Movies/TV's 3R’s 11.03.09: The Rock, Roger Rabbit, True Grit, Netflix, Southland, More
Posted by Shawn S. Lealos on 11.03.2009
From The Rock coming back to action flicks, the Coen brothers remaking John Wayne, Anthony Hopkins in Thor, and Microsoft turning off the Family Guy to The Terminator getting auctioned off, Roger Rabbit's sequel finally getting off the ground, Paranormal Activity sequel talk, and more, 411's Shawn S. Lealos breaks down the Right, wRong, and Ridiculous from the week in Movies/TV!
Welcome to Week 19 of The 3 R's for the Movie/TV world.
Without any further ado, here is...
The Right
Finally, The Rock comes back to action flicks: I complained that Dwayne Johnson was giving up his awesome work in action movies for a more family friendly fare in movies like The Game Plan and Witch Mountain. Well, it looks like he has not given up on adult flicks completely. Johnson and Billy Bob Thornton have signed on to star in Faster, a new drama directed by George Tillman (Notorious). Faster, while not a straight action flick, casts Johnson as "Driver", an ex-con out to avenge his brother's murder. Thornton plays "Cop", a veteran police officer who trails "Driver" as he races to settle the score. Yet to be cast is "Killer", a hit man also tracking "Driver." I, for one, am happy to see The Rock back in a movie I actually want to see.
The Coen brothers come out, guns blazing: Last week I discussed how studios should not be remaking great movies when there is no reason to. The Third Man is the movie I was talking about and there is nothing they can do now that can match how great the original is. Plus they hired the screenwriter of The Grudge, one of the worst remakes of all time, to write the script. People who think remakes are ok because "no one has seen the originals anyway" are idiots. Now, some remakes are ok in my book and there is another remake in the works that I can get behind. The Coen brothers are remaking True Grit, the classic John Wayne western. The brothers are making the new movie based more along the plotline of the novel by Charles Portis and have been in talks with Jeff Bridges (The Big Lebowski), Josh Brolin (No Country for Old Men) and Matt Damon to star. While the John Wayne original focused on the Duke's character, the Coen brothers movie will focus on the actual star of the novel, the 14-year old girl travelling with the lawmen.
How about a couple of great trailers?: The first is the new Paul Greengrass (Bourne Ultimatum) movie, Green Zone, starring Matt Damon as a special ops agent hunting down the truth. It sounds a lot like Bourne, but looks pretty damn cool anyway. The second trailer is the new one for Martin Scorsese's Shutter Island, even creepier than the previous trailer. I cannot wait for this movie.
Hasta la vista, baby!: This is a Right because it is funny. Arnold Schwarzenegger is angry that many important bills (prison reform, health care) are overlooked while many unnecessary bills are brought to him for approval. As a result, he vetoed a recent bill by Assembly Member Tom Ammiano (D-San Francisco). What makes the veto funny is that if you read the veto letter as written, the first letter of each line spells out F-U-C-K-Y-O-U. Schwarzenegger's rep calls it s "strange coincidence" but it is also coincidental that Ammiano reputably shouted out "You lie!" to Schwarzenegger at a recent event before finishing with "kiss my gay ass" as he was leaving. Ammiano says he doesn't remember if he said it but that he has used those lines before. I so want that veto letter to be a planned response by the Governor. That is just too funny. (see the letter here)
Anthony Hopkins is the All-Father: In a recent interview I read in Empire magazine, Anthony Hopkins says he chooses his roles based on a number of things, including the director involved, the location of the shoot or the uniqueness of the role. He hit on two of the three with his latest role, that of the father of Thor and leader of the Norse Gods Odin. Directed by Kenneth Branagh, the Marvel adaptation is one of the next films leading up to the eventual Avengers team-up movie, my most anticipated series of movies EVER. I have been a Marvel fan since I was a little kid and The Avengers was always my favorite team of heroes. The rumors from a couple of weeks ago about Jude Law and Robert DeNiro being in the movie turned out to be false, but I can live with Hopkins, who will be seen next January as the Wolf Man's dad. Hopkins is in some really cool sounding franchises lately.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit 2: Electric Boogaloo: Now this is a sequel I can get excited about. Robert Zemeckis might be the most innovative filmmaker this side of James Cameron. Most kids today know how he has revolutionized animated films with mo-cap offerings like The Polar Express, Beowulf, Monster House (as a producer) and this weekend's A Christmas Carol. Look back fifteen years ago and he was wowing audiences with his incredible work on Forrest Gump, something no one had done to that extent before. Six years earlier, he was amazing audiences with his seamless mix of live action and animation with Who Framed Roger Rabbit. The man has done more original work in the realm of filmmaking than almost anyone working today. In a recent interview with MTV, he announced he is excited to use today's technology to make a sequel to Roger Rabbit and hired the original screenwriters to start hammering out a script. There have been a number of false starts on bringing the rabbit back to the big screen but this is the first time Zemeckis has been involved in the talks. News is still coming, but this has a chance to be awesome.
