NorthFront Films

"Superman" Delayed For "Mayor"?

2007-07-03T15:56:00.001-07:00

This also comes in from Dark Horizons:

Although it had been expected that Bryan Singer would do "Superman: The Man of Steel" sequel once he wrapped up work on the WW2 Tom Cruise flick "Valkyrie", that may no longer be the case.

Producers Neil Meron and Craig Zadan tell Rotten Tomatoes that they have Singer lined up to direct "The Mayor of Castro Street," a story of gay rights activist Harvey Milk, within the next year.

Meron says "The next Superman, that's a ways off" and Zadan adds "Don't worry about it. Trust me. We may even start preproduction on Harvey Milk while he's on post production on the Tom Cruise movie."

Original plans had a "Superman" sequel aiming for a Summer 2009 release which means production would have to begin by mid-2008 at the latest. With both "Valkyrie" and "Castro" on his plate, it could be done but would be a rush job in all three cases - something that no-one wants.

Some Short "Dark Knight" Updates

2007-07-03T15:55:00.001-07:00

This comes in from Dark Horizons:

Both good news and bad for Batman fans eager to hear anything on "The Dark Knight".

First up it's been confirmed that Warners will sadly NOT have any "The Dark Knight" footage to screen at this month's San Diego Comic Con as, quite reasonably, they don't think any of it will be ready in time. Wizard World Chicago a few weeks later however is likely to get something.

In other news, actor Christian Bale talked about further sequel possibilities to The Star Ledger, saying "The script leaves room for a very interesting follow-up, too. I think we could take it somewhere else."

'Simpsons' Kwik-E-Mart Becomes a Reality

2007-07-03T15:49:00.000-07:00

This in from hollywood.com:

HOLLYWOOD - The Simpsons' fictional convenience store Kwik-E-Mart has become a reality thanks to a publicity stunt by 7-Eleven bosses.

To mark the release of The Simpsons Movie later this month, a dozen 7-Eleven stores have been turned into Kwik-E-Marts for the remainder of July.

The more-than-6,000 7-Elevens across the U.S. which have not been turned into Kwik-E-Marts will still sell Simpsons-related food and drink, including Buzz Cola and KrustyO's cereal, which have previously only been seen on the long-running animated TV show.

The Simpsons Movie is released on July 27.

R.L. Stine's 'The Haunting Hour: Don't Think About It' All-New Spooky Fare For The Entire Family

2007-07-03T15:48:00.000-07:00

Star Pulse Movie News reports the following:

The newest thrill ride from Goosebumps author R.L. Stine will keep parents and kids on the edge of their seats this Halloween season when R. L. Stine's The Haunting Hour: Don't Think About It comes exclusively to DVD September 4, 2007 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment and The Hatchery LLC. The latest entry in Universal's highly-successful made for DVD events, R. L. Stine's The Haunting Hour: Don't Think About It features a sizzling young cast that tweens and their families will love, including Emily Osment (Hannah Montana, Spy Kids), Cody Linley (Hannah Montana, Hoot) and Brittany Curran (The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and one of kidzworld.com's Five Faces to Watch in 2007), plus the quintessential movie villain Tobin Bell (the Saw franchise). Directed by Alex Zamm (Inspector Gadget II) with special effects from the Oscar®-winning team from The Chronicles of Narnia, R. L. Stine's The Haunting Hour: Don't Think About It is filled with enough excitement, adventure and chills to thrill the whole family again and again.

In addition, Emily Osment makes her music debut, singing the film's theme song "I Don't Think About It." The song, along with a never-before-seen music video, will be available on the DVD. R. L. Stine's The Haunting Hour: Don't Think About It kicks off a series of spooky and suspenseful thrillers for the entire family based on the work of one of the world's best-selling children's authors. Stine catapulted to fame with the children's publishing phenomenon, the Goosebumps series, and became the #1 best-selling author in America three years in a row. His books, including The Nightmare Room, Fear Street, and Nightmare Hour have been translated into more than 20 languages and published in more than 30 countries. He has been honored with a Children's Choice Award, three Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards, and three Disney Adventures Kids' Choice Awards.

Filmed in Pittsburgh, the film's original screenplay is written by Emmy Award® winners Dan Angel and Billy Brown ("Door to Door"), who also partnered as writers on the hit TV series The X-Files. Executive producers are veteran television production and programming executive Margaret Loesch (Benji: Off the Leash) and Bruce Stein, co-CEOs of The Hatchery, as well as Angel, a partner in The Hatchery, and Brown. Jane Stine and Joan Waricha, co-owners of Parachute Publishing, are co-executive producers.

Cassie (Emily Osment) is a 13-year old Goth girl struggling to adapt to a new neighborhood and a new school. Feeling like an outsider, Cassie acts out by playing spooky and outrageous pranks to frighten the popular kids at school, as well as her scaredy cat little brother, Max (Alex Winzenread). The day before Halloween, Cassie finds an odd little book called The Evil Thing that cautions readers "Do Not Read Aloud." When Max insists on hearing the story, Cassie starts down a road that begins in the mysterious woods behind their house and leads to a mysterious stranger who changes their lives forever.

Loesch, Angel and Brown are part of the team responsible for the television series "Goosebumps," which was the #1-ranked show on the Fox Kids' Network for four years. Based on R.L. Stine's Goosebumps children's books, which have sold more than 220 million copies to-date, the show was honored with a Writers Guild Award and was twice named by TV Guide as among the best television shows for children.

Spooky DVD Bonus Content
-The Making of Don't Think About It – This special feature sheds light on what goes on in the shadows during the making of the R. L. Stine movie.
-Think About It! R.L. Stine's Journey of the Imagination – R.L. Stine is one of the most beloved children's author's in history. Find out what scares the spookmaster and why his books are perennial fan favorites in this profile of the popular and prolific author.
-Interactive Scare-O-Meter – Are you scared of blood? Are you afraid of the dark? Viewers can rate their personal "Scare Quotient" with this exclusive interactive feature!
-Emily Osment's Never-before-seen music video.

Christian Bale Stung By Ants As Stunt Goes Awry

2007-07-03T15:47:00.000-07:00

Star Pulse Movie News has this interesting tidbit:

Christian Bale was attacked by angry red ants when a stunt on the set of his new film Rescue Dawn went too far. The star agreed to hang upside down with his face buried in an ants' nest for a torture scene in the film, in which he plays a real-life prisoner of war.

But things got scary for the actor when a Thai crewmember misunderstood director Werner Herzog's call to get his star out of trouble.

Bale recalls, "One of the guys stepped forward and he started spinning me and I was spinning pretty fast. I was upside down so the blood is rushing to your head anyway and then Werner actually said, 'OK enough.'

"This guy took it to mean 'More,' so he jumped in and span me and he span me and I'm going so damn fast that I couldn't stand up for a good half hour after that. It was the real ants crawling all over my head and biting me as well. That wasn't a good day... I could've done without that."

Oliver Stone Plans Biopic Of Iranian President

2007-07-03T15:46:00.000-07:00

This also in from Star Pulse Movie News:

Moviemaker Oliver Stone has petitioned Iranian officials in a bid to make a biopic about President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The maverick director, who has chronicled the lives of Richard Nixon, Jim Morrison and Alexander The Great on the big screen, has requested official support from Iran's Cultural Heritage & Tourism Organization.

Iranian filmmaker Ali Reza Jajjadpour and Ahmadinejad himself are currently considering the idea. Stone upset many Iranian scholars with his depiction of Persians in 2004 flop Alexander.

Hollywood recently came under fire from the same scholars for the depiction of Persians in hit action movie 300.

Marvel Comics Buries Captain America At Arlington National Cemetery

2007-07-03T15:34:00.000-07:00

This in from Star Pulse Movie News:

NEW YORK (AP) - It's a funeral fit for a superhero. In the drizzling rain at Arlington National Cemetery, thousands of grieving patriots solemnly watch as the pallbearers - Iron Man, the Black Panther, Ben Grimm and Ms. Marvel - carry a casket draped with an American flag.

Yes, folks, Captain America is dead and buried in the latest issue of Marvel Comics' ''Fallen Son,'' due on newsstands the morning after Independence Day. After 66 years of battling villains from Adolf Hitler to the Red Skull, the red, white and blue leader of the Avengers was felled by an assassin's bullet on the steps of a New York federal courthouse.

He was headed to court after refusing to sign the government's Superhero Registration Act, a move that would have revealed his true identity. A sniper who fired from a rooftop was captured as police and Captain America's military escort were left to cope with chaos in the streets.

But the sniper didn't act alone, and didn't even fire the shot that killed the captain.

Writer Jeph Loeb has been busy working through the stages of grief in his most recent titles. A book centered on Wolverine dealt with denial; one with the Avengers covered anger; and Spider-Man battled depression.

With the story line so relevant to present-day politics, and the timing of the latest issue so precise, it's hard not to think the whole thing is one big slam on the government.

''Part of it grew out of the fact that we are a country that's at war, we are being perceived differently in the world,'' Loeb said. ''He wears the flag and he is assassinated - it's impossible not to have it at least be a metaphor for the complications of present day.''

But Loeb says he was working with more personal material: the death of his 17-year-old son from cancer.

''So many people have lost their sons and daughters over the years, for the greater good or to cancer or other horrible things,'' said Loeb, an executive producer for NBC's ''Heroes.'' ''I wanted this to be something people would identify with.''

In the final frames of the book, the Falcon delivers a eulogy asking superheros old and young to stand up and honor Captain America. Loeb did a similar thing at his son's funeral.

''It was this moment where I realized that we were all different, but this boy, my son, made us all connected,'' he said. ''It was powerful.''

Captain America, whose secret identity was Steve Rogers, was an early member of the pantheon of comic book heroes that began with Superman in the 1930s.

He landed on newsstands in March 1941, nine months before Pearl Harbor - delivering a punch to Hitler on the cover of his first issue, a sock-in-the-jaw reminder that there was a war on and the United States was not involved.

Since then, Marvel Entertainment Inc., has sold more than 200 million copies of Captain America magazine in 75 countries.

In the most recent story line, he became involved in a superhero ''civil war,'' taking up sides against Iron Man in the registration controversy, climaxed by his arrest and assassination.

Marvel says you never know what will happen. He may make it back from the dead after all, although Loeb says that question isn't really important right now.

''The question is, how does the world continue without this hero?'' he said. ''If that story of his return gets told further down the line, great. But everyone's still been dealing with his loss.

''They aren't going to wake up and it's a dream, like it's some episode of 'Dallas.'"

The return of the man with the hat... Dr. Jones himself...

2007-06-25T12:54:00.000-07:00

A first look at Harrison Ford's long awaited return as Indiana Jones has been posted at www.indianajones.com - This is the first time that the actor has been seen wearing the trademark Fedora since 1989's Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

Freeman Confirmed As Mandela

2007-06-25T12:52:00.000-07:00

Coming in from hollywood.com:

HOLLYWOOD - Actor Morgan Freeman has been confirmed to play former South African President Nelson Mandela in a new biopic, ending months of speculation.

The 70-year-old will star in and co-produce The Human Factor, based on the upcoming John Carlin book.

Last year, Freeman traveled to South Africa to discuss the possibility of the film with Mandela.

He tells industry newspaper Daily Variety, "I have known Nelson Mandela personally for quite some time, and am continually in awe of his enormous presence in the world.

"The opportunity to portray him in this film is a great honor."

Len Wiseman Talks "Wolverine"

2007-06-25T12:51:00.000-07:00

This in from Dark Horizons:

"Underworld" director Len Wiseman heads to bigger budget action fare with the upcoming "Live Free or Die Hard" which he helmed. How well it does will impact where he may go from there, but one of the most likely places is at the helm of the first "X-Men" spin-off "Wolverine" it seems.

"'Wolverine' is something I was interested in way before I was talking to these guys about 'Die Hard'" he tells Superhero Hype. "I think it would be a great story to tell, and in the case of that film, it wouldn't be [as big] in terms of large-scale action, but it's something I'm interested in, in his origin story and the character story with that, and I know how Hugh would play it, and that would be awesome."

He adds "So that would be my passion for that is that I think the character story is really cool, and I'd love to see it and be there the first day [it opens] anyway. There's so many things that have been going on and I know that there are so many other directors. There's nothing set in any fashion, but it has been talked about."

"Live Free or Die Hard" opens on Wednesday.

Producers Should Cast An Unknown In 'Wonder Woman' Movie, Advises Lynda Carter

2007-06-25T12:47:00.000-07:00

In from Star Pulse Movie News:

Wonder Woman Lynda Carter has begged movie producers to cast an unknown as the superheroine in the planned big-screen version of the 1970s TV smash. Carter worries filmmakers are spending so long perfecting the film's script, they will overlook the importance of casting a believable Wonder Woman.

She says, "I think they should cast an unknown. And I think the problem that they're having is getting the right script and trying to find the right person at the right age. By the time they get the right script, maybe the person they were thinking about is now ten years older."

Transformers Animated Coming to Cartoon Network

2007-06-25T12:45:00.000-07:00

Again coming in from comingsoon.net:

The Transformers saga has captivated kids for more than 20 years. Coming on the heels of the highly anticipated live-action theatrical film being released July 3rd, by DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures, Cartoon Network and Hasbro, Inc. are announcing today that the next generation of the epic animated series is being jointly developed by the two entities for a 2008 debut on the network in the U.S. The eye-popping 2-D animated series is a new twist on the original high-octane, animated action-adventure series with new characters alongside legends such as Optimus Prime and Megatron. Each episode will present a standalone storyline featuring everyday heroes who do good deeds that triumph over evil. "Transformers Animated" series will be co-produced by Cartoon Network Studios.

