failedscreenwriter

Actors Bad Role Models

2005-06-16T13:22:00.000-07:00

Dammit. Out of the AOL poll I just posted, it appears that "actors as role models" was the portion most of the media focuses on. Are the bad role models? The poll says yes. What do I say? Who the @$%& cares. Quit having so many #$%^$ kids!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Anyways.

WASHINGTON A survey suggests most Americans think movie stars are poor role models.

Recent Poll on Movie-Watching

2005-06-16T13:20:00.000-07:00

Interesting Stuff

The AP-AOL News poll on public attitudes about the movies is based on telephone interviews with 1,000 adults from all states except Alaska and Hawaii. The interviews were conducted June 13-15 by Ipsos.

Results were weighted to represent the population by demographic factors such as age, sex, region, race and income.

No more than one time in 20 should chance variations in the sample cause the results to vary by more than 3 percentage points from the answers that would be obtained if all Americans were polled.

There are other sources of potential error in polls, including the wording and order of questions. Results may not total 100 percent because of rounding.
___

1. In general, do you prefer to watch movies at the movie theater, or do you prefer to watch movies at home on your DVD player, VCR, or on pay-per-view?
_At the movie theater, 22 percent
_At home, 73 percent
_Not sure, 5 percent

2. How many movies, if any, have you attended in a movie theater in the past 12 months?
_None, 25 percent
_One to four, 43 percent
_Five or more, 31 percent
_Not sure, 1 percent
___
Average — 5 movies in past 12 months

3. Do you think movies, in general, are getting better or getting worse?
_Getting better, 33 percent
_Getting worse, 47 percent
_About the same (VOLUNTEERED), 14 percent
_Not sure, 6 percent

4. In general, do you think movie stars are positive or negative role models for children today?
_Positive, 24 percent
_Negative, 69 percent
_Not sure, 7 percent

5. What is your favorite type of movie to watch? Would you say..
_Comedy, 27 percent
_Drama, 19 percent
_Action/adventure, 17 percent
_Family, 9 percent
_Science Fiction, 6 percent
_Westerns, 5 percent
_Musicals, 4 percent
_Horror, 3 percent
_War movies, 2 percent
_Something else, 7 percent
_Not sure, 1 percent

6. Do you play computer or video games, or not?
_Yes, 36 percent
_No, 64 percent

7. Do you use a DVD player at home, or not?
_Yes, 82 percent
_No, 18 percent

8. Do you use a VCR at home, or not?
_Yes, 77 percent
_No, 23 percent

9. Do you use a digital video recorder such as a TiVO or ReplayTV box at home, or not?
_Yes, 17 percent
_No, 83 percent

10. Have you ever ordered a movie on pay-per-view at home, or not?
_Yes, 37 percent
_No, 63 percent

11. Have you ever used the internet to download a movie onto a computer, or not?
_Yes, 5 percent
_No, 95 percent

Top Ten Sitcom Cliches

2005-06-16T13:18:00.000-07:00

This is why I hate tv

Is Their Anything Movies Cannot Do?

2005-06-15T11:04:00.000-07:00

Seriously. Anything.

June 15, 2005 - Classic movies such as 'Casablanca' could bring back lost memories for dementia sufferers thanks to an innovative memory aid. Based on an interactive multimedia computer system and a clearer understanding of how dementia sufferers respond to social situations, the aid aims to stimulate more enjoyable, rewarding conversation between sufferers and those who care for them.

With funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), a team of researchers in Scotland has developed CIRCA (Computer Interactive Reminiscence and Conversation Aid). CIRCA comprises a simple touch-screen with easy-to-follow instructions that require no technology competence.

When switched on, it displays a choice of three random categories (entertainment, local life etc). Selecting a category, the user is given a choice of 'music', 'photo' or 'video'. These in turn call up images, video or sound clips (e.g. of well-known movie stars such as Humphrey Bogart) from a database, acting as a memory trigger and conversation prompt. A 'stop and talk' button allows the system to be frozen at any point.

Giving Baer His Props

2005-06-14T23:07:00.000-07:00

Just saw CINDERELLA MAN tonight. Great, great film. Just thought I should post this to give the film's villian, Max Baer, his respect.

Former "Beverly Hillbillies" star Max Baer Jr. has come out swinging to defend his father, now that the late prizefighter's reputation has taken a beating in Ron Howard's "Cinderella Man."

The film, in which Russell Crowe plays Depression-era boxer James J. Braddock, portrays Baer Sr. as a sadistic thug who hits below the belt and boasts about the two boxers he has killed in the ring. Baer Sr. (Craig Bierko) even threatens to make Braddock's wife (Renée Zellweger) his lover after he has made her a widow.

"That's a lie," Baer Jr., who played lovable yokel Jethro Bodine on the '60s TV comedy, tells us. "My father cried about what happened to [Baer ring victim] Frankie Campbell. He had nightmares. He helped put Frankie's children through college."

While Howard has Baer sporting boxing trunks bearing the Star of David, he doesn't explain that he became a hero to the Jewish people by defeating Hitler favorite Max Schmeling.

Howard's spokeswoman Leslee Dart says: "The script was written from the point of view of the Braddock family. To them, Max Baer was a real threat. Ron felt that was how the character needed to be drafted."

"I have great respect for Ronny Howard," says Baer Jr. "But he never called me for any factual information about my father. They distorted his character. They didn't have to make him an ogre to make Jimmy Braddock a hero."

Very Interesting Study

2005-06-14T18:33:00.000-07:00

On the effects of the critics and the public's word-of-mouth.

I Cannot Wait

2005-06-14T16:45:00.000-07:00

Hope to see it tonight at Midnight. May have to wait till the weekend, though.

Batman, the caped crusader who was in danger of seeing his legend snuffed out following a couple of widely panned movies, bursts back on to the big screen with a vengeance this week in a new film that has wowed critics worldwide.
"Batman Begins", starring Christian Bale and directed by Christopher Nolan, is headed for blockbuster status when it opens worldwide Wednesday but, unusually for a big US studio movie in what is frequently a silly season of mindless action flicks, it makes the effort to put story and character at the forefront.

"I thought it would be interesting to present the story in a grounded fashion," said Nolan at a Paris press conference Tuesday to launch the Warner Bros film.
The British writer/director, who made a big impact with his first feature "Memento", has used his knack for psychological drama to invest Bruce Wayne/Batman with dimensions lacking from the previous four films, the last two of which -- campy disappointments helmed by Joel Schumacher -- almost killed off the lucrative franchise for good.

Instead of over-the-top fights and action set pieces, Nolan has gone for a more plausible presentation of the Dark Knight while drawing on the inspiration of the comic books and graphic novels that fleshed out the superhero in the seven decades of his existence.

A top-notch cast including Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Liam Neeson, Gary Oldman and a deliciously sinister Cillian Murphy helped, while props such as the baddest Batmobile ever seen are relegated to serving rather than dominating the film.

"This is character-driven blockbuster moviemaking. Usually you have plastic figures to drive you from one explosion to the next," said Caine, who added he would jump at the chance to play Wayne's butler Alfred in another Batman movie by Nolan.

One of the director's biggest touches of genius was in casting Bale -- perhaps best known up to now as the urbane sociopath in the stomach-churning "American Psycho" -- as the conflicted hero who is driven by revenge and fear rather than nobler instincts.

"I wanted to show the constant struggle to balance the light and darkness of his nature," Nolan said.

Please! No MORE!

2005-06-14T16:42:00.000-07:00

PLEASE!!!!!!

Be afraid. Be very afraid. There are more Resident Evil movies coming. Two to be precise.

ET to WAR OF THE WORLDS

2005-06-13T21:58:00.000-07:00

The Houston Chronicle, helps, well, chronicle, Steven Spielbergs shift in aliens from cute and lovable to genocidal.

TOKYO — Steven Spielberg says the days when movie audiences sympathize with a lovable alien such as E.T. may be over.

"It seemed like the time was right for me as a filmmaker to let the audience experience an alien that is a little less pleasant than E.T.," Spielberg said Monday at a post-premiere news conference for his new film, War of the Worlds.

"Today, in the shadow of 9/11, I think the film has found a place in society," said Spielberg, who directed 1982's E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and 1977's Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Pictures from THE FOUNTAIN

2005-06-13T21:54:00.000-07:00

At Hugh Jackman's fans' website, Jackman's Landing, (yes, there really is a such place and it is really called that), they have updated pictures from the hugely, hugely anticipated film (very much so from me), THE FOUNTAIN.

