Cinematical

Cinematicalhttp://www.cinematical.comCinematicalhttp://www.cinematical.com/media/feedlogo.gifCinematicalhttp://www.cinematical.comen-usCopyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/News Bites: Brooke Shields on the Big Screen & 'Motherhood'http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/09/news-bites-brooke-shields-on-the-big-screen-and-motherhood/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/09/news-bites-brooke-shields-on-the-big-screen-and-motherhood/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/09/news-bites-brooke-shields-on-the-big-screen-and-motherhood/#commentsFiled under: Comedy, Casting, Deals, Distribution, Family Films

It looks like Brooke Shields is making her way back to the big screen, and this time she won't be getting saucy in The Blue Lagoon. After a decade away, The Hollywood Reporter posts that Shields has signed onto the live-action comedy Furry Vengeance. Actually, considering the title, it's probably good to note that this is a family film. There's no word on what role she'll play in the Brendan Fraser flick, which follows a real estate developer who gets a hard time from a band of raccoons. One -- What's the obsession with coons lately? Davey Crockett on the brain? Two -- It might be the usual Fraser fair, but the cast does boast Ken Jeong, Samantha Bee, and Dick Van Dyke as well.

Meanwhile, in the shadow of Parenthood heading to the small screen, THR also posts that Freestyle Releasing has picked up Motherhood, and will release it this October. This is the Uma Thurman/Minnie Driver/Anthony Edwards project that has Uma trying to pull together her daughter's sixth birthday party in the midst of "urban challenges." As the ed note pointed out in the post about her casting last year, "More Goose!" But there's also the perk of a practically fully female production. Katherine Dieckman wrote and directed it, and it's produced by Pamela Koffler, Christine Vachon, Jana Edelbaum, and Rachel Cohen. They say: "From the outset, Motherhood has been a labor of love for us. As a collection of female filmmakers, we immediately took to the humor and honesty of the project."

Hopefully the labor is worth it!

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Brendan FraserBrendanFraserBrooke ShieldsBrookeShieldsCinematicalDick Van DykeDickVanDykeFurry VengeanceFurryVengeanceKen JeongKenJeongMotherhoodSamantha BeeSamanthaBeeUma ThurmanUmaThurmanMonika BartyzelThu, 09 Jul 2009 16:03:00 ESTRicky Gervais Clumsily Introduces Ralph Fiennes in 'Cemetery Junction' Teaserhttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/09/ricky-gervais-clumsily-introduces-ralph-fiennes-in-cemetery-jun/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/09/ricky-gervais-clumsily-introduces-ralph-fiennes-in-cemetery-jun/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/09/ricky-gervais-clumsily-introduces-ralph-fiennes-in-cemetery-jun/#commentsFiled under: Comedy, Sony, Movie Marketing, Trailers and Clips

Having co-created "The Office" (the original) and "Extras" (which I've had sitting on my shelf to watch for ages now), Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant have most recently seen fit to co-write and direct their first film together, the seventies-set Cemetery Junction. With filming just having begun less than a month ago, though, the duo has nonetheless whipped up a brief but funny teaser trailer with the help of star Ralph Fiennes -- an actor not exactly known for his comedic prowess...

(You know what? Scratch that: all his guff served In Bruges and that Wallace & Gromit movie quite well.)

Also starring Emily Watson, Matthew Goode, and (yes) Gervais and Merchant themselves, Cemetery Junction should hit theaters at some point in 2010 (the UK has an April date, so here's hoping the US release is similarly spring-like). With any luck, maybe they'll coax their colleagues into similarly amusing appearances before the film's finished.

Watch the teaser trailer after the jump

Continue reading Ricky Gervais Clumsily Introduces Ralph Fiennes in 'Cemetery Junction' Teaser

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>cemetery junctionCemeteryJunctionralph fiennesRalphFiennesricky gervaisRickyGervaisstephen merchantStephenMerchantthe men at the pruTheMenAtThePruWilliam GossThu, 09 Jul 2009 14:15:00 EST'Funny People': New Trailer and Adam Sandler's Prank Call, Circa 1991http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/09/funny-people-new-trailer-and-adam-sandlers-prank-call-circa/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/09/funny-people-new-trailer-and-adam-sandlers-prank-call-circa/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/09/funny-people-new-trailer-and-adam-sandlers-prank-call-circa/#commentsFiled under: Comedy, Drama, Fandom, Movie Marketing, Trailers and Clips

The summer movie season has already past its half-way point, but my two most anticipated films still haven't arrived: District 9 and Judd Apatow's Funny People. We talked about the former yesterday, and now today it's time to plug a film that looks to bring it all: laughs, tears, Australian accents, Seth Rogen's weird cough-laugh, sarcastic Australian accents, Jason Schwartzman looking stoned, Jonah Hill being a d*ck, tons of stand-up comedy -- seriously, what more could you want from a movie?