Twenty-six, half-hour episodes will be produced as well as a 90-minute special of "Transformers Animated" which is scheduled for release in early 2008 on Cartoon Network in the U.S. Matt Youngberg ("Teen Titans," "The Batman") is the supervising director, Derrick Wyatt ("Teen Titans") will provide the character designs and Sam Register ("Ben 10," "Teen Titans") will serve as executive producer of the series. Marty Isenberg ("Danny Phantom," "X-Men," "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles") acts as head writer.

"We are thrilled to be working with the highly creative team at Cartoon Network on bringing the next chapter in the Transformers saga to kids and fans around the world," said Brian Goldner, Hasbro's Chief Operating Officer. "The animation style that Cartoon Network has developed really brings the lore and characters of the Transformers franchise alive in a way that has never been seen through animation."

"Transformers is a tried and true draw for our core audience," said Bob Higgins, senior vice president programming and development, Cartoon Network. "Kids love the surprise of 'More Than Meets the Eye,' combined with dynamic, clearly defined characters and epic storylines. We are thrilled to be working with Hasbro to help re-imagine this amazing franchise for a new generation of fans."

Set on Earth in the near future in Detroit, the alien Transformers are thrust into a world populated by humans and automatons. As visitors to Earth, the Transformers--Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Prowl, Bulkhead and Ratchet--work in the human world, interacting with the 'natives' in exciting and humorous ways. "Transformers Animated" has been created to showcase the heroic Autobots working together to battle the evil Decepticons and save Earth with kid-relatable plot lines filled with humor, distinctive character personalities, and dynamic action.

Hasbro and HPG, its licensing division, will expand the action-packed "Transformers Animated" series through toys, games, licensed merchandise and promotions around the world.

New Iron Man Cast Photo

2007-06-25T12:43:00.000-07:00

This comes in from our friends at www.comingsoon.net:

We have received a new photo showing Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges and Terrence Howard in character for Iron Man. Directed by Jon Favreau, the comic book adaptation opens May 2, 2008.

The film tells the story of Tony Stark, a billionaire industrialist and genius inventor who is kidnapped and forced to build a devastating weapon. Instead, using his intelligence and ingenuity, Tony builds a high-tech suit of armor and escapes captivity. Upon his return to America, Tony must come to terms with his past. When he uncovers a nefarious plot with global implications, he dons his powerful armor and vows to protect the world as Iron Man.

'Die Hard' Tops Action Films List

2007-06-18T12:16:00.000-07:00

This in from Star Pulse Movie News:

The original Die Hard has given it's upcoming third sequel a boost by topping a new poll of the Greatest Action Movies Ever Made. The 1988 blockbuster, which cemented Bruce Willis as a Hollywood action man, beat fellow '80s movies Aliens and Raiders of The Lost Ark to claim the top spot in the Entertainment Weekly magazine countdown.

The top 10:

1. Die Hard
2. Aliens
3. Raiders of The Lost Ark
4. Mad Max
5. The Matrix
6. Seven Samurai
7. Gladiator
8. Saving Private Ryan
9. Hard-Boiled
10. Terminator 2: Judgment Day

Diablo Movie in Development

2007-06-18T12:11:00.000-07:00

This in from comingsoon.net:

The official Legendary Pictures website is listing a Diablo movie as being in development along with such projects as World of Warcraft, Clash of the Titans and the Superman Returns sequel.

The dark fantasy action-adventure game was released by Blizzard Entertainment in December of 1996. Set in the fictional Kingdom of Khanduras, Diablo has the player take control of a lone hero as he or she battles to rid the town of Tristram of the titular Lord of Terror and his demon minions.

An expansion pack, titled "Diablo: Hellfire," was released in 1997, followed by a sequel, "Diablo II," in 2000.

Wholly high-tech, Batman

2007-06-18T12:09:00.000-07:00

This coming in from latimes.com:

There's a wild new two-wheeler in the Batcave for 2008's 'Dark Knight.'

Yes, it's ridable. You just have to be a little bit crazy and entirely French to do it.

Specifically, you need to be Jean-Pierre Goy, the stunt rider who's spent the last few months jumping Batman's newest batbike at some top-secret location in England to prep for next summer's Bruce Wayne caper, "The Dark Knight," starring Christian Bale as the caped one.

Goy is the only person who's ridden the new Batpod — a bike so outrageous it's hard to believe it was even built. It's not just because it's tricked out with grappling hooks, cannons and machine guns. The front and rear tires are both a monstrously huge 508 millimeters, and the engines are in the hubs of each wheel. Steering isn't by hand but by shoulder, since there aren't handlebars. Instead, there are shields that fit each arm like sleeves and have the ability to rotate around the bike's frame. The two foot pegs are set 3 1/2 feet apart on either side of the tank, which the rider lies on, belly down.

That tank also moves up and down — you know, in case Batman needs to dodge bullets or slide under semis.

And you know he will.

Lucius Fox, gadget guru for Wayne Enterprises' Applied Sciences division (played by Morgan Freeman), is the guy who came up with the idea. At least he is in the movie.

The real man behind the machine is Nathan Crowley, creator of the Batmobile for Warners Bros. 2005 hit, "Batman Begins."

"The way we make films is we build things for real. We try and not rely on visual effects," said Crowley, who, in the end, had the easier job in making the bike come to life.

It was Chris Corbould who had to build the thing.

"I thought there was no chance we'd actually achieve it," Corbould said. "[Director] Chris Nolan and Nathan went for the look of it rather than thinking about the mechanics. That was the biggest challenge: Get their vision, but make it work and perform."

Not just once but several times. There are actually six Batpods, in case one or several are crashed during filming, which is likely.

Corbould wouldn't say what sort of engine was used for the slick gray-and-silver Batpod, just that it's "high performance." Nor would he give its top speed, except to say it's "very fast."

And the cost?

"I can't tell you that," Courbould said, laughing. "I haven't even told the producers."

Latest "Beverly Hills Cop IV" Talk

2007-06-11T12:38:00.000-07:00

Again in from Dark Horizons:

Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura tells Coming Soon that while they haven't officially hired any writers yet, they've been consulting with folks and trying to hash out a story for a fourth film in the "Beverly Hills Cop" franchise.

"We've been analyzing the franchise and asking lots and lots of people about Axel Foley. 'What do you love about Axel and what would you want to see with an Axel Foley movie?'" says di Bonaventura.

He adds "I think we have enough information now that we'll probably be hiring a writer in the next four to eight weeks and taking a good shot at it."

The original 1984 film earned a massive $234 million, the third film in the series however in 1994 took in a mere $43 million.

"Fletch" Gets New Director & Star

2007-06-11T12:35:00.000-07:00

This comes in to us from Dark Horizons:

With Zach Braff gone, the planned 'Fletch' prequel entitled "Fletch Won" seemed to stall.

Now, the IESB reports that "Dawson's Creek" and "The Skulls" star Joshua Jackson is apparently up for the title role of Irwin Fletcher, the wise-cracking investigative reporter from the previous two Chevy Chase movies.

On top of this, they also say Steve Pink is tipped to be taking over for Bill Lawrence in the directing chair. Pink helmed last year's disappointing frat comedy "Accepted" and penned the acclaimed John Cusack comedies "Grosse Pointe Blank" and "High Fidelity".

Sean Connery Will Not Return For Next Indiana Jones Film

2007-06-11T12:33:00.000-07:00

Last bit of news in from Star Pulse Movie News:

Sean Connery has announced he will not be returning for the next film in the Indiana Jones franchise. The 76-year-old had been tipped to reprise his role from 1989's Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade as Harrison Ford's screen father, but has now confirmed he is sticking to his 2005 resolution to quit acting.

He says, "I thought long and hard about it, and if anything could have pulled me out of retirement it would have been an Indiana Jones film.

"I love working with Steven and George, and it goes without saying that it is an honor to have Harrison as my son. But in the end, retirement is just too damned much fun."

Elsewhere, John Hurt has been added to the cast. It is unclear what character the veteran star will play, but he is joining Ford, Shia LaBeouf, Cate Blanchett and Ray Winstone on the movie.

Connery adds, "This is a remarkable cast, and I can only say, 'Break a leg, everyone.' I'll see you at the theatre."

Bruce Willis Eyes Fifth Die Hard

2007-06-11T12:32:00.000-07:00

Starpulse Movie News has the details:

Bruce Willis is already considering making another Die Hard film, just weeks before the third sequel hits cinemas. The 52-year-old is so pleased with Live Free Or Die Hard - which is being released internationally as Die Hard 4.0 - he wants to make another movie, but only if director Len Wiseman is on board.

He says, "Fox is already talking about another one. I told them I'd only do it if Len is involved."

Al Pacino Receives American Film Institute'S Life Achievement Award At Los Angeles Ceremony

2007-06-11T12:31:00.000-07:00

Again this in from Star Pulse Movie News:

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Al Pacino made grand speeches on screen as Michael Corleone and Tony Montana. But when the actor was honored with the American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award, he was practically speechless.

''I need a character,'' the 67-year-old actor said, overwhelmed with emotion. ''I don't think of myself as being able to do anything.''

Pacino didn't have to say much, though. A host of Hollywood heavyweights - including Oliver Stone, Kirk Douglas, Andy Garcia and Robin Williams - did most of the talking when Pacino was presented his award Thursday at the Kodak theater.

''The depth of your artistry is only more overwhelmed by the generosity of your spirit and your warmth,'' said Garcia, who worked with Pacino on The Godfather: Part III' ''You're Van Gogh. You're Modigliani. That's who you are.''

The three-hour dinner program, set to air June 19 on the USA network, featured clips from Pacino's most famous films, including The Godfather, Scarface, Dog Day Afternoon, Serpico and Scent of a Woman.

''Seeing my life in the movies, I have one question,'' Pacino said. ''And that is: Why aren't I in rehab?''

Growing up in New York, Pacino discovered acting at an early age.

''By age 3, I was doing Al Jolson,'' he said. ''I found, in the theater, this place I could go to. I found this peace.''

The two-time Tony Award winner has been nominated for eight Academy Awards. He won for his role as Lt. Col. Frank Slade in the 1992 film ''Scent of a Woman.''

He was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996 by the Independent Feature Project. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association presented Pacino with its Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes ceremony in 2001.

Pacino's sister, Roberta, said her brother always loved performing. She was on hand Thursday to celebrate his career, which has spanned nearly four decades.

''He's one of the greatest artists who ever lived, according to me,'' she said.

Oscar-winner Jamie Foxx, who worked with Pacino on Any Given Sunday, called him ''the greatest actor in the world.''

Stone, who wrote 1983's ''Scarface,'' lauded the actor's ''wicked sense of humor'' and ''great, if misunderstood, heart.''

''It is with great love and respect that I say goodnight to the bad guy,'' he said, recalling one of Pacino's famous ''Scarface'' lines.

The program also included tributes to Jack Valenti, who died April 26, and AFI chief executive Jean Picker Firstenberg, who is set to retire this year.

Pacino is the 35th recipient of the AFI Life Achievement Award. Past honorees include Sean Connery, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Elizabeth Taylor, Alfred Hitchcock, Bette Davis and Jack Nicholson.

'Fantastic Four' Director Signs On For Another Comic Book Adaptation

2007-06-11T12:28:00.000-07:00

Coming in from Star Pulse Movie News:

Fantastic Four director Tim Story is returning to comic-book inspiration for his latest silver screen venture, "Losers." The movie, based on the DC Comics adventures, charts a highly trained Special Operations team which is set up, betrayed and left for dead. Its members go on a quest for vengeance, righting wrongs they encounter along the way.

Although Story admits he had slightly grittier ambitions for his next film, the movie maker concedes the tale immediately charmed him.

He says, "I told my agents I didn't want to do another comic book. I had been in the world of fantasy and I wanted to do something very edgy, a realist action movie. I wanted to find something like a Bourne Identity or Black Hawk Down."

He jokes of reading the script for the first time: "I was like, this is great - and then I found out it was a comic book..."
Casting for the project is already underway.

Indiana Jones 4 Coming to Deming, NM

2007-06-11T12:26:00.000-07:00

Again in from comingsoon.net:

The Las Cruces Sun-News has published two articles (here and here) on the upcoming Indiana Jones 4 filming coming to Deming, New Mexico. Here's a bit from the first article:

The fourth installment of the "Indiana Jones" series will film some scenes in Deming. The working title is: "Indiana Jones and the City of the Gods."

An area outside Deming will be transformed through Hollywood magic into Morocco.

Folks who work in the technical side of the film business have been in Deming for weeks. A building at the former air strip in Deming has been painted blue, with a USAF insignia and the words "Home Of The Fighter Pilot" painted on an outside wall. In addition, WWII Air Force vehicles are parked nearby.

Zwart Directing The Pink Panther 2

2007-06-11T12:23:00.000-07:00

This in from comingsoon.net:

Harald Zwart (Agent Cody Banks, One Night at McCool's) will direct The Pink Panther 2 for Columbia Pictures and MGM. The film is eyeing an August start date.

Steve Martin will reprise his role as the bumbling Inspector Jacques Clouseau in the modern-day farce. Scott Neustadter and Michael Weber wrote the screenplay, which follows the continuing adventures of the French detective.

In January, Sony tapped veteran comedy screenwriters Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel to rewrite the sequel.

Robert Simonds is producing, and Shawn Levy, who directed the most recent "Pink Panther," is executive producing.

Mutant Prof Turns Venetian "Merchant"

2007-06-05T13:06:00.000-07:00

This in from Dark Horizons:

Actor Patrick Stewart ("X-Men," "Star Trek: The Next Generation") will reteam with scribe John Logan ("Star Trek: Nemesis," "The Aviator," The Last Samurai," Gladiator") for a new adaptation of Shakespeare's classic "The Merchant Of Venice".

Stewart will produce and star in a version set in 20th century Las Vegas. Logan hated the play but Stewart spent time "arguing the contrary" according to The Argus.

At that point Stewart says "He said, Would you like it if I started working on a screen project for nothing?' He earns about $2 million a project, so I thought it was a decent offer. It is a startling way of doing the play; it is about money and sex and love and corruption."

