The Big Screen Bulletin 12.04.06: Jingle Your Bells With The Bulletin
Posted by Chad Webb on 12.04.2006
New birthdays, "Happy Feet" wins again, The end of a new "He-Man" film, Lohan wants to play Stevie Nicks, news on "Beverly HIlls Cop IV", the possibility of "The Mighty Ducks IV", new releases, quickees, trailers, and much more!
Birthday Bash
Julianne Moore turns 46 - This four time Oscar nominated actress is approaching 50 fast, and you can tell, but she's still a fabulous actress. She has 6 projects on the horizon such as Next, Saving Grace, Morgan's Summit, and I'm Not There, which is about Bob Dylan.
Brendan Fraser turns 38 - One of the most underrated actors alive today is almost at 40, but he still looks pretty young in the face. His future shows that he will give us Journey 3-D, Big Bug Man, some type of Mummy sequel, and an intriguing film called The Air I Breathe.
Britney Spears turns 25 - This is my chance to talk about her further ruining her reputation by hanging out with the losers of Lohan and Hilton. What is she thinking? She is actually completing a new movie called In The Pink (not a porn title…ha!) with Tim Allen and Cher.
Tyra Banks turns 33 - In her early 30's, she is just as gorgeous as she ever was. The former Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star is not acting in any films or shows, but apparently she is still hosting the meaningless America's Top Model.
Marisa Tomei turns 42 - Even though she is aging quite rapidly, she is one spicy hot Italian. She has Wild Hogs with John Travolta, Tim Allen, and William H. Macy coming soon, as well as Before the Devil Knows You're Dead.
The News Bulletin
Three-peat For "Happy Feet"
A dancing penguin and the world's deadliest spy have settled in for a long stay at the top of the boxoffice. The animated penguin tale "Happy Feet" was the No. 1 movie for the third straight weekend, posting ticket sales of $17 million, according to studio estimates Sunday. Also for the third straight weekend, the James Bond adventure "Casino Royale" ran a close second, taking in $15.1 million. "Happy Feet," from Warner Bros., raised its total domestic gross to $121 million. Sony's "Casino Royale" has climbed to $115.9 million. With a fairly open market for family crowds through Christmas, "Happy Feet" is expected to top out at $185 million or more, said Jeff Goldstein, general sales manager for Warner Bros.
Topping $300 million worldwide, "Casino Royale" is on the way to surpassing the $432 million total of "Die Another Day" to become the top-grossing Bond movie, said Rory Bruer, head of distribution at Sony. Denzel Washington's thriller "Deja Vu" remained in third place for a second straight weekend with $11 million, bringing the Disney release's total to $44.1 million. A weak crop of newcomers were unable to bump off the holdovers. Despite the holiday season, moviegoers generally were not in the mood for New Line's "The Nativity Story," a tale of Christ's humble birth that debuted modestly with $8 million to come at No. 4.
The only surprise I can speak of is The Nativity Story gaining the number 4 spot. I am startled that it did that well in all honestly, but I guess a good bit of moviegoers went to see it. There was absolutely no competition for the top 2 this week. I can assure you that next week, Apocalypto and/or Blood Diamond will knock them off the top spots. Déjà vu stayed put, Deck the Halls hangs on to the top 5, and for the very first time since they were both released in the same week, The Santa Clause 3 has earned more money than Borat! This is huge. Otherwise in the top 10, Turistas will go unnoticed at #8, along with Stranger Than Fiction at #9, and I can thank all intelligent movie buffs that Van Wilder: The Rise of Taj debuted horribly at #10. Morgan Freeman's limited release, 10 Items or Less, with Paz Vega didn't do that great with around $40,000 in 15 theaters.
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He-Man and Skeletor Will Not Have A Rematch
More crushing news for those who have been fretfully waiting the golden-haired swordsman's exultant return to cinemas – he might not be. Yup, seems Fox2000's proposed film version of "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe" may have gone the way of "Batman Vs. Superman", "Broadway Brawler" and "The Crusades" – swallowed by a black hole with an appetite for languishing film projects. It seems the film version of the popular 80s toon is essentially dead. Executive Producer Rodney Ferrell ("Flicka"), of Fox2000 pics, tells Moviehole that they've just literally just wiped their hands clean of the property. "This was a project set up at Fox", begins Ferrell, "but in the recent months we gave the project back to Mattel and are no longer involved". The film had John Woo attached as a producer and Adam Rifkin ("Underdog") attached as the writer. Fox2000 were set to produce and distribute the movie.