Two new pieces of Funny People marketing have arrived today. We have a red-band trailer that premiered over at MySpace and a piece of viral awesomeness that premiered over at Moviefone. The red-band (or restricted ... which sounds so mean, doesn't it) trailer isn't all too bad (with the exception of an oral sex joke), and it definitely shines a light on the finer aspects of Apatow's films, which include real, human moments, or, as some would say, the little stuff.

Meanwhile, the viral piece is something pretty unique. Back in the early '90s, Judd Apatow and Adam Sandler were actual roommates, who, apparently, filmed ridiculous things like prank calls. So ... this video is Apatow filming a very young-looking Sandler prank-calling the local deli as an old lady to complain about a sandwich while wearing underwear on his head. Check out both the trailer and the viral video after the jump.

Funny People hits theaters on July 31.

Continue reading 'Funny People': New Trailer and Adam Sandler's Prank Call, Circa 1991

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>adam sandlerAdamSandlercinematicalfunny peopleFunnyPeoplejason schwartzmanJasonSchwartzmanjonah hillJonahHilljudd apatowJuddApatowseth rogenSethRogenErik DavisThu, 09 Jul 2009 12:41:00 ESTFirst Look: Ellen Page Ready to 'Whip It'http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/09/first-look-ellen-page-ready-to-whip-it/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/09/first-look-ellen-page-ready-to-whip-it/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/09/first-look-ellen-page-ready-to-whip-it/#commentsFiled under: Comedy, Drama, Independent, Fox Searchlight, Movie Marketing, Images

Drew Barrymore, Ellen Page, and Kristen Wiig in 'Whip It' (20th Century Fox)

Call it Juno on Wheels. The first image of Ellen Page in the upcoming roller derby flick Whip It has been released, showing her strapped into a girl scout uniform as she skates around a track with Drew Barrymore and Kristen Wiig. The photo above, and several others, can be viewed at USA Today (additionally, check out two extra images below)

The film represents Barrymore's directorial debut. Page stars as 17-year-old Bliss Cavendar, who is tired of competing in beauty pageants at the insistence of her mother (Marcia Gay Harden). She rebels by joining the Hurl Scouts, a women's roller derby team in Austin, Texas, and finds her true calling -- or, at least, a good place to unleash some pent-up aggression. Barrymore skates with the Scouts, as does Saturday Night Live's Wiig and the great Zoe Bell (Death Proof). Juliette Lewis is described as the villain of the piece, an opposing player determined to defeat Page and the Scouts, and the players all have cool nicknames: Smashley Simpson, Maggie Mayhem, Bloody Holly, and so forth.

As Jenni Miller advised, Fox Searchlight will distribute the film, which is set for release on October 9. Roller derby vet Shauna Cross (AKA Maggie Mayhem) wrote the screenplay, based on her own novel, Derby Girl. A very good doc about the Austin roller derby scene, Hell on Wheels, is available to view at SnagFilms (we also embedded it after the jump), and if Whip It can approach that real-life excitement, it could break out of the fall pack. Since nicknames are de rigeur for roller derby players, what nickname will you choose if you decide to see Ellen Page Whip It?

Gallery: Whip It

Continue reading First Look: Ellen Page Ready to 'Whip It'

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>derby girlDerbyGirldrew barrymoreDrewBarrymoreellen pageEllenPagefeaturedjuliette lewisJulietteLewiskristen wiigKristenWiigmarcia gay hardenMarciaGayHardenroller derbyRollerDerbyshauna crossShaunaCrosswhip itWhipItwomens roller derbyWomensRollerDerbyPeter MartinThu, 09 Jul 2009 10:32:00 ESTDane, Dempsey ... Is There a Difference?http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/08/dane-dempsey-is-there-a-difference/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/08/dane-dempsey-is-there-a-difference/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/08/dane-dempsey-is-there-a-difference/#commentsFiled under: Comedy, Romance, Casting

Patrick Dempsey, Eric Dane -- Is one Grey's Anatomy star all that different from another? In a strange news twist and ultimate bit of Grey's fandom, our classic movie trades are reporting that both of the hit show's leading hottie doctors are signing up for Garry Marshall's Valentine's Day. Variety reports that Eric Dane (who plays Dr. Mark Sloan) is joining the cast, while The Hollywood Reporter posts that Patrick Dempsey is. Neither mentions the other bit of casting. Is New Line spreading the casting news wealth?

Dane will play a quarterback wondering whether he should retire in the ensemble comedy, while Dempsey once again plays a doctor. But this time, he's no good doctor, but rather "a married obstetrician dating [Jennifer] Garner's character on the sly, with her unaware of his status." Bad Dempsey.

