the weinstein co Tagged Articles at Cinematical

Who knows what finally convinced Neve Campbell to return to the Scream franchise, but according to Variety (and Bob Weinstein), she'll join both Courteney Cox and David Arquette in a fourth installment set to begin production in April or May. This fourth installment will be the first in a new trilogy, and The Weinstein Co. is in talks with Wes Craven to helm at least the first film. No word on whether Campbell and the Cox-Arquette duo will stay on past the first flick or be hacked up five minutes in (I'd vote for the latter).

The Weinstein Co. have been battling rumors of money trouble for awhile now, letting go of employees and delaying films due to lack of funds and manpower. Now, though, Bob Weinstein says the company will be returning to some of the franchises that helped produce box office, and in addition to three new Scream films, they're bringing Robert Rodriguez back to write and direct Spy Kids IV in 3D, with production on that set to begin in March of 2010 (so much for Sin City 2 ...). Also on the agenda for Weinstein is a third Halloween movie in 3D, as well as remakes of Hellraiser, Scanners (in 3D), Short Circuit and American Werewolf in London. On whether Weinstein will be able to handle all these films without bankrupting the company or delaying release dates for years on end, Bob notes, " ... there is no question that financing is readily available to produce and market these films."

Guess we'll see about that ...

In a move highly reminiscent of Fanboys idol George Lucas, the Weinsteins have announced they will be releasing two editions of the still-unreleased movie on DVD. The problem is, they still haven't announced a theatrical or DVD release date for either version.

The Hollywood Reporter has the long and torturous story. If you've been following this poor film's route, you know that the movie centers on a group of friends trying to sneak into Skywalker Ranch so that their cancer-stricken friend can see The Phantom Menace. The Weinsteins decided the entire cancer subplot should be removed, and spent $2 million on reshoots, only to have the film begin failing test screenings.

Now, fans (led, it must be said, by the 501st Stormtrooper Legion) have gone on the warpath. 30,000 e-mails have been sent to the production company, along with threats of a boycott of all Weinstein films, a picket line at Superhero Movie, and cries of "Darth Weinstein!" have forced the company's hand -- slightly. The Weinstein Co has agreed to release two versions of the film on DVD -- the original, and the reshot version, and are pondering whether to release both in the theatre.

My favorite part of attending a film festival comes when you discover a smaller film that hits you in a way that almost forces you to throw up everything you know about the flick whenever someone asks. They could be, like, "So, how ya feeling today?" And then you can't help but answer, "I'm good ... but you HAVE to see this friggin' film. It's called (insert the title) and it's unbelievable -- easiest the best thing I've seen in the history of best things I've seen ... times a gabillion!"

Okay, maybe you don't flip out like that -- but you get the idea. So far this year I've hit up Sundance, Slamdance and SXSW, with plans to soon visit the Gen Art Film Festival here in New York, as well as Tribeca soon after. Thankfully, I've seen two films that absolutely rocked my world, and if I could use every other post just to write about them -- in the hopes all of you will go see these films, and champion them -- I would. But I can't. So from time to time, I will pop in, mention the titles and hope something sticks. As of right now, these are the two films I am championing this year: The Hottie and the Nottie and ... just kidding. Kidding, people. I'm KIDDING! God! Chill out.

AnyWAY, here are the two films: Dear Zachary: a letter to a son about his father (Slamdance) and The Promotion (SXSW). The first is a gripping, tear-jerker of a documentary from a very cool dude named Kurt Kuenne. Alex from First Showing went to see Zachary at SXSW on my recommendation and it blew him away. It will blow you away. Fingers crossed a deal comes soon ... and you bet I'll be back telling you all about it.

The Promotion, on the other hand, is all the way on the other end of the spectrum. It's a comedy. A dry comedy ... where Seann William Scott plays the straight man -- go figure. Not sure if the Weinstein Co. know they have a little gem in their basket; hopefully Kirk Honeycutt didn't scare them stupid. This one is set to come out on June 6, so make sure you're there.

Which films are you absolutely nutty about this year -- to the point where you stop random strangers in the street to tell them all about it?

During a very long and detailed blog entry over on his website, Kevin Smith "dropped the bomb" that The Weinstein Co. have officially passed on his planned "horror" flick Red State. As Kevin points out, this is the first time the Weinsteins have ever passed on one of his projects, which, in Kevin's mind, means it might be time to shack up with someone else on a film. And I love the way they passed; you will only here reasons like this in Hollywood, folks. Here, from Kevin himself: "The only explanation Michael gives me is 'Harvey thought it was more of a Bob flick and then Bob didn't get it. They'd rather just concentrate on 'Zack and Miri' at the moment, which we're all pumped about.'" I mean, I can see why they passed -- Smith is known for his raunchy slice-of-life comedy, and the chances the Weinsteins have taken in the last year (ahem, Grindhouse) haven't paid off so well. Zack and Miri is more along the lines of what Smith's fans are used to, and so they'd rather go with that over his "experimentation film."