Its been a long and tumultuous journey for the "He-Man" pic – its been delayed multiple times, has seen several writers come and go (They were unsure about Rifkin's script too – suggesting another writer may have even been approached before the project left Fox's hands), and seemingly had to wait until a space cleared in the ever-so-busy calendar of producer, Woo. (The studio even tried to coax Woo into directing at one stage). Though the studio can't confirm, there were believed to be several actors being looked at for the role of the Battle-Cat rider: Paul Walker, Triple H, Chris Showerman and Matthew Davis. Mattel may still be interested in making a "He-Man" film – and it may still involve Woo's company, LionsRock – but the book's now closed on this incarnation.
This makes me want to moan and cry like a 5 year old. I was really hoping that something would develop from this project. For more than a year, I have visited IMDB waiting for a new casting announcement, or anything to gossip about, but months passed, and the page was always blank. John Woo could have done well with this I think. I need to watch something besides the Dolph Lundgren version. I won't continue to wine about the cancellation though. Let's talk about Paul Walker being considered for the lead role. I would have flown to Fox's headquarters and protested all by myself if he had landed the role. It makes me sick to picture. Triple H would have been a hilarious and overly chiseled choice. Christopher Showerman looks nothing like the part, but Matthew Davis possibly could have pulled it off. Out of all these dudes, he had the most potential.
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Clooney Takes Jazz Lessons
George Clooney will headline the Warner Bros produced sequel to "L.A Confidential", reports The Hollywood Reporter. The one-time Batman will also produce the film with his Smokehouse pics partner Grant Heslov. Joe Carnahan ("Narc") is directing. "White Jazz" is the last volume of what is known as James Ellroy's "L.A. quartet" of crime novels, which includes "L.A. Confidential," "The Big Nowhere" and "The Black Dahlia." In "Jazz," written by Matthew Carnahan, Clooney will star as a corrupt police lieutenant assigned to a potentially explosive case for the Los Angeles Police Department during a time when the department is under investigation for corruption. Clooney will start work on "Jazz" in 2008, before moving onto the heist thriller "Belmont Boys". That one tells of a group of seven thieves who meet as railbirds at the racetrack in the old days and almost pull off the job of a lifetime. Now, 30 years later, they are thrown back together to finish what they started.
Curtis Hanson showed the world how to properly adapt a James Ellroy novel with L.A. Confidential, and Brian De Palma proved that it can be executed as a total mess with The Black Dahlia. These adaptations are all about the director, and since I have not seen Narc, I cannot comment on up and coming filmmaker Joe Carnahan. Hopefully he examines both films already released meticulously, and learns from the mistakes. He has George Clooney as the star, so we know the acting will be top notch. I have no doubts mainstream talent will come aboard. Corruption storylines never get old do they? Just like mob flicks, if the right cast and crew are contributing, the result can be spectacular. Until 2008, we can cross our fingers for Peter Jackson and now a suitable adaptation of this novel.
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Lohan Begging To Be Nicks
Hot on the heels of those reports that Kristen 'Wicked' Chenowrth is set to boob-up as Dolly Parton in a film comes some fast-spreading hearsay that another young actress is also about to get acquainted with a Shure SM58 (a microphone, that is). Lindsay Lohan, apparently pretty good in Emilio Estevez's comeback pic "Bobby", is said to be waxing lyrical with those-that-matter about playing Stevie Nicks in a movie. Lohan – who assumingly will actually sing in the movie – will play a younger (well, duh) version of the Fleetwood Mac front woman, in a film that will chronicle the strawy blonde rocker's times and trials of the 70s and 80s. "Lindsay loves the music of that era, and people have told her she has the same distinctive gravelly voice as Stevie's", an insider (gotta love them) tells Life + Style. (You may recall that Lohan covered Stevie's hit, "Edge of Seventeen", on her record released last year). Lohan, 20, has apparently already suggested Jared Leto play Nicks' on/off lover Lindsey Buckingham.
Lindsay Lohan can sing adequately. For those who want to find out for themselves, go rent A Prairie Home Companion and stay away from her album. She is a magnificent actress, but such an irritating, drunken bit** in real life. It is amazing that with all the news that is known about her every single week, she is still able to obtain any role she wants. Anyway, I hope Jared Leto accepts a new role. He is such an overlooked actor (despite Alexander), but takes time out for his band (30 Seconds To Mars), which hurts the amount of good roles he could be getting. For instance, he was originally supposed to be in Flags of Our Fathers. This project sounds interesting. I wonder how much chemistry Lohan and Leto will have?
