When I heard the news that Todd McFarlane (the twisted genius behind Spawn) wanted to lend his “Twisted Land of Oz” action figure characters to a movie, I said “hell yes!” …and a string of other colorful words inappropriate in the workplace. But then I heard the news that Dakota Fanning was in talks to play Dorothy from a report at The Sunday Express, and I went, “huh”. And then I heard that Warner Bros.’ intended screenwriter, Josh Olson said he wanted the film to be “Harry Potter dark, not Se7en dark”. And that made me go, “eff this”.

I mean, do it right or don’t do it at all. McFarlane’s action figure versions of the Oz characters are dark and disturbing to say the least. There would be no point in making a watered down version of his sci-fi, bondage creations. You want a kid-friendly, sci-fi Oz? Go watch Tin Man.

The proposed new story would “take place in present day and feature Dorothy’s granddaughter”, according to producer Basil Iwanyk. All that sounds well and good, but where does the over-sexualized, gritty fantasy come into play? Cuz I’m pretty sure that having Dakota Fanning in her skivvies and a collar, being walked on a leash by a munchkin, is pedo-territory that would give Mark McLeod something to think about in prison…

Filming is rumored to start as early as next year, but I wouldn’t hold my breath. This seems like the kind of project that will get stuck in “Development Limbo” for years.

What do you think of McFarlane’s dark vision for Oz, and possible choice of Dakota Fanning?

Repo! The Genetic Opera is the most creative, complex, and vibrant film I’ve seen this year, perhaps ever. The brainchild of artist/screenwriter Terrance Zdunich and screenwriter Darren Smith has been a labor intensive project for the past 10 years, taking various forms including a stage play and a filmed short presented to movie executives. At long last, Saw franchise director Darren Lynn Bousman teamed up with Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures to bring Repo! to the big screen. But it hasn’t been easy.

When I heard that Repo! was on a strict 7 city, one night only tour, I knew I had to go. For $15 I couldn’t say no. Chicago’s Music Box Theater is a stunning movie palace, one of the last great theaters still running in Chicago. When I arrived at 9:30pm, people were lined up down the block, blasting “Zydrate Anatomy” and decked out in their finest Repo! costumes. Some fans had been waiting since 4, and one girl came from Canada. Like any good play, we were given “playbills” while waiting for the show to start. To my surprise, both Zdunich and Bousman were just…hanging out in the lobby. No bodyguards, no police, just them.

Before showing the film, Zdunich and Bousman came up to the screen and gave an introduction. When the red curtain opened up, the crowd went wild. Right from the beginning, it was nothing but cheers and singing the whole way through. Everyone laughed and cried and yelled at all the right parts. As for the film itself, I have nothing but amazing things to say about it. When it ended, the only thing that went through my mind was…I want more. I was speechless. Repo! is a visual feast and an aesthetic mind-fuck. There’s so much going on beyond the immediate world of the story that you feel as if the characters and their world could be real.

After the film, Zdunich and Bousman gave a gracious hour long question and answer session with the fans. I was shocked. I’ve never met two filmmakers who were more down to earth and loving of their fans. Yours truly managed to sneak in a question after much fangirl-like hyperventilation:

AD: When Buffy the Vampire Slayer ended, Joss Whedon continued the series in comic form. Have you both considered turning Repo! or its sequels into a graphic novel?

DLB: Fuck that! We want a sequel! *fans screaming*

TZ: Really, It’s up to you guys what happens. The material exists. What ended up in the film, the artwork, is only 1/3^rd of all of it. We could fill a book with just that…or the posters, the propaganda posters.

DLB: What we want to do is a prequel, and tell what happened before Repo! We want to tell what happened to cause this epidemic.

Bousman went on to say that Lionsgate is not the enemy here, but rather to have qualms with the movie industry itself. Repo! is the kind of movie that draws a very specific audience. How many horror rock operas have there been in the past? There is an audience for that kind of thing…it just isn’t mainstream. And Zdunich and Bousman aren’t apologizing for it.

