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/The Original Pitch for 'Monsters, Inc.'http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/13/monsters-inc-original-pitch/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/13/monsters-inc-original-pitch/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/13/monsters-inc-original-pitch/#commentsFiled under: Animation, Fandom, Newsstand

Kudos to Cinematical reader Kashif Pasta for sending this our way. On the latest episode of the Creative Screenwriting Magazine Podcast (which I didn't know existed, but now do and will totally listen more often), Up and Monster's, Inc director Pete Docter revealed the original pitch for Monsters, Inc. -- which was very different from what eventually hit the screen, and kinda reminded me of Where the Wild Things Are in a sorta-ish way. On this blog, Kashif separated the segment of the podcast where Docter reveals the original pitch (which came at about 22 minutes in), and it went something like this:

"Well, my idea was that what it was about was about a 30 year old man who is like an accountant or something, he hates his job, and one day he gets a book with some drawings in it that he did when he was a kid from his mom, and he doesn't think anything of it and he puts it on the shelf and that night, monsters show up. And nobody else can see them. He thinks he's starting to go crazy, they follow him to his job, and on his dates, and all this- and it turns out these monsters are fears that he never dealt with as a kid. And each one of them represents a different kind of fear. As he conquers those fears, the guys who he slowly becomes kind of friends with- they disappear as he conquers those fears. It's this bittersweet kinda ending where they go away, and so not much of that stayed

[...]

it sounds better as a pitch than it did at the time- anyway. "

Sounds like a pretty cool punch-in-the-gut kinda movie to me; something with real intense emotion. I like Docter in that way. I feel he likes to create these beautiful child-like movies with some pretty intense adult emotions behind them. It's part of what makes that Pixar crew so great and unique and powerful. You can listen to the audio from the Docter podcast over here.

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]]>cinematicalfeaturedincmonsterspeter docterPeterDocterpixarupErik DavisFri, 13 Nov 2009 22:29:00 EST'Hansel and Gretel' to Get the Nazi Zombie Treatmenthttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/13/dead-snow-director-goes-from-nazi-zombies-to-hansel-and-grete/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/13/dead-snow-director-goes-from-nazi-zombies-to-hansel-and-grete/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/13/dead-snow-director-goes-from-nazi-zombies-to-hansel-and-grete/#commentsFiled under: Horror, Fandom, Newsstand

By: Alison Nastasi

Gotta love those dark Germanic fairy tales. They are ripe with strange folklore, the supernatural, and some of the most grotesque creatures ever imagined. These stories are intrinsically woven into the fabric of horror culture. You would think there would be more amazing fairy tale film adaptations, but only a few immediately come to mind: The Company of Wolves, Little Otik, Snow White and the Seven Dwarf and Labyrinth. Perhaps they hold more magic on paper, but it's inevitable that filmmakers will continue to turn to these tales for inspiration.

Earlier this year it was reported that Tommy Wirkola, the Norwegian director behind the Nazi-zombie flick Dead Snow will make his first U.S. feature with Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters. The film is being produced by Gary Sanchez Productions--the Paramount company run by Will Ferrell, Adam McKay, Chris Henchy and Kevin Messick.

Read the rest over at Horror Squad

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]]>Dante HarperDanteHarperDead SnowDeadSnowGary Sanchez ProductionsGarySanchezProductionsHansel and GretelHansel and Gretel: Witch HuntersHanselAndGretelHanselAndGretel:WitchHuntersTommy WirkolaTommyWirkolaCinematical staffFri, 13 Nov 2009 19:32:00 ESTKristen Stewart Goes Southern in 'The Yellow Handkerchief'http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/12/kristen-stewart-the-yellow-handkerchief/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/12/kristen-stewart-the-yellow-handkerchief/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/12/kristen-stewart-the-yellow-handkerchief/#commentsFiled under: Drama, Independent, Newsstand, Movie Marketing, Cinematical Indie, Trailers and Clips

She's about to open the second-biggest film of her career, so what better timing than now to point you to a new peek at Kristen Stewart's next non-Twilight film? Check out the new trailer for The Yellow Handkerchief, a Sundance entry that follows three strangers in post-Katrina Louisiana - Martine (Stewart), Gordy (Eddie Redmayne), and Brett (William Hurt) -- as they search together for life, love, and the perfect Southern accent.

Ok, so it seems the Southern slangin' is done primarily by Stewart, while Brit Redmayne goes American and Hurt rocks the ex-con handlebar mustache. As they embark on a road trip together, the two teens listen to Brett's tale of the woman who got away (Maria Bello) while they navigate the murky waters of young love. (Read Erik Davis's Sundance review here.)

Watch the trailer after the jump.