Ragging on Zombie

2005-06-13T21:48:00.000-07:00

I don't know who Osborne is, but I have to agree with him that Zombie sucks.

With all of the hoopla surrounding Rob Zombie's forthcoming flick The Devil's Rejects, we here at ChartAttack thought it might be a great idea to get an opinion from one of the music world's most intense film addicts around, Fantomas guitarist Buzz "King Buzzo" Osborne.

After all, Osborne has a vested interest in horror films. Both Fantomas and his other band The Melvins have honoured horror in some format, although Fantomas' (the band are completed by drummer Dave Lombardo, bassist Trevor Dunn and vocalist Mike Patton) latest effort Suspended Animation is more about cartoons than killing.

Little did we know that Osborne hates Rob Zombie though — with unbridled passion that borders on discomfort to endure.

Netflix Now With Pre-Viewed FIlms for Sale

2005-06-13T21:40:00.000-07:00

From the Motley Fool.

Recently, Netflix(Nasdaq: NFLX) subscribers have started to notice a new tab on top of their browser windows. It's a link that points them to a special part of the website where they can purchase pre-viewed DVDs, much like rummaging through the discount shelf at a local Blockbuster(NYSE: BBI).

Most DVDs on the list cost $10.99 (plus tax), and shipping is free. And while the movies themselves are pre-viewed, the movies come with all the original artwork and packaging and a guarantee that if they don't play properly you can return them for a replacement.

Upon first hearing the news, I must say that my first thought was "finally." Here at the Fool, there have been various suggestions to Netflix to expand the way it makes money, primarily by advertising on its red mailers. Initially, I thought that selling DVDs seemed like it would be a good way to boost revenues. But upon taking a closer look at the offerings and talking to the company, I think it's important for investors not to overstate this portion of Netflix's business. In fact, they should all but ignore it.

First, the current selection of for sale movies is not distinguished for either its quality or its depth. While I understand that movie tastes vary, the current list features titles such as Alfie, King Arthur, Ladder 49, and Mr. 3000 -- not exactly movies you'd call classics. To be fair, you can buy copies of movies that have done better in the box office or received critical acclaim such as Being Julia, Closer, The Village, and Hotel Rwanda, but it's still safe to say that you probably won't see a chapter from the Star Wars saga or The Notebook anywhere on the list. The reason? DVDs offered for sale are ones that, according to the company, just aren't moving as much through the subscribers' queues.

Accordingly, it's not particularly reasonable to expect significant sales increases based on the rollout of the aforementioned policy.

Second, Netflix informed me that any revenues from this program are already included in the company's guidance. Since there was no promotional announcement about this program, that most likely means the expected financial impact from this feature is minimal.

Thus, I think it's best to view this move as a way of making the company slightly more efficient -- for every DVD sold that's not circulating, the company can recoup some of its original investment. And running a more efficient operation never hurt

Info on Indy 4

2005-06-13T21:35:00.000-07:00

Here.

USA Today talked to Steven Spielberg and Harrison Fordduring AFI's 33rd Life Achievement Awards gala saluting "Star Wars: creator George Lucas. Spielberg said screenwriter Jeff Nathanson is readying a script for Indiana Jones 4 by summer's end.

Asked whether Ford's real-life lady Calista Flockhart would play Indy's new leading lady, the actor said, "She would of course make her own decision." Flockhart said she would definitely sign on if offered the role. "Oh, yes. If I could kick his (butt), absolutely!"

It was previously reported that both Lucas and Spielberg had signed off on the script and that Ford had not read it yet. Lucas recently summoned Nathanson to his Bay Area headquarters, where they went over the draft. The writer also got notes from Spielberg before continuing on to finish the script.

Childhood Theatre Memories

2005-06-13T21:31:00.000-07:00

This article, conveniently from my hometown paper, talks of memories of your childhood that you may remember. Mine was when I go to the Keller 8 plex, which was 10 miles from my house, I would buy a ticket to some crappy PG-13 film, and sneak into youth-inspiring films such ad PULP FICTION and NATURAL BORN KILLERS. How about you guys? Anything significant in your childhood memories?

Interview With Don Cheadle

2005-06-13T00:27:00.000-07:00

Good interview with the great actor from Blunt Review.

Balance in North Korea Cinema

2005-06-12T11:30:00.000-07:00

Well isn't this diplomatic?

SEOUL, June 10 -- When a crowd gathered one evening in April at the grand New York store of the Italian fashion house Prada, the main event had nothing to do with catwalks or new collections. Instead, the guests sat down and watched the U.S. debut of a very unusual film, a British documentary on two North Korean gymnasts whose purpose in life is to glorify their country's leader, Kim Jong Il.

"A State of Mind," screened at the store during the 2005 Tribeca Film Festival, will open in theaters in 12 American cities in August. The film will begin a showing in Washington in the fall.

As part of a major counteroffensive by secretive North Korea against its portrayal abroad as a fiendish nuclear state, officials in the capital, Pyongyang, offered rare cooperation to the film's director, Daniel Gordon. They let his cameras track the two girls from day to day for a 93-minute work that treats its subjects with a striking balance of Western and North Korean perspectives.

The normally bombastic North, which has long threatened to turn Seoul, the South Korean capital, into a "sea of fire" and to "crush the American dogs," is launching what may be its most difficult global mission yet -- a charm offensive.

"They have been called part of the axis of evil, they have been called drug traffickers and counterfeiters -- clearly, North Korea has an image problem," said Jeong Dae Yeon, a board member of the Seoul-based citizens' group Korean People's Solidarity, which advocates engagement with the North. "Now, they are actively trying to do something to counter that impression."

Internet Renting = SHAME

2005-06-12T11:21:00.000-07:00

I never thought that online renting online would create a market for those ashamed to pick up certain movies in the store (I guess not everyone has so little tact as me to rent WILD THINGS 3 while talking to the girl behind the counter about WT 1 & 2). Well, apparently their is a demand online for certain movies as SPICE WORLD.

The Spice Girls film and the sentimental musical Annie top a list of "toe-curling" movies people have been renting out online, according to research.
According to online retailer Amazon these were the sort of movies people may have been too embarrassed to ask for over the counter.

Amazon.co.uk studied its movie rental charts and discovered a string of films in the top 100 which were either obscure, unfashionable, or had received a drubbing from critics.

Orphan flick Annie, Jennifer Lopez flop Gigli, Pamela Anderson movie Barb-Wire and Super Mario Brothers, the video-game turned movie with Bob Hoskins as a plumber, are being rented out online.

Amazon said it noticed a selection of obscure films appearing regularly in the DVD postal rental charts and concluded this was due to the secret demands of movie-lovers for these type of films.

Amazon.co.uk DVD Manager Matt Henderson said: "We have found that DVD rental-by-post has created a new demand for toe-curling movies.

"Films like Spice World, Annie and The Sound of Music have been on the shelves untouched for a long time, with potential customers too ashamed to rent them out."

The top ten unfashionable movies in the Amazon.co.uk 100 most rented chart: 1. Spice World (1997) 2. The Sound of Music (1965) 3. Annie (1982) 4. Bambi (1942) 5. Super Mario Bros (1993) 6. Barb Wire (1996) 7. Thunderbirds (2004) 8. Titanic (1997) 9. Hellboy (2004) 10. Gigli (2003)

Film Festivals in the New England Area

2005-06-12T09:39:00.000-07:00

Also, if you are excited about LAST DAYS, this is your time to see it.

Interview With Christopher Nolan

2005-06-12T09:33:00.000-07:00

Cool info in here.

Funny Article About Brad Pitt

2005-06-11T10:23:00.000-07:00

I went into it thinking it was just tabloid fluff, but it has some good film insights.

You can’t ask for a better introduction to the movie-going public than Brad Pitt got in “Thelma and Louise.” In a film seen mostly by women, in which most of the men are jerks, Pitt, too, plays a jerk, but a good-looking jerk, a bad boy who differs from the others in this way: He’s the one who gives women orgasms. Sure, Harvey Keitel is fatherly, and Michael Madsen is loyal; and, sure, Brad Pitt steals from Thelma and Louise, beginning a chain of events which eventually causes the women to drive their car off a cliff. But still: He’s the one who gives women orgasms. You don’t have to look like Brad Pitt to make this work for you.

