A few Tuesday (Dweeb) Items
EDITOR'S NOTE: IT'S EARLY IN THE WEEK FOR HODGEPODGEING, BUT THERE YOU ARE....SOMETIMES LIFE JUST GETS WEIRD LIKE THAT. (?)
THE ODDSNENDS:
Lemony Snicket Hits Tour Circuit
The 12th installment of Lemony Snicket's A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS hits stores today.
Author Daniel Handler, who likes to pretend he is an innocent bystander to Snicket's activities, will appear tonight via satellite at fifteen movie theaters, from Miami to Cleveland to Portland, Ore. Free tickets are being given out at participating bookstores to fans who have pre-ordered the new book.
Handler will give an hour long broadcast, which will originate from New York City. He will read to a live audience there of approximately 150 kids.
2929 creates Truly Indie for filmmakers
2929 Entertainment is demonstrating its belief in the indie filmmaker by creating a distribution company called Truly Indie that will allow filmmakers to control how and when their film gets distributed.
Using 2929's Landmark Theatre chain and marketing and distribution resources from Landmark and 2929's Magnolia Pictures, Truly Indie will provide filmmakers with a self-funded distribution operation whereby filmmakers pay a flat fee for one week of theatrical distribution across Landmark's indie theater network while retaining complete control of all rights to the product.
"We believe that the traditional distribution model is inefficient and closed off to a number of quality films. We are trying to create an alternative," said Bill Banowsky, Magnolia Pictures CEO and Landmark president. "If a film is made and has the potential to find an audience, rather than depend upon an existing company to buy into the belief that the film has marketing angles and commercial potential, we want to give the keys to the filmmaker to distribute it themselves." EDITOR'S NOTE: THESE ARE THE SAME FOLKS TALKING ABOUT CON-CURRENT WINDOWS BETWEEN CABLE AND DVD AND THEATERS AND FOR EXPERIMENTING WITH ALL SORTS OF NEW WAYS TO SHAKE UP THE DISTRIBUTION OF FILM. THIS IS JUST WHAT THE MOVIE INDUSTRY NEEDS...CREATIVE THINKING AND RISK TAKING. LET'S HOPE SOME OF IT WORKS, CAUSE SO FAR, 2929 SEEM TO BE THE ONLY ONES STICKING THEIR NECKS OUT. (AND SOMETHING IS GOING TO HAVE TO BE PERCEIVED BY HOLLYWOOD BIGGUYS AS BEING SUCCESSFUL BEFORE ANYTHING SUBSTANTIAL WILL CHANGE).
TELEVISION NEWS:
NBC Heads for the SURFACE
NBC has given a full-season pickup to SURFACE.
The actual number of additional episodes to be ordered has not been decided yet since the show will not run during the 2006 Winter Olympics -- from February 10th to the 26thEDITOR'S NOTE: I'M ENJOYING THIS ONE. QUITE A SUPRISE THAT ALL THE NEW SCIFI'ISH SHOWS ARE ACTUALLY PRETTY GOOD. (COMING OFF THE SUCCESS OF "LOST", THE NORM IS FOR THEM ALL TO BE KNOCK-OFFS OF SOME KIND AND ALL KINDA STINK. NICE TO BE WRONG).
Michael J.Fox returning to Television
Great news indeed. The sensational Michael J.Fox is returning to Television – albeit, briefly.
The superstar, whose been battling Parkinson’s disease, will guest star on “Boston Legal”, appearing in three episodes as Daniel Post, a charismatic and dynamic CEO with an affection for gallows humour who manages to charm everyone he meets.
Post has Stage 4 lung cancer and is being represented by Crane, Poole and Schmidt in a lawsuit involving a promising anti-cancer drug. During one of his visits to the firm, he becomes personally involved with Denise Bauer (Julie Bowen), one of the firm's attorneys.
"We couldn't be more excited. His comedic and dramatic strengths make him a natural for this series," said creator and executive producer David E. Kelley.
Fox’s most recent work includes voicing the title character in Sony’s “Stuart Little 3 : Call of the Wild” and a guest-spot on TV's "Scrubs".