Continue reading Kristen Stewart Goes Southern in 'The Yellow Handkerchief'

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]]>Eddie RedmayneEddieRedmaynekristen stewartKristenStewartMaria BelloMariaBelloWilliam HurtWilliamHurtYellow HandkerchiefYellowHandkerchiefJen YamatoThu, 12 Nov 2009 16:32:00 ESTJames Cameron Never Wanted to Make 'Titanic'http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/12/james-cameron-titanic/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/12/james-cameron-titanic/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/12/james-cameron-titanic/#commentsFiled under: Fandom, Newsstand

Perhaps the most comically brilliant interview of the month will come sandwiched between naked ladies as a lengthy chat with James Cameron will be featured in December's issue of Playboy. While we don't have the actual interview for you to read, Playboy sent over a whole batch of quotes that were just too good to resist. Based on the quotes, it would appear the interview covers everything from Cameron's directorial approach to his inspiration (Star Wars) to his personal life (married five times) to his films to Christian Bale's famous on-set tirade ("Man, I have to take my hat off to this guy. I could not pull a rant like that if I had to.' I mean, I can get on a roll but not like that. I just had to bow down.").

And speaking of his films, Cameron was quite candid when Titanic came up, admitting there was only one reason why he wanted to make that film and it wasn't to get Kate Winslet topless. "I made Titanic because I wanted to dive to a shipwreck, not because I particularly wanted to make the movie...Titanic was about 'f*ck you' money," he said. And on Kate Winslet almost dying while filming: "[On the set of Titanic] we simply let Kate [Winslet] think she was nearly drowning. A little sputtering and coughing does not count in my book, because I have almost drowned several times...Anybody who signs on [with me] is going to be tested." Right on! James Cameron: The director who will let you think you're dying in order to get the best performance!

Check out a few more choice Cameron quotes after the jump (like why you'll never see him on Twitter), and you can read the entire interview in the December issue of Playboy, which hits newstands and online on November 13th.

Continue reading James Cameron Never Wanted to Make 'Titanic'

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]]>avatarcinematicalfeaturedjames cameronJamesCameronplayboytitanicErik DavisThu, 12 Nov 2009 12:43:00 ESTMegan Fox's Scratched SNL Hitler/Michael Bay Jokehttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/12/megan-fox-michael-bay-hitler-snl-joke/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/12/megan-fox-michael-bay-hitler-snl-joke/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/12/megan-fox-michael-bay-hitler-snl-joke/#commentsFiled under: Celebrities and Controversy, Fandom, Newsstand

If you have a few minutes today I'd strongly recommend reading this fascinating five-page New York Times Magazine story on Megan Fox called The Self-Manufacture of Megan Fox. I know, you're not really interested in reading another "OMG, she said that!" article on the overly hyped, sexified actress, but this one is a little different. Yes, it touches on just about everything controversial that's crossed her plate -- from her much-publicized spat with Michael Bay to her longterm off-screen relationship with Brian Austin Green -- but it also digs beneath the surface and exposes the way in which she's sort of self-manufactured her own image depending on where she is and who she's speaking to in order to expand her brand, which, she'll admit, isn't the most glamorous or family-friendly, but it's what's keeping her working.

Fox admits that she got herself into the whole Michael Bay mess, and wonders why no one came to her defense when that nasty crew letter surfaced online ("I think it's because I'm a girl. They left me out there to be bludgeoned to death"). Another interesting fact was that they were going to include a Hitler/Michael Bay joke when Fox hosted Saturday Night Live, but dropped it because it wasn't appropriate. Fox explains, "They wanted me to do a Q. and A. with the audience for the opening monologue. And Hitler is in the audience. Hitler stands up and says, 'Why did you compare me to Michael Bay?' " Fox laughed. "Which is funny, but we can't do that."

Watch the actual monologue and read more after the jump.

Continue reading Megan Fox's Scratched SNL Hitler/Michael Bay Joke

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]]>featuredhitlerjudy garlandJudyGarlandmegan foxMeganFoxmichael bayMichaelBaynew york timesNewYorkTimessnlthe wizard of ozTheWizardOfOzErik DavisThu, 12 Nov 2009 10:32:00 ESTJ.J. Abrams Not Adapting King's 'Dark Tower' Serieshttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/10/j-j-abrams-not-adapting-kings-dark-tower-series/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/10/j-j-abrams-not-adapting-kings-dark-tower-series/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/10/j-j-abrams-not-adapting-kings-dark-tower-series/#commentsFiled under: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, RumorMonger, Newsstand

Bad news folks (or good depending on your personal King beliefs): Turns out J.J. Abrams and Damon Lindelof will not be adapting Stephen King's Dark Tower series for the big screen like originally planned. The film rights to the epic seven-book series were said to have been purchased by Abrams and Lindelof for $19 (a number that recurs throughout the novels). As recently as this summer, Lindelof claimed they were all too busy finishing up Lost to think about Dark Tower. "The last thing we want to think about is how to adapt a seven book series of, you know, basically the writer who we admire the most and look up to most and has inspired our work the most, and do anything with that," he said.