I saw people yelling their favorite lyrics through the streets, with blue glow stick “Zydrates” in hand. I was part of a once-in-a-lifetime, interactive experience that was beyond just seeing a movie. It was being a part of something, and submerging yourself in a counterculture that is completely unique and exciting. The film is meant to be seen, and its meant to be seen live with like-minded people.

Zdunich and Bousman also spent time with the fans, talking to them about their viewing experience and answering their personal questions. They signed autographs and took pictures for free, all the while with smiles on their faces. If Repo! is coming to a city near you, go. Don’t think, just go. It’s worth it. And to pass on the words of Darren Lynn Bousman, “Spread the word!” Join the Repo! Army and fight to get this movie shown in wide release and another Repo! Road Tour.

For more information, visit the official site: www.repo-opera.com

P.S. When Bousman signed my autograph, I told him I wrote for FSR, and he remembered Neil Miller! He said he really liked the site. See, people do read us. Pretty freakin’ awesome people at that.

Check out some photos from the event:

Ever since Ian Fleming began penning his James Bond series in 1953, spy adventures and espionage have been hot topics for cinema and television. From Xander Cage to Maxwell Smart, we’ve got the top 10 spies influenced by James Bond.

10. xXx – Xander Cage

Vin Diesel is a badass. Say what you want about his questionable sexuality. The fact of the matter is, Vin Diesel could kick you in the teeth and smack you in the head with a vodka bottle, and you’d have to sit there and say, “You, sir, are a badass”. In 2005’s xXx, Vin stars as adrenaline-junkie Xander Cage, a thrill seeker recruited by the government to take down a Russian anarchist. He uses a dining tray as a shield and walks into a bar made out of ice in a full length fur coat. Oh, and he gets to be all up on Asia Argento. Best spy ever? Mayhaps.

9. Mission: Impossible – Ethan Hunt

Before aliens took over his body, Tom Cruise was an awesome action hero back in the day. Who could forget Ethan Hunt dangling precariously from the ceiling as that one bead of sweat threatens to expose him? Cruise performed as one of the coolest spies in movie history. Two sequels later, with awe-inspiring directors like John Woo and J.J. Abrams, Mission: Impossible remains a great spy trilogy.

8. Alias – Sydney Bristow

The first female spy on our list is Jennifer Garner on Alias. Living her life as a double-agent, Sydney Bristow seeks to bring down the Alliance of 12 that killed her fiancé. Throughout the show, Jen dons various disguises, all leaving little to the imagination. Throw in some daddy issues, leather pants, and karate moves…and you’ve got spy gold.

7. I Spy – Kelly Robinson and Alexander Scott

This classic 1965 TV show involves the lives of two American agents, under the guise of a Princeton law student/tennis player, and his personal trainer. The show only lasted for a few seasons but is beloved by fans. It is also the first American dramatic television program to feature a black lead (Bill Cosby).

6. Our Man Flint – Derek Flint

This may be the closest spy to Bond in terms of his playboy ways, wit, and charm. James Coburn is no Sean Connery, but is dashing and devious nonetheless. Derek Flint is meant to be a parody of James Bond. Still, parodies make for great movies, and Our Man Flint definitely falls under that category.

5. Spy Kids – The Cortez Family

Carmen and her brother Juni must act to save their spy parents Ingrid and Gregorio. Robert Rodriguez packed his trilogy with talented actors like Carla Guigino, Antonio Banderas, Alexs Vega, Cheech Marin, Alan Cumming, Tony Shalhoub, and Teri Hatcher. An entire family of spies, the Cortez team fights evil together. Rodriguez delivers big laughs and impressive special effects…even if you’re not a nine year old.

4. Austin Powers – Austin Powers

In perhaps the best-known and most lighthearted spoof (trilogies), Mike Meyers gives the comedic performance of a lifetime as swinging spy Austin Powers. Austin is frozen in the 1960s only to be revived later in the 90s with no understanding of how the new world works. Not just as Austin Powers, Meyers also portrays the likes of Dr. Evil and Fat Bastard. Full of double-entendres and hilarious one-liners, Austin Powers is a fine spy spoof.

