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April 27, 2001

'Mr. Glass' sent me an e-mail with word that Renny Harlin announced at a DRIVEN press conference that a sequel to his DEEP BLUE SEA was in the works. I hadn't heard anything about it, but upon doing some research I stumbled onto a story originally posted at Dark Horizons that says exactly what Mr. Glass told me in his e-mail:

Mr. Glass, I wish I could correct you on that last note my friend.  I wish I could.
  

April 27, 2001

So if you liked RONIN...
Click here to watch the trailer for AMBUSH
 

April 27, 2001

I guess Fox scrapped the plans to have a series of posters each featuring a different monkey from the film.  That's too bad cause I was really looking forward to seeing a one-sheet of Paul Giamatti done up as an orangutan.  Anyhow, here's the second poster for PLANET OF THE APES and you may recall seeing this image before from some of the APES promotional material that has been released. Joey's two cents:   This poster stinks worse than a garbage scow!  APES is Fox's tentpole release for this summer and this is what they come up with?  That teaser poster was such a powerful image, but this just seems so blah. Maybe it's because I've seen this image of the Apes and their swords before or maybe I just wanted them to show off their variety of monkeys, but either way, I don't like it.  You can check it out for yourself below:

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April 27, 2001

Craig Rosenberg, writer of the upcoming films JURASSIC PARK 3 and Wes Craven's DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE, has signed with Newmarket Entertainment, the folks behind MEMENTO, to write and direct NEVERMORE: THE NIGHTMARES OF EDGAR ALLEN POE.  The film can be described as a dark combination of SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE and MEMENTO, where murders from the writings of Poe unfold in real life and the question becomes whether a deranged EAP could be committing the murders himself.  This project is not to be confused with the Edgar Allen Poe film that Michael Jackson is developing.  Now that will be scary.
 

April 27, 2001

Michelle Pfeiffer and Helen Hunt have thrown their names in the ring as candidates for the starring roles in the Miramax film version of the Broadway hit, CHICAGO.  They join Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renee Zellweger, Jennifer Lopez, Gwyneth Paltrow and Charlize Theron as hopefuls for a role in the flick. Whoever does get the part will have to audition for the role with director Rob Marshall, no matter how big of a star.  Producer Marty Richards says all actresses, "Gwyneth Paltrow, too - will have to sing and dance for Rob Marshall to see if they can cut it."  Any of those ladies would be more than welcome in my book (especially Renee Zellweger, whom I've fallen back in love with after BRIDGET JONES'S DIARY) but please no John Travolta.
 

April 27, 2001

Mira Sorvino, Mariah Carey and Melora Walters (MAGNOLIA, BOOGIE NIGHTS) are negotiating to star in WISE GIRLS, an independent film about waitresses at a mob-owned restaurant that get mixed up in the "family business."  The film will be directed by David Anspaugh who brought us memorable sports films like RUDY and HOOSIERS (who can forget "Roo-dee! Roo-dee! Roo-dee! Roo-dee!"?).  GIRLS is slated to begin shooting in May in Nova Scotia.  Mariah Carey can be seen this summer, with her first starring role in ALL THAT GLITTERS.
 

April 27, 2001

Source: Joey Baloney

• Pictures from the set of ROAD TO PERDITION are online here
• If you're curious how the luge fits into the upcoming film, ROLLERBALL, check out these shots located here
• Heath Ledger is out promoting his new movie A KNIGHT'S TALE and you can read an interview with the ole boy here
• Sheeesh, more on set pictures!  This time from the set of Hugh Grant's next film, ABOUT A BOY.  Check it out here
• AICN seems to be reporting that Darren Aronofsky has announced George Clooney will be his BATMAN, but when you click on that story, nothing comes up.  Actually, as of press time, none of the new stories are coming up on AICN. You can try it out for yourself here

April 26, 2001

M. Night Shymalan, director of THE SIXTH SENSE and UNBREAKABLE, has turned in his latest script to Disney, a supernatural thriller (really?!) entitled SIGNS.  Full details have not been released (and don't expect them to be for a loooong time, if at all) and all that is known about the project is that "it takes place in Bucks County [Pennsylvania] and revolves around the sudden appearance of a 500-foot array of circles and lines found mysteriously carved into the crops of a farm family."  Personally, I'd rather see the next installment in the UNBREAKABLE trilogy, but I guess I'm just dreaming. It's looking like that may never happen...*sniff*.  The project is scheduled to begin this fall, which should make for some beautiful scenery out in the farmlands of Pennsylvania.
 

