Strong chance new 'Terminator' film will drop the subtitle 'Genesis'

While most people agree that Terminator: Salvation sucked endoskeleton balls, I'm actually looking forward to the next Terminator film.  AH-NULD is back and the rest of the cast is solid.  And the fact that they are doing what is now being referred to in the industry as an "imaginative sequel" (i.e. a sequel that's more tangential to the original film) I'm reasonably certain this film will not taint my memory of the original movie.

All previous press releases had the new film titled as Terminator: Genesis.  Well in effort to make sure no one associated the film with Phil Collins, it looks like the producers have dropped the subtitle.  According to "Bleeding Cool" they have cited several merchandising sources that are creating items that will tie into the movie.  All of these have been labeled as Terminator only, with no Genesis. 

Now this doesn't necessarily mean that the Genesis has been absolutely dropped but since this is presumably the start of a new trilogy, they may want to go with a basic and recognizable name.  TECHNICALLY it's not even copying the original title, as the 1984 version was called The Terminator.  Personally I don't care if they have Genesis in there or not as long as they deliver a quality film. 

Terminator releases July 1, 2015.

Andy Serkis will play a role in Avengers: Age of Ultron

Turns out the King of the Motion Capture performances, Andy Serkis, may be making an appearance in another major movie franchise, namely next May's Avengers: Age of Ultron.  At least if "Variety" is to be believed. 

Serkis, who has already made ground-breaking work in films like The Lord of the Rings and Rise of the Planet of the Apes was brought in as a consultant on the film.  He's coaching Mark Ruffalo whose character of the Hulk will appear much more prominently in the upcoming sequel.

However it appears that Serkis may not just be on the sidelines waving the towel for Ruffalo.  Serkis apparently told "Variety" that he's playing a role in the new film, although he wouldn't say if the role would be motion capture in origin.  Either way I think this is just going to be a cameo.  With Serkis doing press for Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, shooting Star Wars Episode VII, and possibly doing pickups for The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies, I seriously doubt the man has much room for more than a five minute appearance.  It's still pretty awesome that he'll be associated in some capacity with this movie.  LOTR, Star Wars and now the world of Marvel.  I hope this guy knows how lucky he is.

Avengers: Age of Ultron opens May 1, 2015 while you can next see Serkis as the titular ape Caesar on July 11th in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.

Marvel is considering a solo 'Hulk' film after the next 'Avengers'

I think there's no disputing that one of the best, if not THE best, aspect of The Avengers was The Hulk and Mark Ruffalo's excellent performance as Dr. Bruce Banner.  So of course since then fans have been clamoring for another Hulk film from Marvel.  And in response Marvel has hemmed and hawed and given nothing really concrete.

Now we....sort of have something concrete?  I'm Ron Burgundy?

In a recent interview with "Digital Spy" actor Mark Ruffalo revealed that Marvel is now "seriously entertaining" a solo movie for the big green guy after The Avengers: Age of Ultron.  Plenty of the Marvel Phase III films remain unannounced and I highly doubt that a Hulk film won't be one of them.  Couple that with the fact that Ruffalo's role is even more expanded in the next movie and I think the idea of another film starring everyone's favorite raging Jolly Green Giant becomes inevitable.

I tell you what though I'm getting a little sick of Marvel being so coy about this.  The fans want it, Ruffalo wants it, Hell Stan Lee's dog probably wants it!  Just give the people what they want.  It's like Kim Kardashian.  She can pretend to act all classy and sophisticated but you know inevitably she's going to do a sex tape and show her tits.  Same thing applies here.  Marvel can bluster and equivocate all they want but at the end of the day you know they are going to give us another Hulk  film.  It's gonna happen.

You can next see Bruce Banner and his alter ego in The Avengers: Age of Ultron on May 1, 2015.

Director James Wan may helm a movie based on his own graphic novel

Being a graphic novelist AND a Hollywood film director is pretty much living the dream for a common nerd.  Not many people get to do that but director James Wan is one of them.

The mastermind behind plenty of Hollywood horror movies like the Saw franchise, and the director on the next Fast and the Furious installment, Wan also happens to have his own graphic novel called "Malignant Man."  And if "Deadline" can be believed, Wan may soon be directing his own creation.

"Deadline" reports that 20th Century Fox has purchased the rights to the graphic novel published by Boom Comics three years ago.  20th Century Fox is also interested in having Wan direct the film as well.  Seems like a perfect hand-in-glove situation to me.

For those of you not familiar with the premise of the graphic novel:


Malignant Man focuses on Alan Gates, a cancer patient with a terminal diagnosis who is resigned to his fate until he discovers that his tumor is actually a mysterious parasite. Granted a second lease on life and incredible, otherworldly powers, Alan must fight against an evil army buried beneath society’s skin, all the while unlocking the secrets of his forgotten past.

Sounds like an intriguing concept.  Doesn't seem like your typical run of the mill comic book.  I know innovative ideas are a novel concept in Hollywood here but sometimes even execs can stop swimming through there oodles of cash to embrace an original idea.

No news on a cast or production start date.  Fast and Furious 7 hits theaters next year.

Two films already in development for Bowe Bergdahl story...

Well that was fast.

Everyone seems to have an opinion one way or another about the Bowe Bergdahl story.  Was he really a deserter?  Was the release five Islamic terrorists worth the exchange?  Is the whole situation just another shady move by the Obama administration?  Whatever you political or country affiliation, opinions are vast and varied.

This is drama on a national scale and not surprisingly Hollywood is already developing not one but two movies on the Bergdahl story according to "Deadline." Academy Award winning director Kathryn Bigelow has been developing a movie with screenwriter Mark Boal for several years and artistic director Todd Field, best know for Little Children, is working on  adapting the screenplay based on  author Michael Hasting's book The Last Prisoner of War. 

I'd put my money on Bigelow here.  She's already familiar with military films with The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty.  Plus I think this story deserves more of a hard hitting story and Field is a bit too much of an auteur. 

No word yet on production dates or a cast but with the recent release of Bergdahl look for this movie to pick up steam.

Classic 90s card game Magic: The Gathering to be written by 'Game of Thrones' writer Bryan Cogman

As big of a nerd as I am I never got into fantasy card games.  However, I do remember the 90s and one of the hottest games out there was hands down Magic: The Gathering.  In fact the game was so popular that I remember seeing a Magic: The Gathering tournament broadcast from Las Vegas on ESPN 2.  No joke.  The guys doing the color commentary alone, was worth tuning in.

