Will Redford Bring A Lion or Lamb to the Box Office?
Posted by K.C. Morgan Categories: MGM, Drama, Political, Box Office, Casting, Upcoming Releases,
Watch a Democratic presidential debate, and you’ll see it’s common for campaigners to malign George W. Bush. Turn on the TV, and you’ll find shows (like Comedy Central‘s Lil’ Bush) that revel in poking fun at the White House. But that doesn’t necessarily mean America is ready to tackle tricky issues when they’re enjoying a night at the movies.
Robert Redford’s ambitious Lions for Lambs features a star-studded cast and the prestige of his own name, but handles sticky subject matter. Viewers will be treated to arguments both for and against America’s military efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, but the film makes it clear where the makers, themselves, stand. Movies that deal with America’s political problems haven’t performed well at the box office in the past…will Lions be different?
Click to continue reading Will Redford Bring A Lion or Lamb to the Box Office?
Read More 
| Hollywood Reporter
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This Week on HD DVD and Blu-ray: October 23, 2007
Posted by Johnny Mercedes Categories: 20th Century Fox, MGM, Lionsgate, Sony, Universal, Warner Bros, Action, Adaptation, Adventure, Animation, Classics, Documentary, Drama, Family, Horror, Independent, Music, Mystery, Romance, Satire, Science Fiction, Sequels, Comedy, Thrillers, Distribution, Home Entertainment, Lists, New Releases,
Whether you’ve made the choice and actually picked a side in this format war, one thing can be agreed upon by all sides—this is a good week for high-definition.
It so happens that Warner Home Entertainment has yet to pick a side in this battle of video/audio quality—a decision that, when the time comes, could end the war for good. For now, however, they are throwing down some pretty good releases to please everyone, and this week is no exception.
The late Stanley Kubrick, idiosyncratic director of some of America’s most cherished cinema, is honored this week with the release of a few classics in dual format—finally, we can all see Jack Torrance’s nose hairs as he axes the hotel door and screams his classic “Here’s Johnny!” After all, Halloween is quick approaching, and a high-def copy of The Shining might make the perfect late-night creepfest. And if horror is your bag, both formats have some decent titles this week. Check the full list after the jump.
Click to continue reading This Week on HD DVD and Blu-ray: October 23, 2007
Box Office Breakdown: 30 Days of Night Sucks Up the Competition
Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: 20th Century Fox, Disney, Miramax, New Line, Paramount, Sony, Touchstone, Warner Bros, Animation, Drama, Horror, Comedy, Sports, Lists, New Releases,
I never thought I would ever find myself writing this: ‘A Josh Hartnett-led film has opened at #1.’ Of course, he did have a little help from a vampire or two..
The horror film, 30 Days of Night, had an impressive debut for what was actually an unimpressive weekend. With only $16 million, the Alaskan-set vampire flick beat out a host of movies filled with Oscar-nominated stars. Ben Affleck’s well-reviewed directorial debut, Gone Baby Gone, opened up in 6th place. Rendition, starring are-they-or-aren’t-they-dating Reese Witherspoon and Jake Gyllenhaal, barely cracked the Top Ten. Meanwhile, Things We Lost in the Fire placed a dismal 15th despite the presence of Halle Berry and Benicio Del Toro (and promotion on Oprah).
The success of 30 Days and the surprise return of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas - which placed 8th even though it was only in 564 theaters - clearly spells out the audience’s need for some Halloween fare. This bodes well for the release of Saw IV which opens next weekend. (Yay!)
Click to continue reading Box Office Breakdown: 30 Days of Night Sucks Up the Competition
Kurt Cobain Story Hits the Silver Screen
Posted by K.C. Morgan Categories: Universal, Adaptation, Drama, Filmmaking, Scripts, Upcoming Releases,
David Benioff (Troy screenwriter) has signed an agreement to write a movie about former Nirvana singer, Kurt Cobain. A Universal project, the movie will be based on the 2001 book Heavier Than Heaven, written by Charles Cross. Details are still up in the air on the film, which may or may not contain an on-screen appearance from Cobain’s widow, Courtney Love. She will, however, serve as an executive producer.
After Cobain’s 1994 death, rumors and innuendo abounded regarding the mysterious circumstances of how he died. Whenever a celebrity is involved, gossip circles will often repeat the same question: ‘Was it murder or suicide?’ From Marilyn to Anna Nicole, no one wants to believe their favorite stars would take their own lives (or attempt to). It’s unknown at this point which side of the story the movie will tell. In any event, it’s a death that will continue to remain question-rich and somewhat unsolved in the minds of fans…like many other Hollywood deaths before and since.
Read More | Yahoo! News
Watts And Campbell For ‘The Birds’
Posted by David Onda Categories: Universal, Adaptation, Classics, Horror, Thrillers, Casting, Filmmaking, Rumors, Upcoming Releases,
With Halloween only a week and a half away, it seems only fitting that we hear more news about the remake of The Birds. First brought to the big screen in 1963 by “The Master of Suspense“ Alfred Hitchcock, Universal has been planning a re-imagining of the terrifying classic for some time now.
The absolutely gorgeous Naomi Watts (King Kong, The Ring) will star while Casino Royale director Martin Campbell is in talks to helm the film. Variety reports that Universal is not rushing the film due to the looming possibility of a Hollywood strike. Michael Bay is among the several names reported to be producing the film via Platinum Dunes and Mandalay Pictures.
