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February 1, 2002

Just got e-mail from first-time scooper 'Kelvin Chavez' with the first clear shot from the set of the Antonio Banderas/Lucy Liu spy flick ECKS VS. SEVER!  The Warner Bros. film is scheduled to hit theaters this fall.  So what are you waiting for - click the image below to see the full-size version over at our ECKS VS. SEVER Upcoming Movies Page!

February 1, 2002

Almost two minutes after I get an e-mail with a pic from ECKS VS. SEVER, I get another separate e-mail from 'Calvin Roberts' who sent along a poster for the Tommy Lee Jones/Benecio Del Toro flick THE HUNTED.  Check out the coolness below!  THE HUNTED is scheduled to hit theaters this fall.  Here's the scoop on the film from the production company, Lakeshore Entertainment:  "Acclaimed director William Friedkin ("The Exorcist," "Rules of Engagement"), brings to life a suspense-thriller about an ex-military survivalist expert and deep-woods tracker, L.T. Bonham (Tommy Lee Jones), who teams up with FBI agent Abby Durrell (Connie Nielsen) to track and hunt down a trained assassin Aaron Hallam (Benicio Del Toro), who for his own reasons, lures Bonham and the FBI into a gut-wrenching game of cat and mouse. With ruthless precision and murderous skill, Hallam remains one step ahead of his pursuers."

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February 1, 2002

New Line Cinema has lost round one to MGM in the battle over "Goldmember," the character and former subtitle of AUSTIN POWERS 3.  MGM's protest of the use of the name, which they contend infringed on the copyrighted "Goldfinger" of JAMES BOND fame, took them to the MPAA where New Line attempted to appeal - their appeal was denied.   Apparently, MGM offered a deal at the last minute but New Line rejected their plan which would have had JOHN Q (a New Line film) pushed back to allow HART'S WAR (an MGM film) an open weekend at the box-office.  This is extraordinarily bad news for New Line as it may now have a good portion of the film's content, in addition to the marketing campaign.  While if this issue went all the way to the courts, it's pretty much guaranteed NLC would win.  Parodies are generally exempt from copyright infringement, otherwise Weird Al wouldn't have much of a career.  But a lengthy court battle would be pointless.  In any event, New Line and AUSTIN POWERS producers have to think and think quick.  The film is still set for a July 26th release date.  A trailer for the film was scheduled to run during the Super Bowl but those plans may now be cancelled.
 

February 1, 2002

Maybe this is shameless self-promotion at its worst, but the hell with it.  JoBlo and I have been working hard to churn out these 2002 Preview pages and we've got another one for you.   If you haven't already, head over to our new Upcoming Movies page, which features previews of the major studios, so far including Warner Bros, Fox, DreamWorks and now MGM.  So head over to see new pics of Christina Ricci in a bikini, the Crocodile Hunter face-to-face with a venomous snake and Julia Stiles with Jason Lee.   And while you're there, check out all the other cool stuff and be sure to let us know what you think via scoops@joblo.com. 
 

February 1, 2002

In my humble opinion, DAREDEVIL has gotten itself a pretty damn good cast going so far.  While I would've preferred Guy Pierce over Ben Affleck, I'm beginning to warm up to the idea of O'Bannion as Matt Murdock.  The recently announced Jennifer Garner and Michael Clarke Duncan as Elektra and The Kingpin are damn fine casting choices if you ask me.  And, AND...whoever was the genius that got Colin Farrell to sign as Bullseye, kudos to you my friend.  Perfect, perfect casting.  I cannot wait to see what Farrell does with this role.  He's been playing the good guy so much I can't wait to see him sink his teeth into this decidedly evil role.  Should be very sweet.

With the four principal players cast, there leaves just one major character to place - Foggy Nelson, Matt Murdock's partner in law.  We've already heard that new Howard Stern sidekick Artie Lang will be auditioning, but Harry Knowles revealed a new list of candidates that have also talked with producers.   According to AICN, Sean Astin, Oliver Platt and Horatio Sanz (SNL) are all candidates to play Foggy.  First off, if Sanz and Lang both seem like outside choices if you ask me.  They might be auditioning but I'd think they're not serious candidates.  Oliver Platt probably would've been the best for Foggy had the movie been filmed about 15 years ago.  He's just too old for the part now.  Sean Astin's a good choice I guess.  Doesn't really remind me of the comic-book character and I'm not sure if he's got the chops to be the comic relief for the film but out of these four choices I'd say he's the frontrunner.  I'm guessing the search will continue for at least another week or two until the producers find someone who's just right.
 