But I'll be real honest with you, and Kevin kind of says the same thing -- I have a feeling the Weinsteins are passing on something good. I haven't read the script for Red State (though I'd love to), but I can't be the only one who's dying to see Smith flirt with something completely out of his comfort zone. Here's how Smith reacts to the news: "It might be nice to see if we can get something done without them. Whether it'll be nice or not, however, it's what's in the cards, as they don't feel the flick is very commercial. And, in truth, on the surface, it may not be - unless we get the buzz I think we'll get off the festival circuit. Regardless, it's not something we'll have to think about 'til after we're done with "Zack and Miri Make a Porno." So, as of now, Red State is on hold. Should Zack and Miri kill at the box office, I'm sure the Weinsteins will be back in Kev's ear, itching for another comedy. But I hope he sticks to his guns, and goes after Red State. It'll find a home, I'm sure, and I'd really love to see it.

Of Note: It appears Seth Rogen is rumored to be up for the part of Zack in Zack and Miri Make a Porno. How interesting would that be if the Apatow world mixed with Smith's Askewverse? I'd dig it -- you?

Regardless of whether you grew up listening to the music of Bob Dylan, or perhaps overheard your parents talking about the man at the "grown-ups table" during Thanksgiving dinner, director Todd Haynes has taken hold of the Dylan myth and brought his extraordinary vision to the big screen -- starring some of our favorite actors working today, all of whom play Bob Dylan. I know, it's confusing, but I have a feeling you'll totally dig it. Cinematical is happy to present the final one-sheet for Haynes' flick I'm Not There (click on the poster for a larger image), in which folks like Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Richard Gere and Cate Blanchett all take on a different and unique version of Dylan in order to present you with a film unlike any arriving in theaters this fall.

I'm Not There recently screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, where our own James Rocchi had this to say: "I'm Not There is so sleek and stylish as to nearly disappear from sight as you're watching it. But at the same time, you recognize the pleasure of the cleverness -- the gall of looking at one of America's pop cultural icons through a fractured lens and, yes, at the end, bringing it all back home. Now and then I'm Not There feels like an extended, inventive inside joke with a soundtrack to die for." Man, the Dylan nut in me is itching to see this one. I'm Not There opens in theaters on November 21, and, additionally, you can listen to James' interview with director Todd Haynes over here.

Holy bleeping crap! According to The Hollywood Reporter, Michael Cera (Superbad, Arrested Development) has signed on to star in the adaptation of Youth in Revolt, which just happens to be one of my favorite books of all time. Michael bleeping Cera! I've literally been losing my mind over this movie for the past year because the book is so massive -- and so much happens -- that I had no idea how in the world they would adapt it for the big screen. God Bless screenwriter Gustin Nash, because this one must have been a bitch to get right. There's currently no director lined up (IMDb has Nash listed, but that's not correct -- and I know of one guy who's taken a meeting about it, but I'm not allowed to say). But before I go on, let me just say (to those that have never read it): You have to go out and buy this book. Youth in Revolt, by C.D Payne. And then when you're finished, you can purchase the follow-up book, Revolting Youth. There's also a couple of others, but start with those two. I swear to you, this thing will have you in stitches by page 20, and when you're done you'll be itching to share the experience with someone else.

The book, which is separated into three books (although they all come together) follows a very unlucky teenager named Nick Twisp, who I assume will be played by Cera. Twisp also has a best friend named "Lefty" (I won't spoil why that's his nickname), and Cera would be good for either role -- HR doesn't specify the part, only that Cera will star. But basically, we follow Nick through what he writes in his own personal journals, and join him in his neverending quest to win the love of one "Sheeni" Saunders. And let's just say this kid will stop at nothing to get this girl to dig him. Now HR only goes over the plot description from the first book, so I'm not sure if The Weinstein Co. plan to make this a trilogy or smash all three (or four) books into one movie. The latter would literally be impossible without losing a slew of classic material, so we'll have to see where they go with it. Also, Cera is a tad old to play Twisp (who I believe was something like 14 or 15 in the book), so I imagine they'll either age him down a tad or just make Nick that much older (Cera is 19).

Personally, I think Cera is absolutely perfect for the role. Nick Twisp has a bit of cocky arrogance to him (something I haven't seen from Cera yet), but he's also incredibly clumsy and moronic -- and somewhat of an intellectual (well, at least he tries to be). He comes up with the most outrageous ideas and convinces himself, as well as those around him, that it's the way to go. Crap, I can talk about this book all day long -- but what about you? Have you read Youth in Revolt? Can you picture Michael Cera as Nick Twisp?

The good folks over at The Weinstein Co. have provided Cinematical with an exclusive look at the first and final one-sheet for John Cusack's upcoming drama, Grace is Gone (click on the poster for a larger image). Not only have I heard that Cusack is exceptional (and perhaps Oscar-worthy) in his role, but the poster also confirms that Clint Eastwood, as previously rumored, did indeed re-score the film. Interesting. Grace is Gone follows a man (Cusack) who, after finding out his wife was killed in the Iraq war, decides to take his two daughters on a road trip to an amusement park because he can't quite figure out how to tell them their mother has passed on.