Four Sammy Davis Jr. Movies Are On The Way

2007-06-05T13:04:00.000-07:00

This also in from Star Pulse Movie News:

Late actor/singer Sammy Davis Jr. is the subject of no less than four upcoming movies. The life of Rat Pack legend Davis Jr., who died from throat cancer in 1990 at the age of 64, will form the basis of two biopics, one movie about his romance with actress Kim Novak, and one feature-length documentary.

One biopic is being brought to the big screen by his widow Altovise Davis and is based on his 1965 memoirs "Yes, I Can." A rival biopic has also finally been given the go ahead, following negotiations with the Davis estate, and is based on his second set of memoirs, 1989's "Why Me?" That film is being produced by Chicago filmmakers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron.

Elsewhere, according to The New York Times, a feature documentary is being made based on "Yes, I Can," while music promo director Earle Sebastian is teaming up with rapper Damon Dash to shoot "Sammy and Kim," about Davis's controversial inter-racial relationship with Novak.

Classic 'Godzilla' Monster Movies On DVD June 5

2007-06-05T13:00:00.000-07:00

This in from Star Pulse Movie News:

On June 5, Classic Media and Genius Products will release two more classic Godzilla movies on DVD, Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster and Invasion of Astro-Monster (originally titled Godzilla vs. Monster Zero in the U.S.). Each title includes both the original Japanese and US versions of films.

Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster mixes giant-monster action, paranormal mystery and James Bond-style intrigue for one of the most exciting and beloved entries in Toho's long-running Godzilla series. Classic Media presents the film in both the original Japanese-language version (1964) in glorious Toho Scope, and the re-edited U.S. version (1965).

A prophetess from Venus foretells cataclysmic disasters! Godzilla, Mothra and Rodan reappear in Japan, wreaking havoc! A giant meteor crashes into the mountains and the three-headed, fire-spitting space dragon King Ghidorah emerges! As the Venusian's prophecies come true, assassins from a tiny Asian kingdom hunt her down, while the Earth monsters must decide whether to settle their petty differences and join forces against the extraterrestrial enemy!

Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster Bonus Features:

-Audio Commentary by David Kalat
-Eiji Tsuburaya Biography featurette
-Original Japanese Trailer
-Poster Slide Show
-Image Gallery

Invasion of Astro-Monster aka Godzilla vs. Monster Zero
Aliens from Planet X borrow our monsters for a little extermination project, but they've got something else up their sleeves: world domination! Using mind-control technology, these vinyl-and-sunglasses wearing spacemen turn Godzilla, Rodan and King Ghidorah loose in Japan, demanding Earth's surrender! It's up to American astronaut F. Glenn, his galaxy-trotting buddy Fuji, and nerdy inventor Tetsuo to break the aliens' hold on the monsters and save our planet from certain doom.

Invasion of Astro-Monster represents the pinnacle of Toho's monster cinema, with an all-star cast featuring Nick Adams (The Rebel), Akira Takarada (the original Godzilla) and Kumi Mizuno as alien temptress Namikawa, plus a cavalcade of amazing retro-riffic special effects. The original, un-cut Japanese version was released in 1965. The English-dubbed, US version was released in 1970 as Godzilla vs. Monster Zero.

Invasion of Astro-Monster/Godzilla vs. Monster Zero Bonus Features:

-Audio Commentary by Stuart Galbraith IV
-Tomoyuki Tanaka Biography featurette
-Original Japanese Trailer
-Poster Slide Show
-Image Gallery

Indiana Jones 4 Casting Call!

2007-06-05T12:59:00.000-07:00

Again this in from comingsoon.net:

SpielbergFilms.com reports that there will be a casting call for Indiana Jones 4 in New Haven, Connecticut on June 11 and June 12:

The production is holding an open casting call for extras to appear in a sequence where Indy tears through campus on a motorcycle (along Chapel Street in New Haven). The call, organized by Billy Dowd Casting, will be held on Monday, June 11 and Tuesday, June 12 at the Omni Hotel at Yale between 1 p.m.-9 p.m. both days.

For more details, hit the link above. The production will film in New Haven between June 28 and July 7.

Speed Racer: Hi-Res Mach 5 Photo!

2007-06-05T12:54:00.000-07:00

This in from comingsoon.net:

Warner Bros. Pictures sent ComingSoon.net/Superhero Hype! the following press release on Speed Racer, along with a high resolution version of the Mach 5 pic...

From writer/directors Larry and Andy Wachowski, the creators of the groundbreaking "The Matrix" trilogy, and producer Joel Silver comes the live-action, high-octane family adventure "Speed Racer."

Hurtling down the track, careening around, over and through the competition, Speed Racer (Emile Hirsch) is a natural behind the wheel. Born to race cars, Speed is aggressive, instinctive and, most of all, fearless. His only real competition is the memory of the brother he idolized—the legendary Rex Racer—whose death in a race has left behind a legacy that Speed is driven to fulfill.

Speed is loyal to the family racing business, led by his father, Pops Racer (John Goodman), the designer of Speed's thundering Mach 5. When Speed turns down a lucrative and tempting offer from Royalton Industries, he not only infuriates the company's maniacal owner (Roger Allam) but uncovers a terrible secret—some of the biggest races are being fixed by a handful of ruthless moguls who manipulate the top drivers to boost profits. If Speed won't drive for Royalton, Royalton will see to it that the Mach 5 never crosses another finish line.

The only way for Speed to save his family's business and the sport he loves is to beat Royalton at his own game. With the support of his family and his loyal girlfriend, Trixie (Christina Ricci), Speed teams with his one-time rival—the mysterious Racer X (Matthew Fox)—to win the race that had taken his brother's life: the death-defying, cross-country rally known as The Crucible.

Slated for release on May 9, 2008, "Speed Racer" marks the Wachowski brothers' first writing/directing collaboration since "The Matrix" movies. Joel Silver, who previously worked with the Wachowskis on "The Matrix" movies and "V For Vendetta," is producing the film under his Silver Pictures banner.

The film stars Emile Hirsch ("Alpha Dog") as Speed, Christina Ricci ("Black Snake Moan") as Trixie, Matthew Fox (TV's "Lost") as Racer X, and Oscar winner Susan Sarandon ("Dead Man Walking") and John Goodman ("Evan Almighty") as Mom and Pops Racer. Rounding out the main cast are Australian actor Kick Gurry ("Spartan") as Sparky; Paulie Litt (TV's "Hope & Faith") as Sprittle; Roger Allam ("The Queen," "V For Vendetta") as Royalton; and Asian music star Ji Hoon Jung (popularly known as Rain), making his major feature film debut as a rival driver.

Based on the classic series created by anime pioneer Tatsuo Yoshida, the live-action "Speed Racer" will showcase the kind of revolutionary visual effects and cutting-edge storytelling that have become the benchmarks of the Wachowski brothers' films.

"Speed Racer" is a Warner Bros. Pictures presentation, in association with Village Roadshow Pictures, of a Silver Pictures Production.

Blanchett Is A Naughty Commie

2007-05-28T12:02:00.000-07:00

This comes in from Dark Horizons:

There's something about evil blond vixens that make for good adventure movies. Indiana Jones tousled with a treacherous one in his last film, and now he may be doing so again it seems. Though this time, she's an Oscar winner.

The IESB reports that Cate Blanchett's role in the upcoming "Indiana Jones IV" may NOT be that of the love interest as many are expecting, but rather the antagonist. The article confirms most of the recent talk of the film involving Cold War-era Russians, Area 51, aliens, thirteen crystal skulls, Inca/Mayan pyramids & temples, the return of Karen Allen, a son. What they add is that Blanchett's role will be that of a villain in cahoots with the Russians.

Meanwhile a complete breakdown of what's entailed in the shooting taking place in New Haven, Conneticut is up at the local news site and confirms other details such as the film's 1957 setting and what's entailed - "Professor Ford gets pursued by bad guys in black sedans through the Yale campus, up to athletic fields, where he may just catch a football for a moment of lighthearted shtick."

In other news, Freeze Dried Movies has learned that sets have already begun to be built right between the Psycho house and the disaster set from "War of the Worlds" on the Universal Studios lot in Universal City, California.

The Good Side Triumphs, Yoda Tops Darth Vader In Stamp Voting

2007-05-28T12:00:00.000-07:00

Last bit of news from Star Pulse Movie News this week:

WASHINGTON (AP) - The force is with him! Yoda defeated Darth Vader in voting to choose which ''Star Wars'' character would get a stamp released independently of the group featuring his co-stars, the Postal Service said Friday.

With about half a million votes cast, the diminutive force for good topped the evil Lord Vader by about 10,000 votes, according to postal officials.

A set of 15 stamps marking the 30th anniversary of ''Star Wars'' went on sale Friday at ceremonies in Hollywood. The Postal Service asked the public to vote on which of the 15 would also be issued independently.

Sylvester Stallone Thinks 'Rambo III' Was Terrible

2007-05-28T11:59:00.000-07:00

Again coming from Star Pulse Movie News:

Sylvester Stallone has slammed the last Rambo film - branding it "terrible." The tough guy actor, who is reprising his John Rambo role in a forthcoming blockbuster, admits he initially thought 1988's Rambo III was a great film but now concedes it is below par.

He explains, "The last Rambo film had too much action and no story. It was terrible. Back then, I thought it was brilliant. Now I think: 'What a crock of crap this is.'"

Nicolas Cage Pulls Out Of 'Untouchables' Prequel

2007-05-28T11:57:00.000-07:00

Again this in from Star Pulse Movie News:

Gerard Butler will take on fellow Scot Sean Connery's role in the prequel to The Untouchables, but he won't be starring alongside Nicolas Cage. Cage was slated to play gangster Al Capone in Brian De Palma's film, but has pulled out due to scheduling conflicts.

The 1987 original starred Connery, Kevin Costner and Andy Garcia, with Robert De Niro as Capone.

Eva Mendes Needed A Drink For Sex Scene

2007-05-28T11:54:00.000-07:00

This in from Star Pulse Movie News:

Actress Eva Mendes needed a cocktail to calm her nerves before shooting a steamy nude sex scene with Joaquin Phoenix. The Cuban American peeled off on film for the first time for the scene in We Own The Night.

Speaking at the Cannes Film Festival, 33-year-old Mendes says, "I wasn't comfortable at all. They were very sweet and they poured me a vodka and orange juice and then I was fine, I'm very professional and I don't usually drink on the job but that morning I had a little vodka and OJ."

Knightley to Play Princess Diana?

2007-05-28T11:52:00.000-07:00

This coming in from hollywood.com:

HOLLYWOOD - Actress Keira Knightley is being lined up to play Diana, Princess of Wales in a movie based on the late British royal's life.

A controversial book, Diana and the Paparazzi, was at the center of a bidding war at this year's Cannes Film Festival in France.

Film producer Quentin Reynolds, who is bidding for the rights, hopes the movie adaptation will be as popular at the box office as The Queen, which won Helen Mirren a Best Actress Oscar.

He says, "Already the word in Hollywood is 'get Knightley.' It's a story that has everything: pathos, tragedy, comedy, adventure...and Princess Diana.

"For every pound The Queen makes, a film about Diana will make ten."

Family Guy to Retell Star Wars: Episode IV

2007-05-28T11:50:00.000-07:00

This again in from comingsoon.net:

Fox's animated hit "Family Guy" will kick off its fifth season this September with an hourlong episode that retells the "Star Wars" saga using "Family Guy" characters.

Variety says Lucasfilm has blessed the event, which will have the Griffin family acting out all the key scenes and narrative from Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope. "Family Guy" creator Seth MacFarlane is a major "Star Wars" fan and was personally involved in getting Lucasfilm on board.

Not surprisingly, family patriarch Peter Griffin will play the role of Han Solo, while mom Lois will appear as Princess Leia. Evil baby Stewie will be Darth Vader, natch.

Brian the family dog will serve as Chewbacca, while son Chris is Luke. Robots R2-D2 and C-3PO will be handled by Cleveland and Quagmire, respectively, while creepy old guy Herbert gets the Obi- Wan character.

The plot of the episode has the Griffin family stuck at home during a blackout. With no TV to entertain them, Peter decides to tell a story --- leading to the "Star Wars" flashback.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Trailer!

2007-05-28T11:48:00.000-07:00

This comes in from our friends at comingsoon.net:

The new StarWars.com has revealed a first look at the trailer for the upcoming CG animated series, "Star Wars: The Clone Wars." Click here to check it out!

