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/Snag This: Hell on Wheelshttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/06/24/snag-this-hell-on-wheels/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/06/24/snag-this-hell-on-wheels/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/06/24/snag-this-hell-on-wheels/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

'Hell on Wheels'Hot chicks! Cool nicknames! Broken bones! Director Bob Ray spent five years documenting a fledgling, all-female roller derby league in Austin, Texas, and the result is Hell on Wheels, an energetic, snappy flick that's both entertaining and informative. Our friends at SnagFilms have made it available for free online viewing.

Dan Policarpo (AKA Roller Derby Dan) birthed the idea of a 21st Century version of roller derby, whose initial popularity peaked decades ago. Women readily responded, and Policarpo picked four that he felt would be good team captains: Heather, Anya, Nancy, and April. After he exited, the four decided to forge ahead with plans for a league, forming Bad Girl Good Woman Productions, even though they had no business experience. After two years of struggle, the first bout is held in front of 350 fans. Soon after that, the four decide to incorporate, which provokes a heated response from the players, who felt that they should have a voice in the business. Eventually things come to a head, a new league is formed (Texas Rollergirls) and emotions become heated.

"You not only get to follow women struggling with the world of business, you get to watch some kickass roller derby," wrote Jette Kernion in her review when the film debuted at SXSW in 2007. "Hell on Wheels follows all sides of the league controversies and offers us glimpses into the lives of the women involved."

After the jump: Watch Hell on Wheels!

Continue reading Snag This: Hell on Wheels

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>bad girl good woman productionsBadGirlGoodWomanProductionsBGGWbob rayBobRayhell on wheelsHellOnWheelsTexas RollergirlsTexasRollergirlsPeter MartinWed, 24 Jun 2009 15:02:00 ESTColumbia Postpones Soderbergh's 'Moneyball'http://www.cinematical.com/2009/06/21/columbia-postpones-soderberghs-moneyball/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/06/21/columbia-postpones-soderberghs-moneyball/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/06/21/columbia-postpones-soderberghs-moneyball/#commentsFiled under: , ,

You know things are bad in Hollywood when a production gets shut down just three days before it's supposed to start filming -- and when the production in question stars Brad Pitt and is directed by Steven Soderbergh. The last three movies those guys made together all had the word Ocean's in the title. What gives?

Well, according to Variety, Columbia Pictures chair Amy Pascal found the latest script revisions for Moneyball so different from what she'd originally greenlighted that she pulled the plug on Friday. Filming was supposed to start in Phoenix on Monday. This is the equivalent of canceling a flight while the plane is accelerating down the runway. Those script revisions must have really been something. Maybe Soderbergh had decided to turn it into a four-hour biography of Pancho Villa.

Moneyball is based on a nonfiction book that uses the 2002 Oakland A's baseball team as a case study for examining how less wealthy teams can compete with richer ones (like the Yankees) by hiring players whose statistics in certain areas -- but not the ones usually considered, like batting averages and RBIs -- indicate they'll perform well. Yes, it's a book about statistics. You can see why a movie would be a hard sell to begin with. But the book was a bestseller, appealing to baseball fans (who tend to love statistics) and readers who enjoy a good underdog story. Pitt was to play A's manager Billy Beane, whose theories about which players would be most valuable went against conventional wisdom but were ultimately vindicated.

Continue reading Columbia Postpones Soderbergh's 'Moneyball'

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>brad pittBradPittmoneyballsteven soderberghStevenSoderberghEric D. SniderSun, 21 Jun 2009 20:02:00 ESTExclusive: 'Big Fan' Poster Premiere!http://www.cinematical.com/2009/06/18/exclusive-big-fan-poster-premiere/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/06/18/exclusive-big-fan-poster-premiere/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/06/18/exclusive-big-fan-poster-premiere/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click image below to view entire poster

Cinematical has just received this exclusive poster for Big Fan, one of my favorite films from this past Sundance Film Festival and a must-see for anyone who's ever taken their fandom a bit too far. Written and directed by The Wrestler screenwriter Robert Siegel, Big Fan stars Patton Oswalt as a lonely New York Giants fan living out his days as an overnight parking lot attendant on Staten Island whose obsession with his favorite football team leads to an unfortunate (and embarrassing) incident involving his favorite player -- forcing our big fan to choose between his team and the rest of his life.

