The Tourist Starting To Sound Interesting

I’d be lying if I said I’d given much thought to The Tourist (the American remake of the French thriller Anthony Zimmer). Sounds like another dime-a-dozen thriller to me. I’ll pass. It’s not a strike against either actor, but the casting of Angelina Jolie and Sam Worthington didn’t get me interested either. Well now, Tourist officially has my attention.

Variety reports that director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck is in talks to helm the project.

“Why should I care if a German filmmaker is involved?” you ask. This is the same gentleman responsible for the 2006 effort The Lives of Others. To many, it’ll be forever known as the film that bested Pan’s Labyrinth for the “Best Foreign Language Film” Oscar. All I have to say is sit down and watch the film and tell me with a straight fact that it didn’t deserve such an honor. I thought so.

If all goes according to plan, production should commence next year for a currently unspecified 2011 release.

Scary Movie Franchise Gets Rebooted?

Not exactly the kind of news anyone cared about. But what can I say? It’s news.

Cinema Blend has received word that the Weinstein Company has hit rock bottom that they’re actually planning on another installment of their long-standing (and profitable) Scary Movie series. But it’s not Scary Movie 5, per say. No, they’re instead planning on rebooting the franchise back to “square one” in hopes to give the once-viable series its dignity back – not unlike recent examples like Star Trek, Casino Royale and Batman Begins.

I’m joking, of course, with that last sentence. Doubt the term “dignity” gels with spoof-movies. Although plans are still in the early stages with their sights set to have it out after Scream 4. Oh, and don’t expect to see Anna Faris or Regina Hall back. Being a reboot, it would totally confuse modern audiences. And the Weinsteins are assuming they’re stupid enough to argue about “logic” in a spoof.

Don’t be surprised if we’re eventually forced to stomach Reboot Movie. Laugh now, but just you wait…

Wes Craven To Direct Scream 4

It’s weird to imagine that the kids going gaga over the Twilight series were most likely shitting their pants back when Scream was released in Christmas 1996. Christ, I’m old. It was the horror film-turned-pop culture phenomenon-turned franchise that stood all of the old “slasher movie” conventions on its head while pointing out how silly they were to begin with (i.e. “Never say, ‘I’ll be right back’ because you won’t be back,” etc.)

We’ve known for awhile now that creator (and screenwriter of the first two installments) Kevin Williamson had been developing Scream 4 that could potentially start up a second trilogy. The surviving trio of Neve Campbell and on-screen (and off-screen) couple Courtney Cox and David Arquette are scheduled to return (I guess Patrick Dempsey is too busy having a legitimate career for his Detective Kincaid to return).

Now Cinema Blend reports (via their sources) Wes Craven is officially on-board to sit in the director’s chair for a fourth time. Apparently we shouldn’t get used to enjoying Sydney Prescott, Gail or Dewey too much as their contact informs us that there is a new cast of characters taking the lead roles with Campbell’s role being described as “small.” So does that mean that good old Sydney meets a fate similar to Cotton Weary in the opening of Scream 3?

If Craven and Williamson really want to send shockwaves, they’d go ahead and off the loveable doofus/hero Dewey Riley. There's also the issue of modern audiences actually caring about a fourth Scream go-around. I mean they did swear up and down back in 2000 that it was done after the third film.

Movie Moan - Honestly Who Cares?

We're finally past the "Dead Zone" of movie-news, folks. Thank God! Thus this week's edition of Movie Moan entail our heroes (in this case, Phil, Lou and Jamie) discussing them while giving their ever-so-colorful commentary.

The non-stop headache of Green Lantern continues (Where the Hell will it film? Is Jackie Earle Haley going to play Sinestro? Will it finally stop hitting all these road-blocks to get made?), Chris Pine headlining another reboot of the Jack Ryan franchise (while simultaneously still cruising the galaxy as Captain Kirk in the forthcoming Star Trek sequel), Bill Murray shitting on the chances of seeing Ghostbusters 3 in our lifetime and the long-last meeting between Roland Emmerich and William Shakespeare.

All of those topics in addition to Phil's man-love for Yul Brynner (and Sam Raimi), Matt Helm, whether or not The Avengers will make its projected May 2012 release date and past memories of "Hype!"

Movie Moan - Honestly Who Cares?

Is Jackie Earle Haley Going To Be In Green Lantern?

Even with the just announced news-item of Green Lantern headed out of Australia (with possible substitute shooting locations being Canada or Mexico), Aint It Cool News big-cheese Harry Knowles has the word that director Martin Campbell is slowly, but surely, readying a cast to stand next to his leading man Ryan Reynolds.

As per his source(s), Jackie Earle Haley is said to be the frontrunner to play Sinestro. In the comics, the character was a former mentor-turned-villain against Hal Jordan. With this rumor comes more confirmation that Haley (ever since having a major career comeback with his Oscar nominated turn in Little Children) is wisely sticking to genre fare. That’s his bread and butter, and has been working out for him so far.

Sure he was awesome as Rorschach in Watchmen this past Spring. But next year will be pretty big too with him being the new Freddy Krueger headlining Platinum Dunes’ Nightmare on Elm Street reboot in addition to co-starring in The Human Target on Fox this coming January. I'm all for this casting decision if it ends up happening.

Said contact also reiterates long-time rumblings that Superman will in fact make a cameo in the film. Of course, earlier drafts of the script had the bit part in question being that of Clark Kent. If this ends up going down, who would done the red-and-blue suit and/or glasses? Brandon Routh (even though his Superman contract with Warner Brothers has since lapsed)? Tom Welling (strike that suggestion – we all know that’ll never happen)? Matthew Bomer? A no-name character actor?

Where the Hell is Green Lantern Filming?

Is it just me or does Green Lantern feel like the most “On again, off again” tentpole in recent memory?