3. The Bourne Trilogy – Jason Bourne

Matt Damon stars as memory-impaired agent Jason Bourne, an ex-C.I.A. man seeking to find out his true identity. If The Bourne Identity isn’t the film that made Sarah Silverman craft an ode to Matt Damon, then I don’t know what is. Incredible stunts and fighting sequences leave Damon all sweaty and sexy, letting the ladies have plenty of eye candy.

2. The Avengers - John Steed and Emma Peel

British secret agents with sexual tension? Sounds perfect. John Steed is a secret agent teamed up often with Emma Peel of the British Intelligence. A cult classic, The Avengers ran for 7 seasons. Steed faced everything from cyborgs to a killer who makes his victims sneeze to death, making the show quirky and unique.

1. Get Smart – Maxwell Smart

Don Adams made Agent 86 famous with his character’s constant slip-ups and incompetence. Earlier this summer Steve Carell reprised the role and brought Get Smart to a whole new audience. Get Smart combined Bond’s spy knowledge with Inspector Clouseau’s bumbling antics. What would a good spy be without a shoe phone?

While there are loads of other spy movies and shows out there, these are some of the best. With the success of the revival of the James Bond franchise and Quantum of Solace just a few days away, we can safely say that spies aren’t going anywhere.

The 2002 film starring Tom Hanks won an Oscar for Best Cinematography, and was nominated for Best Supporting Actor (Paul Newman). Not many people seem to remember that Road to Perdition was based off the graphic novel by Max Allan Collins and Richard Piers Rayner. Now a pair of sequels are in the works entitled Road to Purgatory and Road to Paradise. From the press release, Collins said:

“Road to Purgatory will follow the character of Michael Sullivan, Jr., the son of Tom Hanks’ character in the original film, who returns from World War II with a new determination to avenge his murdered father. His quest ultimately leads him to Frank Nitti, whom he is urged to kill on the orders of Al Capone. The second sequel will follow Sullivan’s continued plight.”

Now that the original co-creator is on board to pen the screenplays, fans will be assured that the sequels are in good hands. Road to Perdition was a powerful drama with commanding performances by Tom Hanks, Jude Law, and Paul Newman amongst others. I expect no less for these new sequels. I hope they film it in Homer Township again. Represent small town, Illinois. No one else? Okay.

What do you think about two sequels to Road to Perdition? Good idea?

]]> http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/news/road-to-perdition-sequels-in-the-works-honor-paul-newman.php/feed 6 http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/news/who-watches-the-watchmen-these-lucky-prescreeners-got-to.php http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/news/who-watches-the-watchmen-these-lucky-prescreeners-got-to.php#comments Wed, 22 Oct 2008 20:24:41 +0000 Ashley Demma http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/?p=20192 Earlier in the week, some lucky fans got the chance to attend a test screening of Watchmen in Portland, and spilled the beans about how the movie is so far.]]>

Earlier in the week, some lucky fans got the chance to attend a test screening of Watchmen in Portland, and spilled the beans about how the movie is so far. Executives are trying to shut down the buzz and the so-called leaked information, but Spoiler TV has an interview style thread that tells all. The content of the thread has major spoilers, whether they are true or not.

The general consensus seems to be that the film stayed razor sharp, following Alan Moore’s beloved graphic novel to a T…but the ending has been modified. Personally, I hated the end of the graphic novel and thought it was a really lame way to end an awesome story. I am much happier with the film’s alternate ending.

At this point, there is still a lot of speculation about the truth of this leak. Some claim it’s just WB people trying to spread false information and confuse the fans. Some think that the leak is legit. Whatever the case, read for yourself now, or you’ll have to wait until next March to find out what happens.

Does an alteration to the ending of Watchmen bother you at all?

Ladies and gents, feast your eyes on these new photos from the set of Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes. Ritchie’s reimagining of the famous detective stories features a stellar cast, comprised of Jude Law as Dr. Watson, Rachel McAdams as American love interest Irene Adler, and Robert Downey Jr. as Holmes himself. Mr. Madonna explained the direction of the film as such:

“We’re going to try to introduce something we haven’t seen before, authentic to the narrative…we’re trying to make this film fresh. We should have some good fight sequences.”

