Box Office Results and Weekly Movie News

Movies coming out this week!

Dear John - A romantic drama about a soldier (Tatum) who falls for a co-ed (Seyfried) while he's home on leave. Their relationship is tested in the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks, an event that causes him to re-enlist for service.

From Paris with Love - In Paris, a young employee in the office of the US Ambassador (Myers) hooks up with an American spy (Travolta) looking to stop a terrorist attack in the city.

Movies coming out on DVD and Blu-ray!

Zombieland
Love Happens
Amelia
The House of the Devil
Casablanca

Box Office results for the weekend!

1 Avatar$30.0 M

2 Edge of Darkness$17.1 M

3 When in Rome $12.0 M

4 The Tooth Fairy$10.0 M

5 The Book of Eli $8.7 M

6 Legion $6.8 M

7 The Lovely Bones $4.7 M

8 Sherlock Holmes $4.5 M

9 Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel $4.0 M

10 It's Complicated $3.7 M

Looks like Mel Gibson's return was no match for the power of James Cameron's "Avatar." For 7 weeks in a row, the sci-fi fantasy has crushed anything in its way. It will most likely beat "Titanic's" record for No.1 in domestic box office sometime this week. It has already sunk the previous record for worldwide box office gross.

"Edge of Darkness" came in a disappointing 2nd place with just $17 million. Warner Brothers was expecting this film to become No. 1 and make way more money that it actually did, but it wasn't meant to be.

"When in Rome" debuted in 3rd with $12 million and everything else flattened out under the weight of "Avatar." "Legion" dropped four places but is doing well considering how low the budget was for the film (though I don't know how much the marketing was). "Alvin and the Chipmunks" are still hanging in there, having earned over $383 million dollars worldwide (expect a third film in 2-3 years).

Can the emotion forcing "Dear John" finally send "Avatar" packing or will the action-filled John Travolta movie "From Paris With Love" win the weekend? Or...will "Avatar" topple the first weekend in February as it has tackled the past 7 weekends in a row?
(Latino Review)

Trailer for 'The Losers' Arrives

The new trailer for the action film "The Losers" revolves around a group of betrayed CIA black ops and their fight for survival. The movie is based on the DC/Vertigo graphic novel of the same name by Andy Diggle.

"The Losers" team is comprised of some of the best of the best military personal and stars Zoe Saldana ("Avatar") as Aisha, Jeffery Dean Morgan ("Watchmen") as Clay, Chris Evans ("Push") as Jensen, Idris Elba ("Thor") as Roque, Jason Patric ("Narc") as Max, Columbus Short ("Armored") as Pooch and Oscar Jaenada as Cougar.



This actually looks pretty awesome, I love the style, I love the cast, I love the action, what's not to like? Some comparisons can be made to "The A-Team," but I think this has its own good story and since it's based on a DC Comics graphic novel, it's got a lot to draw from that's very different from "The A-Team."

Between "The Losers" and "Kick-Ass," April is shaping up to be a great month for comic book action films.

What did you think about the trailer for "The Losers"? Are you planning on seeing at after watching the trailer??

"The Losers" will blow up theaters on April 9, 2010.
More news to come! Catch ya' later!
Sources: Screen Rant, First Showing

Guy Ritchie Drops 'Lobo' for 'Sherlock Holmes 2'

Little did we know that when Robert Downey Jr. made the decision to leave Jon Favreau's "Cowboys & Aliens" for a sequel to "Sherlock Holmes" that he would be setting a precedent. Now Hero Complex reports that director Guy Ritchie has left "Lobo" in favor of working on "Sherlock Holmes 2."

According to Hero Complex, Ritchie has cleared his schedule to start preparing work on "Sherlock Holmes 2" for Warner Bros., meaning that his attachment to "Lobo" is no longer a certainty.

"I don't think he's going to do ['Lobo']," said Joel Silver, who is a producer on both projects. "The studio wants us and Guy to focus on making another 'Sherlock Holmes.' So I think we're going to be doing that."

Surely the $388 million worldwide box office cumulative combined with a surprising Golden Globe win for Downey's portrayal of the famous detective has something to do with the studio's quick interest and swift action in putting together the sequel.

While there's a chance that Ritchie could still direct "Lobo," that would mean a postponement for the project. Silver thinks it's more likely that the comic book movie will go to another filmmaker.

"I would guess ['Lobo' will go to] a different director," he said. "It's all happening at once now. Everybody is talking about everything. ... It's an ongoing conversation."

The news of Ritchie's departure from "Lobo" isn't entirely out of nowhere. Back in December, Ritchie said that his attachment to the film was far from a certainty.

Though I would've liked to see Ritchie direct "Lobo" (after all, he’s been directing lowlife criminals, thugs and general bad guys for almost his whole career) and would’ve liked to see Downey battle aliens as a cowboy, I can’t say I blame either of them. After all, with almost $400 million in the bank for the first "Sherlock Holmes" (and more still on the way), a sequel is pretty much a guaranteed success.

Are you disappointed Guy Ritchie is apparently off the "Lobo" adaptation? Which director would you like to see pick up the reigns instead? Do you think the "Sherlock Holmes" sequel be as good and successful as the first?

More news to come! Catch ya' later!
Sources: MTV News, First Showing, Screen Rant

'Harry Potter 7' and 'Clash of the Titans' to go 3D

It's getting to the point that we can pretty much assume every big blockbuster will fill an IMAX screen, go digital 3D, or even be dashing enough to combine the two.

If "Avatar's" amazing success is any indication, a 3D release - with the added benefit of IMAX - will draw huge crowds of viewers eager for an out-of-this-world experience.

No surprise then that other studios are investigating the format with a view to getting a similarly blockbusting box office.

Heat Vision reports that 3D tests on "Clash of the Titans" footage went so well that Warners is now going to convert not only that film but the two-part adaptation of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows."

The cost of adding another dimension is $5 million per film, it says.
However, to compensate for the time it takes to convert this to 3D, the release of "Titans" has been pushed back to April 2, no longer making it a March blockbuster to follow in the footsteps of "300" and "Watchmen."

It's important to note that unlike "Avatar," "Clash of the Titans" and "Deathly Hallows" were not shot for 3D. Instead the entire films will be converted into 3D from standard 2D much like select sequences from "Order of the Phoenix" and "Half-Blood Prince" were converted.

I believe that unless a film is conceived in 3D from the outset (like "Avatar" or Pixar’s "Up") the technique is often used as a gimmick that does little to enhance the film (or justify the hiked ticket price).

Part 1 of "Deathly Hallows" is released on November 19, 2010 and Part 2 on July 15, 2011.
"Clash of the Titans" has been delayed until April 2, 2010.
More news to come! Catch ya' later!
Sources: The Geek Files, First Showing (1,2), Screen Rant

'Paranormal Activity 2' Director Returns to 'Saw' Franchise

Last week it was reported that "Saw VI" director, Kevin Greutert, had switched horror franchises and was being brought on board to direct "Paranormal Activity 2," the sequel to Oren Peli’s creepy and ultra-successful low budget horror flick from last year.