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Murphy Returning As A Beverly Hills Cop
Forget "The Haunted Mansion", "I Spy", and (*shudder*) "The Adventures of Pluto Nash", Eddie Murphy is set to make a comeback old-school style in "Beverly Hills Cop IV" According to today's Variety, Murphy has teamed with Paramount and producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura to revisit the action-comedy series that centers around detective Axel Foley. "Axel Foley is one of the great action-comedy characters, a character that Eddie loves. I'm lucky enough to help bring it back," di Bonaventura said. "This genre is missing from the landscape." Murphy next stars in "Dreamgirls", "Norbit", and he once again lends his voice to Donkey in the upcoming "Shrek the Third." No timetable for the fourth flick is given. It's not known if any previously appearing actors, like Judge Reinhold, will reprise their roles in the fourth installment.
It was only a matter of time before more and more stars decide to cash in on the sudden outburst of sequels of franchises that have long since been thought finished. I suppose I should not bash this idea seeing as how I can't wait for Rocky Balboa, Rambo IV,, or Die Hard IV. This is just as positive an idea as any of those sequels. A funny aspect of this news is that no one knows if Judge Reinhold will join the cast. LOL. We know that he isn't doing anything else except Santa Clause and Beethoven sequels. However, if this delayed sequel trend continues we can expect The Karate Kid V, Evil Dead IV, Escape From Earth, Terminator 4, City Slickers III, and The Might Ducks IV. Oh wait….some of that is happening now. Read below.
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The Minnesota Miracle Men and Gordon Bombay Together Again?!
Producer Jordan Kerner ("Charlotte's Web", "George of the Jungle 2") gave Moviehole a bit of an update on his forthcoming projects today. Kerner also produced the "Mighty Ducks" film series and said he has had discussions about a fourth film. "A young, very talented and sophisticated television writer/producer – who'll rename nameless – who was probably twelve when The Mighty Ducks came out, now 25, came to me about a year-and-a-half ago with an approach. He and I talked about it. I had another approach, though, so we worked on something jointly together. We still have more work to do". He believes there is an opportunity to take some of the characters like "Goldberg and Averman and bring them back, and we can revisit that, if we had a fresh story to tell. And that's what we're working on".
The plotline for "The Mighty Ducks 4" will have a lot to do with today's generation preferring to stay inside and play video games or search the internet rather than get out there and play a sport. The question that'll be asked is "is there something to say about this generation about self-generated material, about enclosure in the media – things where kids don't necessarily get outside? I'm not saying there's anything against that; I'm just saying how do we get kids to do both things? – I mean, kids' sense of wonder about things that are actually alive have diminished. That could fit its way in. We'd remind viewers what the sense of playing hockey – or merely rediscovering a sport - means". Though he's reluctant to say whether original stars Joshua Jackson or Emilio Estevez would be involved, he's got nothing but praise. "Josh is a good guy – they're all great. When The Mighty Ducks were in the Stanley Cup two weeks ago, Emilio, Josh and myself were all there – at the [legendary] 7th game." In that match, the ‘Ducks', who were "this team of rag-tag players with a showboat name, a team nobody thought could get there, lost by a shootout", says Kerner. "It was just a storybook. It was phenomenal".
My mouth dropped to the ground when I read this news bit. This could either be the greatest idea ever, or the worst possible thought one producer ever had creep into his mind. If this became a stupid straight to video sequel, it would be unbelievably awful for the first three films. If they do decide to skate once again, obviously Joshua Jackson and Emilio Estevez should return. It makes me laugh to think of the person who will walk up to Jackson and says "Hey, were you interested in playing Charlie Conway again?" I would love to be a fly on the wall for that conversation. I will admit, the brief plot that Kerner wants to use has potential. If this progresses with the same cast, and some bright young talent, you never know what could happen.
The 20 Second Sermon
The Hobbit drama is persistently going back and forth in the news as if it were an elementary school debate. This is causing me to not care until a concrete decision is made. Hostel Part III has been greenlit for Eli Roth, and methinketh that acting ahead of the game could further kill the horror genre. Dunst and Maguire might wave goodbye to the Spiderman franchise, and hopefully they do. This series needs to end while it is still revered. Finally, a Smurfs CGI film has been announced, and I think it has potential to be spectacular. This is the kind of television we need to bring back! Also, congrats to Half Nelson for winning big at the Gotham Awards.
24 – Season Five - I still have not watched one episode of this show. I am sure it's good, but hopefully one of these days I'll find someone to borrow it from.