Sounds good to me! After Iron Man, I’ve pretty much agreed to be RDJ’s slave for life. And what could be better than British detectives kicking ass? The answer is nothing. And from the sounds of it, Ritchie is pretty confident that our main men will deliver strong performances:

“My one concern was the accents but this is no longer the case. Robert Downey has the best English accent I’ve ever heard.”

For more images from the set, head over to Just Jared.

George Clooney is one of the most sought after actors in Hollywood today. With titles under his belt like O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Michael Clayton, Ocean’s Eleven, and an impressive stint on the medical drama, ER, it’s hard to believe he ever made crap like Batman & Robin.

I appreciate awesomely-bad movies as much as the next gal, and 1997’s Batman & Robin is one of the best. Batsuits with leather nips, Arnold Schwarzenegger, underground motorcycle racing… I could go on for days. I guess everyone has to start somewhere, and this is no exception. Clooney told Showbiz Spy:

“I don’t regret anything…with hindsight it’s easy to look back at Batman and go, ‘Woah! that was really shit, and I was really bad in it. The truth is, Batman is still the biggest break I ever had. It changed my career. I wouldn’t be doing this now if it hadn’t been for Batman.”

The Batman franchise has seen an amazing rebirth in the last five years thanks to the work of Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale. Both Batman Begins and The Dark Knight were box office smash successes. In fact, Batman Begins had a strong hand in shaping the movie industry’s choices in making other comic book and graphic novel adaptations.

Before we go feeling too bad for George, let’s remember that Val Kilmer was in Willow, and Christian Bale started off in the cult favorite musical, Newsies. Singing newspaper boys. Think about that.

I scored big time yesterday when my film student boyfriend nabbed us a pair of pre-screening tickets to Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Even better, the tickets came with a Q & A session with Michael Cera and Kat Dennings. There are few things I love more in this world than music, shy boys, Rachel Cohn books, and one night adventures (a la Can’t Hardly Wait). Needless to say I was stoked.

I got to the theater two hours early, the line was filled with hipsters, but the vibe was overall pretty good. When I finally sat down, a DJ spun some long forgotten, yet underrated tunes to get us excited. Fifteen minutes of Oasis, 311, Franz Ferdinand, and White Stripes later: the movie began.

Ten minutes into it, and I was already obsessed with Nick and Norah. Despite the Juno-esque titles and soundtrack (which is awesome by the way), I truly loved this film! It was hilarious and fun and sweet in all the right places. I was especially glad at how closely it followed the book. The only parts changed were the name of Nick’s band from the Fuck Offs to the Jerk Offs, and the craziness of Caroline. The whole part about her getting lost was great. Caroline made the movie for me.

Cera was awkward but endearing as ever. Dennings was sassy and clever. The Q & A session was a blast. Cera was a lot shorter in person that I imagined. There were a lot of questions about an Arrested Development movie, which Cera respectfully declined to answer. Dennings got a lot of questions about her experiences working on Charlie Bartlett. Yours truly even got to sneak in a question. It went something like this:

You were great on Sex and the City. How did you like working on the “bat mitzvah” episode (Hot Child in the City)?

Kat Dennings: It was great! I don’t think I had a bat mitzvah, so that was really fun. I did that when I was like 14, and I was just excited that I got to get my hair straightened for like the first time ever.

Did they let you keep anything? Any of the fashion?

Kat Dennings: Yeah actually. They let me keep my zebra print dress…well they made me buy it, but…

You’re welcome. That was the best thing I could think to ask. Someone beat me to “Michael, what kind of girls do you like?!” giggle. All in all, Nick and Norah was a great little flick with a lot of heart. Seeing Dev’s boyfriend head-butt Tal was awesome, along with Norah punching Nick in the throat. So if you like violence and semi-indie rock music, you’ll dig Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist.

And just a side note postscript… I got recognized at the theater by a Film School Rejects reader! How ’bout that, eh? He asked me about the site and what I liked writing about. Nice kid. He and his friend were Pixar-hopeful animators. Long live 2D animation, T.J. and Laura.