However, just a week after that news comes an update from Deadline Hollywood says that Greutert is no longer directing "Paranormal Activity 2" but has jumped back over to the "Saw" franchise to direct "Saw VII" in 3D.

Greutert had an option in his contract that would allow the studios to call him back to helm another "Saw" film. So when Lionsgate saw that he was set to direct Paramount's "Paranormal Activity 2" with a release date of October 22, 2010, they decided to block their competitor by installing Greutert as the director of "Saw VII" with the same scheduled release date.

David Hackl, who directed "Saw V" and was set to helm "Saw VII," has been taken off the project and will be quickly assigned another film. This move leaves "Paranormal Activity 2" without a director for the time being, although I don’t imagine Paramount will waste much time since its October 22 release date still stands.

This is the first major punch to be thrown in the battle for Halloween 2010 at the movies: both films are set for release on the same day and since the first "Paranormal Activity" beat out the last "Saw VI" when they went head-to-head last year, I’m assuming there was some brainstorming going on at Lionsgate about how they could take down Paramount's ghost story sequel. Evidently they came up with the idea of stealing back the director…

The battle is on between two potentially successful properties for the Halloween horror film season this year. It’ll be interesting to see what Paramount does to hit back in retaliation.

No matter what, I still don’t think the director is what will make either "Paranormal Activity 2" or "Saw VII" successful. "Saw VI" made less than half what the fifth one did worldwide, so that might be a sign that people are tiring of the franchise. And will a sequel to "Paranormal Activity" be able to replicate the success of the first? Somehow I don’t think so, simply because it was all about the mysterious nature of the first and audiences hadn’t really seen anything like it for a long time.

What are your thoughts on the battle between "Saw" and "Paranormal Activity" for Halloween 2010?

More news to come! Catch ya' later!
Source: Screen Rant, Latino Review

'Avatar' Sinks 'Titanic' as No. 1 Movie

James Cameron’s "Avatar" has surpassed "Titanic" as the No. 1 all time grossing film worldwide. "Titanic" held the record for over 12 years with a worldwide total of $1.843 billion (via Box Office Mojo).

Yesterday, Monday January 25, "Avatar" hit the $1.843 billion mark, finally passing the director’s other success story about the famous sinking ship. No one can doubt James Cameron ever again when it comes to what he can do with any property and Fox Studios has smiles all around.

While sitting high as the No. 1 worldwide, "Avatar" still has a bit to go in terms of domestic gross with a little under $50 million needed at the U.S. box office until it passes "Titanic," which sits around the $600 million mark.

A big factor in "Avatar's" success is the 3D technology. At least 65 percent of its overseas box office and nearly 80 percent of its domestic earnings derive from 3D venues, which charge several dollars more than conventional 2D tickets. IMAX locations worldwide playing "Avatar" have rolled up $134 million in 38 days at ticket prices at about $15 each.

Although "Avatar" hit it big and has became the “game changer” it was touted to be for the industry’s push into the 3D genre, no other 3D film has hit anywhere close to "Avatar’s" success. In fact, no other 3D film has even gotten close to HALF of what "Avatar" has made.

Then there is the inflation factor. According to a formula developed by the department of U.S. Labor Statistics, "Titanic's" 1997 worldwide gross is worth at least $2.5 billion on an inflation adjusted basis, or $805 million domestic and $1.664 billion foreign.

On Box Office Mojo's all-time domestic gross chart that's adjusted for inflation, "Avatar" is only ranked No. 26 behind other films like "The Lion King," "Jurassic Park," "Jaws" and "Star Wars."

Still champ is "Gone With the Wind," which grossed $400 million worldwide in 1939, now worth at least $6 billion in today's dollars. One dollar in 1939 is the equivalent of $15.43 today.

However, I do believe this proves that "Avatar" is still a phenomenal success.

So far, the film has earned itself a massive fanbase, surprisingly fantastic critical reception and even some major awards including Best Director and Best Drama at the Golden Globes last week. The question going forward, is how well it will do at the Oscars?

As "Avatar" continues to break records, it will soon break the $2 billion mark, something no one ever dreamed was possible for an original flick based on overly-tall blue aliens in the future.

My only fear is seeing films that shouldn’t be in 3D, getting the basic 3D treatment for the sake of allowing for higher ticket prices. With more and more studios pushing for their movies to be in 3D, the 3D effect and experience is quickly becoming something not special and something of an annoyance for the gimmicks employed in a lot of these movies and especially the higher ticket costs which I believe will start deterring some moviegoers.

Since we now know that there are planned sequels, what do you expect of "Avatar 2" in terms of story and box office success? And how do you feel about so many movies becoming 3D?
More news to come! Catch ya' later!
Sources: THR, First Showing, Screen Rant

Writers Talk 'Star Trek 2' Villains and Setting

"Star Trek" anticipation is high right now since Paramount recently set a release date of June 29, 2012 for the sequel to J.J. Abrams’ reboot. Luckily "Star Trek 2" writers Robert Orci and Alex Kurtzman sat down with The Geek Files and gave another update with a hint of the various directions they might take the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise and the villains they may encounter.

On the setting for the story, Orci explained: "We would never do a remake....it will be some time in the five-year mission. But that is a question. Should we pick them up immediately the next day or should it be later, we are still discussing that."

So while speculation of immediately following "Star Trek" with a return to "The Wrath of Kahn" seemed like a logical conclusion, the writers don't sound too eager to remake any of the original films. But they know that they're going to need to tread the same path that Kahn did as far as providing a worthy adversary for Kirk and his crew.

"I think our idea on this is that the first of any series is about them coming together or the formation," Kurtzman said. "I couldn't really tell you what Jeff Bridges was doing in 'Iron Man,' but it doesn't matter at all because it is all about Iron Man becoming Iron Man.

"Whereas I think sequels are very much about the villain. Because while [in the first one] the villain serves to bring the crew together, the second one I think has to be a true challenging of what that family is about. That is why 'Wrath of Khan' was so amazing. Khan tested each one of them and ultimately asked for the ultimately sacrifice, and that is why that movie held up so well."

Both writers agree there is much more pressure to deliver this time round and that just because they have a successful beginning under their belt doesn't mean they can breathe a sigh of relief.

"Frankly I feel more pressure because we were so confident when we came up with the idea of how to bridge canon, and yet free ourselves from canon," Orci said. "Now we have no excuses for anything, now we are free. Now we don't have the benefit of low expectations."

In fact, these expectations are nothing short of massive, and it'll take a lot to follow up the equally massive success of the first one. But it sounds like Kurtzman/Orci are up to the task.