Valentine's Day is the super-packed romcom ensemble that Peter posted about back in May. Following on the He's Just Not That Into You bandwagon, the film boasts names that range from Julia Roberts to Jessica Biel as they work "their way through a tangle of circumstances in Los Angeles" -- presumably on Cupid's big day.

While I'd like to see this flick have a little more brains than the one it's following after, I bet the chances are slim to none. Marshall is the guy, after all, who followed up Pretty Woman and Frankie and Johnny with Exit to Eden. But for the undying fans of floofy romantic schlock, I bet this'll be downright irresistible.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>CinematicalEric DaneEricDaneGarry MarshallGarryMarshallPatrick DempseyPatrickDempseyValentines DayValentinesDayMonika BartyzelWed, 08 Jul 2009 20:15:00 ESTTobey Maguire Finds More Marital Dysfunctionhttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/08/tobey-maguire-finds-more-marital-dysfunction/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/08/tobey-maguire-finds-more-marital-dysfunction/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/08/tobey-maguire-finds-more-marital-dysfunction/#commentsFiled under: Comedy, Casting

One day he's getting tortured by the Taliban and then heads home to discover that his bad-boy brother is getting saucy with his wife. The next, he's taking part in a modern War of the Roses. Variety reports that Tobey Maguire is taking on more marital dysfunction by starring in Jacob Estes' new indie black comedy called The Details alongside Elizabeth Banks.

The pair (which was once set to be Banks and James McAvoy) will play a troubled married couple struggling with infidelity and other marital issues. But here's where things get strange: "their lives [are] further complicated by ravenous raccoons burrowing under the sod in their back yard. A disagreement over how to dispatch the pests creates a chain reaction of mishaps that include a murder by bow and arrow." There's nothing like a few coonies to ruin a marriage! Just in case that insane plot isn't enough to whet your appetite, the cast also contains Ray Liotta, Dennis Haysbert, Anna Friel, and Laura Linney, the latter playing an eccentric neighbor. (You can also check out many details of the plot here.)

Maguire reportedly decided to hop onto this project before heading back to Spider-Man land, and I say: "Huzzah!" As much as the webbed wonder is great, it's nice to see us one more reminder that Maguire has talents outside of comic superheroes.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Anna FrielAnnaFrielCinematicalDennis HaysbertDennisHaysbertElizabeth BanksElizabethBanksJacob EstesJacobEstesLaura LinneyLauraLinneyRay LiottaRayLiottaThe DetailsTheDetailsTobey MaguireTobeyMaguireMonika BartyzelWed, 08 Jul 2009 19:45:00 ESTMacGruber: Because 'SNL' Movies Have Such a Great Track Recordhttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/08/because-snl-movies-have-such-a-great-track-record/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/08/because-snl-movies-have-such-a-great-track-record/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/08/because-snl-movies-have-such-a-great-track-record/#commentsFiled under: Comedy, Casting, Deals, Scripts

Why not make a movie based around one of the unfunniest recurring characters of late, the normally likeable Will Forte's MacGruber? Yes, it's true. Monika wrote in May that Lorne Michaels said he's considering a feature-length film version of the Saturday Night Live MacGruber sketch, and now Variety and The Hollywood Reporter are confirming that the wheels are in Mac-motion. They are also reporting that Val Kilmer and Ryan Phillipe could join Wiig and Forte in this comedy of errors, which is being written by Forte and fellow SNL writers John Solomon and Jorma Taccone, who will also direct.

The MacGruber skits on Saturday Night Live poke fun at the popular MacGyver TV series, which aired from 1985 to 1992 and starred Richard Dean Anderson as a secret agent who concocted useful devices from the objects around him -- hence the term MacGyvering. MacGruber, who is MacGyver's long-lost son, is not as successful as dear old dad at defusing situations or bombs, and ends up getting himself, his assistant Vicky (Kristen Wiig), and whoever that week's hapless guest host is blown up.

Continue reading MacGruber: Because 'SNL' Movies Have Such a Great Track Record

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>MacGruberJenni MillerWed, 08 Jul 2009 10:02:00 ESTHow I Escaped from 'Zombieland'http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/07/how-i-escaped-from-zombieland/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/07/how-i-escaped-from-zombieland/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/07/how-i-escaped-from-zombieland/#commentsFiled under: Action, Comedy, Horror, Sony, New in Theaters, Interviews

I always seem to start these pieces the same way: "I don't normally do set visits," given my general distaste for air travel and a frequent disinterest for movie sets, but once in a while ... something fun and easy comes along, and I go for the ride. The friendly folks at Sony invited me to visit the set of a flick called (wait for it) Zombieland! Come on! If you know anything about me, then you know "Zombieland" is a place I want to visit, even if it is just a movie set! (Oh, and the flight was from Philadelphia to Atlanta, and that really helped to seal the deal.)