The wRong
Adam Sandler becoming gender confused?: Adam Sandler has signed up for his next project, a romantic comedy called Jack and Jill. In the movie, Sandler will play both the role of Jack as well as that of his twin sister Jill. The project was brought to Sandler by Todd Garner (Paul Blart: Mall Cop) and it is being written by Steve Koren, Robert Smigel and Sandler. Sandler's next film is a high school reunion comedy Grown Ups, a movie also starring Salma Hayek, Steve Buscemi, Rob Schneider, Chris Rock and Kevin James. I like Sandler and want to like all his movies (I enjoyed Zohan) but Sandler playing two characters, one in drag, brings back too many memories of the downfall of Eddie Murphy's career.
NO, Not Corey!!!: Corey Feldman's SMOKING HOT wife has filed for divorce and is seeking sole custody of the couple's 5-year old son, Zen (what is it with celebrity's naming their kids?). Say it ain't so Corey! First Haim and now Susie?
Going once, going twice, I'll be back!: Rights to all new Terminator films are being sold this month in an auction. A few weeks back, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise was sold for $60 million and Terminator is expected to exceed that. This is being done because Hollywood is having a tough time during the hard economical society, although some studios seem to have money to burn (Disney buying Marvel for $4 billion is a good example). The rights are being sold by Halcyon and none of the prior Terminator films are included in the auction. Terminator: Salvation grossed $380 million worldwide and will be taken into account when determining the value of the franchise, which includes new films, TV programs and other spin-offs that build on the franchise. Halcyon bought the rights to the franchise two years ago for $25 million before filing bankruptcy this year after a dispute with Pacificor, a hedge fund that loaned the funds to buy Terminator's rights to begin with. It's not a good time to be in Hollywood.
The Ridiculous
Paranormal Reactivity?: Yep, once Paranormal Activity started on its trek to become the highest profitable film of all time, Paramount Pictures has started talking sequel. Have we learned nothing from The Blair Witch Project? The reason Paranormal is making so much money is the viral marketing campaign. Now, they want to make a sequel, it will cost a hell of a lot more because of expectations, and I don't think it will pay off in the end. Does no one remember Blair Witch 2: Book of Shadows?
And the award for cheesiest tag line of 2009 is...: I want to see Sherlock Holmes. I love Robert Downey Jr. and want to see a great old school Guy Ritchie picture. But look at that tag line: "Holmes for the Holidays." Who the hell thought that was clever?
A Chippendales biopic: No clever title for this news article. They are actually looking to make a Chippendales biopic and will be directed by Tony Scott, a decent director who made a really bad movie this year (Pelham 1 2 3). I am sure he will do wonders, letting the dance numbers include a good thousand cuts, with variable speeds and vomit inducing lighting techniques. Whatever. This movie is not worth making because these two men can't star in it:
Microsoft backs out on Family Guy special: I complained a couple of weeks ago about Seth McFarlane selling out to Microsoft for the Almost Live Comedy Show. Well, the show was pre-recorded, Microsoft watched it and immediately got cold feet. As a result, they have pulled their support of McFarlane and co-host Alex Borstein pimping Windows 7. The problems Microsoft has is with the jokes, including ones targeting deaf people, the Holocaust, feminine hygiene and incest - pretty much normal Family Guy humor. I guess Microsoft has never watched the show. The special will still air, but without Microsoft Windows 7 being pimped throughout the show. Instead, the sponsor will be for the Guy Ritchie film Sherlock Holmes, ten million times better for a Family Guy oriented show. Thank God cooler heads prevailed.
