Cinematicalhttp://www.cinematical.comCinematicalhttp://www.cinematical.com/media/feedlogo.gifCinematicalhttp://www.cinematical.comen-usCopyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Weitz Blames New Line For 'The Golden Compass' -- Do You?http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/23/chris-weitz-new-line-the-golden-compass-controversy/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/23/chris-weitz-new-line-the-golden-compass-controversy/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/23/chris-weitz-new-line-the-golden-compass-controversy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Now rolling in New Moon millions, Chris Weitz is being more open about his troubles with New Line and The Golden Compass, a film that sank one studio and sent him into a tailspin. Rumors abounded as to what went wrong on that film, and as recently as last week, New York's Page Six was claiming that residual stress was causing him to leave the industry.

Weitz denied any such thing to Variety, and announced he was leaving the world of the supernatural behind with his next film, The Gardener. The film centers around a hard working Mexican gardener and his efforts to protect his son, and Weitz will be making it alongside his new best friends forever, Summit Entertainment. His new friendship enabled him to take a parting shot at New Line. Weitz praises Summit and Stephenie Meyer for trusting him with New Moon, an experience that was the polar opposite of the debacle that was The Golden Compass.

Weitz claims that New Line didn't trust him to handle the content of the book, that the film was taken from him in editing. Heavy-handed hacking resulted in losing nearly 30 minutes of footage from the film, and neatly exercised the edgy thrust of Phillip Pullman's book. "It was an utter violation of my status as a director and the worst thing that has happened to me professionally ... I was treated badly, it was almost like they never read the books. They seemed frightened of offending the right." Out of loyalty to the cast and crew, Weitz said he "bit through my tongue" when Compass was released.

As a fan of Pullman's His Dark Materials series, I'd love to see all that missing footage to see if it could salvage Weitz's film, and if New Line really neutered it.

Go below the jump for the rest

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]]>Chris WeitzChrisWeitzHis Dark MaterialsHis Dark Materials The Golden CompassHisDarkMaterialsHisDarkMaterialsTheGoldenCompassnew lineNew MoonNewLineNewMoonphillip pullmanPhillipPullmanThe GardenerThe Golden CompassTheGardenerTheGoldenCompassElisabeth RappeMon, 23 Nov 2009 10:33:00 ESTPaul Haggis Bails on Scientology Big-Timehttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/26/scientology-paul-haggis/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/26/scientology-paul-haggis/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/26/scientology-paul-haggis/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Normally, we don't run stories about the personal lives and religious beliefs of celebrities. The exception to the rule is when they have some kind of impact (positive or negative) on a film or a career. So when Paul Haggis gives the finger to the Church of Scientology, we have to run it. As Haggis himself admits, "I am fully aware that some of my friends may choose to no longer associate with me, or in some cases work with me."

According to Village Voice, Haggis has been a member of the Church of Scientology for 35 years. But he found himself questioning its practices and beliefs, particularly after its San Diego branch openly sponsored California's anti-gay Proposition 8. Haggis asked Scientology's spokesman, Tommy Davis, to denounce the branch. Davis skirted the issue, and Haggis went on the offensive with a confrontational letter that has made its way online on Mark Rathburn's anti-Scientology blog. "The church's refusal to denounce the actions of these bigots, hypocrites and homophobes is cowardly. I can think of no other word. Silence is consent, Tommy. I refuse to consent."

The church's bigotry encouraged Haggis to do a little digging, and he found an online interview with Davis, who claimed that the Church doesn't force its members to cease contact with anyone who forsakes the religion, or openly criticizes it. "I was shocked. We all know this policy exists. I didn't have to search for verification - I didn't have to look any further than my own home." Haggis' wife was ordered to "disconnect" from her parents because they resigned from the church.

Continued below the jump...

Continue reading Paul Haggis Bails on Scientology Big-Time

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]]>Paul HaggisPaulHaggisscientologyTommy DavisTommyDavisElisabeth RappeMon, 26 Oct 2009 15:02:00 ESTThis! Is! Moses! 'Exodus' To Get '300' Treatmenthttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/12/this-is-moses-exodus-to-get-300-treatment/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/12/this-is-moses-exodus-to-get-300-treatment/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/12/this-is-moses-exodus-to-get-300-treatment/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Before our generation comes to a close, all of ancient history and mythology will have been filmed through a Zack Snyder / Frank Miller lens. Variety reports that the next ancient text to get the green-screened sepia treatment is the tale of Moses. Yes, Ten Commandments Moses.