Back in January it was reported that 20th Century Fox was developing a movie and potential franchise (natch) based on the popular card game.  The studio has brought in "Game of Thrones" writer Bryan Cogman to write the screenplay.  While Dan Weiss and David Benioff usually do most of the writing, Cogman does write a few episodes here and there.  X-Men producer Simon Kinberg will also produce the film. 

For those of you not familiar with the specifics of the game:


Launched in 1993, Magic: The Gathering is set in a realm inhabited by Wizards known as Planeswalkers. Using five different colors of magic, players do battle with one another using customized card decks that contain creatures, spells, artifacts and other fantasy elements.


Seems to me that this might be better off as cartoon.  It's an awful risk to base a movie off a card game but then again there's been tons of movies based off video games and we can't forget the epically bad Battleship.

No cast has been announced and there is currently no director either.

Guillermo Del Toro drops out of live "Beauty and the Beast" adaptation

I love Guillermo Del Toro as a director.  Pan's Labyrinth, Pacific Rim, Blade 2, most of the stuff he puts out is dynamite.  What I can't stand is the fact that he gets attached to so many projects and then he drops out for one reason or another.  I still wonder what it would have been like if The Hobbit films had been directed by him. 

Well you can add the live action BEAUTY AND THE BEAST film adaptation to that list now.  While the movie has been in development and set to role since 2012 with Emma Watson to star, "Deadline" reports that Del Toro has officially dropped out of the film due to scheduling conflicts. 

While it would have been interesting to see a dark (presumably) take on the classic fairy tale, I'm actually OK with this.  Del Toro's got Crimson Peak coming up, he's currently writing the sequel to Pacific Rim, and he's an executive producer on FX's vampire television show "The Strain" based off of  his and Chuck Hogan's horror trilogy.  The guy is busy.

Crimson Peak hits theaters next year while "The Strain" debuts next month.

Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling may join director Shane Black's new film

Shane Black seems to be one of those guys that people in the industry have a lot of respect for, but isn't a household name like Spielberg.  Hard to believe, considering the guy did Lethal Weapon and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.  He also did a little low budget film last year called Iron Man 3.

In any event Shane's followup movie The Nice Guys sounds fantastic.  The film has been in development since 2011 and now there's word via "The Wrap" that Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe are up for the two main roles.

Here's a brief synopsis of the plot:

In smoggy 1970s Los Angeles, Jackson Healy (muscle-for-hire, recovering alcoholic) and Holland March (private eye, practicing alcoholic) are brought together by the suicide of a fading porn star. Problem is, the dead girl’s aunt is convinced she saw her niece alive and well, AFTER the highly publicized incident. March needs money, takes the case-and within days, it’s blossomed into a far-reaching murder conspiracy, bizarrely rooted in smog and the U.S. auto industry.

This film sounds like Serpico crossed with All the President's Men.  I am down.

Presumably Crowe would play the role of the muscle-for-hire and Gosling as the private eye but nothing is confirmed yet.  Two great actors on the same screen with an incredibly talented director at the helm.  I repeat:  I am down.

No word on a production start date yet but hopefully we'll hear something soon.

"Avengers" star Tom Hiddleston to take on the role of country singer Hank Williams

Well this is an intriguing casting choice.

"Deadline" reports that the man who played Loki in both The Avengers and Thor, Tom Hiddleston, has signed on to play the role of iconic country star Hank Williams.  Hiddleston later confirmed this via Twitter.

The film is titled I Saw the Light and will be directed by Marc Abraham and will be based on the biography by Colin Escott.  The film will chronicle the life of the iconic star who wrote such hits as "Your Cheatin' Heart" but died tragically at 29 years old of heart failure.

Although Hiddleston is best known for his roles in the Marvel films, this guy is an excellent actor showing range in such movies as The Deep Blue Sea (Not the one where Sam Jackson gets eaten by a shark) and Midnight In Paris.  Rumor has it that he will play the guitar and sing as well.  I say bring it on.  This could be a career making performance.  This guy is bound to get nominated for an Oscar someday.  No reason it can't be for this film.

Filming is set to begin this Fall.  Hiddleston is currently filming Guillermo Del Toro's film Crimson Peak.

Jeremy Renner back for Mission Impossible 5?

While I wasn't overwhelmed by Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol it was certainly entertaining and was a critical and commercial success.  There wasn't really a question of if there was going to be a sequel but when.

One of the highlights of GP for sure was Jeremy Renner's performance.  He definitely breathed some new life into the franchise.  While the only person confirmed to be in the next film was Tom Cruise, in a recent interview with Yahoo, Renner gave a strong indication that he was coming back for the film.

When asked if he would be up for a role in the second season of "True Detective" he said the possibility was unlikely because of his current involvement in Avengers: Age of Ultron and that Mission Impossible 5 was" rearing it's head".  While that's not completely definitive, I'm going to take that as he will have some involvement.

Mission Impossible 5 is slated to hit theaters next year with Christopher McQuarrie directing.

Nicolas Winding Refn to followup "Only God Forgives" with sex film "I Walk With the Dead"

It seems like Nicolas Winding Refn's film Drive generates a lot of debate.  The film seems to be one of those love it or hate it movies.  I loved it and it's ridiculous Ryan Gosling didn't get nominated for an Academy Award.  His followup film Only God Forgives wasn't quite as successful though just as controversial.

Looks like that pattern isn't going to stop any time soon as his next film I Walk With the Dead apparently revolves around one thing: sex.  In fact that's the ONLY thing we know about the plot and that, according to Refn it will contain, "lots and lots of sex."  Ooookaay.  So a porno then?  Kind of need more than that.

In any case Refn confirmed on Twitter the other day that the film will in fact be his next movie but there's currently no cast and no production start date.  It will be interesting to see if Gosling will join Refn for this film as well. 

"The Stand" to be a standalone 3 hour film and rated R

The Stand remains one of my all-time favorite Stephen King books.  I've read it at least ten times.  And while the 1994 mini-series does have a special place in my heart, it hasn't held up well over time. 

We've been hearing about a new film adaptation for several years now.  Ben Affleck was once attached but he's off doing some movie where's he's dressed as a bat or something.  The current directorial duties are with Josh Boone who recently had some interesting things to say about the state of the project.

In a recent interview with "Vulture," Boone stated that the film was definitely going to be a hard "R" and contain an all-star cast, although no word on who would be in it.  Boone also went on to say the movie would be a three hour stand alone film and would stay true to the source material.  Boone went on record as saying that he's always been a huge fan of the book and cites Stephen King as one of his biggest influences.