From my Sundance review: "... this isn't a film about sports, it's a film about fandom -- about being so in love with something you go overboard and neglect your friends, your family and your life in order to feed your addiction. This isn't a comedy about the goofy football fan who gets off on chanting and screaming his team's name; it's instead a cold, lonely drama (with brief moments of awkward humor) about the neurotic football fan who'd give up everything (and I mean everything) to see his team make the playoffs."

For more on Big Fan, check out our Sundance interviews with Patton Oswalt and Robert Siegel, and check out the full poster by clicking the image below. Big Fan will hit theaters later this year.

Gallery: 'Big Fan' Movie Poster

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>big fanbig fan movie posterBigFanBigFanMoviePostercinematicalpatton oswaltPattonOswaltrobert siegelRobertSiegelErik DavisThu, 18 Jun 2009 12:32:00 ESTThat 'Karate Kid' Reboot Gets a New Scribe Full of Happynesshttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/06/16/that-karate-kid-reboot-gets-a-new-scribe-full-of-happyness/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/06/16/that-karate-kid-reboot-gets-a-new-scribe-full-of-happyness/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/06/16/that-karate-kid-reboot-gets-a-new-scribe-full-of-happyness/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Like it or not, the Karate Kid reboot continues to fight its way forward. First came Jaden Smith, then Jackie Chan, and then a spanky new name in The Kung Fu Kid. Now The Hollywood Reporter's Risky Biz Blog reports that the the film is getting some Happyness in the form of screenwriter Steven Conrad. Yes, the same man who wrote little Jaden and Papa Will's Pursuit of Happyness.

Chris Murphy was originally slipped into the screenwriter gig, but now Conrad has taken over the story. Instead of fightin' in the U.S. of A., the action travels overseas to Beijing, where a young kid named Dre (Smith) moves with his single mom (Taraji P. Henson ofHustle & Flow and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button). Beyond the culture shock, this tyke must deal with jerky little bullies -- ones who will probably get a taste of justice after the kid finds a fighting mentor in a man named Mr. Han (Jackie Chan).

Conrad must be working fast, because the project will start filming next month. Now the only question that remains: what tone will this have? Feel-good teen fare? Sappy melodrama mixed with tormented tykes finding inner strength? Could it possibly have a whiff of humor a la The Promotion?

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>CinematicalKarate KidKarateKidKung Fu KidKungFuKidSteven ConradStevenConradThe Kung Fu KidTheKungFuKidMonika BartyzelTue, 16 Jun 2009 20:03:00 ESTDisney and Diane Lane Jump on 'Secretariat'http://www.cinematical.com/2009/06/11/disney-and-diane-lane-jump-on-secretariat/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/06/11/disney-and-diane-lane-jump-on-secretariat/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/06/11/disney-and-diane-lane-jump-on-secretariat/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Diane Lane's grabbing the reins in Disney's new film Secretariat. Lane will be starring as Penny Chenery, a housewife who takes over her father's thoroughbreeding farm after he falls ill. She learns the ropes fast, and her horse Secretariat goes on to win the 1973 Triple Crown. Secretariat will focus on her relationship with the prize-winning horse, which is a nice change from movies focusing on relationships between, say, Lane and Richard Gere as in 2008's weepy Nights in Rodanthe.

Randall Wallace, who wrote the screenplays for Atlas Shrugged, We Were Soldiers, Pearl Harbor, and Braveheart, is directing; he also directed We Were Soldiers and The Man in the Iron Mask. Mike Rich is behind the script; he also penned similarly inspirational flicks The Nativity Story, The Rookie, and Finding Forrester.

Secretariat sounds a little bit Seabiscuit-y and a little bit you-go-girl, with a distinct possibility for sappiness. Is Disney aiming for Diane Lane's demo or horse-loving young girls? It's too early to tell, but I'm just happy to see a movie with a strong female lead who isn't just interested in shoes and dudes. And despite some missteps with films like the aforementioned Nights in Rodanthe,Jumper, and Untraceable, Diane Lane pretty much rocks.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>diane laneDianeLanemike richMikeRichrandall wallaceRandallWallacesecretariatJenni MillerThu, 11 Jun 2009 19:12:00 ESTWho Should Play Lance Armstrong on the Big Screen?http://www.cinematical.com/2009/06/11/who-should-play-lance-armstrong-on-the-big-screen/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/06/11/who-should-play-lance-armstrong-on-the-big-screen/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/06/11/who-should-play-lance-armstrong-on-the-big-screen/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The speedy cyclist may have had his own chances to shine on the big screen, most notably when he shamed Vince Vaughn's Peter La Fleur in Dodgeball, but it's time for Lance Armstrong to get his biopic. The Hollywood Reporter posts in a surprisingly short news blip that the athlete's cinematic story might finally be coming out of gestation. An unnamed writer "well-versed in sports comeback stories" has signed on, and production could kick into gear early next year.