Miami Vice (Unrated Director's Cut) - One of the most underrated flicks of the year by far. This was an excellent adaptation of the television show no matter what anyone says. Buy
Pinky and the Brain, Volume 2 - I own the first volume, and it is hilarious. This was a superb cartoon show that was just what we needed after school. Buy
Animaniacs, Volume 2 - This was another good cartoon show that is worth checking out. If I had to choose one though, it would be Pinky and the Brain. Avoid
Beerfest (Unrated Widescreen Edition) - This was an under appreciated comedy by the wacky geniuses who gave us Super Troopers. If you want a beer movie to play at parties, look no further. This is the ultimate beer film. Buy
How To Eat Fried Worms - This looked pretty stupid to me. I am all for a children's comedy, but it has to have heart.
The Premier Frank Capra Collection - It doesn't get much better than this. This ideal holiday gift includes such classics like Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, It Happened One Night, and Mr. Deeds Goes to Town. Buy
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Volume 6 - This is only one disc. When will they start releasing this is 3-4 disc volumes so it will be worth picking up. Avoid
Rocky (2 Disc Collector's Edition) - For those who already own the anthology, this is not a big enough improvement to upgrade. If you do not own any of these films, shame on you. Go buy this now. Buy
Idlewild - The plot was cliché, and the music didn't mesh with the time period of the plot. This could have been worse I suppose, but it still wasn't very good. Avoid
WWE: Cyber Sunday 2006 - I missed this PPV, but are any of these worth buying anymore. My instincts say no.
Vida Guerra: Exposed - Ummm, if you're a guy, this is something you must own. Buy
Garfield – Behind the Scenes - These are episodes that are already available in the season sets. This isn't worth it. Avoid
The Critic's Quickee
Déjà vu - If you really must know how this film turned out, please read my full review of the new Denzel thriller by clicking here.
Bobby - To read all about Emilio Estevezs' new film with the all-star cast, find my review by clicking your mouse here.
The Fountain - Darren Aronofsky has created a film that is not for everyone. That is a fact. However, if you crave cinema that is innovative, stunning, and breathtaking, The Fountain is something you need to see before the theaters push it out for newer releases. This is by far the Requiem for a Dream filmmaker's best accomplishment yet. It is a beautiful, mesmerizing, and perfectly acted feat that should definitely stand the test of time. I was originally not going to do a review of this, but after being blown away, I think I will. Stay tuned. The final rating will be revealed in my review.
Tenacious D in: The Pick of Destiny - I had too much to do this week. I will probably see this tomorrow or the next day. It still looks bad.
Deck the Halls - I still have no urge to waste money on this.
Movie Dictionary: Word of the Week
Distant - The word distant in a chronological sense refers a long chronological interval between entries in a series. The term distant sequel is used to describe a work that portrays events that happen long after those of a previously completed work. The term distant prequel is the opposite of that. "The Terminator" (1984), "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" (1991), and "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines" (2003), each set around their time of release, are distant sequels.
Quasi-Sequel - A quasi-sequel is a direct sequel to an existing franchise on a different medium. Examples of quasi-sequels are the "Matrix Online" (MMORPG taking place after Matrix Revolutions), John Woo's "Stranglehold" (taking place after Hard Boiled), and "Scarface: The World Is Yours" (taking place during the end and after Scarface the movie).
Sidequel (Side Story) - A sidequel is a neologism describing a work of fiction in literature, film, and other creative works that is produced after a completed work, set in the same "universe", with arbitrary chronology and unrelated plots. The word is a portmanteau formed from side-, as in side by side, and sequel, a work which takes place after a previous one. The term may well be synonymous with Spin-off.
The term appears to date from 1998 when it was used by David Webb Peoples, the screenwriter for the film "Soldier", which he described as a 'sidequel' to the film "Blade Runner" (which he co-wrote). It is unclear at this time the degree of plot diversity required for a work to be described as a sidequal as opposed to a prequel, midquel or sequel.
Due to the similarity of the term with Spin-off only works specifically described as 'Sidequels' by people associated with the work are listed here.