As for dream projects, Kurtzman said: "I would like to take a run at 'Indiana Jones,' but that is a pretty closed door, so not sure that is ever going to happen." Orci joked that they would like to remake 'Star Wars.'

Who or what do you want to see taking on The Enterprise in "Star Trek 2"?
More news to come! Catch ya' later!
Sources: The Geek Files, Screen Rant, First Showing

Box Office Results and Weekly Movie News

Movies coming out this week!

When in Rome - Beth (Bell) is a young, ambitious New Yorker who is completely unlucky in love. However, when she impulsively steals some coins from a reputed fountain of love during a whirlwind trip to Rome, she finds herself aggressively pursued by a band of suitors.

Edge of Darkness - As homicide detective Thomas Craven (Gibson) investigates the death of his activist daughter, he uncovers not only her secret life, but a corporate cover-up and government collusion that attracts an agent (Winstone) tasked with cleaning up the evidence.

Movies coming out on DVD and Blu-ray!

This Is It
Surrogates
Whip It
Saw VI
Bright Star
I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell

Box Office results for the weekend!

1 Avatar$36.0 M

2 Legion$18.2 M

3 The Book of Eli $17.0 M

4 The Tooth Fairy$14.5 M

5 The Lovely Bones $8.8 M

6 Sherlock Holmes $7.1 M

7 Extraordinary Measures$7.0 M

8 Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel $6.5 M

9 It's Complicated $6.1 M

10 The Spy Next Door $4.7 M

Leave it to James Cameron to sink the "Titanic."

His new film "Avatar" soared past "The Dark Knight" to become the second highest-grossing domestice film of all time and is bearing down on the 1997 epic "Titanic," which holds the title with $601 million.

Now it's no longer a question of whether "Avatar" surpasses "Titanic," but by how much.

The picture racked in $36 million this weekend, keeping it atop the box office for the sixth straight week and lifting its total to $552 million.

The haul puts "Avatar" on track to eclipse "Titanic" by early next week, defying analysts who said that increased studio competition would make it impossible for a movie to beat "Titanic."

But Cameron is churning up the box office the same way he did 12 years ago: by releasing his movie over Christmas and pounding the weaker films that tend to populate winter. It doesn't hurt when your movie faces middling competition week after week.

"Legion," a low-budget horror film, took second place while the Denzel Washington thriller "The Book of Eli" continued to hold its own, taking third place and lifting its total to $62 million.

"The Tooth Fairy," Dwayne Johnson's family comedy, debuted at fourth while Peter Jackson's "The Lovely Bones" rounded out the top five with $8.8 million, bringing its total to $31.6 million.

The only other wide-release movie out this weekend, Harrison Ford's medical drama "Extraordinary Measures," took seventh place and might not make it into the Top 10 next weekend at all (much like how "The Spy Next Door" will disappear as well).

Will "Avatar" continue to hold off the other films and stay No. 1 for seven weeks or will another film take the top spot?
(USA Today)

Jason Momoa Cast as Conan the Barbarian

The remake of 1982’s "Conan the Barbarian" is on its way and replacing Arnold Schwarzenegger as the infamous warrior will be Jason Momoa ("Stargate: Atlantis," "North Shore").

The 6ft. 5in. Hawaiian-born actor and model is reported to have won the role of the barbarian warrior after impressing filmmakers Lionsgate, Millennium Films and Paradox Entertainment with test scenes in which he wielded a sword, says Deadline Hollywood.

Here is the official description given for the ideal actor for the title role [SPOILER Warning]:

He’s in his 20s to early 30s, Caucasian, powerfully built, broad-shouldered, sun browned skin lined with scars. Piercing blue eyes and square-cut black mane, tall. He is a savage killer that has matured into the refinement his father tried to teach him when he was young. Conan is very smart, almost inhumanly strong, and very cunning. His entire life, from the moment of his birth, has been shaped by violence. Being the last of his tribe and having to watch his father die a cruel death, he is determined avenge his peoples’ slaughter by killing all those who led the attack on the Cimmerians, including the all-powerful Khalar Singh. He is prepared to die in order to accomplish his goal. What Conan did not expect, was to find a reason to live… LEAD
Momoa is ripped but I expect he’ll be doing some bulking up if he wants to be compared to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s take on the Barbarian. He meets most of the requirements listed above and I’m up for seeing what he can do as Conan.

For "Conan," I'd say it's a safe bet to go with someone like Momoa, who despite steady acting work, remains relatively unknown. After all, Conan was a role that gave Schwarzenegger his breakthrough performance to become one of the biggest action stars, so maybe Momoa can follow in his footsteps with the exception of that whole Governor of the state of California bit.

That’s not all, Latino Review also got an exclusive that the studio has offered the role of Conan’s dad to Mickey Rourke, who hit it big with "The Wrestler" last year and will kick-off this summer as the lead villain in "Iron Man 2."
What do you think of Jason Momoa as Conan and Mickey Rourke possible playing his father?

"Conan" will be directed by Marcus Nispel and will likely open in summer 2011.
More news to come! Catch ya' later!
Sources: Screen Rant, First Showing, The Geek Files

'Spider-Man' Spins a New Web with Director Marc Webb

Sony has released an official press release confirming that "500 Days of Summer" director Marc Webb has been hired to direct "the next chapter in the 'Spider-Man' franchise."

In a joint statement by Amy Pascal, co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Matt Tolmach, president of Columbia Pictures, the studio described the factors that went into the decision: "At its core, Spider-Man is a small, intimate human story about an everyday teenager that takes place in an epic super-human world. The key for us as we sought a new director was to identify filmmakers who could give sharp focus to Peter Parker's life."

"We wanted someone who could capture the awe of being in Peter's shoes so the audience could experience his sense of discovery while giving real heart to the emotion, anxiety, and recklessness of that age and coupling all of that with the adrenaline of Spider-Man's adventure," continued the statement. "We believe Marc Webb is the perfect choice to bring us on that journey."

Producers Avi Arad and Laura Ziskin added, "Over the years, the Spider-Man comics have been told with bold and creative new writers and artists who have re-calibrated the way audiences see Peter Parker. Marc Webb will do for the new direction of the films what so many visionary storytellers have done with the comic books. He is an incredibly talented filmmaker and we look forward to working closely with him on this new adventure."

"The idea of re-imagining the on-screen story for one of the world's most iconic superheros is sure to deliver an exciting new dimension to Spider-Man fans everywhere," added Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige. "There are volumes of comics and material available to inspire fresh and compelling takes on Peter Parker and his journey as Spidey and we look forward to seeing this come alive onscreen."

Even Spider-Man co-creator Stan Lee got in on the commentary, stating, "I'm excited that Sony has chosen a director with a real penchant and understanding for the character. This is a brave, bold direction for the franchise, and I can't wait to see what Marc comes up with next."