February 1, 2002

We've got it on pretty good authority that a test-screening of SPIDER-MAN was held in the Los Angeles area last night.  The target audience?  Teen girls.  Guess Sony wants to see how well the film will play to the WALK TO REMEMBER crowd.  No word on how things went but anyone who attended or knows anyone who attended should feel free to send their thoughts to scoops@joblo.com

Courtesy of eBay, we've got a first look at the poster for Vin Diesel's upcoming spy/action film XXX.   You can also get your first look at the film when a trailer runs during the Super Bowl this Sunday.

Warner Bros is moving ahead with a sequel to last summer's hit CATS AND DOGS.  Kevin Lima, who last directed another kids sequel, 102 DALMATIANS, has signed on to direct from a script by the original film's writers, John Requa and Glenn Ficarra.  The majority of the characters from the first film will return for a second go.  (Hollywood Reporter)

Arthur C. Clarke's CHILDHOOD'S END will get the big-screen treatment from Kimberly Pierce (BOYS DON'T CRY) who will direct an adaptation for Universal of the sci-fi novel.  The film follows the arrival of alien beings to Earth which originally brings peace and prosperity but later turns towards the end of the human race. (Hollywood Reporter)

Dimension Films has optioned the rights to comic-book and video game property SHADOW MAN.  Back in the early 90s, SHADOW MAN was a pretty bitching comic during the heyday of Valiant Comics.  Things went downhill and for me, the book never regained its former allure.  SHADOW MAN follows Mike LeRoi, a dead man who uses voodoo powers to transfer between the the Liveside and the Deadside.  (Hollywood Reporter)
 

January 31, 2002

Bored today?  Yeah, there's not a whole lot going on.  Of course you could head over to the new official RESIDENT EVIL website.  Eh, there's just some corny stuff like the trailer, winning entry in the poster design contest, production notes...probably nothing that would interest you.  Unless of course you've got some time to dig deeper.  Cause there's a lot more there than meets the eye.  Start searching and you'll see all kinds of weird shite that'll keep you busy for a greater part of this rainy afternoon.   Enjoy!! 
 

January 31, 2002

Got a new still today from the upcoming submarine thriller at Dimension Films.  It was scheduled to hit theaters next weekend but it'll be delayed until later this spring.  Directed by David Twohy (PITCH BLACK) and from a script co-written by Darren Aronofsky (REQUIEM FOR A DREAM), the film stars Bruce Greenwood and Olivia Williams.   There's not much we can tell from the pic below but that's probably a good thing.   The less I know about this creepy sounding film, the better.

January 31, 2002

Michael Bay's production company Platinum Dunes will film a remake of THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE for Radar Pictures.  The film will be sold to the major US studios with a three-minute promo reel shot by Bay himself.  The CHAINSAW remake is expected to begin filming this spring.  The writer/director of the original Tobe Hooper will be writing a draft of the script, but it's not 100% that his version will be the shooting script.  A final decision on writers and a director has not been made (but don't expect to see Michael Bay behind the camera).  It certainly does sound strange that the same guy who brought us PEARL HARBOR will be bringing us a TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE remake, but he started this new production company with these types of films in mind - low-budget, genre, commercial films.  Could it possibly hold-up to the original?   Will Ben Affleck star as Leatherface?

Discuss Michael Bay's remake of TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE here
 

January 31, 2002

Every year the movie studios trot out ads and trailers to run during the Super Bowl for their finest upcoming movies.  It's a great tradition and helps make the often boring games watchable.  This year will be no different as many studios have lined up (it looks like Fox is the only major not participating) ads for some high-profile releases.  Among what we know we can expect are ads for the following:   SPIDER-MAN (which is also sponsoring the post-Super Bowl "Malcolm in the Middle"), BAD COMPANY, COLLATERAL DAMAGE, HART'S WAR, PANIC ROOM, XXX, MEN IN BLACK 2, SIGNS, MR. DEEDS and ENOUGH.  Sounds like a pretty interesting line-up!  And just so that you know, the SPIDER-MAN ad won't be the same trailer you've already seen.   There's a new one lined up with all new footage.  Even if you don't care about football, plop yourself down in front of the tube this Sunday and check 'em all out!
 

January 31, 2002

The official website for Steven Soderbergh's next film FULL FRONTAL has expanded beyond its teaser page and now features much more information on the film.   So far you can watch so behind-the-scenes video, read journals from cast members and see photos from the set.  Expect more in the upcoming weeks with new content added weekly.  Also check back soon for the film's official trailer which is set to debut any day now.  FULL FRONTAL is scheduled to hit theaters on March 8th.

