The Big Screen Bulletin 06.19.06: The Unrated Extended Cut
Posted by Chad Webb on 06.19.2006
The reigning box office champ, PS Hoffman goes to war with Tom Hanks, Affleck as Magnum PI?, a Dave Chappelle's Block Party contest, the problems with The Fast and the Furious, birthday bash, new releases, most inspirational films, hotties, and more!
Birthday Bash
Thomas Haden Church is 45 - I didn't really expect him to be approaching 50, but I guess he is getting pretty old. I'm glad to see that he's receiving better roles. His future projects include Charlotte's Web and Spiderman 3.
Greg Kinnear is 43 - I thought he would older honestly. I willurge everyone at this time to go seek out The Matador when it comes out. It was a funny and under appreciated movie in theaters. His next film is Invincible with Mark Wahlberg and Feast of Love.
Martin Landau is 75 - This gentleman is getting old too. His more recent quality films include Ed Wood and The Majestic his future projects are Walk Two Moons and a weird sounding movie called Love Made Easy.
Paula Abdul is 44 - The psycho from American Idol isn't really doing much but that show as of late. To put it nicely, I am not a big fan of hers. She needs mental help. She looks her age I guess.
Garfield is 27 - That's right. The comic strip debuted in 1979 at this time. I am a huge fan of Garfield, but this new movie looks dumb as hell. Hopefully everyone forgets about these real life movies and buys the cartoons on DVD.
The News Bulletin Dissection
Frank Capra's 1946 film "It's a Wonderful Life", starring Jimmy Stewart, has been voted the most inspirational film of all time in balloting by the American Film Institute. The top five also included: 2. "To Kill a Mockingbird"; 3. "Schindler's List"; 4. "Rocky"; 5. "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington." The vote was conducted among 1,500 filmmakers, actors, critics and other movie professionals.
I suppose that is the reasonable choice for most inspirational film. I am glad to see that they recognized Rocky. Their picks look pretty good to me. I love Mr. Smith…, and the rest of the films on the list for that matter.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For the first time, an entire theatrical documentary has been shot using a standard video cell phone, the Associated Press reported today (Thursday). The wire service said that the 93-minute Italian film New Love Meetings from co-directors Marcello Mencarini and Barbara Seghezzi features clips of interviews with about 100 people talking about their sex lives. (About 700 people were actually "filmed.") "To use a small instrument that belongs to people's daily routine allows you to establish an intimate dialogue, instead of using a regular camera," Seghezzi told the A.P. "The interview becomes more like a chat." To offset the relatively low technical quality of the Nokia N90, the directors said they used mostly close-ups. The A.P. described the film as "clear overall" but that it appears "slightly shaky."
I'm not sure how riveting this would be to watch, but it is kind of neat. You'd think if they were going to shoot this entirely on a cell phone that they would choose a topic that is a bit more intriguing than peoples sex lives. I am interested to see how the picture translates onto a screen though. Maybe somebody should try shooting an actual movie on a cell phone.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Tokyo Drift", the latest edition of producer Neal Moritz's "The Fast and the Furious" film series, was attacked by a member of the Australian parliament today (Thursday) as a movie that promotes "reckless behavior behind the wheel" by young people. MP Gerard Martin told the Australian Associated Press that the film, which opens on Friday, should serve as a warning to parents. "I'm urging parents to take an interest in the films their kids are seeing and, if it's drivel like this, do as much as you can to drive home the safety message," he said. Labeling the film "American trash," Martin said that what offends him most about such movies "is they are based around stolen cars, illegal modifications and street racing -- which communities ... are trying to stamp out."
Finally, finally, finally somebody says what I have been thinking for years and years now. These films are drivel and they do promote reckless driving. In my area innocent people have died in car accidents because this idiotic street racing. I only wish that the United States would think this way. I've seen these dorks, and they sit in parking lots late at night and show off their cars. Sadly, I'll never be that cool :sigh:. I cannot wait to see this film just to bash the hell out of it in a review. Don't worry I will see it for free.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The complete first season DVD of "My Name Is Earl" will include an entirely new episode created specifically for the DVD when it is released on Sept. 26, Home Video Retailing reported today (Thursday). The trade paper said that the episode is kind of an "alternate" to the pilot, in that instead of repenting for his past misdeeds, Earl decides to get back at anyone who's ever wronged him. Ethan Suplee, who plays Earl's brother in the series, told HVR that the performers were able "to play around a bit" with the DVD extra. "I don't think we said f*** or anything like that, but I definitely don't think you could air it on television."