It's about time. There's only so many times one can watch Breaking Away before they want something new, and Armstrong's story is not only ripe for a bio, it's also a ridiculously recognizable story. There aren't many athletes who become as recognizable outside their sport as the cancer-beating cyclist. He beat the disease out of his testicles, lungs, abdomen, and brain, and went on to break records and win the epic Tour de France seven consecutive years.

Almost three years ago, Jake Gyllenhaal was seen all over the place with Armstrong, and it soon came out that Sony was quietly developing a feature and Jake wanted to nab the part. But three years is a long time, and Jake's busy with Persian life, so I imagine the casting door is wide open. So who should play Lance? Is Mr. Gyllenhaal right for the part, or is someone else better suited to battle cancer and kick arse in the Tour?

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>biopicCinematicalLance ArmstrongLanceArmstrongMonika BartyzelThu, 11 Jun 2009 13:15:00 ESTClint Eastwood's Latest Has a New Title and a Release Datehttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/06/05/clint-eastwoods-latest-has-a-new-title-and-a-release-date/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/06/05/clint-eastwoods-latest-has-a-new-title-and-a-release-date/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/06/05/clint-eastwoods-latest-has-a-new-title-and-a-release-date/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

As I drink my fourth cup of coffee and contemplate a nap, I look to my right at smiling, dapper Clint Eastwood and desperately want to know his secret to life. Because he's already finished his Nelson Mandela biopic / rugby film, and is probably prepping Hereafter or casting around his desk drawers for another script to film as he casually puts it on the awards path. How do you do it, Clint? How?!

According to Variety, Invictus, formerly The Human Factor, will arrive in theaters on December 11, 2009. Starring Matt Damon as rugby player Francois Pienaar, and Morgan Freeman in the daunting role of Mandela, it's based on John Carlin's book Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Made a Nation. It follows Nelson's release from prison, his election as president, the fall of apartheid, and his use of the 1995 Rugby World Cup to heal the nation. Its new title comes from the the William Ernest Henley poem which Nelson has recited often. And while that's a lot of history for one movie, this is also the director who did two WWII movies in one year.

Invictus' release date pits it against the long awaited The Lovely Bones, which is also being groomed for award season. Who will be victorious? Who will fail? Who cares, as long as Eastwood's still in the game, right?

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Clint EastwoodClintEastwoodfrancois pienaarFrancoisPienaarInvictusJohn CarlinJohnCarlinMatt DamonMattDamonmorgan freemanMorganFreemannelson mandelaNelsonMandelaPlaying the EnemyPlayingTheEnemythe human factorTheHumanFactorWarner BrosWarnerBrosElisabeth RappeFri, 05 Jun 2009 10:02:00 ESTJack Nicholson Eyes Reese Witherspoon's Softball RomComhttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/06/03/jack-nicholson-eyes-reese-witherspoons-softball-romcom/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/06/03/jack-nicholson-eyes-reese-witherspoons-softball-romcom/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/06/03/jack-nicholson-eyes-reese-witherspoons-softball-romcom/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Back in February I relayed the news that Ivy Miller and Wyatt Trips were reconnecting on the big screen. The still untitled romantic comedy will star Reese Witherspoon as a professional softball player who has to choose between two men -- Paul Rudd's white collar executive and Owen Wilson's 94 mph fastball hurler. (You can see Reese train here.) Well, this little picture was written by James L Brooks, the helmer of Terms of Endearment and As Good as It Gets, so it shouldn't come as too big of a surprise that he's eyeing Jack Nicholson for a role -- according to THR.