Watts, who can soon be seen in Warner Independent’s Funny Games, is filming The International and will also appear in the overly titled Kicked, Bitten and Scratched: Life and Lessons at the World’s Premiere School for Exotic Animal Trainers.
Read More | Variety
J.K. Rowling: ‘Dumbledore Is Gay’
Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Warner Bros, Adaptation, Adventure, Drama, Family, Science Fiction, Sequels, Rumors, Upcoming Releases,
Although author J.K. Rowling put the Harry Potter saga to rest this past July, she is still shocking devotees of the series with secrets to this day. At a reading Friday night in New York’s Carnegie Hall, Rowling was asked if Albus Dumbledore finds true love. She then revealed a juicy tidbit now ringing throughout the world: “Dumbledore is gay”.
Those who have read between the lines may have suspected this all along. Rowling equated Dumbledore’s affections for wizard Gellert Grindelwald as his ‘great tragedy’. The Hogwarts Headmaster, devastated by Grindelwald’s attraction to the dark side, later went on to defeat his rival.
Confusion about Dumbledore’s sexuality preference almost became an issue in the upcoming big screen installment, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Rowling made sure director David Yates remove a reference about Albus’ past loves from the adapted script.
Parents unfazed by the revealing news can bring their kids back to theaters in 2008 and 2010.
Read More | E! Online
‘Wolverine’ To Hit Theaters In 2009
Posted by David Onda Categories: 20th Century Fox, Action, Adventure, Science Fiction, Sequels, Thrillers, Casting, Filmmaking, Rumors, Upcoming Releases, Short FilmCrunch,
Fanboys everywhere are squealing with glee as Twentieth Century Fox announces that they have set a date for the eagerly awaited and horribly titled X-Men Origins: Wolverine. The film will hit theaters on May 1, 2009 and, of course, star Hugh Jackman as Marvel’s short-tempered, adamantium-clawed mutant. In addition to release date excitement, Variety reports that Liev Schreiber is in talks to play a younger version of William Stryker, Wolverine’s nemesis who was played by Brian Cox in X2.
What excites me? Rumors that the film (to be directed by Tsotsi’s Gavin Hood), which will be partially filmed in New Orleans, will include the previously left out X-man, Gambit. If I had a dollar for every playing card I lost/ruined by imitating the cartoon version of the Cajun mutant, I’d be freakin’ rich.
A few other new mutants (as well as returning ones) are expected to make appearances. Fox is also trying to get the origin story of X-Men villain Magneto off the ground and into theaters.
Read More | Variety
Best known for her roles in 1957’s An Affair to Remember (opposite Cary Grant) and 1953’s From Here to Eternity (opposite the one and only Burt Lancaster in the famous beach scene), legendary actress Deborah Kerr has passed away at age 86. Kerr won the Golden Globe and received an Academy Award nomination during her lengthy Hollywood career, which included more than forty films.
Born in Scotland, Kerr blazed on the screen with her red hair and powerful voice. It was that same voice which helped Kerr land the role of a lifetime – Anna in The King and I. She starred opposite Yul Brenner, the sexiest bald man in the history of Hollywood (you wish, Telly Savales), making film history in the musical with classic songs like ‘Getting to Know You’. Kerr became a Bond girl at age 46 in the film Casino Royale.
Read More | Yahoo! News
Even More ‘Star Trek’ Casting News
Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Paramount, Science Fiction, Sequels, Upcoming Releases,
Earlier this week we reported some big casting news for the upcoming Star Trek film. Actors John Cho and Simon Pegg were recently chosen for the roles of Sulu and Scotty, respectively.
Now we have word that two more actors have been lined up for the highly-anticipated Enterprise prequel. Chris Pine, who was recently seen in Just My Luck, has snagged the role of James T. Kirk. (Apparently you can find work after a Lindsay Lohan film.) Meanwhile, Karl Urban (The Bourne Supremacy) will be starring as Leonard “Bones” McCoy.
Production on the J.J. Abrams film should begin before the end of the year.
Read More | Hollywood Reporter
Dress Up Like Hollywood for Halloween
Posted by K.C. Morgan Categories: Action, Adventure, Drama, Family, Musicals, Period, Science Fiction, Comedy,
What’s hot this Halloween? Hollywood is always hot, and this year the costume ideas are churning right out of LA. Will you have the popular look this October 31st?
Britney is in…at least, she’s in if you’re trying to make her look bad. This Halloween, plenty of men are dressing drag and letting beer bellies hang. The look? Britney Spears, a la the VMAs. The costume? Extremely skimpy – so don’t wear it unless you plan to stay indoors.
Little boys are gearing up as mini Transformers and suiting up in the black Spidey costume, so be prepared to meet pint-sized heroes at the door this year. Pirates of the Caribbean outfits are still in; it’s the Halloween look that just won’t go away (like the movies).
Spartans sporting the 300 look will be appearing at parties this year, as will the more comedic look of Will Ferrell’s Ricky Bobby. Though the movie is old (over a year, now), the look is not – elaborate and over-the-top Marie Antoinette costumes are all the rage for those who want to go all out.
TV is getting attention from Halloween revelers as well. This year, Ugly Betty kits and High School Musical-esque outfits are flying off novelty shelves.
Read More | LA Times
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