Weinsteins to Release Many New Films

2005-06-11T10:18:00.000-07:00

It seems in the Miramax/Disney/Weinsteins breakup quite a few films were held up because of the divorce. These films are to be released now. The quality of the pictures are supposed to be good, its just a matter of the situation. Read full article here.

Outdoor Movies at Hotels

2005-06-11T10:15:00.000-07:00

This sounds awesome.

One of the hottest new amenities at resorts and hotels this summer is the outdoor movie — a film projected onto the side of a building or on a big screen set up around the pool.

The latest to jump on the trend is the Flatotel in New York City, which this weekend begins projecting movies against a 30-foot wall at its outdoor Italian eatery, MODA Outdoors. The program comes on the heels of one at the Loews Annapolis Hotel, a hub for vacationers exploring the Chesapeake Bay. Loews began its own outdoor movie nights Sunday at its outdoor patio.

Even cruise lines are getting into the act. Carnival's 2,974-passenger Liberty, which launches July 20 in the Mediterranean, will have a 22-foot-wide light-emitting diode screen atop the Lido deck for regular outdoor movie screenings. Princess, which launched movies on the deck of the Caribbean Princess last year, will have them on three ships this summer and two more by the end of 2007. Like Carnival, the line is using high-tech, light-emitting diode screens.

Segal Sued for Ruinung Movies

2005-06-11T10:13:00.000-07:00

Hilarious.

LOS ANGELES — Steven Seagal has been sued for $14 million for allegedly delaying production on two movies.

---------------------------

In one instance, Seagal allegedly arrived 45 minutes late while filming Today You Die and left the location 3 1/2 hours early.

Because of his actions, planned scenes were never shot, leaving the movie with a "material and irreparable problem with story logic," according to the lawsuit, which also seeks unspecified damages.

On the Road Today

2005-06-10T13:14:00.000-07:00

Maybe some blogging late tonight. If not, then I will make up for it tomorrow with extra reports. :)

Late Night PR

2005-06-09T20:40:00.000-07:00

Funny.

That is if your not worn out from Leno's side-splitting stand-up.

Russell Crowe on the East Coast, Tom Cruise on the West Coast. It was dueling damage control on late-night TV. Crowe appeared on David Letterman's "Late Show" Wednesday to apologize for throwing a tantrum and telephone at a hotel concierge, and show Americans he's not always such a hothead.

At the same time, Cruise talked to Jay Leno on "The Tonight Show" to show fans that he may be crazy-in-love, but not crazy.

Just Watched MTV Movie Awards

2005-06-09T20:37:00.000-07:00

I wonder what is more ridiculous: Linsey Lohan beating Hilary Swank for best female performance or seeing Ryan Gosling in the "Darfur" T-shirt.

Lucas Gets AFI Award

2005-06-09T14:14:00.000-07:00

Good for him

Is this why I am Waiting 2 Years for Sin City 2?

2005-06-09T14:09:00.000-07:00

Buggers.

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - He said he never meant to do it, but when "Spy Kids" director Robert Rodriguez set out to make "The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lava Girl 3-D" he gave new meaning to the term "family film."

Not only is the movie aimed at families, it was also made almost exclusively by the Rodriguez clan, which has created a sort of family business dedicated to cranking out children's films.

"Adventures of Sharkboy" is based on the dreams of the director's 7-year-old son, Racer Max, acted in by his kids, Rebel and Rocket, produced by his wife Elizabeth Avellan and directed, edited and scored by Rodriguez at his home studio.

MR. SPOCK IS A DIRTY OLD MAN

2005-06-09T14:06:00.000-07:00

WTF

Terrible Reporting from CNN

2005-06-09T07:41:00.000-07:00

To fuel the fires of gossip, reporter Todd Leopold tries to make connections between romances of actors and the success of the films they are in.

He uses this for his thesis.

There was "Gigli," of course, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez's 2003 movie. "The Marrying Man," with Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger. "Proof of Life," with Meg Ryan and Russell Crowe. "Alfie," with Jude Law and Sienna Miller. "Too Much," with Melanie Griffiths and Antonio Banderas. Bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb.

But what about movies with couples that have had success? Well he dispells that too.

"Seven" is one of only a handful of movies have benefited from off-screen love affairs, and it probably wasn't the Pitt-Paltrow chemistry that carried that film. Similarly, Steve McQueen and Ali McGraw's "The Getaway" was a hit, though that may have been due as much to McQueen's drawing power as the publicity. "Days of Thunder," with Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, did OK, though it still ranks near the bottom among Cruise hits.

Ok, it really is this simples. All of the films henames in his first paragraph are shitty films. All of the films in his second paragraph are good/great films. GIGLIwould have failed if it was Matt Damon and Jennifer Garner. SEVEN would have been great if it was Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz. I guess that never occured to this iditot.

New Sites for Upcoming Films

2005-06-08T14:19:00.000-07:00

DARK WATER

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY

CHARLIE

CHARLIE

CHARLIE

and CHARLIE

Daily Dose of Cheap Gossip

2005-06-08T10:18:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when you leave him without parents.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Former child star
Macaulay Culkin pleaded guilty Wednesday to misdemeanor charges of possession of medication without a prescription and marijuana and was given a deferred sentence.

Culkin, star of the "Home Alone" films, was arrested Sept. 17 after police stopped a car in which he was a passenger. Officers found over a half-ounce of marijuana and several tablets of Xanax, a prescription medication used to treat depression and panic disorders, court records show.

MI:3 is a GO!

2005-06-08T10:12:00.000-07:00

Next month in Italy shooting begins. J.J. Abrams takes over for John Woo, THANK GOD. I am so sick of Woo's pretty-looking/shitty movies. Read more here.

Oldman was in the Worst Movie Ever

2005-06-08T08:48:00.000-07:00

According to him.

Someone Takes Responsibility...

2005-06-08T08:41:00.000-07:00

For the BEACH.

Director Danny Boyle blames himself for the failure of the movie 'The Beach', from the year 2000, insisting its star Leonardo DiCaprio was unfairly targetted by critics.

Critics made Leonardo DiCaprio the scapegoat - but Danny Boyle confesses he made the mistake of taking on a project he had no understanding of.

He admits that he had nothing in common with the backpackers on the beach and that it wasn't Leo - whom he calls "a sweetheart" and "a brilliant actor".

The film, about backpackers who discover a paradise island, was reviewed unfavourably in comparison to the Alex Garland book on which it was based.

The director describes himself as "a city boy" and that if he goes to the countryside, after half a day he's out of his mind, bored.

The idea of 'escaping' was alien to him and he says he really didn't know what he was doing there.

Remake of Piranha

2005-06-07T20:16:00.000-07:00

Cool, a I'm-sure-to-be crappy remake of a crappy knockoff of JAWS.

Best Bancroft Movie?

2005-06-07T20:09:00.000-07:00

ELEPHANT MAN barely over THE GRADUATE, in my opinion.

Actress Anne Bancroft Dies at 73

2005-06-07T20:07:00.000-07:00

R.I.P

Is Hollywood Wasting Money Selling Movies to Teens?

2005-06-07T17:18:00.000-07:00

Listen to the NPR report.

Michael Moore Starting Film Festival

2005-06-07T17:12:00.000-07:00

In Michigan.

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. - Director Michael Moore is bringing a film festival to this tourist town in his native Michigan that will feature free outdoor showings of classic movies on an inflatable screen.

Among the films being considered: "Jaws," "Rebel Without a Cause" and "Casablanca."

But no "Fahrenheit 9/11" — or any of the other opinionated movies the liberal activist has made, such as "Bowling for Columbine."

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The Traverse City Film Festival Committee, with Moore as chairman, received permission from city commissioners Monday to use a park on Lake Michigan's Grand Traverse Bay for viewings, scheduled for July 28-31.

Family Movies are the Most Profitable

2005-06-07T17:04:00.000-07:00

Not really a surprise.

Family movies are on average 11 times more profitable than films featuring explicit sex and violence, a US study has suggested.

A report by the Dove Foundation, which promotes family entertainment, said films like Finding Nemo made more money than those aimed at adult audiences

Researchers studied more than 3,000 movies released from 1999 to 2003.

This allows for the theatre to become a daycare where parents can just relax while their kids are mezmerized by the screen. The bar was raised on family films years ago. Mainly by the TOY STORY films. But it has been slipping recently. With the exception of last year's THE INCREDIBLES, the other recent films, including SHARK'S TALE and ROBOTS, have been pretty bad. I wonder what this may do to some of the profits.