I'm kind of torn about this news.  On the one hand I'm glad that the project is in the hands of a person so passionate about the book.  The fact that he's dedicated to having a strong cast and having the film be R rated is great news.  (Can you imagine a watered down PG-13 film?  Yuck.)  However, I don't see how you do this film justice as a three hour stand alone movie.  The book itself (the unedited version anyway) is over 1,000 pages long and even though the mini-series had a six hour plus run time, it didn't cover all the characters or plot points.  I think they'd be much better served splitting this film into two, and better yet three films.

Still no time frame on a production start date or a cast.

Emma Watson and Miles Teller in talks to join new Damien Chazelle film

Hard to believe that Emma Watson is now in her early twenties and just graduated Brown University.  Seems like only yesterday audiences were watching her for the first time in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.  But time marches on and it's nice to see Watson has branched out into films like The Perks of Being A Wallflower and The Bling Ring.  She wasn't even that bad in that turdburger of a movie Noah.

No rest for the graduate however, as the young actress is set to team up with actor Miles Teller (the future Mr. Fantastic in the upcoming Fantastic Four reboot) for director Damien Chazelle's next film La La Land.  The film:

follows an aspiring actress Mia, who's lonely desperate to fit in, and cocky yet charismatic jazz pianist Sebastian — who fall in love in Los Angeles. However, the city that brought them together may tear them apart, as they soon discover that balancing love and art in such a cutthroat climate isn't easy.

Most of you probably don't know who Chazelle is but chances are you soon will.  His film Whiplash won the top prize at Sundance four months ago so look for him to become a hot commodity. 

I'm not into musicals really so I won't rush out to see this one but it will be interesting to see Watson show off her singing prowess.

Whiplash releases October 10th.

Antoine Fuqua and Denzel Washington set to team up again

It's hard to believe that Training Day is thirteen years old and in that time Denzel Washington hasn't aged.  (Seriously does this guy bathe in unicorn blood?)  The film (one of my personal favorites) marked the first time the actor worked with director Antoine Fuqua.  Since the collaboration ended in Washington winning the Oscar for Best Actor I'd say it worked out pretty well.  The tandem will re-team later this year for their second film, The Equalizer, based on the 1980s television show, and now comes word via "Deadline" that the two may pair up to make a third film, one that happens to be a classic.

The website reports that Fuqua and Washington are both in talks to join a remake of The Magnificent Seven, the classic Western from the 1960s that starred Steve McQueen and Yul Brenner.  That film was also inspired by Kurosawa's classic The Seven Samurai. Sadly I've never seen either of these films, however I think both men are extremely talented and could make this work.

Thankfully "Deadline" also indicates that this will  not be a modern day take on the film, but a traditional Western set after the Civil War just like the original.  I'm down for this.  Washington rarely makes a bad film and although remakes (especially of classic films) don't always succeed, I think this one has better odds than most.

The Equalizer explodes into theaters this Fall.

Cohen Brothers to pen Steven Spielberg's new film!!!!

Wow how's this for a slice of fried gold?

"THR" reports that Steven Spielberg's upcoming, and as yet untitled film, will be written by Oscar winning directors Joel and Ethan Cohen.  Do I really have to list their resume at this point?  If you aren't familiar with the Coens and their work why are you even reading my blog right now?

Spielberg's film will be a Cold War thriller set in the early sixties involving the Soviets, the KGB, the CIA, and...drum roll...Tom Hanks!  That's right.  This will mark the fourth collaboration between Spielberg and Hanks the three previous being Saving Private Ryan, Catch Me if you Can, and The Terminal. 

Let's see Cohens + Spielberg + Hanks + Cold War spy thriller....yeah I'm pretty much all over this film. 

Here's a short synopsis:

Based on the true story revolving around James Donovan (Hanks), a prominent American attorney enlisted by the CIA during the Cold War to slip behind the iron curtain to negotiate the release of a pilot captured when his U-2 spy plane was shot down over Russia.

While Spielberg has a number of future projects on his plate, it looks like this film will be his next as there is a tentative film start date of this September.  My guess would be a release date for Fall of 2015 but again that's speculation. 

Seriously I couldn't be more excited for this film.

Horror novel "The Merciless" to get the big screen treatment

                                                        See what I did there?

Unfortunately, the new horror The Merciless will not be based on the evil villain Ming from Flash Gordon.  The film will be based on the upcoming debut novel of the same name, by author Danielle Vega.  This news comes via Twitter.

The film will be produced by Marlene King of "Pretty Little Liars" fame but no word yet on casting or a release date.  Here's a brief synopsis:

“The Merciless” is a story of “good girls gone evil, “as the new girl in a small town is forced to join in the exorcism of a punky, rebellious classmate if she wants to be in the popular crowd."

Definitely not my cup of tea as this kind of has a teeny-bopper feel to it and will likely be pretty tame. 

The Merciless hits bookstores June 12th.

In another Hollywood fuck up, Channing Tatum cast as Gambit

If you want a formula to ruin any movie, especially a tent pole movie, all need is one ingredient:  miscasting.  And this latest piece of movie news is about as bad as you can get. 

In a move that makes zero sense to me, THR and other sources report that Channing Tatum has been cast as the X-Man Gambit in the upcoming X-Men: Apocalypse and also in a spin off solo movie thereafter. 

Good God.  If my colleague over at houseofgeekery.com hadn't already written an article about actors exponentially more suited to play this role, this probably would have been my next "WTF Hollywood???" article. 

Listen I have no personal attachment to the character of Gambit, although I did like the character  on the X-Men cartoon.  However, Tatum is all wrong for this role.  The thought of him doing a Cajun accent is horrifying.  Tatum is marginally successful in comedies but I can't take him seriously as an actor.  Let's be honest all he is, is a six-pack of abs and a pretty face.  And there's nothing wrong with that.  Hollywood is full of them.  But that's no reason to cast this guy as one of the most beloved X-Men out there. 

X-Men: Apocalypse opens summer 2016.

Tim Blake Nelson to play Mole Man in 'Fantastic 4' Reboot

OK so maybe not that Mole Man.

"THR" reports that Minority Report and O Brother, Where Art Thou? star Tim Blake Nelson is in final negotiations to join the cast of The Fantastic 4.  Nelson is set to play Harvey Elder, a character in the Marvel universe who eventually becomes the Mole Man, a villain shunned by humanity and leader of an underground group of monsters called the Moloids.  Yeah.....

In any event Nelson will not appear as Mole Man in the initial film, only as Harvey Elder.  The studio plans to have Nelson appear as the Mole Man in a later film.  Pretty presumptuous thinking considering the original films were awful. 