20th Century Fox and its new big dog, Peter Chernin, have snapped up a pitch to retell "Let my people go!" in 300 fashion, and put Adam Cooper and Bill Collage to work penning a script. You might not remember their names now, but they're also pairing up with Timur Bekmambetov to remake the story of Moby Dick in a 300 "graphic novel style." Variety notes that all the elements you know and love from the story of Moses will be there (the Red Sea, the plague of locusts, the golden calf) but they will also incorporate "brand new elements" drawn from Midrashic sources. I wonder if they'll also find a way to include the scene with Zipporah rescues their son from the Lord by circumcising him? Because they could do some slow motion blood splatter with that.

Being an irreligious sort, I find the idea silly instead of offensive but it's possible that a lot of moviegoers could find this very disrespectful to their faith. Will it spur on copycat projects? Will other studios go "Why didn't we think of the Bible?", abandon Greek texts, and start producing 300 versions of Maccabees? Judges? 1 and 2 Kings? There's a lot of gory tales just waiting to be revamped with green screen.

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]]>20th century fox20thCenturyFox300 style300StyleAdam CooperAdamCooperBill CollageBillCollageexodusfeaturedMosespeter cherninPeterCherninthe ten commandmentsTheTenCommandmentsElisabeth RappeMon, 12 Oct 2009 09:03:00 ESTTIFF Review: Agorahttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/09/13/tiff-review-agora/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/09/13/tiff-review-agora/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/09/13/tiff-review-agora/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



"If you choose to do nothing, though, you will continue to do the same thing over and over again."
Hypatia (Rachel Weisz), Agora

To some, the name Alejandro Amenábar sparks instant interest. But if it does not, let me refresh your memory. In 1997, he wrote (with Mateo Gil) and directed the Spanish film Open Your Eyes -- which North American audiences know better by its ultra-strange U.S. remake Vanilla Sky. 2001 marked his English film premiere, the eerie Nicole Kidman thriller The Others (the only feature Gil hasn't co-written). And then in 2004, he went back to Spanish filmmaking with the Javier Bardem-starring Oscar winner The Sea Inside. Now he's grabbed the likes of Rachel Weisz, Max Minghella, and Oscar Isaac for a film that doesn't journey through facial reconstruction, ghosts, or euthanasia. It's a gorgeous, thought-provoking Roman epic called Agora.

The film focuses on one of the most impressive female figures in history - Hypatia, a leading thinker in the Rome-governed Alexandria, considered to be the first notable woman of mathematics. She studied philosophy and astronomy, and both pagan and Christian students from far and wide came together to study under her. "For all men on account of her extraordinary dignity and virtue admired her the more."

Continue reading TIFF Review: Agora

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]]>AgoraAlejandro AmenabarAlejandroAmenabarCinematicalMax MinghellaMaxMinghellaOscar IsaacOscarIsaacRachel WeiszRachelWeisztiff09Monika BartyzelSun, 13 Sep 2009 19:03:00 ESTReview: I Can Do Bad All by Myselfhttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/09/12/review-i-can-do-bad-all-by-myself/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/09/12/review-i-can-do-bad-all-by-myself/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/09/12/review-i-can-do-bad-all-by-myself/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The latest movie from writer-director Tyler Perry, I Can Do Bad All By Myself, may strike you as being another comedy featuring Perry's big bad old lady Madea. However, Madea has only a small role as comic relief in this melodrama/morality play. The credits tell us that the movie is based on Perry's 2000 play of the same name, but after reading summaries of the play, the two seem to have little in common apart from the title and a moral awakening on the part of the lead characters.

April (Taraji P. Henson) is a mess -- a nightclub singer who rarely sees the light of day, an alcoholic, a woman heavily involved with a married man (Brian White) who pays all her bills. Suddenly, she has three children foisted upon her -- caught trying to break into Madea's house, they confess that the grandmother who has been raising them has gone missing. Madea sends them to Aunt April, who is unwilling to take them but can't find another option. In the meantime, the local church sends April a handyman to help fix her crumbling old house in return for room and board, the optimistic and caring Sandino (Adam Rodriguez). How will April deal with these disruptive people in her life?

