A fragile and bullied pre-teen boy makes friends with a unusual girl who has just moved into his apartment complex. As a friendship develops between the two, the boy soon comes to realize that the intriguing girl may be something far darker than he ever realized. Coinciding with the arrival of the girl and her guardian, murders and a disappearance in the town gives rise to suspicion surrounding the new tenants.
Casting news a plenty comes our way for Disney's Tim Burton adaptation of Lewis Caroll's "Alice in Wonderland." The stars that have been added to the cast are nothing to scough at either. Prepare for some of the better casting news you'll read in awhile. 
The illustrious Rickman seems like the best choice for the Caterpillar beyond a shadow of a doubt.
A covert CIA operative, Roger Ferris works in the middle east trying, by any means necessary, to find terrorists who have bombed civilian targets. With the aid of his CIA boss in Langley and a Chief Jordanian Intelligence agent, Ferris creates a plan to infiltrate a high ranking terrorist threat's network. How far will Ferris' alliances stretch in the highly dangerous climate he finds himself in the middle of becomes a very important question.
Once again, "Fanboys" has been moved from it's release date! The Weinstein Company has decided to shift it and 3 other films to 2009. This news arrives just a few days behind the antcipated shift of "The Road" to 2009 also. Harvey Weinstein conveys that everything is fine and the bumps in dates are all for better positioning and marketing, because the end of this year is already so crowded. Clearly, the Weinstein Co. is trying to make the most money it can out of the upcoming properties considering things are a bit shaky around the studio these days. With top funding executives leaving just after the co-heads of acquistions and production resigned from the studio and the studios senior VP of production and production president who are soon to follow.
but now will arrive February 6th 2009.
Killshot will release a couple weeks before the Oscars considering all the buzz Rourke has recieved over "The Wrestler." Weinstein said, "Everyone has said that Mickey Rourke is amazing in 'The Wrestler' and will be up for all sorts of awards, so we decided to move 'Killshot' to a date a few weeks before the Oscars. That way we can capitalize on all the heat that's going to be around Mickey." If Rourke isn't nominated for an Academy Award, will we see the Weinstein move Killshot yet again?
Sean Penn, Ray Liotta and Ashley Judd was set to release on December 3rd in limited release but has moved now to 2009 despite it's allstar cast. Weinstein spoke of the move for Crossing Over, "We're moving it to January. The market is just too crowded. Every week there are five more movies coming out. It's too crazy. Spring is much better--there are a lot more wide-open dates. The most important thing is to do well by the movie. Having it out in January gives us the opportunity to play the film at the Sundance and Berlin film festivals, which will be a big help to the movie." The last film moved is "Shanghai" which simply, wasn't ready to be released.
Two strangers are brought together by mysterious phone calls that informs the individuals that they have become activated, forcing them to carry out elaborate tasks that can risk both of their lives including the lives of others. The identity of the mastermind caller remains a mystery, but it is clear that she has a overwhelming control of the technology throughout the world, utilizing it to dictate every aspect of the tasks the two strangers are forced to complete.
A couple days ago I did a story regarding Sam Raimi officially saying he would not be invloved in the upcoming Jack Ryan sequel. Eventhough he was never officially attached. Regardless of Raimi, the folks over at Paramount have decided to fast track the next sequel despite the fact they do not have a worthy script, director, or actor to play the famous CIA agent Ryan.
Harrsion Ford and Ben Affleck. Debate ensues over which was the best, I felt each version was a great characterization of the CIA agent.
Two obtuse gym employees discover a disk that they believe has classified government documents within it and intend to sell it. Meanwhile, the owner of the documents has quit his job as a CIA analyst having decided to write his memoirs and is facing a unexpected divorce from his wife. His wife has been having an affair with a married Treasury agent, who is also dating one of the two gym employees.
Halloween is just around the corner and what better than some scary movies to get us in the mood. Horror is probably one of my all time favorite genres for a couple of reasons. First off, there is no other type of film that can create the same intensity in which a great horror film can provide. A truely great horror film will grab the viewers undivided attention from the get go and doesn't let go to the credits roll. Secondly, there is so many different levels to the horror genre. To name a few there is suspense horror, slasher/shock horror, supernatural/unexplained horror, traditional horror i.e vampires, werewolves, zombies and of course humor horror. All of these unquie types of horror films are all great and can provide hours on enjoyment when done right.
