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Exclusive: So Who's The New Lara Croft?
19 February 2009 2:45 PM, PST
Today is a crazy day for exclusives here at Cinematical headquarters. Earlier our own Eric D. Snider shared with you a major inside scoop on what changes we should expect from this year's Oscars ceremony, and now we have something you Tomb Raider fans might wanna tune in for. Not long ago, we received an email with a subject line that read, simply, "I am the new Lara Croft." The image above -- which you can check out in larger form down below -- shows a mysterious actress holding an image of Lara Croft up to her eyes. Obviously this is totally post-worthy since she has, well, a pair of really sexy eyes ... but dammit if we can't figure out who she is.
Someone on our team guessed Jason Scwhartzman, but from what I know he's off shooting that Scott Pilgrim movie ... and, of course, he's a dude. I'm thinking Emily Blunt or Amy Adams,
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Erik Davis
Oscar Watching Party Ideas: 'Titanic' with Iceberg, 'Slumdog' Supper
19 February 2009 2:02 PM, PST
Millions of people will gather together with friends and/or strangers to watch the Academy Awards on Sunday night. It's a way to celebrate the movies we love, mock the movies we hate, argue good-naturedly about our differing opinions, and quiz each other on the artistic contributions of the sound editor vs. the sound mixer.
In a crappy economic climate, though, how should Hollywood show sensitivity? "It's a delicate balance to strike in a town not known for its restraint," notes the Los Angeles Times. "Oscar parties such as the Vanity Fair bash and Madonna's annual soiree are being scaled back considerably, but certainly not canceled. (Expect to munch on mini hamburgers instead of foie gras, and don't be surprised to see recycled decor from parties past.)" Oh, dear!
Sensitive as always to ordinary movie fans, for the first time ever the Academy "is offering a free 'Oscar Party Kit' for movie fans,
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Peter Martin
'Watchmen' Director's Cut to Hit Theaters in July?!
19 February 2009 1:15 PM, PST
Spoiler Alert! If you haven't read Watchmen and wish to remain unspoiled, read no further than paragraph 2.
Watchmen buzz (good and bad) is building to the point that comic fans can't even sleep at night. But director Zack Snyder isn't content with that, oh no. At an MTV Spoilers screening of the film, Snyder revealed that he has the director's cut all ready to go (as Erik told us earlier) -- and you will see it considerably sooner than you thought.
"The director's cut is three hours and 10 minutes and comes out in July," Snyder said, describing his original cut as "considerably more violent than this ... and sexier." And if Watchmen does well, the director's cut will get a theatrical release in Los Angeles and New York. (If it does really well, might those of us stuck in the middle get to see it?)
If you're wondering what has been
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Elisabeth Rappe
Let's Talk About 'S. Darko'
19 February 2009 12:32 PM, PST
It came to my attention today that: a) S. Darko is going direct to DVD on April 28th, with the hideous subtitle "A Donnie Darko Tale" and b) Cinematical has not made mention of this. The news is a couple weeks old, but I found (b) unacceptable.
Some films get so much acclaim in so short a time that it becomes sort of unhip to love them. Take American Beauty, for example: I don't think people who adored it when it came out (like me) changed their minds, I think they just sort of burned out on it. Similarly, Donnie Darko's "cult classic" status has been drilled into our heads to such an extent that to place it among one's favorite films seems like a faux pas. Call it overexposure.
But, uh: I love Donnie Darko. I recently got a chance to see the Director's Cut on the big
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Eugene Novikov
'Thor' Casting Call: Tall? Young? Handsome? Come On Down!
19 February 2009 11:46 AM, PST
In the months to come, I doubt that even a week will go by without us and other bloggers making some mention of 2010's looming Marvel tentpoles -- Jon Favreau's Iron Man 2 and Kenneth Branagh's Thor -- and while the former has most of its cast aligned (save for some villains), the latter is sorely lacking in a pretty critical Norse god figure.
Alas, the hunt may already be on, if the scoop by Corona's Coming Attractions is accurate (and save for one typo, it all sounds about right). Producers are looking for a "physically powerful, very handsome, occasionally egotistical, petulant, and wild" male lead in his mid-to-late twenties and standing six feet or taller in height. They want "a natural warrior with a quick charming wit who must be genuinely and severly humbled before becoming the compassionate, mature her [sic] of our film."