So I arrive in the surprisingly quiet but very charming section of Atlanta (a city I'd love to revisit soon) and am greeted by several gracious colleagues -- and ... what's this? Mr. James Rocchi, an old friend to Cinematical and one of my very best buddies? He was here for the Zombieland set visit too? Toss in a quick beer with some of my Signal pals ... and this turned out to be a smart trip.

But here's where I'll let you in on a little secret. Gather 'round, movie geeks. Ready? Here it is: movie sets are really boring! No, it's true! It's like wandering through a stunningly orchestrated construction site that also has a tiny little stage play taking place in a corner somewhere. If you're interested in the crafts of photography, fashion, carpentry, or electrical engineering, then a movie set could be pretty fascinating. (But you'd keep getting bumped into, believe me.) Luckily for us, "set visits" are just a bit more elaborate than a normal day on the set...

Gallery: Zombieland

(Much) more right here at HorrorSquad!

Continue reading How I Escaped from 'Zombieland'

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>abigail breslinAbigailBreslinemma stoneEmmaStonefeaturedjesse eisenbergJesseEisenbergrhett reeseRhettReeseruben fleischerRubenFleischerwoody harrelsonWoodyHarrelsonzombielandScott WeinbergTue, 07 Jul 2009 23:03:00 ESTRob Zombie's 'El Superbeasto' Goes Direct to DVDhttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/07/rob-zombies-el-superbeasto-goes-direct-to-dvd/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/07/rob-zombies-el-superbeasto-goes-direct-to-dvd/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/07/rob-zombies-el-superbeasto-goes-direct-to-dvd/#commentsFiled under: Animation, Comedy, Horror, New Releases, Fandom, Distribution, Home Entertainment, Comic/Superhero/Geek

It's entirely possible I am the only one disappointed by the following news, but bear with me. The latest word on Rob Zombie's dirty lucha libre cartoon, The Haunted World of El Superbeasto, is that it's headed directly to DVD and Blu-ray. That's the bad news. The good news is that after three years, it will finally see the light of day (or the darkness of night). Zombie's first foray into animated filmmaking has plenty of clever characters doing the voice acting, like Rosario Dawson, Paul Giamatti, Danny Trejo (!), Clint Howard, and Zombie regulars Bill Moseley, Sid Haig, and Sheri Moon Zombie.

Zombie told IGN in an interview this past spring, "It came out awesome... That started off as this little tiny half-a-million dollar direct-to-video movie that expanded into this $10 million animated extravaganza." Except, well, it's a $10 million animated extravaganza that is going direct to DVD.

I have high hopes that it will make an appearance as a midnight movie in my local theater (and yours!) and perhaps get some attention at one of the many horror festivals like Fantastic Fest. Even though I'd like to see in on the big screen, it does look like the type of movie that would make more money on DVD than in theaters, especially with its target audience, which I can only guess is made up of fans of over-the-top cartoons, horror, heavy metal, and Mexican wrestling... or stoners. Not that they're mutually exclusive, of course.

(Courtesy of FEARNet)

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>anchor bayAnchorBaycartooncomicdirect to dvdDirectToDvdhorrorRob ZombieRobZombieThe Haunted World of El SuperbeastoTheHauntedWorldOfElSuperbeastoJenni MillerTue, 07 Jul 2009 21:02:00 ESTCheck Out Zooey and Joseph Playing Sid & Nancyhttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/07/check-out-zooey-and-joseph-playing-sid-and-nancy/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/07/check-out-zooey-and-joseph-playing-sid-and-nancy/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/07/check-out-zooey-and-joseph-playing-sid-and-nancy/#commentsFiled under: Comedy, Fandom, Trailers and Clips

Move over Gary Oldman and Chloe Webb! There's a new Sid and Nancy in town -- Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt!

While next week's release of Harry Potter might be getting the most buzz, there's another flick I (along with a lot of you, I'm sure) am dying to see -- Deschanel and Gordon-Levitt's 500 Days of Summer, the film that our Erik Davis called: "a looker and a feeler and way too easy to fall in love with if you give her a little room to work that magic."

In one scene from the film, which you can see after the jump, Summer compares her relationship with Tom to Sid and Nancy. He's shocked to be compared to Sid, but then she clarifies: No, he's Nancy and she's Sid. So what's the best way to have fun with that and create buzz for the film? Why, to have Zooey play Sid and Joseph play Nancy in a little spoof, of course.