Right when a major hurdle (like casting your lead actor) has been overcome, another issue pops up. For awhile now, it’s been on shaky grounds regarding a shooting location. Reports indicated the production would be forced away from originally-intended Sydney, Australia due to rising costs.

“Not so fast!” said director Martin Campbell and his team as rumblings had Hal Jordan flying down to New Orleans as a substitute. So everything is good to go right? “Wrong!” says THR. While confirming that Australia is officially out, they reveal that locations have still yet to be determined. There goes the Big Easy. Citing “industry sources,” the trades have the production now looking towards Canada or Mexico – both have been suggested in the past.

Not to be the cynical bastard (a shock to some of you, good folks!), but I remain in my "I'll believe it when I see it!" attitude towards Green Lantern. I'd like to be proven wrong because I like the Reynolds and Campbell decisions, and feel this could be one Helluva solid film. But...man, it looks like the filmmakers just can't get their shit together here.

Dan Aykroyd Doubtful on Ghostbusters 3

For what feels like forever and a day, Dan Aykroyd has been telling anyone with a set of ears the exact same thing about Ghostbusters 3. By that, I mean a script is being written, all of the original cast-members are returning and filming will (probably) start up in a year or so.

Talk about pulling a 180. Coming mere days after Bill Murray shot down all status reports; Aykroyd appears to have jumped on the bandwagon himself. As he clarifies to Hounds TV:

“Until I have the following:  B117B3X9. That’s a production number. When I see a production number, I’m going to start leasing cars. I get a cell-phone. I get my office back. I get the fridge. I get another secretary. I know I’m in the picture business again. But I don’t have that production number tonight, Sir.”

However contrary to Murray's claims, Aykroyd does confirm "there is a script" while concurrently stressing the lack of a green light. It sounds like even he (of all people) is reserved to the fact that Ghostbusters 3 will most likely never happen.

Bill Murray Not Holding His Breath Towards Ghostbusters 3

“I’ll believe it when I see it. You know, I saw a guy talking about the end of the world a couple of years ago. I haven’t seen that either!”

Words from a wise man, indeed. Or to be more specific Bill Murray talking to the UK’s Absolute Radio (via Latino Review) about Ghostbusters 3. Sounds like he’s not a believer himself. This is after even Ivan Reitman is said to be attached now.

Straight from his mouth of Dr. Venkman came the revelation that there's "still no script" and that a third installment continues to dwell in the "It's just a bunch of talk" phase. I'm sure that's very discouraging to those who actually want to see Ghostbusters 3 crossing the stream.

It's refreshing as Hell to hear someone talking as honestly as Murray did (while at the premiere of The Fantastic Mr. Fox). He obviously doesn't need the money he's sure to earn from another go-around with Aykroyd, Ramis and Hudson. Of course, his disinterest has been said to be the reason we didn't see Ghostbusters 3 back in the mid 90s.

Sounds like he's smart enough to know when to leave a good thing alone. I mean, didn't Ghostbusters 2 leave enough of a bad taste in our mouths to know better?

Trailer and One-Sheet For Edge of Darkness Unveiled

Regardless of your views (politics, religion, film, American Idol results, etc.), we can all agree on one thing. Mel Gibson hasn't been the same since The Passion of the Christ. I mean people used to love the guy. He was just a regular Joe who happened to be a movie-star headlining films that folks went to see in droves. One DUI and a drunken "The Jews control everything!" rant later, he lost us. Gibson became a member of a race of long-beloved stars who lost that touch with the general public becoming the butt of many of late-night jokes.

Same thing happened to Tom Cruise, as we all remember. After much hard work (most likely on the part of his publicist), he went back to his "Nice Guy" phase. But more importantly, he appeared to films that people actually paid money to see - his cameo in Tropic Thunder and the Bryan Singer-helmed WWII thriller Valkyrie. Now he's back in everyone's good graces.

And to his credit, Gibson has been attempting the same. He's made his public apologies (quiet a few times, in fact) and even did The Colonel that everyone enjoyed. I dare you not to laugh during that fake trailer. Now comes the ultimate test - old crazy Mel has a new film coming out in the form of Edge of Darkness. Will people check it out? 

Yahoo! Movies has the trailer (embedded below for your viewing pleasure) and Coming Soon has the film's theatrical one-sheet.

J.J. Abrams Taking Over The Film World - One Project At A Time

J.J. Abrams has reached the level of success few genre filmmakers attain. He is a god among geeks standing shoulder-to-shoulder next to Christopher Nolan at the top of the mountain. And he has the massive popularity of Star Trek to thank. It’s the kind of scenario where his name will be suggested by studio executives and fanboys alike for any franchise that needs Adrenaline to the heart. In their eyes, he can do no wrong. That is until (or if?) he falters.

So what’s a geek god to do now that he’s had said success? Keep yourself up to your eyeballs in projects, of course.

First and foremost, there’s the Star Trek sequel which he’ll produce (with a strong indication that he may direct again), Mission: Impossible IV (developing with Tom Cruise), the comedy Morning Glory with Rachel McAdams and Harrison Ford coming July 2010 (produced by Abrams and directed by Roger Michell), The Untold Story of the World's Biggest Diamond Heist (which again he may or may not direct himself) and a just purchased “mystery project.”

That doesn’t include the various television-related items he’s working on. The much-popular Lost starts up its swan-song season this coming January 2010 and Fringe (with Trek screenwriters Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman) is in its sophomore year. Plus there’s two forthcoming projects in development - the currently untitled “spy drama” recently set up at NBC and a “medical comedy” with Fox.

God knows what other projects are in development that haven't been announced yet. Knowing Abrams, quiet a few. For me, the bigger question is he stretching out a bit thin? Possibly. But one has to strike while the iron is hot.