Based on the Trailer…
Wild Hogs - The cast in this looks great and just hysterical. Tim Allen, John Travolta, Martin Lawrence, William H. Macy, and Ray Liotta all in the same movie. Trailer Rating = 8.5/10.0
The Holiday - Ahhh, The romantic Christmas Dramedy for this year. This looks ok. Winslet and Black will probably save it. Trailer Rating = 6.5/10.0
Unaccompanied Minors - This will not be a role comedian Lewis Black will be remembered for. This looks terrible. Trailer Rating = 4.0/10.0
The Hitcher - This horror remake is coming from the same morons who gave us remakes of Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The Amityville Horror. It will likely suck. Trailer Rating = 3.0/10.0
Curse of the Golden Flower - I loved both of this director's previous films, and this looks pretty good, but not quite as perfect as his last two. Trailer Rating = 8.0/10.0
Zodiac - David Fincher's new thriller with Jake Gyllenhaal looks outstanding. I cannot wait for this. Fincher is a genius. Trailer Rating = 9.0/10.0
The Simpsons Movie - I am not the biggest Simpsons fan, but this trailer is hilarious. Maybe this movie won't be all that terrible. Trailer Rating = 8.0/1.0
Bridge to Terabithia - I realize this was a popular book, and I don't care which one came first, but this is so close to Chronicles of Narnia. I see no originality. Trailer Rating = 5.0/10.0
Hostel: Part II - If you have read my material for the past 10 months, you know how I feel about this. The first one sucked, and this one will also. Trailer Rating = 3.0/10.0
Reno 911: Miami - I have never really watched the show, but this looks very funny. Trailer Rating = 7.5/10.0
Evan Almighty - This sequel doesn't have strong plot. Evan is told to build and ark. Dumb, but Carrell is still funny. Trailer Rating = 6.0/10.0
Hot Fuzz - This is the new film from the Shaun of the Dead group. It looks very funny. I'm looking forward to it. Trailer Rating = 9.0/10.0
Night at the Museum - Ben Stiller's newest adventure looks like it will be a relaxing and enjoyable time this holiday season. Trailer Rating = 7.5/10.0
Dreamgirls - This is the film getting all the Oscar buzz? It looks good, but not Oscar good. Trailer Rating = 7.5/10.0
The Good Shepherd - Wow, this looks outstanding. It has a great cast, Deniro directing, and Joe Pesci is back! You can't go wrong. Trailer Rating = 10.0/10.0
Black Christmas - Another remake. They never stop! This teaser really doesn't show a whole lot. This will be terrible. Trailer Rating = 5.0/10.0
Grindhouse - The unique offering from Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez will most likely rock, but the trailer makes it look quite bizarre. Trailer Rating = 8.0/10.0
Charlotte's Web - This looks ok I guess, but it has the opportunity to be terrible. Talking animals is getting redundant. Trailer Rating = 6.5/10.0
The Pursuit of Happyness - It feels like a while since we've seen Smith, but this looks pretty decent to me actually. I'll give it a chance. Trailer Rating = 8.5/10.0
Freedom Writers - I think I already saw this when it was called Dangerous Minds. It's like the exact same movie only with Swank as the teacher. Trailer Rating = 2.0/10.0
Eragon - This looks average, but it seems to be going for that Lord of the Rings crowd. I doubt it will be that good. Trailer Rating = 6.5/10.0
300 - This is a new film inspired based on another Frank Miller graphic novel. It catches my interest, but perhaps a bit too much CGI. Trailer Rating = 7.0/10.0
Blood Diamond - From Director Edward Zwick comes another film with Leo Dicaprio. It has good cast, and looks damn good to me. Trailer Rating = 9.0/10.0
Norbit - Another movie where Eddie Murphy plays a zillion roles. Don't care. It's not funny anymore. Trailer Rating = 3.0/10.0
Home of the Brave - It is a war film with Samuel L. Jackson, Jessica Biel, and 50 Cent. It doesn't look terrible, but what an odd cast. Trailer Rating = 6.5/10.0
Children of Men - Alfonso Cuaron is a unique director, and I think this has a whole lot of potential. Trailer Rating = 9.0/10.0
Apocalypto - Mel Gibson is having his share of problems, but this film looks amazing. I cannot wait to see it, regardless of Mr. Mel's shenanigans. Trailer Rating = 9.0/10.0
Rocky Balboa - I don't care what people say, this movie looks incredible. This second trailer is slightly more terrific than the first. Trailer Rating = 10.0/10.0
TMNT - Since I grew up watching these guys, I will go see this movie no matter what. The trailer is average. Trailer Rating = 7.5/10.0
Spiderman 3 - Despite my dislike of the second one, this newer trailer is friggin awesome. I'll admit, I'm looking forward to this greatly. Trailer Rating = 9.0/10.0
Transformers - My initial reaction to this teaser was laughter, not like I thought it looked bad, but because it was totally unexpected. A little early to tell, but so far so good. Trailer Rating = 7.5/10.0
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
Other Stuff to Read
411 December Roundtable - Matthew Craggs gathers the readers thoughts on the December releases and more!
Fact or Fiction - Matt Craggs gathers the thoughts of George Sirois and Tim O' Sullivan this week!
Furious on Film - Arnold Furious gives you quick rundowns of interesting movies every week.
