Filed under: Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Casting, Deals, Fandom, DIY/Filmmaking, Newsstand, Movie Marketing, Comic/Superhero/Geek, Remakes and Sequels, Trailers and Clips

Happy New Year to all my brothers and sisters. May 5769 kick a whole lot more ass than 5768. While over 98% of Hollywood takes the day off, here’s what’s happening:

Variety reports that Michael Bay has taken a page from Christopher Nolan and will shoot “at least three action set pieces” using IMAX cameras during Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Usually I’d reserve this spot for a Bay joke, but I truly think this is a great thing for a film like Transformers. The action scenes in the last one felt claustrophobic (especially toward the end), and so utilizing IMAX would allow Bay and Co. to open it up and really have fun with the thing. Visually, this could add a lot to the film. Hopefully they’ll use it for some massive robot battle. Other films also mentioned in the article as possible contenders for a similar IMAX approach include Iron Man 2 and Y: The Last Man.

Looks like the old gang is making a play for Spider-Man 4 (and 5?), as Kirsten Dunst told MTV that she’s “in” when asked whether she’d be returning to the mega-franchise as Peter Parker’s old lady, Mary Jane. However, she did follow that up with “I’m not saying anything. I know there’s rumors …” — which, in actor-speak, means “We’re still negotiating and I’m not really allowed to open my big mouth.” I’d expect a big announcement soon stating the return of Sam Raimi, Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst for a back-to-back shoot of Spider-Man 4 and 5.

Thomas Dekker (aka that dude who stars in Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles) is in talks to snag a lead role in MGM’s remake of Fame, so says The Hollywood Reporter. The original 1980 film, which was nominated for six Oscars, follows several aspiring young performers and teachers at the prestigious New York Academy of Performing Arts. Considering the times we live in, I envision this update to feel like a mix between Step Up, You Got Served and American Idol: The Movie.

Much more after the jump …

Continue reading News Bites: ‘Transformers 2′ Goes IMAX, Mary Jane Returns and More

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Filed under: Celebrities, Dancing With The Stars, Episode Reviews, Episode Recaps

(S07E04) We’re back to the ballroom for week two, without Jeffrey Ross or Ted McGinley. Because of the extended opening week, the couples only had four days to learn either the rumba, or the paso doble. Asked what he was looking for, Len said that learning a new dance in four days is really tough. So, he was fearing the worst, but hoping for the best.

It was one of many questions we would have for the show. Was four days enough time? Is Brooke really that good? Would Kim finally come out of her shell? What would Lacey do to annoy crusty old Len this week? You’ll find the answers to all of those, and a rundown of all the week two performances, after the jump.

Continue reading Dancing With The Stars: Week 2

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Filed under: Action, Classics, Drama, Romance, Casting, Universal, Scripts, Newsstand

The wires (yes, I still think of them like that) were buzzing all weekend with MTV’s big scoop — that while Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott were out promoting Body of Lies, the network cornered them about the long-delayed Nottingham, Scott’s revisionist Robin Hood story. There have been a lot of names attached to the role of Robin Hood, ranging from Christian Bale to newcomer Sam Riley.

Forget all of that because now, from Scott himself, comes the announcement that Crowe will be playing both roles. Mum on the details, the director would only say it was “a good old clever adjustment of characters. One becomes the other. It changes.” I would take that to mean that the Sheriff of Nottingham becomes Robin Hood after having to steal from the poor one too many times … or they’re twins, which would be pretty lame, especially for Scott and Crowe.

But wait — there’s more! CHUD points out that in reading the original screenplay, they noticed the Sheriff was caught between a tyrant king and a less-than-heroic Robin Hood. Nothing in this script indicated the Sheriff and Robin Hood could be played by the same actor. Now, Brian Helgeland came in and did a rewrite, and much depends on that.

The medievalist in me suspects this is less shockingly revisionist than a return to the old medieval legends, where Robin Hood was merely an outlaw who beheaded people from time to time, not the Robin of Locksley we all know and love. It’s a pretty flexible legend, and I’m very anxious to see what Scott does with it … when it finally heads into production, that is.

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Filed under: Casting, Mystery & Suspense

Usually it’s not too hard to imagine what a film will be like. This is not, however, the case with Sherlock Holmes. First, it was a challenge to try and imagine just how Guy Ritchie would handle the material, even with the suggestion of a “slightly stylized 1891.” Robert Downey Jr. was an intriguing choice for Mr. Holmes, and now as the bigger casting pieces begin to fall into place, I’m dying to see what Ritchie makes of it.