I have heard a lot of good things about this first season. Apparently they are doing some Family Guy crossover episode and putting on the DVD set. At least that's what I read months ago. This type of episode seems cool too. It is good to see that some people are style striving to make DVD seasons different. So many TV shows that are released these days have little or no special features. My Name is Earl is a good show, and because of these nifty extras I will buy it when it comes out.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Marvel comics has come under fire from superhero fans for unmasking one of their stars at a fictional press conference. Enduring crusader Spider-Man unexpectedly takes off his mask in front of awaiting reporters and snappers at a Washington publicity call in Marvel's latest edition, revealing the identity he has battled to keep secret for 44 years. Peter Parker agrees to the unmasking after federal legislation requires super heroes register and reveal their identities in a crackdown inspired by the deaths of hundreds of children at an elementary school when a battle between heroes and villains spills onto their grounds. But Marvel's editor-in-chief Joe Quesada reassured disgruntled fans on Wednesday that the unprecedented move is a positive step for the comic adventures. He said, "It is arguably the most shocking event in comic book history. It can be very intimidating if you don't know where the story is going or how it ends; we do, so we're just excited about where it takes us and the story possibilities it offers."
Ummmm, I'm sorry I don't see how this is such a big deal, or why it's shocking. A whole 10 people might know about this press conference. That is all.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Producers of the big screen adaptation of cult TV show "Magnum PI" are keen to cast Ben Affleck as the famous Hawaiian private investigator. Charles Floyd Johnson, one of the producers of the original 1980s TV series, insists the "Daredevil" star would be perfect for the mustachioed role after Tom Selleck held out too long to reprise the part. Johnson hints Affleck would be his first choice to play the lead but, regardless of the final casting, he tells moviehole.net, "I think it will be wonderful. Unfortunately it won't star Tom. He was asked to do six or eight TV movies and at that time he really wanted to do it as a feature, so he held out on it and probably now they will consider him too old to do it." Johnson names hot Hollywood producer Brian Grazer as the man behind the movie adaptation.
A lot of folks give Ben Affleck too much heat for having some bad roles under his belt. The fact remains that he is a good actor, who can do a decent movie when he wants to. See Chasing Amy. Now, I am against this sudden increase of 80's TV show adaptations, but I can picture Affleck as Magnum PI. With a mustache, he could pull it off as good as anyone could. He'll never be Tom Selleck though.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Josh Hartnett, who once starred in "40 Days and 40 Nights," is now in final negotiations to topline "30 Days of Night" for Columbia Pictures. The film is based on the comic book "30 Days of Night," which was written by Steve Niles, illustrated by Ben Templesmith and published by IDW. David Slade is directing. Penned by Stuart Beattie and Brian Nelson, the story is set in Barrow, Alaska, the northernmost town in the U.S., where the sun does not appear for more than 30 days during the dead of winter. An evil force emerges from the darkness, striking terror in the town. The local sheriffs -- a husband (Hartnett)-and-wife team -- are forced to choose between saving themselves and helping the town survive until daylight returns. The studio is looking for a female lead.
Well, I am a fan of Josh Hartnett, but I think this sounds dumb at first glance. David Slade has directed this years Hard Candy, which I haven't seen yet. He has also directed the Stone Temple Pilots video for "Sour Girl." That was a good music video actually. Anyway, this doesn't look that great, and Hartnett's films are up and down.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sigourney Weaver is in negotiations to join the cast of Columbia Pictures' "Vantage Point." Dennis Quaid, Matthew Fox, William Hurt and Forest Whitaker already have signed on to the thriller. Helmed by Pete Travis from a Barry Levy screenplay, the story chronicles an assassination attempt on the U.S. president (Hurt) and is told from five points of view, unfolding in 15-minute increments. Weaver will play a TV news producer for a CNN-type network who will do anything to get the story.
This will be Pete Travis' feature film debut. He has only directed TV movies. That is a bad sign I think. However, the plot looks good to me. It appears as if it might be kind of like a hyperlink movie, similar to Crash. The cast looks to be comprised of some commendable talent.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Happy Gilmore" villain Chris McDonald will replace Burt Reynolds as corrupt Boss Hogg in the "Dukes of Hazzard" prequel. He'll join Willie Nelson and model April Scott, who will play sexy Daisy Duke in the follow-up to last year's critically panned adaptation of the TV series. Meanwhile, Mean Girls star Jonathan Bennett and Randy Wayne will play Bo and Luke Duke, and sexy Twin Peaks star Sherilyn Fenn will play Lulu Hogg.