January 31, 2002

Ewan McGregor will join Renee Zellweger in the romantic comedy DOWN WITH LOVE for Peyton Reed (BRING IT ON) to direct.  The film is hard to describe but here goes nothing...basically it's a throwback to the Rock Hudson/Doris Day films of old.   It's a comedy in its own right but also spoofs the older films.  For example, there are scenes written into the script that take place in a car simply so that the obviously fake background can spool by the car windows.  Major plot details haven't been revealed but the script has been referred to many times as being "twisted."   In any event, the film will take place in the 60s and McGregor will be playing the role of ladies' man Catcher Block.  The film will go in front of the cameras this May after Zellweger finishes work on CHICAGO and after McGregor finishes his promotional work for ATTACK OF THE CLONES.
 

January 31, 2002

Smilin Jack Ruby scored an exclusive first look at the poster for DEATH TO SMOOCHY.  If you'll look close (click on the thumbnail below to see an enlarged version) you may notice a new hyperlink for the film's still not fully opened official site - www.smoochymustdie.com

Tom Cruise and his producing partner Paula Wagner have optioned the rights to the scifi novel series "The Lost Regiment" by author William J. Forstchen.  The books follow the time-travelling adventures of a Civil War regiment.  There are eight books in the complete series and Cruise and Wagner have optioned them all, though they fully realize the challenge of bringing them to the screen.  No word on whether Cruise is interested in starring. (Variety)

Remember, that today (Thursday) is the LAST day to vote for nominees in the First Annual Golden Schmoes awards.  Once you place your votes for nominees we will tally these votes and post the final choices on the site for you to pick the eventual winner.  Let your voice be heard!  Head to the discussion boards here and vote before it's too late!

Molly Shannon will co-star alongside Tim Allen in THE SANTA CLAUSE 2.  She will play a blind woman who has a date with Tim Allen's character who (as another part of "the Santa clause") has to marry a woman to be Ms. Claus in one month. (Hollywood Reporter)
 

January 30, 2002

Easy X-MEN fans.  Not the notorious card slinging Cajun from the comic books, but the 1966 British film of the same name.  Joel and Ethan Coen are currently negotiating to remake GAMBIT with an eye towards Hugh Grant in the starring role.   The original film follows a thief who teams with a beautiful woman to rob a rich and powerful man.  Things are further complicated by a series of double-crosses.   The Coens will work on the script as they wait for George Clooney and Catherine Zeta-Jones to begin work on INTOLERABLE CRUELTY (Clooney's filming CONFESSIONS OF A DANGEROUS MIND and Zeta-Jones is filming CHICAGO).  The Brothers Coen saw the original film, which starred Michael Caine and Shirley MacLaine in the leads, and became interested in working on a remake - a project Universal has been trying to get off the ground for years.  Unfortunately, there's still no word on whether or not Gambit will appear in X-MEN 2....
 

January 30, 2002

Jude Law and Penelope Cruz are in talks to star in DIARY OF A YOUNG LONDON PHYSICIAN for writer/director David Mamet (HEIST).   The film is basically a Mamet version of the Jekyll and Hyde tale with Law taking on the dual role.  Cruz would likely be playing the really hot chick in the movie.   No word on how they plan to work around Cruz's thick accent which wouldn't quite fit into the British setting.  Law is expected to get upwards of $7 million for his role in the film. Could we finally get an interesting modern film version of Jekyll and Hyde?  Could it possibly be any worse than MARY REILLY??
 

January 30, 2002

Terry Zwigoff, who has had considerable success with his first two films CRUMB and GHOST WORLD, has signed on to direct the comedy BAD SANTA with Joel and Ethan Coen producing.  The project had been languishing in development hell until Dimension Films and Zwigoff quickly snatched up the script earlier this week.  The film, written by John Requa and Glenn Ficarra (CATS AND DOGS), follows two con men who pose as Santa and an elf during Christmas-time and steal from the unsuspecting.  They then meet a young boy who (*sniff*) reminds them of the true meaning of Christmas.   Normally this movie would sound like a boring old Holiday sentimentality, but with Zwigoff and the Coens behind it, the film could be a damn good time.  Wonder if John Goodman will be playing Santa?...
 

January 30, 2002

The unlikely duo of Edward Norton and Spike Lee will team-up on the feature film version of THE 25TH HOUR, a novel by David Benioff.  The project is described as being "low-budget" and it's unclear whether this film will follow in the vein of Lee's BAMBOOZLED, which was shot entirely using digital cameras.  The book's author also wrote the screenplay which follows a convicted drug dealer on his last night before lockup.  He tried to piece together the events that led to his conviction and reaches a startling conclusion.  Disney will back the film which will begin filming this May in New York.  Sounds intriguing enough, but I've been disappointed with Spike's work lately.  Hopefully Norton will whip him into shape...
 