It turns out that Bill Murray has been in talks to play the father (presumably of Reese's character), but then lost interest. Meanwhile, Nicholson has been feeling the acting itch, so he might step fill the open spot for the director who helped him win two of his three Oscars. This, however is far from a reality right now. As the news post states: "Nicholson's deals are known for being notoriously hard to close and this one is still in the early stages." So Jack could easily lose interest as well before production kicks off later this month.

I say have at it and then find Nicholson something juicy. I'm not talking about the gigs that got him his more recent work, but something edgier, in line with his work in Easy Rider and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Wouldn't you agree?

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>CinematicalJack NicholsonJackNicholsonJames L BrooksJamesLBrooksMonika BartyzelWed, 03 Jun 2009 17:45:00 ESTDiscuss: Underrated Raimihttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/05/30/discuss-underrated-raimi/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/05/30/discuss-underrated-raimi/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/05/30/discuss-underrated-raimi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,



The old-school Sam Raimi fans are having a ball this weekend (I hope) with the director's long-awaited return to horror, the very cool Drag Me to Hell. And of course all of you know Mr. Raimi as the director of the Evil Dead trilogy and / or the Spider-Man trilogy, but it's easy to forget that this filmmaker has one rather impressive batting average. Doubly so if you're into good-time matinee-style genre flicks! So here's a chance to look back over some of the man's other films, mostly ones you've heard of (and probably seen by now), but flicks that are certainly worth a fresh look every now and again. I'll start with one of my true favorites ...

The Quick and the Dead (1995) -- Raimi's ode to the old-school western is an addictively entertaining mixture of A) a great ensemble, B) tons of nifty visuals, and C) tongue-in-cheek affection for the old-fashioned western tales. Plus it's not every day you see Sharon Stone, Gene Hackman, Russell Crowe, Leonardo DiCaprio shoot it out amongst themselves. And if you're a fan of character actors, this movie is an all-you-can-eat buffet of colorful performances: Keith David, Kevin Conway, Lance Henriksen, Tobin Bell, Pat Hingle, Gary Sinise, and on and on it goes. Great fun, especially if you love westerns.

Darkman (1990) -- Long before he was handed the keys to Spidey's cinematic web, Sam Raimi was already thinking about superhero movies. And he didn't even bother going with an established character! He and his brother just created one called Darkman! Just about everything that works so well in the Spider-Man series is included here, from the playful tone and stylish action to the crafty compositions and strong performances. Liam Neeson as a faceless vigilante! How can you not love that?

Continue reading Discuss: Underrated Raimi

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>a simple planASimplePlanCrimewaveDarkmanDrag Me To HellDragMeToHellEvil Dead trilogyEvilDeadTrilogyfeaturedFor the Love of the GameForTheLoveOfTheGameSam RaimiSamRaimiSpider Man trilogySpiderManTrilogyThe Coen BrosThe Giftthe hudsucker proxyThe Quick and the DeadTheCoenBrosTheGiftTheHudsuckerProxyTheQuickAndTheDeadScott WeinbergSat, 30 May 2009 21:02:00 ESTKevin Smith Will 'Hit Somebody' With Mitch Albomhttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/05/15/kevin-smith-will-hit-somebody-with-mitch-albom/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/05/15/kevin-smith-will-hit-somebody-with-mitch-albom/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/05/15/kevin-smith-will-hit-somebody-with-mitch-albom/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

A hockey movie from Kevin Smith seems like the most natural thing in the world -- so natural, in fact, that this news seems like a nonevent. What is surprising is the source material and writing partner Smith is employing, as he's teaming up with Mitch Albom to film an adaptation of Warren Zevon's song Hit Somebody. If you're a hockey fan, you know the bittersweet song about a Canadian farmboy who desperately wants to play hockey, but is good for nothing but fighting. I've embedded it below so you can check it out and follow along with Smith's ideas.

The film will be set in the 1970s in the final days of old-time hockey, the World Hockey Association, and blood-splattered ice. "The song's been one of my favorites since I heard it and I've always seen this whole movie behind," Smith told MTV News. I got in touch with Mitch because Warren Zevon has passed on and we started talking about it and he was into it and into what I was kind of pitching." While the story will have some comedy, Smith is styling it to be one of his most serious films yet. "I never once thought about winning awards or anything, but that movie I think can do it. If I play my cards right and we get the right people in it, it could be an award-type movie."