The new queen of vampires, Stephenie Meyer, has quite the cult following thanks to her internationally bestselling “Twilight” saga. Her books are chock-full of romance, excitement, danger, and moral questions. While fans are loyal to her stories about Bella and Edward, it seems like HBO might sway them to try something a bit more…mature.

HBO’s latest drama “True Blood“ is wild and sexy, pushing the limits of what people define as acceptable in society. “True Blood” asks the question, “What if vampires came out of the coffin?” What if vampires made their presence known and tried to coexist with humans peacefully? Naturally, there are two warring sides in the country. The American Vampire League supports vampire rights while the Fellowship of the Sun condemns them. The show is satirical in many ways, dealing with acceptance issues, hate crimes, politics, and counterculture. The AVL is the liberal to the Fellowship’s conservative.

The viral campaign is delicious, packed with extras that show just how far the “True Blood” universe spans. Vampire bars like Fangtasia, online dating sites like Lovebitten, radio stations like WDED Radio…the list goes on and on. Great attention to detail is really what made me appreciate the pilot episode. For example: a marquee reading “GOD HATES FANGS” (close to another hateful cry in our own world, eh?) HBO.com and a special feature on On Demand also display fake news reports and bulletins. Alan Ball (“Six Feet Under”) and the creators of the show have gone above and beyond to make their world seem tangible.

“True Blood’s” hold over “Twilight” is that television can go places that a book simply cannot. The power of online media and the depth of what a camera can capture knocks Meyer’s universe on its ass. Meyer can make her characters seem believable by explaining the depth of Edward and Bella’s love, and how far Carlisle and his family have gone to maintain peace and humanity. But where Meyer fails to gain a mature audience are her Mormon values. Her books are all about resistance while “True Blood” isn’t afraid to go all the way (and boy, do they!) However, in many ways I appreciate Meyer’s sense of modesty to the overt sexuality of “True Blood.” Maybe it’s a ‘why have the cow when you can get the milk for free’ thing? I like the cow. I like the free milk…er… blood, too.

It’s pretty clear that vampirism is hot. Vampires are sexy, sensual, and unattainable. People can’t get enough of it. From the beginning with Bram Stoker’s Dracula, to Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles, to Joss Whedon’s “Buffy” and “Angel” and everything in between and beyond: vampires are here to stay. That being said, let’s just say that there’s a reason “True Blood” is on HBO and not the CW. This show is not for the kids, so wait until they go to sleep before catching the next episode.

What do you think? Did you catch “True Blood” this past week? If so, do you think it can capture that same “Twilight” magic for adults?

The winning package includes:

• A visit to the set of Spider-Man 4 (one shooting day).
• A meet and greet with the cast (1 hour).
• A walk-on/ extra role in the film for the auction winner only.
• A trip to the New York premiere.
• Designer outfits to wear to premiere for winner and guest from top designers.
• Winner and Guest will walk the premiere’s red carpet.

While I love helping out a great cause as much as the next gal, I think I’ll just buy a Product (RED) pin from the Gap and save $4,9995. But if you’re a die-hard Spidey fan, or have just been left a large sum of money by some distant relative, go for it.

Now, Columbia Pictures wants to move forward with an actual film version of the stories. Writers Larry Karaszewski and Scott Alexander (who also penned the screenplays for Ed Wood and 1408), will make the adaptation.

The books have limitless potential on-screen. There are so many different stories, all with twist endings and enough scares to frighten an audience, while still being kid friendly. The real question is…will people be interested? Is it too late for a Goosebumps movie or will a new generation of readers become hooked in the addicting, nightmarish, otherworld of R.L. Stine’s imagination? I’ve read these books since I was about six, and I remember being thoroughly creeped out after each new installment. Something about the stories left me terrified but eager for more. Let’s hope that other moviegoers feel the same way.

Which stories would you most want to see adapted for the movie(s)? Who would be good choices for young actors?