Marvel in Toonz biz with X-Men series
Marvel Entertainment Inc. is set to announce Monday at MIPCOM in Cannes that it has entered into an agreement with Indian animation company First Serve Toonz to produce an animated TV series based on Marvel's X-Men character franchise, with the primary focus on Wolverine. EDITOR'S NOTE: CARTOON HUGH JACKMAN PORN. WHOOHOO!
The companies are planning to produce 26 half-hour episodes featuring a combination of 2-D and 3-D characters and background, with the initial episodes expected to be ready for worldwide distribution by summer 2007
NBC gives Sorkin the green light
Two years after leaving "The West Wing," the writer-producer returns to network TV with a behind-the-scenes look at late-night comedy.
Writer Aaron Sorkin knows something about fighting with TV executives.
Now he's decided to make a show about them -- and has persuaded NBC to fork over big money for the idea.
Two years after leaving "The West Wing," the long-running White House drama he created for NBC, Sorkin clinched a deal with the network for "Studio 7," a behind-the-scenes sendup of a late-night comedy series very much like NBC's "Saturday Night Live."
NBC, which beat out CBS for "Studio 7" after a lively bidding war, will pay at least $1.6 million per one-hour episode and is aiming for the fall 2006 schedule, according to an executive familiar with the deal.
Warner Bros. Television, Sorkin's longtime studio home and the maker of "West Wing," will produce. Sorkin and frequent collaborator Thomas Schlamme are both aboard as executive producers, with shooting likely to start early next year.
"This project is a noisy, compelling combination of bold drama and laugh-out-loud comedy," NBC Entertainment President Kevin Reilly said in a statement on Friday. 10/14 "We're thrilled to again partner with this team on their next great NBC show."
Sorkin and Warner Bros. declined to comment.
The deal has Hollywood veterans chattering for several reasons, including the fact that it represents the first TV series Sorkin has sold since leaving "The West Wing."
"Studio 7" also underscores an emerging trend of TV executives buying "spec," or speculative, scripts, which are written before a network has agreed to back a project. Typically, established writers will not spend much time working on a program idea until a network has committed to the project in some fashion. But ABC's "Desperate Housewives" and NBC's "My Name Is Earl" — both bought on spec — have persuaded executives to pay more attention to writers' pet projects, according to several agents and executives interviewed for this article.
CBS, for example, earlier this month paid top dollar for a spec comedy called "Class" from former "Friends" executive producer David Crane.
"Studio 7" promises to take more than a few swipes at network executives and programming, and viewers likely won't have much trouble figuring out real-life inspirations for characters and plot points. In many cases, it's NBC taking it on the chin.EDITOR'S NOTE: SO THIS IS A CASE OF KEEPING YOUR FRIENDS CLOSE AND YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER?
In a copy of the pilot script obtained by the Los Angeles Times, the executive producer of the "SNL"-type show has an on-camera meltdown, saying on live television: "This show used to be cutting-edge political and social satire, but it's gotten lobotomized by a broadcast network hell-bent on doing nothing that might challenge their audience."
Later, the producer attacks the network for programming that involves "eating worms for money."
That might be construed as a none-too-veiled reference to the gross-out stunts on NBC's reality show "Fear Factor."
Hollywood satires have a mixed record on TV. HBO's comedy "Entourage" has strengthened its ratings, but a number of other recent experiments -- including Fox's "Action," the WB Network's "Grosse Pointe" and HBO's "The Comeback" -- have failed.
But Sorkin may have more colorful show-business experiences to draw on than most writers.
When ABC insisted on using a laugh track to punctuate his short-lived ABC comedy "Sports Night," the writer-producer told the New Yorker that the experience made him feel "like I've put on an Armani tuxedo, tied my tie, snapped on my cuff links, and the last thing I do before I leave the house is spray Cheez Whiz all over myself."EDITOR'S NOTE: GIGGLE. POINTED AND ENTERTAINING. THIS IS WHY WE LOVE HIM AND WOULD BET IN HIS FAVOR ON ANYTHING NEW HE COMES UP WITH.
A respected playwright and screenwriter (his play "A Few Good Men" was turned into a hit movie with Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson), Sorkin became one of the most talked-about figures in the industry during his days running "The West Wing," which presents a fictionalized -- some might say idealized -- White House starring Martin Sheen as President Bartlet.
