Latest News
Sat Dec 20, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
First Look: 'Knowing'
Nicolas Cage (National Treasure: Book of Secrets) stars in Knowing, a gripping action-thriller of global proportions about a professor who stumbles on terrifying predictions about the future—and sets out to prevent them from coming true.
In 1958, as part of the dedication ceremony for a new elementary school, a group of students is asked to draw pictures to be stored in a time capsule. But one mysterious girl fills her sheet of paper with rows of apparently random numbers instead.
Fifty years later, a new generation of students examines the capsule’s contents and the girl’s cryptic message ends up in the hands of young Caleb Koestler. But it is Caleb’s father, professor John Koestler (Nicolas Cage), who makes the startling discovery that the encoded message predicts with pinpoint accuracy the dates, death tolls and coordinates of every major disaster of the past 50 years. As Ted further unravels the document’s chilling secrets, he realizes the document foretells three additional events—the last of which hints at destruction on a global scale and seems to somehow involve Ted and his son. When Ted’s attempts to alert the authorities fall on deaf ears, he takes it upon himself to try to prevent more destruction from taking place.
With the reluctant help of Diana Wayland (Rose Byrne) and Abby Wayland, the daughter and granddaughter of the now-deceased author of the prophecies, Ted’s increasingly desperate efforts take him on a heart-pounding race against time until he finds himself facing the ultimate disaster—and the ultimate sacrifice.
Summit Entertainment, the people behind Twilight, has set a release date of March 20, 2009.
Sat Dec 20, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
'Fantastic Flesh' Looks Beneath the Surface
Documentary Coming to DVD in January
From classic creatures to modern gore, special effects makeup has always been at the dark heart of movie magic. Now, film fans will go skin deep – and beyond – with Fantastic Flesh: The Art of Makeup EFX, coming from Anchor Bay Entertainment on January 27, 2009. In this Starz Original documentary, viewers will meet the masters of the craft and discover its incredible history.
Directed by filmmaker and visual effects artist Kevin VanHook (Death Row), Fantastic Flesh: The Art of Makeup EFX was lauded as “an enjoyable look at the industry as well as a great nostalgia piece” by IconsofFright.com, while Bloody-disgusting.com said the documentary “offers a unique glimpse behind the lens to a magical place where hardcore film fans who grew up on too many monster movies would love to play.”
From the silent era to today’s blockbuster, this fast-paced documentary examines the techniques, reveals the secrets, and emphasizes the impact that special effects makeup has had on filmmaking for more than a century. Before CGI effects became the norm, special effects makeup was often accomplished through invention, ingenuity and, in some cases, sheer luck!
This in-depth documentary features exclusive interviews with some of the biggest names in Hollywood filmmaking, including Wes Craven (A Nightmare on Elm Street), John Carpenter (the original Halloween, The Fog), Eli Roth (Cabin Fever), George A. Romero (the original Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead and Day of the Dead), John Landis (An American Werewolf in London), Frank Darabont (The Shawshank Redemption), Robert Rodriguez (From Dusk Till Dawn), Mick Garris (Masters of Horror), Tom Savini (Creepshow), Dick Smith (The Exorcist) and Academy Award winner Quentin Tarantino (Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill Vol. 1 and 2), as well as clips from such classic horror and fantasy films as Frankenstein, The Exorcist, Planet of the Apes, The Chronicles of Narnia, An American Werewolf in London, The Thing, Grindhouse, Sin City, Transformers, Day of the Dead, Kill Bill Vol. 1 and 2, Total Recall, Cabin Fever, The Howling and many more.
“[Starz is] becoming – if they’re not already – the best in the genre business with comprehensive documentaries on the slasher and vampire genres, the history of black cinema and many more, but this one will hold a special place in the hearts of every fan-boy out there,” said RogueCinema.com.
The 58-minute documentary will retail for $19.97.
Sat Dec 20, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
Rick Baker Wins Tesla Award
Makeup Wizard Talks 'The Wolfman'
Rick Baker was honored by the International Press Academy this past weekend in Los Angeles.
Director John Landis presented Baker the Tesla Award for recognition of Visionary Achievement in Filmmaking Technology. It was the young director who first hired Baker in 1971 for Schlock. They have worked together ever since including An American Werewolf in London which earned Baker the first of six Academy Awards.
He later told Sci Fi Wire that his work on next year’s The Wolfman pays homage to the Universal original, not his own werewolf efforts. "I had a lot of trouble with that, because Benicio already looks like a werewolf, especially when he grows his facial hair out," Baker said. "I kept telling them that he wouldn't look too much different.
"This one is different, and harkens back to the classic Wolf Man I'm not sure what they are going to do about the transformation; I heard they are going to do it in CG, and I think that is a mistake."