You know, I happen to love most of the movies that Christopher McDonald does, but this newsbit is just disappointing. He can do better. I have always though he was an underrated actor, but this doesn't make my claim look any more truthful. I am surprised that Willie Nelson is staying on. I can't wait to watch this and put it in my Straight to Video nightmares section. It will be fun, fun, fun.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Philip Seymour Hoffman has signed on for two new films from fellow Academy Award winners. Hoffman has signed on for a supporting role in Mike Nichols' "Charlie Wilson's War" about an idealistic congressman who works with a CIA agent to help fund freedom fighters in Afghanistan during the early-80s conflict with the Soviet Union. Tom Hanks is in place as the congressman with Hoffman playing the CIA agent. Julia Roberts is also part of the acclaimed cast. Hoffman will star in Sidney Lumet's "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead."
Oh my God! Tom Hanks and Philip Seymour Hoffman in the same movie. I seriously cannot wait for that. Julia Roberts is great too, but those two actors together make this movie so much more intriguing. I hope he continues to do great films as he always has. His starring role in Capote was a good change of pace in terms of him being the star, but he is a great supporting actor first. He is one of today's best actors, and I hope that reputation gets bigger and better for him.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Invite Dave Chappelle to Your Block Party"
Promotion from major Hollywood studio and video-sharing service encourages
users to submit funny and creative personal video content Los Angeles, CA (June 9, 2006) – To celebrate the DVD release of Dave Chappelle's Block Party on June 13th, 2006 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment, Revver.com (Revver Inc.) today launched "Invite Dave Chappelle to Your Block Party," a national online promotion encouraging fans to submit funny, creative personal videos through the contest's Web site, http://www.blockpartycontest.com. In the spirit of Dave Chappelle's trademark comedy, contestants will upload their videos humorously begging the comic superstar to attend their fictional block party. After uploading, entrants are challenged to find creative ways to market their entries, including posting their creations to social networking sites, blogs, distributing them virally and spreading the word through email.
The top 5 videos (as determined by number of viewers) will receive a "Dave Chappelle's Block Party" DVD, and the Grand Prize winner will win a 4-day, 3-night expense-paid trip to New York City. Capitalizing on the growing prominence of online content sharing, Revver Inc. connects content owners, viewers and advertisers in a sponsorship marketplace. Revver affords users the opportunity to earn money based on the popularity of their content, while offering advertisers widespread, unconventional exposure online. "The explosive growth of online video sharing is creating opportunities for individual creators, and this contest is a perfect example," said Steven Starr, CEO of Revver. "For anyone out there who wants to show off their humor and creativity, now is your chance to do it in front of millions of people and 'Invite Dave Chappelle to Your Block Party'."
Available for the first time in an unrated, extended DVD version on June 13, 2006, Dave Chappelle's Block Party features over 20 minutes of additional material not shown in theaters plus more than 45 minutes of bonus features that give viewers a chance to go behind-the-scenes of the most outrageous event of the decade. Directed by Academy Award(r) winner Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind), Dave Chappelle's Block Party follows the funnyman as he treats a Brooklyn neighborhood and a group of out-of-towners to a hilarious, no-holds barred, once-in-a-lifetime celebration. The unforgettable daylong party that results is loaded with humor, as well as a historic showcase of today's most influential musical artists, including Kanye West, Mos Def, Erykah Badu, Common, Jill Scott, the Roots plus the legendary Fugees, who reunite for the first time in eight years! Dave Chappelle's Block Party is available in Unrated and Rated DVD versions; both are priced at $29.98.
I haven't gotten the DVD yet, but this contest sounds like a cool idea. It looks like you can have some fun, and maybe win some prizes.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Animated autos retained the pole position as "Cars" came in No. 1 at the boxoffice for a second weekend with about $31.2 million, holding off the wrestling comedy "Nacho Libre" and another car tale, "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift." "Cars," from Disney and Pixar, beat a rush of new movies, lifting its 10-day domestic total to $114.5 million, according to studio estimates Sunday. Paramount's "Nacho Libre," starring Jack Black as a cook at a Mexican orphanage who takes up wrestling to buy better food for the kids, debuted in second place with $27.5 million.
I am surprised Nacho Libre debuted as strong as it did, but I figured that Cars would stay on top. I pretty much knew nothing exciting would happen at the box office this weekend after looking at the releases.
What's Coming to DVD…Buy or Avoid?
Syriana - A brilliant film all around. It is complex, but definitely worth repeated viewings. Buy
Night Watch - I never saw this foreign film, but I did want to at some point. Maybe I'll rent it.
Eight Below - Yes it is Paul Walker and dogs, but it is good family entertainment that is worth purchasing. Believe it. Buy
Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp's Adventure - Another straight to video sequel from Disney. These classics just do not deserve this and that's that. However look for this as part of a future news report.
