Cinematicalhttp://www.cinematical.comCinematicalhttp://www.cinematical.com/media/feedlogo.gifCinematicalhttp://www.cinematical.comen-usCopyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Spike Lee Moves Forward on 'Inside Man 2'http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/06/spike-lee-moves-forward-on-inside-man-2/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/06/spike-lee-moves-forward-on-inside-man-2/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/06/spike-lee-moves-forward-on-inside-man-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Funny, too, because my friends and I were just discussing Inside Man last night. My good pal has a thing for when Denzel yells, "This ain't no robbery!" -- and for some odd reason, he's always saying it (in Denzel's voice). Everyone has THAT quote-crazy friend, ya know? But anyway, The Hollywood Reporter tells us that Spike Lee is moving forward with a sequel to Inside Man over at Universal -- a project that's been in the works for awhile now, but took a backseat when Lee decided to make Miracle at St. Anna. The director would return to the film in the same role, with Terry George (Hotel Rwanda, Reservation Road) currently in negotiations to write the screenplay.

Universal and Lee made a killing on the first Inside Man, which, in my opinion, was one of the more enjoyable heist flicks of the past few years, and so it's no surprise they're looking to dive in for more. Though they're not signed on yet, both Denzel Washington and Clive Owen are interested in reprising their roles -- and THR says the sequel will "continue the relationship between the two man characters but in a new high-tension situation." Not a big fan of the "it made $175 million so we have to do the sequel" thought process, but if there's a duo I'd like to see reunited on screen, it would be Clive and Denzel. Both were excellent in the first film.

What do you think? Down for more Inside Man? And where could you see them taking these characters?

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]]>cinematicalclive owenCliveOwendenzel washingtonDenzelWashingtoninside maninside man 2InsideManInsideMan2spike leeSpikeLeeErik DavisSat, 06 Sep 2008 12:32:00 ESTMark Cuban Picking Up 'Che'?http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/06/mark-cuban-picking-up-che/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/06/mark-cuban-picking-up-che/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/06/mark-cuban-picking-up-che/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The New York Post ran a little piece yesterday about hearing a rumor that Mark Cuban's Magnolia pictures has signed to distribute Steven Soderbergh's Che, which James and I saw at Cannes and very much enjoyed. I emailed Cuban earlier to ask whether the rumor is true, and got back from him "working on it," which to me sounds very promising. Cuban's a smart guy and he's not afraid to take risks; now he'll just have to figure out how to package and market the damn thing.

Many of us who loved the film at Cannes pondered over drinks after that screeing who would be brave enough to pick it up for distribution, and whether if it did get picked up it would show in one part in its entirety with an intermission, as we saw it at there, or two separate films, or perhaps one greatly edited shorter film. I'm glad to hear that someone's going to pick it up, and I'm curious now to see which way Cuban will play the release of the film. Any thoughts from those who've seen it as to which you'd prefer?

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]]>chemark cubanMarkCubansteven soderbergKim VoynarSat, 06 Sep 2008 08:02:00 ESTRobert DeNiro Drops 'Edge of Darkness'http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/05/robert-deniro-drops-edge-of-darkness/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/05/robert-deniro-drops-edge-of-darkness/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/05/robert-deniro-drops-edge-of-darkness/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The water surrounding Edge of Darkness was already rather tepid -- I'm going by the comments here on Cinematical, and the dutiful, but unenthusiastic reporting it's attracted. Were it 1996, and Mel Gibson was still everyone's favorite action star, the buzz would be something else.

But now, the rumors might really start flying. Variety reports that Robert DeNiro has abruptly left the production, which has been shooting since August 18th, though this was his first week on set. The only word came from his spokesperson, and it was good and curt. "Sometimes things don't work out; it's called creative differences." The Boston Herald has a little gossipy tidbit about DeNiro shooting a golf scene, which hardly seems big enough to have led to such unworkable tension. Was it the delay caused by excavating the sand pit? (I'm being sarcastic, of course, because I hate not knowing the truth behind a dry label like "creative differences.") We can speculate all day as to why -- is it actually worse than Analyze That, or what?

Shooting will continue, obviously filming around scenes of DeNiro's character as they run around recasting. Frankly, this could work out for the best -- many last minute casting changes do. But this film hardly needs the hint of scandal, not when the beleaguered Gibson is involved.

