Cinematical http://www.cinematical.com Cinematical http://www.cinematical.com/media/feedlogo.gif Cinematical http://www.cinematical.com en-us Copyright 2008 Blogsmith, LLC. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://podcasts.cinematical.com/rss.xmlCinematicalCinematical.com welcomes you to their podcasts -- featuring both audio interviews with top stars and directors and 'The Rocchi Review,' bi-weekly interviews with journalists and filmmakers featuring Cinematical"s James Rocchi. For more information -- or more movie news and reviews -- just go to www.cinematical.com.'Speed Racer' Crashes at the Box Officehttp://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/11/speed-racer-crashes-at-the-box-office/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/11/speed-racer-crashes-at-the-box-office/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/11/speed-racer-crashes-at-the-box-office/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



According to early estimates from Box Office Mojo, this summer's second big-budgeted extravaganza failed to pick up more than $20 million at the box office this weekend, with the poorly-reviewed comedy What Happens in Vegas finishing right behind in third. Of course, Iron Man took the top spot for a second week in a row with roughly $50 million, while Speed Racer -- which some projected to take home at least $30-40 million -- came in second with $20.2 million, as What Happens in Vegas slid into third with $20 million. Rounding out the top five were Made of Honor ($7.6 million) and Baby Mama ($5.7 million).

So what happened to Speed Racer? Part of the reason had to do with its targeted audience, which, supposedly, was kids, though kids weren't very familiar with the cartoon the film was based on. That, and the flick clocked in at over two hours -- a running time that's been mentioned a lot this weekend, as well as one that's way too long for a PG-rated kiddie adventure. That said, its PG-rating scared away those adults who grew up with the cartoon; people who, most likely, were looking for something a bit more skewed toward adults (especially when Iron Man came out the weekend before and kicked a whole lot of ass). Nevertheless, I'm pretty sure we can rule out that Speed Racer franchise at this point.

Coupla questions for ya: Why do you think Speed Racer failed to power across the finish line in spectacular fashion? Also, what happens to the Wachowski Brothers now? Will folks think twice before giving them $150 million and free reign?
Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>baby mamaBabyMamabox officeBoxOfficecinematicaliron manIronManspeed racerSpeedRacerwhat happens in vegasWhatHappensInVegasErik Davis2008-05-11T13:32:00 00:002008-05-11T13:32:00 00:00Lionsgate Making a 'Deal with the Devil'http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/09/lionsgate-making-a-deal-with-the-devil/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/09/lionsgate-making-a-deal-with-the-devil/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/09/lionsgate-making-a-deal-with-the-devil/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Remember the days when FBI profilers hunted serial killers the old fashioned way, assisted by their fellow law enforcement officers? But ever since Clarice Starling had to go and enlist the help of Hannibal Lecter, now it is just standard protocol to pair up with a serial killer.

Deal with the Devil is the latest version of that tale -- except this one is a comic book by Mike S. Miller. According to The Hollywood Reporter, it's just been picked up by Lionsgate. The story follows FBI Agent Anthony Goodwin, a legendary manhunter until his final case. The killer he was after, Kevin Runyan, turned the tables and became his hunter. He loses his career and his suspect -- who turns up four years later, asking for his help. Goodwin must decide whether to help the man stop a dangerous copycat killer.

Continue reading Lionsgate Making a 'Deal with the Devil'

Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>Alias EnterprisesAliasEnterprisesDavid TischmanDavidTischmanDeal with the DevilDealWithTheDevilMark S. MillerMarkS.MillerElisabeth Rappe2008-05-09T15:02:00 00:002008-05-09T15:02:00 00:00Gore Verbinski to Direct 'Bioshock'http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/09/gore-verbinski-to-direct-bioshock/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/09/gore-verbinski-to-direct-bioshock/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/09/gore-verbinski-to-direct-bioshock/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

This news has the gaming world all a-flutter. Variety announced today that Gore Verbinski is taking the director's chair for the big screen adaptation of Bioshock. Universal has the rights to the video game adaptation, which Verbinski will direct and produce. John Logan will write the screenplay, and Verbinski plans to jump into pre-production as soon as it is finished and approved.

Bioshock was a hugely successful game, winning numerous awards and making a movie inevitable. And Take-Two Interactive, Bioshock's publisher, is so determined to see it onscreen that they structured the deal to make Halo like failure impossible.