He's aiming to start filming in 2010 or 2011, naming it as the "the one I really want to do in a big, bad way." Perhaps this film is that "something else" he was hinting at. I think Smith could really get under the skin of a broken down hockey player, and if there's one person who can rescue the sport from being condemned to Slapshot remakes, it would be him.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>featuredHit SomebodyHitSomebodyhockeyhockey movieHockeyMovieKevin SmithKevinSmithMitch AlbomMitchAlbomWarren ZevoWarrenZevoElisabeth RappeFri, 15 May 2009 13:15:00 EST'American Gladiators' Heads to the Big Screenhttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/05/13/american-gladiators-heads-to-the-big-screen/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/05/13/american-gladiators-heads-to-the-big-screen/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/05/13/american-gladiators-heads-to-the-big-screen/#commentsFiled under: ,



Imagine an alternate universe where American Gladiators never came to your television set. Instead it was showing at every multiplex across the country. That was the original dream of show creator Johnny Ferraro, and now it might actually happen. I feel a bit like Egon from Ghostbusters passing this information along from Tobin's Spirit Guide.

Variety reports that indeed an American Gladiators movie is in the works, and that the "goal is to create an action story that takes place inside the world Ferraro has created." You mean like, a gym where people take swings at each other with giant padded q-tips? Stranger things have probably happened in the movie world, but I'm scratching my head to come up with one that's gone down this route.

The film will be produced by Scott Mednick, formerly of Legendary Pictures, with Martin Guigui of Sunset Pictures, Joe Allegro, and Johnny Ferraro serving as executive producers. Sunset is also picking up the tab on this one, which will surely include enormous bills for spandex and "performance enhancing drugs."

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>American GladiatorsAmericanGladiatorsJohnny FerraroJohnnyFerraroKevin KellyWed, 13 May 2009 11:02:00 ESTWait... What?! Christian Bale and David O. Russell Join 'The Fighter'!http://www.cinematical.com/2009/04/21/wait-what-christian-bale-and-david-o-russell-join-the-fig/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/04/21/wait-what-christian-bale-and-david-o-russell-join-the-fig/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/04/21/wait-what-christian-bale-and-david-o-russell-join-the-fig/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

While The Fighter might sound like it could have a fighting chance, bad luck has plagued the project for a while. Back in 2007, Mark Wahlberg and Matt Damon were attached, and Darren Aronofsky had signed on to direct. Then Damon dropped out, and Brad Pitt signed on. Then Pitt dropped out. Then Aronofsky.

When a light-haired beau and funky director leave, the studio must find replacements! Variety reports that Christian Bale and David O. Russell are in negotiations to join The Fighter, and offer another manly trio for Mark Wahlberg, who is still pumped and ready to fight. This will, of course, be the third feature for the manic director and Wahlberg, who previously worked on Three Kings and I Heart Huckabees, and O. Russell's second mainstream grab in a row (there's also that romantic comedy).

Should things go well from here, production will begin in July on the Rocky-esque story of Boston fighter "Irish" Mickey Ward. Wahlberg will play Ward, while Bale will take Dicky Ecklund -- the brother who once decked Sugar Ray, got involved with drugs and crime, cleaned up in jail, and then helped his brother do what he couldn't.

Yes, it sounds like the typical sports drama, but I can't help but have high hopes for anything that reunites Mark and David, and mixes Bale into the O. Russell world. Now if only we could get Bale into something strange and darkly comic again...

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Christian BaleChristianBaleCinematicalDavid O. RussellDavidO.RussellMark WahlbergMarkWahlbergThe FighterTheFighterMonika BartyzelTue, 21 Apr 2009 08:11:00 ESTExclusive: 'More Than A Game' Poster Premiere!http://www.cinematical.com/2009/04/15/exclusive-more-than-a-game-poster-premiere/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/04/15/exclusive-more-than-a-game-poster-premiere/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/04/15/exclusive-more-than-a-game-poster-premiere/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Cinematical has just received this exclusive poster for More Than A Game (click image below to enlarge), which instantly became a fan favorite when it premiered back at the Toronto International Film Festival last fall. Directed by Kristopher Belman, More Than A Game follows NBA phenom LeBron James and his four starting teammates (Dru Joyce, Romeo Travis, Sian Cotton and Willie McGee) back when they were part of the up-and-coming St. Vincent-St. Mary High School varsity basketball team -- and how each overcame his own adversaries in order to win ball games and remain on top. A feel-good story about friendship, loyalty and what it takes to become a true champion, More Than A Game also gives us a closer-than-ever look inside the historic rise of future NBA legend LeBron James. Basketball fans, this one is definitely for you.