Now things have changed, and according to an interview with MTV, the Lost crew have decided to leave Dark Tower behind, despite how much they love and respect the series, as well as how much it's influenced their work over the years. "The Dark Tower thing is tricky," Abrams said. "The truth is that Damon and I are not looking at that right now." In an earlier interview with USA Today, ~~Abrams~~ Lindelof added comments that, quite frankly, make a lot of sense. He says, "After working six years on 'Lost,' the last thing I want to do is spend the next seven years adapting one of my favorite books of all time. I'm such a massive Stephen King fan that I'm terrified of screwing it up. I'd do anything to see those movies written by someone else. My guess is they will get made because they're so incredible. But not by me."

Honestly, if Abrams and his clan won't tackle it, I'm not sure who could. I think something this epic might be best on television, but I feel the lower budgets might hinder the overall outcome -- making it look somewhat cheap. What do you Dark Tower fans think? Is there someone out there who could adapt this behemoth? Should they make seven films? Would people go see them? Sound off below ...

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]]>damon lindelofDamonLindelofj.j. abramsJ.j.Abramsloststephen kingStephenKingthe dark towerTheDarkTowerErik DavisTue, 10 Nov 2009 20:15:00 EST'Shazam' Movie Still Has a Pulse at Warner Bros.http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/10/shazam-movie-still-has-a-pulse-at-warner-bros/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/10/shazam-movie-still-has-a-pulse-at-warner-bros/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/10/shazam-movie-still-has-a-pulse-at-warner-bros/#commentsFiled under: Fandom, Newsstand, Comic/Superhero/Geek

By: John Gholson

Screenwriter John August declared the Shazam feature film completely dead in January 2009, unable to come up with a screenplay that seemed to satisfy Warner Bros. "By "dead," I mean that it won't be happening. I don't think it's on the studio's radar at all, " August stated in a blog post.

I'm happy to report that John August was wrong. Shazam is most definitely on Warner Bros radar, and they've tasked DC Comics scribe Geoff Johns and rookie screenwriter Bill Birch with a new version of the script. Birch spoke to CineFOOLS about the project, "The way the story is shaking out, Geoff and I see this not as 'dark' as Dark Knight but definitely as cool...Tonally, I think it's important to successfully find the balance of comedy and danger in the story. That's a major aspect I'm focusing on. Frankly, hitting the right tone is what's going to either get this made or keep it in development hell."

Read the rest over at SciFi Squad

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]]>bill burchBillBurchcaptain marvelCaptainMarvelDC ComicsDcComicsgeoff johnsGeoffJohnsjohn augustjohn hammJohnAugustJohnHammPeter SegalPeterSegalshazamCinematical staffTue, 10 Nov 2009 16:32:00 EST'Sgt. Rock' Looks to the Future with Francis Lawrencehttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/10/sgt-rock-looks-to-the-future-with-francis-lawrence/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/10/sgt-rock-looks-to-the-future-with-francis-lawrence/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/10/sgt-rock-looks-to-the-future-with-francis-lawrence/#commentsFiled under: Action, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Deals, Warner Brothers, Scripts, DIY/Filmmaking, Newsstand, Comic/Superhero/Geek, War

Once upon a time, Sgt. Rock was in the hands of Guy Ritchie, and many an Easy Company fan was upset. But you'll undoubtedly wish that Ritchie and Joel Silver had made it to the finish line, because Sgt. Rock will not make it to the big screen in a form you'll recognize. According to The Hollywood Reporter, he has a new director in Francis Lawrence and a whole new space-time continuum. Joel Silver is still on board as producer, and he's bringing Akiva Goldsman on board to help. They've hired newcomer Chad St. John to pen the script.

As you may or may not know, Sgt. Rock is a WWII soldier. He's always fought in WWII. The poor guy has never even gotten to leave the European theater. (It was rumored in Swamp Thing that he was transferred to the Pacific, but never confirmed.) Any attempt at a movie adaptation has always gone forward with this central idea of keeping him in his element. But budget, politics, and popularity has always been an issue, and no one believes you can make The Dirty Dozen in this day and age unless you're Quentin Tarantino. So Warner Bros has decided to bypass the drama, and put Sgt. Rock in the future. CG is cheaper than Nazis, and a nondescript soldier of the future is less problematic than an American fighting a good fight. (While no war is a good war, I do think we can all agree that fighting Nazis was a good thing.)

Nothing else is known about this storyline, so I hate to jump to a knee-jerk conclusion as to who or what Sgt. Rock will face there, or whether he will be transported to the future from WWII. But I think this is an unfortunate thing to do to a character who resides in WWII for a very specific and honorable reason. The last thing he should become is a Universal Soldier or Terminator ripoff.