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]]>Edge of DarknessEdgeOfDarknessMartin CampbellMartinCampbellMel GibsonMelGibsonRobert DeNiroRobertDenirowilliam monahanWilliamMonahanElisabeth RappeFri, 05 Sep 2008 20:32:00 ESTMaguire and Raimi Back for Spider-Man 4 and 5!?http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/05/maguire-and-raimi-back-for-spider-man-4-and-5/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/05/maguire-and-raimi-back-for-spider-man-4-and-5/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/05/maguire-and-raimi-back-for-spider-man-4-and-5/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Though nothing has been made official yet, Nikki Finke over at Deadline Hollywood says the deal is done to bring both Tobey Maguire and Sam Raimi back for Spider-Man 4 and 5. Not only that, but Finke also claims the exclusive on a story we broke right here at Cinematical months ago (thanks for the credit Nikki) -- that Sony plans to shoot both films back to back, not just because it's cheaper, but also because we were informed that James Vanderbilt's (Zodiac) script included a story arc that encompassed two films, not one.

As far as Kirsten Dunst goes, she currently does not have a deal, but Finke claims her character will return and Sony is not interested in recasting her. Villains? While there's been no announcement yet, a source claims that "once you find out who the villain is, you'll know who's playing him." Naturally, that leads everyone to believe that Dylan Baker will reprise his role and ultimately become The Lizard. Should they continue along the same path Spider-Man 3 went down, one imagines another villain (or two) will show up, perhaps as a way to tease us into the fifth film. I'm sure more will arrive online soon, so until then ... are you happy about Maguire and Raimi returning to the franchise?

Spider-Man 4 is currently scheduled to arrive in May, 2011.

UPDATE: The Hollywood Reporter confirms the Spidey story today.

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]]>cinematicalfeaturedkirsten dunstKirstenDunstsam raimiSamRaimispider-man 4spider-man 5Spider-man4Spider-man5tobey maguireTobeyMaguireErik DavisFri, 05 Sep 2008 17:40:00 ESTJennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany Debate 'Creation'http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/05/jennifer-connelly-and-paul-bettany-debate-creation/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/05/jennifer-connelly-and-paul-bettany-debate-creation/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/05/jennifer-connelly-and-paul-bettany-debate-creation/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Acting couple Paul Bettany and Jennifer Connelly must have decided that life would be too calm after November 2008 -- so they have signed to play Charles and Emma Darwin in Creation. Yes, the Darwins. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film will be directed by Jon Amiel, from a script penned by John Collee, and based on Randal Keynes' book Annie's Box. (Keynes is Darwin's great-great grandson.) The film will portray Charles Darwin as a man torn between his love for his deeply religious wife, and his growing belief in a world where God has no place.

I hope that they explore Darwin's personal struggles and belief more deeply than the plot description suggests. To sell him as an athiest smacks of wanting to stir up controversy -- Darwin always called himself an agonostic, and his rejection of Christianity stemmed as much from the tragic death of his daughter, Annie, as his research. It's a complex and fascinating biography, one that, as a lover of science and the history of it, I would love to see done with real justice.

The cast is certainly more than capable -- Bettany and Connelly are both wonderful, and they'll be joined by Jeremy Northam, Toby Jones, and Benedict Cumberbatch. Annie Darwin has yet to be cast. (I can't help but be amused by the fact that Bettany and Northam have played Darwin-inspired characters before, in Master and Commander and Possession, respectively. Pet interest, perhaps?)

I know the merest mention of Charles Darwin is enough to cause an epic flame war in the comments. If it's possible, try to keep discussion only to the film, the actors, the book, and Darwin's biography. That may be too much to hope for, but I beg you to remain respectful and tolerant of one another.

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]]>Annies BoxAnniesBoxBenedict CumberbatchBenedictCumberbatchCharles DarwinCharlesDarwinCreationEmma DarwinEmmaDarwinJennifer ConnellyJenniferConnellyJeremy NorthamJeremyNorthamJohn ColleeJohnColleeJon AmielJonAmielPaul BettanyPaulBettanyRandal KeynesRandalKeynesToby JonesTobyJonesElisabeth RappeFri, 05 Sep 2008 13:40:00 ESTGerard Butler Says 'No' to 300 Prequel/Sequel ... Againhttp://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/05/gerard-butler-says-no-to-300-prequel-sequel-again/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/05/gerard-butler-says-no-to-300-prequel-sequel-again/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/05/gerard-butler-says-no-to-300-prequel-sequel-again/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Gerard Butler may have once sported the greatest eight-pack in the history of mankind, but his punishment for it (besides all the puking and crying I assume happened in the shaping of it) will be to answer questions about a 300 spin-off until the end of his career.