Chuck Palahniuk Novels Being Made Into Films.

2005-06-07T17:00:00.000-07:00

Cool.

Though Lullaby, the one that I read that I thouhgt would be good to transfer to the Big Screen, is one that is NOT being made. Too bad. I always pictured David Duchovny in that role.

Another Goonies!!

2005-06-06T19:18:00.000-07:00

I'm afraid to watch the first one again by fear that I may hate it now as an adult. But, anways... here is the report Aint-it-cool news.

Hey yoooooooooou guys, I attended the "Goonies Never Say Die!" event in Astoria, Oregon on Saturday.

A celebration/conference for Goonies fans from all of the world, this weekend-long conference/20th anniversary celebration offered tours of the Goonie house, Ecola State Park and featured guest speaker Jeff "Chunk" Cohen.

During a "Growing Up Goonie" Q&A on Saturday, a question about the current status of "Goonies 2 "was one of the first ones asked. Cohen said he was contacted by Spielberg last year and though the pitch was "funny" but the suits at Warner Brothers aren't willing to play ball. While Donner, Spielberg and most of the cast are willing to jump on board, the company isn't willing to shell out the funds necessary. According to Cohen, there are other interested companies/investors willing to cough up the necessary cash but Warners owns the rights and is so far refusing to budge.

Over the weekend, the Columbian Theater in downtown Astoria showed the original film, along with a new documentary by Ron Fugelseth and Patrick Radcliff, the directors of "The Goonies Vacation." Along with interviews with crew members and Lupe "Rosalita" Ontiveros, the two managed to score a sit-down with Donner. "'Goonies 2' will still happen," the director said. "Provided enough of you keep complaining and sending in letters." Further information on this documentary can be found at their website @ http://thegoonies.org/

While the sequel remains stuck in development hell, Cohen hinted that there's another Goonies product in the works, set for release next year. He was unable to give any details so there's no telling what it could be. Could it be a video game? A Goonies anime? A talking Chunk action figure with a "Truffle Shuffle" button? A talking Steph button with a "whine and snap gum" button. Only time will tell.

The event drew Goonie fans from as far away as Germany and the UK. Several attendees spent the weekend dressed like characters from the film. One female Asian fan inexplicably showed up to the Q & A on Saturday in a Brand sweatsuit complete with a red bandana. After a "Truffle Shuffle" contest, a fan dressed like Sloth proposed to his girlfriend on stage. She said "yes" to much applause. According to rumor, Sean Astin himself also showed up at the last minute to sign autographs and even attended two fan weddings at the Goonie house late on Saturday afternoon.

The event drew Goonie fans from as far away as Germany and the UK. Several attendees spent the weekend dressed like characters from the film. One female Asian fan inexplicably showed up to the Q & A on Saturday in a Brand sweatsuit complete with a red bandana. After a "Truffle Shuffle" contest, a fan dressed like Sloth proposed to his girlfriend on stage. She said "yes" to much applause. According to rumor, Sean Astin himself also showed up at the last minute to sign autographs and even attended two fan weddings at the Goonie house late on Saturday afternoon.

The house, which had fallen into severe disrepair in the '90s, has been fully restored by the current residents. It's in great shape and they allowed tours to come through over the weekend. It now looks much different then it did back in the day. The stairwell has been moved the main entrance has been turned into a storage closet. During the tour, the owner graciously allowed us to climb the stairs and peak into the attic. Instead of treasure maps and news stories on Chester Cobblepot, we greeted by dust bunnies and spider webs. Contrary to popular belief, the film's attic scenes were all filmed on a soundstage in Hollywood.

Out front, the previous owner, who now lives in "Data's house," was sitting in a lawn chair and answered a few questions. When Donner and company were scouting for locations around town, they spotted his place on the hill and drove up. His mother was there at the time and nearly turned them away. After returning from a business trip in Seattle, she told him that "a bunch of hippies came by and said they said they wanted the house for a movie or something." They were given $2000 up front from Universal and $500 a month for rent during the four month shoot in Astoria.

Ok, one last anecdote and I'll wrap this up. During the Q&A, Cohen broke out an anecdote about his days as a male cheerleader at Berkeley. During his first game, he attempted to lead a cheer and a drunk fratboy interrupted him. "Do the Truffle Shuffle," he demanded. Cohen, who never wanted to do the now legendary dance for the movie and even requested a closed set for the filming of it, had long vowed never to do the shuffle again. Within minutes, the entire crowd at the game was chanting "do the Truffle Shuffle!" Even the band started banging their drums to keep the beat. Fearing a riot, he bit the bullet and obliged.

I had to be back at work today (Sunday) and unfortunately missed the parade that was set for this morning. If you decide to use this, just call me "Brandon." For what it's worth, pictures from the event will be posted on my blog (http://laurabush.info) later this week.

Thanks for having a look at all of this. Goonies never say die!

Great Interview With Cécile de France

2005-06-06T13:45:00.000-07:00

There is a huge market for someone to come along and save the horror film industry from standardized teen movies and crappy Japanese remakes. I really, really hope that de France is the one to do it. HIGH TTENSION is billed as an homage to 70's horror films, but Rob Zombie already tried that and it failed miserably. I hope de France all the luck in the world with HIGH TENSION, and I hope to God it is good. Here is an interview talking about the new film.

And here is the preview to the film. You know, I'll love the film if they play that song throughout the whole movie. :)

Ratner Directing X3

2005-06-06T13:38:00.000-07:00

I'm not impressed.

In Hollywood, what comes around, goes around.

More than five years after he was on the short list to direct the original "X-Men" movie, "Rush Hour" director Brett Ratner has been tapped to fill the sudden vacancy atop "X3."

Ratner is the third director attached to the third film in the "X-Men" franchise, and he'll replace "Layer Cake" director Matthew Vaughn, who dropped out last week citing "family issues," according to Variety magazine.

Madagascar Tops BO

2005-06-06T13:35:00.000-07:00

Star Wars knocked down to third.

1 (2) Madagascar ........... $28.7 million
2 (3) The Longest Yard ..... $26.1 million
3 (1) Star Wars ............ $26.0 million
4 (*) Cinderella Man ....... $18.6 million
5 (*) The Sisterhood of

Dave Grohl Not Too Excited by Van Sant's Film

2005-06-05T22:33:00.000-07:00

Here.

Dave Grohl has dismissed Gus Van Sant's movie tribute to Kurt Cobain as mere "entertainment" because he fails to see how it can capture the true spirit of the tragic singer. Grohl, who played drums in Nirvana alongside Cobain before he killed himself in 1994, is a fan of Van Sant's work but will probably not watch his latest film 'Last Days' as he assumes it'll be an inaccurate portrayal of real-life events. Grohl, who has previously said he'd find watching the movie "heartbreaking", says, "For me, Nirvana and Kurt and all that is in a certain place, which is guarded and sacred and my own. It's real. "All the other stuff is just fuelling 'the legend' and is entertainment. "I assume it will all be wrong. If it's by people who weren't there, how can it be anything other?" (wenn)

Ebert on Ismail Merchant

2005-06-05T22:29:00.000-07:00

Great piece.

Blockbuster Movies to be Downloaded

2005-06-05T15:22:00.000-07:00

This could be cool.

The proposed system will enable consumers to pick a film and download it onto a memory stick or card, meaning it can then be viewed on a portable mobile device or laptop. Blockbuster is also looking at online downloads and video-on-demand services.

Lassie Fans Want Blood

2005-06-05T15:19:00.000-07:00

Right.

The latest LASSIE movie is under fire because the lead role has not been given to a descendent of the original canine star for the first time.

Fans of the legendary movies are outraged, as every Lassie film or television series since 1946 has starred a member of the first Lassie's extended family.

But CLASSIC MEDIA - who produce the upcoming PETER O'TOOLE and SAMANTHA MORTON film - insist there are logistical reasons behind their unpopular decision.

A spokesman says, "There are only a few bloodline Lassies that are trained sufficiently to star in a major film and unfortunately none of these dogs had the necessary paperwork - called a pet passport - to travel and work internationally."