Jude Law IS in as Watson, and The Hollywood Reporter posts that Rachel McAdams has signed on to play Sherlock’s love interest, Irene Adler. THR says the character showed up in only one story — 1891’s “A Scandal in Bohemia,” but should the film become part of a series, she’ll be there for the ride. As Elisabeth pointed out when Mark Strong signed on, Ritchie isn’t interested right now in a sequel, but that doesn’t mean the studio isn’t salivating over the thought. Oh yes, and Strong, who was cast in a few roles through the rumor mill — he’ll play Blackwood, Holmes’ main villain. There’s some excellent talent in here, and after RocknRolla, I’m dying to see Strong go head to head with Downey Jr.

Dear readers of Cinematical, what say you? Will these four work well together, or are you hoping for a little recasting? And for more of this week’s big casting news, check out the gallery below …

Continue reading Rachel McAdams Romances Sherlock Holmes

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Filed under: Action, Comedy, Drama, Casting

As insane as it would be to see a movie where Nick Nolte chats with God, that’s not quite the Arcadia he’s getting involved in. The Hollywood Reporter posts that Nolte, Haley Bennett, and Carter Jenkins have signed on for a coming-of-age indie called Arcadia Lost. Bennett and Jenkins star as pretty unlucky step-siblings — mom and dad die in a car crash on their first family trip, and while on their own “the stunned teens roam the Greek countryside and befriend an expatriate vagabond (Nolte) who leads them to a mysterious spiritual ceremony.” So it’s kinda god-like, but in a style more fitting to Nolte. If this is your cup of tea, check out THR for info on tracking the film through Facebook.

And then there’s the sleek and tough Maggie Q. Variety tells us she’s going to star in a new historical action pic directed by Tian ZhuangZhuang called The Warrior and the Wolf. Tang Wei was originally linked to the film, but since Lust, Caution got her in trouble with China, methinks they looked elsewhere. Warrior will tell the story of two warriors in ancient China, and is currently in production in the Xinjiang province.

What probably won’t be going into production any time soon, if ever, is a sequel to The Devil Wears Prada. In a discussion with MTV, Anne Hathaway said: “I’m really, really proud of Fox’s decision not to pursue a sequel. When I did Bride Wars with them I asked what happened, and they said we can’t make a story, and it’s not worth it to damage the original film.” That being said, she has wished for a decent story for a sequel, and would continue the franchise if it was right. If Fox hasn’t come up with something worthwhile yet, they probably won’t (kudos to the studio for not forcing the issue) … but maybe thoughts of more Andy will lead Hathaway to a similar role elsewhere.

One last little bit: George Clooney might be the Lone Ranger? Really? Could you see Clooney and Depp together? Check AICN for more.

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Filed under: Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Casting, RumorMonger, Scripts, Newsstand, Comic/Superhero/Geek, Remakes and Sequels

We end the week with all kinds of intriguing possibilities and rumors — try to contain your joy at the Ghostbusters 3 bit, especially if you’re at work. We can’t have your employers finding out you’re reading Cinematical on the clock!

• Bill Murray is at Fantastic Fest, undoubtedly partying with our writers and promoting City of Ember and at the film’s Q&A, AICN’s Kraken (a stellar guy) asked the question we all wanted the answer too — would Murray return for Ghostbusters 3? Murray thinks the scriptwriters (borrowed, you’ll remember, from The Office) are off to a good start, that enough time has passed to heal the Ghostbusters 2 wounds, and he would definitely be open to playing Peter Venkman again. In fact, his enthusiasm for the franchise was rekindled by recording the voice for the upcoming video game — and he had even been singing the theme song in public. There’s video of Murray’s answer up at AICN, so check it out, and get your hopes up.

• One of the questions surrounding Iron Man 2 was its change-up on the writing front. Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby weren’t returning, their job was taken by Justin Theroux, and we all frowned a little inside. But MTV has the scoop that they’re unavailable for Iron Man 2 because they’re working on something else for Marvel. Fergus wouldn’t specify what, he just dropped maddening hints. “There are some really juicy [movies] that we are very much talking intensely with Marvel about … We’re interested in working on a bunch of these other Marvel projections and everything in the Marvel canon is fair game. We have a lot of ideas about all this, but until they officially ask us to come do one of these we’ll keep our mouths closed about the actual ideas. It’s moving along nicely but nothing official yet. But, yes, we are planning on working on some of those movies. That much I’ll say.” At this point, all of the Marvel movies have writers — and impressive ones at that. Either they’re replacing someone, or it’s a new character altogether. Guess away.

