Archive for the ‘News’ Category

  • 03 Dec

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    Sundance Competition Line-up Announced

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    Sundance 2009 Header Image

    The “old” year isn’t closed yet but we’re about to jump into a new cycle of film viewing and Sundance has announced their 2009 line-up of films, a handful of which we’ll get to see in the new year with a peppering of a few more that will likely end up on some shelf somewhere.

    My first thought checking out the list is that there’s nothing all that outstanding in the dramatic competitions though there are some great sounding documentaries. A few that did catch my attention:

    John Hindman’s Arlen Faber about two strangers who intrude on an author’s life and stars Jeff Daniels, Lauren Graham, Lou Pucci, Olivia Thirlby, Kat Dennings. Sounds interesting enough though I’m more curious about the cast and especially keen on checking out Thirlby and Dennings, two young actresses I like, playing off of each other.

    I don’t watch “The Office” but it’s worth noting that John Krasinski is showcasing his first feature titled Brief Interviews With Hideous Men, an adaptation of the book by the late David Foster Wallace.

    Cold Souls which is described as being “about a Russian mobster keen to extract the soul of an actor” doesn’t sound all that interesting but features a great cast including Paul Giamatti, David Strathairn, Emily Watson and Lauren Ambrose.

    Director Oliver Hirschbiegel returns after the debacle that was The Invasion with Five Minutes of Heaven about two men at political odds and starring Liam Neeson, James Nesbitt and Anamaria Marinca of 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days fame.

    Then there’s the “super secret” Michael Cera starring Paper Hearts.

    The documentary side of things is looking very strong and includes:

    Surfwise (our review) director Doug Pray’s new film Art and Copy about the effects of art and advertising on culture.

    I was a big fan of Ondi Timoner’s DiG! and am looking forward to his newest offering We Live in Public which looks at the dotcom boom, art and the impact of the Internet. Considering how much of my life revolves around the web, this is a must see.

    And to cap things off, Ben Addelman and Samir Mallal’s Nollywood Babylon, which I posted about a few weeks ago, will also be at the festival.

    Though it’s looking a little less mainstream than last year, there are still some great titles in the lineup. The full round-up of films is tucked under the seat.

    The Sundance Film Festsival will run from January 15th to 25th.

    » Read the rest of the entry..

  • 25 Nov

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    Not Happy: The Box bumped until November 2009

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    I am the black sheep around amongst the row three writers and readers for considering Richard Kelly‘s Southland Tales a very good film (see here). The fans of Donnie Darko are legion (fans of the Extended Director’s cut much fewer, myself not amoung them) and Kelly’s attempt at adapting a Richard (“I Am Legend“) Matheson story, The Box, was supposed to win a few of them back after the 2005 debacle. This film was supposed to be high-concept and simple enough to not confuse or alienate the multiplex rabble.

    But.

    Todd Brown over at Twitch indicated that despite the fact that The Box is actually completed, Warner Brothers has pushed the film all the way back to November 2009; and this is probably a sign the studio having lost faith in the film. I’d like to hope that it is a release slate thing, and that November was the appropriate time for a bit of Oscar-Bait counter-programming. This may be wishful thinking, but reality says that January-March is usually the dumping grounds for studios, not November. The bad thing is of course that it is another year before we can see the darn thing.

    A mysterious stranger delivers the message that the box promises to bestow upon its owner $1 million with the press of a button. But, pressing this button will simultaneously cause the death of another human being somewhere in the world, someone they don’t know.

  • 19 Nov

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    Nollywood: The Film Industry You Haven’t Heard About

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    NollywoodLast year, thanks to the premiere of Hell’s Ground at Fantasia, there was a bit of talk around these parts about Lollywood which refers to the Pakistani film industry based in Lahore. Hot on the heels of that introduction comes news of yet another growing film industry: Nollywood.

    Said to be the world’s third largest film industry, Nollywood refers to the booming film industry of Nigeria. Though only 15 years old, it already produces over 2,000 films a year, most under $10,000, the majority of which are small, handheld shot affairs which are produced over a period of a few days.

    On the surface, it sounds like the kind of thing that one would expect from kids playing with cameras but a recent TED Talk by Zambia-born filmmaker Franco Sacchi, brought up a couple of interesting points about this growing industry. There are people in Nigeria who still live on a dollar a day and they can’t be bothered or aren’t interested in Hollywood films. They want to see people like them on screen and the industry has grown to primarily fill the want and need of the poor of the country. Something else that caught my attention was the mention that because these films are produced so quickly, they can be used to spread and share information. The first thought that came to mind is that these films act as sort of “live” newspapers, disseminating information: not everyone can read but everyone can watch a movie; I’m not sure that’s how the woman meant it but that’s what I took from the comment.