Oh yes, you can watch the comedic wonder for yourself over at MSN's Cinemash. Gordon-Levitt is wonderful as the hot-headed and irrational Nancy Spungen (albeit a bit hairier), while Zooey rocks Sid Vicious. In fact, she plays him so straight-faced that it's quite annoying Ms. Deschanel always gets the same roles. She's definitely more than a manic pixie. Check out some stills from the video below.

Gallery: Joseph & Zooey (as Sid & Nancy)

Hollywood -- Give these two more great gigs, mmkay?

Continue reading Check Out Zooey and Joseph Playing Sid & Nancy

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>500 Days of Summer500DaysOfSummerCinematicaljoseph gordon-levittJosephGordon-levittSid and NancySidAndNancyzooey deschanelZooeyDeschanelMonika BartyzelTue, 07 Jul 2009 19:02:00 ESTDoctor Who Heads for the Sexy 'St. Trinians'http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/07/doctor-who-heads-for-the-minxy-st-trinians/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/07/doctor-who-heads-for-the-minxy-st-trinians/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/07/doctor-who-heads-for-the-minxy-st-trinians/#commentsFiled under: Comedy, Casting, Remakes and Sequels

Earlier this month, Jenni posted that St. Trinians -- that saucy, British bad girl/private school flick -- is getting a sequel called St. Trinian's II: The Legend of Fritton's Gold. This time around, the girls find out that headmistress Fritton (Rupert Everett) is related to a famous pirate, so they set out on a hunt for buried treasure. With production just kicking off, Empire reports that their arch-nemesis has been found -- Doctor Who's David Tennant.

But this is no cheery role for the Who actor. In a twist reminiscent of his stint in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Tennant will play a misogynist named Pomfrey, who is "part of a woman-hating secret society called AD1." Naturally, when tough high school girls set out to find pirate booty, who would they find but a jerky misogynist!?

I'm sure he'll get a good, fun beating from the ladies, but please -- can someone give the man something meatier? He's already proved his worth by taking over Who from the beloved Eccleston and wowing the pants off of most fans. That's no easy feat and proves that he's better than the evil thorn in the side of British private school students. Don't you agree?

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>CinematicalDavid TennantDavidTennantSt. TriniansSt. Trinians 2St. Trinians II: The Legend of Frittons GoldSt.TriniansSt.Trinians2St.TriniansIi:TheLegendOfFrittonsGoldMonika BartyzelTue, 07 Jul 2009 15:03:00 ESTHayden Panettiere's Nude Scene: Much Ado About Nothing?http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/07/hayden-panettieres-nude-scene-much-ado-about-nothing/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/07/hayden-panettieres-nude-scene-much-ado-about-nothing/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/07/hayden-panettieres-nude-scene-much-ado-about-nothing/#commentsFiled under: Comedy, New Releases, 20th Century Fox, Summer Movies

Hayden Panettiere in 'I Love You, Beth Cooper' Quick: what actress said she would only go naked for an Oscar-caliber role? If you answered Hayden Panettiere, you'd be right. (Of course, if you answered Megan Fox or a few dozen other actresses, you'd also be right.) Two years ago, the budding Heroes starlet claimed: "I'd never go nude or shave my head - unless it's for an Oscar!" Either things have changed, or I Love You, Beth Cooper is a sleeper contender for an Academy Award. Chris Columbus' film, based on the book by Larry Doyle, opens on Friday. Panettiere stars in the titular role as a freshly-graduated high school student who decides to show a nerdy valedictorian (Paul Rust) the night of his life. And her breasts.

Panettiere confidently drops her towel in front of Rust in the locker room scene. "It didn't bother me much," she told People. "I don't think it takes much thought, and I don't think it takes much preparation as an actor," she explained to Parade. "I didn't find it very hard being naked. It's like I drop my towel and that's it." How naked was she? "I was really naked," she elaborated to E! Online. "I had these little sticky petals on my boobs, but that was about it."

Sounds like a hot, naked scene -- except the movie is rated PG-13 ("for crude and sexual content, language, some teen drinking and drug references, and brief violence") and you may be able to see more of the 19-year-old Panettierre's body in a bikini (the trailer hints that her exposed flesh is limited to her bare back, above the waist). Kudos to Panettiere for getting as much publicity as possible for her movie while keeping her private parts private -- for now.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>chris columbusChrisColumbushayden panettiereHaydenPanettierei love you beth cooperILoveYouBethCooperlarry doyleLarryDoylemovie nudityMovieNuditypaul rustPaulRustPeter MartinTue, 07 Jul 2009 12:32:00 ESTScenes We Love: Series 7: The Contendershttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/06/scenes-we-love-series-7-the-contenders/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/06/scenes-we-love-series-7-the-contenders/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/06/scenes-we-love-series-7-the-contenders/#commentsFiled under: Comedy, Independent, Thrillers, Scenes We Love

Well, leave it to the comedy duo of Will Ferrell and Adam McKay to remind me of one of the better B-movie curios sitting on my shelf, a film that even combines their own site's merits of 'funny' and 'die' into one sharp satire that's already gone overlooked and underappreciated since its 2001 release (into a whopping ten theaters, it seems).