Marc Webb also released this statement:

"This is a dream come true and I couldn't be more aware of the challenge, responsibility, or opportunity. Sam Raimi's virtuoso rendering of Spider-Man is a humbling precedent to follow and build upon. The first three films are beloved for good reason. But I think the Spider-Man mythology transcends not only generations but directors as well. I am signing on not to 'take over' from Sam. That would be impossible. Not to mention arrogant. I'm here because there's an opportunity for ideas, stories, and histories that will add a new dimension, canvas, and creative voice to Spider-Man."

This announcement comes less than two weeks following the departure of Sam Raimi and Tobey Maguire, the director and star who worked on the previous three Spidey films. The fourth installment is set for a 2012 release and will focus on a younger version of the superhero.

According to HeatVision, it will cost around $80 million, feature a cast of relative unknowns and be based on the more recent Ultimate Spider-Man comic books.

Sony is obviously very controlling over what the next film must be, hence the farewell to Sam Raimi, and they already had screenwriter James Vanderbilt working on scripts for the next two Spidey films ("Spider-Man 5 & 6") well before Raimi and Sony parted ways. These scripts were planned to be used as a reboot if Raimi and Tobey Maguire didn’t return after "Spider-Man 4."

Enter young Marc Webb, who has crazy talent for character romance and comedy, which is no doubt why they’re bringing him in for the high school love stuff we’ll be seeing in the reboot. He’ll be eager and willing to follow Sony’s master plans but the problem for me is that is that they are seemingly focusing on re-hashing the origins of Spider-Man, something that’s still fresh in the minds of fans and moviegoers everywhere who saw Raimi’s "Spider-Man" just a few years ago.

I was really hoping that the "Spider-Man" reboot would take the route of "The Incredible Hulk" and get right into the story with the protagonist already having powers, not re-play how Bruce Banner became the Hulk or Peter Parker getting bit by a spider. We all know Parker got bitten by a radioactive/genetically enhanced spider and I’m not interested in seeing that again.

Here’s the official press release:

CULVER CITY, Calif., January , 2010 – Marc Webb, the director of the Golden Globe nominated Best Picture (500) Days of Summer, will direct the next chapter in the Spider-Man franchise, set to hit theaters summer 2012, it was jointly announced today by Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios.

Written by James Vanderbilt, Webb will work closely with producers Avi Arad and Laura Ziskin in developing the project, which will begin production later this year.

Commenting on the announcement, Amy Pascal, co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Matt Tolmach, president of Columbia Pictures, said, “At its core, Spider-Man is a small, intimate human story about an everyday teenager that takes place in an epic super-human world. The key for us as we sought a new director was to identify filmmakers who could give sharp focus to Peter Parker’s life. We wanted someone who could capture the awe of being in Peter’s shoes so the audience could experience his sense of discovery while giving real heart to the emotion, anxiety, and recklessness of that age and coupling all of that with the adrenaline of Spider-Man’s adventure. We believe Marc Webb is the perfect choice to bring us on that journey.”

Arad and Ziskin added jointly, “Over the years, the Spider-Man comics have been told with bold and creative new writers and artists who have re-calibrated the way audiences see Peter Parker. Marc Webb will do for the new direction of the films what so many visionary storytellers have done with the comic books. He is an incredibly talented filmmaker and we look forward to working closely with him on this new adventure.”

Webb said, “This is a dream come true and I couldn’t be more aware of the challenge, responsibility, or opportunity. Sam Raimi’s virtuoso rendering of Spider-Man is a humbling precedent to follow and build upon. The first three films are beloved for good reason. But I think the Spider-Man mythology transcends not only generations but directors as well. I am signing on not to ‘take over’ from Sam. That would be impossible. Not to mention arrogant. I’m here because there’s an opportunity for ideas, stories, and histories that will add a new dimension, canvas, and creative voice to Spider-Man.”

Stan Lee, co-creator of Spider-Man, added, “I’m excited that Sony has chosen a director with a real penchant and understanding for the character. This is a brave, bold direction for the franchise, and I can’t wait to see what Marc comes up with next.”

Added Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, “The idea of re-imagining the on-screen story for one of the world’s most iconic superheros is sure to deliver an exciting new dimension to Spider-Man fans everywhere. There are volumes of comics and material available to inspire fresh and compelling takes on Peter Parker and his journey as Spidey and we look forward to seeing this come alive onscreen.”

Marc Webb has won acclaim with his film debut (500) Days of Summer. He has several MTV VMAs™ including 2009’s Best Director award for Green Day’s “21 Guns,” 2006 Best Rock Video for AFI’s “Miss Murder,” and Best Group Video for The All-American Rejects’ “Move Along.” The Music Video Production Association honored him in 2006 as the Director of the Year for his work with Weezer, AAR, and My Chemical Romance.

In addition to two Golden Globe nominations including Best Picture (musical or comedy), his first feature film, (500) Days of Summer, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel, has been nominated for three Independent Spirit Awards, including Best Feature. Webb was also awarded the Spotlight Award, which honors outstanding directorial debuts, by the National Board of Review.

I’m sure Webb will nail the characters, but he is untested in the action side of things. Let’s see if he can pull it off. The idea is for this film to launch another trilogy and Webb’s contract includes the usual multi-picture option.

What do you think of Webb spinning his new version of "Spider-Man"?
Sorry....the web and spider puns just fit right in there and you know it.

Next up: Who will play Peter Parker/Spider-Man?
More news to come! Catch ya' later!
Sources: Screen Rant, First Showing, USA Today, MTV News, The Geek Files

No Superman Cameo in 'Green Lantern'

One of the earliest rumors about the "Green Lantern" film was that it included a cameo by a certain Man of Steel. This rumor first surfaced when IESB got an early look at the "Green Lantern" script and picked up on a scene where Clark Kent is approached as a possible candidate to wear Abin Sur's emerald power ring.

This naturally set off a rumor-bomb of speculation about who would play Clark Kent for the "Green Lantern" cameo (Tom Welling? Brandon Routh?) – but all that talk is now moot, as MTV News has confirmed that there will NOT be a Superman cameo in the film.

MTV News confirmed the news while talking with "Green Lantern" director Martin Campbell, who had this to say:

“No, that won’t happen…None of the other DC characters will appear in the film.”

So down goes any Superman, Batman, Flash, or any other DC hero rumor you heard about regarding "Green Lantern." While many of us comic book movie fans have enjoyed the sort of crossover cameos Marvel Studios has packed into their films as a lead-in to their "Avengers" movie, it seems DC/WB is letting their directors go the Chris Nolan route and establish independent universes for their individual heroes before they do any swapping and sharing.

Seeing as how Superman is in an awkward state of affairs right now because of the lawsuit that took away certain rights to the character from WB/DC and WB even saying there were no plans to make a new "Superman" movie any time soon, having a cameo wouldn't make sense as it would get fans hopes up for no reason.

