Scorcese and De Niro Reunite for Hoffa Project

Posted by Veronica Santiago
Categories: Paramount, Adaptation, Drama, Casting, Celeb News, Scripts, Upcoming Releases

Paramount Pictures has just announced that Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese will be reteaming for another mob-related project. I Hear You Paint Houses, which is based on Charles Brandt book, will be their first collaboration since 1995’s Casino. The frequent partners have also worked together on such classics as Raging Bull, Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, Casino and Cape Fear.

In Houses, De Niro will play Frank “the Irishman” Sheeran, a man who reportedly helped kill Teamster boss Jimmy Hoffa. Sheeran, who passed away in 2003, admitted being involved in this murder (and a string of other contract hits) to Brandt prior to his death.

Writer Steven Zaillian - the man behind Schindler’s List, Gangs of New York and American Gangster - has been tasked with adapting the screenplay.

Read More | Variety

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Johnny Depp Attached to More Disney Projects

Posted by Veronica Santiago
Categories: Disney, Action, Adaptation, Adventure, Sequels, Casting, Celeb News, Upcoming Releases

Johnny Depp has just now officially sold his soul to the Mouse.

After starring in several blockbusters for Disney, the Oscar-nominated actor is ready to go back for more. The studio has just announced that the money maker will be starring in not one...not two...but three more projects for them.

In addition to reprising his role as Captain Jack Sparrow (yes, there will be a fourth Pirates of the Caribbean installment), Depp will be taking on the character of Tonto in an adaptation of The Lone Ranger.

Johnny will also - surprise! - appear in yet another Tim Burton film. Although it was already suspected that he would participate in Alice in Wonderland, his signature was only recently placed on the dotted line. Depp will now be joining Mia Wasikowska as the Mad Hatter.

Alice - which will use the same technology implemented in Beowulf - is slated to hit theaters in 2010.

Read More | Variety

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Gregg, Rockwell, and Huston Bring Choke to Silver Screen

Posted by Kathleen Kane
Categories: 20th Century Fox, Adaptation, Independent, Romance, Satire, Comedy, Casting, New Releases, Scripts

What do you get when you mix an elderly, female Tyler Durden with a choking con artist and a recovering compulsive masturbator? Clark Gregg’s dark, vulgar comedy with a surprisingly big heart, Choke.

Being a fan of the novel from which the film is based (written by Fight Club author Chuck Palahniuk), I was overwhelmed with geeky fan-girl joy when I read that Choke was to be translated into film. That was three years ago. After nearly waiting an excruciating year after hearing about its premiere at Sundance, the indie film with an all-star cast helmed by writer/director/actor Clark Gregg is finally hitting theaters this weekend, and it certainly will not disappoint movie-goers. That is, unless, the trailer fooled you into believing that the film is a romantic comedy.

Romantic? In a punk rock way. Comedic? Most definitely. Chick flick? Far from.

Regardless of whether or not you’re a fan of the novel, Sam Rockwell (Confessions of a Dangerous Mind) wonderfully brings Victor Mancini to life as the med school drop-out sex addict who pays for his mother’s hospital bill by choking in restaurants. Anjelica Huston (The Royal Tenenbaums) and Kelly MacDonald (No Country for Old Men) round off the supporting actresses as Mancini’s mother and the new, attractive doctor who assumes care for her. Clark himself makes an appearance as High Lord Charlie, Mancini’s anal-retentive boss at a colonial theme park, where Mancini works as a historical interpreter (a job, as we’re reminded in the film, which is not to be confused with a tour guide).

Click to continue reading Gregg, Rockwell, and Huston Bring Choke to Silver Screen

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Miley Cyrus Gets Custom-Made Nicholas Sparks Film

Posted by Veronica Santiago
Categories: Disney, Drama, Romance, Celeb News, Scripts

It looks as if Miley Cyrus is one step closer to finally leaving her Hannah Montana alter ego behind her.

Recently, the pop star hinted that her Disney show could soon be nearing an end. This is probably why the studio has moved on to Phase 2 of their commodity’s career: Put Miley In More Adult Fare.

After hearing that Cyrus was interested in appearing in film’s like A Walk to Remember (starring former bubble gum princess Mandy Moore), execs contacted the story’s creator. Realizing a golden opportunity when he saw one, author Nicholas Sparks not only agreed to work with Miley, he decided to write a screenplay specifically for her.

Click to continue reading Miley Cyrus Gets Custom-Made Nicholas Sparks Film

Read More | Variety

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The MPAA-Approved Zack and Miri Poster

Posted by Veronica Santiago
Categories: Weinstein Company, Comedy, Trailers, Upcoming Releases

Now you really didn’t think the MPAA would make things easy for Kevin Smith, did ya?

Back in July, we told you the Clerks director was having difficulty securing an R-rating for his new film. Although Smith has since successfully appealed, he’s also been forced to rework his movie’s poster.