Sorkin was known as a workaholic who insisted on writing -- or rewriting -- virtually all the "West Wing" scripts himself. Critics particularly relished his rapid-fire dialogue and ability to manage large numbers of characters. But his work habits took a heavy toll; scripts were frequently delivered late, which caused widely reported production delays and costly budget overruns that were thought to be a factor in Sorkin's eventual exit from the series.
After "The West Wing's" second season, Sorkin was arrested at Burbank Airport on charges of possession of cocaine, hallucinogenic mushrooms and marijuana (the charges were later dismissed after he completed a rehabilitation program).
He once told TV Guide that he smoked crack every day while writing his 1995 film "The American President." "That is why it took me three years to write the script," he said.EDITOR'S NOTE: UMMMM...WOULD IT HAVE TAKEN LESS TIME OR MORE, IF HE HADN'T BEEN FLIPPED OUT ON COKE?
MOVIE NEWS:
Bond Girl aboard Indiana Jones 4?
I've been hearing Michelle Yeoh's name in relation to the next "Indiana Jones" for ages- the rumour popped up about six years ago online that the former Bond girl was in talks for the super sequel - and this weekend, the news has resurfaced.
The Indy Experience reports that it's looking more and more likely that Yeoh ["Tomorrow Never Dies", "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"] will indeed co-star in the forthcoming "Indiana Jones 4".
The actress just worked with director Steven Spielberg on "Memoirs of a Geisha", and the two apparently discussed the "Indy" part on the set of that.
Yeoh previously starred in the "Indiana Jones"-esque "Magnificent Warriors" in 1987.
The new "Indiana Jones" film, so far starring Harrison Ford and Laura Dutta, will go before the cameras in 2006. EDITOR'S NOTE: WELL YEOH IS PRETTY COOL CASTING. HOPE THERE'S A DECENT SCRIPT TO GO ALONG WITH THE CASTING.
Lara Croft Vs. James Bond?
Angelina Jolie might be re-teaming with her “Tomb Raider” co-star Daniel Craig for his next movie. You get what that means, right? Yatzee – She’d be the 00-Bond Babe for Sony’s “Casino Royale”.
The net’s in a frenzy now – naturally, since the fun of guessing who the next 007 will be is over EDITOR'S NOTE: AND HEAVEN KNOWS THAT WAS SO VERY EXCITING. ZZZZZZZZZZZZ– trying to speculate who’ll pair up with the suave super-agent in the impending blockbuster, with Jolie’s name coming up the most.
Seems producers think Ms. Jolie could be a perfect match for the renowned lady killer. Me thinks they’re just looking for a big name to compliment Craig’s ‘not so big name’.
If Director Martin Campbell nods in approval, Jolie would be putting on the stilettos of Russian double agent Vespa Lynd.
Also up for the role – Craig’s real-life love Sienna Miller, twenty-something spunky Jessica Alba, and, according to Dark Horizons, Cecile De France ("High Tension"). EDITOR'S NOTE: IS THERE ANY POSSIBLE WAY THE MOVIE WILL BE ABLE TO COMPETE WITH THE MOUNTAINS OF PRE-PRESS IT'S ALREADY RECEIVED? EVEN IF IT'S A GOOD MOVIE, THEY ARE BEATING THE HORSE TO DEATH. LONG BEFORE IT HAS EVEN BEEN BORN. (IT'S LIKE TAKING MONTHS AND MONTHS TO PLAN A TRIP....TO EL PASO).
Bowman on Elektra sequel
Elektra director Rob Bowman tells IGN FilmForce that he’s keen to make a sequel to “Elektra” but only if it’s "all-out action," "ass-kickin'" and "R-rated".
Thing is, does Marvel even get a polly waffle about that franchise?
"I don't know if it will happen. It's up to them to decide," says Bowman. "I think they would at least listen to it."
The comic-book character was always intended to form the frame of an ultra-violent R rated movie, says Bowman, not a G rated *&^%^fest. "Because, really, she's an R-rated character. I mean, it's even worse in some of the comic books. The shelves are stacked with very, very aggressive, very sexy Elektra comic books. It is what it is. It's like, sex and murder, that's her thing."