More Than A Game will hit theaters on October 2. Check out the full poster by clicking the image below.

Gallery: 'More Than A Game' Poster

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>cinematicalfeaturedlebron jamesLebronJamesmore than a gameMoreThanAGameErik DavisWed, 15 Apr 2009 14:45:00 ESTWant an 'Ice Castles' Remake? Too Late!http://www.cinematical.com/2009/04/06/want-an-ice-castles-remake-too-late/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/04/06/want-an-ice-castles-remake-too-late/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/04/06/want-an-ice-castles-remake-too-late/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Because troubled times call for overwrought figure skating dramas, and love stories are always better if they're about inner sight or whatever... so we're getting a remake of Ice Castles. In fact, it's already begun filming in Nova Scotia, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Figure skater Taylor Firth has nabbed the lead, and Donald Wyre (who also helmed the original) will direct.

You remember Ice Castles -- the 1978 weeper starring Lynn-Holly Johnson and Robby Benson, about a champion figure skater who loses her sight (a favorite accident in' 70s and '80s melodrama) and has to find the will to carry on. She learns important life lessons along the way, such as "Don't be a nasty bitch to your hockey playing boyfriend or you'll go blind."

The remake will presumably follow the same story, and will also star Rob Mayes, Henry Czerny and figure skater Molly Oberstar. THR is listing "Olympic Medalist Nancy Kwan" as having a cameo, but I think they mean Michelle Kwan ... or do they mean Nancy Kerrigan? Perhaps both? Who knows.

This means it's only a matter of time before The Cutting Edge (that other "I was a bad person on and off the ice, so I went blind" movie) is remade. If they do, I hope they use my idea of a male figure skater forced to pair up with a female hockey player. It would make all the psycho chicks I played hockey with really happy, as they were always quoting "Toe pick!" in the locker room. (Because hockey skates don't have them, see, and it's really ... never mind.)



Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Donald WyreDonaldWyreIce CastlesIce Castles remakeIceCastlesIceCastlesRemakeSonyTaylor FirthTaylorFirthElisabeth RappeMon, 06 Apr 2009 17:32:00 ESTPoll: Does Jaden Smith, "Kung Fu Kid" Sound Better?http://www.cinematical.com/2009/03/30/poll-does-jaden-smith-kung-fu-kid-sound-better/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/03/30/poll-does-jaden-smith-kung-fu-kid-sound-better/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/03/30/poll-does-jaden-smith-kung-fu-kid-sound-better/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



From the get-go, the new Karate Kid film was going to be different. Ralph Macchio was traded in for Jaden Smith. Then Mr. Miyagi was traded in for Jackie Chan, thrusting the project into a more kung fu state of mind. And now, well, it sounds like Columbia Pictures is listening.

According to an interview with 3 News (toward the end of the interview), the film is no longer called Karate Kid -- Chan says it's now Kung Fu Kid. I'm thinking they should've decided this from the get-go and saved us all some energy. While the idea still doesn't appeal to me, it's a lot more palatable to say that you're taking the basic idea and going in a totally different direction, rather than throw fans of Daniel Larusso and Mr. Miyagi into aggravated hissy fits. Then again, there's a good possibility that this only came about because the legions seemed quite unthrilled with the news (even if it's insanely obvious to most of us that no one can replace Mr. Miyagi).

But there you have it -- the themes will be the same, but it won't be anything like the film we remember, and presumably, it won't step on the toes of the classic that many love.

But, what say you?

View Poll



[via First Showing]

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>CinematicalfeaturedJackie ChanJackieChanJaden SmithJadenSmithKarate KidKarateKidKung Fu KidKungFuKidMonika BartyzelMon, 30 Mar 2009 12:03:00 ESTHow Come There Are No Great Soccer Films?http://www.cinematical.com/2009/03/26/how-come-there-are-no-great-soccer-films/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/03/26/how-come-there-are-no-great-soccer-films/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/03/26/how-come-there-are-no-great-soccer-films/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sylvester Stallone in 'Victory'If soccer movies were as exciting as sportscaster Andrés Cantor makes scoring in real-life soccer matches sound ("GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!!!'), we wouldn't be asking this question. But even die-hard fans of both cinema and soccer must ask, Why have there been no great movies about the most popular sport in the world?