Continue reading Gore Verbinski to Direct 'Bioshock'

Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>BioshockGore VerbinskiGoreVerbinskiElisabeth Rappe2008-05-09T12:32:00 00:002008-05-09T12:32:00 00:00Donnie Darko Sequel Coming -- Unfortunatelyhttp://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/09/donnie-darko-sequel-coming-unfortunately/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/09/donnie-darko-sequel-coming-unfortunately/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/09/donnie-darko-sequel-coming-unfortunately/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

It sounds like a prank. We would all like it to be one. But it seems to be legit.

The story comes from Screen Daily, who reports that S. Darko is being shopped around, with Fox already picking up the North American distribution rights. Touted as the sequel to the 2001 cult hit, the story picks up seven years after Donnie Darko left off. The youngest Darko, Samantha, is now 18 and abandoning her commitment to Sparkle Motion. She heads to Las Vegas with her best friend Corey, but the two are plagued with bizarre visions. I imagine they will involve a rabbit.

Richard Kelly, the original director, is in no way involved. Chris Fincher Fisher* will direct instead. Daveigh Chase, who played Samantha in the original, will reprise her role. It looks like she is the only one. The movie also stars Ed Westwick, Briana Evigan, and Justin Chatwin.

As to the big looming question of why, oh God, why, Simon Crowe of UK sales company Velvet Octopus says they're thinking of the children. "I think there is a new generation of cinema-goers who will be very excited to see this film."
Which generation came of age between 2001 and 2008? Why haven't they rented Donnie Darko? I am afraid these are questions to which Crowe has no answers. But he did quip, "Donnie's not in [the new film] but there are meteorites and rabbits."

Nothing is safe from the all mighty dollar, my friends. Nothing. Even when there is a pretty conclusive ending, there can always be a sequel. I'll leave you to think about that as I go pen my script for No Country for Old Men 2.

[via Empire]

*Very kind thanks to astute reader toad_stone for pointing out our egregious misspelling of director Chris Fisher's last name. Correction made, with our apologies. - Ed.

Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>Chris FincherChrisFincherDonnie DarkoDonnie Darko sequelDonnieDarkoDonnieDarkoSequelS. DarkoS.DarkoElisabeth Rappe2008-05-09T09:32:00 00:002008-05-09T09:32:00 00:00Discuss: Should 'Terminator 4' Go Into Production Right Before a Potential SAG Strike?http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/08/discuss-should-terminator-4-go-into-production-right-before-a/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/08/discuss-should-terminator-4-go-into-production-right-before-a/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/08/discuss-should-terminator-4-go-into-production-right-before-a/#commentsFiled under: , ,

I think it's kind of funny that in Eugene's post about T4's start date, he says: "barring some Terry Gilliam-scale disaster." I wonder if the disaster could be a long and arduous SAG strike? The New Zealand Herald (Reuters) pointed out today that the production is moving on despite the distinct possibility that the movie industry could get hit with another strike very soon.

Right now, the SAG contract expires on June 30, which could very easily become the start of another strike. (Union leaders say they hope to reach an agreement, and of course they do -- but that doesn't mean they'll get one.) Nevertheless, Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins has started filming in New Mexico this week, throwing caution to the wind.

But this doesn't mean they'll speed through it. A source told Reuters there is no intention to finish production by June 30, and that legal precautions have been taken in case the strike happens. But still -- stopping for an undisclosed period of time right in the middle of production is very far from ideal.

It seems a bit cocky to me, to go forward now rather than waiting, but what do you think?

Should T4 be moving full steam ahead regardless of the strike? Or, is this just a careless or cocky move?
Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>CinematicalSAG strikeSagStrikeT4Terminator Salvation The Future BeginsTerminatorSalvationTheFutureBeginsMonika Bartyzel2008-05-08T21:32:00 00:002008-05-08T21:32:00 00:00'Thor' Needs New Director, Hulk to Cameo in 'Iron Man 2'?http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/08/thor-needs-new-director-hulk-to-cameo-in-iron-man-2/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/08/thor-needs-new-director-hulk-to-cameo-in-iron-man-2/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/08/thor-needs-new-director-hulk-to-cameo-in-iron-man-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

There's all sorts of madness going on at Marvel right now in the wake of Iron Man's ridiculous opening weekend. Marvel's Kevin Feige was promoted to God and now it's time to start looking toward the future. While we await the release of Marvel's second self-financed flick (The Incredible Hulk) later this summer, The Hollywood Reporter tells us Matthew Vaughn is no longer directing Thor (currently scheduled to arrive in theaters on June 4, 2010, not July 4 as previously reported -- unless HR made a typo). According to HR, Vaughn's holding deal expired. In the meantime, Marvel is waiting for a script polish from writer Mark Protosevich (I Am Legend).