Do you rent from Netflix?: I don't. I have always preferred to buy my DVDs and Blu Rays because (1) if I am going to spend money on DVDs, I want to own them forever and (2) I never watch what I rent in a timely manner but if I buy it used or on sale, I can watch it whenever I get around to it. I think all the overdraft fees I built up at rental stores soured me on the deal. Well, I signed up for Netflix to see if the unlimited thing was worth my time and never rented anything, so that was a waste of money (and I know that is my fault, but a subscriber deal forces me to watch a certain amount monthly to make it worth it, something else I don't like - especially since I buy all the ones I really want to see). But enough about me. Netflix has joined forces with the PS3 and now all Netflix owners under the $8.99 (or higher?) agreement will be able to stream their Netflix rentals to their PS3 instantly starting this month. That is pretty damn cool. Visit Netflix at www.netflix.com/PS3 and sign up to find out when it's officially available and reserve your free instant streaming disc for PS3 systems.
Oh, hell yeah!: I love Nathan Fillion. Now, he might not have had anything to do with it, but I BELIEVE!!! Yes, on the most recent episode of Castle, Fillion dressed up as a "Space Cowboy" for Halloween, or more accurately he pulled out his uniform from Firefly! He was even told "didn't you wear that like five years ago?" This was the greatest moment ever! This is also the episode that hit a season high for viewers. Firefly = Ratings! Check out the scene below:
Always remember, it is just a business: That is the basis for NBC dropping Southland before it's season even began. Luckily, there are still networks wanting to entertain viewers and that is why TNT bought the L.A. cop drama from Warner Bros. Television. The reason for NBC dropping the show is because it is more cost effective to run Dateline much cheaper to produce than Southland and a better investment. Money ruled the day at NBC because Southland received stellar reviews during its run, on Thursdays last season. It was going to be moved to Fridays (death bells?) but was dropped for the financial reasons. TNT bought the seven episodes left over from last season plus the six that were shot over the last few months. They will air on Tuesdays at 10 pm EST, starting Jan. 12. Its main competition will be Jay Leno, a good sign since everyone has been beating Leno in the ratings lately.
The wRong
TV Guide begins death watch: TV Guide has started watching shows that are on the brink of cancellation. Among those are some decent shows that just aren't getting the ratings they need. First of all, Christian Slater might as well go back to the movies because he isn't big enough to carry a TV show. His second attempt at headlining a TV show is on the chopping block as The Forgotten isn't bringing in the ratings expected from a Jerry Bruckheimer produced show. This might be the last year for Cold Case, which will follow Without a Trace out the door. Fringe, a great genre show, can't beat any of its competition on Thursday nights (no show can - the competition includes Grey's Anatomy, 30 Rock and The Office, CSI and Supernatural). Finally, now that Dollhouse is picking up steam in the plot department, it has been pulled during sweeps and Joss Whedon has pretty much said he expects it to be cancelled after the current 13-episode run concludes in December. If you love any of these shows, support them or they will be gone before you know it.
A lack of balance: When news networks give television time to a candidate from one political party, it is supposed to give equal time to the other parties as well. Unfortunately, not only did Fox News not give equal time, but it was made public knowledge on the news broadcast. After reporter Shannon Bream interviewed the Republican candidate in New Jersey's governor's race, anchor Shepard Smith asked when the incumbent was going to be interviewed. Bream announced they have not received a response from the incumbent. Smith then gave his apology for the "lack of balance" and said if he "had control, it wouldn't have happened." I find the entire situation funny in an ironic way.
Amazing Race drama: I can't think of any way to say this better than TVGUIDE.COM, so I am going to just let them tell you: "On The Amazing Race, Mika, paralyzed by her fear of heights and water, freaks out — for 45 minutes — at the prospect of plunging down Dubai's six-story-high Leap of Faith waterslide. So she doesn't. Not even for $1 million. No, it wasn't cool of beau Canaan to grab her and attempt to push her down, but it's also not cool to be a grown woman, wearing floaties, sitting on the edge of a water slide, wailing, "Whyyyyy?" You mean like, "Why would you ever go on The Amazing Race if you're afraid of everything?"" Awesome!