Director Steven Soderbergh is getting ready to release "Che" starring Benecio Del Toro, but that hasn't stopped him from prepping his next couple projects. Soderbergh intends to make a live-action rock 'n' roll musical, in 3D, that is based on the life of Cleopatra. Soderbergh had previously tapped the indie rock band Guided by Voices, who have already written the music and their former bass player James Greer has penned the script.
Soderbergh will trust Catherine Zeta Jones as a clear choice for Cleo, while her Roman lover may be played by Hugh Jackman. Both of the choices seem very clear for the role considering Hugh Jackman has won a Tony for his Broadway role in The Boy from Oz. Catherine Zeta Jones just screams Cleopatra, is there any denying it? Furthermore, Zeta Jones won Best Supporting Actress from the 2002 musical "Chicago."
Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland is currently filming and has been on a steamrole of casting news filling out the portion of the cast that will utilize the 3D motion-capture. Today comes news that Crispin Glover has signed on to play the Knave of Hearts. Glover joins Johnny Depp (Mad Hatter), Matt Lucas (Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum), Anne Hathaway (White Queen), Helena Bonham Carter (Red Queen) and Mia Wasikowska (Alice) in the Disney live action/motion capture production of Lewis Carroll's original story.
The King of Hearts is the judge and witnesses include the Mad Hatter and the Duchesses' cook. The entire court proceedings are a waste of time and nothing is accomplished until Alice comes to the aid of the Knave of Hearts and ends up growing "nearly two miles high" according to the Queen.
"Notorious" is the story of Christopher Wallace aka Biggie Smalls aka Notorious B.I.G. and I have the first full length trailer for your eyes. The last trailer was somewhat shadowed and didn't really feature much of Jamal Woodward (B.I.G.) but just some of the vibe of the film and some of Biggie Smalls biggest hits. The new trailer is a much better look into the film and just what we have in store. I am not 100% sold on Woodward based on this trailer. In fact most of the actors playing the major figures i.e. Puff Daddy, Biggie Smalls and Tupac aren't the best in the resemblence category, but hopefully they will provide some great acting chops. The release date, doesn't lead me to believe that the film is that good either. Usually January is exclusively terrible movies. It is usually a great month to catch up on our tivo queue and dvd's. I want to see this movie, but more than a few things have me skeptical, anyways let the trailer speak for itself....
with MTV News and has said that he doesn't think it will be possible for him to direct the new revision of Jack Ryan. The reason being that he is now attached to Spider-Man for a long while. Personally, it is better that Raimi sticks with Spidey for now. Allow him to finish his story of Peter Parker. Then he can move on to other things, like finishing Evil Dead!
Actor director Clint Eastwood has "The Changeling" releasing at the end of this month and coming in December is "Gran Torino." Usually we get a bit of a gap from Eastwood, but both of these are coming right at us in a two month period. The Changeling has had mixed reviews and we have yet to hear any grumblings from Gran Torino.
Jemaine Clement is one of the funniest people out there and if you do not immediately know who this guy is, slap yourself and then continue reading. Jemaine Clement has only recently broken out in public awareness in America. He has starred in films like Tungan Ninja and Eagle vs. Shark, but is most well known for his hit HBO show and band, Flight of the Conchords. I highly recommend you check this guy out, you wont be disappointed.
The Weinstein Company and Dimension Films have just announced a slate of direct-to-dvd titles that will be coming our way in 2009. Direct-to-dvd titles are an easy way for a studio to make some fast cash and not have a big hurt if the feature doesn't do as well as hoped. Personally, I hate direct-to-dvd titles and out of all of the names announced the only one that has any hope is Hell Ride 2.
Hell Ride released this year and came from the mind of Larry Bishop. The film followed two groups of rival bikers in an deadly, sexy, and beer/drug induced road trip. The film was a big disappointment based on it was presented by Quentin Tarrantino and had the makings of a really cool boker film. Instead the film just didn't work. (Read my review) Regardless that the feature film wasn't too spectacular, I am still intrigued for another Hell Ride. Based on the fact it will be a direct-to-dvd feature, I wont have to wait too long either!
Watchmen is the quint-essential comic book and comic book geek Zack Snyder has already brought us 300, but next year brings us the Watchmen. The film looks to be amazing and has had nothing but great reviews coming from the lucky individuals that have had a chance to see it. This week at the Scream Awards Snyder came out and showed a extended trailer. Also today I found this amazing new teaser poster for the film. The trailer is not much different from what we have already seen, but it has a couple new shots, proof that they have finished more effects shots. The poster features the scene where the comedian is launched out of his apartment and begins falling. Both the extended trailer and poster are awesome, so scroll down to check em out!