Disney's 'Pirates' Rule the Global Box Office With Biggest Opening of All Time; Film's Unprecedented Booty Of $401 Million Is a New Industry Record

2007-05-28T11:47:00.000-07:00

Domestic Tally of $156 Million Anchors Memorial Day Weekend Record
Six-Day International Tally of $245 Million Sets New Record

BURBANK, Calif., May 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Walt Disney Pictures'
epic adventure, "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End," from Jerry
Bruckheimer Films, landed in the global box office record books and laid
claim to the biggest opening in industry history, with an unprecedented
gross of $401,000,000 in its first six days of release, it was announced
today by Mark Zoradi, president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture
Marketing and Distribution. This figure surpasses the previous record of
$382 million set by the six-day opening of "Spiderman 3" earlier this year.
"Pirates" continues to please audiences around the world with exceptionally
strong exit polls.
Domestically, "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" raised its
weekend estimate to $156 million (including Thursday night showings). The
film set a new record for the four-day Memorial Day Weekend with its gross
of $142 million (including Monday estimates), surpassing the previous high
of $122.8 million set by "X-Men: The Last Stand" in 2006.
At the international box office, Disney's latest "Pirates" adventure
shattered records from Russia to Japan with its phenomenal $245 million
cume through Monday (including Monday estimates). The film had
record-breaking openings (figures are through Sunday) in their respective
markets in the following countries: Korea ($18.4 million), Japan ($15.9
million; US Productions only), Russia ($13.7 million), Spain ($11.6
million), Taiwan ($4.5 million) and Netherlands ($2.8 million). It also set
new Walt Disney Studio records in the U.K. ($26.6 million), France ($17.7
million), Germany ($16.8 million) and Australia ($9.9 million). With its
six-day tally of $245 million, "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End"
has set a new international record that surpasses the previous six-day high
of $232 million set by "Spiderman 3" a few weeks ago. "Pirates" still has a
few markets yet to open including China and India.
Commenting on the announcement, Zoradi said, "We knew that audiences
all over the world were excited to see Johnny Depp and the rest of the
fantastic 'Pirates' cast in this latest adventure, but this record-setting
response at the global box office has been nothing short of incredible.
'Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End' now has the distinction of
having the biggest opening in movie history, and we're extremely proud of
that achievement. Credit goes to the multitude of talent both in front of
and behind the camera. Jerry Bruckheimer, Gore Verbinski and their
exceptional teams as well as the creative minds of writers Ted Elliott and
Terry Rossio have proven to be the perfect recipe for success."
"Pirates" which rolled out on over 29,000 screens worldwide, showed on
a record number of digital screens both domestically (1,064) and
internationally (414) bringing the global total to 1,478. The film has
already become the Studio's 54th release to join the $100 million club
internationally and the 53rd film to reach the $100 million plateau
domestically -- unprecedented in the industry.
"Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" picks up where the record-
breaking 2006 smash hit left off, with our heroes Will Turner (Orlando
Bloom) and Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) allied with Captain Barbossa
(Geoffrey Rush) in a desperate quest to free Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny
Depp) from his mind-bending trap in Davy Jones' locker. With the terrifying
ghost ship, The Flying Dutchman, and its commander Davy Jones under the
control of the East India Trading Company, there is havoc on the Seven
Seas. Navigating through treachery, betrayal and wild waters, the heroic
trio must forge their way to exotic Singapore and confront the cunning
Pirate Sao Feng (Chow Yun-Fat). Now headed beyond the very ends of the
earth, each must ultimately choose a side in a final titanic battle -- as
not only their lives and fortunes, but the entire future of the
freedom-loving Pirate way hangs in the balance.

'Star Wars' 30th anniversary marathon is under way

2007-05-23T18:24:00.001-07:00

This comes in from news.com:

If you're a serious Star Wars fan and you're in Southern California, your street cred is on the line if you don't get your kiester down to the Los Angeles Convention Center. Stat.

That's because, the Associated Press reports, beginning this morning and going through around 2 a.m. Thursday, all six Star Wars films will be showing there.

Ah, George Lucas and his creative mind. Bless his heart.

The marathon is part of the 30th anniversary Star Wars Celebration IV, which kicks off Thursday and runs through the weekend at the Convention Center.

Thursday is for members of the official Star Wars fan club only, but beginning Friday, the event is open to the public, and organizers are expecting as many as 30,000 attendees.

New 'Pirates of the Caribbean Movie' Sets Sail With 83 Percent of All Ticket Sales on Fandango

2007-05-22T12:35:00.000-07:00

At World's End' Is Selling Three Times as Many Advance Tickets as 'Dead
Man's Chest'

As a strong indicator of fan
anticipation for Thursday night's opening of "Pirates of the Caribbean: At
World's End," the film's advance ticket sales are swelling on Fandango, the
nation's leading moviegoer destination.
Fandango is reporting that "Pirates 3" is currently:

* Selling three times as many tickets as last year's "Pirates of the
Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest," at the same point in the films'
respective sales cycles on Fandango (as of May 22, 11:00 a.m. PT);
* Accounting for 83 percent of all weekly ticket sales on
http://www.fandango.com (as of May 22, 11:00 a.m. PT).
In an online poll, Fandango asked "Pirates" moviegoers about their
interest in the film. Among the results:
* 75 percent of interested ticket-buyers are female.
* Nearly 50 percent of interested ticket-buyers are under 25.
* 72 percent of respondents list Johnny Depp's performance as Captain
Jack Sparrow as the number one reason they are planning to see "At
World's End."
* 93 percent say they would not consider buying a ticket to a fourth
"Pirates" movie without Johnny Depp in it.
* 85 percent say they are not influenced by critics' reviews when they
decide what movies to see during the summer.
* 91 percent said they would like to vacation at one of the filming
locations featured in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies.
As part of its "Pirates" offerings, Fandango is also giving filmgoers
the chance to win a Pirates' adventure to the British Virgin Islands,
courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures' "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's
End," The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board, and Purple Pineapple
Villas. The last day to enter the sweepstakes is Thursday, May 31 and entry
information can be found at http://www.fandango.com/summermovies.
Fandango has recently added new features to its site so that it
continues to be the leading movie destination on the Web. Among the
additions are more extensive content in the form of commentator articles,
blogs and interviews, expanded user ratings and reviews, and easily
browsable collections of movie trailers, clips and photos. Not changed is
Fandango's user-friendly interface for showtimes and tickets.

Bond Director & Indy Plot Rumors

2007-05-21T14:30:00.000-07:00

This comes in from Dark Horizons:

Latino Review reports that Marc Forster, Tony Scott, Alex Proyas and Jonathan Mostow are the alleged frontrunners to direct the next James Bond film it seems.

Of the four they say Forster ("Monster's Ball," "Finding Neverland") is the front runner. Have to admit either him or Proyas ("I Robot," "Dark City") seem the best choice, but none of them particularly sit just right.

Meanwhile a source for CHUD says that the opening action scene of the upcoming "Indiana Jones IV" will pit Dr. Jones against Russians agents in Area 51. Seems much of the story will delve from Erich von Däniken's 1968 novel Chariots of the Gods?" which centers on the theory that many ancient civilizations' technologies and religion were given to them by space travelers who were welcomed as gods.

LaBeouf will apparently play a 50's guy thrown together with Indy who only later discovers that they're related. Crystal skulls are also said to play a key component.

Daniel Craig Lands Role As Fool

2007-05-21T14:28:00.002-07:00

Also in from Star Pulse Movie News:

Daniel Craig will play an unpopular British Hollywood actor in a new movie. Craig will take on the role as a failed 40-something actor in Flashbacks Of A Fool which also features fellow British stars Helen McCrory, Olivia Williams and Emilia Fox.

The cast for the film was announced at the Cannes Film Festival in France. Filming begins in South Africa and London later this month.

Darth Vader Actor David Prowse Seeks George Lucas Reconciliation

2007-05-21T14:28:00.001-07:00

This in from Star Pulse Movie News:

The actor who played Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy is hoping a film convention this week will see him reconcile with franchise creator George Lucas. David Prowse, who played the man in black but not his famous voice, has endured a bitter 24-year feud with the moviemaker after allegedly leaking Return Of The Jedi plot details to the press in 1983.

However Prowse, who insists he's innocent, hopes the latest Star Wars convention in Los Angeles will give him the chance to rekindle a friendship with Lucas.

The 71-year-old says, "He (Lucas) believed I had revealed to the press that Darth Vader was going to die in the film. But I didn't even know my character was going to be killed off.

"He hasn't spoken to me since. I was ostracized on the movie and wasn't invited to the premiere.

"But I will be at the same Star Wars convention as George in America and I would like to speak to him again. I certainly don't hold any grudges."

The Dark Knight's Joker Revealed!

2007-05-21T14:23:00.000-07:00

Comingsoon.net has this monster exclusive on what the Joker is going to look like in the upcoming sequel to Batman Begins:

If you've been following the progress at IBelieveinHarveyDentToo.com (details here), you'll know that the first photo of Heath Ledger as The Joker was slowly being revealed as more and more people entered their e-mails. The photo has now been completely uncovered and can be seen below! The Dark Knight hits theaters on July 18, 2008.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Poster!

2007-05-21T14:21:00.000-07:00

This in from comingsoon.net:

Lucasfilm has revealed this first first look at "Star Wars: The Clone Wars," the upcoming CG-animated TV series, in the form of a poster promoting Celebration IV.

Fans at Celebration IV (L.A. Convention Center, May 24 to May 28) will get a behind-the-scenes look at the show. Producer Catherine Winder and Director Dave Filoni will be on hand to discuss the making of the series. "The Clone Wars" panel will run three times on Sunday, May 27 in the Celebration Theater (Room 408AB), at 10:30 am; 12 noon and 1:30 pm. Check the on-site schedule at the event for any changes.

The first video glimpse of John Rambo

2007-05-19T18:33:00.000-07:00

Well the first trailer for the upcoming Rambo movie: John Rambo has come online and from the preview it looks like John is going to wreak havoc in the Summer of 2008.

***Please note that this trailer is really graphic and is not intended for a younger audience.

Bello Replaces Weisz On "Mummy"

2007-05-14T12:01:00.000-07:00

Also in from Dark Horizons:

Maria Bello ("A History of Violence," Coyote Ugly") will replace Rachel Weisz in the third installment of Universal Pictures "The Mummy" reports Variety.

Bello will takeover Weisz' role of Evelyn Carnahan O'Connell. Brendan Fraser, Luke Ford, Jet Li and Michelle Yeoh are already set to star in the Rob Cohen-directed film.

Scripted by "Smallville" creators Miles Millar and Alfred Gough, the film brings the O'Connells and their full-grown son (Ford) to the forbidden tombs of China and the Himalayas, where they battle a shape-shifting mummy, a former Chinese emperor (Li) cursed by a wizard (Yeoh).

"Transformers" Testing Very High

2007-05-14T12:00:00.000-07:00

Dark Horizons reports on the upcoming Transformers film:

A test screening of the final cut of Michael Bay's Transformers tested incredibly high according to one of the producers.

Tom DeSanto, one of the few people you'll find at a comic convention with the muscles to pull off a Superman outfit, told Rotten Tomatoes that "[It tested] higher than any other of Michael [Bay]'s movies. It's good, everybody's excited. It's a great time right now because in a summer of sequels, we're going to be bringing something new to the table."

Talk emerged recently that they might have had to change the ending of the film, a claim DeSanto denies - "It's one ending. It's one story. It's a beginning, middle and end. The ending works. It's great too because yeah, there's going to be giant robots but there's romance in there and Shia has a real emotional storyline that at the end, you're really rooting for him."

Finally comes the other big question, the runtime? Surprisingly "just about two [hours]."

'Simpsons' Parody Infuriates Fox

2007-05-14T11:57:00.000-07:00

In from Hollywood.com:

HOLLYWOOD - An internet parody of The Simpsons featuring O.J. Simpson has infuriated bosses at 20th Century Fox.

The studio has asked online video site Broadcaster.com to take down three animated clips, titled The OJ Simpsons, that re-imagine the series with the ex-American footballer.

The three clips are titled Black and White Christmas, Warzone and If I Did It--which features Fox's decision to withdraw publication of Simpson's proposed book about the murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman.

The clips also parody the opening scene of The Simpsons, with Simpson being chased by several police cars - just like he was chased live TV in the US, after the pair were found dead in Los Angeles in June 1994. Simpson was later found not guilty of the murders.

The Web site offered to review the clips, but claim parodies are protected by fair-use doctrine. Chief-executive Martin Wade said: "We respect the rights of content owners.

"Our goal is to be a respecter of content rights and at the same time find legal ways to bring our community members the content they enjoy."

Bruce Willis Made 'Die Hard' Character A Non-Smoker

2007-05-14T11:56:00.000-07:00

In the last bit of news from Star Pulse Movie News this week:

Bruce Willis insisted his hard-living Die Hard character not smoke in the action franchise's latest sequel, because he was worried he'd encourage impressionable youngsters to take up the habit.

Willis' returns as police officer John McClane for a fourth time in the upcoming Live Free Or Die Hard, but made filmmakers write out his character's love of cigarettes.

The actor says, "It's just a nasty habit. I didn't want to feel responsible for any kid smoking to try to look cool because he thought I looked cool doing it."

Keira Knightley Vows To Keep Clothes On In Films

2007-05-14T11:54:00.000-07:00

Star Pulse Movie News reports:

Keira Knightley has called for an end to nudity in her movies because she fears fans will get sick of seeing her without any clothes on. The star, who admits she has no qualms about appearing naked, worries any more scantily-clad roles may be off-putting for moviegoers.

She says, "I don't mind stripping off. I have certain tools. One of them is my body. But people will insist I keep my clothes on soon."

George Lucas Writes Sean Connery Into 'Indy 4' Script

2007-05-14T11:53:00.000-07:00

Again coming from Star Pulse Movie News:

George Lucas is so desperate to enlist Sean Connery in the new Indiana Jones film, he's written him into the script without the actor yet agreeing to appear in the movie.

Lucas, who has secured Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett and Shia Labeouf for the series' fourth installment, is willing to rewrite the story if Connery refuses to reprise his role from 1989s Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade, but is hoping he can convince the actor to star in the much anticipated sequel.

Lucas, 62, says, "We have a script with him in it. "If he doesn't do it, we'll do a quick rewrite."

Rumors of Connery's return as the fictional adventurer's father, Henry Jones, have been rife since the film went into pre-production in January.

'Point Break' Sequel Announced

2007-05-14T11:51:00.000-07:00

Coming in from Star Pulse Movie News:

Patrick Swayze is ready to don his wetsuit again - he will reprise his surfboarding gang boss role in a Point Break sequel. The 1991 thriller also starred Keanu Reeves, but it's doubtful The Matrix star will appear in the follow up.

The new movie - which will follow an ex-professional surfer sent to track down a criminal gang - will be set in south east Asia, and will be directed by the writer of the original film, Peter Iliff.

He tells Moviehole.com, "I would like to return to Point Break because it represents my career coming full circle. The original was the first movie I ever wrote, the sequel would be my first ever directorial effort."