January 30, 2002

As revealed this morning on Howard Stern's radio show, comedian Artie Lang will be meeting with DAREDEVIL producers about the part of Foggy Nelson.  Lang can be seen next in OLD SCHOOL with Luke Wilson, Vince Vaughn and Will Farrell.

Vince Vaughn sold his pitch for TOY MEN to MGM and he will star and produce with David Dobkin (CLAY PIGEONS) directing.  The film follows a group of toy salesman who attempt to convince a housewife with a fantastic new idea to sell it to their company.  (Hollywood Reporter)

You can read a script review of Richard Donner's latest film, the adaptation of Michael Crichton's TIMELINE starring Paul Walker and Gerard Butler right over here.

Warner Bros announced in an e-mail yesterday that the details surrounding the special edition of HARRY POTTER on DVD will be announced on February 5th.  JoBlo.com will be there to bring back all the info so stay tuned!...
 

January 29, 2002

The feature film adaptation of Dave Eggers' best-selling book A HEARTBREAKING WORK OF STAGGERING GENIUS took another step closer to reality this week as producer Scott Rudin (ANGELA'S ASHES, THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS) has agreed to produce the film.  Rudin agreed to co-produce alongside Eggers, who has almost complete creative control over the film, after meetings held last week with New Line execs.  While no talent is yet attached, an acceptable list of screenwriters were agreed upon and talks will begin shortly to decide who will face the daunting task of adapting Eggers' memoirs.  At one point, Eggers had met with PT Anderson to possibly discuss his involvement with a film version of the book (Anderson has a development deal with New Line), but it is not known whether he is still a candidate.  Possible writers could include (and this is just me speculating) the aforementioned Anderson, Alexander Payne (ELECTION), and Wes Anderson and Owen Wilson (RUSHMORE).  Meanwhile, if you haven't yet read GENIUS, I highly recommend you do so soon.  It's truly a wonderful book and this is coming from a guy who doesn't read too many books.  I hate it when people tell me I have to read something because "you'll love it!"  Normally when someone tells me that I do everything in my power to avoid whatever they've recommended (i.e., I've still never seen more than a few minutes of the GODFATHER trilogy).  But seriously...you'll love this book.  You have to read it.

Read a sample of A HEARTBREAKING WORK... here
 

January 29, 2002

Reese Witherspoon will receive her biggest payday yet ($8 million big ones) to star and produce in an untitled drama about a women's tennis star.  The film will follow Reese's character, a former pro washed up at 24 and reduced to teaching lessons to kids at a local club.  When she's asked to mentor a rising athlete, who has beauty but lacks intensity (*cough*annakournikova*cough*), the two become an unlikely pair as Witherspoon's character coaches her to a championship (and of course we can't forget how she learns something about herself in the process).  This project is currently battling with another of Witherspoon's pet projects, THE FLYING SMITHS over which will film first.  Both are out to directors and whichever attracts talent first will be the first to go.  Reese is also currently deciding whether she wants to reprise her role, for which she was nominated for a Golden Globe, in LEGALLY BLONDE 2.
 

January 29, 2002

Despite SPIDER-MAN still being a good three months away there's already movement on the eventual sequel.  Unconfirmed reports have it that "Smallville" writers Alfred Gough and Miles Millar have been hired to take a first crack at a draft.   While neither Marvel or the writers would comment on their involvement there was no denial either.  It certainly seems like a smart move if you ask me.  Here are guys have worked successfully in the comic-to-screen genre as well as having experience on big-budget action flicks (LETHAL WEAPON 4, SHANGHAI NOON).  I can imagine though that their draft, if there is one, will only be rewritten (nothing against them, it's just the process) many times on its way to the screen.  The sequel to SPIDER-MAN is tentatively scheduled to film sometime in mid-2003.  Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst and Sam Raimi are all locked in for a second film.
 