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]]>Akiva GoldsmanAkivaGoldsmanDC ComicsDcComicsfrancis lawrenceFrancisLawrenceguy ritchieGuyRitchiejoel silverJoelSilverSgt. RockSgt.RockElisabeth RappeTue, 10 Nov 2009 09:45:00 EST'Kick-Ass' Is Coming! Get Ready!http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/09/kick-ass-is-coming-get-ready/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/09/kick-ass-is-coming-get-ready/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/09/kick-ass-is-coming-get-ready/#commentsFiled under: Action, Independent, Lionsgate Films, Newsstand, Movie Marketing, Comic/Superhero/Geek, Images, Posters

Exclusives have become tricky things in our field that I held off sharing these Kick-Ass posters, which debuted on IGN on Friday. But now you might need some inspiration for your Monday in the form of home made teenage vigilantes. Kick-Ass is based on the Mark Millar miniseries, and is directed by Matthew Vaughn. It's had a pretty crazy ride to the big-screen, as when it was first optioned no studio wanted to touch it because of its teenage violence and foul language. Vaughn went the indie route and it's paid off with a lot of ComicCon buzz, fan enthusiasm, and a distributor in Lionsgate.

So far, Lionsgate is handling the marketing well. The poster designs are quite classy (I've put a high-res version in the gallery), which go with the daring approach of not showing a single face. Instead we only get the, ahem, asses of Red Mist, Kick-Ass, Hit Girl, and Big Daddy. I particularly like the nod to Nite Owl in Big Daddy's silhouette. Very appropriate for something that borrows from the real world "heroes" of Watchmen, no?

In a sign that its April 16, 2010 date isn't too far away, the official site went live on Friday and the trailer is set to debut on MySpace in 12 days. We'll bring it to you here on Cinematical, so no need for you to stress ... just us! Hey, we're vigilantes in our own way.

Gallery: Kick-Ass

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]]>Chloe MoretzChloeMoretzchristopher mintz-plasseChristopherMintz-plasseKick AssKickAssLionsgate FilmsLionsgateEntertainmentLionsgateFilmsMark MillarMarkMillarMatthew VaughnMatthewVaughnNicolas CageNicolasCageElisabeth RappeMon, 09 Nov 2009 10:32:00 ESTRobert Pattinson Talks 'Breaking Dawn' & 'Unbound Captives'http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/07/robert-pattinson-talks-breaking-dawn-and-unbound-captives/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/07/robert-pattinson-talks-breaking-dawn-and-unbound-captives/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/07/robert-pattinson-talks-breaking-dawn-and-unbound-captives/#commentsFiled under: Action, Drama, Independent, Romance, New Releases, RumorMonger, DIY/Filmmaking, Newsstand, Remakes and Sequels, Western

Good news, Twilight fans. You have the first official news for the fourth Twilight installment, courtesy of our own Jen Yamato, FearNet and the New Moon junket.* The magically-coiffed Robert Pattinson has confirmed that Breaking Dawn will begin filming in Fall 2010, and that it's penciled into his schedule for next year.

Of course, Dawn remains unconfirmed by Summit. The most controversial installment of the Twilight series, rumors swirl that the studio is hesitant to take it to the big screen. If it is made, it seems likely that it could be split into two films a'la Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Personally, I don't see Summit risking the money they'd make on #4, and they'll find a way to steer around the gorier aspects of the book. But now you know when to look for it, though you still have the madness of Eclipse pre-production to get through.

Pattinson also dished on the movie I want to mark on my calender (Sorry, I dig boots and spurs more than vampires), a Western called Unbound Captives. The directorial debut of Madeleine Stowe, it stars Hugh Jackman, Rachel Weisz, and Pattinson. The young heartthrob revealed that it's tenatively scheduled to begin shooting in early 2010, and he sounds enthusiastic for a role that'll be miles away from Edward Cullen. "I'm playing a kid who is kidnapped by Comanches when he was four years old, and he is brought up by them. His mother spends her entire life trying to find me and my sister. When she finds us, we can't remember who she is and can't remember anything about the Western culture she grew up in. I speak Comanche the whole movie. You can't really speak more differently from Edward."

[Special thanks also goes to Collider who apparently pried the Breaking Dawn date out of Mr. Pattinson]

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]]>Breaking DawnBreakingDawnfeaturedhugh jackmanHughJackmanmadeleine stoweMadeleineStoweNew MoonNewMoonrachel weiszRachelWeiszrobert pattinsonRobertPattinsonSummit EntertainmentSummitEntertainmentThe Twilight SagaThe Twilight Saga Breaking Dawnthe twilight saga: new moonTheTwilightSagaTheTwilightSaga:NewMoonTheTwilightSagaBreakingDawntwilightunbound captivesUnboundCaptivesElisabeth RappeSat, 07 Nov 2009 00:50:00 ESTGwyneth Paltrow Joins Nicole Kidman in 'The Danish Girl'http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/06/gwyneth-paltrow-nicole-kidman-the-danish-girl/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/06/gwyneth-paltrow-nicole-kidman-the-danish-girl/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/06/gwyneth-paltrow-nicole-kidman-the-danish-girl/#commentsFiled under: Drama, Gay & Lesbian, Independent, Casting, Newsstand

The upcoming The Danish Girl is one of those independent, edgy films that has all the right elements for something brilliant, but it's subject matter is so tricky that it could end up becoming a farce. Based on David Ebershoff's novel, The Danish Girl is the story of the world's first post-operative transsexual, Einar Wegener, and his wife, Greta. Tomas Alfredson is set to direct, Nicole Kidman has long been attached to play Einar, and Variety reports that Gwyneth Paltrow has stepped in to play Greta. She's stepping in for Charlize Theron, who originally held the role, but has dropped out for unspecified reasons.