Nicolas Cage to Play Al Capone

2007-05-14T11:49:00.000-07:00

Once more comingsoon.net has the details:

MTV reports that Nicolas Cage will reteam with Snake Eyes director Brian DePalma for The Untouchables: Capone Rising.

Cage will play a younger version of Al Capone, the character made famous by Robert De Niro. "Capone Rising" is a prequel to DePalma's 1987 classic The Untouchables, and will revolve around the early dealings between Capone and Irish cop Jimmy Malone, a role that garnered an Oscar for Sean Connery.

Principal photography will begin in October.

The Dark Knight Teaser Page Up

2007-05-14T11:47:00.000-07:00

Again coming in from comingsoon.net:

Warner Bros. Pictures has brought online a teaser page for director Christopher Nolan's highly-anticipated Batman Begins follow-up, The Dark Knight, opening July 18, 2008. The site currently has a photo of the Batman logo. The film stars Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Eric Roberts.

Click here to check it out.

ILM & Skywalker Sound to Forge Iron Man

2007-05-14T11:46:00.000-07:00

In from comingsoon.net:

Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), a division of Lucasfilm Ltd. announced today that it has come on board as the principle visual effects house on the new Marvel Studios production of Iron Man. Sister company Skywalker Sound, which houses EFILM's northern California outpost, completes the post production triumvirate. Skywalker Sound will handle sound design and mix duties for the film.

Marvel Studios' big screen adaptation of Marvel's legendary Super Hero Iron Man, will launch into theaters on May 2, 2008. Oscar ® nominee Robert Downey, Jr. stars as Tony Stark/ Iron Man in the story of a billionaire industrialist and genius inventor who is kidnapped and forced to build a devastating weapon. Instead, using his intelligence and ingenuity, Tony builds a high-tech suit of armor and escapes captivity. When he uncovers a nefarious plot with global implication, he dons his powerful armor and vows to protect the world as Iron Man. The film also stars Oscar® nominee Terrence Howard, Oscar® winner Gwyneth Paltrow and Oscar® nominee Jeff Bridges and will be directed by Jon Favreau. Paramount Pictures will distribute the film domestically and in various international territories.

"When we first heard the news about Marvel becoming a studio we were very intrigued," explained ILM President Chrissie England. "Marvel has a rich library of fantastic storylines and iconic characters and Kevin Feige is the perfect person to lead them to success. When 'Iron Man' was announced here at ILM the artists started knocking down my door asking to be assigned to the project. We are all thrilled at the opportunity to work on this film and equally excited for our new relationship with Marvel."

"This is also a great script, with new and challenging work, which is just the way we like it here," added Visual Effects Supervisor Ben Snow ("Star Wars: Episode II," King Kong) who is heading up the ILM team with Oscar winning Animation Supervisor Hal Hickel ("Pirates of the Caribbean" 1, 2, 3). Wayne Billheimer is producing for ILM, with Gretchen Libby as ILM's Executive Producer on the project.

"We are thrilled to partner with Industrial Light & Magic on 'Iron Man.' Their resume speaks for itself, and the visual effects expertise they bring to this project fit perfectly with the high-tech look and feel of this film. Through this collaborative effort, we look forward to providing movie-goers the high-action, visually compelling entertainment they expect from the Marvel brand," said Kevin Feige, President of Production, Marvel Studios.

Marvel's SVP of Post Production, Charlie Davis elaborates, "The post production process on a movie of this scope is always very complex and having ILM create the Visual effects, Skywalker Sound design and mix the sound, and E-film digital color time the picture all in close proximity up in San Francisco is the best of all worlds come together."

Touting a new relationship with EFILM at the Ranch, Skywalker Sound's VP and general manager Glenn Kiser stated, "Because of EFILM's DI suite at the Ranch, our clients can now finish sound and picture at the same time under one roof. At Skywalker, we've always coupled the best creative talent with top technology, and we're looking forward to showing off our best work on 'Iron Man.' We can't wait to have Jon Favreau and his team in the house." Multiple Oscar winner Chris Boyes ("Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King," Titanic) will tackle sound design and the mix.

Terminator Will Be Back, Without Arnold

2007-05-10T17:27:00.000-07:00

This comes in tonight via Yahoo! Movie News:

Los Angeles (E! Online) - The Terminator is making good on its coming-back word. The Governator, not so much.

The Halcyon Company has announced plans to revive the cyborg-battling movie series with at least three more films, after the production company purchased all rights to the dormant franchise for an undisclosed, though likely eight-figure, sum.

But while Halcyon founders Victor Kubicek and Derek Anderson are looking to begin preproduction on Terminator 4 as soon as possible, they will do so without a leading man. Or man-machine.

Plot details for the fourth film have been kept under tight wraps, though are said to pick up with John Connor, heir to the rebellion, in his thirties, leading the remainder of the human race in its ever-worsening battle against the machines. As the film will mark the beginning of a new trilogy, rather than a continuation of the previous three installments, its unlikely that the Terminator himself,
Arnold Schwarzenegger, will even take part in the film reinvention, other than perhaps a cameo.

Of course, there are other reasons why the Ah-nuld won't be featured on the big screen. He has a bit of a schedule conflict due to matters of a more gubernatorial nature.

T4 has already been fast-tracked for production, with Halcyon looking to get the installment in theaters by summer 2009. As it is, Schwarzenegger will be leading the state of California through 2011.

While a spokeswoman for the governor asserts that "no law says he couldn't" star in the reimagined flick if he wanted to, the project was nonetheless "not even on his radar."

Still, the franchise's new minders aren't worried about extending the brand beyond Arnie.

"With T3, we included many incidental details and plot points that, along with the ain narrative, set the stage for an entirely new set of inter-related stories covering the future adventures of John Connor and the Terminators," producer Moritz Borman said. "This new Terminator trilogy will build upon the already huge worldwide Terminator fan base, which was both revitalized and expanded with the global success of T3."

In fact, T3, along with T2 and, well, plain old T, have grossed just over $1 billion worldwide since Terminator was first released in 1984.

"The Terminator franchise represents by far the most popular and successful franchise not owned by a major studio," Kubicek said. "We see this global franchise as a cornerstone of Halcyon's future business plans."

A very large cornerstone.

In addition to the big-screen cyborg saga, the company snapped up all future merchandising and licensing rights to the franchise, future revenue generated by T3: Rise of the Machines and a portion of the rights to an almost guaranteed TV series based on the films.

Warner Bros. has already filmed a pilot for The
Sarah Connor Chronicles, an hourlong show based around the Terminator character and mythology surrounding the movies. According to Variety, Fox has already expressed interest in the project, and could opt to pick up the series at next week's upfronts, when the fall prime-time schedules are unveiled.

Rush Hour 3 Trailer officially online...

2007-05-07T11:03:00.000-07:00

Check out apple.com/trailers/ for the official trailer for Rush Hour 3 starring Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker.

Smith Visits The Bermuda "Triangle"

2007-05-07T11:01:00.000-07:00

Again this in from Dark Horizons:

Chris Smith ("Severance") has revealed "Triangle" will be his next project - a psychological horror film set on an ocean liner in the Bermuda Triangle.

"it's a movie that will play in time loops, like a character getting stuck in a glitch. That's what the Bermuda Triangle is and this character has to combat her way back" Smith told Shock Til You Drop.

Smith says that he's been working on a script for this film for about four years, and that it is a major step up for him in terms of budget and scale.

Berenger & Biehn Slip On A "Stiletto"

2007-05-07T10:58:00.000-07:00

This in from our friends over at Dark Horizons:

Tom Berenger, Michael Biehn and Stana Katic (NBC's "Heroes") have joined the Nick Vallelonga-helmed crime thriller "Stiletto" currently in production says The Hollywood Reporter.

Katic plays as an assassin whose seemingly random killings puzzle her lover, her clients and the detective following her rising body count. Berenger plays her boyfriend, whose rise in organized crime is offset by his love for her and his Mafia cohort (Biehn).

Paul Sloan ("The Scorpion King") plays the detective and makes his screenwriting debut with the film. Dominique Swain, Kelly Hu, Diane Venora, William Forsythe, Amanda Brooks and Tom Sizemore also star.

'Spider-Man 3' Shatters Box-Office Records With $148 million

2007-05-07T10:56:00.000-07:00

This in from Star Pulse Movie News:

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Spider-Man caught just about everyone in his web. The superhero's latest adventure, Spider-Man 3, smashed box-office records with $148 million in its first three days, according to studio estimates Sunday.

That put it ahead of the previous record debut of $135.6 million set last summer by Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest.

With $59.3 million on opening day Friday, Sony's ''Spider-Man 3'' broke the single-day box-office record, also held by ''Dead Man's Chest'' with $55.8 million in its first day.

Since it began rolling out overseas on Tuesday, ''Spider-Man 3'' has taken in $227 million in foreign markets, bringing the film's worldwide total to $375 million. In just days, the movie has grossed $117 million more than its whopping $258 million production budget.

In just two days, it also nearly matched the $114.8 million opening weekend of 2002's ''Spider-Man,'' which had held the debut record until ''Dead Man's Chest'' opened.

''Spider-Man 3'' reunites director Sam Raimi, who also made the previous two installments, and stars Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst.

''Sam Raimi is a genius,'' said Amy Pascal, Sony Pictures co-chairman. ''I could have never envisioned this. What I was hoping was we would just break the 'Spider-Man 1' record. This is beyond my wildest dream.''

The overall box office soared from ''Spider-Man 3,'' with the top-12 movies taking in $176.6 million, up 77 percent from the same weekend a year ago, when Mission: Impossible III opened with $47.7 million.

''Spider-Man 3'' outdid that movie by $100 million and grossed more in each of its first two days than ''Mission: Impossible III'' did over the full weekend.

Also among the records smashed by ''Spider-Man 3'' was a $4.8 million domestic gross at huge-screen IMAX theaters, topping the previous best of $3.6 million set by ''300'' in March.

Playing in a record 4,252 locations domestically, ''Spider-Man 3'' averaged a whopping $34,807 a theater.

Domestically, ''Spider-Man 3'' could enter its second weekend Friday with $200 million already in the bank. The film has the market largely to itself for the next week and a half, with no major competition arriving until DreamWorks Animation's Shrek the Third arrives May 18.

With Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End and an onslaught of other potential blockbusters following, studio executives predict this could be a record summer for modern Hollywood.

''Spider-Man 3'' packed in enormous crowds that were captive audiences viewing trailers for those upcoming flicks.

''If you could imagine the best kickoff to what could be the biggest summer of all time, this is the scenario,'' said Paul Dergarabedian, president of box-office tracker Media By Numbers. ''This will have a ripple effect on audiences exposed to the marketing for all the other summer films.''

The gap between ''Spider-Man 3'' and the No. 2 movie - DreamWorks and Paramount's Disturbia at $5.7 million _ was larger than any other movie's debut. ''Disturbia,'' which had been No. 1 for three-straight weekends, raised its total to $59.9 million.

The weekend's only other new wide release, the romantic drama Lucky You from Warner Bros., bombed with $2.5 million to come in at No. 6.

Directed by Curtis Hanson (L.A. Confidential), ''Lucky You'' stars Drew Barrymore as a budding Las Vegas singer, Eric Bana as skilled gambler and Robert Duvall as his estranged father in a tale set against the World Series of Poker.

Two critically acclaimed films opened well in limited release.

Fox Searchlight's Waitress, starring Keri Russell as a small-town woman whose flavorful pies are named after the hard knocks in her messy personal life, debuted with $91,470 in four theaters. ''Waitress'' was written and directed by co-star Adrienne Shelly, who was slain in her Manhattan apartment last fall.

Lionsgate's Away From Her, the directing debut of actress Sarah Polley, premiered with $56,000 in four theaters. ''Away From Her'' stars Julie Christie as a woman losing her memory from Alzheimer's and Gordon Pinsent as the devoted husband agonizing over her loss.

Both films expand to more theaters throughout May.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Media By Numbers LLC. Final figures will be released Monday.

1. ''Spider-Man 3,'' $148 million.

2. ''Disturbia,'' $5.7 million.

3. Fracture, $3.4 million.

4. The Invisible, $3.1 million.

5. Next, $2.8 million.

6. ''Lucky You,'' $2.5 million.

7. Meet the Robinsons, $2.46 million.

8. Blades of Glory, $2.3 million.

9. Hot Fuzz, $2.1 million.

10. Are We Done Yet?, $1.7 million.

Spider-Man 3 Shatters IMAX Records

2007-05-07T10:54:00.000-07:00

This comes in to us again from comingsoon.net:

IMAX Corporation and Sony Pictures Entertainment today announced that Columbia Pictures' Spider-Man 3 shattered multiple box office records at IMAX® theatres through its opening weekend, contributing a record-setting $4.8 million of the $148 million that the film grossed at the domestic box office, from May 4, through Sunday, May 6. The picture also broke the record for IMAX's largest single day worldwide total at $2.2 million and posted a remarkable domestic opening weekend per screen average of $57,147. Spider-Man 3 opened on 84 domestic IMAX screens and 34 international IMAX screens, making it the largest opening in IMAX's 40-year history, with a record-breaking worldwide estimated total of $6.3 million. The film's overall worldwide debut total was an estimated $375 million.

"We are ecstatic about the opening results in both traditional theatres as well as IMAX venues," said Rory Bruer, President, Domestic Distribution, Sony Pictures Releasing. "The IMAX release offers fans of Spider-Man another unique and exciting way to experience the film, and we are encouraged by the contribution it has already made to the film's overall box office performance."

"The weekend results from 'Spider-Man 3' didn't just break our previous opening record, they blew it away," said IMAX Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. "Several IMAX theatres were installed to open in time for 'Spider-Man 3,' and we are delighted to see that these theatres are already translating into new IMAX audiences -- which means greater box office returns for the studio and exhibitors."