You might easily dismiss my thinking since I'm an American and I live in a city where (American) football is considered a religion, so why not listen to more informed opinions? Simon Clifford, team owner and manager, trained players for soccer film The Damned United, which opens in the UK tomorrow. He told Glenn Moore of The Independent UK: "If the football doesn't look right the whole film can fall flat."

Director Alan Parker (Midnight Express, Fame, Angela's Ashes) observed: "It's an impossibly difficult sport to replicate because football is seen primarily in wide-shot. The excitement unfolds seeing at least four players in one shot. This is very difficult to cheat. The illusion of film is about editing and close-ups." Parker notes that boxing, baseball, and American football lend themselves much more easily to film adaptations. "Most importantly, the skills cannot be replicated by actors as they can in boxing or baseball."

Is this all hogwash to cover up for the Brits' inability to make a great soccer movie? Bend It Like Beckham was pretty good, but not really great, was it? Is that the best we can hope for? Do you think John Huston's Victory, with Sylvester Stallone as a goalkeeper (pictured) and Pelé, is a hidden gem? Are we missing some awesome foreign-language flicks that capture the spirit of the sport? How come there are no great soccer movies?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>alan parkerAlanParkerbend it like beckhamBendItLikeBeckhamfeaturedsoccer moviesSoccerMoviesthe damned unitedTheDamnedUnitedvictoryPeter MartinThu, 26 Mar 2009 13:32:00 ESTMatt Damon Goes Blond For 'The Human Factor' http://www.cinematical.com/2009/03/16/matt-damon-goes-blond-for-the-human-factor/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/03/16/matt-damon-goes-blond-for-the-human-factor/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/03/16/matt-damon-goes-blond-for-the-human-factor/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Clint Eastwood's next Oscar contender (you know it will be) The Human Factor has just started shooting in South Africa, and The Bad and the Ugly has the first look. There's nothing too exciting here, except Matt Damon's hair color. As he's playing rugby star Francois Pienaar, captain of the South African rugby team, he's gone a lovely shade of gold.

The film is based on John Carlin's book of the same name, and costars Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela. It takes place during Mandela's first term as president, and centers on his attempt to unify the country with the 1995 Rugby World Cup. Already, people are saying the film will fudge the historical realities, but as it only just started shooting I think we can hold off on making that call just yet.

What I'm kind of amazed at is that Eastwood is fresh off the Gran Torino press junket (it's only just started playing across the Atlantic) and he's already shooting another movie. In South Africa. I'm really embarrassed by this as I get tired just cleaning my house, and Eastwood is what, five times my age? What's his secret? Is he not even laid low by jet lag? I really need to research his living habits. Mine just aren't cutting it.

Check out Damon playing some rugby below the jump.


Continue reading Matt Damon Goes Blond For 'The Human Factor'

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Clint EastwoodClintEastwoodFrancois PienaarFrancoisPienaarJohn CarlinJohnCarlinMatt DamonMattDamonMorgan FreemanMorganFreemannelson mandelaNelsonMandelaThe Human FactorTheHumanFactorWarner BrosWarnerBrosElisabeth RappeMon, 16 Mar 2009 22:02:00 ESTReview: Fired Up! http://www.cinematical.com/2009/02/20/review-fired-up/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/02/20/review-fired-up/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/02/20/review-fired-up/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The poster for Fired Up! emphasizes the letters "F" and "U," as if it were almost, but not quite brave enough to do something dirty. It's ostensibly a movie about two horny teenage high school football players (played by thirty year-olds) who sneak into cheerleader camp to get laid. It sounds like it could be a kind of Porky's and Meatballs sandwich. But the PG-13 rating that's required to lure in horny teenage boys prevents the characters from saying or doing anything dirty, like taking off too many clothes or having sex (in fact, there's arguably more male flesh on display here than female flesh). And so instead of sneaking, the boys have to pretend that they're on the team. And thus all the jokes, and the plot, go about halfway, then pull back in shame -- unless they're gay jokes, in which case anything goes. (Strange hypocrisy, that.)