Max Payne is a Cold Case police officer who has been unsuccessfull in finding his wife's murders for four years now. When a women he has just met is killed, Payne realizes her death may be linked to his wife's. Payne must solve the murders in order to find out what really happened to his wife and who was behind her killing.
Universal Studios has unveiled that an all new Transformers ride is being developed for the Hollywood and Sinapore Theme Parks. The ride will feature HD-3D footage with life size robotics all unfolding on a track based ride that puts the riders right in the middle of the action. The ride is said to open in early 2011.
Warner Brothers have decided to develop another one of Homer's most popular works. WB adapted The Iliad into the 2004 film "Troy" and have now tapped director George Miller and Troy star Brad Pitt for Homer's other epic The Odyssey. The report coming from Variety says that WB wants Pitt's Plan B prodcution company, to co-produce the film, while George Miller is top choice to helm the film. The biggest news however on the adaptation, is the film will be set in the future in outer space!
Academy Award season is just around the bend and studios are positioning their films for the best chance at Oscar. It seems Paramount and the Weinstein Co have decided to shuffle the deck. 
isn't too bankable either. The problem lies in the production of the film. "The Road" has still some editing to be finished up along with its original score which is being finished by Nick Cave & Warren Ellis. The Road was original slated for a limited release on November 14th and a wider release on November 26th. That date has been pushed to December 10th which producers hope will be met. There is a big possibility that we may not even get the film in 2008. The film was thought to be an Award contender considering Cormack McCarthy's success last year with another one of his books, "No Country for Old Men." If the post-production doesn't finish up sooner than later, the film will be nixed from award contention all together.
There has been alot of speculative word on the development of Ghostbusters 3 since forever, but it has had actual weight behind it since Comic Con. Harold Ramis and Bill Murray have commented on the film and both seem raring to go. The original spin that the film would be a sort of role-over to new recruits. The pitch was that Apatow would help produce and doing so bring along his all-stars including Seth Rogen. Rumors have swirled on the net and I too have enjoyed the hype. Ghostbusters is one of my all time favorite comedies! The idea that Apatow teamup with the Busters sounds like comedy gold to me.
Robotech like Transformers has a huge fan following that grew up loving all of the cartoons and figures that came out. With the uber success of Transformers it only seems natural that films like Voltron and Robotech would naturally begin development. Producer Chuck Roven has some inside scoop on Robotech and what is exactly happening with the film.
Frontman for My Chemical Romance, Gerard Way has been working with Dark Horse Comics and has had a successfull run of his hit comic the "Umbrella Academy." It seems that fans of the comic are not the only one's to have taken note on his work. Way tells IESB that Universal has in fact optioned the comics to be developed into a feature film. Way added that he had just recently finished his first sit down with the studio regarding the adaptation of his work.
for film. Universal had suggested that perhaps screenwriter Diablo Cody would be available, but Way did not say if that would be finalized. Way made it clear that his top choice for the films director would be Alfsono Cuarón. Wouldn't the director of Children of Men and Y tu mamá también be on the top of your list too? Cuarón's version on Harry Potter is still my favorite as well, so we know he can do fantasy. Way did also say that he is open to plenty of other directors. Let's just hope that doesn't mean Paul W.S. Anderson! Way added that he would only like to be involved creatively in the production but overall wants a director he can trust their vision completely. Lastly, Gerard Way told IESB that he had contacted costume designer Colleen Atwood about coming on board to work on the film. Atwood has been Tim Burton's exclusive costume designer since Edward Scissorhands and had other hits with films like Chicago, Memoirs of a Geisha and Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events.
If you are unaware of the story it goes as follows; members of the Umbrella Academy, a disbanded group of superheroes. They reunite after the death of their adoptive father, Sir Reginald Hargreeves. Hargreeves is an alien disguised as a famous entrepreneur who collected the members of the Umbrella Academy shortly after their births and trained them to save the world from an unspecified threat. After his tramadic death, the members carry on his plan to save the world.
Samuel L. Jackson recently spoke with IESB and had something very interesting to say regarding his screen time in Iron Man 2. It appears that Jon Favreau has talked with the star and has told him that his role of Nick Fury will be far more defined in Iron Man 2. I guess that means we wont just see him after the credits, hopefully! Jackson also said that he is looking forward to working with his newest cast member Don Cheadle.