In Zack and Miri Make a Porno, Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks star as financially-strapped roomies. When the two find themselves in desperate straits, they decide to produce their own adult films.

The new promo recently created for the comedy can be seen above. The original ad rejected by the Motion Picture Association of America can be seen after the jump.

Click to continue reading The MPAA-Approved Zack and Miri Poster

Read More | Adweek

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Robert Downey Jr. and Jon Favreau Talk Iron Man 2

Posted by Kathleen Kane
Categories: Paramount, Action, Adaptation, Adventure, Political, Thrillers, Celeb News, Corporate Shakeups, Distribution, Filmmaking, Rumors, Scripts, Upcoming Releases

UPDATE: Thanks to one of those smarter people who actually brought a camera, The Game Jerk has posted a video of the Q&A that you can check out after the jump.

Although I have continuously kicked myself repeatedly for not bringing a camera last night, I was still at least able to mentally hold on to the great moments witnessed last night at a special screening of Iron Man. While the director was already scheduled to appear for a live commentary at Santa Monica’s Aero Theater, fans of Marvel’s first self-financed film were in for an even better treat when Tony Stark himself, Robert Downey Jr., showed up at the last moment.

Because of the fact that he had not recorded a commentary for the upcoming DVD, director Jon Favreau was quite exuberant over the fact that he was able to do so in person (also because he was not obligated to be politically correct).

Click to continue reading Robert Downey Jr. and Jon Favreau Talk Iron Man 2

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Court Date Set for Watchmen Lawsuit

Posted by Kathleen Kane
Categories: 20th Century Fox, Warner Bros, Action, Adaptation, Adventure, Mystery, Noir, Political, Thrillers, Corporate Shakeups, Distribution, Filmmaking, Upcoming Releases

While most Watchmen fans only had the film’s release countdown to consider, a new development in the Watchmen copyright lawsuit has added a new date to watch out for: January 6.

U.S. District Court Judge Gary Allen Feess assigned the date for the case, which is set to decide whether or not Fox does hold the rights to the Watchmen movie. Between the January 6 court date and the film’s scheduled March 6 release, let’s hope that things go in the fans’ favor and they settle this between that time.

If the case goes according to Fox, fans of the highly-anticipated Zack Snyder film will never see that March 6 release happen, which could very well happen come January.

The dispute goes back to 1991, when Fox “quitclaimed” its right to Alan Moore’s acclaimed graphic novel to Largo Entertainment, with an agreement that the production company was to release the movie under the big studio (if not, Largo Entertainment was to buy the rights through an agreed buyout formula from Fox).

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Read More | The Hollywood Reporter

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Why You Probably Shouldn’t Watch Babylon A.D.

Posted by Veronica Santiago
Categories: 20th Century Fox, Action, Adaptation, Adventure, Science Fiction, Thrillers, New Releases

If you’re still trying to decide whether Babylon A.D. is worth spending your money on this week, there are two things you should probably note:

1. The bored look on Vin Diesel’s face. (See above.)
2. These words from the film’s director: “It’s pure violence and stupidity.”

And while there are times when that last sentence might be considered a compliment, Mathieu Kassovitz wasn’t trying to be funny.

Click to continue reading Why You Probably Shouldn’t Watch Babylon A.D.

Read More | AMC

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Maher’s Religulous Already Creating Oscar Buzz

Posted by K.C. Morgan
Categories: Lionsgate, Documentary, Trailers, Upcoming Releases

After much delay, Bill Maher’s Religulous will finally make it to theaters October 3, 2008. The trailer is out and early reviews are giving the documentary high praise.

Maher, an avowed atheist, hits city streets in the film in an attempt to learn more of the true nature of religion. He converses with every day citizens, over-the-top zealots and many experts to talk about God - so fundamental to so many belief systems.

Already the media is talking about an Oscar nomination, some saying that Religulous is sure to get a nod in the documentary film category. According to Maher, the title of the film comes from the words “ridiculous” and “religious.”

Click to continue reading Maher’s Religulous Already Creating Oscar Buzz

Read More | Popeater

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Kate Winslet Talks About Reuniting with DiCaprio

Posted by Veronica Santiago
Categories: DreamWorks, Adaptation, Drama, Celebrity Gossip, Upcoming Releases

Eleven years after starring in the #1 movie of all time (I’m still crossing my fingers for The Dark Knight), Titanic‘s Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio are reuniting for a new movie together.

In Revolutionary Road, the former star-crossed lovers play a seemingly happy couple struggling to conform in the 1950’s.

And while it’s not surprising to hear that the chemistry between Winslet and DiCaprio remains strong, it’s interesting to hear that the intimacy was quite awkward the second time around. For those who don’t know, the Richard Yates adaptation was directed by Sam Mendes, Kate Winslet’s husband.

Click to continue reading Kate Winslet Talks About Reuniting with DiCaprio

Read More | Entertainment Weekly via People

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