The sequel would pick up at the very end of “Elektra”, where our heroine exits the house. She's changed a girl's life for the better, and has learned to be more compassionate. However, "That's no different than actually just stepping out of rehab. It's no different than coming out of the hospital with a cast on your arm."
Then, "She goes on a hit. She makes the hit, but it's built-in with a fatal flaw which is: innocent people die at hands of Elektra. Except, she didn't know they were innocent people. It's a scheme by The Hand to tear her apart and turn her towards the dark side, and bring them back to her once and for all. And then you have an hour and a half of Elektra struggling with 'What is compassion about?' And meanwhile, it's an all-out action, ass-kicking, R-rated movie! I mean, that's what you do. You would basically let Jennifer deal with rage and vengeance and revenge in the whole movie. That's what she really is."
If Jennifer Garner called Bowman and asked him to do it tomorrow – then he would. "If she said to me, 'Go with God and all my blessings,' then I would make it, because there's a lot more story to tell there."
And what would Frank Miller have to say about an Elektra sequel? "Probably 'Stay closer to the comic book.' And I would say, 'I will, Frank, as long as they let me make an R-rated version of it.' Because that's what it should be." EDITOR'S NOTE: SO AS LONG AS IT'S REALLY VIOLENT AND THERE'S NUDITY, WE CAN CALL IT PURE AND TRUE TO ITS ARTISTIC ORIGINS? (AH FOR A SIMPLER TIME......GIGGLE).
Sony Takes to Favreau's NEANDERTHALS
Director Jon Favreau (left) and Dax Shepard on the set of ZATHURA (2005).
Sony Pictures Animation has hired Jon Favreau to write and direct the CG-animated feature NEANDERTHALS.
The story will be based on an idea from Favreau. No details about the plot have been given yet.
Howard Shore Kicked Off Skull Island
Award-Winning LOTR Composer Axed from KING KONG
Universal Pictures confirmed that James Newton Howard will compose the original score for Peter Jackson’s big-budget remake of KING KONG. Howard replaces Howard Shore, who is leaving the project.
Peter Jackson made the following statement: "I have greatly enjoyed my collaborations with Howard Shore, whose musical themes made immeasurable contributions to THE LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy. During the last few weeks, Howard and I came to realize that we had differing creative aspirations for the score of KING KONG. Rather than waste time arguing with a friend and trying to unify our points of view, we decided amicably to let another composer score the film. I'm looking forward to working with James Newton Howard, a composer whose work I've long admired, and I thank Howard Shore, whose talent is surpassed only by his graciousness." EDITOR'S NOTE: OUCH. COLD,CRUEL WORLD.
According to industry insiders, all indications are that most - if not all - of the score has already been recorded in New Zealand. The replacement score will be recorded in Los Angeles.
KING KONG is scheduled for release on December 14, 2005, which means that James Newton Howard has his work cut out for him to composer, arrange, and record nearly two hours of music. EDITOR'S NOTE: SO JUST THROW SOMETHING TOGETHER AND IT'S BOUND TO BE BETTER THAN THE GARBAGE THAT OSCAR-WINNER CAME UP WITH? JACKSON MUST HAVE REALLY REALLY HATED WHATEVER IT WAS THAT SHORE WAS DOING, HUH?
A COUPLE OF STAR WARS ITEMS:
EDITOR'S NOTE: ONE IS A NICE VIDEO PIECE ABOUT JOHN WILLIAMS AND HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SW SAGA. THE OTHER ONE IS A BIT OF SILLINESS (INSPIRED SILLINESS) SENT TO US FROM CHEWYANDY. (THE MAVEN, AS EVER).
The music of EP3
http://www.starwars.com/episode-iii/bts/me3/17.html
One of only a few to contribute to all six Star Wars films, famous composer John Williams returns for Revenge of the Sith. Combining and twisting the established melodic phrases with all new tunes, the music in the final chapter serves to propel the audience through an emotional ride toward the dark side.