Continue reading Review: I Can Do Bad All by Myself

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]]>Cinematicalfilmi can do bad all by myselfICanDoBadAllByMyselfmadeamovietaraji p. hensonTarajiP.Hensontyler perryTylerPerryJette KernionSat, 12 Sep 2009 19:32:00 ESTThe Chills-Inducing Trailer for 'Agora'http://www.cinematical.com/2009/08/28/the-chills-inducing-trailer-for-agora/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/08/28/the-chills-inducing-trailer-for-agora/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/08/28/the-chills-inducing-trailer-for-agora/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Suffering through films like Troy, which is akin to being cinematically stabbed in one's Achilles' Heel, it's easy to be wary of the ancient period pieces. All too often, epic legends crumble due to Hollywood's obsession with spectacle -- falling to epic looks rather than an epic heart. But just sometimes ... a film can have both.

I will be writing more about the film later, but for now, I implore you to hit the jump and watch the trailer for Alejandro Amenabar's Agora. This is the sort of trailer every film needs: It balances exposition (helped along by a great narrator rather than deep-disembodied typical trailer voice) and explanation with passion -- outlining what exactly the film is focusing on before exploding into a rising crescendo that will tap into your skin and unleash the goosebumps and chills.

Agora focuses on Hypatia (Rachel Weisz), a female scholar from Alexandria in 370-415 AD. Well ahead of her time, she was a well-respected philosopher dedicated to studies of math and astronomy. Christianity was spreading through Egypt, however, and it was only a matter of time before her incredibly advanced status (for a woman in that era) became her downfall.

Continue reading The Chills-Inducing Trailer for 'Agora'

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]]>AgoraAlejandro AmenabarAlejandroAmenabarCinematicalRachel WeiszRachelWeiszMonika BartyzelFri, 28 Aug 2009 17:02:00 EST'Legion' Gets a Comic Book Prequelhttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/08/25/legion-gets-a-comic-book-prequel/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/08/25/legion-gets-a-comic-book-prequel/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/08/25/legion-gets-a-comic-book-prequel/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

When the red-band trailer for Legion appeared online, the responses ranged from "What the hell?" to "How can angels go bad?" to "I don't like the look of that at all." All the footage is very dark, demonic, and confusing and we have to wait until January 2010 to figure out why all hell (or heaven) seems to be breaking loose.

But guess what! You don't have to wait that long if you're insanely curious about it. IDW Publishing announced that Scott Stewart and Tom Waltz have penned a four issue miniseries that will serve as a prequel to Stewart's upcoming holy war. Legion: Prophets will introduce you to the Theologians, the Guardian, the Codebreaker and the Voice, five very different and unlikely individuals who become humanity's only hope in surviving the Apocalypse. (Here we thought it all rested on the well-built shoulders of the ex-angelic Paul Bettany.) "There were a lot of cool and scary characters and situations that I wasn't able to include in the main narrative of the movie, so I'm very excited to be able to expand the Legion universe beyond the film and explore those other stories through the comic book series," says Stewart.

Legion: Prophets hits comic store shelves in November, just in time for the holidays and to make you look a little askance at the angels glittering on every holiday decoration. If you're still into the movie after reading the paper prequel, Legion comes to the big screen on January 22, 2010.

[via io9]

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]]>dennis quaidDennisQuaidIDW PublishingIdwPublishingLegionpaul bettanyPaulBettanyscott stewartScottStewartscreen gemsScreenGemsSonytyrese gibsonTyreseGibsonElisabeth RappeTue, 25 Aug 2009 15:45:00 ESTRed-Band Trailer For 'Legion' Might Scare You Back to Churchhttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/08/13/red-band-trailer-for-legion-might-scare-you-back-to-church/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/08/13/red-band-trailer-for-legion-might-scare-you-back-to-church/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/08/13/red-band-trailer-for-legion-might-scare-you-back-to-church/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,



The enormous casting call of Legion was one of the earliest stories I penned on Cinematical, a fact I recalled in a blinding flashback when I encountered Paul Bettany's naked abs in a San Diego elevator. From ComicCon on, the film seems to have been attracting a curious buzz, probably helped greatly by Bettany's wing-framed body. Come on, it's pretty darn nice.