While at the Toronto Film Festival, where many of my lucky colleagues are, Butler was asked again about the franchise potential of 299 dead Spartans by Superhero Hype. "I've heard some backroom chatter, but nothing more, so I don't know if it would be a sequel or a prequel. I don't want say anymore than that, because I really don't know. I haven't read anything. I can't see it myself -- sequel for me absolutely not, but I just mean the idea generally, I'm really not sure which way they would go with that."

He was asked this same question at RocknRolla's ComicCon junket, and his answer then suggested he'd actually been approached with a more solid idea. "No. They mentioned it, and we'll leave it at that. It's a very interesting idea, I have to say."

By "interesting" idea, I keep imagining that the story involves King Leonidas being resurrected by a necromancer to fight an unspeakable evil. (That's actually going to be written into a spec, I just know it.) But honestly, it really must suck to be Butler sometimes. He's got his own production shingle, he's going to be directed by Frank Darabont any day now, and everyone just wants to know when Leonidas is going to be resurrected by a necromancer.

Why doesn't anyone direct the question to Frank Miller? He's supposed to be the one writing it.

(Thanks to MoviesOnline for their transcript of the RocknRolla junket -- I still curse my tape recorder.)

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]]>300300 prequel300 sequel300Prequel300SequelFrank MillerFrankMillerGerard ButlerGerardButlerZack SnyderZackSnyderElisabeth RappeFri, 05 Sep 2008 12:32:00 ESTBREAKING: 'Ghostbusters 3' is (Maybe) ON!http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/04/breaking-ghostbusters-3-is-on/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/04/breaking-ghostbusters-3-is-on/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/04/breaking-ghostbusters-3-is-on/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

We've stayed away from all the Ghostbusters rumors these past couple days because last time we crossed this road, we were told nothing existed. Well, seems that's not at all true: Variety reports that Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky (The Office, Year One) have been asked to write a script for a Ghostbusters sequel (reported earlier today by Pajiba.com) that may or may not "pass the torch to a new group of ghost chasers." Funnily enough -- and even though he flat out told us he had nothing to do with it -- this is totally in line with those early rumors that "The Apatow Clan" would be involved in some capacity; namely Seth Rogen. When we asked him about it during the Pineapple Express junket, however, the man denied knowing a thing. Then again, he's an actor ... and he's paid pretty damn well to pretend.

The Apatow connection is also there in that these two writers are behind the Apatow-produced Year One, which, ahem, is being directed by Harold Ramis -- who, in case you forgot, played Dr. Egon Spengler in both Ghostbuster movies. No word from Columbia Pictures on the project, and Variety is simply throwing out all the same fluff that's been reported on other sites for months now. Could we see a reunion and a torch passing? Will the Apatow folks take over the Ghostbusters franchise? I'd certainly be down for it.

You?

(And now we shall continue to run circles around this monster until someone finally caves ...)

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]]>cinematicalfeaturedgene stupinitskyGeneStupinitskyghostbustersghostbusters 3Ghostbusters3judd apatowJuddApatowlee eisenbergLeeEisenbergseth rogenSethRogenErik DavisThu, 04 Sep 2008 20:05:00 ESTThe Russo Brothers Travel to 'Ciudad'http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/04/the-russo-brothers-travel-to-ciudad/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/04/the-russo-brothers-travel-to-ciudad/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/04/the-russo-brothers-travel-to-ciudad/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

After the unpleasantness that was You, Me and Dupree, Anthony and Joe Russo are looking to explore a different kind of darkness -- the gritty and corrupt city of Ciudad del Este. According to Variety, they're set to direct Ciudad, which will be based on a graphic novel they're writing for Oni Press.

The story will follow a battered hostage negotiator, who travels to Paraguay and the above mentioned city to rescue a kidnap victim. They've been researching the story for years, traveling to crime-infested cities across the world to flesh it out more. Ciudad del Este is next on the travel agenda, a city labeled by the U.S. government as "a threat to national security" that shelters terrorists, drug runners, and all manner of scary people. So stay safe, you two.

The brothers are said to be aiming for a return to their indie roots with this one -- they were formerly behind Pieces, and the seedy George Clooney outing Welcome to Collinwood. (That's a bit of a lost film, isn't it? Weren't those the days when people were still screaming he should have stayed on ER? How things change.) I wish I could say more, but the graphic novel won't be out until 2009, and there's nary a preview on Oni's website. All we can do at this point is give them props for their research, wonder if George Clooney liked them enough to play the weary hostage negotiator, and make glib comparisons to Proof of Life or even Man on Fire.