Once everything gets settled for "Green Lantern" and the next "Batman," maybe we can hope for a new "Superman" and maybe a "Wonder Woman" film as well. Don't get your hopes up though.

Are you crushed that you won’t see Superman in "Green Lantern"?

"Green Lantern" begins production in March and hits theaters on June 17, 2011.
More news to come! Catch ya' later!
Source: Screen Rant

S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent from 'Iron Man' Confirmed to also be in 'Thor'

In "Iron Man," we were introduced to the top secret organization known as S.H.I.E.L.D. (Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division) by two characters; Samuel J. Jackson’s Nick Fury (in a post-credits scene) and the lesser known Agent Coulson.

Coulson was played by actor Clark Gregg who will be reprising his role for "Iron Man 2" which debuts this May. What’s really cool however, is that he’ll also be playing a part in "Thor," according to Variety.

We knew from the beginning that Nick Fury was going to be a key character to link all of the solo films together. Now it appears that it’s not just Fury doing the recruitment and that we may start seeing more S.H.I.E.L.D. agents stepping into the origins films of "Thor" and "Captain America." The return of Gregg's character only further confirms the presence of S.H.I.E.L.D. throughout the overarching Marvel movie narrative — a common link likely to culminate in the superhero team-up film "The Avengers."

"Thor," which Kenneth Branagh is currently shooting, stars Chris Hemsworth as the hammer-wielding Norse god, as well as Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, Stellen Skarsgard and Kat Dennings.

I really love the fact they are linking all the Marvel Studio films together with characters appearing in both. It will be interesting to see how Agent Coulson interacts with the Asgardian God. Could Tony Stark turn up in "Thor" as well?

"Iron Man 2" opens May 7, 2010, "Thor" opens May 20, 2011, "The First Avenger: Captain America" hits July 22, 2011 and "The Avengers" is scheduled to debut May 4, 2012.
More news to come! Catch ya' later!
Sources: Screen Rant, Live for Films, MTV News

'Paranormal Activity' Sequel on the way with 'Saw VI' Director

After it scared up $151 million at the international box office on only a $15,000 budget, "Paranormal Activity" is getting a sequel.

Paramount has hired screenwriter Michael R. Perry and director Kevin Greutert to create the sequel to 2009’s surprise hit, according to THR.

Paramount will release it in theaters on the pre-Halloween weekend of October 22, which sets it against that date’s reigning champion in previous years, the next installment in Lionsgate’s “Saw” series (this year would be “VII”). In an ironic twist, Greutert made his directorial debut on "Saw VI," which grossed just $31 million worldwide.

I truly hope this isn't a sign that they're considering turning this into a franchise and putting out a new "Paranormal Activity" movie every year on Halloween (to replace the dying "Saw" series).

Though no word on the plot, or official title, is available yet, Oren Peli, who directed the original, and Jason Blum, who produced the original, will both return as producers (so at least they're still involved with this).

“These guys get it, and the fans won’t be disappointed,” said Peli of Perry and Greutert’s participation.

What did you think of the first "Paranormal Activity"? What do you want to see in the sequel?

More news to come! Catch ya' later!
Sources: Latino Review, Live for Films, First Showing

Box Office Results and Weekly Movie News: 'Avatar' Soars Past 'Star Wars'

Movies coming out this week!

Legion - God has lost his faith in humankind, causing him to send his legion of angels to bring on the Apocalypse. A remote diner becomes the battleground, where the Archangel Michael (Bettany) bands together with a group of strangers, though Michael's true focus is to protect a pregnant waitress whose unborn child is humankind's hope for survival.

Tooth Fairy - A bad deed on the part of a tough minor-league hockey player (Johnson) results in an unusual sentence: He must serve one week as a real-life tooth fairy.

Extraordinary Measures - A drama centered on the efforts of John and Aileen Crowley (Fraser and Russell) to find a researcher (Ford) to develop a potential cure for their two children's rare genetic disorder.

Movies coming out on DVD and Blu-ray!

The Invention of Lying
Whiteout
Pandorum
Gamer

Box Office results for the weekend!

1 Avatar$41.3 M

2 The Book of Eli$31.6 M

3 The Lovely Bones $17.0 M

4 Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel $11.5 M

5 Sherlock Holmes $9.8 M

6 The Spy Next Door $9.7 M

7 It's Complicated $7.6 M

8 Leap Year $5.8 M

9 The Blind Side $5.5 M

10 Up in the Air $5.4 M

"Avatar" has become the first film in 10 years to be the No. 1 film in America for 5 weeks in a row (last one was "The Sixth Sense"). Can it become the first film in the past 12 years to stay No. 1 for six weeks? Ironically, the last film to do that was James Cameron's previous film, "Titanic."

And this past weekend also made "Avatar" shoot past "Star Wars" as the No. 3 movie on the all-time domestic box office charts. Worldwide, 20th Century Fox's "Avatar" lifted its total to $1.6 billion, second only to 1997's "Titanic," at $1.8 billion.

"Avatar" topped the original "Star Wars", which took in $460.9 million domestically in its original run and several reissues over the years. But factoring in today's higher admission prices, "Star Wars" remains well ahead of "Avatar" on actual number of tickets sold.

"Avatar" now is closing in on "The Dark Knight," No. 2 domestically with $533.3 million. After that, only Cameron's "Titanic" at $600 million will remain ahead of "Avatar" domestically.

Even if "Avatar" sets a new revenue record, it's doubtful it would sell as many tickets as "Titanic" did because of today's higher admission prices.

"Titanic" sold about 130 million tickets domestically based on average ticket prices of about $4.60 back in 1997 and 1998. Based on today's average domestic price of about $7.50, "Avatar" would be at around half that mark.

Average admission prices for "Avatar" likely run even higher, given that much of its business comes from a 3-D version, which costs a few dollars extra to see.

Moving on to other films that aren't dominating the box office...

"Book of Eli" opened well and will have to continue along its path to make a profit from its production budget. Chan's "Spy Next Door" stalled in theaters as parents chose "Chipmunks" instead.

Speaking of "Chipmunks," the sequel has nearly made $200 million worldwide, more than "Sherlock Holmes," and also had a smaller budget than "Sherlock Holmes." Probably has to do with tons of kids wanting to see "Chipmunks" instead of "Holmes" and the parents obliging the requests.

Other films will continue to fall by the wayside has January begins to come to a close. The main question is how long will "Avatar" stay on top? With its recent Golden Globe win of Best Drama and Best Director, will more people go see the film (or see it again)? Will the film beat out "Titanic" and become the highest-grossing film of all time?

Only time will tell...but you really have to look at the ticket numbers since the revenue made now is different from 12 years ago due to inflation.
Source: USA Today

2010 Golden Globe Winners

The winners of the 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards, the precursor to the Academy Awards, were announced at an exciting ceremony held at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills and hosted by Ricky Gervais with a live telecast on NBC. The full list of motion picture winners can be found in full below. Winners are highlighted in BOLD.