DVDs Hurting Theatres

2005-06-05T15:14:00.000-07:00

I know the convenience, price and choice presented at DVD stores beats out theatres, but their will always be a market for movie theatres. There is something about seeing an opening day film on the big screen, and going through the experience of the film with a packed room of strangers that cannot be duplicated by home video, regardless of how many advancements technology achieves.

Top 10 Boxing Movies

2005-06-05T15:06:00.000-07:00

Joe Hollerman of the STL Post-Dispatch list the top ten boxing movies of all time. Here is his list.

1. "Raging Bull" (1980): Robert De Niro gives one of the most brilliant performances in screen history as the violent man-child and middleweight champ, Jake LaMotta. Joe Pesci is excellent in support.

2. "Rocky" (1976): Yo! Call it corny, but Sylvester Stallone reinvented the underdog film with this Best Picture Oscar winner. "Rocky II" wasn't bad; the last three were horrible.

3. "Fat City" (1972): Directed by John Huston, this is a dark tale of two fighters (Jeff Bridges and Stacey Keach) whose careers are heading in different directions.

4. "Here Comes Mr. Jordan" (1941): An error in Heaven causes a fighter to die too soon, so he is allowed to come back to life as a millionaire. Remade in 1978 as "Heaven Can Wait" with Warren Beatty.

5. "The Harder They Fall" (1956): Humphrey Bogart stars as a washed-up sportswriter who takes a job promoting a boxer, then becomes incensed at the brutality and corruption in the industry. Bogey's last role.

6. "Requiem for a Heavyweight" (1962): Anthony Quinn plays a fading fighter who tries to resurrect his career. Quinn and Jackie Gleason, as his manager, both give strong performances in this Rod Serling story.

7. "The Great White Hope" (1970): James Earl Jones stars as Jack Johnson, the first black heavyweight champ whose refusal to "know his place" created a storm of resentment and racism.

8. "The Champion" (1949): Kirk Douglas plays a down-on-his luck drifter who finds that his best way to success is through boxing. And the bigger he gets, the bigger jerk he becomes.

9. "Body and Soul" (1947): John Garfield plays a nice guy who gets into boxing to help his destitute mother. But with success comes cheap women and late nights and crooked promoters.

10. "Somebody Up There Likes Me" (1956): Paul Newman shines in this biopic about middleweight champ Rocky Graziano. Film debut of George C. Scott.

No MILLION DOLLAR BABY? Okay. Especially the year after it won an Oscar for Best Picture. I know to each their own and these are just the author's favorite boxing films, but, just for the record, BABY would be on most critics top ten lists.

England Loves Spielberg

2005-06-04T19:22:00.000-07:00

Even more than Hitchcock.

London: Steven Spielberg has been voted best movie director of all time by British film buffs, ahead of other famous names like Alfred Hitchcock, Martin Scorsese and Stanley Kubrick, Empire magazine said on Thursday.

"Steven Spielberg is the closest thing in movies to resemble the impact of The Beatles," Empire's associate editor Ian Freer said in a statement.
Spielberg, the man behind "Jaws", "E.T" "Schindler's List" and "Saving Private Ryan" was rated top by 10,000 readers of Empire magazine, the movie-goers bible.

Freer said Spielberg was a "cultural phenomenon" who had "defined the moviegoing life of an entire generation".

British-born Hitchcock, the maker of the 1960 classic "Psycho" and 1963 film "The Birds", was in second place.

Scorsese, of "Taxi Driver" and "The Aviator" fame, was in third position with Kubrick, best known for "A Clockwork Orange" and "2001: A Space Odyssey", was at four.

Boxing Films

2005-06-04T19:14:00.000-07:00

I know I went off on sports movies the other day for not properly transferring the excitement of sports to the screen, but I do have to say I make an exception for boxing films, which I love. Not because they transfer better, but rather because they tend to be more exciting when they transfer onto the screen. AP Sports Columnist, Tim Dahlberg, writes about his feelings on the matter also.

Rebels in the Backlot

2005-06-04T18:41:00.000-07:00

Has anyone had a chance to read this book. It is simply amazing. It helps point to the growth of young filmakers in the 90's and how they helped save Hollywood from the corporate mess it became in the late 80's and early 90's. Mergers and buyouts created an atmosphere where movies were made to please stockholders and this caused movies to be safe, non-contreversial, formulaic, and just plain bad. It talks about how mavericks in the film industry, including Tarantino, Soderberg, and the Weinsteins, helped save the movie industry and bring it back to the glory it had in the 70's. Along with measuring the magnitude of the impact these directors had, it goes in depth about the nasty ending to the friendship of Tarantino and writing partner Roger Avary. It talks about the fights on the set of THREE KINGS between David O Russel and George Clooney. And it talks about the trouble David Fincher had to go through to get FIGHT CLUB made. A must-read for any die-hard movie fan, or anyone else who is interested in learning more about films.

Is Cruise in Meltdown

2005-06-03T16:49:00.000-07:00

This is kind of silly. Apparently Tom Cruise is being criticized from anything from overexposure to just plain being annoying. I have heard about the Oprah incident since it happened. I actually watched that episode and did not think anything of it, but apparently people have been talking about Cruise's behavior on the show ever since. Yeah he was acting kind of hyper and goofy, as the picture in this article will show

But he's always been like that. And now people are making comments about him speaking freely about Scientology, his religion (of course when Gibson talks about his religion he is being brave). Anyways, apparently his behavior has warranted the New York Times to write an article about him. Enjoy.

While promoting that film over the last several weeks, Mr. Cruise engaged in an increasingly public discussion of his religion, Scientology. Then he set tongues wagging in Hollywood and elsewhere with an hourlong appearance on the May 23 "Oprah" show, during which he jumped around the set, hopped onto a couch, fell rapturously to one knee and repeatedly professed his love for his new girlfriend, the actress Katie Holmes.

Weekend Review - Lords of Dogtown

2005-06-03T14:25:00.000-07:00

Not that LORDS OF DOGTOWN is a movie that will make or break depending on the reviews; but for the record, the critics are mixed on it, with more panning than praising. Too bad, because I really did like DOGTOWN AND Z-BOYS.

SYNOPSIS

In the 1970's, a group of teenage surfers from a tough neighborhood known as "Dogtown" in Venice, California pioneered a revolutionary new style of skateboarding. Riding the waves at the Pacific Ocean Park pier, the Z-Boys, known for their aggressive style and hard street attitude, combined the death-defying moves of surfing with the art of skateboarding and became overnight sensations and local legends. With empty pools as their canvas, the Z-Boys paved the way to what is now referred to as "extreme sports," and created a lifestyle that spread infectiously to become a worldwide counterculture phenomenon. But all of this fame would take its toll on the friendships that they thought would last a lifetime as the sport that started out as an afternoon hobby turned into big business.

OFFICIAL SITE

WORST REVIEW - "While there are nanoseconds where Hardwicke can make her film come together in an appealing period brew, the rest of Dogtown is one long, atrociously directed joke. "

BEST REVIEW - "Lords of Dogtown is as beautifully structured as one of the Z-Boys' graceful and intricate maneuvers."

TYPICAL REVIEW - "Lords of Dogtown is one of those films that makes everyone who is not a citizen of the realm feel hopelessly disconnected."

Weekend Review - Cinderella Man

2005-06-03T13:31:00.000-07:00

Ron Howard is possibly the best director today in terms of what he has done in the past and what he continues to put on the screen. Other directors, who I consider to be old-school (old-school just meaning they were before the wave of the new, younger directors who have sort of decentralized Hollywood), like Scorcese and Spielberg still make good movies but are noticeably beyond their prime. Howard, on the other hand, has a great past and is still, in my opinion, putting some of his best work on screen, including Cinderella Man.

SYNOPSIS

Academy Award®-winning producer Brian Grazer, director Ron Howard and screenwriter Akiva Goldsman (all Oscar® winners for 2001's A Beautiful Mind) are reunited with Oscar® winner Russell Crowe for the Universal Pictures-Miramax Films-Imagine Entertainment production, Cinderella Man. Starring opposite Crowe is two-time Oscar® nominee Renée Zellweger.