This Christmas, Disney returns to its beloved 2D animation with a little fairy-tale entitled, The Princess and the Frog. A lot of buzz has been surrounding the main character’s ethnicity, because for the first time, this Disney princess… is black.

Princess Tiana (voiced by Ankia Noni Rose) lives in the French Quarter in beautiful New Orleans, Louisiana. While the plot is still vague at this point, the story has gotten several disapproving comments. As Charlotte Observer columnist William Blackburn explains:

“This princess’ story is set in New Orleans, the setting of one of the most devastating tragedies to beset a black community. And then they throw in the voodoo theme [the fairy-godmother character is a voodoo priestess] and an alligator sidekick. When you put New Orleans, alligators and voodoo together, there’s no beauty there.”

Controversy surrounding the movie include issues with the original title (The Frog Princess-insinuating black women are ugly perhaps?), the Princess’ original name (Maddy-not ‘ethnic’ enough perhaps?), as well as the setting of New Orleans-a region where the lives of many black families (and white families) were devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Additional complaints include: the use of voodoo magic and an alligator sidekick, making the film seem somewhat (if unintentionally) racist and pointed.

But let’s be honest here. It’s an animated movie, people. It is not a social cry or a political statement. It’s about a princess and her talking animal friends. Sounds like every other movie Disney has ever spit out. Still thinking The Princess and the Frog is racial? Well, consider the following racial assumptions made in other Disney animated features over the years:

• In Aladdin, Princess Jasmine has an Anglocized name that doesn’t originate from Saudi Arabia.
• In Mulan, the title character has a pet dragon, which could be offensive to the Chinese people.
• Magic or the occult is used in several (almost all) films including: The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, The Sword and the Stone, Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty…So why is voodoo considered a taboo for The Frog Princess? If it’s a complaint about religious practices, it might be valid.

Regardless of social issues with the film, it’s nice to see Disney go back to basics on their latest endeavor. Best yet: this marks the first Disney musical since Hercules! I can’t wait to see inanimate objects and animals singing about love and magic. For some beautifully drawn artwork from the film, check out these stills:

Do you think The Princess and the Frog will make racist statements? Is Disney right in changing the original title and character name to better please black audiences?

Now Todd McFarlane wants Venom to be creepier than ever for a possible spin-off movie. McFarlane is one of the artists who created Venom for the Amazing Spider-Man comics. And while he wants to be true to the character, McFarlane explained to IGN that understands not to go too far:

“He should be creepier than he was in Spider-Man 3. You don’t want to scare the kids, because the kids love the character, but I think you could add a little bit of a creep factor.”

And on debating the idea of a spin-off movie when past films have been disasters (Catwoman, Scorpion King), McFarlane had this to say:

“The reason [villains are] so cool as a bad guy is because they’re bad. And as soon as you try to give too much humanity to them, then you go, ‘No! Now they’re not as good as a bad guy because you’re trying to redeem them’.”

While I seriously doubt Venom could ever be anything but a maniacal, space-demon, super-villain… I think some deeper back-story on the character could be useful in plot development.

Do you think a Venom spin-off movie would be cool?

Can’t get enough of loveable geek Michael Cera? Love music and feel-good comedies? Look no further than the October 3^rd release of Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist. A newly released trailer debuts the charming story.

The flick tells the tale of Nick, a high school guitar player who has just been dumped by his girlfriend Tris. At Nick’s band’s show, Tris is there on the arm of a new guy. Norah is also at the show, taking care of a friend. Nick is trying to avoid Tris, as is Norah. The two pretend to be lovers for five minutes to show Tris how not uncool they are, and the story takes off from there.

Set in Manhattan against the whirlwind of the city lights and excitement, Nick and Norah have an unforgettable adventure sure to win over the hearts of audiences everywhere. Much like indie-hit Juno, this film is just as much about music as it is about storyline, featuring great talent such as: Band of Horses, The Ravonettes, Modest Mouse, and Vampire Weekend, amongst others on the soundtrack.

