this NSFW trailer for Zack and Miri Make a Prono. This is Kevin Smith's new film, and I predict a return to form for Smith. This really looks like a lot of fun.



The movie is set to come out in theaters on October 31st, 2008.
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More sci fi casting

Well it looks like the casting bandwagon is being jumped on again. I sure hope there isnt an actors strike this summer. Man that would really suck bigtime. Although I'm not sure how good its looking at the moment, assuming level heads prevail we've got some more casting coming at you for the big screen.

Bryce Dallas Howard looks to have stepped into Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins as Kate Connor (aka Kate Brewster, the role originated by Claire Danes in Terminator 3). Kate is, as we should all be able to tell, John Connor, to be played by Chrisitan Bale's wife. She is a resistance fighter in her own right who is not afraid to get her hadns dirty as is evidenced by her sending Arnie back in time for the events of Terminator 3 after John was killed. Of course that all took place in a non existent timeline now ;) so it hardly counts. Howard is in negotiations still as she will be coming into the role taking over for Charlotte Gainsbourg who apparently has to drop out due to a scheduling conflict. Presumably the role will be one that spans all three of the proposed new films, but no official word on that has been revealed. Terminator 4 meanwhile has quietly started filming in New Mexico for its planned May 22nd 2009 release.

On another note, Roland Emmerich's sci fi disaster film 2012 looks like its picked up some authority. Danny Glover, Thandie Newton, and Oliver Platt are all in talks to join the movie as the president, the first daughter, and the chief of staff respectively. Assuming all works out they will join John Cusack in the reported just under $200 million, end of the world epic which will tell the story of survivors trying to make a life for themselves in a decimated new world. Set to begin shooting in July, assuming theres no strike, 2012 will aim for a July 10th, 2009 release.
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Emily to the screen

Goth, punk, and hardcore alt-teenage girls everywhere will rejoice at the news that Emily the Strange is coming to the big screen. Darkhorse Entertainment is bringing the counter culture creation of skateboarder Rob Reger to life with a story that will tell the origin of the unique teenage heroine.

While no studio is attached, and it has yet to be determined whether the film will be live action, animated, or a combination of the two there are a few details known. The movie will feature Emily and her four cats "troublemaker Sabbath, schemer Nee-Chee, imaginative Miles and leader Mystery. It will also have 13 new characters with names like Earwig, Umlaut, McFreeley and Officer Summers. The story forms the basis of an "Emily" young adult novel, which will be published next year" Oh cross promotional marketing is such a wonderful thing...

Is Emily selling out? Will she be washed of her hipness? Will this dull the edge??? Methinks probably so...
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Speed Racer review

You know, I hate to be one late to the party, but it looks like this one was set to be a bust. No one, and I mean no one seems to have found it in their hearts to see Speed Racer this summer. And that my friends is a real shame.

This weekend I stepped into my local cineplex and threw down for a film that I have been really captivated by the marketing for, but wasn't sure on the actual translation to film. Sure a commercial looks great, but would ti work for 2 hours on screen?! The answer in one way is a mostly so. I think for a large eclectic audience, and one of younger kids, or older adults this film might be an honestly tough slog. Unfortunately for the kids, its plotting is kinda of slow despite the insanity of the visuals. And unfortunately for the adults its like a two hour acid trip while listening to Break On Through by The Doors over and over again. BUT that mean, for me it was absolutely and totally perfect!

I can't comment on this movie really other than my personal experience, not with any authority at least, and for me personally this film was frickin sweet. I saw the film, to my brain addled delight in IMAX, and seriously thought that I was going to have a seizure more than once. It is frenetic. It is tripped out and insane. It is such a fast and candy coated awesomely crazed mind fuck that if I didn't just let myself roll with it I think my head might've actually exploded. The colors, the camera, the set design, and the lighting, the movement, and the CG. Everything in this film works like clockwork together to create a picture that is so totally cohesive in its insanity that it somehow fits perfectly for the Wachowski brothers. There is absolutely zero doubt in my mind that this film is exactly what they intended to create, and they have brought their considerable talent directly to the honed point of the Speed Racer film experience with as much clarity as any of the Matrix movies. That is definitely something to be commended.