A very long, very red-band trailer for Legion has appeared on MySpace and now we can get an eyeful of what the lucky Hall H attendees saw at ComicCon. It's strange, horrifying, violent, and weirdly funny. There's a dash of Preacher, Dogma, and The Prophecy about this clip and I'm honestly surprised it isn't based on an edgy comic book of some kind because it has that mash-up of camp and blasphemy that you generally only find in a book published by Vertigo or Dark Horse. I'm very curious about this one. It looks like it could be awful, and yet I have to admire any film that features a lanky Englishman kicking ass, Dennis Quaid doing anything, Kevin Durand doing his usual scary thing, and people willing to crack jokes in the face of angelic invasion. Plus, it's my humble opinion that storylines featuring scared teenagers who may be pregnant with a Messiah just never get old.

Hop below for the trailer. No lying about your age now, you whippersnappers. Remember, your guardian angel is watching.

Continue reading Red-Band Trailer For 'Legion' Might Scare You Back to Church

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]]>dennis quaidDennisQuaidkevin durandKevinDurandLegionpaul bettanyPaulBettanyscott stewartScottStewartScreenGemsSonyElisabeth RappeThu, 13 Aug 2009 13:15:00 ESTBless You! It's Paul Bettany in 'Priest'http://www.cinematical.com/2009/08/03/bless-you-its-paul-bettany-in-priest/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/08/03/bless-you-its-paul-bettany-in-priest/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/08/03/bless-you-its-paul-bettany-in-priest/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,



Look what's got a promo poster! Scott Stewart's resurrected Priest, the Tokyo Pop adaptation that stars Paul Bettany and Cam Gigandet. (I've got to be honest, it will continue to be "That movie Gerard Butler was supposed to be in way back when" for me for a very long time. It's a curse of fandom and incessantly covering such stories.) Anyway, this little promo piece has appeared on the official Priest website Sony has just put online. Obviously, there's nothing there but this photo, but it does a bit of glowing animation you mind find amusing. It's a nice nod to the original Toyko Pop cover, though Bettany is missing Ivan Isaacs' long and flowing hair.

I think what makes this creepy is not that Bettany does resemble the bony Isaacs, but that those not following the intricacies of film news won't know the difference between this and the upcoming Legion which is also a Bettany-led film directed by Stewart. I have really enjoyed many of Bettany's films, and I think he's a fine actor, but he really really needs to take a break from the religious orders. I can see Joe Moviegoer seeing the Priest poster and going "Isn't that the archangel movie we already saw?" "No, dummy, it's that DaVinci Code sequel!"


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]]>Cam GigandetCamGigandetfeaturedLegionPaul BettanyPaulBettanyPriestScott Charles StewartScott StewartScottCharlesStewartScottStewartToyko PopToykoPopElisabeth RappeMon, 03 Aug 2009 09:03:00 EST'The Lovely Bones' Has a Blank Posterhttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/08/the-lovely-bones-has-a-blank-poster/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/08/the-lovely-bones-has-a-blank-poster/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/08/the-lovely-bones-has-a-blank-poster/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,



A bland teaser poster for The Lovely Bones has appeared on Film1 and, well, it's just not that exciting. No worries, though, this was only used to tease the film during an international trade show (CinemaExpo to be exact) -- hence the 2010 release date (it arrives stateside on December 11, 2009). But with the film due out this winter it's surprising that there's still so very little to go on.

Bones has been dogged by bad rumors from day one. Mark Wahlberg replaced Ryan Gosling in very short order, and Susan Sarandon had issues with her role as Grandma Lynn. Flicks.co.nz reported that production shut down as Peter Jackson and art director disagreed over how to best portray Heaven, a story that was later denied by DreamWorks and Paramount. The rumor machine really went into overdrive when the release date of the film was delayed by six months, but the studio also brushed off any concerns, assuring the world they had always intended to release the film December 11, 2009 ... just in time for awards consideration.

But hey, now you have a poster to go with those initial images, and it's the kind of marketing you can project all your wishes onto. You can read its blankness as a sign of a disorganized production that doesn't have its poster art sorted. You can read it as a sign that they're keeping it under wraps because it's something very special. Maybe you see your own version of heaven there. (Mine is a really good film.) It's all things to all people. Really!