Fantastic 4  releases June 19, 2015.

Music Roundup: Baz Luhrman to direct Elvis Presley biopic; Oscar nominee Hailee Steinfeld joins the cast of 'Pitch Perfect 2'

Got a music based double dip for you all. 

First off "The Wrap" reports that acclaimed director Baz Luhrmann is in negotiations to direct a biopic about the life of The King himself, Mr. Elvis Aaron Presley.  This film seems tailor made for Luhrmann since music (often anachronistically) is the impetus for all of his works.  The only two problems I see with this movie are that script is by Kelly Marcel who adapted Fifty Shades of Grey into a film.  That doesn't instill a lot of confidence in me, even if the script is an original screenplay.  Secondly, and perhaps most importantly, IT WILL BE DIRECTED BY BAZ LUHRMANN.  I'm sorry I just can't stand the guy.  None of his works have had the slightest appeal to me and while I know many consider him an auteur, I just think he sucks.

Now on to news for a movie I might actually see.

This news comes via "Variety" and Twitter.  Academy Award nominee Hailee Steinfeld has joined the cast of Pitch Perfect 2.  Steinfeld joins Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson in the undisclosed role.  All we know at this point is that she'll be part of the Barden Bellas.  I like this addition.  Steinfeld is an amazing young talent who's already proven herself through films like True Grit and Ender's Game.

Pitch Perfect 2 releases May 15 of next year.

'Hunger Games' writer to bring J.D. Salinger biopic to the big screen

J.D. Salinger has long been touted as the voice of the angry teen.  His seminal novel  A Catcher In the Rye is still taught in high schools nationwide.  Personally, I never got the appeal.  I always thought it was one of the most over-hyped, over-rated novels of all time.  The Perks of Being A Wallflower is ten times the novel that Catcher is in my opinion. 

But I digress.

"The Hollywood Reporter" revealed that The Hunger Games  scribe Danny Strong will direct a biopic of the great American author.  The film, tentatively titled Salinger's War, will be based on the book J.D. Salinger: A Life  by Kenneth Slawenski.  The film will examine Salinger's early life, his service in WWII and how A Catcher in the Rye came to be.

While I may not be the biggest fan of the author, his life was certainly intriguing and there's just so much we don't know about Salinger simply because he went Howard Hughes' for most of his life.  Speaking of Hughes how about getting DiCaprio to play he role?

No time table on when the film will release.  Strong's next screenwriting foray can be seen in theaters this Fall with the release of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part I.

'True Detective' helmer will write and direct 'The Black Count'

To say Cary Fukunaga's star is on the rise is like saying Neil deGrasse Tyson knows a little about physics.

The dude burst on the scene with the wildly popular 'True Detective,' he's set to adapt a two part film version of Stephen King's IT, and his next film will be Beasts of No Nation starring Stacker Pentecost himself, Mr. Idris Elba.  But if you thought that was enough projects on Fukunaga's plate you'd be wrong.  The man is returning to the movie buffet line like a fat kid at Golden Corral. 

Fukunaga will adapt and direct the film The Black Count based on Tom Reiss' Pulitzer Prize winning biography.  Here's a synopsis:

General Alex Dumas, is a man almost unknown today, yet his story is strikingly familiar—because his son, the novelist Alexandre Dumas, used his larger-than-life feats as inspiration for such classics as The Count of Monte Cristo and The Three Musketeers. But, hidden behind General Dumas’s swashbuckling adventures was an even more incredible secret: he was the son of a black slave—who rose higher in the white world than any man of his race would before our own time. Born in Saint-Domingue (now Haiti), Alex Dumas made his way to Paris, where he rose to command armies at the height of the Revolution—until he met an implacable enemy he could not defeat.

I'll tell you one thing, you certainly can't say Fukunaga isn't making good choices.  This has the potential to be an excellent film.  I can already see Chiwetel Ejiofor in the role.

Source:

Confirmed: Zack Snyder will direct 'Justice League' movie

This news is probably about as Earth shattering as finding out that Luke Skywalker is a Jedi, but it's nice to finally get some official confirmation after months of speculation.

Speaking to the 'Wall Street Journal', Warner Bros. president Greg Silverman confirmed that director Zack Snyder will in fact direct the Justice League movie.  With the who's who list of characters already set to appear in Batman Vs. Superman (Gal Gadot as Wonderwoman, Ray Fisher as Cyborg, and Jason Mamoa circling a major role) it was obvious to anyone wih eyes that WB was setting up for a Justice League movie.  The chances of Zack Snyder NOT directing the film were about 0% so at least we can now dispense with all the mystery about who will helm the project.

Furthermore, it appears as if the Justice League movie will hit theaters sooner than you might expect.
Borys Kit, writer for "The Hollywood Reporter" states that both films will film back to back with JL hitting theaters in 2017.  An official announcement will be made at (gasp!) ComicCon.  I'd also expect that we'll finally get an announcement about what DC character Dwayne Johnson will play.  My guess is he's going to be Green Lantern or Martian Manhunter.

Batman Vs Superman releases May 6, 2016.

Review: NOAH

Plot: From Oscar nominated director Darren Aronofsky, Noah is a re-imagining of the epic Biblical tale. Noah (Russell Crowe) is a simple God-fearing man who lives off the land and takes care of his wife Naameh (Jennifer Connelly), his adoptive daughter Ila (Emma Watson) and sons Ham (Logan Lerman), Japeth (Leo McHugh Carroll) and Shem (Douglas Booth). He fears only the descendants of Cain who have ravaged the world, and one of whom slaughtered his father Lamech (Marton Csokas) right in front of him. Eventually, Noah begins receiving visions from the Creator, foretelling an apocalypse that will destroy the Earth in a great flood. Haunted by these visions, Noah seeks out his grandfather Methuselah (Anthony Hopkins) who helps him understand that God wishes Noah to build a monstrous Ark to save the animals of the world from the coming destruction. Along the path to salvation Noah battles the leader of Cain's descendants Tubal-cain (Ray Winstone), who seeks the Ark for himself and his people, the enmity of his son Ham, and his own lingering self doubts about his duty and his destiny.

Review: Early on in the classic 80s film Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure, the late great George Carlin says, "Don't worry, it'll all make sense in the end." Fifteen minutes into Noah, as the plot became more bizarre I was clinging to this piece of dialogue like a drowning man. Thirty minutes in as the story descended into the land of the ridiculous, another classic line entered my mind, "I've got a bad feeling about this." By the time an hour rolled around and I was fully immersed in a mescaline induced David Lynch-esque nightmare I knew I had condemned the three people I'd dragged with me to the theater to another ninety minutes of pure torture.

