The Doctor Furious in the Hallway News Report 09.27.07
Posted by Arnold Furious on 09.26.2007
Tarantino “softcore porn” rumors, Sam Jackson & Bernie Mac got soul, Jessica Biel might be Wonder Woman and I take a look at The Rock’s Hollywood adventure so far!
The Doctor Furious in the Hallway News Report 09.27.07
Tarantino "softcore porn" rumours, Sam Jackson & Bernie Mac got soul, Jessica Biel might be Wonder Woman and I take a look at The Rock's Hollywood adventure so far!
Hello, I'm Arnold Furious. Contrary to popular opinion and main page linkage last week I'm not Ben Moser. He's continuing his 30 day "vacation" (I tried to warn him about buying from online pharmacies, there's no escaping the wrath of 411 Wellness – much like the WWE's suspensions Moser's is up next week and he will return) so I'll be around to fill in and cover and whatnot on the old news report. But before all that I'm going to incessantly plug all my own stuff because, frankly, I worked damn hard on it and it's eaten up too many hours of my life to just pass it off like I don't care if people read it or not. Be warned though, this is a long read.
Quentin Tarantino has confirmed that he is interested in doing a 3D softcore porn flick. "I came up with the idea of like a cool sex movie that would take place in Stockholm, with a couple of Americans visiting a couple of Swedish friends," he told the Telegraph in the UK. "Kind of like the girls in 'Death Proof,' just going out drinking, having a good time, hooking up. If I actually do an erotic movie, I'm going to have to reveal what I find sexy, what turns me on. And when it comes to sex in movies, it's got to be kind of kinky, because that's what's cinematic, that's what's fun. Everything else is just - shagging. But my problem wouldn't be revealing myself. My problem would be doing a press tour talking about me revealing myself. And how creepy that would be, how creepy the questions would be." - Daily Telegraph.
I like the idea actually. Tarantino usually has an interesting take on sexuality. Look at the dance between Uma Thurman and John Travolta in Pulp Fiction for an idea of how cool looking any potential Tarantino love scene would be. Imagine that extended into a more romantic setting. I imagine he has an idea of what music he'd like to use and probably has a few ideas on the back burner. The thing about QT is there's so much he hasn't done in film that a lot of possibilities for future projects. Many of which fans are crying out for. Next for Quentin is Inglorious Bastards, the war movie a lot of Tarantino fans have been crying out for a long time. After that he has nothing solid lined up. Whatever he does though there's every chance it'll be intriguing. I consider myself a fan of Tarantino's work. I even like Jackie Brown, which unfairly gets bad press just because it's not as good as the other Tarantino movies. You could possibly put that down to my love of Pam Grier though. She is superb in Jackie Brown.
The first images from Tarantino's love scenes proved disturbing.
Wasn't Soul Man by Sam & Dave?
Samuel L. Jackson and Bernie Mac are set to star in Soul Men. Jackson and Mac will star as estranged soul singers who reunite for a concert tour. They haven't spoken to each other in 20 years but agree to travel together for a tribute performance. Both Jackson and Mac will sing and dance in the comedy. - Variety.
I don't really get the appeal of Bernie Mac. Is he funny because he doesn't do anything? He always seems to just stare a lot. Working with Sam Jackson could be fun though. I imagine they'd have some good scenes and could riff off each other. You might get some great improvisation out of it. Or maybe it'll just be two guys shouting "motherfucker" at each other. Time will tell. As long as they get some really good music involved this could work out well. I've always been a huge fan of the Blues Brothers not only for the films totally over the top wackiness but also for the soundtrack, which I know pretty well. Some people think I'm disturbed for knowing all the lyrics to the theme from the TV show Rawhide. It was that film that introduced me to James Brown, Sam & Dave, Wilson Pickett, Ray Charles and John Lee Hooker. If this film can do something similar for the next generation then more power to them.
"I'm on the only Soul Man around here motherfucker!"
Wonder about Wonder Woman no more
Jessica Biel is in talks to play Wonder Woman in the upcoming Justice League of America film for director George Miller. According to Variety, "Potential deal marks the first piece of casting to emerge from the DC Comics-based ensemble project, which is expected to feature Superman, Batman, the Flash and Aquaman in addition to Wonder Woman." Warner Bros. declined to comment, saying they will announce the entire cast together. - Variety.
In other words she's signed but they want to sign some more cast members to make it look credible first. I know Chad Webb hates the idea but with this piece of news I'm warming somewhat to the project. Plus this is an excellent opportunity for some gratuitous T & A photos.
Oh yeah, wait there's more!
And yet more!
Now you all want to see the movie don'tcha?
I realise I didn't have much to say about that last piece of news but I think the pictures tell the whole story. Fit bird + Wonder Woman costume equals my money down. Consider me signed up with Jessica Biel. I don't care if the movie sucks. They can't ruin Batman any worse than Joel Schumacher or Superman any worse than Quest for Peace anyway.
It's a Risky Business
A crew member for The Dark Knight was killed on Monday. The victim was said to be a camera operator. According to The BBC, the accident happened off-set at a test track in Longcross in Surrey. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) informed the press that the accident occurred while "filming production exercise. The technician was riding in a camera vehicle, said to be a 4x4, that was following the Batmobile during a stunt test run. A statement from Warner Bros. said: "There was a fatal accident at a special effects facility for Batman: The Dark Knight. A technician on the film died when the truck he was in struck a tree following a test run. Warner Bros Pictures and the entire cast and crew of The Dark Knight are deeply saddened by this tragedy, and their hearts and prayers go out to the family and loved ones of the deceased." - BBC
Apologies for the teaser not leading to a story about the Cruiser. I know how much you all love him. Sad news no doubt. It's a reminder that some of the stunts in movies look awesome and cool because they're really dangerous and things like this can happen. It's miraculous it doesn't happen more often when you consider some of the stunts that appear in big budget films. You can take precautions but if you're hanging out of a car or a helicopter pointing a camera at something you don't have a lot of protection. Of course it does happen. Let's not forget Brandon Lee who was shot and killed while filming The Crow. Vic Morrow was killed during the filming of Twilight Zone: The Movie when a helicopter lost control and decapitated him. Director Boris Sagel suffered a similar fate while making a TV series about World War III in the early 80's. Movies are a dangerous world to be in kids.