April 26, 2001

I used to get a big kick out of the MTV Movie Awards but lately they've been kind of blah. Sarah Jessica Parker was not a very inspired choice for host of last year's ceremonies.  This year looks to be an improvement with SNL star Jimmy Fallon and Mary Jane Watson herself, Kirsten Dunst set to take on hosting duties.  The awards will be handed out this June in Los Angeles and you can check out clips of the nominees and vote for who you want to win over at MTV.com.  Here's a list of nominees:

BEST DANCE SEQUENCE:
BILLY ELLIOT, Billy's first lesson
BRING IT ON, opening cheer
CHARLIE'S ANGELS, Cameron Diaz fantasy sequence
SAVE THE LAST DANCE, club scene
 

April 26, 2001

Dimension Films, the studio behind SCARY MOVIE 2, released a statement saying the following, "We regret to announce that due to continued illness, Marlon Brando is unable to complete the filming of his cameo role in SCARY MOVIE 2."  No other information was released. The scene he would have been appearing in was reportedly spoofing THE EXORCIST, with Brando playing Father Karras and Natasha Lyonne playing Regan. The role, I'm sure, will be recast and may go back to Andy Richter (formerly of LATE NIGHT WITH CONAN O'BRIEN), who originally had the part but was bumped for a bigger "name," or the Wayans may continue their search for a "superstar cameo" to open the film. 
                                              

April 26, 2001

Keep in mind that what you are about to read is extremely disturbing and should be considered a major rumor at this point.  It is, however, too bizarre to not report here.  The New York Post reported on Wednesday that producers have bumped Tommy Lee Jones from MEN IN BLACK 2 because he was asking an absurd $40 million for his work on the film.  Now the studio is keen on hiring a Latino replacement for Jones and right now the front-runner is none other than yesterday's big thing, Ricky Martin.  If this is a in fact a rumor, expect a denials soon, as shooting is expected to begin in a mere two months.  Linda Fiorentino is also expected not to return, but producers are already lining up Tiffany as her replacement.
 

April 26, 2001

Source: Joey Baloney

• A test screening was held for the new Chris Rock movie, POOTIE TANG (I can't wait to see this one), and you can read a review here
• Some pictures of Winona Ryder falling in ice or snow (it's hard to tell what's going on in these pictures) from the set of DEEDS with Adam Sandler are online here
• Remember those reports about weird looking structures on the set of MINORITY REPORT?  See them for yourself here
• A Coming Attractions scooper from Ireland sent in pictures of construction on the set of REIGN OF FIRE that you can check out here

April 25, 2001

Our buddy 'Big Daddy Don Bodine' sent in these nice shots from the set of Guy Ritchie's short film, STAR, the fourth in a series of short films that will premiere on BMW Films.  You'll notice a Ritchie standing next to a woman in one of the pictures:  this is just a stunt double and NOT Madonna. I haven't been able to confirm Madonna's appearance in the film, but I'll keep digging and let you know what I can find out (despite the fact most of you couldn't care less if Madonna is in it or not).  Make sure you check out the first film in THE HIRE series, AMBUSH (directed by John Frankenheimer and written by Andrew Kevin Walker), when it premieres tomorrow, April 26th.

