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November 30, 2001

Mike Newell (DONNIE BRASCO) is in negotiations to direct both John Grisham's THE RUNAWAY JURY with Will Smith starring and  MONA LISA SMILE with Julia Roberts in the lead.  JURY would film first, starting this March, with SMILE following directly after.  This would work out fine for Will Smith, who would segue into production with Newell after a short break from ALI promotions but it would leave Roberts with a gap in her schedule.  The star will likely fill that gap by starring in either BUTTERFLY for Gore Verbinski or PERFECT STRANGERS for Philip Kaufman.
  

November 30, 2001

Ol' reliable Thomas from Cinecon was nice enough to send us a note regarding the sequel to THE MATRIX. Apparently, Ms. Thang (aka Jada Pinkett Smith), put some quotes together about the upcoming flicks. Here's the low-down: 

Regarding additional footage to the two sequels:
"Well, we’re shooting two and three and we’re also shooting a video game that has movie footage in it, a video movie. So, we’re doing three projects at the same time and it’s hectic." 

Regarding Niobe:
"Niobe is just basically the female version of Morpheus, very tough, very “no bull crap.” She just puts it on the table. The type of training – I’ve just had to do a lot of…I had to go to Oakland for four months and do four months of Kung Fu training, wire training and I have to go back in February for 5 months of filming in Australia."

Regarding the special effects:
"Oh man, you have no idea what’s in store for you…no idea." 

For more info on all of this, go to Cinema Confidential.
 

November 30, 2001

Dimension Films has hired writer Craig Mazin (ROCKET MAN) to adapt the Jimmy Stewart film HARVEY for a remake  in a modern day setting.  The 1950 film was purchased by Miramax in 1999 and announced a deal to co-produce the film MGM.  No word on actors who might be interested in the part but the role got Jimmy Stewart an Academy Award nomination. HARVEY revolves around a man who enjoys his booze and has frequent conversations with his invisible friend - a six foot tall rabbit.
 

November 30, 2001

Danny DeVito has stepped in to take over the directorial duties on DUPLEX, starring Ben Stiller and Drew Barrymore, after Greg Mottola (DAYTRIPPERS) dropped out.  I hadn't even heard the news that Mottola dropped this project (to be honest with you, I don't think many had) when I read DeVito was taking over.  The departure was reportedly amicable. DeVito had an opening in his schedule after he dropped out of directing the Kate Hudson romantic comedy HOW TO LOSE A MAN IN TEN DAYS.  Production was scheduled to begin this week but has been pushed back until mid-December.
 

November 30, 2001

Jim Carrey is reportedly in discussions with Christopher Nolan (MEMENTO) to team for a Howard Hughes biopic.  Carrey would play and produce with Nolan directing.  I haven't had much luck researching this story on the net so for now I'd take it as a rumor...(Coming Soon)

Tom Hanks' production company, Playtone Co., has purchased the rights to the children's book THE ANT BULLY and are looking to turn it into a CGI animated film.  The book follows a young boy who after intentionally flooding an anthill, is shrunk to antlike size and forced to toil alongside the insects, where he learns a tough lesson about working hard. (Variety)

A sketch of what could possibly be the new Batmobile for BATMAN: YEAR ONE has popped up online.  If you're curious to check it out, click here

Two pictures from the set of Eminem's UNTITLED DETROIT PROJECT are online courtesy of Dark Horizons.  You can check them out here and here

Cameron Crowe has always been known for his fine-tuned musical ear.  With that in mind, here's the official listing for the VANILLA SKY soundtrack:

All The Right Friends - REM
Everything In It’s Right Place - Radiohead
Vanilla Sky - Paul McCartney
Solsbury Hill - Peter Gabriel
I Fall Apart - Julianna Gianni
Porpoise Song - The Monkees
Looper - Mondo ‘77
Have You Forgotten - Red House Painters
Directions - Josh Rouse
Afrika Shox - Leftfield
Svefn-G-Englar - Sugar Ros
Last Goodbye - Jeff Buckley
Can We Still Be Friends - Todd Rundgren
Fourth Time Around - Bob Dylan
  

November 29, 2001

Halle Berry could very well be the next Bond girl for the 20th film in the James Bond series. Then again, there's a chance she might not be.  Allow me to explain...MGM wants Berry and Berry wants to do the part.  But she's contractually obligated to star in X-MEN 2 which could potentially begin filming at the same time as BOND 20.   Unfortunately, X-MEN doesn't have a concrete start date yet which is posing a problem for Berry, her agents and the people behind BOND, which is set to go on January 14th.  If it's at all possible though, expect the behind-the-scenes folks to work out all the details and have Berry set as the villainess in Pierce Brosnan's last James Bond film.  Berry had to drop out of GIGLI with Ben Affleck because of X-MEN but don't expect her to drop this one.

