WhiteNoise2 Tagged Articles at Cinematical

From the "news we saw coming a mile away" department: Universal's White Noise 2: The Light has, after being yanked out of its late January release slot, been remanded to the direct-to-video slate. According to Fangoria, the semi-sequel to White Noise has yet to receive a video store release date -- but it's definitely NOT going to be playing in any multiplexes any time soon. Frankly I'm a little surprised that this one was ever truly considered a "theatrical release" sort of movie.

The first flick was a surprise hit in January of 2005, but that was most likely due to a) Michael Keaton's presence in the movie, and b) the fact that there's nothing worth seeing most Januaries! The news should come as no big shock to director Patrick Lussier; of the four movies he's already written, only one of 'em (Dracula 2000) ever saw the inside of a movie house. The folks who have ample cause for disappointment are screenwriter Matt Venne (this is his first feature) and leading man Nathan Fillion -- a seriously entertaining actor who just can't seem to catch a break these days. His first two movies, Serenity and Slither, while both really cool, pretty much died at the box office -- and his next one (the fantastic Waitress) might not hit screens for the better part of a year. I'm guessing a White Noise 3 is pretty much out of the question at this point.

Although it was recently removed from Universal's January slate (and placed in the "TBD" bin), that won't stop the flick White Noise: The Light from hitting UK cinemas on January 5. The semi-sequel stars Nathan Fillion and Katee Sackhoff; random internet buzz asserts that Universal wants to hold the U.S. release until Fillion's Drive debuts on Fox later this year, but the delay could also be a lot simpler: Maybe the movie stinks.

But while all you Fillion fans scratch your head and pout about not being able to see White Noise 2 next month, here's the flick's first official theatrical trailer. (After just watching the clip, I'm more comfortable calling it a "teaser" and not a "trailer.") You can also add a friend's name to the trailer in order for them to get a "creeeepy" message when the clip ends, but I generally don't bother with such silliness.

The original White Noise (which starred Michael Keaton) inspired a sequel by debuting last January and riding a pretty impressive opening to a $57 million domestic haul. Aside from seeing Keaton back on the silver screen (and in a starring role, no less) I didn't think a whole lot of White Noise, and the sequel looks to be the same deal for me: Big fan of the star; not so interested in dead people who speak through radio static.

For the record, White Noise 2 was directed by the man who brought us Dracula 2000 (as well as its two sequels) and was written by Matt Venne, who has an episode of Masters of Horror under his belt.

Even though this isn't a TV site (that's TVSquad, if you're interested) I can't help but mention the latest exploits of one of my favorite actresses, Katee Sackoff. In case you've been living on an island that doesn't get the sci-fi channel, Sackoff currently stars in one of the best (if not the best) shows on TV -- Battlestar Galactica. On the show, Sackoff plays tough-as-nails fighter jock Kara "Starbuck" Thrace who's favorite pastimes include cards, cigars, booze and kicking Cylon ass.

Sackoff is terrific as the talented but often troubled Starbuck and she's enjoyed a great deal of success and recognition because of the show -- after appearing in some more forgettable film projects like My First Mister and Halloween: Resurrection. Now that she's reached this higher level of success and recognition, what does she want to do next? According to a recent interview on sci-fi wire, like many actors, she wants to stretch and get as far away from her Starbuck character as possible by playing a role exactly the opposite in the upcoming sequel to White Noise called White Noise 2: The Light.

In the film, Sackoff plays a nurse who's life is saved by a man (played by Serenity star Nathon Fillion) that helps people who are about to die. Describing her character in the interview, Sackoff said: "I don't think she is anything like Starbuck, and people are going to see a different side of me." Of course, this vastly different character also presented a problem for the actress in some cases -- especially during a scene in the film where she's being attacked by a mugger. "This is so weird to me. If this was Battlestar Galactica, I would just drop-kick him. I'm having a really hard time doing the whole damsel-in-distress, screaming thing."

In addition to getting to play a very different character, Sackoff is also excited about the story of her new film. The sequel is a "great story," Sackoff said in the interview. "It's all about death's design and when it's your time to go and what you have to do rectify the situation when you get saved. It's very interesting." I have to admit I do like stories that deal with these kinds of issues and I'm glad that Sackoff is getting a chance to stretch. She has a right to take parts that can show other sides of her acting abilities. I only have one favor to ask -- don't stretch for too long Katee. I like you right were you are -- in the cockpit of that Viper, kicking ass and taking names.

White Noise 2: The Light will be released in early 2007.