Pedantic, boring, soulless, and utterly lacking in any redeeming qualities, Noah is easily one of the worst films I've ever seen in the theater. From the sub-par acting, to the atrocious CGI, to an agenda filled plot that is ridiculous to the point of absurdity, Noah proves to be a world-class turdburger of a film, the likes of which I haven't seen for a very long time. The pure mind numbing banality and horrendousness cannot be overstressed here.

                                         ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED??? No.  I'm not.
What makes Noah into an irredeemable failure is the story itself. Darren Aronofsky's and Ari Handel's script is so convoluted, silly, and riddled with liberal propaganda that it baffles the mind that they could conceive audiences would take this film seriously. It's so bad I barely know where to begin. Oh I know! How about with the Watchers. The Watchers are a group of stone golems that are actually fallen angels imprisoned by God after they helped mankind when the Creator cast them out of Eden. These Watchers ultimately help Noah build the Ark. Sound ridiculous? That's because they are. Imagine the two racist Transformers from Revenge of the Fallen coupled with the Rock-Biter's illegitimate children from The Neverending Story and you'll have a clear picture of what I'm getting at. Want an example of how ridiculous these CGI monstrosities are? I'll give you two. Early on in the story, Noah and his family are being chased by Tubal-cain's men when they are forced into a large ditch. Thankfully, Noah's family is rescued when a helpful Watcher comes back that night and leads them out of the ditch. This despite the fact that the ditch is only about five feet high and easily accessible. Or how about towards the end of Noah when Tubal-cain's men attack the Ark. All the Watchers decide to join together in a battle COMPLETELY ripped off from the battle of Isengard in The Two Towers. However here the Watchers substitute for the Ents. Just pathetic.

Moving on from the laughable Watchers, let's take a moment to talk about messages. Listen I'm no babe in the woods here. I loved Elysium but I'm not naive enough to discount the very environmentalist/class warfare message of the film. However, I also recognize that the message flowed from the narrative. The complete opposite was the case in Noah. I'm not a Bible thumping ultra-conservative by any means. In fact I consider myself mostly apolitical. But you'd have to be Helen Keller in a sensory deprivation tank not to notice the ultra-liberal propaganda that permeates Noah. First of all I'm convinced that PETA must have had some involvement in this film because again and again audiences are forced to endure a pro-Vegan message where anyone who eats meat is somehow evil. We should all just survive on lichen like Noah apparently. At one point in the movie some of Tubal-cain's men stumble onto Noah's land and kill a lizard-deer (don't ask, just don't) because they are starving. When the men try to get at their catch Noah kills them. So apparently eating animals for food is evil but killing men who do so is not. Oooookay. Another example occurs when Noah sneaks into Tubal-cain's camp to steal wives for his sons (because nothing says fatherly love like kidnapping unwilling women to be your sons' wives) and discovers men ripping animals apart in an unholy orgy of eating goats and cows. One shot even shows a man munching on a goat leg with a feral look on his face. Another example of how non-Vegans are evil people apparently. Noah has obviously never had Chick-Fil-A.

Then there's the clear environmental message. Or should I say anti-industry message. Aside from the forest surrounding the area where Noah and the autobots--errr Watchers are building the Ark, most of the Earth has become a Mad Max like gray wasteland full of decrepit cities and desolation. (Oh I should mention that Noah's forest grows from a magical seed in about six seconds because...reasons?) This is a clear indictment of modern day man's ongoing rape of the natural world and the resulting consequences. Again, I'm not an anti-environmentalist but good Lord Aronofsky and Handel lay it on thicker than a Sarah McLaughlin dog commercial.  Moreover the worst and possibly most blatant message in Noah is the idea that man is by nature evil. The example I just provided serves as an example but there's some others as well. Even if you have only a passing association with Bible lore, you probably know that God meant to repopulate the world after the flood not only with animals, but men as well. Well Aronofsky and friends, in an effort to push the pro-animal agenda, play Noah completely one-sided. God DOES NOT want man to remain on the Earth, just animals. Crowe's character spouts this ad nauseam throughout the film. Later, sporting a Uni-Bomber haircut and psyche, he solidifies this propaganda by threatening to kill the daughters of his adopted daughter Ila. (By the way she was magically cured of her inability to bear children by Methuselah, a feat that made Emma Thompson's character instantly horny but did not remove her anachronistic English accent. Did I mention Methuselah is obsessed with berries for the whole movie as well? No? Well the producers thought I should know for some reason and now you do too.) All of these messages are offensive to me. Not from a religious standpoint. (I consider myself a Christian and it takes a LOT to offend me.) More so from an intelligence standpoint. That Aronofsky and company could think so little of me that I wouldn't see through their unsubtle, thinly veiled, ludicrous story to the messages beneath is insulting to my intelligence.

                                         A more plausible plot idea than the actual film.

Thankfully, the atrocious story overshadows the sub par acting and CGI in Noah. Crowe's Biblical character came across as just more of Crowe being Crowe. Gone are the days of Gladiator, The Insider, or A Beautiful Mind. I never once thought that Jennifer Connelly was anyone other than Jennifer Connelly. Apparently the producers thought that since the two had chemistry before it would work again. It didn't. Emma Watson is competent as Ila and Logan Lerman sports a strong performance even though he's underutilized. Ray Winstone succeeds the best out of the bunch. His Tubal-cain manages to be menacing and in some instances even empathetic. As for the hugely anticipated special effects, I'd hazard to say that other than the Ark itself, Sharknado sported better special effects. The serpent (Devil if you will) looked like a rubber snake from the dollar store, the CGI animals were awful, and Adam and Eve resembled the glowing aliens from Cocoon.

I consider Darren Aronofsky to be one of the great directors of our time. His track record of great films like Black Swan, The Wrestler, and Requiem for A Dream bear that out. However, this one is a complete stinker. It's like the guy was inwardly channeling Uwe Boll. In fact if I hadn't known Aronofsky did this film there's no way you could have convinced me he directed it. It's that bad.

In the end Noah left me wishing I'd drowned in the flood rather than hitched a ride on this epic disaster of a movie.

　

My rating: 1/10

Love affair over: Screenwriting duo Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci call it quits

Well the duo that brought you films like The Island, Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness, and Mission Impossible 3 have called it quits.  It should be noted that the script duo of Kurtzman and Orci didn't have a falling out, but other opportunities have come up for both men. 