< click pic to re-visit the infamous "Swordfish" countdown >
  

November 29, 2001

At one time it was reported that a newcomer would likely play the role of the murderous Francis Dollarhyde/Tooth Fairy in Brett Ratner's RED DRAGON.  Well, that may no longer be the case. Ratner reportedly has met with Sean Penn numerous times about the role and while he has passed, is now looking to Ralph Fiennes. Ratner will reportedly meet with Fiennes this week about the role, which was originated by Tom Noonan in MANHUNTER.   While Dollarhyde's presence in the book is heavy, reports from those who've read the script say that his scenes have been cut drastically in order to play up the Hannibal Lecter angle (who is barely in the book).  In another report, it has been confirmed that CGI will be used to make Anthony Hopkins appear as the younger Lecter in the prequel.

<Tom Noonan as Francis Dollarhyde
(the "Tooth Fairy") in MANHUNTER>
 

November 29, 2001

If this report came out anywhere near April Fools I would swear it was a joke. But it's November and I don't think anyone's joking.  Russell Crowe is developing a feature film version of the 60s TV show HOGAN'S HEROES with uber-producer Brian Grazer (A BEAUTIFUL MIND).  Crowe would produce as well as star in the film. The tone of the film will reportedly be much more dramatic than the series which was a comedic look at a Nazi prison camp (the perfect setting for laughs...).  My question is, if you want to do a dramatic movie on the lives of POWs during World War II, why base it on this TV show?  Why not just write a script independent of any cheesy 60s show?  I've also heard that Tom Hanks has signed on to a dramatic film version of THREE'S COMPANY...

The cast of HOGAN'S HEROES
 

November 29, 2001

R&B singer Mya, known for her part in the MOULIN ROUGE single "Lady Marmalade", has joined Renee Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones in the film version of CHICAGO. She'll play the role of Mona and will have her own solo number in the film - "Cell Block Tango." Huhboy. (Variety)

A JETSONS live-action film is still in the works despite the fact it's a really bad idea.  Paul Foley and Dan Forman have been hired to rewrite the script for the film which will be directed by Rob Minkoff (STUART LITTLE). At one point Danny DeVito and Jon Lovitz were attached to play Mr. Spacely and Cogswell, respectively.  No word on whether they're still attached.  (Variety)
 

November 28, 2001

Ample-chested actress Jennifer Connelly has been cast as Betty Ross, the female lead and love interest in Ang Lee's THE HULK.  Connelly, who turned down a role in Dreamworks' THE RING for the part, joins Australian actor Eric Bana (BLACK HAWK DOWN) who will be playing the role of Dr. Bruce Banner.  Nick Nolte is also reportedly in negotiations to take on the role of General Thadeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, father to Betty and arch-nemesis to The Hulk.  The film begins shooting this March and is tentatively scheduled for a Summer 2003 release, which should provide more than ample time to do all the CGI post-production work.

Hulk and Betty in Banner's lab
  

November 28, 2001

Nicole Kidman is in discussions with Universal and director Gary Ross (PLEASANTVILLE) to join Jim Carrey in an untitled romantic comedy. Kidman would play the deceased wife of Carrey who returns to haunt the widower and reconcile their tumultuous marriage.  The former Mrs. Cruise still has DOGVILLE and THE HUMAN STAIN on her "to film" list but may find time to work with Carrey this summer.  The film, with a heavy Christmas backdrop, is scheduled for a Holiday 2002 release.

November 28, 2001

A report in the New York Daily News states that Sylvester Stallone has dropped out of DOLAN'S CADILLAC mere weeks before filming was scheduled to commence due to issues over violence in the script.  CADILLAC, co-starring Kevin Bacon and based on the short story by Stephen King, had Stallone starring as a gritty gangster, something that apparently rubbed the star the wrong way.  The paper reports the Italian Stallion has a new "non-violence" policy in an effort to get away from the roles that made him famous and eventually pigeonholed him.  A deal couldn't be worked out so Stallone walked.  Bacon is still onboard and producers are scrambling to find a last-minute replacement.
 

November 28, 2001

To coincide with the theatrical release of their first feature film RUN RONNIE RUN, HBO will release three sets of DVDs from the Bob Odenkirk and David Cross cult TV series MR. SHOW.  Each disc will contain ten episodes as well as commentary tracks, behind the scenes material and other extras.  The first disc is due for release on February 27th and that's the perfect opportunity for those who never saw the show on HBO to check it out (trust me, it's pretty funny stuff). RUN RONNIE RUN is scheduled to hit theaters in April, 2002.

David Cross and director Troy Miller on the set of RUN RONNIE RUN
(photo property of New Line Cinema)
 

November 28, 2001

B-movie king Rutger Hauer has joined the cast of George Clooney's CONFESSIONS OF A DANGEROUS MIND as an East German hitman who schools GONG SHOW host Chuck Barris (Sam Rockwell) in the ways of assassination.  Could this film sound any cooler? (Variety)

The official site for VANILLA SKY has opened up a tad bit more and now includes behind-the-scenes information, screensavers, wallpapers and production stills.  In addition, the TV spots have been airing since Thanksgiving weekend and are beginning to shed some light on how this film is going to play out...
  

