It looks like something had irked Mr. De Niro and he has tendered his resignation. We get news of his walk-off from our friends at comingsoon:
Robert De Niro has exited Edge of Darkness, the Martin Campbell-directed drama that Graham King’s GK Films began shooting in Massachusetts on Aug. 18.
De Niro just arrived on the set this week. “Sometimes things don’t work out, it’s called creative differences,” a spokesman for the actor told Variety.
De Niro had signed to play an operative sent to clean up the evidence in the murder of a young woman. Mel Gibson stars as the victim’s father, a homicide detective for the Boston Police Dept. who uncovers her secret life, a corporate cover-up and government collusion.
I thought Mel Gibson’s team up with Robert De Niro was an excellent way to re-introduce him to the public. Having another heavy hitter on the cast would have taken some of the press and attention away from Mel. After a racist tirade it’ s best to keep low and try to raise public perception of yourself one day at a time. Sans De Niro, all the attention will be back on Mel, and time will tell if that is good or bad.
I wonder what pissed Bobby off? We may never know, but we will be certain to keep our ears to the tracks for news about the walk off.
We have news today of a new post-apocalyptic film that will star Denzel Washington! Thanks to our friends at the movieweb for the following hookup!
Denzel Washington will star in the futuristic drama The Book of Eli for directing team Allen and Albert Hughes.
The post-apocalyptic drama is based on a story by Gary Whitta, and scripted by Anthony Peckham, and focuses on the not-so-distant future where America is a wasteland and a lone warrior (Washington) fights to bring society the knowledge that is key to its redemption. Filming starts in January in New Mexico
Denzel + Post Apocalyptic + New Mexico = The news of the day my friends.
The post apocalyptic genre is outstanding and I’m glad to see Denzel join the fold. Perhaps the reining hollywood enthusiast Kevin Costner will join him for yet another outing into the apocalyptic future. Having driven through New Mexico, I can attest to its perfection for this sort of film. The desert is where these sorts of films need to be. You need a bleak landscape to visually compliment the story.
I am very interested in watching how this develops and am tickled that we may have a big budget apocalyptic sensation on our hands! Denzel, work your magic my friend.
The folks over at Paramount just fired me off these clips that will be on the Iron Man DVD coming out shortly. The clips show some behind the scenes making of stuff that looks pretty cool. I don’t buy a lot of DVDs, but this is one I’m going to get my hands on.
News was released today that Paul Walker and Hayden Christensen have joined the cast of Bone Deep. We get the following release from the movieweb:
Paul Walker and Hayden Christensen have climbed aboard the Screen Gems crime thriller Bone Deep, being directed by John Luessenhop.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film revolves around a group of criminals who find their $20 million plan interrupted by a hard-boiled detective (the previously cast Matt Dillon). Walker stars as the leader of the bank robbers. Christensen is a newbie detective.
Well this news really doesn’t stoke my fires of interest one bit. I really don’t care for crime thrillers and the casting of Paul Walker and Hayden Christensen is certainly not enough for me to extend the benefit of the doubt.
None the less, we will be sure to get you the updates on this film as they are made available to us.
It looks like Che has picked up US distribution through Magnolia pictures. We get the scoop from our friend Kristopher Tapley over at InContention:
Lou Lumenick is hearing some rumblings on the “Che” buyer situation in Toronto. From his New York Post blog:
I’m hearing from an exhibition source that Mark Cuban’s Magnolia Pictures has signed to distribute Steven Soderbergh’s “Che” in the United States. The deal is expected to be announced shortly for the two-part biopic of the Argentine guerilla who worked with Fidel Castro starring Benecio del Toro, which premiered to mixed reviews in Cannes. A slightly shorter version — 4 hour 22 minutes total — will be showing at the Toronto and New York Film Festivals. NYFF will be screening “Che” at the 1100-seat Ziegfeld and don’t be surprised if that’s where this epic has a reserved-seat, Academy-qualification run beginning on December 12.