On what we should expect from Thor, Feige says, "It's very much a Marvel superhero story but against the backdrop of nothing you've seen before. " He then described the flick as a "period fantasy in the vein of The Lord of the Rings." Sounds pretty cool to me. Who do you think they should get to direct Thor? Heck, why not throw Peter Jackson on it -- I'm sure fans would freak over that one.

Additionally, and this is just a rumor right now, HR also claims that Hulk might be featured in Iron Man 2 (due out April 30, 2010). They don't go any further than that except to say we should expect cross-referencing in all these films now that Marvel has control over the movies its characters are in. However, one thing's NOT for sure right now -- and that's Robert Downey Jr.'s participation in the Iron Man sequel. He's signed on, but HR says Marvel may have to "sweeten the pot to reward the movie's star." Oh, they'll sweeten ... or else millions of fans will look to bring on a world of hurt.
Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>cinematicaliron man 2IronMan2kevin feigeKevinFeigemarvelmatthew vaughnMatthewVaughnpeter jacksonPeterJacksonrobert downey jrRobertDowneyJrthe incredible hulkthe lord of the ringsTheIncredibleHulkTheLordOfTheRingsthorErik Davis2008-05-08T15:32:00 00:002008-05-08T15:32:00 00:00BREAKING: Picturehouse and Warner Independent Shut Downhttp://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/08/breaking-picturehouse-and-warner-independent-shut-down-for-good/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/08/breaking-picturehouse-and-warner-independent-shut-down-for-good/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/08/breaking-picturehouse-and-warner-independent-shut-down-for-good/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Man, this news truly bums me out. Variety reports that Picturehouse and Warner Independent Pictures are shutting down. It's not like this is shocking news; ever since New Line folded, it was all pretty much a given that both Picturehouse and Warner Independent would either close or merge in some way -- but it still stings for those who, like me, were big fans. In a statement, Warner Bros. president and COO Alan Horn claims this move won't stop the studio from taking more chances on young, indie voices. He says, "After much painstaking analysis, this was a difficult decision to make, but it reflects the reality of a changing marketplace and our need to prudently run our businesses with increased efficiencies. We're confident that the spirit of independent filmmaking and the opportunity to find and give a voice to new talent will continue to have a presence at Warner Bros."

On a personal note, Cinematical has worked with folks from both Picturehouse and Warner Independent Pictures, and have always found them to be wonderful people who truly care about spreading these little indie films as far and wide as they can. Here's hoping that love, that heart and that passion will not disappear. We wish all those involved good luck in their future endeavors.
Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>cinematicalpicturehousewarner independent picturesWarnerIndependentPicturesErik Davis2008-05-08T14:02:00 00:002008-05-08T14:02:00 00:00Wow! Josh Brolin Makes a Convincing George W. Bush!http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/08/wow-josh-brolin-makes-a-convincing-george-w-bush/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/08/wow-josh-brolin-makes-a-convincing-george-w-bush/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/08/wow-josh-brolin-makes-a-convincing-george-w-bush/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The world thought one thing when Oliver Stone cast Josh Brolin as our Commander in Chief: "Really? How is that going to work?" And yet, here comes our first look at W. proving that it actually does. It's creepy. Granted, it is still President Bush as filtered through the Handsome and Rugged Machine (TM), but it's not nearly as outlandish as I expected. The same goes for Elizabeth Banks. The magic of hair and makeup. Let's just hand them the Oscar for this one. Entertainment Weekly has a six-page spread on the new film; we've included another photo of Josh Brolin as George W. Bush after the jump.

No release date yet, but shooting begins in two weeks and I am beyond intrigued now. Stone should make this a new franchise. I vote Clive Owen as Vladimir Putin. What do you think? Does it work? Does this whole thing work?