    While researching the industry a bit more, I stumbled on a few interesting tidbits. First and foremost, the National Film Board has co-produced a documentary called Nollywood Bollywood which looks at the booming film industry in Nigeria. There’s a trailer for the film, which I’ve tucked under the seat, but no official release date yet.

    Also worth mentioning is that the industry appears to be spreading quickly and widely and the UK even has a Nollywood Movies TV Channel. And if you’re looking for even more information, another great resource for the industry is Nollywood.com which features trailers and short clips for some of the films.

    Happy discovery!

    Trailer for Nollywood Bollywood tucked under the seat!

    » Read the rest of the entry..

  • 18 Nov

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    MIT’s Media Lab to Revolutionize Movies

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    Polar Express Motion CaptureI’ve yet to see it but Late Fragment was a groundbreaking film in that it let you build your own movie from the bits and pieces on the DVD. The Canadian indie received a little attention for its innovation but I doubt a whole lot of people actually made the effort to see it. Most likely, when folks think of controlling the movie, they’ll think back to Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay which featured an extra in which you could pick the actor’s action and hence change how the movie plays out in the process. It was an interesting gimmick though I’m not sure how many people even bothered with that (though I did play along for a few scenarios). Now, the Media Lab, the hub of cutting edge technology at MIT, is getting in the movie business with a few goals in mind, including interactive films.

    We’re not exactly talking feelies but it was announced today that the Media Lab has created the Center for Future Storytelling which will feature research programs which apply technology to make stories more interactive.

    Researchers will seek to transform audiences into active participants in the storytelling process, bridging the real and virtual worlds, and allowing everyone to make their own unique stories with user-generated content on the Web.

    This particular mandate seems directed at web content but I would not be surprised to see some of it make appearances on the big screen and taking this move into consideration alongside James Cameron’s Avatar which, from my readings, will be pretty groundbreaking, we may be at the forefront of a change in how films are not only made but enjoyed.

    The Center will also feature research ranging from on-set motion capture (I gather this is improving on the technology already employed by Robert Zemeckis) to accurately merging human performers and digital characters; to next-generation “synthetic performer technologies” such as richly interactive, highly expressive robotic or animated characters (need I bring up Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within?).

    On the one hand, I’ll always want a section of films that are natural, set and shot in the “real world” with “real people,” but on the other I’m excited to see that the Media Lab is getting in on the action. I expect they’ll be sharing some mind blowing new technologies in the coming years.

    I’m curious to know how others feel about the future of films. The medium is changing but what are you are willing to embrace and, perhaps, give up?

  • 17 Nov

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    A Bunch of Photos of Sam Rockwell in Moon

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    In the past, when speaking of Sam Rockwell, I’ve said such things as he is “one of the most talented actors working today,” “[on] the same level as Norton or Bale or DiCaprio,” and even “a young De Niro.” I figure if I say it enough, other people will just nod their head in agreement and subconsciously begin to agree.

    He has a ton coming out in the next year, mostly smaller character-driven films that will spotlight his talent. The one I am looking forward to the most is Moon, a sort of Cast Away in space, about a helium mining contractor who signs a contract to mine on the moon in total isolation for three years. It’s directed by Duncan Jones, son of David Bowie, so its sure to be pretty zany.

    I stumbled across an article on OWF which led me to Bloody Disgusting which has tons of photos up from the movie – and it looks rockin’! And really pretty. I want to make love to this movie and I hope you do too.

    Click “more” and you might win a million dollars.

    » Read the rest of the entry..

  • 13 Nov

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    Guillermo Del Toro’s Got Magic Strings

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    PinocchioAlthough Guillermo Del Toro is rather hit or miss for me, you’ve got to admit the guy has vision and talent; even when involved with films that he isn’t directing, like The Orphanage. And while I’m not a huge lover of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, I do have hopes that Del Toro can bring some excitement and visual prowess to his Hobbit project (slated for release in 2011).

    But between his directing responsibilities, he has quite an extensive resume of films that he will be producing. One recently announced project will be a stop-motion version of the classic, “Pinocchio.” At a DVD release party for Hellboy II (our r3view), Del Toro talked a litte bit about his plans.