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]]>Anthony RussoAnthonyRussoCuidadJoe RussoJoeRussoOni PressOniPressElisabeth RappeThu, 04 Sep 2008 18:02:00 ESTNicolas Cage Says 'Kick-Ass' Won't Be Gratutiously Violenthttp://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/04/nicolas-cage-says-kick-ass-wont-be-gratutiously-violent/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/04/nicolas-cage-says-kick-ass-wont-be-gratutiously-violent/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/04/nicolas-cage-says-kick-ass-wont-be-gratutiously-violent/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Matthew Vaughn's Kick-Ass seems to be one of the projects of the moment -- either because it's a super slow news time or because Mark Millar has taken over the Internet. I suspect the latter.

When this movie was officially pushed into gear, much was made of the violence of Millar's book, and how Vaughn refused to tone it down for the film. Studios fled screaming from it. But according to Nicolas Cage, it's not going to be excessive. "When I said 'yes' to this movie, it was to a script," Cage told MTV. "Then I started seeing the comics which are pretty far out in terms of violence. But I think Matthew and the script have a different style to it. I'm not fond of gratuitous violence ... There will be some moments of action that will be violent, but there will be a sense of elegance to it. [Matthew Vaughn] doesn't want to get gratuitous with it. At least that's what Matthew has told me."

Now, perhaps this is all a matter of perspective -- what studios see as over-the-top and gratuitous, Vaughn and Cage don't. But on the snap judgment surface, it sounds as though Vaughn is watering down Millar's book, which is hard to believe when he was so dedicated to the blood and guts that he funded it himself. I want him to stick to his guns (no pun intended) and make the movie that shocked studio executives. My future katana-wielding daughter must be portrayed accurately, in all her foul-mouthed and blood drenched glory. (For the record, I trained her, not her father. As if I would trust such a delicate task to anyone else.)

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]]>Kick-AssMark MillarMarkMillarMatthew VaughnMatthewVaughnNicolas CageNicolasCageElisabeth RappeThu, 04 Sep 2008 11:32:00 ESTIt's Official: Harvey Dent Not Returning for 'Batman 3'http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/04/its-official-harvey-dent-not-returning-for-batman-3/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/04/its-official-harvey-dent-not-returning-for-batman-3/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/04/its-official-harvey-dent-not-returning-for-batman-3/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Dark Knight Spoiler Warning ...

No more speculation, no more talk of ret-con and false funerals -- Harvey Dent is officially 100% dead. It comes straight from the mouth of Aaron Eckhart, who revealed his character's fate in no uncertain terms to ComingSoon.net "He is dead as a door nail. He ain't coming back baby!"

And lest you doubt that he knows the mind of Christopher Nolan, well, Eckhart asked him whether Two-Face would ever be coming back. "I asked Chris [Nolan] that question and he goes, "You're dead" before I could even get the question out of my mouth. 'Hey Chris, am I?' 'You're dead!' 'Alright, cool.'" There's no chance it will be rewritten or retconned, as he was never even contracted for a third film. "No, I'm not coming back. I think unfortunately, Heath [Ledger] was supposed to go on and that didn't work out. I'm nobody. I'm a cog. I have no say over this sort of stuff. I'm sure that there's so many other characters that they could whip together. I heard Angelina Jolie was going to be Catwoman or something like that. I thought that was a great idea. I'd like to be in that one."

Dent's death has now been confirmed via the novelization, the script, the actor, and the director. Though I would say that's as definitive as it gets, fanboys and girls across this great Internet refuse to accept it -- they just believe in Harvey Dent too much. But since we do live in a world where no comic character stays dead, where 299 Spartans can rise again, and Chev Chelios survives a fall from a helicopter, I guess you can hardly blame them.

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]]>Aaron EckhartAaronEckhartChristopher NolanChristopherNolanHarvey DentHarveyDentThe Dark KnightTheDarkKnightTwo-FaceElisabeth RappeThu, 04 Sep 2008 10:02:00 ESTThe Light of the Green Lantern -- Conceptually, Anywayhttp://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/03/the-light-of-the-green-lantern-conceptually-anyway/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/03/the-light-of-the-green-lantern-conceptually-anyway/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/03/the-light-of-the-green-lantern-conceptually-anyway/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



The Green Lantern movie seems to be creeping very slowly to the pre-production line, but at least it isn't dead. You probably remember that we had a tiny update back in June that it was happily shaping up into a proper origin movie, rather than a slapstick version starring Jack Black. Now, courtesy of illustrator Brian Murray, comes concept art he created for scriptwriter (and potential director) Greg Berlanti. This art helped seal the deal, and win the franchise for Berlanti Television. A glance through the gallery below tells you why -- it's exciting and cinematic, the kind of thing your mind starts filling in and speeding up. If this is what is floating around at Warner Bros, Green Lantern could be shaping up to be something on par with Iron Man. But my desperation to talk about another DC character other than Batman may be showing. The diehard Lantern fans may have a different take than I -- is this the look of Hal Jordan to you?