"You know you have a hit on your hands when theatre operators are adding extra shows and some of our theatres are even staying open 24 hours to keep up with the high consumer demand," added Greg Foster, Chairman and President, IMAX Filmed Entertainment. "Sony Pictures Entertainment, Columbia Pictures and the Spider-Man filmmakers have delivered a history-making blockbuster to the IMAX theatre network, and the high advance IMAX tickets sales for next week gives us great confidence that this film is going to continue to be a significant draw at IMAX locations throughout the Spring."

Spider-Man 3 has been digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience® with proprietary IMAX DMR® (Digital Re-mastering) technology, creating a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie.

Mike Mitchell to Direct Shrek 4

2007-05-07T10:53:00.000-07:00

comingsoon.net has the details on a 4th Shrek film:

Mike Mitchell is in talks to direct Shrek 4 for DreamWorks Animation, says The Hollywood Reporter. Shrek the Third, helmed by Chris Miller and Raman Hui, opens May 18.

Written by Tim Sullivan, the fourth installment will chronicle the continuing adventures of Shrek and friends, which is based on the children's book "Shrek!" written by William Steig and published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Josh Klausner recently penned a rewrite.

DreamWorks Animation's Jeffrey Katzenberg, Bill Damaschke, Kristine Belson and Chris Kuser are overseeing for the studio.

Shrek grossed $484.4 million worldwide, while the second one raked in $920.7 million.

The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles - When? When? WHEN? Rick McCallum Says...

2007-05-01T14:17:00.000-07:00

TV Shows On DVD has just dropped this bombshell:

Young Indy Jones Producer Gives DVD Release Timeframe!

So "Indiana Jones 4" has been in the news a lot lately, especially since it's been confirmed that Even Stevens' Shia LaBeouf has been added to a cast that supposedly includes Cate Blanchett and the rumored return of both Karen Allen and Sean Connery, but not John Rhys-Davies. One of the first sites to say that LaBeouf was for-certain "in" - about a month-and-a-half ago - also said at the same time that the title of the 4th film is Indiana Jones and the City of Gods (a piece of info that other "cool" movie info sites are only just recently picking up on). I say all this to demonstrate that the film is finally getting somewhere, and seems to be on-track for the filming to start in June 07 as planned, with a supposed box office debut of May 22, 2008.

So, by the time that film hits theaters, will we have had a chance to watch Young Indiana Jones TV-DVDs all the way through, including the new historical documentaries being filmed to go along with it? Will the clean-up of the original episodes that George Lucas spoke of be done in time for us to get Young Indy as a nice, fat Christmas present this year? According to a new interview at the Tosche Station website, Rick McCallum, who produced the series, says "yes"!:

You mentioned ”Young Indiana Jones”. When will it finally be released on DVD?

We are hoping that the first set will be released just before Christmas. I’m not sure about the date since Paramount is releasing it. Since Star Wars was finished one of the things we have been doing was making 94 documentaries which will be completed by the end of this month. (editors note: april 2007) These go with the TV series. There is a historical timeline that takes you trough the life of Young Indy and incredible documentaries about the people that he meets. That was a fun and fantastic experience.

Lucas, Hamill reunite for 'Star Wars' spoof

2007-04-30T01:51:00.000-07:00

This comes in from CNN Entertainment News:

LOS ANGELES, California (Hollywood Reporter) -- George Lucas and Mark Hamill will reunite for "Robot Chicken: Star Wars," a 30-minute stop-motion animation special for Adult Swim, Cartoon Network's late-night programming block.

The special spoofs key scenes and favorite characters from the "Star Wars" universe. It was done in collaboration with Lucas' production company Lucasfilm. Lucas, the creator of the "Star Wars" franchise, will voice a cartoon version of himself, and Hamill will resurrect Luke Skywalker.

The special, set to premiere at 10 p.m. on June 17, comes from "Robot Chicken" creators Seth Green and Matthew Senreich. Green directed.

The voice cast also includes Conan O'Brien, Seth MacFarlane, Robert Smigel, Malcolm McDowell, Hulk Hogan, James Van Der Beek, Donald Faison, Abraham Benrubi, Breckin Meyer and Joey Fatone.

The special stems from three "Star Wars" skits on "Robot Chicken," including the popular "Emperor's Phone Call," featuring Darth Vader calling Emperor Palpatine to tell him that the Death Star has been blown up.

*****To read entire article click the link in this article

Former MPAA President Jack Valenti Dies

2007-04-30T01:49:00.000-07:00

This in also from Star Pulse Movie News:

Film industry mogul Jack Valenti has died just two days after he was released from a hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Among many other things, the man is primarily responsible with the now-familiar ratings system that dominates the American movie marketplace.

The former Motion Picture Association Of America (MPAA) President, 85, left Johns Hopkins University Medical Center on Tuesday after suffering a stroke a month ago. But he died yesterday of complications from the stroke at his home in Washington, D.C.

His close friend, director Steven Spielberg, paid tribute to the star for his contribution to the film industry, praising him as a "giant voice of reason" and hailing him as "the greatest ambassador Hollywood has ever known."

Valenti served as an aide to former President Lyndon Johnson for three years from 1963, before beginning a career as a film industry chief with the help of movie moguls Lew Wasserman and Arthur Krim.

He is survived by his wife Mary, and their three children, Courtenay, John and Alexandra.

NorthFront Films would like to extend our condolences to the Valenti family during this time of grief..... Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

'Casino Royale' Enters Most Successful UK Box Office Top 10

2007-04-30T01:46:00.000-07:00

According to Star Pulse Movie News:

Casino Royale has entered the top ten list of highest-grossing films at the British box office. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, starring Johnny Depp, also made the list of all-time UK box office top 10 after breaking the $97.5 million barrier.

Titanic has remained at the top of the list since its release in 1998 after taking $134.5, according to the UK Film Council.

The top ten is as follows:
1. Titanic - $134.5 million
2. Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone - $128.7 million
3. The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring - $122.8 million
4. The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King - $118.5 million
5. The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers - $113.1 million
6. Casino Royale - $109.2 million
7. Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets - $107.2 million
8. Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest - $103.3 million
9. The Full Monty - $101.4 million
10. Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace - $99.4 million.

Carpenter Dismisses Need for Movie Censorship

2007-04-30T01:43:00.000-07:00

Coming at us from hollywood.com:

HOLLYWOOD - Veteran director John Carpenter has defended violence in movies, arguing there is no need for the government to regulate what can be watched at the cinema.

The Halloween filmmaker was speaking on Thursday at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City.

He said, "Real life causes this; fake life does not cause it. The reason for a lot of these movies is the culture that we live in, the events that have gone on in our world.

"Censorship never works, you cannot destroy an idea. You can hide, you can try to cover it up, but you can't destroy it--it will be there and it will bubble up again."

Carpenter's comments came a day after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a report linking exposure to violence in the media with aggressive behavior in children.

Ridley Scott to Direct Nottingham

2007-04-30T01:42:00.000-07:00

This is again in from comingsoon.net:

Ridley Scott is set to direct Russell Crowe in the Universal Pictures drama Nottingham, which Brian Grazer is producing for Imagine Entertainment, reports Variety.

Universal earlier bought the spec script by Ethan Reiff and Cyrus Voris, creators of the Showtime series "Sleeper Cell." Crowe was attached at that time.

Crowe stars as the Sheriff of Nottingham in a revisionist take on the Robin Hood tale, with Nottingham as a noble and brave lawman who labors for a corrupt king and engages in a love triangle with Maid Marion and Robin Hood.

Production will start next year.

Scott will direct the film after he helms Leonardo DiCaprio this fall in a CIA thriller for Warner Bros., based on the David Ignatius novel "Body of Lies." William Monahan is writing that script and Scott is producing with Donald De Line.

Scott has directed Crowe in Gladiator, A Good Year and the upcoming American Gangster.

David Goyer to Direct Magneto

2007-04-30T01:40:00.000-07:00

This comes in from our friends over at comingsoon.net:

Variety is reporting that David Goyer will direct Magneto, the "X-Men" spinoff in development from 20th Century Fox and Marvel Studios that centers on the villain played in the original trilogy by Ian McKellen.

After the first three "X-Men" films grossed more than $1 billion worldwide, Fox and Marvel hatched the spinoff program. Magneto will be the second such movie to go into production. First up is Wolverine, a David Benioff-scripted film that will star Hugh Jackman as the steel-clawed mutant; Fox and Marvel will set a director shortly on that pic.

Goyer will develop a Magneto script that was written by Sheldon Turner.

New AFI Special Counting Down 100 Greatest Movies Of All Time To Air June 20

2007-04-23T02:00:00.000-07:00

Again coming in from Star Pulse Movie News:

AFI'S 100 Years... 100 Movies -- 10th Anniversary Edition, a new entertainment special counting down the 100 greatest movies of all time, will be broadcast on June 20 on CBS. During the broadcast, the confidential list of the 100 greatest movies will be revealed by some of Hollywood's biggest stars. Citizen Kane, Casablanca, The Godfather, Titanic and Lord of the Rings are among 400 films to vie for the title of greatest movie of all time.

The program will consider classic favorites and newly eligible films released from 1996 to 2006. AFI has previously announced it will now undertake this as a decade-by-decade program to mark changing cultural perspectives.

This will be the 10th annual special in the AFI's continuing celebration of American cinema, following the nine critically-acclaimed Network specials: "AFI's 100 Years... 100 Movies," "...100 Stars," "...100 Laughs," "...100 Thrills," "...100 Passions," "...100 Heroes & Villains," "...100 Songs," "...100 Movie Quotes" and "...100 Cheers" which annually spark a national discussion of America's film history among movie lovers across the nation.

AFI distributed a ballot with the names of 400 nominated movies to a jury of over 1,500 leaders in the creative community, including film artists (directors, screenwriters, actors, editors, cinematographers), critics and historians.

Blurry Joker Set Photos Online

2007-04-23T01:49:00.000-07:00

This hot exclusive look at Heath Ledger as Joker in the upcoming sequel to Batman Begins entitled the Dark Knight will hit Theaters in 2008.

This comes from Dark Horizons:

At this rate it'll be by sometime next week that we'll get the first clear taabloid photo of The Joker.

The first blurry photos of what looks like Heath Ledger in his Joker make-up for "The Dark Knight" have gone online - even if it only shows vague details for the moment.

Its been said the studio was worried that blurry, out of context tabloid images of The Joker look would get out before they had a chance to reveal a full, properly dressed and lit publicity still.

Of the shots only two are really important - the one glimpsed above showing Heath definitely with green hair and some mouth discoloration (also looking a little pale).

Old interviews redefine "Star Wars" mythology

2007-04-23T01:46:00.000-07:00

Coming at us from Yahoo! Movie News:

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - "Star Wars" is so firmly ensconced in the pop culture firmament that its success -- in a movie universe a long time ago -- would seem to have been pre-ordained. But that was hardly the case.

As the movie celebrates its 30th anniversary,

George Lucas will be joined by many of his collaborators at a special screening at the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences' Goldwyn Theater on Monday. Simultaneously, Ballantine Books is publishing J.W. Rinzler's "The Making of Star Wars," which bills itself as "The Definitive Story Behind the Original Film."

More than just a promotional making-of book, Rinzler's account seeks to strip away a lot of the mythology about the movie's creation that has grown up over the years. Rinzler, an executive editor at Lucasfilm, was aided in that quest when he discovered a treasure chest of interviews that Charles Lippincott, Lucasfilm's vp marketing and merchandising in the mid-'70s, conducted with the film's principals between 1975 and 1978. They provided him with a contemporaneous view into the movie's origins, uncolored by its eventual success.

"Everyone's memories are somewhat faulty, and opinions have changed over the years," Rinzler explains. But the discovery of the old interviews allowed him "to do as close to an oral history as I could."

Among the forgotten aspects of the movie's production that he unearthed was a failed attempt to use front-projection, forcing the production to shift to bluescreen. Rinzler quotes Lucas saying, "The biggest change during filming was from front projection to bluescreen. We had shot the approach to the Death Star, but once we got the results, we realized it wasn't going to work."

To read the entire article click the link above.

Michael Apted Takes Over Reigns Of 'Narnia' Film

2007-04-23T01:41:00.000-07:00

This comes in from Star Pulse Movie News:

The Chronicles of NarniaOscar-winning film maker Michael Apted will replace Andrew Adamson as the director for the third installment of the Chronicles Of Narnia movies.

Shrek filmmaker Adamson directed 2005s The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, as well as next summer's sequel Prince Caspian. However, the third movie The Voyage of the Dawn Trader will be filmed by Apted.

It's the third in the seven book series by C.S Lewis, and sees the film's heroes Lucy and Edmund travel to the land of Narnia, along with their cousin Eustace.

New Alien vs. Predator 2 Pics

2007-04-23T01:40:00.000-07:00

This in from comingsoon.net:

Design Studio Press has posted new photos from Alien vs. Predator 2, opening Dec. 25, featured in an upcoming book by ADI on the creature effects. Coming out in December, the book features 128 pages with over 300 illustrations plus a DVD. Here's how the book is described:

Alien vs. Predator: Survival of the Fittest is the upcoming sequel to 2004's Alien vs. Predator film. In this follow-up to the worldwide hit Alien vs. Predator, the iconic monsters from two of the scariest film franchises ever, wage war in an American Midwestern town — with the residents caught in the middle.

Filming began in September 2006 in Vancouver. Tom Woodruff, Jr. and Alec Gillis from Amalgamated Dynamics (ADI), veterans of the first AVP and all the previous ALIEN sequels, will be handling the creature FX for the encore film as they did for the previous installments.

ADI opens its doors to unveil the secrets of the creature design process behind two of the most frightening characters ever! From conception to fabrication and finishing, follow their talented crew in-studio and on location through this captivating book and accompanying creature FX DVD

Hopkins Barks At The "Wolfman"

2007-04-16T15:21:00.000-07:00

More in from Dark Horizons on a remake of The Wolfman:

Anthony Hopkins has revealed that he may well be playiing the father of Benecio Del Toro in Universal's upcoming redux of "The Wolfman".