January 29, 2002

Ben Affleck's comedy SURVIVING CHRISTMAS was dropped by Sony Pictures but has been picked up by DreamWorks in turnaround.  The script, written by Harry Elfont and Debra Kaplan (JOSIE AND THE PUSSYCATS), follows Affleck's character who returns to his childhood home during one particularly lonely Christmas and tries to convince the family currently living there to take him in.  This project is scheduled to begin filming after Affleck finished work on GIGLI, DAREDEVIL and Kevin Smith's JERSEY GIRL.  (Hollywood Reporter)

Halle Berry will star in and produce a film adaptation of the Trisha Thomas novel NAPPILY EVER AFTER.  The film is described as a combination between BRIDGET JONES'S DIARY and WAITING TO EXHALE that has a woman breaking up with her boyfriend because of his reluctance to marry.  Things complicate when he shacks up with another woman.  Berry will move onto this project after she finishes BOND 20 and X-MEN 2.  (Variety)

Gerard Butler has dropped out of Renny Harlin's MINDHUNTERS due to scheduling conflicts with a prior commitment to star in Richard Donner's TIMELINE.  Butler will be replaced in MINDHUNTERS by Jonny Lee Miller, best known as Sick Boy in TRAINSPOTTING. (Hollywood Reporter)

THE SANTA CLAUSE 2 has seen a rewrite from Ed Decter and John Strauss (THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY) and is now scheduled to film on February 13th in Vancouver.  The film follows the further adventures of Santa, again played by Tim Allen, as he finds a new clause that says he has one month to marry.  (Variety)

It looks as if JASON X finally has a release date.   New Line Cinema has confirmed that JASON X will be released in the US on April 26th, 2002.  Mark your calendars horror fans.  In other schedule change news, CITY BY THE SEA, starring Robert De Niro, has moved up from a September release to...what's this?  April 26th.  Jason Voorhees or Bobby De Niro.....
 

January 28, 2002

Last week we brought you first looks at some of New Line's releases for 2002.  This week I'm back with more from New Line and today we feature ABOUT SCHMIDT starring Jack Nicholson and RUN RONNIE RUN based on the popular HBO comedy series "Mr. Show".  Here's a look at the films, both of which don't have a solidified release date:

Based on a character from the hit HBO series, "Mr. Show," RUN RONNIE RUN! is an outrageous new comedy that follows Ronnie Dobbs' hilarious rise from small town loser to television superstar -- veering off on some comical side roads along the way. An uneducated, unemployed slacker, Ronnie spends his days in the small Georgia town of Doraville drinking beer and terrorizing its residents. Ronnie's life does a 180 degree turn when TV producer Terry Twillstein discovers him after witnessing one of Ronnie's many arrests on a "Cops" style show. As Ronnie Dobbs becomes a mega-star, both he and Terry Twillstein use their wit, ingenuity and audacity to get what they want -- one a lost love and the other a hit TV show.

January 28, 2002

The hot DAREDEVIL news this morning has both Jennifer Garner and Michael Clarke Duncan "signed, sealed and delivered" to play Elektra and The Kingpin, according to Film Force.  Their inside source claims that both Garner and Duncan have signed on to star in the film and an official announcement from the studio and producers should be forthcoming.  It was reported by Variety two weeks ago that Garner was in final negotiations but the news of Duncan's signing came rather quickly.  The last his name was mentioned was as a possible candidate but nothing has been mentioned since.  The majority of the attention has been focused on finding the right Elektra but it seems as if they've found the right Kingpin as well.  They also claim that the last major role, Matt Murdock/Daredevil's (Ben Affleck) law partner Foggy Nelson, will be cast shortly.  As we reported first last week, DAREDEVIL will be released on Valentine's Day, 2003.
 

January 28, 2002

Academy Award winning screenwriter Christopher McQuarrie will write an English-language version of the 1999 Hong Kong action flick CHEUNG FO.  The Americanized version, referred to as THE MISSION, follows "on five professional bodyguards recruited to protect a mob leader from an unknown group of assassins."   The script will focus on the five men and their unique code of honor and bond.   McQuarrie is also working on scripts for an Alexander the Great biopic as well as a remake of the TV show THE PRISONER.  The director of the original film, Johnny To, will likely produce the new version.
 

January 28, 2002

Smilin' Jack Ruby was kind enough to send over word that he and the gang at 13th Street scored five new clips from the upcoming Denzel Washington flick JOHN Q.  I started seeing the commercials this weekend during football and it certainly looks interesting. After TRAINING DAY, I'm looking forward to seeing the man in just about anything.  Check out the clips here

The official teaser website for DREAMCATCHER, starring Morgan Freeman, Jason Lee and Tom Sizemore has gone online here.  So far, not much besides a logo and a synopsis, but something to keep your eye on.

A bunch of new stills from SPIDER-MAN have been found at an unusual location.  The Spanish website for Columbia Pictures has a bunch of new pics online including a pretty cool look at the Green Goblin.  Check them all out over here

No less than six brand new trailers are up in our archives, so head over and see the latest on THE DIVINE SECRETS OF THE YA-YA SISTERHOOD, THE CAT'S MEOW and FRAILTY.  Enjoy!...