The Big Screen Bulletin 02.13.06: The Future of Cable
Posted by Chad Webb on 02.13.2006
a la carte cable?, Stallone and Schwarzenegger together finally, no more Oldman for Harry Potter, Curious George murder, more Oscar picks, and more hotties.
The Big Screen Bulletin-Part 13
Intro
I picked up the ECW: Bloodsport DVD, and I must admit, that even though WWE programming suck, the DVD's are great. It has some awesome matches with introductions by Paul Heyman. I recommend buying this right away.
I just went to see Final Destination 3, and I must say it was the worst out of the 3. I really don't know if I'll review it yet, but this lacked all the creativity, sense of shock, and entertainment most of all. Not to mention that when I saw it, every idiot in the world, who only go to see horror movies was there. Of course, they were talking and acting like morons the whole time. One of my biggest pet peeves is talking during movies, and you know what, you get reminded not to talk at the beginning of each movie. To stop the people from talking I urge you to follow through with these three steps:
1. I turn my head and make eye contact with the person
2. I turn my head and say "Shhhhh"
3. I yell for them to "Shut the hell up"
These usually work, but if they don't I get up and move. Anyway that's my lesson for today. Enjoy the news.
The News Bulletin Dissection
Actor Gary Oldman looks unlikely to reprise his role as Sirius Black in the next Harry Potter offering, after reports he has been mysteriously axed from the wizard franchise. Oldman, who has appeared in the last two movies adapted from JK Rowling's popular children's books, has yet to be signed for a third term - even though filming for "Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix" has already begun. The actor's manager, Douglas Urbanski, tells British newspaper The Sun, "You will be shocked to learn there are no plans for Gary to appear in the film. To say we are puzzled is an understatement at the very least! We are left with no choice but to pursue other employment for him." Vanessa Davis, spokeswoman for production company Warner Brothers, confirms no deal has been reached, but insists there is still time to resolve the confusion. She says, "With any film the priority is confirming the cast who will be on the set from the outset."
Well I have heard varying reports. On some Harry Potter fan websites, they state that Oldman is confirmed for this film. The reason I am discussing this is because this character is crucial to this movie. To cast a different Sirius Black at this stage in the Potter franchise would be horrible, and for that matter, Oldman cannot be replaced. This report came from IMDB, and he is no longer listed as a cast member for the film. This is the best Potter adventure to date, and if they screw this up, shame on them.
Natalie Portman will be honored as ShoWest Female Star of the Year at the ShoWest exhibitors convention, to be held March 13-16 in Las Vegas. Portman will be presented with the award at the closing-night ceremony March 16 at Bally's and Paris Las Vegas. "Natalie Portman has delivered an impressive array of performances throughout her terrific career, which began in 1994 when she burst onto the scene in the highly regarded 'The Professional' opposite Jean Reno," said Mitch Neuhauser, co-managing director of the event. "She has the unique ability to draw deep emotion from audiences as evidenced in such films as 'Heat,' 'Beautiful Girls,' 'Where the Heart Is,' 'Cold Mountain' and 'Closer.' "
You can't really argue with this. In case anyone wanted to know, ShoWest is the largest annual convention for the film industry. It is the only international gathering specifically devoted to motion pictures. Among the guests are theater owners, motion picture professionals, etc. As many as 50 countries are represented. Anyway, she is a great actress, and she deserves recognition. Hopefully V is for Vendetta is good.
In what appeared to be a 180-degree turn, the FCC on Thursday released a study concluding that an à la carte system for selling cable channels would offer consumers "substantial benefits," including a reduction in their cable bills of as much as 13 percent. In November 2004, the FCC issued a report concluding just the opposite. The current study said that the earlier one was flawed because it contained inaccurate information from a study by Booz Allen Hamilton Inc. that was funded by the National Cable & Telecommunications Assn. That study concluded that an à la carte system would result in blacking out niche networks, thereby reducing choice, and cause companies that sold advertising over a combination of channels to depend on revenue from only the surviving ones, thereby forcing them to raise their rates for those channels. Booz Allen Hamilton, while admitting that it erred "in one of our calculations" -- since corrected -- nevertheless said that it stood by its conclusions and underlying assumptions. In a statement, Sen. John McCain of Arizona, who has been pushing for an à la carte system, stated: "The report confirms what I have believed for years -- if consumers are allowed to choose the channels their families view then their monthly cable bill will be less. Choice is far preferable to being forced to buy a host of channels they don't even watch." Kyle McSlarrow, president of the National Cable & Telecommunications Assn., commented, "It is disappointing that the updated report relies on assumptions that are not in line with the reality of the marketplace." The study was particularly welcomed by conservative family groups who saw an à la carte system as a way to block "indecent" programs from coming into homes. But religious broadcasters warned that such a system could shut them down. Rod Tapp, an executive with the Inspiration Networks, told today's (Friday) Chicago Tribune that it "could represent the death knell for much of the wholesome programming available today from smaller independent channels" like his. And Geraldine Laybourne, chairman of the Oxygen network, observed in an interview with the online edition of Broadcasting & Cable: "TV viewers often don't know what they want to watch until it's there for them as an option. Who would have known to subscribe to Bravo to watch Queer Eye for the Straight guy prior to it airing? Hits come from new channels all the time. Would consumers really want to switch networks every few weeks so they can watch the newest shows on cable? And how would shows become hits if they don't have the viewers to watch them?"