He tells Rotten Tomatoes - "There's also a chance I may play the Wolfman in London in a movie with Benicio Del Toro...He said he just wants to make sure that the deal is all in but I play the Wolfman's father in Paris. A wonderful part."

He adds that his agent has the script and is very keen for him to play the role, although he hasn't yet read the script for himself.

The Wolfman is a remake of the 1941 classic The Wolf Man starring Claude Rains and Bela Lugosi. It tells the story of a man who is bitten by a werewolf and turns into one himself.

Kasdan To Pen "Titans" Remake

2007-04-16T15:13:00.000-07:00

According to Dark Horizons Lawrence Kasdan is writing a script for a Clash Of The Titans remake:

It seems that Lawrence Kasdan is set to pen the remake of the 1981 cult Greek mythology classic "Clash of the Titans" for Warner Bros. Pictures says Reuters.

The story revolves around Zeus' son, Perseus, and his journey to save Princess Andromeda during which he must complete various tasks set out by Zeus, including capturing Pegasus and slaying Medusa.

Harry Hamlin, Laurence Olivier, Maggie Smith, Ursula Andress, Claire Bloom, Susan Fleetwood, Siân Phillips and Burgess Meredith all starred in the original. The project marked the final film on which stop-motion animation master Ray Harryhausen did the special effects.

Whilst not as acclaimed as Harryhausen's earlier effort "Jason and the Argonauts", 'Clash' has developed a more devout fanbase over the years thanks to its darker tone, stellar cast, and arrival at the start of the home video boom.

"Titans" marks Kasdan's first true fantasy-style project since the early 1980s, when he wrote the screenplays for "Return of the Jedi," "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark." He's not perfect either however, penning the script for the odious 2003 Stephen King adaptation "Dreamcatcher."

Travis Beacham ("Killing on Carnival Row") wrote a draft back in early 2006 which was said to have downplayed the God and mythical elements (ala "Troy") in favour of a more dark and realistic approach.

The original was sold as a family film, complete with a cute R2-D2 esque robot owl, yet featured enough blood, gore and nudity that several shots probably wouldn't pass a PG-13 label these days.

There was talk that the studio would dump the Mt. Olympus scenes altogether, one of the original film's signature elements, but with Kasdan involved now it's not sure if that approach will still hold.

Ray Liotta Tones Up For Sex Scenes

2007-04-16T15:12:00.000-07:00

Once again Star Pulse Movie News has the details:

Movie star Ray Liotta has discovered the best way for Hollywood's leading men to lose weight - sign up for a film that requires you to take your shirt off or make love naked. The star admits he has always worked out for roles that require him to flash his torso.

And when he learned he'd get the chance to bed sexy Jolene Blalock in his new film Slow Burn, Liotta really took care of his physique.

He says, "I was working out and taking care of myself in a good way. I said, 'I gotta take my shirt off on this, I really gotta lose weight.' I'll tell you, that's the best way to lose, the best diet that you have is to take your shirt off in a movie."

But Liotta insists his work-outs were worth it because he loves the love scenes in the film.

He adds, "We get a little spirited at times, which is nice. It's one of the first movies I've done in a while where I didn't have to choke the girl to get her to kiss me."

Guy Pearce Was Shut Out Of 'LA Confidential' Sequel

2007-04-16T15:09:00.000-07:00

Star Pulse Movie News has the details:

Aussie movie star Guy Pearce was shut out of returning for the L.A Confidential sequel - over a rights issue concerning his character. Director Joe Carnahan admits he had hoped to bring Pearce's character, Ed Exley, back for follow-up White Jazz, but was told he couldn't.

He tells movie news website MovieHole, "Guy and I met and unfortunately, due to some prior rights/ownership stuff revolving around L.A Confidential, I will not be able to use the Exley character in White Jazz. I'm pretty bummed because I was looking forward to trying to lure Guy back in."

Edward Norton green with Envy??... Well one thing is certain he will be green...

2007-04-16T15:06:00.000-07:00

In another exclusive that came in from www.comingsoon.net:

Two-time Academy Award® nominee Edward Norton has signed on to play Bruce Banner, who transforms into Marvel's renowned, larger-than-life Super Hero, The Hulk in Marvel Studios' action-packed, new big screen adaptation of The Incredible Hulk. The film, which is being directed by Louis Leterrier and distributed by Universal Pictures, is scheduled to smash into theaters on June 13, 2008.

"Edward Norton is a rare talent and one of the most versatile actors in the business. His ability to transform into a particular role makes him the ideal choice to take on the character of Bruce Banner/The Hulk. Edward is perfectly suited to bring one of the most popular and important Marvel icons to the big screen in a new and exciting way," said Kevin Feige, President of Production, Marvel Studios.

Under the visionary direction of Louis Leterrier (Transporter 2, Unleashed), The Incredible Hulk will return to the roots of the long-running comic series and television show.

The story unfolds when the pursuit for The Hulk - the world's most misunderstood, primal force of fury - heats up, finding Bruce Banner on the run attempting to cure his condition before his pursuers capture him.

Edward Norton is widely recognized as one of Hollywood's most multifaceted actors. Having appeared in more than 20 films to date, he has garnered numerous accolades, including two Academy Award nominations. He received a Best Actor nod for his portrayal of a former Neo-Nazi in American History X, as well as Supporting Actor recognition for his role opposite Richard Gere in Primal Fear. He will next been seen in Pride and Glory (co-starring Colin Farrell). Other film credits include: Fight Club, The Painted Veil, The Illusionist, The Score, 25th Hour, Frida, Death to Smoochy, and The People vs. Larry Flynt.

Filming is slated to begin in Toronto this summer.

The Incredible Hulk film is being produced by Avi Arad, Gale Anne Hurd and Kevin Feige and will be executive produced by Jim Van Wyck, David Maisel, Ari Arad and Stan Lee. Norton is represented by Brian Swardstrom of Endeavor.

Universal Pictures will distribute the film domestically and in various international territories.

New Pirates of the Caribbean Featurette

2007-04-16T15:04:00.000-07:00

Comingsoon.net has a new exclusive with a look at the third Pirates of the Caribbean film:

Walt Disney Pictures has revealed a new featurette on the highly-anticipated Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End which includes new clips and interviews. You can watch the clip in High Definition format here

The third installment, directed by Gore Verbinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, opens May 25. "At World's End" stars Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Geoffrey Rush, Chow Yun-Fat, Stellan Skarsgård, Jack Davenport, Kevin R. McNally, Lee Arenberg, Mackenzie Crook, Andy Beckwith and Reggie Lee.

Rescue Me Season 3 artwork + press release:

2007-04-13T16:05:00.000-07:00

TV Shows on DVD has the scoop on the latest season of Rescue Me to be released on DVD and Blu-Ray:

First TV Show to Arrive on 50 GB Blu-ray Disc® From Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

RESCUE ME: THE COMPLETE THIRD SEASON

Series Stars Emmy and Golden Globe® Award Nominee Denis Leary with Guest Stars Including Academy Award Winners Susan Sarandon, Marisa Tomei, and Tatum O'Neal

Available on DVD and Blu-ray June 5

CULVER CITY, CALIF. - On June 5, Rescue Me: The Complete Third Season will become the first TV on DVD release from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment on Blu-ray disc format. The four-disc DVD and Blu-ray release includes all 13 episodes along with exclusive bonus features, including a blooper reel, deleted scenes and six all-new featurettes with the cast and producers. The series stars Emmy® and Golden Globe® nominee Denis Leary (Ice Age, The Ref), who was described by USA Today as "... the best actor playing the best character in the best show on basic cable." Rescue Me: The Complete Third Season will be available on DVD for $49.95 SLP or Blu-ray disc for $79.95 SLP.

Created by Leary and two-time Emmy® Award-winning writer-producer Peter Tolan (TV's "The Larry Sanders Show," "Murphy Brown"), Rescue Me skillfully finds the humor in everyday life while never shying away from the emotional tragedies that affect the characters. In addition to Leary, the series stars Daniel Sujata, James McCaffrey, Jack McGee, Michael Lombardi, Steve Pasquale, John Scurti, Lee Tergesen, Dean Winters, Andrea Roth, Callie Thorne, Lenny Clarke, and two-time Oscar®? nominee Charles Durning.

This season includes guest stars Academy Award®? winner Susan Sarandon (Best Actress, Dead Man Walking, 1996), Academy Award winner Marisa Tomei (Best Supporting Actress, My Cousin Vinny, 1993), Academy Award winner Tatum O'Neal (Best Supporting Actress, Paper Moon, 1974), Kate Burton (TV's "Grey's Anatomy"), and Reverend Al Sharpton.

Rescue Me centers on the inner workings of a New York City firehouse and the personal and emotional battles of its members in a post-9/11 world. The third season opens with Tommy Gavin's (Leary) crisis-prone family falling apart. His son is dead, the victim of a hit-and-run accident that also puts his marriage in jeopardy; his uncle (Lenny Clarke) is in prison; and his father's (Charles Durning) health is failing. Romantically, Tommy continues his neurotic relationship with his cousin's widow Sheila (Thorne), while conducting affairs with a teacher and his brother's ex-wife (Tomei). In addition, his brother Johnny (Dean Winters) romances Tommy's ex-wife, Franco's (Daniel Sunjata) new girlfriend (Sarandon) takes his daughter, and Mike (Mike Lombardi) explores his sexuality.

The critically acclaimed Rescue Me has been nominated for three Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Writing and Directing; honored with the Producers Guild of America's 2005 Visionary Award; and nominated for six Satellite Awards (winning for Best Ensemble: Television in 2005).

Rescue Me: The Complete Third Season episodes include:

1. Devil
2. Discovery
3. Torture
4. Sparks
5. Chlamydia
6. Zombies
7. Satisfaction
8. Karate
9. Pieces
10. Retards
11. Twilight
12. Hell
13. Beached

DVD and Blu-ray Disc Special Features Include:

* Blooper Reel
* Featurette: Behind the Smoke
* Featurette: Rescue Me Heroes
* Featurette: The Bravest Traditions
* Featurette: Being Dennis Leary
* Featurette: Going to the Gay Place
* Location Tour
* Deleted Scenes
* Sneak Peek at the Fourth Season
* Digitally Remastered Audio and Video
* Widescreen Presentations
* Audio: English 5.1 (Dolby Digital)
* Bonus Previews
* Closed Captioned

Broadcast Year: 2006
Rescue Me: The Complete Third Season has a run time of approximately 571 minutes and is not rated.
DVD Catalog # 18703
DVD UPC Code: 0-43396-18703-0
DVD SLP: $49.95

Blu-ray Disc Catalog # 19470
Blu-ray Disc UPC Code: 043396194700
Blu-ray Disc SLP: $79.95

Mystery Science Theater 3000 Volume 11 artwork unveiled:

2007-04-13T16:00:00.000-07:00

TV Shows On DVD recently unveiled the artwork for the latest volume of Mystery Science Theater 3000 episodes to be released on DVD:

Volume 11 is set for release on June 26th via Rhino so make sure to pick up your copy when it hits!

LaBeouf Officially Joins "Indiana Jones IV"

2007-04-13T15:58:00.000-07:00

Dark Horizons has confirmed that Shia LaBeouf is the latest name to be added to an all-star line up for the highly anticipated Indiana Jones IV:

Every fan boy website this morning will no doubt be celebrating the fact they got it right - Shia LaBeouf IS in the fourth "Indiana Jones" film after all.

In a press release on the official site, Steven Spielberg and George Lucas have officially announced that the "Disturbia" and "Transformers" star has joined the project.

"We are excited about bringing Shia into our Indy family," said Spielberg. "His talent has impressed not only his audiences throughout his young career but the directors, producers and fellow actors who have worked with him in his television career and now his film career."

LaBeouf was first linked a few weeks back, but denied the rumours in subsequent interviews - claiming that nothing was happening as far as he was aware. In a quote on the release he says "I was hoping the rumors were true, so I couldn't be more thrilled."

'The Da Vinci Code' Sequel Set to Go Ahead

2007-04-13T15:56:00.000-07:00

Hollywood.com confirms that there will be a sequel to the highly criticized Da Vinci Code:

HOLLYWOOD - Tom Hanks and Ron Howard are set to reunite for the prequel to the smash hit film The Da Vinci Code.

Despite being slammed by critics, The Da Vinci Code took $758 million worldwide, and the film's star Hanks and director Howard are in final negotiations to make Angels and Demons--which takes place before the events of The Da Vinci Code.

It sees Hanks' character, Robert Langdon, tackling the Illuminati and the Vatican.

The film, which is once again based on one of Dan Brown's best-selling thrillers, will be written by Akiva Goldsman, who also adapted the original film.

Harry Potter Movie Shortened To Avoid 'Grindhouse' Failure

2007-04-13T15:54:00.000-07:00

Once again Star Pulse Movie News has the details on some editing to the latest movie in the Harry Potter franchise:

Harry Potter moviemakers are trimming the next installment of the fantasy franchise, fearful it's too long and will turn moviegoers off. Following the failure of Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez double-bill Grindhouse, which is more than three hours long, studio bosses at Warner Bros have ordered director David Yates to cut the running time of Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix.

Star Daniel Radcliffe insists the cuts are a positive thing, and fans will still be happy with the finished film.

He says, "People should be able to let that go. You can still read the book and the film is chock-full of stuff. The fans will be pleased."

Original Charlie's Angels To Reteam For New Film?

2007-04-13T15:52:00.000-07:00

Star Pulse Movie News is reporting the following:

The original Charlie's Angels are considering reprising their beloved TV characters for an ambitious new movie. Cancer survivor Farrah Fawcett, Jaclyn Smith and Kate Jackson have been approached to revisit the crime-busting characters they played on TV in the 1970s.