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April 25, 2001

Waaaaay back when Joey Baloney was still a cub reporter and Tom Green had a budding movie career, we ran a story you can find here, where Harry Knowles claimed he had a "trustworthy" source who claimed BRING IT ON director Peyton Reed would be directing THE FANTASTIC FOUR for Fox, still high of their success with X-MEN.  Flashforward to the year 2001, where the HAL 9000 has sent Joey Baloney hurtling into outer space and taken over the news duties at JoBlo.  Meanwhile a scooper sent an e-mail to AICN (a full four months later) reporting that Marvel Films head honcho Avi Arad has said in the June issue of Wizard magazine that "Peyton Reed has signed on to direct" the FANTASTIC FOUR. Looks like Harry hasn't lost the touch after all. 
                                        

April 25, 2001

Psssst...wanna watch the "Lord of the Rings" trailer...on your DVD!?!
Because I love each and all of you crazy DVD Freaks out there, consider this one an early Christmas present. On the DVD release of LITTLE NICKY, which came out this week, there’s a 90-second LORD OF THE RINGS trailer hidden somewhere on the disc. But I won’t tell you where…just kidding. To access it from the main menu, select the "Special Features" option which will bring you to a new menu. From there, select "Central Park" and wait until you get to the new screen with Adam Sandler sitting on the park bench. Once there, keep pressing the "left" button on your remote until a halo appears over Sandler’s head. Push the "enter" button and be prepared to get treated to a full 90 second trailer of RINGS, featuring some pretty wild looking footage from the flick.

"Dogma" special edition back on track but...
I’ve got some good news and bad news concerning Kevin Smith’s much delayed re-release of DOGMA. I’m sure you’ll all be happy to know that the double disc release has been penciled in and confirmed for a June 26th release date. The bad news is that the controversial 40-minute documentary "Judge Not", which highlights the touchy subject matter in the movie, has officially been dropped from the DVD. Insiders say that parent company Buena Vista was not exactly "pleased" with the extra (hence, the original delay) and removed it completely, rather than edit it. Fear not Kevin Smith fans because rumor has it that the documentary may be released directly over the internet or included on an upcoming View Askew release by the man himself.

Time to relive some childhood memories with "The Goonies" on DVD!
This is a little tidbit which you’re either really gonna love or not exactly give a damn about. The kick ass 80’s cult classic, THE GOONIES, is finally getting a second chance on DVD. The disc is packed with great added features including a new anamorphic transfer, 5.1 Dolby Digital audio, commentary with director Richard Donner and the original 7 Goonies, Cyndi Lauper’s music video for "Goonies R Good Enough For Me", a making of documentary and several deleted scenes. Looks like a winner.

"The Grinch" on DVD!
Universal Studios Home Video has just released word that the highly successful DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS will be released on video and DVD November 20th, just in time for the Holiday season. The DVD will be priced at $39.99 and will come with a limited edition Grinch plush toy. So far, the only extra features released are deleted scenes, but expect more to be announced once we get closer to November. Universal has hopes that this disc will top GLADIATOR as the highest-selling DVD of all time.

Dr. Drew reviews the "What Women Want" DVD here
Dr. Drew reviews the "Ghost" DVD here
Dr. Drew reviews the "Bamboozled" DVD here
Dr. Drew reviews the "Little Nicky" DVD here

Got a DVD scoop? E-Mail Dr. Drew at the DVD Clinic
  

April 25, 2001

Disney has paid writer Jonathan Hensleigh (who can't find a big enough bottle of White-Out to delete ARMAGEDDON from his resume) a paltry $1.75 million against $2.25 mil to "reconceive" the GEMINI MAN project that has been stalled at the studio for over two and a half years. Hensleigh (who's worked on such high profile projects as THE ROCK, DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE and JUMANJI) will start from square one, basically throwing out all previous drafts of the script, to "contemporize" the project. This could be the adrenaline shot this project needs as it has been in development hell despite the fact Disney has already spent tons of money in pre-production developing the so-called "Erasure" software that could make an actor look twenty years younger (the film revolves around a man who is being hunted down by a younger version of himself).  Nicolas Cage, Mel Gibson and Harrison Ford were all rumored to star in the film's previous incarnation, which at one point was simply titled GEMINI.