Kurtzman has already been tapped to direct the Spider-man spinoff Venom and Orci is working heavily on the third Star Trek film.  He's also lobbying heavily to direct as well. 

The two still  have a number of projects they've agreed to work on but how those will shake out is anyone's guess.  Kurtzman and Orci's latest (last?) film The Amazing Spider-man 2* releases next Friday.

*Interesting note about The Amazing Spider-man 3, director Marc Webb apparently wants J. Jonah Jameson, the editor of The Daily Bugle to return and wouldn't mind J.K. Simmons reprising the role.

Sony seeking Danny Boyle to direct Steve Jobs Biopic, Leonardo DiCaprio to star

After the Ashton Kutcher (ugghh) led film Jobs tanked with critics and fans, it was clear the tech giant was deserving of a much better film.  Enter Sony and a script by Oscar winner Aaron Sorkin.  The script by all accounts is phenomenal, however Sony has been having some issues lately nailing down talent. 

If "The Hollywood Reporter" is to be believed that may soon change.  The website reports that Sony is currently in talks with Academy Award winning director Danny Boyle to helm the project with Leonardo DiCaprio to star. 

Can you say jackpot?

Now some might complain that DiCaprio physically wouldn't fit the role.  I say pshaw.  I never thought he could play J. Edgar Hoover and look how that turned out.  The guy is a friggin' chameleon.  If you told me tomorrow that DiCaprio was going to play Anne Boleyn in an movie, I'd ask you for the release date.

Unfortunately this project may not come to fruition for a while.  DiCaprio just signed on for the film The Revenant and Danny Boyle has begun production on a followup to last year's Trance.

Regardless, if I have to wait two years to see this one I'll be the first in line.  Who knows?  This might even snag Leo his first Academy Award.

Omar Sy joins 'Jurassic World'

Although you might not know the actor's name, Omar Sy's life is pretty awesome right now.  I mean like really awesome.

The actor reported via his Twitter account that he's joined director Colin Trevorrow's Jurassic World set to start filming next month.  Lest you think, "oh that's just Twitter", Trevorrow himself confirmed Sy's announcement several hours later. 

So now the actor who will bring X-Man Bishop to life later this year, will now face off against dinosaurs in another awesome franchise.  Mr. Sy your life most certainly does not suck.

Omar Sy can next be seen in X-Men: Days of Future Past out May 23rd.

Whats thisss my preciousess??? Andy Serkissss to direct 'The Jungle Book'

When you're known for playing one of the most iconic characters in movie history, sometimes it's hard to rise above that recognition.  Andy Serkis is the posterboy for not letting one role overwhelm your life.  Despite his epic performance as Gollum in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings films, Serkis has also distinguished himself in Rise of the Planet of the Apes and as a second unit director on The Hobbit films.  Apparently Warner Bros. recognizes talent when they see it too.

Serkis will direct a live action adaptation of The Jungle Book, based on the novel by Rudyard Kipling.  Callie Kloves will pen the script.  No current actors or actresses are attached.

WB is competing against Disney right now who is also going forward with their own live action version of the classic novel.  Jon Favreau is attached to direct while Idris Elba will voice Shere Khan.  It will be interesting to see who gets the film out first.

David Fincher Will Direct the Steve Jobs Biopic....On One Condition....

Christian Bale has to play the lead.

"The Wrap" reports that Fincher is very interested in directing SONY's film, written by former collaborator Aaron Sorkin, but only if a certain Academy Award winner who used to don the cape and cowl will step into the Apple founder's shoes.

Now I'm not blind to how the movie industry works. Rumors and gossip fly around like short guys acting tough on Facebook, so take this report with a couple bags full of salt.  However, "The Wrap" tends to be a pretty reliable source and if their sources are to be believed, Fincher approached SONY head Amy Pascal with the ultimatum.  Both Fincher and Pascal have their own contentious history going back several years, so if this is true Fincher's really thrown some gas on the fire.

Despite the (alleged) bold move I think his suggestion is genius.  Bale has quickly become one of this generation's greatest actors and his method acting style is unparalleled,  Plus his inherent scruffiness helps him look the part.

This film is going to be made with or without Fincher and Bale but I think the production would benefit with at least one of them attached, and preferably both.  Fincher is finishing up Gone Girl while Bale is currently working with Ridley Scott on the film Exodus  If this team up happens I wouldn't expect the movie to be released until 2016.  In the meantime both Exodus and Gone Girl release in the Fall.

Horror film 'The Grudge' getting a reboot; Sam Raimi to produce

I never saw The Grudge, the American version with Gellar or the Asian version, and I never really had much interest in doing so.  For some reason the whole Asian horror thing never did it for me.  However, I am astute enough to recognize that the film has its share of followers, both here and abroad.  The original film Ju-On spawned six sequels, while the American version had two.  And after almost a decade it appears a  horror master will be bringing the classic back to the big screen.

Director and writer Sam Raimi (The Evil Dead, Drag Me To Hell) will produce the remake.  For those of you who aren't aware the story:

describes a curse that is born when someone dies in the grip of a powerful rage or extreme sorrow. The curse is an entity created where the person died. Those who encounter this evil supernatural force die and the curse is reborn repeatedly, passed from victim to victim in an endless, growing chain of horror.

Rob Tapert will co-produce on the project and the Jeff Buhler will develop the script.  No news yet on a production start date, cast, or release date.

'Ghostbusters III' still on but Ivan Reitman steps down

Really starting to wish this whole idea would just go away.

Despite Bill Murray's refusal to be in the third film and Harold Ramis' untimely passing, Sony Pictures is going forward with Ghostbusters III.  Unfortunately, they will have to do it without the benefit of director Ivan Reitman.

"Deadline" reports that Reitman, who directed the first two Ghostbusters films, will step down as director.  However, he will remain on as a producer.  In an interview with "Deadline" Reitman talked very candidly about his decision:

It’s a version of Ghostbusters that has the originals in a very minor role. When I came back from Harold’s funeral, it was really moving and it made me think about a lot of things. I’d just finished directing Draft Day, which I’m really happy with and proud of. Working on a film that is smaller and more dramatic was so much fun and satisfying. I just finally met with Amy and Doug Belgrad when I got back. I said I’d been thinking about it for weeks, that I’d rather just produce this Ghostbusters. I told them I thought I could help but let’s find a really good director and make it with him. So that’s what we’ve agreed will happen. I didn’t want all kinds of speculation about what happened with me, that is the real story. It was such an amazing time in my life 30 years ago, and I felt that way on the second film.  With Harold no longer with us I couldn’t see it. It really seems to have resonated, an I think a lot of adults who saw it when they were younger have shown it to their kids and they seem to respond much the same way. Sony sees this as a huge worldwide opportunity, and it eager to make the film.