This seems like good news for two reasons. One Jackson was badass as Nick Fury and really be better suited having a larger role in Iron Man's universe. Secondly, Fury should be a integral part of creating the Avengers, which Iron Man 2 should lead in to. I am glad to see that Fav's is keeping everyone up to speed on the development, which means he and Theroux should be moving along at a good speed in development.
A news reporter and her camera man are assinged to shadow a two firemen for the night and are sent on a emergency call to an apartment building in downtown Los Angeles. Once inside the apartment building the reporter and firemen quickly realize the situtation is far more serious then thought. The group are sealed in the building in what they soon find out is an outbreak of rabies that has a deadly effect on anyone who contracts the virus.
Three flat mates lifes are put on display in Filth and Wisdom. One, a Ukrainian immigrant who dreams of trans-continental stardom for his band Gogol Bordello and meanwhile turns tricks as a cross-dressing dominatrix. He secretly desires his roommate Holly, who is an aspiring ballerina that has to work as a stripper until her dreams are fulfilled. The third roommate Juliette, has been stealing medicine from her job in hopes that one day she may travel to Africa to help children suffering from AIDS.
The assassination of John Lennon forever changed music and shocked the world. Mark David Chapman was a delusional and a socially awkward man who was obsessed with Lennon and the novel Catcher in the Rye. Based on the novel by Jack Jones "Let Me Take You Down," the film follows Chapman for three days leading up to his murder of the Beatles legend, in front of Lennon's hotel, The Dakota.
It looks like Lionsgate wanted to give all of The Spirit fans who have been so vocal saying that the film and one-sheets look far too much like Sin City. The newest poster strays away from the look and gives the on-looker just a normal color palette without all the black & white and over stylized look. Anyways these things have come a dime a dozen, so scroll down to checkout the new one-sheet. 
This has got to be the worst news for a good long while! You might as well bend me and Conan over and screw us because, the reboot of "Conan" is a goner with the news I have for you. AICN has word that Brett Ratner will helm the sword swinging badass in the reboot of Conan for Lionsgate! It seems that with Ratner taking the reins on Conan will make him anything but a badass. Ratner is the WORST desicion Lionsgate could make for a director.
Does Lionsgate just want the film to fail? Like X-Men 3 was good?, and god did I ever love Money Talks and the 3 Rush Hours films(I really hope you caught the bullshit in that statement)! The Conan property has long been talked of rebooting and now to have Brett Ratner directing, just muddies the waters (to say the very least).
Production has begun on Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds" (Yes, it's misspelled on purpose) in Germany and now we have our first look at Brad Pitt as Lt. Aldo Raine. Brad Pitt plays the leader of 'The Basterds' a group Jewish/American soldiers who are selected to wreak havoc on the Nazi party during WWII. The team reportedly is hired to hunt down and scalp members of the Third Reich to influence fear throughout the Nazi party. QT has said that the film will be a play off a Spaghetti Western set during WWII. Checkout the photo below of Pitt as Aldo Raine a hillbilly from Tenessee, who has a large scar on the side of his neck from the result of a lynching.
Director Sam Raimi recently spoke with MTV about the well talked of Spider-Man 4 & 5 double shoot. The genius who directed Evil Dead and all of the Spider-Man films to date told MTV that a script is not written and that there is still alot of work to do before the project even begins shooting. Raimi infact suggested a best case scenario of beginning production in March of 2010.
I couldn’t imagine making one without her, and I think she’s an important part of the movies,” Raimi said. Raimi's tone can be miscontstrued with the words "hope," but Raimi did make it clear that everything is in the very early stages. He stated, “I don’t have a script yet, but production would start probably by March of 2010, I’m guessing. It sounds like a long time away, but we need a script first, and a lot of pre-production has to take place.”
The final subject of questioning for Raimi was if we would see Dr. Curt Conners become the Lizard. Sam Raimi was very forthcoming in his answer saying that he really enjoys Dylan Baker's performance as Conners. “He’s a great actor, and I think one day The Lizard’s story will be told,” he teased. Adding to idea of having the Lizard revealed in Spider-Man 4 Raimi said, “I don’t know if it will be this one or not. I just don’t know. I’m definitely hoping to work with Dylan in the picture. I just don’t know who the villain is yet.” So clearly Raimi is keeping the Lizard a definate possibility for either of the next two films. One thing is for sure alot of concept work and story development need to happen before we get anything real juicy on the next Spider-Man films.