I am interested in seeing this film, but 4 hours and 22 minutes for the “short” version is quite a haul. Because I have interst in the man and his story so I have no problem sitting through an epic length feature; I just wonder how appealing the film will be to the average movie goer. I am going to guess that a film of this length about a communist revolutionary will not be putting many asses in the seats.
That being said, I am pleased that those who have a desire to see this film, will now be able to do so. I can see the film getting a limited release and then getting moved on to DVD land swiftly. I wonder how long the DVD version will be; I suppose we will wait and see.
As a related point of interest - Benicio Del Toro won the Best Actor award at the Cannes film festival for his work in this film.
The Dark Knight just broke another record and became the highest grossing IMAX film of all time. We get wind of this announcement thanks to the golden caves of Yahoo:
The Imax-format release of Warner Bros.’ “The Dark Knight” has blown past “The Polar Express” as the giant-screen exhibitor’s top first-run release. Directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Christian Bale, “Dark Knight” has rung up more than $925 million worldwide including $55 million in Imax grosses. That compares to the $45 million fetched by the Imax 3-D version of Warners/Imax’s seasonal favorite “The Polar Express,” which was distributed in both conventional and Imax 3-D formats in 2004.
Foster said he would welcome any Imax re-release of the Batman blockbuster in future years, should Warners see merit in such a plan.
This success is no surprise at all. People have raved about the IMAX experience of the Dark Knight, and with luck more films will follow in its cinematic footsteps. IMAX theatres certainly surprised me upon my first viewing; the sound and sights are incredible.
I think loose plans of a re-release is welcome news. If a third film is made - the months leading up to release would be a perfect time for this film to make a second appearance.
When I heard they were considering another Ghostbusters movie, I hoped that they would get the original cast. But I half expected them to pokemon the series and give a new generation of Ghostbusters taking up the proton packs and ignoring the previous generation completely.
Well now we hear that Columbia Pictures is moving forward on a new Ghostbusters movie, but it will be a sequel and they hope to include the original cast!
The studio has recruited “The Office” writer-producers to work on a new installment of the 1980s franchise that starred Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson and Harold Ramis as bumbling ghost-hunting scientists.
The original filmmakers, including director Ivan Reitman, and cast are aware of the project and involved in its development. Some original cast members might be involved, but not in central roles.
Stupnitsky and Eisenberg, who are nominated for an Emmy for the NBC sitcom “The Office,” already have the support of one Ghostbuster in Ramis.
This is fine news indeed. Ghostbusters was such a big success in its day and I don’t know anyone who doesn’t know what you are talking about when someone says “When someone asks you if you’re a god, you say “YES”!”
The original cast was a perfect blend and I can’t wait to catch up with these guys 25 years past the first movie. Bill Murray was inspired in this role (originally meant for Bellushi) and they all played off each other to produce something special. Even the silly theme song by Ray Parker Jr was awesome (expect an updated cover by someone hip and popular) I hope that involving them (even if not centrally) they can keep some of the same chemistry while passing the torch.
The humour found in The Office is something that Bill Murray would fit right into, so having the same writers taking on this project, I hope we see a next gen worthy of carrying on the franchise.
Michael Moore has decided to share his next film Slacker Uprising for free on the net. We get wind of this news thanks to the frugal caves of Yahoo:
The film, “Slacker Uprising,” follows Moore’s 62-city tour during the 2004 election to rally young voters. It will be available for three weeks as a free download to North American residents, beginning Sept. 23. An official announcement of the film is planned for Friday. Moore said he considered releasing “Slacker Uprising” theatrically as “Michael Moore’s big election year movie” as he did with 2004’s “Fahrenheit 9/11,” which was highly critical of President Bush.
Instead, Moore opted for a symbol of gratitude to his fans as he approaches the 20th anniversary of his first film, 1989’s “Roger & Me.” “I thought it’d be a nice way to celebrate my 20th year of doing this,” Moore said. “And also help get out the vote for November. I’ve been thinking about what I want to do to help with the election this year.”