Dan Aykroyd and Etan Cohen have written the script and by all accounts the studio is very pleased with the result.  Reitman also states that the film will still be set in New York and that Sony hopes to begin filming this Fall but more than likely it will be early next year.

I guess it's a good sign that Reitman likes the script and I know the original Ghostbusters only have minor roles in this film, but I still don't know what to feel.  Although I freely admit I would watch another Ghostbusters movie, it's just not going to be the same.

'True Detective' director to helm WWII action thriller

HBO's "True Detective" has been one of the most talked about shows of the last few months.  (I personally can't wait to get  my HBO app in couple weeks and watch this sucker.)  The man behind the hot show also appears to be in heavy demand now too.  Already developing Stephen King's IT for the big screen, director Casey Fukunaga has found his next project.

According to "Deadline" Fukunaga will direct the WWII action thriller Noble Assassin, based on an upcoming novel surrounding the true life events of Robert de la Rochefoucauld.  Here's a rundown:

Pic tells the war-time story of French aristocrat-turned-anti-Nazi-saboteur Rochefoucauld, who joined the British Special Operations Executive and was trained in every manner of dark arts before being sent back to France to help organize the resistance, blowing up train stations and munitions factories. In the process, he was caught, endured months of torture and escaped his own execution.

I'm always a sucker for a good WWII film, especially one in Europe and this sounds awesome, so I'm totally onboard. 

Live action version of 'The Little Mermaid' coming to the big screen

Hard to believe it's been almost twenty-five years since The Little Mermaid hit the big screen, but Disney still milks the hell out of Ariel and the rest of the group.  (Trust me I've been to Disney World.)

For those of you who pine for a live action version of the animated feature, you may soon get your wish. 

"Deadline" reports that actor Sofia Coppola has agreed to direct a live action version of the classic tale for Universal pictures.  Coppola will also co-write the script with Caroline Thompson.  Kelly Marcel and Abi Morgan wrote the original treatment.

Early reports indicate that this version of The Little Mermaid will retain the musical element but in what way is unknown at this time.  Whether you're a fan of Coppola or not, there's no denying that her films are visually stunning.*  At the very least we should expect a film that looks pretty on the big screen.

Currently there is no release date for the film, but Universal pictures is looking to fast track it.

*I personally thought that Lost In Translation was one of the most boring, overrated films ever.  The acting was solid but oh my God what a coma inducing piece of film.

'Star Wars Episode VII' to start filming in May; timeline confirmed

Well even though this isn't casting news, at least it's actual concrete news.

Disney CEO Bob Iger revealed to the official Star Wars website that Episode VII will be set three decades after Return of the Jedi.  Iger also went on to say that the film will follow "a trio of new young leads" plus some "familiar faces."

With a hard and fast date of December 18 of next year set for the release of the next installment, many have been wondering when this sucker is going to actually start filming.  Well now we know.  According to Mr. Iger, Episode VII will start shooting in early May.  For those of you freaked out that the film is going be rushed, let me remind you that even if Abrams films for six months (which is the typical allotted time for a Star Wars film historically) you're looking at the film being completed in November.  That gives the movie over a year of post-production.  I think it's safe to say things will be just fine in that regard and audiences can look forward to a quality film.

I'm hoping that this news means that next month we will actually get official casting announcements along with a synopsis and maybe even a title.  One can hope anyway.

Star Wars Episode VII opens nationwide December 18, 2015.

Director Marc Webb will not return for 'The Amazing Spider-man 4', villain Morbius may make a cameo in the May sequel

For those of you unaware, while The Amazing Spider-man 2 hits theaters May 2, the studio already has the third and fourth installments lined up.  Although director Marc Webb confirmed he will return for the third film (slated to begin shooting next year), the director confirmed with "The Daily Beast" that he will not be back for the fourth movie.

Webb will not forsake all things Spidey however.  The director stresses he wants to remain as a consultant on the film.  He also states that a certain "creature of the night" could make a brief appearance in the second film.  Most fans speculate this means Morbius the living vampire will show up.  With the Rhino, the Green Goblin, and Electro already to set to appear in the followup to the 2012 hit, there certainly appears to be a glut of villains permeating the NYC landscape.  However, higher ups behind the Spidey franchise are playing the long game here so maybe they know what they are doing.

Personally I couldn't care less that Webb will be involved.  I thought the first film was severely overrated and aside from the local Rochester connection, I have no interest in seeing this film.  For franchises as a whole it's nice to see new blood enter the fray though.  Even though I liked Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, it would have been interesting to have another director take a crack at it other than Steven Spielberg.

The Amazing Spider-man 2 hits theaters May 2, with the third and fourth installments coming June 10, 2016, and May 4, 2018 respectively.

Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne Will Not Return for Third "Insidious" Film

While Insidious and Insidious Chapter 2 were commercial hits, I never really saw the appeal.  The first one is decent, but nothing Earth shattering when it comes to horror.  Although I haven't seen it, I hear the second film was a rehash of the first.  Critics weren't too kind to the film either.

But Hollywood's never believed Beyonce when she sang, "It ain't about the money, money, money" so of course there is a going to be a third film.  What's not happening is the return of two of the original film's stars.

In an interview by "Screen Rant" with screenwriter Leigh Whannel, the writer reports that Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne will NOT return for the third installment.  Instead the film will focus on a brand new family with similar experiences in order to keep the film from becoming "stale."

Whether or not Wilson and Byrne were explicitly excluded from the sequel, I'm glad to see they aren't returning.  Both are too good of actors to keep doing the same thing over and over again.  Plus with Wilson landing a significant part in Ant-Man, I'm sure he's not too worried.

Insidious Chapter 3 releases April 3rd of next year.

Fletch May Live Again....

Fletch remains my all-time favorite comedy.  It's one of the few movies that I can watch over and over again and still laugh at all the lines.  ("How's the herpes Fred?  They hurt?")  And in Hollywood's ongoing quest to ruin my childhood memories, plans for a remake are in the works.

"THR" reports that "SNL" alum Jason Sudeikis is very close to winning the part of investigative reporter Irwin Fletcher in the upcoming film Fletch Won.  The movie is supposed to be an origin story (natch!) and will be closer to the Gregory McDonald novels which are gritty with a touch of comedy. 