Series 7: The Contenders plays like a 90-minute marathon of a supposed TV show in which contestants are chosen at random and tasked with killing the competition. Everyday citizens have to take out other everyday citizens while the cameras are rolling, and the last man or woman standing wins, plain and simple.

It's funny in the ways it dead-on skewers the manipulations and absurdity of reality programming, and it's funny in more bleakly matter-of-fact ways as we grow slowly but surely engaged by the characters, just as the show itself would intend to. Besides, in what other movie would you see Paul Giamatti's mom from Sideways and the girl from the well in The Silence of the Lambs duke it out, with Will Arnett narrating throughout? Now that's something I would watch...

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>adam mckayAdamMckaybrooke smithBrookeSmithdaniel minahanDanielMinahanfunny or dieFunnyOrDiemarylouise burkeMarylouiseBurkereality televisionreality tvRealityTelevisionRealityTvsatireseries 7series 7 the contendersSeries7Series7TheContenderswill arnettwill ferrellWillArnettWillFerrellWilliam GossMon, 06 Jul 2009 18:03:00 EST'T.J. Hooker' to Get the Movie Treatmenthttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/06/t-j-hooker-to-get-the-movie-treatment/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/06/t-j-hooker-to-get-the-movie-treatment/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/06/t-j-hooker-to-get-the-movie-treatment/#commentsFiled under: Action, Comedy, Deals, Scripts, Remakes and Sequels

When we rant about remakes and reboots, it's easy to hide in hyperbole. It seems like there are a lot of them, but maybe we're just really sensitive to Hollywood's bouts with unoriginality. But then Peter wrote the piece "Which Remake/Reboot Are You Looking Forward to the Least," and when my eyes hit his list of those announced in only one month, it hit me: No, we're not exaggerating. There's a lot of frakking reboots and remakes out there. And now we've got one more on the way.

Variety reports that T.J. Hooker is going to head to the big screen as an action comedy with Short Circuit scribes Brent Maddock and S.S. Wilson writing it, and Chuck Russell (The Scorpion King and The Mask) negotiating for the directorial spot. Producer Ryan Heppe says: "The series was the poster child for cop TV shows in the 1980s with great stunts, so we think there's a fun movie to be made from it." Hmmm, think they were inspired by Kevin Smith's A Couple of Dicks? It seems a little more than coincidental.

Whatever the case, I'm currently in the "not another Shat-free remake!" phase, but I fully admit that's from watching both his meddling cameo in Fanboys and part of a Star Trek episode with some classic Shatner acting over the weekend. In reality, I imagine that it'll be a non-offensive law-filled diversion. Think Adrian Zmed will pop up?

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Brent MaddockBrentMaddockChuck RussellChuckRussellCinematicalSS WilsonSsWilsonT.J. HookerT.j.HookerTJ HookerTjHookerWilliam ShatnerWilliamShatnerMonika BartyzelMon, 06 Jul 2009 10:03:00 ESTRed-Band 'Jennifer's Body' Trailer Answers All Of Your Prayershttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/06/red-band-jennifers-body-trailer-answers-all-of-your-prayers/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/06/red-band-jennifers-body-trailer-answers-all-of-your-prayers/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/06/red-band-jennifers-body-trailer-answers-all-of-your-prayers/#commentsFiled under: Action, Comedy, Horror, Independent, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Thrillers, Newsstand, Movie Marketing, Fox Atomic, Trailers and Clips

You no longer have to wait until Bruno to catch a glimpse of Jennifer's Body a.k.a that Megan Fox horror movie where she might show her boobs! ShockTillYouDrop has a red-band trailer directly from the Body team of Karyn Kusama, Diablo Cody, and Jason Reitman. According to the filmmakers, this is the trailer that truly captures what the film is all about: "Fox is putting a trailer of Jennifer's Body in front of Bruno this Friday. Great, right? Only problem is it's not our trailer. It's kind of a straight horror preview and while we're sure it'll appeal to many of you, we wanted to make sure you guys got to see our cut ... Lets call it the "filmmaker's cut". We think it captures the comedy and scares of the horror films we grew up on - a kind of nostalgia for when horror films were fun. Can't wait to show you the whole film ... In the meantime, here's the red band trailer we wanted our fans to see."

And you know what? It's a pretty awesome trailer. I was neither here nor there about the film, but this looks like a hell of a lot of fun ...