Gallery: Green Lantern Concept Art



[via Filmonic and Comics2Film]

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]]>Brian MurrayBrianMurrayDC ComicsDcComicsfeaturedGreen LanternGreenLanternGreg BerlantiGregBerlantiHal JordanHalJordanWarner BrosWarnerBrosElisabeth RappeWed, 03 Sep 2008 18:32:00 EST'Magdalena' Dodging the Churchhttp://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/03/magdalena-dodging-the-church/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/03/magdalena-dodging-the-church/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/03/magdalena-dodging-the-church/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

It's so creepy when something you just found yourself chatting about with a fellow geek pops up in your newsfeed -- proof that Magdalena does answer to a higher power! If you were praying for an update, MTV has not one, but an entire week they're devoting to the spear-wielding superheroine.

MTV has a video interview up with the lovely Jenna Dewan, who's playing Patience, the most recent inheritor of the Magdalena powers. According to her, they're following the comic book pretty closely except for one touchy area -- while honoring Magdalena's heritage and bloodline, they're sidestepping the religious element of the book. "When I started this I said I didn't want it to be a religious movie - the Catholic Church versus everyone else. I wanted it to be somebody who knows she has something inside bigger [than herself], this spiritual want to help people," Dewan said. "That's really what we're focusing on - fighting the darkness for the light, rather than the Catholic Church and religion. There is that element of it but it's more about fighting people who are evil in this world."

Now, I always thought of the Magdalena as the girl version of Stephen Sommers' Gabriel Van Helsing and not particularly controversial, but we do live in touchier, Golden Compass censoring times. As Dewan points out, Patience is one of the only Magdalenas who questions the authority of the Church and decided she would work independent of its control. Wouldn't it have been cool to see that religious conflict onscreen? Ah well. My previous jokes about chastity and skimpy costumes aside, I'm happy to see Gale Anne Hurd bringing another tough chick (and one from the comics, no less) to the screen -- with or without the sacrilege.

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]]>Gale Ann HurdGaleAnnHurdjenna dewanJennaDewanmagdalenaElisabeth RappeWed, 03 Sep 2008 14:03:00 ESTJeff Nathanson Penning '39 Clues', Spielberg to Direct?http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/03/jeff-nathanson-penning-39-clues-spielberg-to-direct/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/03/jeff-nathanson-penning-39-clues-spielberg-to-direct/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/03/jeff-nathanson-penning-39-clues-spielberg-to-direct/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Remember that ginormous project called 39 Clues that was announced awhile back -- a worldwide mystery to span books, interactive games, trading cards and a movie deal, courtesy of Steven Spielberg? The first book in the series, The Maze of Bones, hits shelves all over the world next Tuesday, the same day as its interactive online game. Will it spark an obsession along the lines of Twilight or Harry Potter? Time will tell.

Steven Spielberg has confidence in it, though. Acccording to Variety, he's hired his old pal Jeff Nathanson to pen the script, marking their fourth collaboration together. They paired up previously on The Terminal, Catch Me If You Can, and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Spielberg is still eying Clues' director's chair, and it will be interesting to see where this can fit into his busy schedule, where Tintin and Lincoln were taking precedence. Does he want this worldwide money hunt (the prize for solving the project's mystery is $10,000) to be over before the movie, or will the bloom be off the rose by then? What if the whole multiplatform concept fails spectacularly? Are the books still filmable? The ambition of 39 Clues leaves me doubting whether it can deliver -- but I can hardly pretend to have better judgment than Spielberg. At any rate, I'll be watching the book pages with interest to see what audiences make of The Maze of Bones -- if anyone out there buys it, give us the scoop!