Continue reading Geek Daily: ‘Ghostbusters 3′, Secret Marvel Projects, and Gasps From ‘Justice League Mortal’

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Filed under: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Casting, Deals, Warner Brothers, RumorMonger, 20th Century Fox, Newsstand, Comic/Superhero/Geek, Remakes and Sequels

The trades apparently read yesterday’s tirade about their not being any news — because as weird luck would have it, everything hit the wire as I was getting my Anderson Cooper fix. (I’m not making that up for the sake of cuteness, it’s true. The evening is not complete until I discover I lost the 360 Challenge … again) Now, to the headlines:

• Being the sole man alive never meant you couldn’t get a franchise! Variety reports that Warner Bros is putting a prequel to I Am Legend into production. The prequel boasts the return of Will Smith and director Francis Lawrence, and is based on a script outline cooked up by Smith, Lawrence, and producers Akiva Goldsman and James Lassiter. Obviously, it takes place before the plague wiped out New York. I hope they go daring and all Terminator 3-ish, and show Smith as being the scientist responsible for the whole mess. I also hope they name it I Will Be Legend.

• Top Cow continues its slow takeover of comic book movies — IESB reports that Fathom movie is back on, despite creator Michael Turner’s untimely death. And reportedly, Cinematical’s ever present friend Megan Fox has snagged the lead as Aspen Matthews. It’s all from anonymous sources, but given that Magdalena and Witchblade are on their way, I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s made official before too long.

• Who needs Iron Man and Samuel L. Jackson cameos? September 30th brings, at long last, your chance to finally own David Hasselhoff’s Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D on DVD. Don’t think you can pick this up just anywhere, though, it’s exclusive to Best Buy. But what price to pay for a cult classic?

Continue reading Geek Daily: ‘I Am Legend’ Prequel, Fathom Gets a Fox, and ‘Nick Fury’ Gets a DVD

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Filed under: Other Reality Shows, Celebrities

Do you loathe The Hills? Well, you’re not alone. Even Oscar-winning actresses have a hate on for the hit MTV reality series.

Charlize Theron told MTV News she didn’t understand why the show is so popular. “Why is it so big? It’s about nothing!” she wondered. “The Hills is about nothing. I think the girls are beautiful and when they cry their mascara runs and that’s real, but I don’t get it!”

And she’s not the only celebrity who’s befuddled by The Hills phenomenon, either. Singer Juliana Hatfield blogged, “I hate the fact that I know Heidi Montag’s name; that I know who she is; that she takes up any space at all in my consciousness.”

Continue reading Everybody hates The Hills

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Filed under: Celebrities, Dancing With The Stars, Episode Recaps

(S07E03) We’re really getting back into the swing of things now. After the whirlwind of 25 performances in two nights, it was time for a proper results show. As usual, that’s both good and bad. Results shows always hold the prospect of musical guests, and professional numbers.

Unfortunately, they also have a tendency to bring iffy comedy bits, and dull taped packages. It’s a bit of a crapshoot, but usually worth tuning in. Because, as we all know, no matter how sure you are that a certain couple is leaving, you just never really know. Am I hinting at a surprise elimination? Or just trying to trick you into clicking your way past the jump? Only one way to find out.

Continue reading Dancing With The Stars: Week 1 Results

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Filed under: Casting, Fandom, Comic/Superhero/Geek, Remakes and Sequels

In Elisabeth’s Geek Daily, she shared word about wacky Brett Ratner’s visions for Batman. Oh yes, the Ratner has struck again — it seems the Caped Crusader was his “thing” as a kid, and he’s jealous that Christopher Nolan got to take it on. So, obviously, he started talking about spin-offs and sequels. While I could give you four reasons why Ratner is insane (where every one on the list would be the fact that he thinks a Halle Berry/Storm film would be a good idea), I’m going to stick with the Batman.

If Nolan never got the chance, but Ratner did … who would he have cast?

4. Chris Tucker as The Riddler — He’s been through Rush Hour three times, and now he’s in a Frank Sinatra pic under Ratner. Methinks Tucker will always have a gig in Brett’s world. Heck, why spend $30 million on a better everything when you can just throw it all at Chris Tucker.

3. Halle Berry as Catwoman … again — Ratner likes to stick with the familiar, and If he liked her as Storm, I wouldn’t be surprised if he likes her Catwoman too.

2. Playboy Playmates as Bruce Wayne’s female entourage — This, you know, would be 100% inevitable … especially in a Brett Ratner film. Because why should Wayne feel tied down to one tough-as-nails lawyer/reporter when he can have several sexy sirens at his side. The Riddler kidnapped Wayne’s sweetheart and is holding her hostage on the set of Next Next Next Friday? Oh well, luckily he has 11 more … one for each month.

1. Brett Ratner as Batman – Everyone tries a new part of the biz at some point during their career, so would feisty, casting couch-loving Ratner be able to resist the chance to bed Playmates on the big screen? It’s the ultimate, immortalized act for a guy who loves his swingin’ ways … and the image of his beautiful masked face in the mirror. Creepy.

See what Ratner’s Batman flick would look like in the gallery below … but beware, your eyes may bleed filth. Dare we ask for your own casting choices …

This Week on Countdown

Five Fall/Winter Trailers to Watch

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