Our own James Rocchi reviewed the film when it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, and had this to say: "Grace is Gone has the look of life, and the glow of art. The film is as affecting -- and as ultimately human -- as one might hope, and it still brings home the ugly real fact that for too many Americans, the evening news isn't just background noise." Additionally, Cinematical's Scott Weinberg (who also caught the flick last winter) adds: "Melted the heart of this cynical jerk. Guaranteed to make my year-end Top 10." Grace is Gone arrives in theaters on October 5. Oh, and don't forget to bring those tissues -- I'm getting choked up just writing about it.

We knew something was just a tad off when the only poster for the soon-to-be-released indie horror flick All the Boys Love Mandy Lane hit streets only two weeks before the flick was supposed to land in theaters. Not to mention the marketing campaign was non-existent (Cinematical has spent more time hyping up this film than The Weinstein Co. or Dimension Films). And so I'm not surprised to hear (via Shock Till You Drop) that rumor has it Weinstein/Dimension has officially dropped Mandy Lane from its July 20 slot. Keep in mind this hasn't been confirmed, and there's no information on whether the film will be released at a later date instead, but all signs are pointing to ... Mandy Lane getting screwed, but not loved.

The film, which first premiered at last year's Toronto Film Festival (to rave reviews from our own James Rocchi), focuses on a pretty girl (Amber Heard) who's invited to a weekend party at a secluded ranch. However, once there, partygoers begin mysteriously disappearing one by one -- and, well, so it goes. Could this hesitation on Dimension's part have something to do with the negative attention horror films have been receiving lately, and/or the box office failure that was Grindhouse? And what does this mean for the other fantastic horror-related films The Weinstein Co. picked up from various festivals throughout the year -- like, say, Teeth (which is a film I absolutely loved and haven't heard a peep about since seeing it in Berlin back in February)? Chalk this one up as rumor for now; we'll let you know when more info is revealed.

Last we heard about Sin City 2, the script was finished and Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller were gearing up to start shooting later this summer (apparently, Rodriguez may also have a teaser prepared). But then Grindhouse bombed at the box office. According to an interview with Michael Madsen over on Premiere.com, those Grindhouse failures might end up squashing the entire Sin City franchise going forward. When asked about the highly-anticipated sequel, Madsen replied: "They haven't shot it yet. I don't know if they ever will. I am not sure [about] the franchise. I think the Grindhouse thing didn't kind of work out..." But has he even seen a script yet? "No. I talk to Frank Miller quite often. He came up to my house and we drank a lot of tequila. Frank is pretty funny. I haven't seen the script for Sin City 2. I don't know if they are gonna make it. I hope they do. And if and when they do, I will be in it."

Call me crazy here, but to put the kibosh on a very lucrative (and entertaining) franchise all because one film (geared toward a very particular audience) didn't do well at the box office would be -- how shall I say this and not sound cruel -- utterly moronic. I tend to think that Madsen won't be brought into the loop until its time to shoot his scenes, but you'd think the guy would've at least seen a script if the film was supposed to start shooting in a month or two ... and he was in it. Could it be that The Weinsteins were so let down by the performance of the Rodriguez/Tarantino flick that they're actually questioning moving forward? Seeing as we haven't heart anything in quite some time, there might be some truth behind what Madsen is saying. And if so, that's a real bummer. Premiere also asked the actor about his participation in Quentin Tarantino's WWII epic Inglorious Bastards. As far as that goes -- guess what -- Tarantino is still writing it. When will this guy ever finish writing it? More importantly, will The Weinstein Co. back that one if they eventually decide to wipe their hands clean of Sin City? Lots to talk about folks -- what do you think?

Last November, when I interviewed Melissa George for the horror film Turistas, we ended up talking about another project on her horizon, the psychological thriller Waz, with Stellan Skarsgard. George said the film had a "genius storyline" but sort of went around the world when describing it, not wanting to be pinned down on an actual plot description. "It's about altruism in nature and whether you'd kill someone you love in order to survive yourself," she said. When pressed, she gave me a monkey analogy. "In nature there are some animals who will put themselves on the front line to be killed in order to save the kingdom, because they are the same gene pool. They don't care. They just want to survive. One monkey will go out in front of another and get killed in order to save 300 of them behind him. You know what I mean? Whereas, humans, we're a separate gene pool." Hmmm ...

Anyway, the trades are reporting that just as the Cannes fest was closing, the Weinsteins made a couple of last-minute deals, and one of them was to pick up North American home video rights to Waz. The film, which is described in the article as "the story of a detective (Skarsgard) stalked by a serial killer," will be released through the Genius home video label, although when hasn't been specified. In addition to Waz, the Weinsteins also picked up North American rights to the Joy Division biopic Control and Australian rights to the animated film Persepolis -- both of the latter were reviewed by our own James at Cannes.