Man, take away the height and age restrictions,
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William Goss
Fan Rant: Please Don't Kill Lincoln Again!
19 February 2009 11:03 AM, PST
In a movie world where we get a riiidiculous number of copycat films and retreads, Lincoln was my breath of fresh air. I was ready to see Honest Abe rule the big screen like he does the halls of Presidential history. He doesn't get much play, and now is the best time to give him center stage. Just last week was the bicentennial of his birth. John Adams recently got a kickass miniseries that was pretty darned popular. With Barack Obama as president, memories of Lincoln have increased. All the signs point to yes.
Except for the money, that is. In these troubled times, not even Steven Spielberg is safe. DreamWorks is really hurting right now, and as The Big Money reports, money woes have stopped Lincoln in its tracks, and "cost Spielberg the right to partner on his passion project." Over the weekend, he hoped that Paramount would take kindly to Abe,
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Monika Bartyzel
Scenes We Love: Network
19 February 2009 10:03 AM, PST
All this week we'll be highlighting some of our favorite scenes from Oscar-winning films and performances leading up to this year's Academy Awards on Sunday night.
The Republicans were voted out of office after eight traumatic years, the incoming Democratic administration was offering the nation change -- and along comes a movie that says it's all bulls***. Sidney Lumet's Network was released in late November 1976 and tried to rile up a country that was celebrating its bicentennial after being worn down by Watergate, a gasoline shortage, and raging inflation.
I didn't see Network during its initial theatrical release, but I certainly heard about the scene I've embedded below. Kids at school were quoting variations on its most memorable line ("I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it anymore!"), which became an enduring catchphrase. Since then I've watched the movie at least a dozen times, and
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Peter Martin
Cinematical Exclusive: The Changes in Store for the Oscar Ceremony!
19 February 2009 9:15 AM, PST
The producers of this Sunday's Academy Awards telecast have been vocal about their intentions to change some things about the show. But apart from hiring a non-comedian, Hugh Jackman, as the host, they've been silent on what those changes might be -- until now! Cinematical has obtained an exclusive look at some of the surprises in store for Oscar viewers this weekend, and we're pleased to share a few of them with you here.
Just for laughs, the "In Memoriam" montage will feature several people who are still alive. The audience seat-fillers were all recruited from Burbank's homeless population. If Heath Ledger wins the Oscar for his role as the Joker in "The Dark Knight," it will be accepted by Cesar Romero. You know how the president of the Academy always comes out and gives a long, boring speech about goodness-knows-what, and you take that opportunity to go to the bathroom?
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Eric D. Snider
'Alien Raiders' Commentary Now Online
19 February 2009 8:32 AM, PST
I'll confess to being in the dark as to why certain DVDs don't boast an audio commentary by the filmmakers when they actually want to do one, so while I won't strike out blindly against The Studios for getting in the way, I instead admire those who see fit to give their fans what they want.
Case in point: Following in the footsteps of Darren Aronofsky and The Fountain, director Ben Rock and some of his cast and crew members have come together for a full commentary track, now posted over on Dread Central to accompany this week's release of Alien Raiders. The film -- which, and I think Ben will agree with me, is nothing like The Fountain -- concerns a team of specialists (led by none other than 24's Tony Almeida) who lock down a small-town supermarket for reasons that you may be able to deduce from that
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William Goss
Listen: 'Watchmen' Screenwriter Compares Fox to Satan
19 February 2009 7:45 AM, PST
We've totally stumbled upon the first (or second) big trend of 2009, and it has to do with listening to uncomfortable movie-related audio files. While no one secretly recorded Watchmen screenwriter David Hayter (X-Men, X-Men 2) as he shouted foul-mouthed obscenities toward 20th Century Fox executives, the dude had no problem opening up during the Watchmen press day in Los Angeles yesterday when asked about his thoughts on the whole Warner Bros./20th Century Fox feud. A couple of quotes:
"I had worked for 20th Century Fox before, and I was fully under the belief that they had the potential to shut down the movie and remake it themselves out of pure spite and meanness. They're a rough group of people ... and somewhat ethically challenged."
"... My experience told me that they could shut down this movie, and lock it away in Rupert's vault ... and make it the most unseen desired cult movie
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Erik Davis
This Just In: Horror Remakes are Big Money
19 February 2009 7:03 AM, PST
I really am torn when it comes to horror remakes. On the one (obvious) hand, I like it when movies I dig are left alone. On the other (fanboyish) hand, I do think it's pretty fun to see how the new writers and producers are going to gussy up an older horror flick. Plus if the new version of Friday the 13th leads to a little more attention / respect for the original film...