As for the film’s delay from April to November, the makeup wizard was somewhat baffled. "It was a troubled project from the start,” Baker admitted. “The first director [Mark Romanek] left, and Joe [Johnston] took it over, but it looks real good. I saw how they set it in [19th]-century England, and it looks spectacular.”
"I had a lot of trouble with that, because Benicio already looks like a werewolf, especially when he grows his facial hair out," Baker said. "I kept telling them that he wouldn't look too much different."
Dan Lebental won best editing for Iron Man. The film also won also for best DVD extras.
Richard King won best sound editing and mixing for The Dark Knight.
Best original song went to "Another Way to Die" from Quantum of Solace.
HBO’s True Blood won two acting awards in the television division. Anna Paquin took best TV actress in a drama while Nelsan Ellis won best supporting actor in a drama.
Sat Dec 20, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
Casting Notes
Mark Hamill reprises his vocal work as The Joker for Eidos and Warner Bros’ video game Batman: Arkham Asylum. The actor, of course, had a memorable turn as the Clown Prince of Crime on Batman: The Animated Series back in the 1990s. He’ll once more be working opposite Kevin Conroy, who also returns.
HBO’s second season of True Blood will introduce Anna Camp (Equus) as the wife of Fellowship of the Sun president Steve Newlin, played by Michael McMillain. As outlined by Alan Ball, Jason Stackhouse will get caught up with the anti-vampire church for much of the season, which debuts next summer.
Casting notes describe Sarah as “an example of the new ‘hip’ evangelical movement, hates vampires with a passion, deeply believes in her mission, her marriage, her country and her church. very feminine, but down-to-earth, also with a healthy appetite for life’s many pleasures… as she sees it, it’s all part of God’s gift to us. No actual nudity, but implied...”
Merlotte will gain a new waitress to replacer dearly departed Amy. Daphne will be played by Ashley Jones (Bold and the Beautiful). She is described as “sexy and down to earth, a real country girl, not the greatest waitress, but Sam Merlotte (Sam Trammell) couldn’t care less, once he gets to know her better. Common sense, no-nonsense, funny, definitely not neurotic. Nudity is preferable in this role…6 episode arc beginning with this episode.”
Kristen Chenoweth did take long to find work. The Pushing Daisies star has landed the lead in David E. Kelley's new legal drama, Legally Mad, for NNBC. The series is expected to make the 2009-2010 schedule, when the network announcements are made in May.
Sat Dec 20, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
Tom Cruise Mulls Becoming a Champion
May Join McQuarrie/Del Toro Team on BBC Adaptation
Tom Cruise and screenwriter Christopher McQuarrie are becoming a formidable duo with three different projects in the works.
The two met during the production of Valkyrie, opening this month, which McQuarrie wrote for his other pal, director Bryan Singer.
McQuarrie had already been developing The Champions, based on the old BBC series with producer Guillermo del Toro and now United Artists’ co-owner may star in the project, the studio’s best chance at creating its own super-powered franchise.
The series lasted all of one season, 1968-1969, and was syndicated in America a few years later. It featured “the adventures of a team of secret government agents who are rescued from a Himalayan plane crash by an advanced civilization and given superhuman abilities.”
McQuarrie and Mason Alley are writing Flying Tigers, based on the volunteer fighter squadron formed to help the Chinese fight the Japanese before the U.S. entered World War II, for New Regency. The subject has been near and dear to Cruise who may now be interested in acting in the production.
Finally, Spyglass hired McQuarrie to rewrite The Tourist, an espionage drama, for Cruise to appear in with Charlize Theron.
Sat Dec 20, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
GoComics Adds 'The Doozies'
New Strip from Award Winning Writer
GoComics.com as added The Doozies, a new strip from Tom Gammill. Dean Doozie will be the focal point, a “lovable boob” married to Dana and father to Eve. The new strip will update three times a week and is now live.
"What I meant to say was I'm a lovable boob," the Emmy Award-winning TV writer/producer said in a release. "Dean Doozie is a dynamic new character and a welcome addition to any comics page. He'll be tackling hard-hitting topics like the importance of flossing."
Additionally, Gammill and writing partner Max Pross will produce Learn to Draw videos. "When I was a kid I bought a lot of "How To Draw" books by famous cartoonists who nobody had ever heard of, and weren't very good artists," Gammill says. "I'm proud to be following in that tradition."
Gammill has written episodes of Seinfeld, The Critic, and The Wonder Years, and has co-produced episodes of The Simpsons and Futurama.
Sat Dec 20, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
Tim Boyle Wants to Direct 'The Phantom Legacy'
Australia loves The Phantom, so when news broke over the weekend that the comic strip legend was returning to the silver screen, the local media began covering it in earnest.