Continue reading Wow! Josh Brolin Makes a Convincing George W. Bush!

Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>Elizabeth BanksElizabethBanksjosh brolinJoshBrolinoliver stoneOliverStonew.Elisabeth Rappe2008-05-08T08:45:00 00:002008-05-08T08:45:00 00:00Will Lucas Extend His 'Star Wars' Story Beyond 'Return of the Jedi'?http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/07/will-lucas-extend-his-star-wars-story-past-return-of-the-je/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/07/will-lucas-extend-his-star-wars-story-past-return-of-the-je/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/07/will-lucas-extend-his-star-wars-story-past-return-of-the-je/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



Now that George Lucas and his crew are preparing to launch the first big-screen Star Wars flick in all CGI, some folks are wondering whether that means he'd be down to eventually continue the saga where Return of the Jedi left off -- especially since it wouldn't be hard to bring back original actors like Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher to do the voice work. Fans, of course, would publicly bash such a move ... even if they'd secretly been wishing for the return of Luke, Leia and Han for years. So, would Lucas do it? Is he considering it?

In a new interview with the Los Angeles Times, the Sith King himself claims there will be no such film from him. Lucas says, "There really isn't any story to tell there. It's been covered in the books and video games and comic books, which are things I think are incredibly creative but that I don't really have anything to do with other than being the person who built the sandbox they're playing in." He continues, "I get asked all the time, 'What happens after "Return of the Jedi"?,' and there really is no answer for that. The movies were the story of Anakin Skywalker and Luke Skywalker, and when Luke saves the galaxy and redeems his father, that's where that story ends." Star Wars: The Clone Wars arrives in theaters on August 15, then heads to Cartoon Network and TNT for a weekly series.

Would you rather see a CGI Star Wars flick that takes place during The Clone Wars or after Return of the Jedi?
Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>carrie fisherCarrieFishercinematicalharrison fordHarrisonFordmark hamillMarkHamillreturn of the jediReturnOfTheJedistar warsstar wars sequelsstar wars the clone warsStarWarsStarWarsSequelsStarWarsTheCloneWarsErik Davis2008-05-07T13:32:00 00:002008-05-07T13:32:00 00:00Scott 'Cyclops' Summers Appearing in 'Wolverine'?http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/07/scott-cyclops-summers-appearing-in-wolverine/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/07/scott-cyclops-summers-appearing-in-wolverine/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/07/scott-cyclops-summers-appearing-in-wolverine/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Admit it, we have all thought that the one thing X-Men Origins: Wolverine needed was another character. I mean, there's no possible way Wolverine could carry the entire movie by himself; what we needed were some mutants to share the load. Right?

Well, the most surprising addition yet has been made. According to Superhero Hype, there are reports that Cyclops has joined the roster. No, he won't be played by James Marsden, but an Australian actor named Tim Pocock. The news comes via an Australian agency, who confirmed that said actor was indeed cast as the young Scott Summers.

Now how the heck the two will meet is impossible for me to fathom. I imagine this will just be a cameo, a young Scott brushes past Wolverine at a train station or bus stop. Knowing how these origin stories go, there will probably be some wink-nudge storyline where Wolverine snubs Cyclops somehow, leading to the instant dislike that springs up when the two meet again as adults. Or he will rescue the young Summers, thus making their prickly relationship something to be regretted. (How Summers will not remember is a mystery -- he wasn't brainwashed by Weapon X.)

Sigh. I keep on defending you, Hugh Jackman, assuring everyone you've got a handle on the character, but you're making it so hard for me! Why couldn't you have just mindlessly fought bears in the Canadian snow, wearing nothing but computer circuitry?!