BEST DRAMA
Avatar
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
Precious
Up in the Air

DIRECTOR
Katheryn Bigelow - The Hurt Locker
James Cameron - Avatar
Clint Eastwood - Invictus
Jason Reitman - Up in the Air
Quentin Tarantino - Inglourious Basterds

ACTOR (DRAMA)
Jeff Bridges - Crazy Heart
George Clooney - Up in the Air
Colin Firth - A Single Man
Morgan Freeman - Invictus
Tobey Maguire - Brothers

ACTRESS (DRAMA)
Emily Blunt - The Young Victoria
Sandra Bullock - The Blind Side
Helen Mirren - The Last Station
Carey Mulligan - An Education
Gabourey Sibide - Precious

BEST MUSICAL OR COMEDY
500 Days of Summer
The Hangover
It's Complicated
Julie & Julia
Nine

ACTOR (MUSICAL OR COMEDY)
Matt Damon - The Informant
Daniel Day Lewis - Nine
Robert Downey, Jr. - Sherlock Holmes
Joseph Gordon Levitt - 500 Days of Summer
Michael Stuhlbarg - A Serious Man

ACTRESS (MUSICAL OR COMEDY)
Sandra Bullock - The Proposal
Marion Cotillard - Nine
Julia Roberts - Duplicity
Meryl Streep - It's Complicated
Meryl Streep - Julie & Julia

FOREIGN-LANGUAGE FILM
A Prophet
Baarìa
Broken Embraces
The Maid
The White Ribbon

ANIMATED FILM
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Coraline
Fantastic Mr. Fox
The Princess and the Frog
Up

SUPPORTING ACTOR
Matt Damon - Invictus
Woody Harrelson - The Messenger
Christopher Plummer - The Last Station
Stanley Tucci - The Lovely Bones
Christoph Waltz - Inglourious Basterds

SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Penelope Cruz - Nine
Vera Farmiga - Up in the Air
Anne Kendrick - Up in the Air
Mo'Nique - Precious
Julianne Moore - A Single Man

SCREENPLAY
District 9
The Hurt Locker
It's Complicated
Up in the Air
Inglourious Basterds

ORIGINAL SCORE
Michael Giacchino - Up
Marvin Hamlisch - The Informant
James Horner - Avatar
Abel Krozeniowski - A Single Man
Karen O. and Carter Burwell - Where the Wild Things Are

ORIGINAL SONG
"Cinema Italiano" - Nine
"I Want to Come Home" - Everybody's Fine
"I Will See You" - Avatar
"The Weary Kind" - Crazy Heart
"Winter" - Brothers

To read about the Golden Globes for television, you can head here to see what shows won.

Is it just me or does it feel like nearly all the big names won some kind of award (Cameron, Bullock, Downey Jr.) while other films that didn't do as well yet are equally as good left empty-handed ("500 Days of Summer," "The Hurt Locker").

We'll see who wins what in a month or so at the Academy Awards where there will be technical awards that I expect "Avatar" to win.

What are your thoughts on this year's Golden Globe winners?
More news to come! Catch ya' later!
Source: First Showing

Mark Strong Might Play Sinestro in 'Green Lantern'

"Sherlock Holmes" villain Mark Strong is in talks to play Sinestro in the "Green Lantern" movie, according to director Martin Campbell.

Speaking with MTV News during the press junket for "Edge of Darkness," his upcoming action thriller opening January 29, Campbell dismissed rumors that "Watchmen" actor Jackie Earle Haley was in talks for the role.

"No, that's completely wrong," said Campbell of the persistent rumor. "In fact, we're in negotiations with Mark Strong to play Sinestro."

"He's not only a wonderful actor, but he looks like Sinestro," he added. "If you look up old pictures of Sinestro, he's very like him. The Jackie Earle Haley thing, somebody told me about it this morning; I had never heard it before in my life."

If negotiations pan out, Strong will have a role in not one but two much-anticipated comic book movies, as he also plays mobster Frank D'Amico in Matthew Vaughn's adaptation of "Kick-Ass." However, Campbell didn't stop there — he also offered up a list of characters from Green Lantern's universe making an appearance in the film.

"Well, Kilowog will be," said Campbell. "Tomar-Re is in it. Sinestro is in it. Abin Sur is in it. All the origin people. Carol [Ferris], of course, who will be played by Blake Lively. All the main characters are there, and it's a complex story. The origin story of Green Lantern is complex, probably one of the most complex, which makes it a challenge to get it right."

Sinestro is the mentor of Hal Jordan (played by Ryan Reynolds), who is chosen to become a member of the Green Lantern interstellar corps. In the comic books, Sinestro is later exiled and becomes one of Jordan's greatest enemies by wielding a powerful ring comparable to that wielded by Green Lantern.

It’s been a busy month for "Green Lantern" as young actress Blake Lively was signed to play Carol Ferris, the love interest of Hal Jordan, and Peter Sarsgaard is in talks to play Dr. Hector Hammond, another villain.

It certainly looks like Hal Jordan will have plenty of foes to deal with as either major villains in the first film or introductions of ones who he’ll cross paths with later in the franchise.

What do you think of Mark Strong playing Sinestro?

"Green Lantern" starts production in March and is scheduled to open June 17, 2011.
More news to come! Catch ya' later!
Sources: Screen Rant, MTV News, The Geek Files

Director Michael Bay Says There Will Be Less Robots in 'Transformers 3'

Michael Bay and Megan Fox discuss her bigger role for "Transformers 3"

Michael Bay recently attended a presentation in Hollywood on discussing the sound effects of "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen." Hero Complex covered the event and published a small quote from Bay at the end about what to expect in "Transformers 3."


"Although the number of robots increased significantly from the first film for the second, the third film won't be as robot-heavy and there will be fewer explosions, a tight-lipped Bay said after the Q+A."

“There will be a nice crescendo ending,” Bay said. “It gets much more into the robot character. The last time you kind of met a few of the robots; this time you’re gonna get a much cooler landscape.”

Apparently having Optimus Prime going solo against multiple Decepticons in a forest, fighting in Egypt on the pyramids and sneaking around the Smithsonian Museum weren't already cool enough. Where does Bay think he's taking this?

I don't think the problem with "Revenge of the Fallen" was that it had too many robots, it was much more the story and the script and crazy location changes. Though I will concede I was ticked off there were so many robots without any kind of...robot development.

Although, if this means we won't see Skids and Mudflap or that humping-bot Wheelie ever again, then I'm all for it.

"Transformers 3" is being written by Ehren Kruger, but I'm sure Bay is working on it, too. Sounds like he's already telling them what to and what not to include in this.