What's Eating Gilbert Grape - This features Leonardo Dicaprio and Johnny Depp, who are two actors I respect a great deal, and yet I have not seen this. I need to get on the ball.
WWE Judgment Day 2006 - This is not a Pay Per View worth purchasing on DVD, but then again, few are these days. Avoid
The Omen - Why do you need a quickee when my review is such a great read. You can enjoy it by clicking here.
A Prarie Home Companion - Truly a great movie, and one little quickee paragraph could not do it justice. Read my full review by clicking here.
Cars - My take on Pixar's newest film can be examined by clicking right here.
Mountain Patrol:Kekexili - This is probably not playing in any theaters near you, but in case it is I recommend going to see it. This is a great Chinese film, shot on location, that depicts the cruel and harsh temper of nature in an uncharted wilderness, endangered species, and the difference between right and wrong in desperate situations. Their are truly some stirring and mesmerizing scenes in this. If you want to see a film that could potentially change the way you look at nature, look no further. Final Rating = 9.0/10.0
Movie Dictionary: Word of the Week
Screwball Comedy - The screwball comedy has proven to be one of the most popular and enduring film genres. It first gained prominence in 1934 with "It Happened One Night", and although many film scholars would agree that its classic period ended sometime in the early 1940s, elements of the genre have persisted, or have been paid homage to, in contemporary film. While there is no authoritative list of defining characteristics that comprise the screwball comedy genre, several qualities can be enumerated that tend to frequently appear in films considered to be definitive of the genre (see below). One proposed definition is "a sex comedy without the sex."
Comedies produced by the Hollywood studio system in the 1930s and early 1940s that contain certain story or stylistic elements (mentioned below). Most acknowledge that the screwball comedy had stragglers through the late 1940s and 1950s, but the onset of World War II and the end of the Great Depression undermined some of the themes so necessary to the genre. Romantic elements depicting a couple who were at once opposites but destined to complement each other. This element provided the dramatic tension to the audience who knew that the pair would eventually admit that the two of them were meant for one another, but wondered how this would come about and under what circumstances.
The stories almost always revolved around an idle rich socialite who comes into conflict with the guy who has to work for a living ("Bringing Up Baby"), or has to overcome her family's insistence that the man in her life is unacceptable because of his circumstances ("Holiday"). While the lifestyles of the wealthy characters are depicted as sumptuous, they often find themselves in less than comfortable situations and are forced to adapt ("It Happened One Night").
Numerous other screwball comedy characteristics exist that are too lengthy to delve in to such as: divorce and remarriage, fast-talking, witty repartee, mistaken identity, and gender power reversal.
Based on the Trailer…
My Super Ex-Girlfriend - I personally think this looks dumb. It had some funny parts, but I don't think it will end up good. Trailer Rating = 5.0/10.0
Ghost Rider - This looks decent to me. The special effects might be a downfall, but all in all I'm looking forward to Cage in this role. Trailer Rating = 7.5/10.0
Accepted - This could be really funny or really dumb, but holy shit, comedian Lewis Black is in this! Trailer Rating = 7.0/10.0
Little Miss Sunshine - This looks pretty funny to me with a nice cast in Steve Carell, Greg Kinnear, etc. Trailer Rating = 8.0/10.0
Monster House - This actually looks good to me. The trailer has some funny things in it, and I think children and grown ups would enjoy it. Trailer Rating= 7.5/10.0
World Trade Center - A wonderful trailer in every way. This will not be like United 93, but it can still be good. I can't wait to see this trailer in the theater. Trailer Rating = 10.0/10.0
Miami Vice - Normally, I think remakes of TV shows are bad ideas, but Michael Mann looks to have cleared out the cobwebs, and used his own vision. I think this looks good. Trailer Rating = 8.5/10.0
Lady in the Water - I loved the teaser trailer to this with the music in the background, but this is much different. This movie still looks pretty interesting though. Trailer Rating = 7.5/10.
Superman Returns - This film will be huge at the box office, but I am not sure it will be that great. The more I see this preview, the more doubts I have. Trailer Rating = 7.0/10.0
Clerks II - I look forward to any Kevin Smith film. This looks very funny, but I have doubts. Trailer Rating = 8.0/10.0
Click - Adam Sandler's new movie looks pretty good after watching this. The song in the trailer is good, and the plot looks intriguing. Trailer Rating= 8.5/10.0
Casino Royale- I had my doubts, but this Bond film looks to be damn good after looking at this. Trailer Rating = 8.0/10.0
Forgotten Hotties
Shae Marks
Natasha Henstridge
Krista Allen
Other Stuff to Read
411 June Roundtable - Matthew Craggs gathers the readers thoughts on the June releases and more!