But with the new Friday choking about $43 million out of the holiday weekend, it leads to an obvious question: Since Jason just re-ignited the whole dang remake game, which titles are next to get tossed into the "do over" machine? Already on the docket for this year (and next) are remakes of The Birds, The Crazies, The House on Sorority Row, It's Alive, The Last House on the Left, Halloween 2, Hellraiser, Motel Hell, Night of the Demons,
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Scott Weinberg
Ms. Heigl: Really? Ashton Kutcher is the Next Step in Your Career?
19 February 2009 6:02 AM, PST
There has been a lot of buzz over the path of Katherine Heigl's career -- much of which is steeped in rumors about her desire for good material. Whether or not some of the particulars are true, like rumors that she wants to exit Grey's Anatomy due to crappy storylines, I think it's safe to say that she definitely portrays herself as a woman with a plan. A woman with a crappy rom-com plan thus far, but a plan nonetheless. I just can't believe that it includes Ashton Kutcher.
Variety reports that Heigl and Kutcher will star in Lionsgate's new thriller called Five Killers. Following director Robert Luketic to the feature, straight from The Ugly Truth, Heigl will play a woman who meets the man of her dreams (Kutcher) while on vacation and gets hitched. Unfortunately, "married bliss is turned upside down when they discover that their neighbors may
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Monika Bartyzel
Cinematical Seven: Outrageous Oscar Disqualifications
18 February 2009 7:02 PM, PST
By: Eric D. Snider (originally posted on 11/15/08)
Note: The ruling on The Dark Knight was later reversed, and it was eligible for a Best Score nomination -- though it still didn't get one.
With the news that the musical score from The Dark Knight has been disqualified from Academy Awards consideration on the grounds that too many people were credited with composing it, outrage against the Academy's stringent, complicated rules has erupted afresh. In the interest of fueling this indignation and making the world an angrier place, let's take a belligerent march down memory lane and look at seven other controversial disqualifications.
The Jazz Singer disqualified for being a talkie. When the very first Academy Awards were held in May 1929, honoring films released between August 1927 and July 1928, everyone was talking about The Jazz Singer -- the first feature-length movie to use recorded sound in some of its talking and singing scenes.
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Cinematical staff
How to Fake Your Way Through Any Oscars Conversation
18 February 2009 6:02 PM, PST
We've all been there before: You're invited to some cool kids Oscar party, but you're afraid to go because you didn't even see half the nominated films. And you just know everyone will be chatting up this year's nominees as if they directed the films themselves, leaving you tired, scared and alone off shivering in the corner near those tasty mini franks. But what if you had some sort of cheat sheet -- like a guide that shows you how to fake your way through any Oscars party? Would that help?
Luckily, our peeps over at Moviefone have flown in to rescue those last-minute Oscar bandwagon fans who desperately want to pretend they know all about Frozen River ("It's kind of like 'Maria Full of Grace' meets 'Fargo.'"), Milk ("It's got a positive, uplifting message that anyone -- gay or straight -- can connect with."), The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
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Erik Davis
Indie Roundup: 'Tony Manero' and 'Pontypool' Deals, 'Gomorrah' Shines
18 February 2009 5:15 PM, PST
In this week's Indie Roundup: The reverberations in the indie film world continue from yesterday's announcement about Geoff Gilmore's job change. (See Festivals below.) One person really can make a difference!
Deals. John Travolta may have put away his dancing shoes year ago, cinematically speaking, yet his role in Saturday Night Fever continues to be influential. Pablo Morrain's Larrain's * disturbing Chilean drama Tony Manero was picked up by Richard Lorber for his new Lorber Films label, according to indieWIRE. The film follows a 50-year-old man who is obsessed with the title character played by Travolta in the 70s disco sensation. Lorber Films plans a quick release in April or May. The trailer is embedded below.
IFC Films acquired Us rights to Bruce McDonald's Pontypool, described by iW as a "Canadian zombie horror-thriller." The film will be released for VOD on May 27 and will also get a theatrical release beginning on May 29.
Box Office.
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Peter Martin
Scenes We Love: Gladiator
18 February 2009 4:45 PM, PST
All this week we'll be highlighting some of our favorite scenes from Oscar-winning films and performances leading up to this year's Academy Awards on Sunday night.