Moore describes this next film “as one for the choir”. This is a film for Democrats to get them pumped up and mobilized for the upcoming election, and for the children of Republicans to assist with toppling the current state of affairs. If this is the case, then it was both kind and wise of Moore to make this decision. Moore very easily could have released this film and milked money out of his fans, but instead, has decided to celebrate his 20 years of success with them. I have no doubt that it will be available for sale in some way after the window of free has closed, but until then - we all can watch on the cheap.
I love it when people release films for free. This seems to be done with documentaries fairly regularly on google video. Some films ask for a donation while others, like Moore will no doubt make their money back from subsequent dvd sales. The film will be available from www.slackeruprising.com, and we will be watching for free along with you on that day.
P.S. Sadly I just found out that the film will only be free for residents of Canada and the U.S.A. Although this does seem to be a rally for votes, I would like to see it free for everyone, I do not like to see any International friend have any less opportunity - the internet is about equal opportunity.
I loved the Hellboy movies and the animated features. I was never a big fan of the comic book, but the translation to screen has won me over. So now that Hellboy has found a home on DVD releases and theatrical features, is it any surprise they are considering Hellboy3?
Guillermo del Toro says that a third “Hellboy” movie is not out of the question, but it would have to wait a long time due to his commitments to “The Hobbit” films and more. Langley said the studio is interested and may work with del Toro to add a TV series and online segments to broaden the following before making the series finale.
I have always been a Hellboy fan and I quite expected them to have another Hellboy movie, but Del Toro seems to think it will have to wait for him. Perhaps he has some sort of pact with the devil that means only he will be able to do this. I am not opposed to Del Toro taking it on, but I dont want to have to wait until 2017 to see a third chapter. There are other fine directors around that could do this justice.
But the idea of a TV series just rocks. Ron Perlman has been absent from a regular TV series for some time now, but he is no stranger to television, or elaborate costumes. Back in the 80s he starred alongside Linda Hamilton in a modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast that lasted 3 seasons.
Hellboy could really benefit from the larger sandbox that an ongoing series would provide. Stories would not have to be restrained in the limitations of a 90 minute movie and it can really be used to set the pace for a third movie eventually.
Hellboy is a vast world that we haven’t even seen the beginning of. I can’t wait to see it explored.
Just yesterday Doug posted news about a new Live Action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Movie. I don’t blame him for talking about the news since it reported right from the mouth of Kevin Eastman, Turtles co-creator and current editor of Heavy Metal Magazine. You think the guy would know. But guess what?
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” writer Stephen Murphy wrote on his Blog that “This is complete nonsense and entirely untrue.”
I think this is fine news indeed. The news of another liveaction Turtles movie turned my stomach. The original live action “man in suit” rubber turtles was good for its time, clearly geared for a younger demographic, but it had its value.
But technology has outgrown that sort of movie. The rubber suit is out dated, especially for a martial arts character. They could have a live action movie with MoCapture CG Turtles in it and it would pass as believable. And last year’s TMNT animated feature was SO GOOD I quite figured if they sequeled anything, it would be that movie with another CGAnimated feature. It still retained some of that kiddie “Cowabunga dude” while moving it back to a more serious storyline with a taste of grim reality.
No word on whether the 2007 CG animated feature will be getting a sequel, but I hope so!
It looks like another Hercules picture is in the works! We get news of the Olympian thanks to the professionals at Variety!
Scribe-helmer Sheldon Lettich will develop “Hercules: The Beginning” for Alexander Nevsky’s production company, Hollywood Storm. Nevsky will star.
The move comes at a time when Universal Pictures and Nu Image/Millennium productions are also planning projects based on the Greek hero.
A slew of sword and sandal films are coming our way, and this one may be added to the growing list! I am pumped to see these sword slinging action films coming down the pipe and think the time is ripe for more Hercules action. Hercules is such a major figure in these types of films and has been played by such greats as Lou Ferrigno and the immortal Steve Reeves. Nevsky joins a hall of greats by stepping into this role, and he best be prepared for feats of strength!