The Ridiculous
Kate Gosselin is my kryptonite: Last week I considered resisting digging my claws in deeper to the waste of air that is Kate Gosselin. But the fact they were doing a question and answer session with the shrew made me add her anyway. This week, the bitch continues to put her foot in her mouth and prove what she is all about (one hint: it starts with M and ends with $$$$). Gosselin, in one of her self-promoting interviews (this one with Ellen DeGeneres) states that "I am a mother first. I will always be a mother and I would die for my kids if need be. I would never put them in a situation that was dangerous or unsafe for them, and like any mother... my focus is not what trip I can go on or what shows I can do as a result of this thing. This is my job. This is my paycheck and so this is what I do." She then states that she hopes to replace her wedding ring, which she no longer wears. "I'm very into symbolism, and I found a ring that had eight little diamonds surrounded by mother of pearl, me and the kids," she said. Right. But then Gosselin proves that she is a hypocrite when she says her kids are her number one priority as she continues to overstretch her 15 minutes of fame at their expense: Gosselin, who has previously said she wants to parlay her "gift of gab" into a talk show, made no qualms about her career ambitions. "Somewhere in here I've discovered that I've done enough years of TV that I feel like it's a normal, natural, comfortable place to be. I'd love to be in a movie at some point." Haven't we seen enough of this woman? The only reason she's famous is because she has eight kids.
Everyone has a right to their opinion, unless it differs from yours: I am completely in support of someone having a view on certain issues important in their eyes. I may not always agree with them, and I may dislike some people because of their stances on specific issues (Glenn Beck) but I will not ever wish harm upon them for their views. I know it is popular for kids with keyboards to wish death on people for having different beliefs (see: comment sections of websites) but to actually follow through on these horrible threats of death is disgusting. CNN's Lou Dobbs, who is an outspoken supporter of U.S. border enforcement, had a gun fired at his home three weeks ago while his wife was standing outside. The following weeks they have received threatening phone calls. When asked about this, Brent Wilkes, the national executive director of the League of United Latin American Citizens and National Council of La Raza spoke out against these violent acts, saying his organization is against any forms of violence regardless of personal or political beliefs. Now people have been sending threatening emails to Wilkes' organization in defense of Dobbs. This is all stupid. Wilkes said they will help in the investigation of the shooting and will stand by Dobbs in prosecuting the individual. Of course, Wilkes said if it was an accident, such as a hunter mis-firing his gun, they expect an apology from Dobbs for the accusations. This country doesn't need more racial tension and people need to chill out.
I sat through all 7 minutes of Humanzee! so I could say that it is, without a doubt, the worst piece of shit I've ever laid eyes on. - Posted By: AngryTas (Guest) - It is an acquired taste. James Gunn cut his teeth in the Troma studios, so if you can't find the humor in Troma movies, you won't find the humor in James' stuff. I find it absurdly hilarious.
I was pretty disappointed with Hatchet. I'm a big old school slasher fan--but Hatchet just didn't match up to the classics. Behind The Mask--much better movie that came out at the same time. It should have gotten the accolades that Hatchet got. - Posted By: Commie (Guest) - I love both movies and I agree that Behind the Mask is the better of the two. However, they are two completely different films. Behind the Mask is a movie that is more of a satire on the slasher flicks, much like Scream was. Hatchet has none of those undertones and just gives us an old fashioned, hack ‘n' slasher film. Behind the Mask was smart but Hatchet was just loads of fun.
Who cares if a movie is being remade? It does nothing to the original movie. They don't burn the original movie and erase it from history. Hell the original usually gets a neat little DVD release or re-release and finds a wider audience than it would have. Shitty remakes do not hurt you - stop acting like they are personal attacks on something so beloved. No one cares but film buffs. Go ask 10 people on the street if they have seen the third man - you most liekly get 10 no's. Stop the fake outrage, it can't really piss you off so much. - Posted By: Stopit (Guest) - I feel sorry for anyone who has not seen The Third Man. The problem is that not even Leo DiCaprio can match the excellence of the best role of Orson Welles' career. No screenwriter will match the perfection of author Graham Greens' script. The film comes on the heels of a World War where Vienna is devastated and separated into zones controlled by the Allied Powers. The only way to replicate that for a remake is either to make it a period piece or transfer the action to Iraq. A period piece is only a duplicate of the movie that already exists and to move it to Iraq eliminates the reasons for the story. That means it is not a remake but a completely different movie sharing the same name. Leave the remakes to shitty horror films and stop remaking perfect classics.