Even though there are plenty of people who think Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe may not have deserved Oscar gold back in 2001, I will respectfully disagree ... and the opening scene of Gladiator is why. Say what you will about the film's hyped-up machismo, uneven pacing, or cavalcade of accents, but you have to admire a flick that in under 10 minutes can make you feel like you're ready to charge into a battle to the death. Not to mention that this scene is responsible for making the phrase "Hold the line!" something a lot cooler than just a song by Toto.
The success of Gladiator mainly rests on the shoulders of Crowe, who manages to make you give a damn about a relatively 2-D character.
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Jessica Barnes
Can't Come to SXSW? SXSW Will Come to You!
18 February 2009 4:02 PM, PST
As you read Cinematical's pre-festival coverage of South By Southwest, do you get a little envious knowing that we'll be in Austin and you won't? Good. That was our intention. But our efforts to drive you mad with jealousy are being partially thwarted by a just-announced partnership with IFC that will bring five SXSW films directly to your home at the same time they're unspooling at the fest.
It's through IFC's on-demand system, which is available on most of your major cable providers, and the films will be available for three months, not just for the week that SXSW runs. The biggest title is Alexander the Last (pictured), directed by SXSW mumblecore regular Joe Swanberg (it's his fourth film to premiere at SXSW!). You'll also get Bulgaria's Oscar submission Zift, which some folks are saying is an instant midnight cult fave, and Three Blind Mice, a dark comedy from Australia.
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Eric D. Snider
'X-Men Origins: Wolverine' TV Spot #3
18 February 2009 3:15 PM, PST
Well, so much for the three minute narrative! The third and final television spot doesn't pick up where #2 left off. This one's more of a montage where we get longer glimpses of other Team X members, notably Deadpool. (He gets a line! Neat.) There's one mutant you see a shocking lot of in this, though ... and his name is Cyclops. What rumors implied was a blink-and-you-miss-it cameo from the X-Man is suggested here to be something much more plot worthy, and your guess is as good as mine as to how he figures into any Wolverine origin story.
I do like all the shots of Wolverine looking bewildered by his admantium claws, though. (Oh, that macho man -- he doesn't even wince when they're new.) That shot of him looking in his bathroom mirror is kind of interesting. I complained in the Geek Beat about spoilers, but perhaps I was hasty,
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Elisabeth Rappe
Box Office: Tyler Perry Gets Fired Up
18 February 2009 2:33 PM, PST
Camp Crystal Lake was the place to be this weekend as Friday the 13th's Jason Voorhees sliced through the competition with a winning attitude and a big honkin' machete. Confessions of a Shopaholic did reasonably well, taking fourth, but last week's third newbie The International ended up in seventh, proving that folks don't want to see a movie about a banking scandal during a global financial crisis. Here's the top five:
1. Friday the 13th: $40.7 million
2. He's Just Not That Into You: $19.6 million
3. Taken: $19 million
4. Confessions of a Shopaholic: $15 million
5. Coraline: $14.7 million
Both of this week's new releases are comedies, and both make me think this could be a good weekend to stay home with a good book.
Fired Up
What's It All About: Two high school jocks decide they like the male to female ratio at cheering camp better than football camp, and actually improve the lackluster cheering squad's chance to compete.
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Matt Bradshaw
News Bites: One 'Clueless' Alum Gets to Writin' While the Other Reunites with Reese!
18 February 2009 1:45 PM, PST
Oh, Breckin Meyer, what happened to you? In the '90s, things were going well. You got a little Clueless, got mixed up in The Craft, led Lovebürger -- all sorts of successful teen fare. But then ... Road Trip got you on the wrong highway until you were suffocating in projects like Herbie and Garfield.
If it wasn't for his animated gigs, I don't know what would've happened to Meyer. But now Production Weekly says he's turned to scriptwriting -- penning the Harry Elfont and Deb Kaplan-created Superguys. They say: "think Ocean's 11 with idiots set at Comic-Con." Man, Con is hot right now. Anyway, this reunites Meyer with the duo who created Can't Hardly Wait. Could this mean something good? Maybe? Or am I just fooling myself with hope?
Meanwhile, the much more successful Clueless alum Paul Rudd has a new gig lined up. He and Owen Wilson are
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Monika Bartyzel
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