"Transformers 3" is set for summer of 2011.
More news to come! Catch ya' later!
Source: First Showing

Brad Pitt and Matt Damon Add Their Voices to 'Happy Feet 2 '

While this news would be awesome to hear in reference to George Miller's "Mad Max 4: Fury Road," I guess I'll be content with the announcement from Movieline that Brad Pitt and Matt Damon have recently joined the voice cast for another Miller film, "Happy Feet 2," the 3-D sequel to the 2006 Academy Award winning animated film.

The two join returning cast members Elijah Wood and Robin Williams who starred in the first film about a tap-dancing penguin named Mumble living in a society of talented singing penguins. The original film also featured Hugh Jackman and the late Brittany Murphy, but no word on Jackman's return or if Murphy's character will be written out or simply re-cast.

Having at least enjoyed the first "Happy Feet" (but not immensely), a sequel could be fun. But with no plot details, we'll just have to wait for some new info to leak through the cracks.

"Happy Feet 2" is set for release on November 28, 2011.
More news to come! Catch ya' later!
Source: First Showing

'Tekken' Trailer

Being a fan of both video games and movies, watching the two combine is a strange experience. While many of the adaptations royally suck, some are actually decent to watch.

I am more of a "Street Fighter" player than "Tekken" player, but I am at least familiar with some of the characters and recognize them in the first trailer for "Tekken," the live-action film based on the popular fighting game series.

And it looks exactly like what I thought it would be: strangely dressed and half-naked dudes battling it out for the chance to win The King of Iron Fist Tournament (with some half-naked chicks thrown in for a few seconds as well).



Here's the official synopsis:

We are introduced to this violent world through the eyes of Jin Kazama, a street fighter that enters the tournament in order to avenge the death of his mother that he blames upon Tekken's powerful and controlling Chairman, Heihachi Mishima. He knows that the only way to get close enough to Mishima to kill him is to win the tournament. With the help of Lucas, an ageing Iron Fist Champion and fight trainer, Jin makes his way through the tournament, but in doing so, he begins to uncover his own past and inner demons as well as exposing a dark underbelly to Tekken that threatens the very existence of humanity.

With futuristic and imaginative sets, a compelling story, and fight sequences combining fighting styles from all over the world. "Tekken" is in line to become one of the greatest action films of all time.

Imaginative sets? The trailer doesn't do much in the way of showing off such a feature, unless one counts a gritty arena as an imaginative set. And as for it possibly being "one of the greatest action films of all time," we'll wait and see. I don't really expect it to be any better than the "Street Fighter" or "Dead or Alive" films.

There isn't a release date for the film in the US yet, but it might just wind up on DVD in a couple of months instead of heading to theaters.

More news to come! Catch ya' later!
Sources: Latino Review, First Showing

Director Joe Johnston Talks 'Captain America' & New 'Jurassic Park' Trilogy

With "The Wolfman" finally hitting theaters in just under a month, it means we're probably going to start hearing a lot from Joe Johnston about "Captain America" and other projects he's working on. Box Office Magazine recently talked with Johnston and got some big scoops out of him about both "Captain America" and "Jurassic Park 4." According to Johnston, there are some big plans for both of these projects, and both of them will be "unlike anything you've seen."

With regards to "Captain America," there is still no word on who will play the hero, but Johnston did talk about the plot and what we will see in the film:

"It is influenced by the comic book, but it goes off in a completely different direction. It's the origin story of Captain America. It's mostly period—there are modern, present-day bookends on it—but it's basically the story of how Steve Rogers becomes Captain America.

"The great thing about Captain America is he's a super hero without any super powers. Which is why this story, among the hundreds of super hero stories, appealed to me the most. He can't fly, he can't see through walls, he can't do any of that stuff. He's an every man who's been given this amazing gift of transformation into the perfect specimen—the pinnacle of human perfection. How does that affect him? What does that mean for him emotionally and psychologically?

"He was this 98-pound weakling, he was this wimp, and he's transformed instantly into this Adonis. You'd think he got everything he wanted. Well, he didn't get everything he wanted. The rules change at that point and his life gets even more complicated and dire. For me, that's the interesting part of the story.

"It's got some great action sequences in it and some incredible stuff that we've never seen before. But at the heart of it, it's a story about this kid who all he wants to do is fit in. This thing happens and he still doesn't fit in. And he has to prove himself a hero—essentially go AWOL to save a friend. Eventually at the very end, I don't want to give away to much, but he does fit in. But it's the journey of getting him there that's interesting. And it's a lot of fun."

It sounds like Johnston has an interesting take on the character, and a period superhero film is something that we haven’t had in a while.
Meanwhile, with regards to the hugely successful "Jurassic Park" franchise, Johnston said:

“Well, there is going to be a 'Jurassic Park IV.' And it’s going to be unlike anything you’ve seen. It breaks away from the first three—it’s essentially the beginning of the second 'Jurassic Park' trilogy. It’s going to be done in a completely different way. That’s pretty much all I can tell you.”

Johnston, who directed "Jurassic Park III," also explained why they've taken so long to start up this sequel (since the third film came out in 2001).

"We just want to make them justified in their own right. We don't want to make sequel after sequel just because there's a market for it. We want to tell different, interesting stories."

I hope that is indeed the case, but I think after the death of original "Jurassic Park" writer Michael Crichton, it's time to give up on this franchise.

Does Johnston’s take on “Captain America” sound exciting to you? Who would you cast as Steve Rogers? Are you interested in seeing a new "Jurassic Park" trilogy?

More news to come! Catch ya' later!
Sources: First Showing, Live for Films, MTV News, Screen Rant

Behind-the-Scenes Featurette on 'Green Zone'

A new featurette that takes us behind the scenes of Paul Greengrass’ "Green Zone" has just been released by Universal. If you found the previous trailers too heavy on action and not heavy enough on story, then this featurette will help remedy that.

Greengrass and star Matt Damon talk at different points during a viewing of the trailer and explain the type of movie it is, hinting at where the story goes, what their aims for it were and how it compares to the "Bourne" films they worked on together.


Official synopsis:
During the U.S.-led occupation of Baghdad in 2003, Chief Warrant Officer Roy Miller (Damon) and his team of Army inspectors were dispatched to find weapons of mass destruction believed to be stockpiled in the Iraqi desert. Rocketing from one booby-trapped and treacherous site to the next, the men search for deadly chemical agents but stumble instead upon an elaborate cover-up that inverts the purpose of their mission.

Spun by operatives with intersecting agendas, Miller must hunt through covert and faulty intelligence hidden on foreign soil for answers that will either clear a rogue regime or escalate a war in an unstable region. And at this blistering time and in this combustible place, he will find the most elusive weapon of all is the truth.

Admittedly, the film still looks like “Bourne in Iraq,” but with those involved on both sides of the camera, and with the subject matter, is that really a major surprise? And an even better question – is that really a bad thing?