2009, MY YEAR IN RANKINGS
** Click on movie to read the review **
Posted By: Mikel (Guest) on November 02, 2009 at 11:56 PM
Idea for next week's right column: The Venture Brothers continue to score good ratings....or at least mention how awesome it is...no i will not let this go.
Posted By: the danger stranger (Guest) on November 03, 2009 at 01:12 AM
How the hell the Coreys' STILL get tail is beyond me.
Posted By: TheR (Guest) on November 03, 2009 at 02:49 AM
at least Fox News tries to get time from the liberals
Posted By: Guest#2976 (Guest) on November 03, 2009 at 02:57 AM
Awesome news on Roger Rabbit!
On the Fox News part, they said they hadn't gotten a response from the Democratic incumbent! Which means, that, due to the lack of balls by this particular Democrat, they couldn't provide both sides. They made the time available, but the supposedly "open-minded" liberal refused to make his points.
Posted By: Spyke (Guest) on November 03, 2009 at 06:54 AM
Awesome letter by Arnold!
I would never shoot at anyone's house. Even a Polanski supporter. I keed, I keed.
Posted By: Big Fat Fag (Guest) on November 03, 2009 at 10:06 AM
"If you love any of these shows, support them or they will be gone before you know it"
Yeah? Then why are Terminator: The Sara Connor Chronicles, and Reapers both gone from my TV set. last year's TV season left a bad taste in my mouth, so this year I am watching the 3 shows I've been watching for years, and not trying anything new. I'm tired of getting into a great show for it to be yanked away without any resolution to what has been going on.
Posted By: Todd Vote (Registered) on November 03, 2009 at 10:39 AM
I'm sorry, you are looking forward to a Roger Rabbit sequel??? Really?? It was my favorite movie as a kid and it's effects are even better than some of the shit today in my opinion....there is absolutely no need for it! Would they bring back Bob Hoskins? He's in his 70s or something! If they had wanted a sequel, they should have tried harder to get one off the ground about 15 years ago....now they movie has become a true masterpiece on it's own and should be left that way.....some sequels just aren't necessary
Posted By: Erik (Guest) on November 03, 2009 at 10:44 AM
I'm looking forward to Shutter Island with heady expectations but and this is a big "but" I'm beginning to have a serious problem with Martin Scorseses casting choices. Most of the cast seems more than adequate. My beef is with the casting of one Leonardo DiCaprio. He has had a major role in the overwhelming majority of Martin Scorseses output over the last decade or so. He's a good actor but he's certainly no Robert De Niro,Scorseses former go-to guy. Now I understand that De Niro is getting on in age,sadly but surely there are good actors in this day and age who would love to collaberate with Martin Scorsese,one of the greatest directors of his generation. Di Caprio annoys me quite frankly,he'd be perfect for a movie adaptation of "Twilight",not so much "Shutter Island". I'm not going to let Di Caprio get in the way of my enjoyment of this movie,Scorsese is one hell of a director,and as I said Di Caprio is certainly not a bad actor. It's just an irritation that Scorsese can't stretch his wings when it comes to leading men. When and if Scorsese does a comedy again can you imagine Di Caprio coming close to matching De Niros performance in "King of Comedy"? I for one cannot. Hopefully Scorsese will do a comedy again,hopefully he will work with new actors who don't resemble 12 year old children and more pressingly I hope Shutter Island isn't a let down. It sure looks good.
Posted By: Propagandhi (Guest) on November 03, 2009 at 10:44 AM
I totally marked out for the Firefly/Castle moment. His daughters line of 'don't you think you should move on' was awesome...
Posted By: Ser Drake (Guest) on November 03, 2009 at 10:57 AM
When Patrick Swayze joined Chris Farley, any chance of a good Chippendale's biopic went out the window. The Ethans on True Grit is sweet though, as the original - while good - didn't do the Portis novel justice. As always, swank column.