November 27, 2001

The good folks over at Lion's Gate Films were nice enough to give us the Net exclusive preview of their upcoming movie entitled MONSTER'S BALL, starring Billy Bob Thornton, Halle Berry, Heath Ledger, Sean "Puffy" Combs, among others. The movie is sparking some early Oscar buzz for Berry's performance, as a grieving widow who falls in love with an ex-racist cop (Thornton). The film will be opening December 26th in New York and Los Angeles and in selected cities February 1st, 2002. Check out the trailer below:

Monster's Ball Trailer (streaming) Windows Media 56 Kbps Windows Media 100 Kbps Windows Media 300 Kbps   Real Video 56 Kbps Real Video 100 Kbps Real Video 300 Kbps

November 26, 2001

Adam Sandler will team with CROUCHING TIGER's Zhang Ziyi for the romantic comedy GOOD COOK, LIKES MUSIC for New Line Cinema.  The script was written by Colleen Ventimilia and revolves around a down-on-his-luck loser who, while living with his mother in a trailer park, answers an ad in a magazine for a mail order bride.  When she arrives, the man finds she is a musical genius and together change each others' lives. Sandler will also produce the film under his Happy Madison Productions company. Sandler has PT Anderson's PUNCHDRUNK KNUCKLE LOVE as well as DEEDS with Winona Ryder coming in 2002.

November 26, 2001

I recently had the opportunity to interview director John Singleton (BOYZ 'N THE HOOD, HIGHER LEARNING, SHAFT) for the DVD release of BABY BOY, and you can read all about it below:

< Interview with John Singleton >
 

November 26, 2001

As if BOUNCE wasn't enough for the general public, Ben Affleck and Gwyneth Paltrow are reportedly mulling over another on-screen pairing.  This time they're looking to something a little more ambitious than BOUNCE - a remake of Alfred Hitchcock's SUSPICION. Here's the official word from Clint at Moviehole:

"It's almost in ink. Ben Affleck and Gwyneth Paltrow are to headline a remake of Hitchcock's SUSPICION. To be directed by Philip Kaufman (THE UNBEARABLE LIGHTNESS OF BEING), Paltrow will play a society miss who realizes she's married a cold-blooded nasty ol' killer (Affleck) and starts to fear she's on the hit list too. Playwright John Guare has written the adaptation of the 1941 movie. Apparently Ben and Gwyneth, who also did "Bounce" together, have patched things up and looking seriously at having this be their next teaming. They won't have to travel too far to film the movie either, it's going to film on location in California. They are looking at production starting in Summer 2002."

Remember, Affleck still has DAREDEVIL on his plate, plus Kevin Smith's JERSEY GIRL.  Can he possibly fit this into this schedule?

November 26, 2001

Over this long, often boring Thanksgiving weekend, Kevin Smith took the time to check into his official site and drop some knowledge on his upcoming projects.  There was some interesting news and hints of things to come.  Here's a quick wrap-up:

• The JAY AND SILENT BOB DVD that hits stores on February 12 will definitely be in the "special edition" format and will include a Smith and Jason Mewes commentary track, over one hour of extra footage, two behind-the-scenes featurettes, music videos, a Comedy Central special and the usual trailers/TV spots;
• CLERKS will see a 10th anniversary DVD release in 2004 in what Smith calls "the Super, Duper Special Edition" and will feature a 3-4 hour documentary (!!!), a new cut of the film, the Jay and Bob MTV commercials, a new commentary track with all major cast members and more;
• JERSEY GIRL, starring Ben Affleck, starts filming in July, 2002;
• Expect big announcements next week for View Askew including "big news" regarding the Tonight Show and a "surprising" DOGMA announcement.

Sound like there certainly is a lot going on in Askew-land. We'll keep you up-to-date of any breaking news...
 

November 26, 2001

Ben Stiller spoke out about his remake of STARSKY AND HUTCH saying he's working on updating all the material except for the trademark red car.  "One thing we've all agreed on is that the car has to remain the same." Stiller will play Starsky and Hutch has been offered to Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson. According to Stiller, Snoop Dogg is being looked at to take on the role of Huggy Bear, the pimp informant pal to Starsky and Hutch. (Moviehole)

Martin Henderson (WINDTALKERS) has been cast alongside Naomi Watts (MULHOLLAND FALLS) in Gore Verbinski's THE RING.  The remake of the Japanese thriller is currently filming in Washington State and to see some on-set pics click here. An interesting sidenote, Entertainment Weekly reported that Jennifer Connelly and Gwyneth Paltrow were offered the lead role in the film before producers finally decided on Watts after seeing her performance in FALLS. (Variety)

INSPECTOR GADGET 2 has been given a greenlit by Disney and actor French Stewart will fill the role vacated by Matthew Broderick.  Elaine Hendrix (SUPERSTAR) will play the new villain titled G2.  The film will most likely go direct-to-video. (Variety)

New stills from Disney's LILO AND STITCH are online at Dark Horizons and you can check them out here and here

A teaser site for the M. Night Shyamalan / Mel Gibson supernatural thriller SIGNS is online at http://signs.movies.com. So far there's not much to see but we do get a few quick shots of Mel in the Flash intro...