The story takes place in 1920s Denmark. Greta* was a portrait painter, and needed a model. She asked Einar to step into a dress, stockings, and heels, and created some kind of awakening in Einar. In women's clothes, her husband became an outrageous character named Lili. The paintings of Lili became extremely popular, few realizing a man had stood in for them. Lili than took on a public life of her own, and Greta often introduced Lili as her sister. Eventually, Einar / Lili decided to commit to gender reassignment surgery, a dangerous and experimental procedure at the time. Greta stood beside her husband until his transformation was complete, and then their marriage was declared null and void by the King of Denmark.

Continue reading Gwyneth Paltrow Joins Nicole Kidman in 'The Danish Girl'

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]]>charlize theronCharlizeTheronDavid EbershoffDavidEbershoffEinar WegenerEinarWegenerfeaturedGerda WegenerGerdaWegenerGreta WegenerGretaWegenerGwyneth PaltrowGwynethPaltrowLili WegenerLiliWegenerNicole KidmanNicoleKidmanthe danish girlTheDanishGirlTomas AlfredsonTomasAlfredsonElisabeth RappeFri, 06 Nov 2009 18:15:00 ESTLost Charlie Chaplin Film Pops Up on eBayhttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/06/lost-charlie-chaplin-film-pops-up-on-ebay/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/06/lost-charlie-chaplin-film-pops-up-on-ebay/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/06/lost-charlie-chaplin-film-pops-up-on-ebay/#commentsFiled under: Classics, Fandom, Newsstand

One day, a man named Morace Park is surfing around eBay, looking for antiques, when he's intrigued by an item listed as an "old film." Housed in a funky antique tin, the man bids and wins it for the super-reasonable price of £3.20. He buys and sells antiques, so when the package arrives, it sits around for a bit. When he finally gets around to opening it, he unfurls some of the film to see what it is. The title reads: Charlie Chaplin in Zepped.

Yes, folks, as a story in the Guardian attests, this is a forgotten film that there's no record of. Almost seven minutes long, the short "is a mixture of footage of Chaplin and exuberant animation that reminded Park of Monty Python sequences." Park's neighbor John Dyer says: "It starts with live shots of Chaplin. It then turns into a dreamscape. We see a Zeppelin bombing attack. And then we see Chaplin taking the mickey out of the Zeppelin, at the time a powerful instrument of terror." They deduce that the film is a propaganda piece from the first World War. Park and Dyer have traveled to Los Angeles to learn more about the short, with filmmaker Hammad Khan recording their journey for a documentary.

One has got to assume that whoever sold it never bothered to open the film and see what this "old film" was. Just goes to show you -- old cinematic junk on eBay can lead to stunning discoveries, and never be so lazy as to not see what a film is before selling it.

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]]>Charlie ChaplinCharlieChaplinCinematicallost filmLostFilmMonika BartyzelFri, 06 Nov 2009 11:18:00 ESTBradley Cooper Gains Superpowers In 'Dark Fields'http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/06/bradley-cooper-gains-superpowers-in-dark-fields/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/06/bradley-cooper-gains-superpowers-in-dark-fields/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/06/bradley-cooper-gains-superpowers-in-dark-fields/#commentsFiled under: Action, Drama, Thrillers, Casting, Universal, Newsstand

The future Faceman may have lost the chance to fly as the Emerald Knight, but DC isn't the only place you can gain superpowers. You can also score them from top secret pharmaceuticals! (Don't try this at home, kids.) According to The Hollywood Reporter, Bradley Cooper is set to star in Dark Fields, a thriller directed by Neil Burger and based on the book by Alan Glynn.

Cooper will play a writer down on his luck who manages to get his poor paws on a secret drug that promises to make one smarter. He doesn't go ask Alice before popping them, and finds that it's a wonder drug. He enjoys writing success, wealth and women until the side effects kick in. They're long lasting, potentially lethal, and have the extra kick of making time appear as a stop-motion movie. As if that doesn't suck enough, mysterious and unpleasant men begin pursuing him. Do they look like Shia LaBeouf, who was originally set to star? Hopefully not.

The screenplay was penned by Leslie Dixon, and is said to be similar to Fight Club and The Game, which might be a big spoiler as to the nature of those mysterious antagonists, which is why you shouldn't think about it too much. There's no start date, but hopefully he has no time between The A-Team and Dark Fields to squish in another frightening romantic comedy.