Starring in Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist are Michael Cera (Nick), Kat Dennings (Norah), Alexis Dziena (Tris), and a crew of other up-and-coming young actors. Based on the novel by young adult author extraordinaire Rachel Cohn (Gingerbread, Shrimp, Cupcake) and David Levithan, this story is surely not one to miss.

Have a look at the trailer below or see it in high definition over on MySpace:

What do you think of the first look at Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist?

Ms. Stacy Ferguson, better known as Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas fame, has joined the cast of Rob Marshall’s Nine. Fergie had a small role in the zombie flick, Planet Terror, but has otherwise had no chance to showcase any acting talent she may possess. Nine is a screen adaptation of the Tony Award-winning musical for the Weinstein Company. Marshall was also the director of the 2003 smash musical hit, Chicago.

Nine focuses on the life of famous film director Guido Contini (Daniel Day-Lewis) who struggles to balance his personal and professional life, including his relationships with different women. These include his marriage to his wife Luisa (Marion Cotillard) amongst his extramarital affairs. Other big name actresses in the film include: Nicole Kidman, Kate Hudson, Penelope Cruz, Dame Judi Dench, and Sophia Loren amongst others. With a bevy of beauties at his side, the multi-talented Day-Lewis should have no problems in making the film a success.

The past decade saw a string of rather surprising musical hits: Moulin Rouge!, Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, Sweeney Todd, and the recent Mamma Mia! With the numerous Oscars Marshall’s Chicago won, including Best Actress (Catherine Zeta-Jones) and Best Costume Design (Colleen Atwood), Nine is sure to be no different.

Hellboy: the towering red demon and reluctant hero of creator Mike Mignola’s imagination first came to life more than a decade ago in 1993. Hellboy began as a comic book character for Dark Horse Comics, but in 2004 found new life on the big screen with the wild imagination of director Guillermo del Toro.  The title character is portrayed by actor Ron Perlman.

Del Toro is best known for his work on Blade II and his personal creative projects, Pan’s Labyrinth and The Devil’s Backbone. Del Toro is one of the most creative minds in Hollywood right now. His visual imagery is stunning, with otherworldly creatures and sets taking place in spooky, abandoned places that also seem familiar. Most impressive however, is del Toro’s use of practicality in his films.

Comic book movie adaptations have been abundant lately, with Hellboy being unique in its lack of computer generated images, and its substitution of prosthetics, puppetry, makeup, and costuming. The use of physical tools instead of animated ones assists in making the world of Hellboy seem real.

Upon re-watching Hellboy and its special features, I have a profound respect for both Mike Mignola and Guillermo del Toro. I noticed that the characters of Hellboy, Abe Sapien, and Sammael all remained barely touched by computer effects. A real creepy treat is the torso of Ivan, whom Hellboy slings over his back by a noose.

As for the multi-talented Doug Jones, check out this quote from Universal’s official production information:

“Tasked to not play only Abe, a process that took up to five hours a day in the makeup chair, Jones agreed to portray both the fleshy court Chamberlain…as well as the multiwinged Angel of Death…”

Jones himself was quoted as saying, “I always play characters under gobs of makeup and obstacles…sometimes they’re heavy; sometimes they’re hot; sometimes they’re glued on…but my job is to look as if I wake up this way every day, and the design work is so beautiful that it becomes something really fun for me to give motion to.”

Proving his dedication to staying realistic:  “Del Toro knew he again needed to infuse CGI to step in when practical effects were not possible. Double Negative Visual Effects came on board to execute his vision of the merciless robotic Golden Army…as well as the unstoppable Elemental creature and other fantasy effects.”

With the premier of Hellboy II: The Golden Army just days away (July 11^th), I’m sure we can see a lot more of the classic del Toro methods and imagery.

Do you want to see more CGI or more realism?

If there’s anything we’ve learned over the years, it’s that “there’s always money in the banana stand!” That being said, there’s also always money in Fox’s lost hit, Arrested Development. The long standing rumor has been confirmed by George Bluth Sr. himself that the show is being made into a movie. Before you go getting too excited and slapping on a pair of cutoff shorts, let it be said that neither Ron Howard nor Mitchell Hurwitz has officially come out and said yes yet.