FROM CHEWYANDY:
funny ... i don't remember this from the dvd?
http://www.punchbaby.com/media/latrz/clips/movies/vaderfun.wmv
THE ODDSNENDS:
Lemony Snicket Hits Tour Circuit
The 12th installment of Lemony Snicket's A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS hits stores today.
Author Daniel Handler, who likes to pretend he is an innocent bystander to Snicket's activities, will appear tonight via satellite at fifteen movie theaters, from Miami to Cleveland to Portland, Ore. Free tickets are being given out at participating bookstores to fans who have pre-ordered the new book.
Handler will give an hour long broadcast, which will originate from New York City. He will read to a live audience there of approximately 150 kids.
2929 creates Truly Indie for filmmakers
2929 Entertainment is demonstrating its belief in the indie filmmaker by creating a distribution company called Truly Indie that will allow filmmakers to control how and when their film gets distributed.
Using 2929's Landmark Theatre chain and marketing and distribution resources from Landmark and 2929's Magnolia Pictures, Truly Indie will provide filmmakers with a self-funded distribution operation whereby filmmakers pay a flat fee for one week of theatrical distribution across Landmark's indie theater network while retaining complete control of all rights to the product.
"We believe that the traditional distribution model is inefficient and closed off to a number of quality films. We are trying to create an alternative," said Bill Banowsky, Magnolia Pictures CEO and Landmark president. "If a film is made and has the potential to find an audience, rather than depend upon an existing company to buy into the belief that the film has marketing angles and commercial potential, we want to give the keys to the filmmaker to distribute it themselves." EDITOR'S NOTE: THESE ARE THE SAME FOLKS TALKING ABOUT CON-CURRENT WINDOWS BETWEEN CABLE AND DVD AND THEATERS AND FOR EXPERIMENTING WITH ALL SORTS OF NEW WAYS TO SHAKE UP THE DISTRIBUTION OF FILM. THIS IS JUST WHAT THE MOVIE INDUSTRY NEEDS...CREATIVE THINKING AND RISK TAKING. LET'S HOPE SOME OF IT WORKS, CAUSE SO FAR, 2929 SEEM TO BE THE ONLY ONES STICKING THEIR NECKS OUT. (AND SOMETHING IS GOING TO HAVE TO BE PERCEIVED BY HOLLYWOOD BIGGUYS AS BEING SUCCESSFUL BEFORE ANYTHING SUBSTANTIAL WILL CHANGE).
TELEVISION NEWS:
NBC Heads for the SURFACE
NBC has given a full-season pickup to SURFACE.
The actual number of additional episodes to be ordered has not been decided yet since the show will not run during the 2006 Winter Olympics -- from February 10th to the 26thEDITOR'S NOTE: I'M ENJOYING THIS ONE. QUITE A SUPRISE THAT ALL THE NEW SCIFI'ISH SHOWS ARE ACTUALLY PRETTY GOOD. (COMING OFF THE SUCCESS OF "LOST", THE NORM IS FOR THEM ALL TO BE KNOCK-OFFS OF SOME KIND AND ALL KINDA STINK. NICE TO BE WRONG).
Michael J.Fox returning to Television
Great news indeed. The sensational Michael J.Fox is returning to Television – albeit, briefly.
The superstar, whose been battling Parkinson’s disease, will guest star on “Boston Legal”, appearing in three episodes as Daniel Post, a charismatic and dynamic CEO with an affection for gallows humour who manages to charm everyone he meets.
Post has Stage 4 lung cancer and is being represented by Crane, Poole and Schmidt in a lawsuit involving a promising anti-cancer drug. During one of his visits to the firm, he becomes personally involved with Denise Bauer (Julie Bowen), one of the firm's attorneys.
"We couldn't be more excited. His comedic and dramatic strengths make him a natural for this series," said creator and executive producer David E. Kelley.
Fox’s most recent work includes voicing the title character in Sony’s “Stuart Little 3 : Call of the Wild” and a guest-spot on TV's "Scrubs".
Marvel in Toonz biz with X-Men series
Marvel Entertainment Inc. is set to announce Monday at MIPCOM in Cannes that it has entered into an agreement with Indian animation company First Serve Toonz to produce an animated TV series based on Marvel's X-Men character franchise, with the primary focus on Wolverine. EDITOR'S NOTE: CARTOON HUGH JACKMAN PORN. WHOOHOO!