Smith reveals, "There's been talk of all of us coming back and doing a movie together... If the script was right and we had it all worked out it'd be fun. It's sometimes hard to revisit the past but, if you do it in the proper way, it's OK."

Del Toro Talks The "Hellboy" Sequel

2007-04-09T10:35:00.000-07:00

Dark Horizon recently got the scoop on the upcoming Hellboy Sequel:

Currently in pre-production on "Hellboy 2" in Budapest, director Guillermo Del Toro spoke with The Age about some of his plans for the tone of the sequel.

First up it deals with the aftermath of romantic fulfilment. "It's about the first year of marriage," but it's also about "a deadly war between humans and magical creatures", in which the title character has a major dilemma: which side is he actually on.

Because he penned it whilst filming "Pan's Labyrinth," Del Toro says their might have bee some crossover between the two films when he handed the first draft over to comic creator Mike Mignola - "Mike was quite horrified by how much I had deviated from what we had talked about, especially at some of the quote, unquote whimsical elements, the parts about magic and the fairy world. But then fortunately, he saw Pan's Labyrinth and he realised that the two movies would have some parallels".

Finally he cites Henry James story "The Friends of the Friends" as a tale that he loves, "a short story that to this day is one of the most beautiful ghost stories that I have ever read. But it is rarely acknowledged and you don't find it in his anthologies" says Del Toro. A future adaptation maybe?

Nicolas Cage To Play Indian Comic Book Hero

2007-04-09T10:30:00.000-07:00

This bit of news also in from Star Pulse Movie News about Nic Cage doing more super-hero based films:

Nicolas Cage is heading off to India to play another comic book hero. The Ghost Rider star will play a soldier-turned-mystic in Shekhar Kapur's new film The Sadhu, which is being adapted for the big screen by self-improvement guru Deepak Chopra.

Chopra's son Gotham, is the chief creative officer of Virgin Comics - the firm behind the graphic novel about English soldier James Jensen, who sets out to find the man who killed his family.

It is not known if Cage will have to adopt an English accent for the role.

Elisabeth Shue Dedicates New Movie To Dead Brother

2007-04-09T10:27:00.000-07:00

This news in from Star Pulse Movie News about Elizabeth Shue's latest project:

Elisabeth Shue's new film, Gracie, is dedicated to her late brother who fell to his death from a tree when he was 27. The actress, who was 24 when her brother William died, admits she has never got over the tragedy and the new film, in which she plays the mother of a teenager coming to terms with a sibling's death, helped her deal with the loss.

She says, "The shock of him dying, it never really goes away. I did not know how meaningful he was in my life until he was gone. It (Gracie) was the first time I was telling a story that really meant something to me. I think that is incredibly important."

Laura Dern Talks Jurassic Park 4

2007-04-09T10:25:00.000-07:00

More news emerging about the 4th Installment of the Jurassic Park series in from comingsoon.net:

Year of the Dog star Laura Dern told Collider.com that Jurassic Park 4 is moving forward and that her character, Ellie Sattler, will be back.

Dern said she received a phone call from Steven Spielberg. "I'm told it's happening and I'm told they're calling me. I'm told that Ellie Sattler is involved in it."

Asked if she would be interested in returning to the role, Dern said "it's hard to say no to [Spielberg] cause he's always got something totally genius up his sleeve so we'll see what they have in mind. But I don't know anything about it at this point."

Dern revealed that they are thinking about starting the fourth installment within the year for a possible 2008 release.

Internet provider mishap delays NorthFront updates but doesn't delay progress

2007-04-05T23:53:00.000-07:00

The NorthFront PR team would like to humbly apologize for the lack up updates this week as some minor internet setbacks delayed our weekly blog updates.

As a result of this the decision has been made that updates will take place on both Mondays and Fridays to help cover whats going on in the entertainment world.

Again we apologize for this inconvenience and want to take the time to wish everyone out there a very Happy Easter and an overall safe holiday weekend.

We'll see everyone back here on Monday

Yours truly,
The NorthFront Creative Monkeys with Typewriters

'A Christmas Story' director, son killed in crash

2007-04-05T23:46:00.000-07:00

This tragic news in from cnn.com:

LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Film director Bob Clark, best known for the holiday classic "A Christmas Story," was killed with his son Wednesday in a head-on crash with a vehicle that a drunken driver steered into the wrong lane, police and the filmmaker's assistant said.

Clark, 67, and son Ariel Hanrath-Clark, 22, were killed in the accident in Pacific Palisades, said Lyne Leavy, Clark's personal assistant.

The two men were in an Infiniti that collided head-on with a GMC Yukon around 2:30 a.m. PDT, said Lt. Paul Vernon, a police spokesman.

The driver of the other vehicle, Hector Velazquez-Nava, 24, of Los Angeles and his passenger, described as a 29-year-old woman, were taken to UCLA Medical Center with minor injuries.

Velazquez-Nava was arrested Wednesday afternoon and booked for investigation of driving under the influence of alcohol and gross vehicular manslaughter. He was being held on $100,000 bail.

"The initial investigation has concluded that Nava was driving without a license northbound in the southbound lanes while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage," Vernon said.

------ Everyone here at NorthFront Films Unlimited would like to send their thoughts, prayers, and condolences to the family of the Clarks during this difficult time.

Live Free Or Die Hard: New trailer hits

2007-04-05T23:43:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week movies.yahoo.com unveiled the new trailer for the upcoming Die Hard movie (the forth in series) that will be hitting theaters this July.

The new trailer can be viewed via the following link:

http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/livefreeordiehard.html

SYNOPSIS:
On the July 4th holiday, John McClane must stop an attack on the U.S. infrastructure from shutting down the entire nation.

Heath Ledger Is Psyched About Being The Joker

2007-04-05T23:40:00.000-07:00

Once again starpulse.com has all the details on Ledger's determination to deliver a powerful version of Gotham's most popular villian:

Heath Ledger is so excited he's playing The Joker in upcoming film The Dark Knight, he's been preparing the role "like a lunatic for months." Ledger is determined his portrayal will not be a poor imitation of Jack Nicholson's Joker in 1989's Batman.

He says, "I've been bouncing around like a lunatic for months. I definitely have a different take on him, but I've yet to do a proper make-up run."

And the 28-year-old admits he's been practicing the Joker's unique laugh: "I'd be lying if I said I haven't been (rehearsing it)."

Christopher Reeve's Superman Costume Up For Sale

2007-04-05T23:39:00.000-07:00

starpulse.com has the details:

Late actor Christopher Reeve's Superman costume is up for sale on internet auction site eBay.com. The red and blue ensemble, valued at between $50,000 and $70,000, is being sold by memorabilia firm Profiles In History.

The auction is set to conclude later today with the bidding starting at $50,000.

The seller says the costume was worn by Reeve in the 1978 movie.

George Lucas talks Indy 4

2007-04-05T23:31:00.000-07:00

www.comingsoon.net had the rundown about what George Lucas had to say on the upcoming fourth Indiana Jones film:

Indiana Jones 4 producer George Lucas talked to USA Today about the highly-anticipated film, to be directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Harrison Ford and Cate Blanchett.

Lucas told the newspaper that shooting begins in Los Angeles this June and then it's on to several top-secret global destinations. Lucas teased that one will include a waterfall.

Lucas said that Ford's age (64) won't be a problem. "He's not running in any of the movies. He's either on a horse or driving a car or a motorcycle. And he'll play his age in this movie with what's appropriate. The chases are more suspenseful than speedy. Like the rolling ball in the first film — it's not that he's running that fast, it's that there's a giant ball coming at him. And he will get beat up, which is a tradition for us."

Lucas, who also is in pre-production on a "bare-bones, action-heavy" "Star Wars" live-action TV series, said there'll still be plenty of action in "Indy 4," the official title of which he hopes to keep under wraps until the first trailer hits theaters around Thanksgiving.

Sean Connery has yet to sign on as Indiana's father, Dr. Henry Jones, but Lucas said, "We're still trying."

It wasn't his idea to cast Blanchett as Ford's new leading lady, he added. "That's who my director wanted, and I always bow to the wishes of my director," Lucas said of Spielberg. "I approved it because she seemed like a good idea. When I met her at the Academy Awards, I told her, 'Hey, you work for me now!'"

Turtles Make Soup of 300

2007-03-27T13:46:00.000-07:00

The revamp of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise proved to be a successful one as yahoo.com movie news reports:

Los Angeles (E! Online) - And so it came to pass that 300 was vanquished by...a bunch of turtles.

TMNT, the CGI-animated restart of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise, scored a weekend-best $25.5 million at the box office, Exhibitor Relations Co. estimates said.

After two weekends at number one, the battle-tested 300 slipped to second, with a still-sizeable $20.5 million. All told, the manly man epic has bench-pressed $162.4 million, the year's biggest gross to date.

TMNT's win was big, but not huge. Among animated movies, its opening ranks between 1998's The Rugrats Movie ($27.3 million) and last year's Open Season ($23.6 million), and far, far away from the likes of the Pixar or Shrek movies, per Box Office Mojo stats.

Among previous crime-fighting turtle entries, TMNT's $25.5 million debut was the biggest yet, provided you don't account for inflation. The original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, released back in 1990 when the reptiles were portrayed by people in theme-park costumes, and consumers were sufficiently literate to respond to non-abbreviated titles, opened with an even-more impressive $25.4 million, according to figures from Exhibitor Relations.

Among other major new releases,
Mark Wahlberg's Shooter (third place, $14.5 million) was no The Departed, The Hills Have Eyes 2 (sixth place, $10 million) was no The Hills Have Eyes (2006 edition), and the swim-drama Pride (ninth place, $4 million) was no SwimFan.

Adam Sandler's latest serious turn did a little better than his last serious turn, with the buddy drama Reign Over Me (eighth place, $8 million) debuting with about as much as 2004's Spanglish, but on about 1,000 fewer screens. In general, serious Sandler remains no box-office match for funny Sandler.

The less said about The Last Mimzy perhaps the better. The children's fable, starring
Timothy Hutton and Rainn Wilson, tanked, managing only $9.5 million on 3,017 screens. Playing at only about 100 more venues, TMNT took in more than twice as much money.

Elsewhere,
Nicolas Cage's Ghost Rider ($1.7 million; $113.2 million overall) finished out of the Top 10 for the first time in six weekends;
Eddie Murphy's Norbit ($1 million; $94.1 million overall) placed out of the Top 10 for the first time in seven weekends; and,
Chris Rock's I Think I Love My Wife ($2.8 million; $10 million overall) ended up out of the Top 10 for the first time since, um, last Sunday, Box Office Mojo and Exhibitor Relations numbers showed.

In limited release, The Namesake ($1.4 million; $2.7 million overall) enjoyed its biggest take yet, the Vietnam drama Journey from the Fall took in a relatively strong $76,000 on only four screens, and the Hollywood tale Color Me Kubrick, starring
John Malkovich, grossed a relatively weak $37,000 on 19 screens, online and studio estimates said.

Here's a rundown of the top 10 films based on Friday-Sunday estimates compiled by Exhibitor Relations:

• TMNT, $25.5 million • 300, $20.5 million • Shooter, $14.5 million • Wild Hogs, $14.4 million • Premonition, $10.1 million • The Hills Have Eyes 2, $10 million • The Last Mimzy, $9.5 million • Reign Over Me, $8 million • Pride, $4 million • Dead Silence, $3.5 million

More Targeted For The "Hit Man"

2007-03-27T13:40:00.000-07:00

www.darkhorizons.com has new information on the possibility of another movie based off a popular video game:

Olga Kurylenko ("Paris je t'aime"), Robert Knepper ("Prison Break"), Ulrich Thomsen ("Festen") and Michael Offei ("Casino Royale") have joined the cast of 20th Century Fox's film adaptation of hit video game "Hit Man".

Timonthy Olyphant will play Agent 47, a hitman who ends up being chased himself by Interpol and the Russian military. Dougray Scott plays the villain of the piece.

Xavier Gens begins helming the thriller this week in the Bulgarian capital of Sofia reports Variety. Locations in South Africa, Istanbul, St. Petersburg and London will also be used.

Luc Besson, Chuck Gordon, Adrian Askarieh and Daniel Alter are producing.

Alec Baldwin Heads Up 'Brooklyn Rules,' In Theaters May 18

2007-03-27T13:38:00.000-07:00

Starpulse.com has the details on the upcoming Alec Baldwin project: Brooklyn Rules.

Written by three-time Emmy winner Terence Winter (The Sopranos), Brooklyn Rules is a powerful story of loyalty, friendship, and sacrifice. Set in Brooklyn circa 1985 against the backdrop of John Gotti's rise to power, the film revolves around three lifelong friends whose different ambitions threaten to shake their enduring bond.

Michael (Freddie Prinze Jr.), the narrator, is a lovable charmer with the soul of a con man who successfully scams his way into the pre-law program at Columbia University. In contrast to Michael's desire to leave the Brooklyn streets behind, his close friend Carmine (Scott Caan), a handsome lady-killer enamored by the Mafia lifestyle, wants nothing more than to stay there. Rounding out the trio is Bobby (Entourage's Jerry Ferrara), an endearing cheapskate who longs for a simple life of working at the Post Office and settling down with his fiancée.

While at Columbia, Michael falls for a beautiful young student named Ellen (Mena Suvari), a society girl whom he initially wins over with his preppy schoolboy cover. As their relationship blossoms, leaving the streets behind seems increasingly possible, but when Carmine catches the eye of Caesar (Alec Baldwin), a feared mobster who controls their Brooklyn neighborhood, Michael and Bobby are drawn into that world despite their reluctance to get involved.

Brooklyn Rules comes down to the choices faced by three young men when the right path is not always the easiest to follow, and when being a loyal friend can mean making the ultimate sacrifice.