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]]>39 Clues39CluesDreamWorksJeff NathansonJeffNathansonsteven spielbergStevenSpielbergElisabeth RappeWed, 03 Sep 2008 11:02:00 EST'Watchmen' Has Its Court Date Sethttp://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/03/watchmen-has-its-court-date-set/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/03/watchmen-has-its-court-date-set/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/03/watchmen-has-its-court-date-set/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

The date has been set for Warner Bros and Fox to go head to head -- and it should soothe the fearful. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the studios will be going before the judge on January 6th. There's plenty of time, even at a snail's pace, for the issue to be resolved before the March 6th opening. (It's like the court is going along with the movie marketing -- we'll get a video journal the same day. There really is no such thing as bad publicity in Tinseltown!)

Furthermore, U.S. District Court Judge Gary Allan Feess says that Fox shouldn't attempt to file a preliminary injunction against Warners to stop the release of the film because the issues surrounding the case were too complex to be solved in an interim basis. Instead, both studios are being ordered to put their cases together, and start expedited discovery and depositions. This thing could get quite big -- as the New York Times pointed out, Paramount, Legendary Pictures, and even Universal could get hauled into it, alongside Lawrence Gordon, who's really the man in question in all this.

And remember, this is if it actually makes it to court. This could easily be settled before Christmas, with Warners handing over a nice chunk of The Dark Knight change just to be done with it. (How appropriate that Bruce Wayne help out other costumed vigilantes.) It depends how fierce the studio is feeling, and how certain they are of their case -- but all signs point to you keeping your March 6th moviegoing plans.

You really have to feel bad for the cast and crew on this one, though. All that happy buzz of ComicCon panels and promo posters squashed under a heap of legalese. Oh well, at least Fox can't take away what we've already been given. Check out our Watchmen gallery below.

Gallery: Watchmen

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]]>20th century fox20thCenturyFoxAlan MooreAlanMoorefeaturedWarner BrosWarnerBrosWatchmenWatchmen legal battleWatchmenLegalBattleZack SnyderZackSnyderElisabeth RappeWed, 03 Sep 2008 09:45:00 ESTStephen Sommers Directing 'Tarzan'http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/03/stephen-sommers-directing-tarzan/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/03/stephen-sommers-directing-tarzan/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/03/stephen-sommers-directing-tarzan/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

There's an interesting trend going on in film right now -- everyone is grabbing up classic characters of pulp and adventure literature right and left. We've got Conan, Sherlock Holmes, John Carter, and now Tarzan. There's a sociological study in here for an aspiring student.

Tarzan has seen many a reboot, and there's always whispers of someone wanting to make a new version. This current project has been floating around since 2003 (the same year Warner Bros tried to bring Tarzan to television and the modern city), and once boasted Guillermo del Toro's name. Now, according to Variety, it has landed in the hands of Stephen Sommers, who is cowriting a script with Stuart Beattie. Beattie boasts some impressive credits, like Pirates of the Caribbean and Collateral, so the Lord of the Apes might be in quite capable hands.

But Sommers' movies tend to fall a bit short of expectation, to put it kindly. And I mean it kindly, from someone who does actually own Van Helsing -- I could write a long defense as to why, but it really just comes down to liking Hugh Jackman and David Wenham a lot. But, in my defense, I reportedly audibly booed the ending when I saw it at the theater, though I can't remember if it was because they so visibly CGI'd pants on a naked post-werewolf Jackman, or the floating head of Kate Beckinsale. I think it was the floating head, but knowing me, it may have been the pants.

So, while I want to think about how cool a new Tarzan movie could be, what hot dude they'll put in a loincloth, how feisty Jane will be, I can't. Because I'm picturing the whole thing saddled with the same CGI Sommers has used since The Mummy, a jungle peppered with apes that can stretch their jaws for miles. Am I wrong, readers?




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]]>stephen sommersStephenSommersstuart beattieStuartBeattieTarzanElisabeth RappeWed, 03 Sep 2008 08:45:00 ESTFanboy Bites: 'Persia' Pics, 'Poltergeist' Remake and 'Guitar Hero: The Movie'??http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/02/fanboy-bites-persia-pics-poltergeist-remake-and-guitar-he/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/02/fanboy-bites-persia-pics-poltergeist-remake-and-guitar-he/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/02/fanboy-bites-persia-pics-poltergeist-remake-and-guitar-he/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,



While you suffer through those back to school blues ...

Guitar Hero: The Movie -- I have to start with this one. Have to! Because not only are we talking about a possible big-screen movie based on the popular video game, but we're also about to tell you who wants to direct the thing. Can you guess? Here's a hint: It's not Uwe Boll. And if it's not Boll, it has to be ... Ratner! YES! (I really do think I love this maniac in a totally platonic, yet sadistic way -- sorta how you love a great movie villain.) Anyway, Brett Ratner tells MTV that he'd love to make a Guitar Hero movie, possibly about "a kid from a small town who dreams of being a rock star and he wins the 'Guitar Hero' competition. One of these dreams-[come-true] kind of concepts." Ratner adds, "I would love to do a 'Guitar Hero' movie, if Activision would ever let me. I'm trying to convince them, but why would you have a movie screw up such a huge franchise? Not that I would make a bad movie. So that would be cool, to do a 'Guitar Hero' movie. " I'm leaving this one to you, folks -- have at it!