Oddly enough, I mentioned this idea to friends on many different occasions. I never called it "a la carte", but since I rarely watch television I always thought it would be great to just buy certain channels, and not worry about the other 99% that I don't watch. I was shocked to see that plans are already in place. Obviously, there are a lot of negative aspects to this going into play, and some people make some good points, but more and more these days people have stopped watching T because their just isn't anything good on. That's a different issue altogether, but if this type of system was actually available, I would take full advantage of it. However, it remains to be seen if this actually becomes a full reality.
Arnold Schwarzenegger is being tipped to return to acting in a new Sylvester Stallone blockbuster after his term as California Governor is over. Hollywood reports suggest the two action men are being linked to a film called "Brutal Deluxe", according to website GossipMonkey. Top producer Brian Grazer is reportedly the man behind the ambitious action film, which will bring Rocky and The Terminator together on the big screen for the first time.
Oh my God how cool is this. Seriously I know everyone and their uncle will make fun of this in some shape or form, but deep down a part of every guy is cheering because the two greatest action stars will team up one time. I hope Arnold accepts because this would be something special. And with Brian Grazer behind this, it can't be that bad. The title is very cheesy, but at the same time it sounds just like a movie these two would do.
Two men have been charged with the first-degree murder of "Curious George" co-author Alan J. Shalleck in Florida. The 76-year-old writer was found stabbed to death under a pile of garbage bags outside his home in Boynton Beach on Tuesday. Police found a trail of blood leading from Shalleck's body to his trailer home and found blood splattered all over the master bedroom, as well several knives and broken glass. Rex Spears Ditto, 29, and Vincent Puglisi, 54, were arrested on Wednesday and have confessed to home invasion, murder and robbery, according to police. Shalleck co-wrote the popular "Curious George" books with Margaret Rey since the 1970s, after the death of original creator Ha Rey in 1977.
This is odd timing considering the film is just coming out. Hopefully these two get what's coming to them.
What's Coming Coming to DVD…Buy or Avoid?
Proof- This was a great and well acted film that will go unknown to many unfortunately. Gwyneth Paltrow delivers an unbelievable performance in this unique movie about math. Well worth picking up.
Nine lives- It was on Ebert and Roeper's Top 10 and it was really a touching and wonderful film. Rodrigo Garcia shaped a unique tale of 9 separate stories, and it might not be for everyone, but I'm gonna buy it, and it's worth it for you to check out.
Saw II- Their were so many movies out at during this films theater run that I didn't get a chance to see it. The first one was ok, but this one is probably worse.
Zathura- This was adventurous little kids movie that should be fun for anyone. If you liked Jumanji, you'll like this.
Mirrormask-This was never playing anywhere near, but I would seen it if could have. I heard mixed reviews from both ends of the spectrum for this. Rent this if anything.
Comedy Central Roast Of Pamela Anderson Uncensored!-I'm sure this will be on sale, and it is worth the price for the guys just to see what she was wearing that night. Since it's uncensored I'm definitely checking this out.
Metropolitan-Criterion Collection-If you appreciate the classics, both foreign and American, then the Criterion films are worth checking out. I haven't seen this, but to be honest I have not seen a Criterion movie that was bad.
The Thing About My Folks- This did not create much of a splash theatrically, but it could get more of an audience on DVD. It might be worth a rent if you feel generous, and hey, Columbo's in it so it's worth a chance.
Ultimate Gretzky-I figured I would mention this just because he has been in the news lately. This is being re-released with some of his greatest games.
A Few More Oscar Picks
Best Achievement in Directing
George Clooney for Good Night, and Good Luck.
Paul Haggis for Crash
Ang Lee for Brokeback Mountain
Bennett Miller for Capote
Steven Spielberg for Munich
My Thoughts: I'm sure Ang Lee will be the most likely winner, but in my opinion Steven Speilberg and George Clooney deserve a little golden man a bit more. Both types of direction were remarkable to view, and if I had to pick between the two, I would pick Geroge Clooney to win here instead of the Supporting Actor category.
Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen Crash - Paul Haggis, Robert Moresco Good Night, and Good Luck. - George Clooney, Grant Heslov Match Point - Woody Allen The Squid and the Whale - Noah Baumbach Syriana - Stephen Gaghan
My Thoughts: Wow, here is another category where every movie was fabulous and they all deserve recognition from the Academy. Stephen Gaghan and Noah Baumbach are my top choices for this, but since The Squid and the Whale is not nominated anywhere else, it should prevail.
Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published Brokeback Mountain - Larry McMurtry, Diana Ossana Capote - Dan Futterman The Constant Gardener - Jeffrey Caine A History of Violence - Josh Olson Munich - Tony Kushner, Eric Roth
My Thoughts: It will most likely win a number of awards, but Brokeback Mountain is justified in winning most. Otherwise, I wouldn't mind seeing A History of Violence win. McMurtry and Ossana molded a great film from a short story and Josh Olson crafted a great script from a graphic novel, so they have both accomplished something special.
Forgotten Hotties
Elle MacPherson
Niki Taylor
Ashley Montana
Thanks for reading and tune in next week! (All news sources from IMDB.com and Hollywoodreporter.com)