SHAZAM!
The Rock recently told MTV that he is considering playing Captain Marvel or the villain Black Adam in the upcoming Shazam! movie. The comic series focused on young Billy Batson, who becomes the superhero known as Captain Marvel when he utters the magic word "Shazam!" - MTV
The Rock has had a mixed career in the movies so far. I figure it's about time to have a look at what he's done since jumping ship from the WWE about five years ago.
• The Mummy Returns (2001). A somewhat sub par sequel to Brendan Fraser's Indiana Jones knockoff The Mummy. The Rock was highlighted by critics and fans alike as a huge success though and despite his character not having the biggest part it was hailed as a positive. The film also did exceptionally well at the box office bringing home over $200M domestically. The actioner took $430M worldwide and although The Rock was already a big name because of his performances in wrestling during the late 90's boom he was now reaching a huge audience.
• The Scorpion King (2002). The Rock remained a wrestler returning in between filming these two movies where he played the same character. Scorpion King being the spin-off to follow up on the success of the Mummy Returns and to see if the audience would buy into a film merely because it starred The Rock. The film grossed $90M. I think we can call that a success. It was after the completion of the Scorpion King that The Rock had his final run in wrestling. The success of this film allowed The Rock a doorway into a new world. He seemed to desire this celebrity that was reaching a new level. He was 2/2 though and Hollywood was knocking on the door.
• The Rundown (2003). The Rock first film as a movie star was the Rundown co-starring Seann William Scott (what's with all the first names, get a surname!) It was fairly popular and also starred Rosario Dawson and Christopher Walken. Of the films he'd made so far it was easily his most accomplished work as an actor showing a more rounded performance and allowing a lot more personality to come through. Box office was less promising as the big budget wasn't recouped but it still took $47M at a time where box office was generally down, which isn't bad.
• Walking Tall (2004). The Rock now took on another comedy co-star in Johnny Knoxville from Jackass. The budget was lower as were expectations but the box office remained the same; $45M. So now there were doubters about The Rock's ability as a movie draw. Sure he was a draw but perhaps not enough of a draw. He was too marginalised. So maybe it was time to show some different sides to his personality.
• Be Cool (2005). This would be his different side. Playing a flamboyantly gay bodyguard he got to team up with an all star cast featuring John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Vince Vaughan, Andre 3000, Danny DeVito, James Woods, Harvey Keitel. When you're in that kind of company and most people pick you out as the best thing about the movie then you're onto a good thing. The Rock got rave reviews in the critical bomb. Oddly enough Be Cool made more money than either of the Rock's previous two movies despite being considered a failure. To this point there was no such thing as a bad Rock performance, which he should be happy about.
• Doom (2005). This wasn't the best career choice. At least he selected a more interesting character than was originally offered to him. The bland hero role went to Karl Urban and The Rock was again the best thing about a bad movie. This was seen as a safe movie because it's a video game adaptation and they generally make money. Doom didn't. In fact it was a colossal bomb losing over $40M and a target for critics to boot. "Doom is like some kid came over and is using your computer and won't let you play" said Roger Ebert.
• Southland Tales (2006). The follow up from Richard Kelly, the director of Donnie Darko. Certainly a different choice for The Rock. It had an eclectic cast and a plot that no one understood. It's a sci-fi satire that was roundly hated upon release, scoring particularly badly at Cannes where it was considered the worst film at the festival and has been buried by the production company ever since. If it ever recoups the $17M it'll need to find an audience. I don't think you can blame The Rock for this one because Kelly seems to have gone nuts with power ala Michael Cimino.
• Gridiron Gang (2006). Promised nothing but delivered huge at the box office where The Rock's appeal helped to garner a $38M comeback on a small budget. I guess there's a ‘keep it simple' message to be taken to heart there. The Rock has a background in sports and was a good choice to play the part. I think a lot of the Rock's wrestling fans are probably disappointed at his lack of direction but this is Hollywood. You have to make money to do things your way.
• The Game Plan (2007). This is his latest and he's following on from Gridiron Gang with another football movie. This one taking a slightly different angle of him being irresponsible and a star rather than the responsible coach. The plot is pretty straightforward but The Rock is always prepared to give it his all so it's not bad news. Yeah, the wheels may have fallen off the plans for The Rock to become the next big action star but until he gets a big break he seems happy turning over decent films that have potential.
On the whole it's not really gone according to plan for Dwayne Johnson in Hollywood but on the upside he's still well liked and, Doom aside, hasn't been involved in anything too horrendous. Who knew Be Cool and Southland Tales would turn out so bad? He looks to be slowly rebuilding his career and showing his range. His next film is Get Smart starring Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway and Alan Arkin. You'd think that'd be a hit. If the Game Plan does ok then The Rock's career is right back online.
"Think I look like an idiot dressed this way? Well I'm The Rock I'll wear whatever I damn well please".
That's it for this week. Seeing as Moser's "vacation" is up that'll mean he makes his triumphant return in 7 days time no doubt refreshed and raring to go. I'll be back tomorrow for Furious on Film featuring reviews of La Grande Illusion, Chocolat, Letters from Iwo Jima and Baise-Moi. Haven't heard of that last one? It's Thelma & Louise with hardcore porn. See you tomorrow!