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time: In case you're interested in seeing what a standard Persian-esque set looks like, Korben.info has put up a few select shots (see one above) of the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time set. Based on the popular video game (hurray for themes in posts!), Prince of Persia stars Jake "I didn't know he was Persian" Gyllenhaal as a young prince who teams up with a hottie princess (Gemma Arterton) to stop an evil ruler from doing evil things.

A director has been chosen to remake Poltergeist and Cinematical says we likey him ... after the jump ...

Continue reading Fanboy Bites: 'Persia' Pics, 'Poltergeist' Remake and 'Guitar Hero: The Movie'??

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]]>brett ratnerBrettRatnercinematicalguitar hero the movieGuitarHeroTheMoviejake gyllenhaalJakeGyllenhaalpoltergeistprince of persiaprince of persia the sands of timePrinceOfPersiaPrinceOfPersiaTheSandsOfTimevadim perelmanVadimPerelmanErik DavisTue, 02 Sep 2008 21:02:00 ESTMillar Talks 'Wanted' Sequel(s) and Superman Trilogyhttp://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/02/millar-talks-wanted-sequel-s-and-superman-trilogy/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/02/millar-talks-wanted-sequel-s-and-superman-trilogy/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/09/02/millar-talks-wanted-sequel-s-and-superman-trilogy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It's definitely no secret that writer Mark Millar is a wanted man these days (or at least he wants you to believe he's a wanted man), what with his comic series Wanted doing very well in theaters and another series of his, Kick-Ass, about to start production -- not to mention all this talk of the guy possibly taking over the Superman franchise from a writing and creative standpoint. We'll get to the latter in just a second, but first up there's Wanted ... and Wanted 2 ... and, wait, Wanted 3, too?

In an interview with Newsarama, Millar spoke about how much he's participating in the Wanted follow-up ... and it would seem like he only gave the studio a "very small amount for a story, and that will be used as a basic story that they can build from." He adds, "It will be some of the stuff that we didn't utilize from the first book for the movie - like chapters three and four - there will be some stuff from that, so in the loosest sense it will be based on the book, but only very little." Millar also noted that both part two and part three are greenlit, and that James McAvoy is indeed signed on to reprise his role in both sequels.

Hear what Millar has to say about his proposed seven-hour, Lord of the Rings-like Superman trilogy after the jump ...

Continue reading Millar Talks 'Wanted' Sequel(s) and Superman Trilogy

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]]>cinematicalfeaturedkick-assmark millarMarkMillarsupermanwanted 2wanted 3wanted sequelWanted2Wanted3WantedSequelErik DavisTue, 02 Sep 2008 16:15:00 ESTFox Delays 'Australia' By a Few Weekshttp://www.cinematical.com/2008/08/29/fox-delays-australia-by-a-few-weeks/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/08/29/fox-delays-australia-by-a-few-weeks/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/08/29/fox-delays-australia-by-a-few-weeks/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

All the movie studios are just hellbent on messing with my fall season. Australia is the latest movie to get the old switch-a-roo, as Variety reports that Fox is moving its release date from November 14 down to November 26. I know, it's only a matter of weeks, but it's just the principle of the thing. And it's now pitted against The Road, forcing me to chose which one to see opening day. I don't need that kind of stress, particularly on Thanksgiving which isn't exactly the most relaxing of holidays.

The delay is apparently the result of director Baz Luhrmann needing some extra time to polish the film. He brought everyone back for some pick-up shots, which explains the paparazzi shots I've seen of Hugh Jackman riding around Oz in full drover gear. I thought he just did that sort of thing all the time.

The fact that Australia's delay means it now neatly dodges the release of Quantum of Solace is, I'm sure, mere coincidence. I suspect we'll see more November rearranging -- Variety is reporting that The Time Traveler's Wife is also coming out on the 26th, though IMDB is still showing a Christmas release. If Variety is right (and why wouldn't it be?), I wouldn't be surprised if it ran to the 14th to steer clear of competing with another romance. Plus, I just don't think America could handle Viggo Mortensen, Hugh Jackman, and Eric Bana all having a movie out on the same day -- not when us girls are supposed to be home making pumpkin pies and turkey.