X-Men Origins: Wolverine, and the entire pantheon of Marvel superheroes, hits theatres May 1st, 2009. Filming finished last week, so ostensibly they can't add any more characters ... can they?
Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>Cyclopshugh jackmanHughJackmanJames MarsdenJamesMarsdenTim PocockTimPocockwolverineX-Men Origins WolverineX-menOriginsWolverineElisabeth Rappe2008-05-07T10:02:00 00:002008-05-07T10:02:00 00:00Robert Downey Jr. and Jon Favreau Talk 'Iron Man 2'http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/07/robert-downey-jr-and-jon-favreau-talk-iron-man-2/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/07/robert-downey-jr-and-jon-favreau-talk-iron-man-2/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/07/robert-downey-jr-and-jon-favreau-talk-iron-man-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

In all the breathless excitement, possibility and release date for Iron Man 2, it's always good to step back and hear from the main men. You might be surprised (and maybe relieved) to know they haven't really started thinking about the sequel yet. On the other hand, one immediately begins to panic, thinking "Dear God, they won't actually ditch Jon Favreau, will they?" To answer that, Entertainment Weekly sat down with both Robert Downey Jr. and Favreau, the weariness apparent in their voices as they tried to actually comprehend doing it all again.

Let's start with Stark himself on where the sequel will go. "There's this idea of Terrence [Howard] putting on a suit and coming back as War Machine, who is pretty iconic in the Iron Man and Marvel universe. Just seeing where it can all go, but grounding it in a very modern mythology. I see it as the greatest dysfunctional family story ever told .... In The New York Post a couple days ago, [there was a cartoon] of Iron Man suited up, and he's telling the governor even his super-powers can't get him out of the budget problem. That was what Jon was hoping for and excited to see the most, the idea that Tony Stark and Iron Man can become part of the cultural fabric. When we heard posters were being defaced to promote political or social ideas, he just got such a hoot out of that."

Continue reading Robert Downey Jr. and Jon Favreau Talk 'Iron Man 2'

Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>Iron ManIron Man 2IronManIronMan2jon favreauJonFavreaurobert downey jr.RobertDowneyJr.The AvengersTheAvengersElisabeth Rappe2008-05-07T09:02:00 00:002008-05-07T09:02:00 00:00A Surprise Cameo in Jason Segel's Muppet Moviehttp://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/06/a-surprise-cameo-in-jason-segels-muppet-movie/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/06/a-surprise-cameo-in-jason-segels-muppet-movie/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/06/a-surprise-cameo-in-jason-segels-muppet-movie/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Well, it was a surprise. MTV caught up with Jason Segel to pry more Muppet movie tidbits from him, and it seems he was happy to oblige. He revealed he's written a cameo for a veteran of The Great Muppet Caper.

"I have a cameo for Charles Grodin in it. It's a really brilliant cameo, I must say. I'm really proud of it." Maybe we will find out if he ever tried Hare Krishna.

As to who else might be making an appearance -- well, just about everyone. "At one point they need all the Muppets they can get." And no, it won't be full of raunchy adult humor found in Segel's Forgetting Sarah Marshall. No Muppets will get high or drop trou. "When I get into Muppet mode I turn into a 12-year-old boy," he protested. "I think them seeing me in those meetings, they had no doubt I would be OK with the tone."

If you still doubt Segel, you really need to see Forgetting Sarah Marshall and witness the glory that is the Dracula musical. It sealed the deal for me. (Has anyone else noticed the TV spots always show him singing the Muppet theme song? Such a savvy marketing team.) I vote for Steve Martin to reprise his role as the cheap champagne hawking waiter. I don't know why, but the expression on his face when they request straws still gets me. Or Michael Caine, because I think he deserves a special Oscar for turning in such a perfect Scrooge alongside rats and frogs. In case Segel is reading, offer up requests of your own.
Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>Jason SegelJasonSegelmuppet movieMuppetMovieElisabeth Rappe2008-05-06T21:02:00 00:002008-05-06T21:02:00 00:00'The Knights Templar' Called Forth By Universalhttp://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/06/the-knights-templar-called-forth-by-universal/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/06/the-knights-templar-called-forth-by-universal/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/06/the-knights-templar-called-forth-by-universal/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

When I first saw this headline, I thought: "Yes! Hollywood has realized there are other time periods outside of Tudor England!" Then I read the details and went, "Oh. Not really, then."

The Hollywood Reporter announced that Universal has picked up The Knights Templar, a spec script penned by Adam Torchia and Justin Stanley. Timbur Bekmambetov and Marc Platt will produce.

The story revolves around the ever popular Knights Templar, who return from the Crusades to find a vampire army, intent on destroying the Holy Grail. Whether the Grail will actually be the Cup of Christ or something to do with Mary Magdalene remains to be seen. Knights vs. Vampires! Go!