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]]>bradley cooperBradleyCooperDark FieldsDarkFieldsLeslie DixonLeslieDixonneil burgerNeilBurgerRelativity MediaRelativityMediaUniversalElisabeth RappeFri, 06 Nov 2009 10:33:00 EST'Yogi Bear' Will Cry Me A River With Its Casthttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/06/yogi-bear-will-cry-me-a-river-with-its-cast/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/06/yogi-bear-will-cry-me-a-river-with-its-cast/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/06/yogi-bear-will-cry-me-a-river-with-its-cast/#commentsFiled under: Animation, Comedy, Casting, Warner Brothers, Family Films, Newsstand, Remakes and Sequels

Yogi Bear and Boo Boo are bringing sexy back -- and that image should make you ripe for nightmares tonight. If you doubt me, look to Variety, who reports that Dan Aykroyd, Anna Faris, and Justin Timberlake are set to go to Jellystone in Yogi Bear, which Eric Brevig is directing for Warner Bros.

Aykroyd will be voicing Yogi, and he really is the most obvious choice to play the picnic basket thief. He's funny, he sounds gruff, and if it was live-action it would be a very terrifying thing to see. So thank goodness this is being done as a CG / live-action hybrid.

Timberlake will be voicing Boo Boo. Yep. The man who wants to love your mother, put his d*ck in a box, and who will cry you a river will lend his vocal talents to playing Yogi's diminutive sidekick. In this update of the Hanna-Barbera cartoon, expect Boo Boo to be a lot more of a smart aleck. (I was going to say "sassy," but I think that would be a far different Boo Boo.)

Though Faris has done voice work before, it sounds as though she might be one of the live action elements to this unholy hybrid. Variety says she's set to play a documentary filmmaker. Presumably she discovers the tourist robbing bears, and makes a film of them. Or she has to help them preserve Jellystone against evil developers. Either way, she'll have to talk to big rubbery CG bears, and it might be kind of weird. What would be even weirder is if one or both bears fell in love with her, so let's hope she falls into the arms of whoever plays Ranger Smith. Shooting is expected to start in New Zealand next month.

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]]>anna farisAnnaFarisdan aykroydDanAykroyderic brevigEricBrevigfeaturedhanna barberaHannaBarberaJellystoneJustin TimberlakeJustinTimberlakeyogi bearYogiBearElisabeth RappeFri, 06 Nov 2009 09:03:00 ESTJohn C. Reilly and Mary-Louise Parker Go 'Red'http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/05/john-c-reilly-and-mary-louise-parker-go-red/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/05/john-c-reilly-and-mary-louise-parker-go-red/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/05/john-c-reilly-and-mary-louise-parker-go-red/#commentsFiled under: Action, Thrillers, Casting, Newsstand

When Warren Ellis' Red was first optioned, I wasn't particularly excited. As readers have pointed out, Ellis has many books that would be more exciting to see on the big screen. The initial casting of Bruce Willis and Morgan Freeman didn't inspire a lot of excitement, either. (I love both, but Willis as an ex-assassin? Hardly inspired.) But as Robert Schwentke has filled out his cast, things have gotten a lot more interesting. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Mary-Louise Parker and John C. Reilly are in talks to join Red alongside Freeman, Willis, and Helen Mirren.

Reilly would play a retired CIA agent who is paranoid that everyone is out to kill him. Willis' predicament will naturally prove him right, and it's the frantic, nervous role that Reilly specializes in. Again, it's not the most inspired casting, but it's exciting to see Reilly finally land a comic book role. I like to see actors drawn into this world, even if it is in a more "standard" storyline.

Parker will play Willis' love interest, an ordinary employee of the federal pension office who becomes embroiled in his struggle to stay alive. As if relationships aren't hard enough, it's "Honey! My former employers are trying to kill me! Get your passport, we have to hide in Bruges." She is a talented actress, so I sincerely hope she gets a little more to do than run around and be frightened. Perhaps she can be trained in the arts of action by Mirren's character.

It's a really good cast so far, and there's undoubtedly more to come as Willis' opponents are lined up. This could be something a little more in the mold of A History of Violence, which would be a refreshing change from the flashy adaptation attempts like Wanted. Red is officially on my radar.