Head to The Horror Squad for the red-banded fun

Gallery: Megan Fox

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>adam brodyAdamBrodyAmanda SeyfriedAmandaSeyfriedamy sedarisAmySedarisDiablo CodyDiabloCodyFox AtomicFoxAtomicjason reitmanJasonReitmanJennifers BodyJennifersBodykaryn kusamaKarynKusamaMegan FoxMeganFoxElisabeth RappeMon, 06 Jul 2009 09:03:00 ESTTrailer Park: Carrying, Retreating and Informinghttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/04/trailer-park-carrying-retreating-and-informing/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/04/trailer-park-carrying-retreating-and-informing/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/04/trailer-park-carrying-retreating-and-informing/#commentsFiled under: Comedy, Horror, Trailer Trash, Family Films

Carriers
A decent looking tale of an apocalyptic plague and four friends attempt to survive it. If you've read The Stand or seen the mini-series based on it the idea seems kind of similar. Chris Prine, the new James T. Kirk stars and I thought the faces drawn on the surgical masks were a nice touch. Things start getting germy on September 4.

Couples Retreat
Four couples head to a tropical resort where they learn that couples' therapy is a mandatory part of the program. The impressive cast includes Vince Vaughn, Jason Bateman, Jon Favreau, Malin Akerman, Kristin Davis, and Kristen Bell. The retreat commences on October 9.

Planet 51
There's a new full length trailer for this animated comedy about a human astronaut landing on an alien world that looks strikingly like an American suburb. The residents of the planet see the visitor as a threat and it looks like there's probably a decent message for kids about prejudice, but this one doesn't thrill me. The idea is cute and they get points for the use of The Killers' song "Spaceman" but it didn't have me laughing. Planet 51 touches down on November 20.

Continue reading Trailer Park: Carrying, Retreating and Informing

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>CarriersCloudy WIth a Chance of MeatballsCloudyWithAChanceOfMeatballsCouples RetreatCouplesRetreatPlanet 51Planet51The InformantTheInformantMatt BradshawSat, 04 Jul 2009 21:03:00 ESTQuick List: Romance for Boyshttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/04/quick-list-romance-for-boys/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/04/quick-list-romance-for-boys/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/04/quick-list-romance-for-boys/#commentsFiled under: Comedy, Romance, Fandom, Lists

It's funny, but I've been watching Kevin Smith movies for a long time now, but it was only as I was reading through Total Film's list of the Best & Worst: Kevin Smith, that I realized something that I never really thought all that much about before -- and what was my big epiphany? Well, I finally discovered that Smith's films in the end are just rom-coms with poop jokes. Smith may have been considered a foul-mouthed stoner for most of his career, but now that I've looked beyond his shtick, I've finally come to the conclusion that the guy is a big old softy. Which got me thinking: Is there such a thing as romance for boys?

Now if you're the observant type, you've probably noticed I'm not a dude, so what do I know, right? But I've been told time and again that I'm not the 'average girl' (whatever that means) when it comes to my movie tastes, so I'm going to put that theory to the test, and get in touch with my masculine side to create a list of romantic movies for men.

After the jump; My 5 picks for boy-friendly romance...

Continue reading Quick List: Romance for Boys

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>40 year old virgin40YearOldVirginfeaturedHigh FidelityHighFidelityjohn cusackJohnCusackjudd apatowJuddApatowkevin smithKevinSmithpt andersonPtAndersonPunch Drunk LovePunchDrunkLoveromanceJessica BarnesSat, 04 Jul 2009 17:03:00 EST'The Ugly Truth' of Vibrating Underwearhttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/03/the-ugly-truth-of-vibrating-underwear/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/03/the-ugly-truth-of-vibrating-underwear/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/03/the-ugly-truth-of-vibrating-underwear/#commentsFiled under: Comedy, Romance, Trailers and Clips

I now take back any defense I gave Katherine Heigl for her comments about Knocked Up. I was already on my way there when I heard about The Ugly Truth and its premise where a smart and successful woman turns to a chauvinist to learn about nabbing her beau. I hit the brink with the second trailer where she actually tries to deep throat a hot dog and stick out her chest to get the guy, while he says every pervish thing he can think of. And now ... now there's vibrating underwear.

In the clip after the jump, so appropriately coming to us from Coming Soon, Heigl's character gets a little vibrating gift as she gets ready for a date. She decides to put on the panty rocket and then gets whisked off on a half-date/half-business meeting. At no time does she decide to excuse herself to take off these things, and in fact, gets into some hot trouble when the remote falls into the hands of a kid at the next table. Heigl channels When Harry Met Sally, poorly I might add, and Gerard Butler watches in amusement.