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]]>20th Century Fox20thCenturyFoxAustraliaAustralia delayedAustraliaDelayedbaz luhrmannBazLuhrmannEric BanaEricBanaHugh JackmanHughJackmanNicole KidmanNicoleKidmanThe RoadThe Time Travelers WifeTheRoadTheTimeTravelersWifeViggo MortensenViggoMortensenElisabeth RappeFri, 29 Aug 2008 12:33:00 ESTWhy Won't Alex Proyas Direct 'Silver Surfer'?http://www.cinematical.com/2008/08/28/why-wont-alex-proyas-direct-silver-surfer/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/08/28/why-wont-alex-proyas-direct-silver-surfer/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/08/28/why-wont-alex-proyas-direct-silver-surfer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

You have to feel bad for the Silver Surfer. Everyone else is getting their own spin-off and franchise, and he can't even get the green-light. J. Michael Straczynski already said that his script was dead, but rumors continued to swirl that Alex Proyas was attached to direct.

But as reported by Slashfilm, Proyas shot that down at ComicCon. He didn't even know where the rumor originated. And while he's very fond of the character, he told MTV this week that he will never even consider directing a Silver Surfer movie. Why? "Because it's a Fox picture. And I'm determined never to work with them ever again because of my experience on I,Robot." Nor is he happy with the way the character was handled in Fantastic Four 2: Rise of the Silver Surfer. "It's like the origin of Silver Surfer was in that movie, and I'm going, 'This is such a f-king great story, why throw it away? I think they messed it up ... Silver Surfer would have been something I would have loved to have done. He's one of the last cool ones left, really."

Who knows -- maybe Fox will relinquish the rights to the Fantastic Four characters (it's not like they're using them), and Proyas will not only get to direct a comic book movie, but fans will get a Silver Surfer movie from someone who really gets the character. But with all the studios jealously guarding their franchises, we'll probably see a Fantastic Four reboot before we see the Silver Surfer in the hands of someone that cares.

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]]>20th Century Fox20thCenturyFoxalex proyasAlexProyasFantastic FourFantasticFourj. michael straczynskiJ.MichaelStraczynskisilver surferSilverSurferElisabeth RappeThu, 28 Aug 2008 18:03:00 ESTComic Creators Respond to Warner Bros' 'Dark Superman' Ideahttp://www.cinematical.com/2008/08/28/comic-creators-respond-to-warner-bros-dark-superman-idea/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/08/28/comic-creators-respond-to-warner-bros-dark-superman-idea/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/08/28/comic-creators-respond-to-warner-bros-dark-superman-idea/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

It seems the entire comic book and film world "misread" Warner Bros' announcement that they were angling to make Superman's reboot a gloomier one. No one seems to have read the original article slowly enough -- not even MTV, Kevin Smith, Christopher Golden, Jeph Loeb, Steven T. Seagle, or Mark Waid.

The wonderful geeks over on MTV's Splash Page chased down all the above, and asked them what they thought about the studio's latest plans for the Man of Steel. The funniest and most extreme reaction isn't Smith's, it's Golden's! "How stupid is that? That announcement made my head spin . . . Making a dark and gritty Superman movie because Dark Knight made a ton of money is incredibly stupid." Oddly, Smith is actually more tempered in his comments, and that he was all for a reboot. "You always have to always keep Superman very distinct from Batman ... Superman is about the hope in people, the good in people, whereas Batman is about the more driven, hungry for justice angry side of us. [So] I don't know if doing a dark Superman is the approach."

The lone dissenting voice is Seagle, not surprising from the man who penned It's a Bird ... and feels that Superman has always been a dark character. "Heroic struggles are basically all dark in tone. The idea of 'villains' implies something bad happening to good people most of the time, and that's dark. Heroes look brighter emerging from dire consequence successfully." Ultimately, I think Waid's the man who speaks for the majority of us in arguing that you can make Superman's world darker, but not the character, who's "a creature of hope." If Warner Bros goes in that direction, I can get behind it. A bright and shining Superman against a depraved and unjust world might be just what the reboot ordered.

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]]>Christopher GoldenChristopherGoldenfeaturedJeph LoebJephLoebKevin SmithKevinSmithMark WaidMarkWaidSteven T. SeagleStevenT.SeagleSupermanSuperman rebootSupermanRebootWarner BrosWarnerBrosElisabeth RappeThu, 28 Aug 2008 10:03:00 EST