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]]>bruce willisBruceWillishelen mirrenHelenMirrenjohn c. reillyJohnC.ReillyMary-Louise ParkerMary-louiseParkerMorgan FreemanMorganFreemanRedrobert schwentkeRobertSchwentkeSummit EntertainmentSummitEntertainmentWarren EllisWarren Ellis RedWarrenEllisWarrenEllisRedElisabeth RappeThu, 05 Nov 2009 19:32:00 ESTJ.J. Abrams to Produce 'Micronauts' Movie?http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/05/j-j-abrams-to-produce-micronauts-movie/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/05/j-j-abrams-to-produce-micronauts-movie/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/05/j-j-abrams-to-produce-micronauts-movie/#commentsFiled under: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fandom, Newsstand

Micronauts photo by flickr user

By: John Gholson

Hasbro continues their steamrolling of Hollywood with the announcement that J.J. Abrams (Star Trek) is in negotiations to produce a film based on their Micronauts property. The Japanese science-fiction action figure line from Takara was brought to the States in the 1970's by Mego (with some items replicated for the collector's market in 2002 by Palisades), but has kept a pretty low profile since the line's cancellation in 1980.

Most fans are familiar with The Micronauts from the officially licensed Marvel Comic series, which ran throughout the 1980's, long after the toys had vanished from shelves. Image Comics and Devil's Due Publishing both tried their hand at a Micronauts comic book revival during the last decade, but were met with little success.

The original Micronauts figures were an odd-looking assortment of strange heroes and bizarre aliens, and many of the toys featured interchangeable parts. While no over-arching story was created for the toys upon release (marking it as one of the few action figure assortment at the time with no built-in storyline), the comic versions of the Micronauts have positioned the characters as defenders of a microscopic universe, attempting to overthrow the evil Baron Karza.

More over at SciFi Squad

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]]>hasbroJ. J. AbramsJ.J.AbramsMarvel ComicsMarvelComicsmegomicronautstakaraCinematical staffThu, 05 Nov 2009 16:02:00 ESTDanny Boyle Knows Where He'll Spend '127 Hours'http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/05/danny-boyle-knows-where-hell-spend-127-hours/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/05/danny-boyle-knows-where-hell-spend-127-hours/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/05/danny-boyle-knows-where-hell-spend-127-hours/#commentsFiled under: Action, Drama, Independent, Sports, Deals, Scripts, Fox Searchlight, DIY/Filmmaking, Newsstand

After a year of speculation (Will it be James Bond? Will it be Maximum City? Trainspotting 2?), Danny Boyle has finally settled on his next project. Variety reports that it will be 127 Hours, the tale of mountain climber Aron Ralston. Boyle has been loosely attached to the project since June when the LA Times reported that Boyle and Fox Searchlight had signed a long term, best friends forever deal. Boyle has already penned a treatment, and Simon Beaufoy is in talks to write the script.

In this age of flashmob media stories, you might have forgotten the tale of Ralston. Like your humble authoress and Balloon Boy, Ralston hails from Colorado. He became famous for a Utah climbing accident in 2003, when an 800 lb boulder shifted and crushed his hand. Ralston was forced to choose between life and limb, and in a stomach-turning story heard around the world, he amputated his own hand with a pocketknife. In the media frenzy that followed, Ralston was hailed as a hero and as an idiot, because he had chosen to go climbing alone and without notifying anyone. It was particularly intense locally, and I still remember the heroism debate Ralston sparked in my American Culture class. (It even inspired one student's final project!) Since those heady days of early fame, Ralston has enjoyed success with his autobiography, continues to climb, and is a motivational speaker.

The director is already on the casting hunt for the part of Ralston, which Variety declares will be "a plum job" because it will force an actor to work solo for most of the shoot. Below the jump, I've embedded a video of Ralston describing his amputation. Watch it to prepare for two hours of unflinching detail, and sound off on who you think should be lucky enough to act out a very painful 127 Hours.

Continue reading Danny Boyle Knows Where He'll Spend '127 Hours'

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]]>127 Hours127HoursAron RalstonAronRalstonDanny BoyleDannyBoylefeaturedFox SearchlightFoxSearchlightSimon BeaufoySimonBeaufoyElisabeth RappeThu, 05 Nov 2009 10:33:00 ESTJohnny Depp Might Be 'The Tourist'http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/04/johnny-depp-might-be-the-tourist/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/04/johnny-depp-might-be-the-tourist/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/04/johnny-depp-might-be-the-tourist/#commentsFiled under: Action, Drama, Thrillers, Casting, Sony, Scripts, DIY/Filmmaking, Newsstand, Tom Cruise, Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp

Sony's thriller The Tourist just keeps sending its talent packing. Originally set to be a vehicle for Tom Cruise and Charlize Theron, it shifted gears last month and was re-cast with Angelina Jolie and Sam Worthington. But once again, The Tourist finds itself without travel arrangements for a male lead as Variety reports that Worthington is out due to "creative disagreements" and Johnny Depp is in.

Depp is still in talks to play the hapless American tourist, and with the way this film is going, one can't assume it's finalized. But if it is, it might just be the casting coup of 2010. A Depp-Jolie pair-up has been something dreamed about by a lot of producers and studios over the years. Once upon a time, rumor even had them attached to play Cathy and Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights. People want to see them having onscreen sex. It'd be the hottest thing since ... well, Brad Pitt and Jolie having sex onscreen. (And off. Hey, I'm just being honest. There was a reason everyone wanted to see their offspring.)