Tim Boyle told the Courier Mail that he would love to direct The Phantom Legacy which he is writing. The writer/director most recently saw his The Plex released internationally. He has worked with far smaller budgets than the $87 million producer Bruce Sherlock estimated the film will require.
Boyle says he’s up to the challenge and envisions Sam Worthington as ideal for the Ghost Who Walks. Worthington will next be seen in Terminator Salvation next May. Worthington also appeared in Boyle’s Fink so they are familiar with one another.
The writer has moved to Los Angeles for three months to work with Sherlock on locking down pre-production details from distribution to casting. A director choice is expected in January.
Sat Dec 20, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
'Green Lantern' Likely to Film Down Under
Australia Once Again Popular Destination
The Sydney Morning Herald is reporting that Warner Roadshow Studios has several productions being prepped for shooting Down Under in 2009. Notable among the list was Warner Bros.’ Green Lantern feature.
Other films listed as likely to shoot is the third film in the Chronicles of Narnia cycle, Voyage of the Dawn Treader and Jan de Bont’s Point Break Indo.
The global economy local violence forced Disney to abandon plans to shoot the sequel at Mexico’s Baja Studios in favor of Roadshow’s giant water tank. The film is still budgeting in the $100 million range, far less than Prince Caspian.
As for the Emerald Crusader, the film s visual effects visionary, Aaron Sims, told VFX World, "We're starting from the ground up on this one, and we're trying to be as contemporary as possible."
While refusing to name the aliens in the film, the screenwriters indicated they are basing their origin on Emerald Dawn which spotlight trainers Sinestro and Kilowog. Sims did note, "The suits for the aliens are all different," Sims says, "but they're all green. They're overwhelmingly green. Defining the uniform green -- the proper shade -- is part of the process."
Sat Dec 20, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
"Bakugan Battle Brawlers: New Vestoria' Coming in Spring
On the heels of a movie announced, TMS Entertainment has said their sequel series Bakugan Battle Brawlers: New Vestoria will also be coming in 2009. The 26-episode anime will begin airing in the spring, according to Animenation.
Bakugan Battle Brawlers was originally a 52-episode series that debuted in Japan in April 2007 and on the Cartoon Network in February.
Spin Master Toys and Nelvana are co-producing the new series as they did the original and it will also have ties to the internationally popular game, which combines elements of collectible card games and traditional games like marbles. It has grown quickly leading to a wide array of licensed merchandise including fumetti-like books from Del Rey.
As a result, Universal quickly snapped up the film rights earlier this week.
Fri Dec 19, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
Disney Schedules 'The Surrogates' For September
Comic Adaptation Stars Bruce Willis
The Surrogates, the movie based on the Top Shelf miniseries, starring Bruce Willis, Ving Rhames and Radha Mitchell has been given a September 25, 2009 release date by Disney.
The movie is based on the miniseries by Robert Venditti and Brett Weldele which was released in 2005 and is a “science fiction thriller set in a future society in which robot doppelganger’s can live out the lives of the humans in whose likenesses they were fashioned, so that the humans can experience life safely (though vicariously)” according to ICv2.
The film is being directed by Jonathan Mostow (Terminator 3) from a script by Michael Ferris and John Brancato.
A sequel, The Surrogates 2.0: Flesh and Bone, is scheduled for release in 2009.
Fri Dec 19, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
'Doctor Who' Tidbits Emerge
Early Christmas Special Reviews Positive
Fans around the world are eagerly counting down the days until Santa Claus comes bearing gifts. They also eagerly anticipate the annual Doctor Who Christmas Special, which debuts on the BBC Christmas Day. No domestic airdate has been given for this or the four 2009 specials.
Reviews and commentary have started to sprout up on the web and here are some samples:
Digital Spy delivers ten spoilers for the Christmas special:
1. The mysterious Cybershades can jump quite high.
2. Neither the Doctor nor the Other Doctor recognizes each other. But the latter doesn't remember much anyway.
3. There are two words that the Doctor never refuses.
4. The Other Doctor has a TARDIS - and it's magnificent.
5. For a while Rosita becomes the Doctor's companion (but then you'll know that already if you've read our interview with the lovely Velile Tshabalala).
6. The script includes the customary line "what about the children?"
7. At least one previous incarnation of the Doctor makes an appearance.
8. Miss Hartigan (Dervla Kirwan) is a very special lady.
9. The Other Doctor's fobwatch is a very important clue.
10. "I suppose ** *** ***, **** ***** ** *****."
Apparently, clips will allow fans to see previous Doctors, perhaps all of them.
They also report that the Doctor’s companion, Rosita, is a prostitute who is attacked by Cyberman and is rescued by the other Doctor (David Morrissey) before encountering Tennant’s Doctor.
The TARDIS apparently figures largely in the story and may well be the catalyst for the four 2009 specials.