Joey's two cents: I've been following this film for quite some time now and I'm extremely excited to see Disney is 100% behind this project.  Done correctly, this movie could kick some major league ass and despite some movies in his past that might make me think otherwise, I think Hensleigh is just what this project needs. If you're curious to find out a little more about GEMINI MAN, check out this review of an older script, which gives some good background on the project.
                                              

April 25, 2001

Now that BRIDGET JONES' DIARY has been so successful (and rightfully so, I'm not knocking the flick), we're getting "treated" to all kinds of different takes on the same story. Miramax is first to hop on board with ME TIMES THREE, which is being described as "an American version of 'BRIDGET JONES'."  The film revolves around a woman with a job working at a magazine that she hates.  When she finds out her fiancé is also engaged to two other women, she becomes devoted to her career.  Gwyneth Paltrow is currently attached to star.  Why, God?  Why?  What have I done wrong to deserve this? I know I don't go to church very often and my prayers are limited to "Please let <insert any teenage female actress here> appear topless in her next movie" but does the punishment fit the crime?  Didn't SOMEONE LIKE YOU teach anyone anything???

April 25, 2001

Source: Joey Baloney

• Writer David Goyer is once again talking about what he plans on doing with GHOST RIDER and you can read all about it here
• News Askew has posted some more exclusive shots from the set of JAY AND SILENT BOB STRIKE BACK

April 24, 2001

Courtesy of Harry and his loyal gang of spies, we get our first look at the script for the "top secret" MEN IN BLACK.  My hat must go off to Harold for getting his mits on this screenplay, considering Sony trying to keep all details on the sequel hush-hush.  Their spy wasn't too impressed with what he read but he seemed to think it was good enough (and really isn't that all it takes to make a sequel these days?).  He drops some information about Serleena, the film's main villain (and most likely to be played by Famke Janssen), saying this character was basically just a more intelligent version of Edgar from the first film. There was no mention of the "two-headed alien" that Johnny Knoxville signed to play but there is a good summary of how Tommy Lee Jones' character gets back into the game after being neuralized in the first film.  Hopefully they can tweak this puppy so that it can be a great as the first, instead of just a retread of familiar material.

Read the entire script review here
                                              

April 24, 2001

After we posted the first pics (if you listen closely, you can hear the sound of me patting myself on the back....) of Mary Jane from the set of SPIDER-MAN in New York City on Friday, a whole mess of shots have turned up on the net. Most notably, we have these shots sent in by scoopers 'Mike' and 'Allan' that originally appeared over at People Magazine's web site.  Here we can see just what Mary Jane was wearing under that trench coat (yes, she was wearing something) and we get a look at Tobey as Peter Parker chilling on a fire hydrant.  There are a whole bunch more that you can check out at Spider-Man Hype, who're doing a great job of chronicling all these shots.

See 57 more pics on Spider-Man Hype here

April 24, 2001

After reading some quotes from Uma Thurman in the New York Daily News regarding her re-teaming with Quentin Tarantino on KILL BILL, I decided to do a little background work on this project and its progress.  I did some searching and here's what we know so far regarding this project:

• Uma will be playing a prostitute, who was in a coma for nine years after being shot by her pimp (Bill). After she awakens, she's ready to seek some major revenge...
• Production is scheduled to begin in late 2001 but Thurman tells the Daily News that Tarantino "has been two weeks away from being done for nine months now."
• Uma has been training for this film while Quentin polishes the script, learning how to wield a samurai sword amongst other physical feats
• Warren Beatty was in talks to co-star in the film (as the pimp?) but whether he is still, isn't quite sure.