Bekmambetov, the Russian director behind Wanted, Night Watch and its sequel, is obviously no stranger to the undead. No word on who is directing, but I wouldn't be surprised if there is a chair with his name on it as it seems perfectly suited to his style. THR notes that Universal is obviously confident in Wanted, and wants to keep him in the fold.

I was really hoping for a real historical movie about the Knights Templar. They're not my favorite subject, but I'm a sucker for those historical films, especially when they involve chainmail and castles. But Hollywood never seems to regard the medieval era as anything but high fantasy fodder, which is a downright shame because there are loads of movies begging to be made. Big medieval battles are cool enough on their own without adding vampires (which will inevitably be CG) into the mix. Besides, this movie will just lead to many guys showing up at the Renaissance Faire dressed as Knights Templar, but packing stakes and garlic alongside their swords. Yeah, that matters to me. I don't lace myself up in a corset to see guys in painted bedsheets, you know.

Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>The Knights TemplarTheKnightsTemplartimur bekmambetovTimurBekmambetovElisabeth Rappe2008-05-06T15:02:00 00:002008-05-06T15:02:00 00:00Rap Artist Common Joins 'Terminator 4'http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/06/rap-artist-common-joins-terminator-4/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/06/rap-artist-common-joins-terminator-4/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/06/rap-artist-common-joins-terminator-4/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

You know what must suck? When your big casting announcement arrives shortly after telling us that Terminator 4 will be PG-13, leaving mostly everyone with a "we give up" sort of attitude.

Variety announced that rapper Common, last seen in Street Kings and soon to be onscreen in Wanted, has joined Christian Bale, Sam Worthington, Anton Yelchin and Moon Bloodgood (a varied cast indeed) in Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins. He'll be playing a fellow freedom fighter and member of John Connor's inner circle.

Wait, has anyone in this movie not been cast as one of Connor's best friends forever? Maybe they should cast, you know, an actual terminator so they have something to fight. Although not having one would help achieve the PG-13 rating, and Connor could just rebuild society. Skip that whole War Against The Machines; it's too violent. Throw up a Wal-Mart, a Target, a Home Depot and an Olive Garden and call it a job well done.

Continue reading Rap Artist Common Joins 'Terminator 4'

Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>commonterminator 4Terminator4Elisabeth Rappe2008-05-06T09:32:00 00:002008-05-06T09:32:00 00:00New York Making Piracy an Actual Crimehttp://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/06/new-york-making-piracy-an-actual-crime/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/06/new-york-making-piracy-an-actual-crime/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/06/new-york-making-piracy-an-actual-crime/#commentsFiled under: ,

If someone were to get caught illegally recording a movie in New York City today, he would get charged with a violation (like a speeding ticket) and hit with, at most, a $250 fine. Not much of a deterrent, I daresay, for folks who make a criminal enterprise out of making and selling bootlegs. Furthermore, only the folks actually in the theater with the camcorder would get in trouble -- everyone else, like the people doing the selling, get off scot-free, assuming they're not breaking any other laws.

New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo was joined Monday by Tina Fey and a couple of other movie types for the unveiling of the "Piracy Protection Act," which would make piracy either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on whether you're a first-time or repeat offender, and punish it with actual, y'know, jail time (up to a year for first-timers). They're hoping to have the law in place within the month. So, uh, if you're in New York City and you're planning to bootleg something, I'd recommend doing it now.

This law is obviously a result of movie industry lobbying, as evidenced by MPAA president Dan Glickman standing by Cuomo's side at the press conference. Does the new punishment fit the crime? Will harsher punishments make a difference? (I'm not so sure -- especially not if New York law enforcement doesn't dedicate more effort to actually ferreting out the bootleggers.) And are you surprised to hear that up until now people could record movies with virtual impunity, even if they got caught?

ed note: Corrected Attorney General's name
Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>dan glickmanDanGlickmanpiracytina feyTinaFeyEugene Novikov2008-05-06T09:02:00 00:002008-05-06T09:02:00 00:00Warner Bros Digging 'The Ditch'http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/05/warner-bros-digging-the-ditch/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/05/warner-bros-digging-the-ditch/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/05/warner-bros-digging-the-ditch/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

This sounds like a job for Snake Plissken.