Crowe stars in the story inspired by the life of legendary athlete Jim Braddock, a once-promising light heavyweight boxer forced into retirement after a string of losses in the ring. As the nation enters the darkest years of the Great Depression, Braddock accepts a string of dead-end jobs to support his wife, Mae (Renée Zellweger), and their children, while never totally abandoning his dream of boxing again

Thanks to a last minute cancellation, Braddock finds himself back in the ring against the second-ranked world contender--and to everyone's amazement, Braddock wins in the third round. Despite being pounds lighter than his opponents and repeated injuries to his hands, Braddock continues to fight against challengers and win. Carrying on his shoulders the hopes and dreams of the disenfranchised masses, Braddock, dubbed the "Cinderella Man," faces his toughest challenger in Max Baer (Craig Bierko), the heavyweight champion of the world, renowned for having killed two men in the ring.

Cinderella Man stars Russell Crowe, Renée Zellweger and Craig Bierko; is produced by Brian Grazer, Ron Howard and Penny Marshall; is written by Cliff Hollingsworth, C. Gaby Mitchell, Akiva Goldsman; and is directed by Ron Howard. The film is a Universal Pictures/Miramax Films co-production of an Imagine Entertainment presentation, with Universal Pictures distributing domestically and Buena Vista International handling the international distribution of the film for Miramax.

OFFICIAL SITE

BEST REVIEW - "I've never seen a boxing movie that has so convinced me I was seeing a pro bout both real and sustained."

FUNNIEST REVIEW - "Oscar host Chris Rock was on to something when he suggested that only Russell Crowe should be allowed to star in Hollywood period films."

TYPICAL REVIEW - "Most serious movies live in a world of cynicism and irony, and most good-hearted movie characters live in bad movies. Here is a movie where a good man prevails in a world where every day is an invitation to despair."

Neil Labute Remaking THE WICKER MAN

2005-06-03T11:38:00.000-07:00

Aint it Cool News has the poster for the Labute remake starring Nicholas Cage. Labute let me down a little with "THe Shape of Things", but all can be forgiven if he is able to knock this one out of the park, which I feel his capable of doing. Remember how briliant "THe Company of Men" and "Your Friends and Neighbors" were? Let's hope he can achieve that brilliance again here.

Movie on Deep Throat

2005-06-03T11:29:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know there already is one with Redford and and Hoffman, and no, this isn't a remake of the porn. It is from the perspective of Deepthroat (Mark Felt), and be about his motivation behind the revelations in the Watergate scandals. I think it sounds interesting, though it is being produced by CourtTV. But hey, I'm going to hold judgment until I see it, because I hope they do this amazing story justice, especially with the final chapter being revealed.

P.s. If I was the White House informant, I would have called myself "Debbie Does Dallas", but that's just me.

Daily Dose of Cheap Gossip

2005-06-03T08:02:00.000-07:00

Lindsey Lohan gets rammed from behind by a photographer.

LOS ANGELES - Lindsay Lohan was making a U-turn to get to a police vehicle when a photographer intentionally crashed into her car, police said Thursday.

Lohan suffered cuts and bruises in Tuesday's accident. She told authorities she would get treatment on her own, police Lt. Ted Matthews said. Police had previously said the 18-year-old actress-singer was uninjured.

Matthews said Galo Ramirez was in a van following Lohan, apparently to get a photo, when the actress spotted a police vehicle going in the opposite direction.

Look at the picture. What happened to the rest of her? When did she get so skinny?

Baseball Doc

2005-06-02T20:27:00.000-07:00

This looks hilarious. I'm a big baseball fan and I followed this trial some, but I did not know it was this big of a clown show.

Oh, To Be a Star

2005-06-02T16:27:00.000-07:00

This must be nice.

Benicio Del Toro was paid $5-million to do nothing - when a film was cancelled at the eleventh hour.

The 'Sin City' star says he was paid upfront for movie, 'American Gangster', but when the studio cancelled - because the picture was proving too expensive - he was allowed to keep the staggering fee.

The handsome actor confessed: "It's true, I got paid for doing nothing. The movie fell through a week or two before filming. So I got caught with nothing to do."But I don't do it for the dough. The studio felt it was going to be more expensive than they thought and put it on hold
top. They are trying to get it off the ground, though."

New Woody Allen Film

2005-06-02T16:21:00.000-07:00

I love Deadwood and I love Ian McShane. Some actors just achieve American popularity laters than others. But now McShane is joining Allen in the Scarlett Johansen film due out some time next year.

Why?????????????????

2005-06-02T16:11:00.000-07:00

A fricking movie about bloggers.

Below is the growing list of bloggers who have agreed to appear in the upcoming blogumentary. Check back often, the list grows as we review blogs. If you don’t see your name here, not to worry, we’re still in the review process. Still a ways to go, yet.
63Days - Alli750 Volts - Kenton NgoAlex King - WordPressBarnako.com - Frank BarnakoThe Best Page in the Universe - MaddoxBiz StoneThe Blogger News Network - Robert HayesBookSlut - Jessa CrispinCamWorld - Cameron BarrettCold Fury - Mike Hendrix Common Sense - Ken GrandlundCraigblog - Craig’s ListCryingWhileEatingDating Help for Men - JustinDaveneticsEntropic Doom - MitzibelEuphoric Reality - KitEvHead - Evan WilliamsFark.com - Drew CurtisFimoculousFishBowlNY - Elizabeth SpiersGone Away - Clive AllenJust Another Bump in the Beltway — Melanie MattsonIMAOLaDonna WitmerLife Hacker - Gina TrapaniLawrence.com BlogsProfessor Lawrence Lessiglittle.yellow.different - ErnieLockergnome - Chris PirilloMarketingVox - Tig Michael J. TottenMy Running JourneyMy Vast Right Wing Conspiracy - BethMy Whim is LawRebecca’sPocket - Rebecca BloodRebelNun - BethieRelease 4.0 - Esther DysonRoger L. SimonScobleizer - Robert ScobleSingle Black MotherSlashdotSnappyHour - JoelleTao of PokerTequilla Mockingbird - JuliaThought Mechanics - TheronVoicePotentialThe Volokh ConspiracyWatch BlogWaxy.org - Andy BaioA Whole Lotta’ Nothing - Matthew HaugheyWhatsNextOnline - B.L. Ochman The Writer’s Buzz - Deborah Woehr Zeldman.com - Jeffery

Cool.

X3 Officially is Gonna Suck

2005-06-02T15:56:00.000-07:00

From CS

Ain't-It-Cool-News has learned that 20th Century Fox and Marvel Studios have narrowed the position for X-Men 3 director down to two names. Matthew Vaughn left the production earlier this week due to personal reasons.

The site says that the director's chair will either go to John Moore, who helmed both Behind Enemy Lines" and Flight of the Phoenix for Fox, or to Brett Ratner, best known for the "Rush Hour films and who has also directed such films as After the Sunset and Red Dragon.

Stay tuned for when one of these names will be confirmed.

Great

What the Hell is this????

2005-06-01T20:27:00.000-07:00

From Hollywood Reporter.

Although the clock is ticking down on the start of principal photography, "X-Men 3," the sequel to 20th Century Fox's two "X-Men" features, is once again without a director. The studio said Tuesday that Matthew Vaughn, citing personal reasons, is stepping down as director. Having produced Guy Ritchie's crime movies "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" and "Snatch," Vaughn made his directorial debut with the critically applauded gangster tale "Layer Cake." Released by Sony Pictures Classics, the $7 million movie has grossed $729,488 in its first 18 days of limited release as well as another $8 million in foreign release. "X3" would have been Vaughn's first big-budget studio project, and the director said he was determined to bring "more heart" to the Marvel superhero characters, played by a cast that includes Hugh Jackman and Halle Berry. (Gregg Kilday)

Daily Dose of Stupid Gossip

2005-06-01T20:17:00.000-07:00

Its music, but I included it because it is really stupid, and it comes with a funny picture.

Spacey's New show

2005-06-01T20:12:00.000-07:00

This will be cool just to watch and learn about movies, especially from a brilliant actor like Kevin Spacey. But if this falls into the normal Reality Show formula of contestants crying, whiny arguments amongst contestants, and cheesy, idiotic confessionals, I will kill myself. Well, maybe not, but I will quit watching.

Cops Now Busting Pirates

2005-06-01T19:58:00.000-07:00

Great.

The digital cameras beam pictures to a police precinct where they are monitored by an officer who can dispatch undercover police to the location. The LAPD has found that similar camera surveillance systems in three city parks have dramatically reduced illegal drug sales, Bratton said.

You know, I'm glad that the crime rate is so low in Los Angeles that they are able to focus so much on DVD pirating. But wait, there is a social reason for it, that effects us all.