What I loved about Speed Racer was the whole package, it was the absolute best kind of sensory overload, but you have to go in prepared for an experience akin to eating a bowlful of sugar and running around in circles. The movie has action, plenty of action. The racing in this movie, which lets face it is the heart of the plot for a racing film is unreal in its awesomeness. Yes it doesn't seem 'realistic' but its very real and very believable for the world of Speed Racer. I don't know how to describe how awesome the races are, because theres not really much to compare them to. They have plots to themselves. Each and every race in the movie has a character, and a lively story, that goes beyond just whats happening to the individuals or the setting. The races themselves are stories. Here's something I'd recommend if you can, go pick up a copy of Star Wars: Episode 1, a film I bet a lot of people own despite the fanboy bitchiness towards it, Then put it in and check out the special feature that shows the entire uncut podrace sequence. Grab some popcorn and sit back to watch a 25 minute race that is absolutely fantastic. Say what you want about Episode 1, but simply on its own the podrace (the full podrace mind you) is fantastic. Probably never should've been in the film as it was, but just on its own it is a great story. And that's how I felt watching these F-Zero-esque, Hot Wheels inspired races in Speed Racer that kicked all sorts of ass. For the race sequences alone this film is worth watching.

Aside from the races and the look though, Speed Racer has a lot of heart. The story is sweet and the characters have both depth and development throughout the film. This is a movie that while sometimes predictable, was always entertaining, and had a nice message. Its a film that I think should play well in a family setting, once everyone gets past the visuals. And thats the note that I think plays most importantly in Speed Racer, both to its benefit and its detriment. The visuals are so jaw dropping that it'll be hard for a lot of people to just sit back and appreciate them for what they ultimately are, a device to tell a sweet and simple story of a loving family overcoming their problems together.

I hope people see this film. I hope kids can handle the 135 minute running time. I hope adults can look past the practically non stop flashing assault of light and color. This is a film that will be dearly enjoyed, if it can find its audience.
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Casting for three

There were a few nice little tidbits of casting this past week that should definitely be mentioned. Let's start with the big screen first.

In a great comic move, Dwight Schrute himself, the very awesome Rainn Wilson has been cast in Transformers 2. This after the almost casting of Jonah Hill as Shia's college roommate a month or so ago has led many to speculate that Bay has designs on a funnier sequel than the original. In the movie Rainn will have a small but integral role as a college professor to Shia. Additionally, despite the recent casting of Australian beauty Isabel Lucas, The Hollywood Reporter says that uber hottie Megan Fox will also reprise her role in the sequel. They will be joined once again by Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, and John Tuturro. Oh and on the robot side, somewhat surprisingly, after his fateful end in the first movie, it looks like Jazz (the token black Autobot) will be returning for more punishment. I wonder if Pontiac just paid a bundle to get him back in. The rumor has it there will be about 10 robots featured on each good and bad side this time around.

Onto the small screen, the second season of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles has me very excited. And they've just cast one of my all time favorite singers in a regular role on the show. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Garbage lead singer, and Scottish beauty Shirley Manson has been cast in the show as "Catherine Weaver, the CEO of a cutting-edge high-tech company." I'm definitely excited to see how her character will play into the show. Especially after the way last season ended. My guess is she will be the big baddie for season 2. Not sure how much acting she's done before, but I really used to have a crush on her, and she's obviously a fantastic singer, so I think this'll be a good enough match. :)

Finally a new show has found a lead. If you'll remember a little while ago I posted about a new tv show coming this fall onto FOX from Battlestar Galactica helmer Ronald D Moore, called Virtuality. Well the show has now found its lead in British actor James D'Arcy. D'Arcy who is actually pretty accomplished hasn't broken stateside, although he has appeared in a number of films, including Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World; here's hoping Virtuality is the ticket for him. Not quite at the series stage there is a pretty great pedigree going into the Virtuality 2 hour backdoor pilot being prepared for the Fall. The pilot, obviously one of a number, being created by BSG helmer Ronald Moore, is set to be directed by none other than Peter Berg. In the hard sci fi series, D'Arcy will play a spaceship psychiatrist, who alongside tending to Earths first manned craft set on a 10 year journey to explore the distant stars, is also the producer of the virtual reality experience that the ships crew uses to endure the voyage, by assuming new identities and going anywhere they can imagine. While the show has the obvious potential to be one long, bad holodeck episode of TNG, I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt; for now.

Good news all around really. Casting is so much fun :) We'll now just have to wait and see how these projects shape up in the weeks and months to come.
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