The companies are planning to produce 26 half-hour episodes featuring a combination of 2-D and 3-D characters and background, with the initial episodes expected to be ready for worldwide distribution by summer 2007
NBC gives Sorkin the green light
Two years after leaving "The West Wing," the writer-producer returns to network TV with a behind-the-scenes look at late-night comedy.
Writer Aaron Sorkin knows something about fighting with TV executives.
Now he's decided to make a show about them -- and has persuaded NBC to fork over big money for the idea.
Two years after leaving "The West Wing," the long-running White House drama he created for NBC, Sorkin clinched a deal with the network for "Studio 7," a behind-the-scenes sendup of a late-night comedy series very much like NBC's "Saturday Night Live."
NBC, which beat out CBS for "Studio 7" after a lively bidding war, will pay at least $1.6 million per one-hour episode and is aiming for the fall 2006 schedule, according to an executive familiar with the deal.
Warner Bros. Television, Sorkin's longtime studio home and the maker of "West Wing," will produce. Sorkin and frequent collaborator Thomas Schlamme are both aboard as executive producers, with shooting likely to start early next year.
"This project is a noisy, compelling combination of bold drama and laugh-out-loud comedy," NBC Entertainment President Kevin Reilly said in a statement on Friday. 10/14 "We're thrilled to again partner with this team on their next great NBC show."
Sorkin and Warner Bros. declined to comment.
The deal has Hollywood veterans chattering for several reasons, including the fact that it represents the first TV series Sorkin has sold since leaving "The West Wing."
"Studio 7" also underscores an emerging trend of TV executives buying "spec," or speculative, scripts, which are written before a network has agreed to back a project. Typically, established writers will not spend much time working on a program idea until a network has committed to the project in some fashion. But ABC's "Desperate Housewives" and NBC's "My Name Is Earl" — both bought on spec — have persuaded executives to pay more attention to writers' pet projects, according to several agents and executives interviewed for this article.
CBS, for example, earlier this month paid top dollar for a spec comedy called "Class" from former "Friends" executive producer David Crane.
"Studio 7" promises to take more than a few swipes at network executives and programming, and viewers likely won't have much trouble figuring out real-life inspirations for characters and plot points. In many cases, it's NBC taking it on the chin.EDITOR'S NOTE: SO THIS IS A CASE OF KEEPING YOUR FRIENDS CLOSE AND YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER?
In a copy of the pilot script obtained by the Los Angeles Times, the executive producer of the "SNL"-type show has an on-camera meltdown, saying on live television: "This show used to be cutting-edge political and social satire, but it's gotten lobotomized by a broadcast network hell-bent on doing nothing that might challenge their audience."
Later, the producer attacks the network for programming that involves "eating worms for money."
That might be construed as a none-too-veiled reference to the gross-out stunts on NBC's reality show "Fear Factor."
Hollywood satires have a mixed record on TV. HBO's comedy "Entourage" has strengthened its ratings, but a number of other recent experiments -- including Fox's "Action," the WB Network's "Grosse Pointe" and HBO's "The Comeback" -- have failed.
But Sorkin may have more colorful show-business experiences to draw on than most writers.
When ABC insisted on using a laugh track to punctuate his short-lived ABC comedy "Sports Night," the writer-producer told the New Yorker that the experience made him feel "like I've put on an Armani tuxedo, tied my tie, snapped on my cuff links, and the last thing I do before I leave the house is spray Cheez Whiz all over myself."EDITOR'S NOTE: GIGGLE. POINTED AND ENTERTAINING. THIS IS WHY WE LOVE HIM AND WOULD BET IN HIS FAVOR ON ANYTHING NEW HE COMES UP WITH.
A respected playwright and screenwriter (his play "A Few Good Men" was turned into a hit movie with Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson), Sorkin became one of the most talked-about figures in the industry during his days running "The West Wing," which presents a fictionalized -- some might say idealized -- White House starring Martin Sheen as President Bartlet.