A new Fletch film has been in development for the better part of twenty years, with numerous directors attached, most notably Kevin Smith.  While I think that Sudeikis is very funny (loved him in We're The Millers) there's no reason to reboot Fletch.  Absolutely none.  The idea is as preposterous and Fletch being an actual member of the Mattress Police.

Currently there is no production start date or release date.  Hopefully there never will be.

'Ghostbusters III' will be re-written after Harold Ramis' death

I feel a little hesitant about reporting this information considering Harold Ramis just passed.  It's affected me a lot more than I thought it would simply because of the fact that Ramis and his movies were a big part of my childhood.  The man was a comedic genius whose films, whether he was writing, acting, or directing them, shaped the formative years of my life.  One of those films was of course the iconic 1984 classic Ghostbusters.  I've been reporting on the state of Ghostbusters III for about a year now and Ramis' passing obviously has many fans wondering (callous as it may be) what does this mean for Ghostbusters III and where does the film go from here?

According to "THR" the story is now going to have to be revamped, however a studio source states that Ramis' involvement was minimal and that, other than a small role, he was just someone the writers were bouncing ideas off of.

Currently Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky are reworking the script.  Director Ivan Reitman who helmed the first two films is set to meet with the studio to discuss the project going forward.

As much as I want a third Ghostbusters film I don't know if it's worth it anymore.  Bill Murray won't be returning and with Harold Ramis passing...I mean the film just won't be the same without Egon!  Maybe it's better just to letting sleeping ghosts lie.

Amanda Seyfriend hops aboard 'Ted' sequel

Well it looks like Mila Kunis has been replaced.

"Deadline" reports that actress Amanda Seyfried (Mean Girls, Les Miserables) will join Ted 2 as the female lead.  She'll replace Mila Kunis who is either being written out of the movie altogether or will have a very small role. Director/Writer Seth MacFarlane said the changes are due to the plotting of the film.  I wonder if they will kill her off?

I'm actually kind of surprised by this move because I thought Kunis was hilarious in Ted.  She obviously wasn't the best part of the film but her chemistry with Wahlberg was fantastic and the scene with Ted, Kunis, and the prostitutes was hysterical.  That being said I don't mind the choice.  Seyfried has come a long ways since the days of Mean Girls and although she's not exactly Meryl Streep, she's not Kristen Stewart either.

Seyfried can next been seen in another MacFarlane film, A Million Ways to Die in the West, this summer.  Ted 2 releases June 26, 2015.

I See Famous People With Sling Blades!!! Haley Joel Osment and Billy Bob Thornton join the 'Entourage' movie

I never watched "Entourage," probably because HBO is a fickle lover that comes in and out of my life depending on when the new season of "Game of Thrones" is out.  It never caught my curiosity anyway but I'm astute enough to know that it had quite a following.

As the big screen version of the television show ramps up, more and more stars are jumping on board.  The latest are a pair of Academy Award nominees. 

Warner Bros reports that actors Billy Bob Thornton and Haley Joel Osmet will join the cast as a father and son duo named Larsen and Travis McCredle respectively.  As to how these two characters play into the plot of Entourage, no one seems to know. 

Principal photography for Entourage is currently underway.  At this time there is no release date.

Jai Courtney Cast As Kyle Reese in the new Terminator film!

 

 

 

When it comes to the new film Terminator: Genesis I'm cautiously optimistic.  The last film was so horrendous I thought it had killed the franchise.  My optimism arises from the fact that AH-NULD is involved as is Emilia Clarke and Jason Clarke (no relation).  Also "Game of Thrones" director Alan Taylor is helming the ship so the potential for a good movie is there. 

This latest news dampens my spirits a little. 

"Variety" reports that actor Jai Courtney (Jack Reacher) has landed the role of Kyle Reese, father of the leader of the human resistance-John Connor.  While Courtney certainly looks the part, I seriously doubt his ability to pull off this role.  Granted I'm a little biased because Michael Biehn's role in the 1984 original is so iconic, but Courtney's track record isn't that great.  Jack Reacher was OK, his performance in A Good Day to Die Hard was putrid, and although I haven't seen the movie, I highly doubt he gives a Daniel Day-Lewis caliber performance in I, Frankenstein.

Then again I don't even know how large a role Reese will play in the upcoming film.  Let's hope that Taylor will coax a good performance out of Courtney.

Terminator: Genesis hits theaters July 1, 2015



'Star Wars' model makers contracted for 7 films and possible fifth Indiana Jones adventure

 

I find this news more interesting because of its relevance to Indiana Jones 5 more than anything else, but "Den of Geek" reports that prop and model builders for Star Wars Episode VII have been hired throughout the new trilogy and the one off solo movies as well.  From a Star Wars perspective I'm glad to see this is happening because it indicates a true commitment to practical effects. 

An interesting bit of news you probably guessed from the headline.  One of the stages pre-booked was for none other than (drumroll please) a fifth Indiana Jones film.  Obviously this proves nothing as the House of Mouse is probably just covering all their bases.  They did after all acquire the full rights to the franchise last year and if rumor is to be believed, Harrison Ford has strongly suggested he will not return for the Star Wars films if  Indiana Jones  doesn't materialize.  Whether or not this is true is pure conjecture at this point but it's definitely a step in the right direction for the world hopping archaeologist.

Star Wars Episode VII releases December 18, 2015.

Knight Rider film still on; Chris Pratt and Danny McBride in talks to star

Ah "Knight Rider."  The words just bring me back to my misspent youth.  I mean what seven year old didn't love to see a cool guy with an even cooler car get into and out of trouble?  I know I loved it.  The problem is that my days of being seven are twenty-eight years in the past, so my interest in a film version of the iconic 80s television show are virtually non-existent.

Brad Copeland of Wild Hogs and Yogi Bear was hired to write the script back in June but since then the silence from The Weinstein Company has been deafening.  However, some sounds are finally starting to echo off the caverns.  "Schmoes Know" reports that actors Chris Pratt (The Lego Movie) and Danny McBride (This Is The End) are in talks to join the film. 

I doubt they are both up for the same role.  I could definitely see Pratt in the role of Michael Knight and McBride in the role of KITT.  With guys like McBride and Pratt associated with the film, it's probably a safe bet that producers are going the comedic route with the movie.  I don't know how you'd go any other way with this movie.  Any attempts to play this straight would probably be a complete disaster.  But a comedy?  That could work.

There's still no production start date or director yet so, for the time being, KITT and crew are regulated to storage in the moving truck.