Heigl... How any woman who notes chauvinism in a Judd Apatow movie can then take on this schlock is beyond my comprehension. Furthermore, take away Butler's charm and put ... hmm ... let's say Steve Buscemi into the role -- is it still all romantically funny, or does it get downright creepy? Actually, now that would be a movie -- The Ugly Truth, where a romcom tries to deliver this bull pucky to audiences without a dapper leading man to make it palatable.

Continue reading 'The Ugly Truth' of Vibrating Underwear

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>CinematicalGerard ButlerGerardButlerKatherine HeiglKatherineHeiglThe Ugly truthTheUglyTruthMonika BartyzelFri, 03 Jul 2009 19:33:00 ESTIndie Roundup: Bombs, Immigrants, 'Daily' Stopshttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/02/indie-roundup-bombs-immigrants-daily-stops/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/02/indie-roundup-bombs-immigrants-daily-stops/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/02/indie-roundup-bombs-immigrants-daily-stops/#commentsFiled under: Comedy, Documentary, Drama, Foreign Language, Independent, Deals, Box Office, Distribution, Cinematical Indie

Indie Roundup reviews the past week of news from the independent film community and provides a peek at what's coming soon.

Opening. Two films opened yesterday which couldn't have less in common: Agnès Varda's essay film The Beaches of Agnès and Nia Vardalos' I Hate Valentine's Day. Tomorrow comes Anne Fontaine's comedy The Girl From Monaco.

Deals. Xavier Dolan's family drama I Killed My Mother, Kenneth Branagh's The Magic Flute, and Asghar Farhadi's drama About Elly have all been acquired by Here Films, the company formerly known as Regent Releasing. All three are headed for theaters next year. [indieWIRE]

Online Viewing. The 4th of July weekend inevitably brings thoughts of America as a land of immigrants, and that's the topic of Home, which debuts on Amazon VOD this week, featuring interviews with Mike Myers, Alfred Molina, and Liam Neeson. Also somewhat topical: if Michael Jackson had an impact on race in pop music, what about African-American musicians playing rock 'n' roll exclusively? Raymond Gayle's Electric Purgatory examines the issue (at iTunes). If you're looking for love, you have something in common with two women in the comedy/drama Arranged (also at iTunes.)

Box Office. Kathryn Bigelow's lacerating bomb squad thriller The Hurt Locker earned a per-screen average ($36,338) that bested even the giant robots, albeit on only four screens. Woody Allen's Whatever Works expanded to 35 screens and grossed $10,280 per outing. The combination of star Michelle Pfeiffer and director Stephen Frears could stir up only a tepid $5,338 per-screen at 76 locations for Cheri, which is less than the average for Duncan Jones' Moon in its third week on 21 screens. [Box Office Mojo.]

After the jump: David Hudson's The Daily takes a permanent (?) vacation, portending the end of the world as we know it.

Continue reading Indie Roundup: Bombs, Immigrants, 'Daily' Stops

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>about ellyAboutEllydavid hudsonDavidHudsoni killed my motherIKilledMyMotherthe beaches of agnesthe dailythe girl from monacothe magic fluteTheBeachesOfAgnesTheDailyTheGirlFromMonacoTheMagicFlutePeter MartinThu, 02 Jul 2009 21:02:00 ESTOlympia Dukakis Grabs a Lesbian 'Thelma and Louise'http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/02/olympia-dukakis-grabs-a-lesbian-thelma-and-louise/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/02/olympia-dukakis-grabs-a-lesbian-thelma-and-louise/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/02/olympia-dukakis-grabs-a-lesbian-thelma-and-louise/#commentsFiled under: Comedy, Casting, Scripts

Same-sex love is most definitely in the air. I already wrote about Julianne Moore and Annette Bening were coupling up for a new film today, but they're not the only ones. In a Thelma and Louise meets The Bucket List move, The Hollywood Reporter posts that Oscar winners Olympia Dukakis and Brenda Fricker will star in a new road trip comedy from Thom Fitzgerald called Cloudburst.

Dukakis and Fricker will play a couple who have been together for 30 years. Itching for a little adventure, the two "break out of a nursing home and head to Canada to get married, picking up a young, male hitchhiker along the way." I can't begin to count the ways these two films are great. Both have long-term lesbian couples, played by women with oodles of talent, and in this case, feature an older generation of actresses -- a theme which seems to be slowly gaining momentum in Hollywood as the boomers get older.

I've got to wonder -- are these gigs thanks to the anger incited by Prop 8? It's rare to get one LGBT film, let alone two at the same time. Whatever the case, it's a nice and refreshing change to see some originality heading towards Hollywood. Think Dukakis and Fricker can give Sarandon and Davis a run for their money?

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Brenda FrickerBrendaFrickerCinematicalCloudburstOlympia DukakisOlympiaDukakisThom FitzgeraldThomFitzgeraldMonika BartyzelThu, 02 Jul 2009 14:33:00 EST