Fri Dec 19, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
'Astro Boy' Teaser Trailer Arrives
CGI Film Due in October 2009
The first teaser trailer for the CGI-animated Astro Boy went live today.
A thrilling tale of a true hero, Astro Boy is an all-new, feature film full of action, adventure, humor and heart. It will be brought to life on the big screen in breathtaking CGI animation on October 23rd, 2009.
Set in futuristic Metro City, Astro Boy is about a young robot with incredible powers created by a brilliant scientist named Tenma (Nicolas Cage). Powered by positive “blue” energy, Astro Boy (Freddie Highmore) is endowed with super strength, x-ray vision, unbelievable speed and the ability to fly.
Embarking on a journey in search of acceptance, Astro Boy encounters many other colorful characters along the way. Through his adventures, he learns the joys and emotions of being human, and gains the strength to embrace his destiny. Ultimately learning his friends and family are in danger, Astro Boy marshals his awesome super powers and returns to Metro City in a valiant effort to save everything he cares about and to understand what it takes to be a hero.
Fri Dec 19, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
Kyle Baker Draws 'Hawkman'
Cartoonist Returns to the DC Universe
Kyle Baker has announced a return to super-heroics by taking on yet another revamp of Hawkman.
“I'm working on a new Hawkman comic for DC, and decided to try a newer, more fan-friendly style,” Baker wrote on his website.
“No title for the book yet that I know of. It's not due for another six months. By the way, just for the fans, I'm making this story the bloodiest and most depressing story ever! Full of realism! Hawkman's World will be CHanged Forever! I've revealed too much. I can say no more.”
Hawkman’s continuity has been in flux since Tim Truman wrote and drew Hawkworld in 1989. Geoff Johns tried to meld all the versions together during his ‘The Return of Hawkman” arc in JSA which seemed to settle the matter once and for all. This fall’s Hawkman Special once more opened Pandora’s Box and Baker is at work on the newest variation.
Fri Dec 19, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
Sinbad Returns to the Screen
'Hairspray' Director Tackles Adventure
A new Sinbad movie is in development at Sony with Adam Shankman (Hairspray) set to direct, according to Variety.
Neal Moritz will produce the fantasy adventure telling of “Sinbad and his crew, who are marooned off the coast of China and embark on a quest to find the lamp of Aladdin.”
Sinbad is a legendary figure from Middle Eastern tales. His name is Persian while his tales were initially written in Arabic. The stories featuring the wanderer have been told, retold, and adapted for centuries. He was a sailor from Basrah and his exploits were drawn from true tales from sailors working the Asian and African trade routes plus more than a dash of epic journeys from other sources such as Homer’s The Odyssey.
Sinbad was immortalized as the 133rd tale in Sir Richard Burton's translation of The Book of One Thousand and One Nights (Arabian Nights) which is the source most adaptations use. He has been used in popular movies, television series, cartoons and comic books throughout the 20th century, perhaps best know for the films made in the 19509s and 1960s by Ray Harryhausen. He first appeared on film in a 1935 cartoon before The Fleischer Brothers produced their Popeye the Sailor Meets Sindbad the Sailor in 1936, with Sindbad resembling Bluto.
His last feature film was Sinbad: Legends of the Seven Seas in 2003. Since then, he has been seen in Bill Willingham’s Fables.
He is also set to direct Bob the Musical for Disney. The original project “centers on a mild-mannered man who suddenly hears the "inner song" of people's hearts after being struck on the head.”
"Ever since Hairspray, I've been desperate to do another musical," Shankman told Variety. "The idea of working with all original music is thrilling. With Bob the Musical, I'll be working again with [Hairspray composer] Marc Shaiman. And Sinbad gives me the opportunity to really stretch my imagination as far as I can take it."
Fri Dec 19, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
Stephen Chow Bows out of Directing 'Green Hornet'
Remains Cast as Kato
Stephen Chow gave new life to The Green Hornet film when he signed on in September to both direct the feature adaptation and star opposite Seth Rogan as Kato. Chow will remain as the martial arts sidekick but will no longer direct according to Variety. The usual “creative differences” was cited with producer Neal Moritz assuring all that a new helmer will be signed quickly so shooting can still being in Spring.
Chow was working with a script written by Rogen and Evan Goldberg and the screenplay is said to remain but go through a polish whenever a new director is chosen.
Rogen will play Britt Reid, newspaper heir and secret crime fighter, as conceived by Fran Stryker in the 1930s. Most people today know the character from the one-season ABC series from the 1960s which propelled Bruce Lee to stardom.
Pairing the comedic Rogen with Chow (Kung Fu Hustle) seemed like movie magic and the June 25, 2010 release will no doubt be eagerly anticipated.