According to Variety, Warner Bros has just picked up the rights to The Ditch, a sci-fi action spec from Sascha Penn. Penn is known as being a producer of documentaries and music videos, but now he's aiming to make his mark on the world of sci-fi shoot 'em ups.

Ditch is set in the future, where a maximum security prison has been constructed on Jupiter's moon to house Earth's worst criminals -- I mean, hey, you don't build a prison on the moon of Jupiter for credit card fraud. (Although, I would still like to see the skank who stole my wallet shipped there -- my ATM card doesn't work to this day, and all so she could spend $80.00 at McDonalds!) One unlucky day, a prison guard's family is taken hostage and in order to save them, he must help the most notorious prisoner escape.

This really sounds like something Kurt Russell or Arnold Schwarzenegger would have done back in the day, and maybe like something Vin Diesel would do today. I know I'm always harping on the fact that Hollywood doesn't pick up nearly enough original stories, and then when a new script gets snagged, I mock it (with affection, I assure you). But when it comes to the world of science fiction, there are so many brilliant novels and short stories just crying out to be adapted, and it frustrates me to see those passed over again and again. But never say never -- maybe an Escape from Jupiter's High Security Facility can give us a hero as awesome as Snake Plissken?



Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>Elisabeth Rappe2008-05-05T16:32:00 00:002008-05-05T16:32:00 00:00Bollywood Takes on Story of Slain British Teenhttp://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/05/bollywood-takes-on-story-of-slain-british-teen/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/05/bollywood-takes-on-story-of-slain-british-teen/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/05/bollywood-takes-on-story-of-slain-british-teen/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It's not a pretty story. Imagine that your daughter is raped and murdered while staying at an Indian resort in Goa. You then have to force authorities to investigate what was originally ruled as a drowning, and then you don't even get to bring back all of your daughter. It sounds too weird to be true, and now the BBC reports that the story is getting made into a Bollywood film, with reports saying that "Prabhakar Shukla has already approached actress Katrina Kaif and will start filming in July."

In February, the 15-year-old Scarlett Keeling was murdered while in Doa. After an initial flub that ruled her death as a drowning, a murder investigation was opened, and two men have been arrested for her death. But the really strange part -- her uterus, kidneys, and stomach were removed and now her mother has to fight to have them returned. What the eff?! "The Indian government told Mrs MacKeown there was no system in place for her request to be carried out. Mr Varma said his client could formally request that the organs be flown back to the UK, but if this could not be done she would have to return to Goa." Umm ... okay.

The film is said to be welcomed by Scarlett's mom, if the facts are portrayed correctly, "... but if there is too much of a deterioration from the facts she will be disturbed by it because the film is what the Indian people will believe." Hopefully it helps her plight. I can't even begin to imagine having to fight to keep all of your daughter intact when she's laid to rest.
Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>BollywoodCinematicalScarlett KeelingScarlettKeelingtourism murder storyTourismMurderStoryMonika Bartyzel2008-05-05T15:02:00 00:002008-05-05T15:02:00 00:00'Gossip Girl' Creator is Developing a New 'X-Men' Scripthttp://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/05/gossip-girl-creator-is-developing-a-new-x-men-script/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/05/gossip-girl-creator-is-developing-a-new-x-men-script/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/05/gossip-girl-creator-is-developing-a-new-x-men-script/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We're already getting a bigger taste of Wolverine with X-Men Origins, and Magneto is also on the way, but now it looks like we're getting another new group picture. Black Book Magazine reportedly spoke with Gossip Girl creator Josh Schwartz, who says he's developing a prequel, but it isn't one like Origins. (What's with the desire for all these X-Men prequels!?)

Schwartz says: "I'm very well aware that I'll be bludgeoned by purists, but I love its mythology, and it comes with a pretty hefty paycheck." His idea for this whole affair is to follow a teen who attends the Xavier Institute. He says he won't be adding any new characters, so the question becomes: Which lucky X-Men character will Schwartz focus on? The writer goes on to diss The Incredible Hulk, saying that it "looks like it's going to be terrible. And why does he look like he's fighting against the monster from Cloverfield?" So, if he can pull this off to his tastes, it should be, at the very least, better than Hulk.