    “We are trying to get a full stop-motion version of Gris Grimly’s ‘Pinocchio’ off the ground, with the Jim Henson Company. The idea came from Gris, and everybody loves his book about it. The original story is far more perverse and spooky and semi-necrophilia vibe to it in certain aspects. Gris certainly has that vein in him, he wants to do this with that original spookiness in it, we are trying to get it going. The Jim Henson Company is the behind it and we are currently working on the screenplay! Its not coming to a screen near you any time soon, even if it were to begin today it would be about three years in the making, but we are working to make it happen. A full-scale puppet universe takes time.”

    I admit to knowing nothing about “Pinocchio” other than the Disney version. So to see something darker and more twisted come out of the story, particularly from the Jim Hensen camp, has me a little excited. Sounds like it’s going to be a while yet, but this is certainly something to keep a look out for over the next couple of years.

    thanks to worst previews for the inside scoop

  • 07 Nov

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    Remake Oldboy: Another Horrible Idea

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    And it comes from one of the greats in the film industry: Steven Spielberg. According to Variety (via Quiet Earth), Dreamworks is in the process of acquiring the rights to the Chan-wook Park’s original Korean film, Oldboy.

    What!? Why!? The film is as close to perfect as you can already get. Now while Spielberg has certainly made some classics, nay masterpieces, in his time, I can’t figure any reason for remaking an already fab film. Apparently Spielberg has been looking for an “excuse” to work with Hollywood charmer Will Smith and apparently putting Smith in the lead is just what they’re looking for.

    As always, I weep for the future.

  • 06 Nov

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    Stallone Gets Help to Blow Up Jungle

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    Sylvester StalloneIt’s accurate to say that I pretty much hated 89 of the 91 minutes of Rambo and the only reason the first few minutes get a pass is because they looked damned good. I’m usually on-board for lots of action and guys with guns but the overall ugliness of Stallone’s most recent film, along with the over-the-top constant barrage of killing, blood and flying body parts, rubbed me the wrong way; probably because it took itself too damned seriously.

    But even with that experience, the recent news in Variety regarding Stallone’s next project managed to make me gleeful rather than shake my head. Word is that Stallone has written and will direct The Expendables. He will also star inthe project as a member of a mercenary team on a mission to overthrow a South American dictator. That doesn’t sound particularly exciting (more of the same if you ask me) but the rest of the cast is pretty spectacular. Along with Stallone, the film will star Jason Statham and Jet Li.

    Take that in for a moment.

    Now picture it: Li, Statham and Stallone slugging through the jungles, carrying big guns, setting off explosions and generally just wreaking havoc and being bad asses. Will it be good? Probably not but I’ll stay positive until the thing is released.

    For now, count me in.

  • 05 Nov

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    Smokin’ Aces Sequel and Cool Posters

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    Though kind of excited at the time, I was not a huge fan of Smokin’ Aces. It definitely had some potential and it also definitely had its moments, but by the end it kind of fell flat for me.

    So the news today of a sequel piques my interest a tad. After all I do like the cast (particularly Piven and a herpes-ridden Bateman) and the over the top idea of it all. Did I say sequel? I meant PREquel; which means we could potentially get everyone back from the original cast, including Alicia Keyes, Ray Liotta, Ben Affleck, Peter Berg, et al.

    From Joe Carnahan’s official web site:

    Finally, some actual ‘Smokin Aces’ news. Universal has officially greenlit the
    prequel and we are underway. Cameos will abound. Trust me.”

    After finding the news I took a look at some of the marketing artwork from the first film. I can’t believe I missed these the first time around. These are some really groovy posters. Small versions are below; click any one of them for the slightly larger version.


    rest of the images beneath the seats…
    » Read the rest of the entry..

  • 30 Oct

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    Gabaldon’s Outlander Coming to the Big Screen

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    Outlander NovelRomances. As of late, the majority of these fall into the “chick-flick” category or badly tacked onto some action film. Not necessarily a bad thing but for the rest of us who prefer something with a little more drama, they’re not exactly fulfilling but a recent announcement is bound to change all that. Or so I hope.

    When it was announced that a film titled Outlander was in the works, I was excited only to then find out that it was not the film I expected but rather a Viking picture but according to news from Variety, it looks like my initial hope has been fulfilled. You see, Essential Pictures, a newly minted production company, has picked up the rights to Diana Gabaldon’s best selling historical romances.