Only Eric Christian Olsen as football captain Nick has enough of a carefree attitude to lighten things up; he's the one that makes a funny face or a snarky comment anytime anyone says or does anything stupid -- which is nearly all the time -- but even he can't save the entire film. His pal is sensitive Shawn (Nicholas D'Agosto), who has the misfortune to fall in love with his teammate Carly (Sarah Roemer), thereby losing interest in his mission. He can't have Carly because 1) he has lied to her about his reason for sneaking into cheerleading camp, and 2) she has an obnoxious boyfriend, a med student called Dr. Rick (David Walton) who sings along with Chumbawumba in his convertible BMW ("it's like the soundtrack to my life!"). Carly is also the only woman smart enough not to fall for the duo's seductive sweet-talk ("I don't usually open up like this") but she's even dumber than all the rest of the women, since she has fallen for Dr. Rick's annoying shtick.


Continue reading Review: Fired Up!

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>cinematicaleric christian olsenEricChristianOlsenfilmfired upFiredUpmovienicholas dagostoNicholasDagostosarah roemerSarahRoemerJeffrey M. AndersonFri, 20 Feb 2009 12:03:00 ESTFan Rant: For The Love of the Game -- Leave 'Slap Shot' Alone!http://www.cinematical.com/2009/02/03/fan-rant-for-the-love-of-the-game-leave-slap-shot-alone/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/02/03/fan-rant-for-the-love-of-the-game-leave-slap-shot-alone/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/02/03/fan-rant-for-the-love-of-the-game-leave-slap-shot-alone/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



We say it all the time -- "That's a film that should never be remade!" 95% of the time, its true. The latest to go through the remake treatment is the hockey classic Slap Shot -- and it's apparently been buzzed and bitched about since last summer, when Peter Steinfeld took the writing job. But now Variety announces that Dean Parisot will be directing, which means that it will take an act of God or Gordie Howe to stop this atrocity from happening.

First, it ought to be illegal to remake anything that starred Paul Newman. It's as simple as that. He's off limits from Fort Apache the Bronx to The Sting, and everything in between. Secondly, Slap Shot is just one of those perfect pieces of Americana -- one of those grungy comedies that could only be made in the 1970s. It's old time hockey as it doesn't exist anymore -- the days when helmets were "optional" and considered to be for wimps, and when the blood flowed freely, and guys really did wrap their knuckles in foil. You can't go into a hockey locker room to this day without hearing someone quote this film. Not an amateur practice goes by without at least one person sporting a Chiefs jersey. Everyone in and outside of the hockey world can quote it, everyone's got a favorite scene ... or two ... or three. It's a classic.

Continue reading Fan Rant: For The Love of the Game -- Leave 'Slap Shot' Alone!

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>dean parisotDeanParisotPaul NewmanPaulNewmanpeter steinfeldPeterSteinfeldSlap ShotSlap Shot remakeSlapShotSlapShotRemakeElisabeth RappeTue, 03 Feb 2009 12:02:00 ESTMichael Sheen Leads Leeds in 'The Damned United' Trailerhttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/01/31/michael-sheen-leads-leeds-in-the-damned-united-trailer/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/01/31/michael-sheen-leads-leeds-in-the-damned-united-trailer/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/01/31/michael-sheen-leads-leeds-in-the-damned-united-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , ,



I'm not a huge fan of football (or soccer, as it's known to those in the US), and I know almost nothing about the history of the sport. But man, I'm dying to see The Damned United after the watching the trailer above (courtesy of Empire).

I was a bit intrigued by the cast back in April of 2008 -- Michael Sheen as Brian Clough, plus Jim Broadbent, Timothy Spall, and Colm Meany were sure to make an interesting feature, but I've got a feeling that this project will appeal to more than just Leeds fans and those who admire the skill of character actors.

There's real-life Ali, catchy retro tunes, and the best use of color that I've seen in a long time -- every single scene, from carefully shot pensive moments to muddy football action, looks just beautiful. However, the appeal extends well beyond art. The trailer does a heck of a job also showcasing the sport, humor, drama, and all the bits that make for a good film.. It also doesn't hurt that Sheen is just about the best thing to happen to the world of film in a long time.

Unfortunately, there's no international release date yet, but lucky Brits can see it starting March 27.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>CinematicalMichael SheenMichaelSheenThe Damned UnitedTheDamnedUnitedMonika BartyzelSat, 31 Jan 2009 13:02:00 EST