"Green Zone" is directed by Greengrass and is based on the book "Imperial Life in the Emerald City" by Rajiv Chandrasekaran. Alongside Damon it co-stars Jason Isaacs, Brendan Gleeson, Greg Kinnear and Amy Ryan.

It’s set to hit theaters on March 12, 2010.
More news to come! Catch ya' later!
Source: Screen Rant

Daniel Craig in talks for 'Cowboys & Aliens'

"James Bond" actor Daniel Craig is in talks to star in the Dreamworks adaptation of comic book series "Cowboys & Aliens" after Robert Downey Jr dropped out, according to Collider.

Collider points out an obvious point that Craig is “in negotiations” which means that he has NOT been cast in the lead role quite yet. These kinds of things – until the folks involved start signing on the dotted line – can fall through, so it’s very possible Craig will not end up starring in the Jon Favreau directed project.

Now one of the main reasons that Craig might not end up starring in the project would be a schedule conflict with "Bond 23." The next spy film was said to have been put on hold indefinitely until MGM gets auctioned off, but THR reported it’s being fast-tracked due to talks with director Sam Mendes and could begin shooting as early as this June for a release in 2011. "Cowboys & Aliens" plans to begin shooting in July, so if its schedule conflicts with "Bond 23"...I think Bond will win out.

Zeke Jackson is the lead in "Cowboys & Aliens," a Platinum Studios comic book series set in the mid-1800s. In Silver City, Arizona, Apache Indians and Western settlers must put their differences aside when a spaceship crash lands in their city. The aliens plan to quash the Wild West and enslave humanity, but the cowboys and Apache have other plans.

Sounds like a cool story to me and if this means we get to see Daniel Craig kicking some alien ass, then bring it on. Since I haven't read the comics I can't say he's a good fit, but I am excited to potentially see him join this project, especially because that means Jon Favreau gets to direct James Bond!

More news to come! Catch ya' later!
Sources: The Geek Files, Screen Rant, First Showing

Ivan Reitman Confirms He Will Direct 'Ghostbusters 3'

In a interview with MTV News on the National Board of Review red carpet, Ivan Reitman was asked point-blank if he was returning to helm the third installment of "Ghostbusters." His answer was an unequivocal “Yes.”

Reitman said that the script from "Year One" writers Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky is in and that a second draft is currently in the works.

"They have delivered a draft," Reitman said of the script's progress. "We are working our way through another draft... good work is being done and all of us have our fingers crossed."

When bringing up a production schedule, he added, "I hope to start shooting in this next year." This makes it so the film will have a planned 2011 release.

Give or take the new screenwriters, it looks like the whole family is back again for "Ghostbusters 3." We've known for a while Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson and even Rick Moranis, would be back, but now I think it's time to cast the newcomers.

What do you think of the original "Ghostbusters" director returning to go for a third round?
More news to come! Catch ya' later!
Sources: MTV News, First Showing, Screen Rant

Peter Sarsgaard in Talks to be 'Green Lantern' Villain

Peter Sarsgaard ("Garden State") is in talks to play Dr. Hector Hammond in "Green Lantern," according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Hammond is the pathologist son of a senator who acquires psychic powers (telepathy and telekinesis) and genius-level intellect when exposed to radiation when he discovers a meteor.

As we all know, Ryan Reynolds is starring as Hal Jordan, the test pilot who finds a downed spacecraft with a dying alien who passes him a powerful ring, introducing Jordan to a interstellar police force known as the Green Lanterns. Blake Lively was recently cast as his love interest, Carol Ferris.

Of course, with casting for Hector Hammond underway, all that's left to cast seems to be Sinestro. As he is a major player in the comic I imagine he will show up, but who could play him?

"Green Lantern" is expected to begin filming in March and hits theaters June 17, 2011.
More news to come! Catch ya' later!
Sources: MTV News, Live for Films, The Geek Files

'Sherlock Holmes 2' and 'Transformers 3' Shoot This Summer

Yesterday it was announced that Robert Downey Jr. would not be joining director Jon Favreau for the adaptation of Platinum Comics' series "Cowboys & Aliens" due to "scheduling issues." However, since the actor hadn't lined up a follow-up project to the forthcoming comedy "Due Date," it wasn't clear what was getting in the way. Well, now EW has learned that "Sherlock Holmes 2" is being fast tracked to start production during the summer. Meanwhile, over at Deadline Hollywood, a tidbit of info hidden in some agency news about Shia LaBeouf reveals an estimated May start for production on "Transformers 3."

Even before the first "Sherlock Holmes" was released there was already talk of a sequel. Much of that talk surrounded the classic "Sherlock Holmes" villain, Moriarty, who was even rumored to be played by Brad Pitt. Whoever the villain, we all knew a "Sherlock Holmes 2" was inevitable after the huge tease of an ending from the first film.

Warner Bros. has already commissioned a script from Kieran and Michele Mulroney (who both wrote and directed the 2009 comedy/drama, "Paper Man"), instead of using any of the three screenwriters that wrote the first "Holmes" installment. I wonder why writers Michael Robert Johnson, Anthony Peckham and Simon Kinberg weren't brought back to pen the sequel after doing such a fine job on the first one? Either way, some new writers will probably keep the franchise fresh without veering too far away from the first "Holmes."

The studio is now trying to lock down the cast (which will include RDJ, and most likely the return of Jude Law and Rachel McAdams) for a June shooting start date. It remains to be seen whether director Guy Ritchie will return and direct the second movie, but I can’t see any reason why he wouldn’t.
Back in October, Michael Bay officially announced he would be working on "Transformers 3" for a July, 2011 release date. According to a Deadline Hollywood article about Shia LaBeouf switching agents, the filmm is set to begin filming this May.

There's only one small issue: the script hasn't been finished yet. We know that the writers for the last two films, Bob Orci and Alex Kurtzman, won't be returning to the franchise and that Ehren Kruger will be working on the script for "Transformers 3."

Still, not having a finished script with about three months to go shouldn't pose too much of a problem, right? To be honest, after seeing "Revenge of the Fallen," I would be happy with "Transformers 3" having any kind of cohesive plot.

Be forewarned though, last year Bay mused about the possibility of bringing back Sam Witwicky's college roomie, Leonardo "Leo" Ponce De Leon Spitz, for a larger role in the next film.
(Courtesy of Goof Roof)

Are you happy to see another "Sherlock Holmes" on the way so soon after the first? Do you think RDJ was right to leave "Cowboys & Aliens" for it? What direction would you like the sequel to take?

Are you excited about cast and crew gearing up for "Transformers 3"? What would you like to see in the third installment of the franchise? Should we get our hopes up for anything good?

"Sherlock Holmes 2" is set to start shooting this June. Presumably we’d see it hit theaters sometime in 2011.

"Transformers 3" is set to start shooting this May and is scheduled to hits theater in July, 2011.

More news to come! Catch ya' later!
Sources: Screen Rant, First Showing