    I was introduced to the novels by some very persuasive literature bound friends. The fact that they, who tend to read Pulitzer and Giller Prize winning novels, were shelling for a period romance peaked my interest and by the middle of Gabaldon’s first novel, titled “Outlander”, I could see why. Aside from the fact that Gabaldon’s writing is better than average, her characters and their adventures made for some of the most entertaining stories I’d read in years. The series, which now runs into six novels, tells the adventures of Claire Randall, a nurse working for the British forces during World War II when she is transported to the eighteenth century Highlands and finds herself in the middle of Scottish clan life. In the midst of her first adventure, she encounters and reluctantly falls in love with Jamie Fraser, a handsome but brash Highlander. It sounds like fairly standard romance stuff but Gabaldon breaks more than a few romance conventions and along the way inserts her characters into historical events. The great thing about Gabaldon’s novels is that Claire doesn’t simply sit back as a maiden in need of rescuing. Though she sometimes gets herself into trouble, she’s never useless and on more than one occasion, she rescues the men; makes for a nice change of pace.

    Depending on the direction they take with the story, this has the potential to be a very good and lucrative franchise. Not only do they have a large built in audience pining to see their most beloved romantic hero on the big screen, the books have the potential to attract a large male audience since there are endless scenes of action and adventure. I am hopeful, very hopeful, that something great will come of this.

    At the moment, there are no details on casting or direction though it sounds like the announcement is coming very early into production (it doesn’t even sound like a script is ready though it’s worth noting that the novel is being adapted by Randall Wallace of Braveheart fame). As for casting options, I’m not going to speculate to avoid disappointment if things don’t go as expected. Needless to say, I can’t wait to get more information.

    Looks like the opportunity may also be ripe for me to return to the series. The novels are massive (800+ pages for the trade paperbacks) and after reading the first three back to back, I took a break from Jamie and Claire’s adventure. I’ll be getting back to them sooner rather than later.

  • 29 Oct

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    District B13 Sequel Details & Production Footage!

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    District B13-U PosterI can’t remember what film I was watching when I first saw the trailer for District B13 but I do clearly recall my glee and my excited turn to the friends I was with and exclaiming “That was awesome!” The film, which opened in the big multiplex and played for all of one week, was a joyous occasion. The story was ok but really unimportant to the action which moved the film ahead at breakneck speed.

    In June there was news that a sequel was in the works but the boys of Quiet Earth have uncovered that the sequel is well into production and slated with a February 2009 release.

    Titled District B13 Ultimatum, the film picks up two years after the original and features bigger walls, more segregation, more gangs and the duo from the original coming back to make the streets safer. Honestly, I don’t need a story. Just give me more of the same and I’ll be a happy camper.

    Along with details on the story, the boys have also uncovered a great production video which features director, actors and crew on-set and even a few glimpses at the parkour in action. I’ve tucked that clip under the seat for your viewing pleasure. I don’t expect we’ll get to see the film in February but I do hope that it manages to open at some point in 2009. As it stands now, it’s one of my most anticipated of the year.

    » Read the rest of the entry..

  • 29 Oct

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    Firth, Moore and Goode Cast in Tom Ford Directorial Debut

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    Tom FordIn a far away time when I had every intention to study the art of fashion, I fell in love with a couple of designers. My first crush came in the form of Jean-Paul Gaultier whose couture lines and presentations made for a movie-like trance. Hot on his heels came affairs with Alexander McQueen, Yves Saint Laurent and John Galliano. I didn’t come across Tom Ford until he became the talk of the town for turning Gucci around and just as quickly as I came to recognize his work, he retired – sort of.

    There’s a good reason for my reminiscing about an old love. When Ford left behind the big fashion houses to run his own label, he also seemed to step away from the limelight and now it seems that there’s a reason for his departure.

    This morning, I flagged a story at Movie Web with a headline that included Colin Firth, Julianne Moore and Matthew Goode all starring together in a film but it wasn’t until I spotted a picture of Ford in conjunction with a similar story from Yahoo! that I realized his connection with the project.

    The project in question is titled A Single Man and is based on Christopher Isherwood’s 1964 novel set in Southern California during 1962 depicting one day in the life of George, a gay middle-aged Englishman who works as a college professor in Los Angeles and whose lover, Jim, has recently died. I have not read the original work but it certainly sounds like the type of material Ford would be attracted to but can he direct? He definitely has an eye for what looks good but that doesn’t necessarily translate into a good filmmaker. Still, Ford is a bit of an attraction for me and with this cast, (I can’t turn away from the opportunity to see Firth and Goode together and Moore is just added bonus) it’s hard to turn away.

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