Sorkin was known as a workaholic who insisted on writing -- or rewriting -- virtually all the "West Wing" scripts himself. Critics particularly relished his rapid-fire dialogue and ability to manage large numbers of characters. But his work habits took a heavy toll; scripts were frequently delivered late, which caused widely reported production delays and costly budget overruns that were thought to be a factor in Sorkin's eventual exit from the series.
After "The West Wing's" second season, Sorkin was arrested at Burbank Airport on charges of possession of cocaine, hallucinogenic mushrooms and marijuana (the charges were later dismissed after he completed a rehabilitation program).
He once told TV Guide that he smoked crack every day while writing his 1995 film "The American President." "That is why it took me three years to write the script," he said.EDITOR'S NOTE: UMMMM...WOULD IT HAVE TAKEN LESS TIME OR MORE, IF HE HADN'T BEEN FLIPPED OUT ON COKE?
MOVIE NEWS:
Bond Girl aboard Indiana Jones 4?
I've been hearing Michelle Yeoh's name in relation to the next "Indiana Jones" for ages- the rumour popped up about six years ago online that the former Bond girl was in talks for the super sequel - and this weekend, the news has resurfaced.
The Indy Experience reports that it's looking more and more likely that Yeoh ["Tomorrow Never Dies", "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"] will indeed co-star in the forthcoming "Indiana Jones 4".
The actress just worked with director Steven Spielberg on "Memoirs of a Geisha", and the two apparently discussed the "Indy" part on the set of that.
Yeoh previously starred in the "Indiana Jones"-esque "Magnificent Warriors" in 1987.
The new "Indiana Jones" film, so far starring Harrison Ford and Laura Dutta, will go before the cameras in 2006. EDITOR'S NOTE: WELL YEOH IS PRETTY COOL CASTING. HOPE THERE'S A DECENT SCRIPT TO GO ALONG WITH THE CASTING.
Lara Croft Vs. James Bond?
Angelina Jolie might be re-teaming with her “Tomb Raider” co-star Daniel Craig for his next movie. You get what that means, right? Yatzee – She’d be the 00-Bond Babe for Sony’s “Casino Royale”.
The net’s in a frenzy now – naturally, since the fun of guessing who the next 007 will be is over EDITOR'S NOTE: AND HEAVEN KNOWS THAT WAS SO VERY EXCITING. ZZZZZZZZZZZZ– trying to speculate who’ll pair up with the suave super-agent in the impending blockbuster, with Jolie’s name coming up the most.
Seems producers think Ms. Jolie could be a perfect match for the renowned lady killer. Me thinks they’re just looking for a big name to compliment Craig’s ‘not so big name’.
If Director Martin Campbell nods in approval, Jolie would be putting on the stilettos of Russian double agent Vespa Lynd.
Also up for the role – Craig’s real-life love Sienna Miller, twenty-something spunky Jessica Alba, and, according to Dark Horizons, Cecile De France ("High Tension"). EDITOR'S NOTE: IS THERE ANY POSSIBLE WAY THE MOVIE WILL BE ABLE TO COMPETE WITH THE MOUNTAINS OF PRE-PRESS IT'S ALREADY RECEIVED? EVEN IF IT'S A GOOD MOVIE, THEY ARE BEATING THE HORSE TO DEATH. LONG BEFORE IT HAS EVEN BEEN BORN. (IT'S LIKE TAKING MONTHS AND MONTHS TO PLAN A TRIP....TO EL PASO).
Bowman on Elektra sequel
Elektra director Rob Bowman tells IGN FilmForce that he’s keen to make a sequel to “Elektra” but only if it’s "all-out action," "ass-kickin'" and "R-rated".
Thing is, does Marvel even get a polly waffle about that franchise?
"I don't know if it will happen. It's up to them to decide," says Bowman. "I think they would at least listen to it."
The comic-book character was always intended to form the frame of an ultra-violent R rated movie, says Bowman, not a G rated *&^%^fest. "Because, really, she's an R-rated character. I mean, it's even worse in some of the comic books. The shelves are stacked with very, very aggressive, very sexy Elektra comic books. It is what it is. It's like, sex and murder, that's her thing."