Both Jeffrey Tambor and Jason Bateman have said that a film version is planned for 2009. This adaptation has been a long time coming and maybe (no pun intended) fans will finally get what they’ve been looking for: a proper ending.

Fox gave Arrested Development the axe in 2006, even though it had won six Emmys as well as a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor (Jason Bateman). Not too shabby. But even with a strong fan following, Fox just didn’t get the rating numbers they needed to keep the show going.

Fans of the dysfunctional Bluth family, no doubt already know this information and are reliving Motherboy XXX as we speak. While the official word has yet to be given, I think it’s safe to say that the film will become a reality in the next year.

Are you still interested in seeing an Arrested Development movie?

Sarah Jessica Parker is continuing to milk that cash-cow known as New York fashion, by starring in a new movie entitled The Ivy Chronicles about the life of a fashionable woman with an exciting career living on the Upper East Side. In case you think you’re having déjà-vu, rest assured: there is a twist. She loses everything! Sounds great.

For years, SJP dominated television ratings as Carrie Bradshaw, the cool New York journalist on Sex and the City. Doing what she does best, SJP is making yet another movie following the same basic premise. Based on the novel by Karen Quinn, The Ivy Chronicles tells the tale of Ivy Ames, who after losing her fabulous lifestyle and getting a divorce, starts over downtown with a business that helps mothers get their children into elite kindergartens.

Parker’s latest flick, the hugely successful Sex and the City movie grossed more than $300 million. Hopefully, this fashionista can make her new movie just as popular. While Parker is still in talks with Warner Bros. over the film, it’s more than likely that she’ll be their it-girl. As a small town girl myself, anything New York based and SJP is fine by me. So does The Ivy Chronicles say fun and fabulous, or make you stifle a yawn?

Anyone who has a Kiefer Sutherland fetish or an affinity for vampires is sure to love the 1987 cult classic, The Lost Boys. In the same respect, anyone who does love the original is surely terrified by the announcement of a sequel.

July 24^th at San Diego’s Comic Con will mark the debut of the horror that is Lost Boys: The Tribe. Back for the sequel are none other than the 80s has-been duo of Corey Feldman and Corey Haim. Sadly, Kiefer had better things to do…like the umpteenth season of 24. New faces include Tad Hilgenbrinck, Angus Sutherland, and Autumn Reeser.

This latest installment follows the storyline of brother Chris Emerson (Hilgenbrink) and his sister, Nicole (Reeser). After losing their parents in a car accident, the siblings move to the surf city of Luna Beach (replacing the original’s Santa Carla). When Nicole falls in love with a vampire, Chris must destroy the vampires’ lifeline before his Nicole’s transformation is complete.

Considering that IMDB already has The Tribe listed as straight-to-video, I have extremely low hopes for this film…if it can even be considered that. That being said, I know I’ll still see it, because let’s face it: vampire movies rock. The cheesier the better. I’m just glad I won’t have to pay $10.50 at AMC to experience this glorious nightmare.

For more Lost Boys: The Tribe mania, check out our brand new photo gallery below:

Can’t get enough vampires? Ready to give your right arm to be with Edward? Acting like a danger magnet but to no avail? It seems like a long wait from now until December, but hold out, Twilighters! Over at the official website for the Twilight film adaptation, they have launched this awesome little widget to keep you company:

The anticipation for Catherine Hardwicke’s Twilight is incredibly high, with fans even more dedicated than Potterheads. Starring in the movie are Robert Pattinson as Edward (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire) and Kristen Stewart as Bella (Into the Wild). This latest fantasy-series-turned-film-franchise has fans from all around the world ready to hit theaters now. Since that really isn’t an option, the best the filmmakers and production team can do is keep fans appeased with exciting interviews, behind-the-scenes clips, and fun computer gadgetry like this widget that can deliver e-cards, show exclusive videos, stills, official images, and information about the cast and crew

The widget is about the size of a baseball card, with a dark forest background. It is available for sharing and displaying on personal websites and blogs. With principal photography completed and post-production under way, more first looks and special treats for the fans are sure to follow.