No Hercules picture is proper without the lifting of heavy objects, or the pushing open of ancient sealed doors.
I will be sure to scour the web for updates on this one and will be more than pleased to keep all of you up to speed.
The peoples elbow will land anew on Ashley Judd in Tooth Fairy. We get word of her casting from our friends at comingsoon:
Ashley Judd is set to star with Dwayne Johnson in 20th Century Fox comedy Tooth Fairy, which starts shooting in Vancouver this October. Michael Lembeck is directing. Johnson plays a minor league hockey player nicknamed the Tooth Fairy. Judd plays his girlfriend, a single mother of two kids.
I’ m not sure why Johnson’s character is nicknamed the Tooth Fairy. Perhaps he’s rough on the ice, and he has a history of ripping teeth from the mouths of his opponents. That usually makes for the best Hockey, and would be a decent reason to have that nick name.
This certainly sounds like a romantic comedy to me, and I can’t say that I am enthused about The Rock doing this sort of film. Who knows, maybe he will surprise us all and prove to the world that this is what he was born to do. I personally think this guy should ditch acting all together and use his mic skills as a commentator.
Guillermo del Toro has his schedule booked till 2017! We have obtained the following news today from Variaty via comingsoon:
Universal — which has a three-year first-look deal with the helmer inked in June ‘07 — and del Toro are making a long-term commitment by setting up four directing projects, including remakes of “Frankenstein,” “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” and “Slaughterhouse-Five.”
The fourth project is an adaptation of “Drood,” a Dan Simmons novel acquired by U that will be published in February by Little, Brown. In addition to the four pics, the studio still has its sights set on del Toro’s pet project, an adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft’s “At the Mountains of Madness.”
Holy crow, this man is locked down for quite some time. At the end of 2017, I hope he decides to take a vacation; he will most certainly have earned one. I like the work of Guillermo del Toro and am interested in seeing him grow as a story teller from one picture to the next.
I am not that familiar with the works of H.P. Lovecraft, but I know that his bestiary and otherworldly creatures are the stuff of legend. The story takes place in the arctic wastes and features an appearance by a Shoggoth! Save for The Hobbit, I am most looking forward to his telling of the Frankenstein tale. I love that character and would really like to see a modern retelling of the story at his hands. With his crew - I have no doubt that the laboratory of Dr. Frankenstein will look outstanding.
International friends, from the above list of future projects what are you most looking forward to?
Rumors have begun to bubble up from the depths that Tom Cruise may voice a villain in Shrek 4. We get the saucy scoop from our friends at cinemablend:
Tonight I got an email from one of our regular sources at DreamWorks, whispering in my ear to let you know that Tom Cruise is being considered to voice one of the villains in Shrek Goes Fourth. The sequel is due out in 2010 and this time it’s being directed by Mike Mitchell, who is rumored to be something of a Tom Cruise fan.
Since Cruise’s cameo in Tropic Thunder, everyone has wanted the man to sign on for more comedy. Voicing a character for Shrek 4 isn’t what I had in mind however, because Shrek sucks, and has been played out at 3. Although the franchise may still continue to rake in money, the last film was pure garbage and I cannot see things improving from here.
Kudos to Cruise for wanting to continue on the comedy train - but I cannot get behind big name actors doing voice-work. I think his time would be better suited acting in a film, and best that he leave the voice acting to those that dedicate their lives to it.
International friends, what are your thoughts? Are you looking forward to Shrek 4, and what are your thoughts on this unconfirmed news?
There are some great movie debates out there where you can understand where the other side is coming from, even if you don’t agree with them. However, this whole debate about if Two-Face was alive or dead at the end of The Dark Knight is one I never understood. He was clearly dead. There was no “debate” about it. I’ve said from the beginning that there was absolutely NOTHING in the movie to even remotely suggest that Two-Face might actually be alive and I never understood why anyone would believe otherwise.