The Tourist is also on the hunt for a director. Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck was circling the project, but departed alongside Worthington over those whispery creative differences. Reportedly, a lot of directors are interested, including Alfonso Cuaron. While shake-ups can be be a sign of a bad film, I'd like to think that a thriller that winds up with Jolie, Depp, and Cuaron came together exactly as it was meant to.

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]]>Alfonso CuaronAlfonsoCuaronangelina jolieAngelinaJoliecharlize theronCharlizeTheronFlorian Henckel von DonnersmarckFlorianHenckelVonDonnersmarckjohnny DeppJohnnyDeppsam worthingtonSamWorthingtonThe TouristTheTouristtom cruiseTomCruiseElisabeth RappeWed, 04 Nov 2009 21:32:00 ESTRoger Rabbit Sequel Will Contain Both 2D and Mo-Cap Animationhttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/04/roger-rabbit-sequel-will-contain-both-2d-and-mo-cap-animation/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/04/roger-rabbit-sequel-will-contain-both-2d-and-mo-cap-animation/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/04/roger-rabbit-sequel-will-contain-both-2d-and-mo-cap-animation/#commentsFiled under: Animation, Comedy, Noir, RumorMonger, DIY/Filmmaking, Newsstand, Remakes and Sequels

As Peter reported a few days ago, Robert Zemeckis is going forward with a Roger Rabbit sequel. We all seem to be intrigued by the possibility of returning to Toontown, but Zemeckis' obsession with motion capture really casts a Judge Doom-like shadow over the project. Will he motion capture Roger Rabbit and his Toontown friends? Or will Zemeckis return to the old school of hand-drawn animation?

MTV caught up with Zemeckis, who was quick to assure fans of the bumbling Roger that he will remain his cuddly 2D self. "I wouldn't use it for the cartoon characters, because I think they should stay two-dimensional because that's what - I wouldn't dimensonalize Roger," he said. "And I couldn't dimensonalize Jessica even if I wanted to because she doesn't have a nose. We wouldn't want to give her a nose." But motion capture will be a part of Roger Rabbit 2. The technology is like Zemeckis' whale, and he's determined to exploit every possibility with it. His current plan appears to involve using motion-capture for the human performances. "All the other characters that [the cartoons] would sort of have fun with would be magnificent in performance capture technology."

There's that Judge Doom shadow again. The clumsy way humans and toons interacted was the point of Who Framed Roger Rabbit? It was the contrast that was interesting and fun. Having animated humans just seems to take it on a trip into the Uncanny Valley. The project is still in its early stages, so maybe Zemeckis will surprise us, and have the technology be part of the story. Everyone on the interwebs seems to be championing the idea of the toons having to deal with technological advances. We can hope for that, and not that Zemeckis will just shove in a motion-captured cast just because he can't stop himself.

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]]>motion captureMotionCaptureRobert ZemeckisRobertZemeckisRoger Rabbit 2Roger Rabbit sequelRogerRabbit2RogerRabbitSequelwho framed roger rabbitWhoFramedRogerRabbitElisabeth RappeWed, 04 Nov 2009 21:02:00 ESTGuttenberg, Danson and Selleck = 'Three Men and a Bride'http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/04/guttenberg-danson-and-selleck-three-men-and-a-bride/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/04/guttenberg-danson-and-selleck-three-men-and-a-bride/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/04/guttenberg-danson-and-selleck-three-men-and-a-bride/#commentsFiled under: Comedy, Romance, Disney, RumorMonger, DIY/Filmmaking, Newsstand, Remakes and Sequels

We are now in the age of the 20-year-old sequel. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Wall Street 2, Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, Beverly Hills Hop 4, The Untouchables: Capone Rising. It hasn't been "too long," it isn't awkward to go back. It'll make you feel young again! Now we've reached the pinnacle of past grabs, as WENN is reporting that Steve Guttenberg, Tom Selleck, and Ted Danson are reuniting for Three Men and a Bride.

"Disney's developing Three Men and a Bride. That's going to be a smash. A smash hit. They're bringing everybody back for that," says Guttenberg. "Nobody knows about it. I'm the first to talk about it."

Guttenberg might just become king of the It's Never To Late To Return! movement, as he dreams of reviving all of his past franchises. "It's definitely time for another Police Academy. And I think they could make another Cocoon. They're surefire hits and I think they're good for the world. They make the world a better place and that's what it's all about." Hopefully, he's not setting his hopes on reviving Short Circuit, as that has become someone else's dream to live. But I think there were a lot of unanswered questions about The Day After, and nothing's trendier than the apocalypse. It's only been twenty-five years ....

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]]>DisneySteve GuttenbergSteveGuttenbergTed DansonTedDansonthree men and a babyThree Men and a BrideThreeMenAndABabyThreeMenAndABridetom selleckTomSelleckElisabeth RappeWed, 04 Nov 2009 19:45:00 EST