Almost a year ago we got our first glimpse of William Monahan‘s (the writer behind The Departed and Kingdom of Heaven) directorial debut, London Boulevard, but it’s unfortunately taken a while for it to open in the states. Originally the film was going to be released by FilmDistrict, then not too long ago IFC took over distribution. While the British gangster pic wasn’t greeted with the best response, I happen to like Monahan’s debut a whole lot. This trailer, which is fairly similar to the U.K. one, is well representative. It sells the slickness and cool factor just right, where the film works best. The film isn’t as grand or as epic as The Departed, but it’s a smooth and clever directorial about a gangster trying not to be a gangster. And, yes, Ray Winstone is as fun as he looks in this trailer.

Buried deep, deep, oh so deep within the rotting ruins where creativity used to lie, GK Films has wiped the cobwebs off of a franchise and is ready to bring it back to life. All obligatory complaints about reboots aside, it might actually be cool to see a female Indiana Jones kicking ass and taking treasure again. There’s nothing wrong with having fun, and those video games provide the high concept starting point to get that particular popcorn job done. According to Deadline Derby, GK wants to see the first new Lara Croft film hit theaters in 2013, with tentative plans for sequels after that. Now the speculation begins. Since Angelina Jolie is a long-shot to return to this thing, what new blood should take over the tan shorts and awkward thigh-gripping gun holsters?

Every once in a while there’s a bit of innovative casting that fits perfectly. Queen front man Freddie Mercury, the greatest vocalist in rock history (with second place going to Steve Perry from Journey), is finally getting the biopic treatment, and he’ll be played by Sacha Baron Cohen. No word yet on whether he’ll be singing or whether old recordings of Mercury will be in use. Seeing Cohen as Borat, this seems like a strange move. Keeping in mind Cohen’s range (and general appearance), this makes more sense than it should. The project is being produced by GK Films, and they’ve hired Peter Morgan (who wrote The Queen, appropriately enough) to pen the script. [Cinema Blend]

The production house is promising a look into a world of spies that has yet to be uncovered by film.

For some reason we’ve been following The Tourist a little too closely. I’m starting to think he suspects something.