Anyway, any debate about the matter has now been officially put to rest. Two-Face himself, Aaron Eckhart has officially come out and said “I’m Dead”. The folks over at AICN interviewd him recently and this is what he said:
Beaks: And now the obligatory question: can you conceive of any way in which you might be back in–
Aaron Eckhart: (Laughs) No.
Beaks: Not a chance?
Eckhart: No. I’m dead. I couldn’t even get the words out of my mouth. “Hey, Chris, am I–?” “No. You’re dead. You’re dead.”
I still have no idea why anyone ever thought he wasn’t. It’s not like the movie even suggested he was alive at the end of it. He was done. And when I would discuss it with people, the only argument they would usually make is something along the lines of “He’s not dead because he can’t be dead”. That’s some sharp logic right there folks. :)
Sad news friends, the man responsible for bringing animated life to the Peanuts gang has died. We get the following announcement from the remembrance caves of Yahoo:
Bill Melendez, the animator who gave life to Snoopy, Charlie Brown and other “Peanuts” characters in scores of movies and TV specials, has died. He was 91. Melendez died of natural causes Tuesday at St. John’s Health Center, according to publicist Amy Goldsmith.
Melendez’s nearly seven decades as a professional animator began in 1938 when he was hired by Walt Disney Studios and worked on Mickey Mouse cartoons and classic animated features such as “Pinocchio” and “Fantasia.” He went on to animate TV specials such as “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and was the voice of Snoopy, who never spoke intelligible words but issued expressive howls, sighs and sobs.
The Peanuts gang was a beloved comic strip and animating these characters was no small task. You have to bring the gang to life in a way that makes sense and keeps the flavor of the strip. Bill Melendez was able to do this beautifully and we are all in his debt for his masterwork.
Who among us hasn’t enjoyed an animated Snoopy special. Every year since I can remember, the Charlie Brown Christmas Special has been on television. It’s a staple of the holiday season, and will probably continue to be for aeons to come.
Mr. Melendez will live on though his animation. Many generations to come will enjoy his work and he, along with his art, will be fondly remembered by those of us that have already enjoyed the work of his hands. We salute you Mr. Melendez, Rest In Peace.
A little video just showing the cast and crew on the set of Transformers 2 on their first day of shooting. Holy crap…. 400 people?!?!?!
The one part I couldn’t help but snicker at was Michael Bay saying “We’re going to make the dreams of a lot of kids around the world”. Yeah Michael… you’re the dream maker. :P
But seriously, it is sort of cool to see just how big of a production this thing is shaping up to be.
It looks like something had irked Mr. De Niro and he has tendered his resignation. We get news of his walk-off from our friends at comingsoon:
We have news today of a new post-apocalyptic film that will star Denzel Washington! Thanks to our friends at the 
News was released today that Paul Walker and Hayden Christensen have joined the cast of Bone Deep. We get the following release from the 
The Dark Knight just broke another record and became the highest grossing IMAX film of all time. We get wind of this announcement thanks to the golden
Michael Moore has decided to share his next film Slacker Uprising for free on the net. We get wind of this news thanks to the frugal
It looks like another Hercules picture is in the works! We get news of the Olympian thanks to the professionals at Variety!
The peoples elbow will land anew on Ashley Judd in Tooth Fairy. We get word of her casting from our friends at 
Rumors have begun to bubble up from the depths that Tom Cruise may voice a villain in Shrek 4. We get the saucy scoop from our friends at 
There are some great movie debates out there where you can understand where the other side is coming from, even if you don’t agree with them. However, this whole debate about if Two-Face was alive or dead at the end of The Dark Knight is one I never understood. He was clearly dead. There was no “debate” about it. I’ve said from the beginning that there was absolutely NOTHING in the movie to even remotely suggest that Two-Face might actually be alive and I never understood why anyone would believe otherwise.
Sad news friends, the man responsible for bringing animated life to the Peanuts gang has died. We get the following announcement from the remembrance