Posted By: Bill21GigaWatts (Guest) on November 03, 2009 at 12:07 PM
I'm looking forward to Shutter Island with heady expectations but and this is a big "but" I'm beginning to have a serious problem with Martin Scorseses casting choices. Most of the cast seems more than adequate. My beef is with the casting of one Leonardo DiCaprio. He has had a major role in the overwhelming majority of Martin Scorseses output over the last decade or so. He's a good actor but he's certainly no Robert De Niro,Scorseses former go-to guy. Now I understand that De Niro is getting on in age,sadly but surely there are good actors in this day and age who would love to collaberate with Martin Scorsese,one of the greatest directors of his generation. Di Caprio annoys me quite frankly,he'd be perfect for a movie adaptation of "Twilight",not so much "Shutter Island". I'm not going to let Di Caprio get in the way of my enjoyment of this movie,Scorsese is one hell of a director,and as I said Di Caprio is certainly not a bad actor. It's just an irritation that Scorsese can't stretch his wings when it comes to leading men. When and if Scorsese does a comedy again can you imagine Di Caprio coming close to matching De Niros performance in "King of Comedy"? I for one cannot. Hopefully Scorsese will do a comedy again,hopefully he will work with new actors who don't resemble 12 year old children and more pressingly I hope Shutter Island isn't a let down. It sure looks good.
Posted By: Propagandhi (Guest) on November 03, 2009 at 12:53 PM
Pardon me for what may seem like a rambling diatribe to some but I believe I make a rather good point.
Posted By: Propagandhi (Guest) on November 03, 2009 at 01:04 PM
"I'm looking forward to Shutter Island with heady expectations but and this is a big "but" I'm beginning to have a serious problem with Martin Scorseses casting choices. Most of the cast seems more than adequate. My beef is with the casting of one Leonardo DiCaprio. He has had a major role in the overwhelming majority of Martin Scorseses output over the last decade or so. He's a good actor but he's certainly no Robert De Niro,Scorseses former go-to guy. Now I understand that De Niro is getting on in age,sadly but surely there are good actors in this day and age who would love to collaberate with Martin Scorsese,one of the greatest directors of his generation. Di Caprio annoys me quite frankly,he'd be perfect for a movie adaptation of "Twilight",not so much "Shutter Island". I'm not going to let Di Caprio get in the way of my enjoyment of this movie,Scorsese is one hell of a director,and as I said Di Caprio is certainly not a bad actor. It's just an irritation that Scorsese can't stretch his wings when it comes to leading men. When and if Scorsese does a comedy again can you imagine Di Caprio coming close to matching De Niros performance in "King of Comedy"? I for one cannot. Hopefully Scorsese will do a comedy again,hopefully he will work with new actors who don't resemble 12 year old children and more pressingly I hope Shutter Island isn't a let down. It sure looks good.
Posted By: Propagandhi (Guest) on November 03, 2009 at 12:53 PM"
So good I posted it twice. Hehe.
Posted By: Propagandhi (Guest) on November 03, 2009 at 03:57 PM
(sigh) people look at Propagandhi.
Posted By: the danger stranger (Guest) on November 03, 2009 at 07:23 PM
Idea for next week's right column: The Venture Brothers continue to score good ratings....or at least mention how awesome it is...no i will not let this go.
Posted By: the danger stranger (Guest) on November 03, 2009 at 01:12 AM
Damn right!
Posted By: YouwillseethewrathoftheMonarch (Guest) on November 03, 2009 at 08:44 PM
I second the Venture Brothers praise, fantastic show.
Posted By: Guest#Infinity (Guest) on November 03, 2009 at 09:26 PM
Yeah? Then why are Terminator: The Sara Connor Chronicles, and Reapers both gone from my TV set. last year's TV season left a bad taste in my mouth, so this year I am watching the 3 shows I've been watching for years, and not trying anything new. I'm tired of getting into a great show for it to be yanked away without any resolution to what has been going on.
Posted By: Todd Vote (Registered) on November 03, 2009 at 10:39 AM
Would you have rather never experienced Terminator or Reaper at all instead of getting to enjoy them while they lasted?
Posted By: Deathpool (Guest) on November 03, 2009 at 10:15 PM