Even after the disappointment of the latest X-Men movie, I'd love to see another movie pop up with more than just Wolverine or Magneto. Unlike most action or geek fare movies, where I fall for the movie as a whole, I really dig a lot of the characters in X-Men and the way the actors portray them. I've spoken before about how much Hugh Jackman rocks as Wolverine, but there's also Magneto, Professor X, Mystique, and my other big favorite -- Anna Paquin's Rogue. But this will be something entirely different, and I wouldn't be surprised if it's a whole different set of actors. So, does this sound good to you, and which character should Schwartz be focusing on?

[via Ace Showbiz]
Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>CinematicalJosh SchwartzJoshSchwartzX-MenX-Men prequelX-menPrequelMonika Bartyzel2008-05-05T12:32:00 00:002008-05-05T12:32:00 00:00Two Face Revealed: Eckhart Talks 'The Dark Knight' http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/05/two-face-revealed-eckhart-talks-the-dark-knight/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/05/two-face-revealed-eckhart-talks-the-dark-knight/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/05/two-face-revealed-eckhart-talks-the-dark-knight/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Above: Aaron Eckhart as the villain Two Face in a very brief appearance during the latest trailer for The Dark Knight.

Fresh on the heels of the new trailer comes a Los Angeles Times interview with Aaron Eckhart. Possible spoilers abound -- in fact, I think there is a fairly huge one in there that I cannot believe slipped by. And people rag on us for being spoil sports! So, in order to preserve your innocence (I'm upset that mine is now gone), I shall copy the best quotes here.

Eckhart addressed the fact that the world has not been given a glimpse of his scarred district attorney, and promised that whatever fans have cooked up in their brains is nothing like what we're going to see. "That's right, people don't really know yet. I can tell you that, basically, when you look at Two-Face, you should get sick to your stomach. Being the guy under all that, well, that was a lot of fun for me. It's like you would feel if you met someone whose face had pretty much been ripped off or burned off with acid. I can't talk about it beyond that because I don't want to give away too much of the plans by Chris. There are fans on the Internet who have done artist's versions of what they think it will look like, and I can tell you this: They're thinking small; Chris is going way farther than people think."


Gallery: The Dark Knight

Continue reading Two Face Revealed: Eckhart Talks 'The Dark Knight'

Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>aaron eckhartAaronEckhartHarvey DentHarveyDentsummer 2008Summer2008the dark knightTheDarkKnightTwo-FaceElisabeth Rappe2008-05-05T10:32:00 00:002008-05-05T10:32:00 00:00'The Avengers' Set for July, 2011!http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/05/the-avengers-set-for-july-2011/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/05/the-avengers-set-for-july-2011/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/05/the-avengers-set-for-july-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Folks expected a huge opening take for Iron Man, but $201 million worldwide? Damn. And doesn't it feel a whole lot better when a film that makes that kinda money actually deserves to make that kind of money? Anyway, as expected, Marvel went absolutely nutty over this news and, while announcing quarter one profits, took some time to give us tentative release dates for Iron Man 2, Thor, Captain America and The Avengers. Marvel Entertainment will not release a film in 2009, but first up in 2010 will be Iron Man 2 on April 30. Two months later, on July 4, 2010, Thor will debut in theaters. So, like this summer, we'll be getting two Marvel flicks in 2010 -- and if Thor wants to claim fourth of July weekend, that film better know how to kick some serious ass. You don't jump on July 4th without knowing you have a set -- know what I mean?

Similarly, in 2011, Marvel Entertainment will debut another two films. First, on May 6, 2011, we have The First Avenger: Captain America (new title I believe). Then, in July, the biggie -- The Avengers! There was no word of an Ant-Man film in there, though last we heard it was in development with Edgar Wright attached. Honestly, unless they push The Avengers to 2012, I don't see where Ant-Man could fit in. Additionally, I imagine we'll have to wait to see how well The Incredible Hulk does, seeing as they may want to sequel-ize that one too. Otherwise, Iron Man will be the only franchise to debut a sequel prior to an full-on Avengers flick.

Phew. Chime in, folks. What do you think about it all?
Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>ant-mancaptain americaCaptainAmericacinematicalfeaturediron maniron man 2IronManIronMan2summer2008the avengersthe first avenger captain americathe incredible hulkTheAvengersTheFirstAvengerCaptainAmericaTheIncredibleHulkthorErik Davis2008-05-05T10:02:00 00:002008-05-05T10:02:00 00:00