In recent years, the MPAA has embarked on a campaign to stamp out the illegal copying of movies on video and DVD, which it says costs the industry $3.5 billion annually in lost revenues. The MPAA argues copyright piracy also leads to lost jobs and threatens the entire industry.

Yes, but that also means consumers save $3.5 billion on an overpriced product that they can use to buy other stuff, which creates jobs in other industries, and will eventually force the price of theatre prices and DVDs to decrease, which means that the jobs will eventually return and then more people will be able to see and buy movies than before. Oh, its crazy how capitalism works. Whether you think downloading/pirating is immoral or not is up to you to decide. But their argument often is based on how pirating costs low-income workers jobs. In that sense of the argument, nothing will convince me that downloading hurts low-income workers worst than it can help them.

Anyone Need an Actor with Absolutely No Charisma?

2005-06-01T18:20:00.000-07:00

Then Bill Goldberg is your man. Read here.

"I'd love to be Hollywood's next superhero; I'd love to be Hollywood's most violent villain ever," he said, seated in a long sleeve black T-shirt, jeans and mirrored sunglasses on a balcony at Atlanta's Four Seasons hotel. "I'm going to do my best to try to make it happen and, like everything else, if it is to be, it's going to happen."

Ahhh, dreams. I use to have those.

Clarence Page on Star Wars

2005-06-01T18:10:00.000-07:00

He weighs in on the speculation of the film being about Bush and comes to the conclusion that the decision you make of whether it is or not depends on how you feel. I personally think there are undeniable similarities between Palpatine declaring emergency powers and the Patriot Act. And also some of Anakin's lines are inspired by Bush's rhetoric. ie "If you're not with me, you're my enemy." But besides that I think the story is just of abuse of power and the seduction of evil. Here is what Page thinks.

How subversive is it? Not very. But, like a Rorschach ink-blot test, people will see what they want to see, or, for those who imagine Hollywood-liberal propaganda embedded in every movie not produced by Mel Gibson, what they don't want to see.

Can You Feel Vader's Drama?

2005-06-01T17:43:00.000-07:00

I Feel Your Pain

http://darthno.ytmnd.com/

Serenity News

2005-05-31T20:03:00.000-07:00

I hate when people try to force cult classics on to us. Yeah, I watched "Firefly" when it was on TV, and you know what, it wasn't that good? The main thing I remember was that it was only slightly better than that stupid "John Doe" show right before it. Anyways, RT is force feeding us more news on this sure to be stupid "Serenity" film. Enjoy!

Daily Dose of Cheap Gossip

2005-05-31T12:17:00.000-07:00

Pervert!!!!

NEW YORK - Actor Christian Slater was arrested early Tuesday and charged with groping a woman on a Manhattan street, police said.

Slater, 35, was accused of touching the woman's buttocks near 93rd Street and Third Avenue on the Upper East Side around 1:50 a.m., said a police spokesman, Detective John Sweeney.

I love when celebrities fall from grace. I kick them twice as hard when they are down. I heard that the woman was able to prove to the police it was Slater due to the water-mark left on her but from Slater being WASHED UP!!!

LOTR has Best Sountrack Ever.

2005-05-31T12:07:00.000-07:00

Rad. Though I guess no one has eve heard of a little film called "The Karate Kid". Some people may have forgotten, but I got one word that may help jog your memory a little. Banarama.

No British Abbey for you!!!

2005-05-31T11:28:00.000-07:00

Apparently the "Davinci Code" is not granted access to the British Abbey.

"Although a real page turner, 'The Da Vinci code' is theologically unsound and we cannot commend or endorse the contentious and wayward religious and historic suggestions made in the book -- nor its views of Christianity and the New Testament," the Abbey said in a statement.

They went on to say that even though access was not allowed to the British Abbey, it will always be allowed to former Cardinal Bernard Law's pants.

I Love Lifetime Films

2005-05-31T07:59:00.000-07:00

I'm kidding. Lifetime films are shit. But I do love how the whole plot is explained by the title.

5/31 Releases on DVD

2005-05-31T07:48:00.000-07:00

Violla.

Everyone loves "Best of" Lists. Right?

2005-05-31T07:31:00.000-07:00

If you are mad about Times top 100 films of all time, then read here to help form another list.

Indy 4? Almost? Maybe?

2005-05-31T05:54:00.000-07:00

Let's just hope Harrison Ford isn't going to be confined to a wheelchair by the time this gets going.

No sooner has Revenge Of The Sith leapt to the $200 million mark in damn near record time, than Mr Lucas has headed back to the Skywalker Ranch and taken a look through Jeff Nathanson's new draft of the fourth Indiana Jones movie.

And Lucas likes what he sees. Apparently, both he and screenwriter Nathanson went over the script together, also using notes from Steven Spielberg. The only missing part of the puzzle now is Harrison Ford, who is still yet to sign on for the project – and isn't going to until he sees the script. Fair enough.

Of course, there's still the issue of a start date for the film too, what with Steve having that whole 'most prolific point of his career' thing going on. He's throwing the final lick of varnish onto War Of The Worlds as we speak, then he's heading over to do his untitled Munich Olympics movie, then the Abraham Lincoln / American Civil War film to be going on with, so how Indy 4 is going to roll a digital camera with him behind before late 2006 - or Spielberg exhausts himself - is anyone's guess

Blogging Update

2005-05-30T20:31:00.000-07:00

Family stuff over last couple of days. Full-time blogging resumes Tuesday.

Oliver Stone was on DRUGS!!

2005-05-28T15:15:00.000-07:00

In the "huh, really" news of the day, Oliver Stone was apparently arrested for DUI and drug possession. I never thought after watching JFK, the most PARANOID movie on the face of the universe, that he touched the stuff.

If he goes to jail I guess that the amount of "Alexander" DVDs to be purchased on the day of its release has gone from 1 to 0. Too bad.

Will they Just Pick a Bond

2005-05-28T15:13:00.000-07:00

Layer Cake's star Daniel Craig is still rumored to be Bond, even if it is news to him.

He won't get it though if Clive Owen has anything to say about it.

Weekend Review - Layer Cake

2005-05-28T15:00:00.000-07:00

Just open in St. Louis. Seemes to be liked, though not to the extent of Guy Ritchie's non-Madonna-starring films.

Synopsis

IMDB Site

Best Review - "A snap, crackle, pop mobster classic."

Typical Review - "Vaughn's film falls short of Goodfellas, but thanks to his ability to organize a complex story and bold, color-drenched photography by Ben Davis, Layer Cake is a cocked fist of a movie, impossible to ignore."

Funniest Review - "Bloody good fun a great deal of the time. Love the accents. Love the guns. Bang-bang."

Rotten Tomatoes

Dicaprio in For Whom the Bell Tolls

2005-05-28T10:59:00.000-07:00

According to Comingsoon, there is talks to put him in. I think Leo has grown as an actor, and I think he knocked "The Aviator" out of the park. This should be good.

Leonardo DiCaprio is in talks to star in For Whom the Bell Tolls at Warner Bros., says Variety. Troy screenwriter David Benioff is penning the adaptation of Ernest Hemingway's novel.

DiCaprio is said to be interested in playing Robert Jordan, the young American teacher who joins an antifascist guerrilla unit in the mountains of Spain. DiCaprio won't commit to the project without a director, however, and none is attached.

The book was previously adapted into a 1944 Sam Wood-helmed Paramount film that starred Gary Cooper and Ingrid Bergman, both of whom were nominated for acting Oscars.

Film Festival Still Needs Entries

2005-05-28T10:54:00.000-07:00

So if you live in Minnesota, or don't mind driving there, and if you have made a movie, and if it doesn't suck really bad, read this.

Complete Exercise in Futility

2005-05-28T10:47:00.000-07:00

Cute idea though.

May 27 (Bloomberg) -- U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez said he will push China next week to crack down on the piracy of U.S. movies and loosen rules on government purchases of software as a step toward lowering barriers to American exports.

``We want to have access for our goods,'' Gutierrez, 51, said in an interview before leaving tomorrow for a weeklong visit to Russia and China. ``One item that is very important for our workers and businesses is the area of intellectual property.''