The sequel would pick up at the very end of “Elektra”, where our heroine exits the house. She's changed a girl's life for the better, and has learned to be more compassionate. However, "That's no different than actually just stepping out of rehab. It's no different than coming out of the hospital with a cast on your arm."
Then, "She goes on a hit. She makes the hit, but it's built-in with a fatal flaw which is: innocent people die at hands of Elektra. Except, she didn't know they were innocent people. It's a scheme by The Hand to tear her apart and turn her towards the dark side, and bring them back to her once and for all. And then you have an hour and a half of Elektra struggling with 'What is compassion about?' And meanwhile, it's an all-out action, ass-kicking, R-rated movie! I mean, that's what you do. You would basically let Jennifer deal with rage and vengeance and revenge in the whole movie. That's what she really is."
If Jennifer Garner called Bowman and asked him to do it tomorrow – then he would. "If she said to me, 'Go with God and all my blessings,' then I would make it, because there's a lot more story to tell there."
And what would Frank Miller have to say about an Elektra sequel? "Probably 'Stay closer to the comic book.' And I would say, 'I will, Frank, as long as they let me make an R-rated version of it.' Because that's what it should be." EDITOR'S NOTE: SO AS LONG AS IT'S REALLY VIOLENT AND THERE'S NUDITY, WE CAN CALL IT PURE AND TRUE TO ITS ARTISTIC ORIGINS? (AH FOR A SIMPLER TIME......GIGGLE).
Sony Takes to Favreau's NEANDERTHALS
Director Jon Favreau (left) and Dax Shepard on the set of ZATHURA (2005).
Sony Pictures Animation has hired Jon Favreau to write and direct the CG-animated feature NEANDERTHALS.
The story will be based on an idea from Favreau. No details about the plot have been given yet.
Howard Shore Kicked Off Skull Island
Award-Winning LOTR Composer Axed from KING KONG
Universal Pictures confirmed that James Newton Howard will compose the original score for Peter Jackson’s big-budget remake of KING KONG. Howard replaces Howard Shore, who is leaving the project.
Peter Jackson made the following statement: "I have greatly enjoyed my collaborations with Howard Shore, whose musical themes made immeasurable contributions to THE LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy. During the last few weeks, Howard and I came to realize that we had differing creative aspirations for the score of KING KONG. Rather than waste time arguing with a friend and trying to unify our points of view, we decided amicably to let another composer score the film. I'm looking forward to working with James Newton Howard, a composer whose work I've long admired, and I thank Howard Shore, whose talent is surpassed only by his graciousness." EDITOR'S NOTE: OUCH. COLD,CRUEL WORLD.
According to industry insiders, all indications are that most - if not all - of the score has already been recorded in New Zealand. The replacement score will be recorded in Los Angeles.
KING KONG is scheduled for release on December 14, 2005, which means that James Newton Howard has his work cut out for him to composer, arrange, and record nearly two hours of music. EDITOR'S NOTE: SO JUST THROW SOMETHING TOGETHER AND IT'S BOUND TO BE BETTER THAN THE GARBAGE THAT OSCAR-WINNER CAME UP WITH? JACKSON MUST HAVE REALLY REALLY HATED WHATEVER IT WAS THAT SHORE WAS DOING, HUH?
A COUPLE OF STAR WARS ITEMS:
EDITOR'S NOTE: ONE IS A NICE VIDEO PIECE ABOUT JOHN WILLIAMS AND HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SW SAGA. THE OTHER ONE IS A BIT OF SILLINESS (INSPIRED SILLINESS) SENT TO US FROM CHEWYANDY. (THE MAVEN, AS EVER).
The music of EP3
http://www.starwars.com/episode-iii/bts/me3/17.html
One of only a few to contribute to all six Star Wars films, famous composer John Williams returns for Revenge of the Sith. Combining and twisting the established melodic phrases with all new tunes, the music in the final chapter serves to propel the audience through an emotional ride toward the dark side.
FROM CHEWYANDY:
funny ... i don't remember this from the dvd?
http://www.punchbaby.com/media/latrz/clips/movies/vaderfun.wmv
posted by QOTD (the Queen of the Dweebs) at 2:54 PM
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