All in all, this sounds like it could be a return to the classic Tarantino we all fell in love with (well not all of us...there seems to be quite a rabid anti-Tarantino base out there).  I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
                                              

April 24, 2001

I don't know why I'm reporting this, considering how shabbily I've been treated by the folks involved with promoting AKIRA, but I guess I'm a big sucker for this flick.  The AKIRA re-release from Pioneer Entertainment is expanding to Los Angeles and San Francisco after selling out shows in New York City's AMC Empire.  The film may expand beyond these cities if the film continues to succeed. McFarlane Toys has also announced a new line of AKIRA toys to coincide with the release of the DVD and video in September.  Just for the record, I still have not seen the re-release and I unfortunately cannot endorse this product at this time.
 

April 24, 2001

Patrick Fugit (ALMOST FAMOUS), Jason Schwartzman (RUSHMORE), Mena Suvari (AMERICAN BEAUTY) and John Leguizamo (SPAWN) will team up for SPUN, a film described as an American version of TRAINSPOTTING.   The film revolves around a speed junkie (Schwartzman) in Eugene, Oregon who meets up with his dealer (Leguizamo) and becomes involved in a drug-induced adventure around the town.  SPUN will mark the feature film directorial debut of Jonas Ackerlund, the critically acclaimed music video director who has worked with Madonna and Metallica amongst others.  Production will begin next month in Oregon.
 

April 24, 2001

Source: Joey Baloney

• I won't go into great detail, but the latest Entertainment Weekly has the big "Summer Movie Preview" and there's a lot of really great pics (AI, JURASSIC PARK 3, AMERICAN PIE 2) and reports from this summer's biggest (and smallest) films
• There's an interview here with John Carpenter (GHOSTS OF MARS) that you may find interesting
• The always fascinating Sylvester Stallone reflects on his life, while at the same time shamelessly promoting his new racecar flick DRIVEN, here       

April 23, 2001

You might remember the report we brought you last week regarding the upcoming Clint Eastwood/Brian Helgeland collaboration based on the Dennis Lehane book MYSTIC RIVER. A trusty scooper named "Rayedar" went to a bookstore in Concorde, MA to hear Mr. Lehane speaking and managed to ask a few questions about the upcoming film. He gave some standard information (i.e., the stuff we reported last week) but added that none other than George Clooney was in talks to star. Apparently Clooney has been keen on working with Clint for sometime now and the grizzly director feels the same towards George. This could be a great team if Eastwood can bust out of the directing funk he's been in lately (TRUE CRIME, ABSOLUTE POWER).
 

April 23, 2001

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April 23, 2001

'G' from the abovementioned Brazilian Harry Potter fan site sent us a heads up to let us know that the second trailer for HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCEROR'S STONE will be in theaters on July 4th, before copies of CATS AND DOGS. Hopefully, it'll make an internet debut sometime before that and we'll be here to bring it to you.
                                        

April 23, 2001

A Friday the 13th fan site has posted some information regarding the possible release date of the now postponed JASON X. They say that New Line is gunning for either an October 2001 or Spring 2002 release date for the film. They go on to say that the film "is NOT going direct-to-video." Well that's a good sign, but the site also asks readers to sign a petition that would have New Line stick to their original release date of August 2001. We'll see......
                                              

April 23, 2001

Darren Aronofsky spoke at a recent screening of his film REQUIEM FOR A DREAM and dropped some hints about his next film. Sorry kids, it won't be the BATMAN film, but instead that secret Brad Pitt/sci-fi project. Warner Bros. has already given the greenlight on the project which should start filming next fall (we have to wait that long!!!). All he said about the project was that it would be huge film and "freaky." From the guy who made REQUIEM, I would expect nothing else.
                                              

April 23, 2001

• Moriarty from Ain't It Cool posted script reviews of OCEAN'S ELEVEN and A BEAUTIFUL MIND that you can head over and read
• Maxim Magazine's Hot 100 issue is coming out in May and take a guess which hottie is on the cover. I'll give you a hint, she's quite an animated lass....
• A script review for the oft-delayed film version of SPEED RACER (with rap video director Hype Williams last attached to direct) is online here.
• There's some weird construction happening on the set of MINORITY REPORT and you should head here and read all about it.