Prarie Home Update

2005-05-28T10:41:00.000-07:00

Can I tell you how excited I am about the "Prarie Home Companion" film? I try to listen to the show every weekend, and I have read quite a few Garrison Keillor books. Robert Altman would not be my first choice to direct, but I do think he is capable. Though it is not signed, every rumor (including from Keillor's mouth) has George Clooney playin Guy Noir. I have talked to friends who thinks that Clooney is too cool for Noir's character, who is a parody of the Humphrey Bogart-like chracters. But I remind them not to think of "From Dusk to Dawn" Clooney, but rather "O' Brother Where Art Thou" Clooney, and then deny he isn't perfect for the role.

Soon, however, America may see more of Keillor: Altman has threatened to cast him in his film to play, of all things, a radio-show host. The ensemble also includes Meryl Streep, Lily Tomlin, John C. Reilly, Lindsay Lohan, Woody Harrelson, Maya Rudolph and other "Prairie Home" regulars.

"I'm not a movie star," says Keillor, 62 and more silver- haired than in his publicity photos. "I'm furniture. I am hoping that they find someone to play me in the movie. George Clooney, I think, would be perfect.

Interview with Jessica Alba

2005-05-28T10:35:00.000-07:00

This is got to be the hottest interview ever.

Q: Your body is featured prominently in your movies – you were a dancer in "Honey," and now you’re in a bathing suit for almost every scene of "Into The Blue." Do you ever have body anxiety?

A: I get self-conscious, but you just have to embrace it and go with it. I remember being in my underwear in my hotel room, trying to get comfortable.

Q: Have you always had a curvy figure?

A: When I went from girl body to woman body and all of a sudden I had tits and hips and a little tummy and natural fat in places, I freaked out. I went through puberty really early, when I was 11. It makes you feel weird – you know, like your uncle is hugging you a little bit longer than he used to. I used to be about 20 pounds lighter. Sometimes I don’t like my thighs or stomach, but whenever I get caught up in that, I always focus on the fact that I’m healthy now.

Life after Star Wars

2005-05-28T10:28:00.000-07:00

So lost now.

Also, check out the Wikipedia timeline for Star Wars. Pretty in-depth stuff.

And chronology of the comics.

Random Question

2005-05-27T16:29:00.000-07:00

Am I the only one who cringes at the way that Mr. Goodwrench has sucked all of the funny out of Stephen Colbert?

Friday Reviews - Longest Yard

2005-05-27T15:28:00.000-07:00

Getting beat up pretty bad by the reviews. Not that you would expect anything less from an Adam Sandler comedy.

SYNOPSIS

"The Longest Yard" is the story of pro quarterback Paul Crewe (Sandler) and former college champion and coach Nate Scarboro (Reynolds), who are doing time in the same prison. Asked to put together a team of inmates to take on the guards, Crewe enlists the help of Scarboro to coach the inmates to victory in a football game "fixed" to turn out quite another way. -- © Paramount Pictures

Official Site

Funniest Review - "Sandler's timing is good enough to make the funny scenes come alive. But he has trouble conveying any emotion that couldn't just as easily be expressed with a high-five."

Typical Review - "If you're thinking of seeing it, and you're old enough to drive (or even read this), do yourself a favor and rent the original instead."

Harshest Review - "[A] repulsive celebration of everything that’s sickening and ugly and hideous about America today.""

Harshest Review Part II - "Sexist, homophobic, pointless and overloaded with brain-crushing bigotry...has an evil and putrid secret agenda that couldn't have less to do with football if it tried."

Rotten Tomatoes

Friday Reviews - Madagascar

2005-05-27T14:00:00.000-07:00

Not looking too good. Most critics see it as a mediocre, unimaginative diversion.

SYNOPSIS

Ben Stiller (“Meet the Parents”), Chris Rock (“Chris Rock Never Scared”), David Schwimmer (TV’s “Friends”) and Jada Pinkett Smith (“Collateral”) star as the voices of four zoo animals who hang up when they hear the call of the wild.

Alex the Lion (Stiller) is the king of the urban jungle, the main attraction at New York’s Central Park Zoo. He and his best friends Marty the Zebra (Rock), Melman the Giraffe (Schwimmer) and Gloria the Hippo (Pinkett Smith) have lived their entire lives in blissful captivity, with regular meals provided and an admiring public to adore them.

Not content to leave well enough alone, Marty allows his curiosity to get the better of him and, with the help of some prodigious penguins, makes his escape to explore the world he’s been missing. Alex, Melman and Gloria go after him, but before they can go wild in the streets, they are captured, crated and put on a ship to Africa…to be ultimately set free.

When those plotting penguins sabotage the ship, Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria find themselves washed ashore on the exotic island of Madagascar. Now, these native New Yorkers have to figure out how to survive in the wild and discover the true meaning of the phrase “It’s a jungle out there.” -- © Dreamworks

Official Site

Funniest Review - "I have said it a million times, but it is so true. Talking animals are funny!"

Typical Review - "Heavy on jokes and light on story. Surprisingly, that turns out to be in its favor."

Harshest Review - "This tepid summer animated offering limps along like an aged, mangy lion with bunions."

Rotten Tomatoes

The Liman Identity

2005-05-27T07:18:00.000-07:00

Isn't it great to know that to make movies all you have to do is surround yourself with people who really know what they're doing. That's what director Doug Liman has been doing his whole career apparently. Check this out.

Weinsteins to kick-off with Hollywood Bash Brothers

2005-05-27T06:02:00.000-07:00

failedscreenwriterOutgoing Miramax chiefs Bob Weinstein and Harvey Weinstein announced Wednesday that they plan to release a kind of duet horror film next spring in which one hour will be written and directed by Quentin Tarantino and the other, by Robert Rodriguez. The two films, they said, will be packaged under the title Grind House. The brothers also announced that they will begin releasing a slate of 13 films in theaters beginning next October, one month after finally severing their relationship with Disney. They include sequels to Scary Movie and Sin City. "We have said all along that we would hit the ground running and we are confident that this slate will represent and deliver the kind of movies that audiences will love," the Weinsteins said in a statement.

A duet horror film? Hmm. I thought they already made 'From Dusk 'Til Dawn.'

Apparently Darwin is a movie fan

2005-05-26T10:37:00.000-07:00

Two British Star Wars fans sustained critical injuries after constructing their own lightsabers from fluorescent light tubes filled with liquid fuel. According to British media reports, a 20-year-old man and his 17-year-old female friend were filming a mock duel in homage to Star Wars: Episode III--Revenge of the Sith, the latest chapter of George Lucas' record-breaking franchise. The duo were reportedly emulating one of Sith's key battles, a lightsaber clash between Ewan McGregor's Obi-Wan Kenobi and Hayden Christensen's Anakin Skywalker.

Here is the best part

The two Brits suffered severe burns when their homemade sabers exploded

WTF were they using?

Robbin's Film To Be Released

2005-05-26T09:32:00.000-07:00

THe LA TIMES reports that Netflix going to release the controversial film, Embedded, about the current "war"in Iraq.

Online rental pioneer Netflix was the sole entity willing to distribute the controversial project: On May 31, the company will offer the DVD "Embedded Live" to its more than 3 million subscribers before a late summer delivery to venues such as Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com. Though the firm has purchased movies for the last 1 1/2 years, this is the first time it is distributing an acquisition to a broad audience outside its customer base.

Sin City 2 Release Date/Season

2005-05-26T09:08:00.000-07:00

Announced by Weinstein Co.

Sin City 2, summer 2006; continuation of the Frank Miller stories, helmed by Rodriguez.

WTF is this?

2005-05-26T07:55:00.000-07:00

You know, me and some of my aristocratic friends recently got together for some chamomile, and I was telling Niles and Jeffrey that I was such a big Edgar Allen Poe fan, and that the only director in the world who could do him justice was Sylvester Stallone. There are so many poetic parallels between rhythm of madness that the imagination can put the mind through in “The Raven” and poetic rhythm of Stallone beating the shit out of Tommy Morrison at the end of Rocky V. But it was only a dream. There is no POSSIBLE way something like this could ever be true. Wait, what’s this?

Sylvester Stallone (search) will direct "Poe (search)," a film he's written about the life of Edgar Allan Poe, Variety reported yesterday.

While he's best known for playing decidedly non-bookish action heroes, Stallone's long had a soft spot for the 19th-century poet and short-story writer.

He plans to begin filming in Europe this fall — and hopes to have Robert Downey Jr (search). in the title role.

While he was never known to go bare-chested and tote an AK-47, Poe's life offers plenty of other dramatic grist, including bouts of madness, attempted suicide and a mysterious death.