[via Dread Central]

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]]>alice seboldAliceSeboldDreamWorksmark wahlbergMarkWahlbergparamountPeter JacksonPeterJacksonrachel weiszRachelWeiszsaoirse ronanSaoirseRonanstanley tucciStanleyTuccisusan sarandonSusanSarandonThe Lovely BonesTheLovelyBonesElisabeth RappeWed, 08 Jul 2009 11:02:00 ESTPoll: Could 'Star Trek' Beat 'Angels & Demons' This Weekend?http://www.cinematical.com/2009/05/14/poll-could-star-trek-beat-angels-and-demons-this-weekend/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/05/14/poll-could-star-trek-beat-angels-and-demons-this-weekend/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/05/14/poll-could-star-trek-beat-angels-and-demons-this-weekend/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

'Star Trek' (Paramount) vs. 'Angels & Demons' (Sony)

Is there really much enthusiasm for a religious thriller this weekend? I realize that The Da Vinci Code made eleventy billion dollars worldwide despite widespread critical negativity, and that legions of fans support Dan Brown, Tom Hanks, and Ron Howard, but I'm not feeling the love for Angels & Demons, which opens on Friday.

I admit I'm biased. I managed to finish The Da Vinci Code, which was one of the most turgid, tortured, self-important works of fiction I've ever read, and don't have much regard for the movie version. I can understand why so many people went to see it, with the unbeatable combination of sensational subject matter, the promise of a thriller, and Tom Hanks' mullet. Yet how many came away satisfied, and demanding a sequel?

Early critical reaction to Angels & Demons has been tepid (54% at Rotten Tomatoes), but that didn't dissuade people before, so that probably won't be a factor. Our ace prognosticator Matt Bradshaw predicted that Angels & Demons would top the box office this weekend with $60 million, with J.J. Abrams' Star Trek dropping to the #2 spot after last weekend's $79.2 million haul. But could Star Trek retain its #1 position? The Movie Blog agrees with me on two points -- disappointment with The Da Vinci Code and lack of buzz for the sequel -- and also suggests that Star Trek's quality, excellent word of mouth, and expected repeat business could make the difference.

What do you think?

View Poll

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]]>angels and demonsangels demonsAngelsAndDemonsAngelsDemonsj.j. abramsJ.j.Abramsron howardRonHowardstar trekStarTrektom hanksTomHanksPeter MartinThu, 14 May 2009 12:15:00 ESTMonday Night Poll: What's Your Favorite Tom Hanks Hairstyle?http://www.cinematical.com/2009/05/11/monday-night-poll-whats-your-favorite-tom-hanks-hairstyle/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/05/11/monday-night-poll-whats-your-favorite-tom-hanks-hairstyle/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/05/11/monday-night-poll-whats-your-favorite-tom-hanks-hairstyle/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Clockwise, from upper left: Splash, Philadelphia, Forrest Gump, Castaway, The Ladykillers, The Da Vinci Code

(Clockwise, from upper left: Splash, Philadelphia, Forrest Gump, Castaway, The Ladykillers, The Da Vinci Code.)

Our last two polls covered Star Trek : anticipated box office returns (most folks guessed too high) and 1-10 rating (most folks were very impressed). Those polls are still open, but we thought it was time to let our hair down and move on to this week's big opener: Tom Hanks in Ron Howard's dramatic thriller Angels & Demons.

Based on the novel by Dan Brown, Angels & Demons follows Professor Robert Langdon as he again uses his expert knowledge of symbology to uncover an international conspiracy involving the Catholic Church. Though the book was written before The Da Vinci Code, the events take place afterward. When Hanks and Howard previously teamed on the film adaptation in 2006, Hanks' hair got plenty of attention. As Eric D. Snider noted, "If you recall nothing else about The Da Vinci Code, surely you remember that Tom Hanks sported a ghastly mullet in it. So the important thing to know about Angels & Demons ... is that Hanks' hairstyle has been corrected. So that's a relief."

But did you love Hanks' "ghastly mullet" in The Da Vinci Code? Or are you a bigger fan of his earlier, funnier hairstyles in movies like Splash, his first collaboration with Howard? How about the Forrest Gump flat top? The Castaway outgrowth? Or the Colonel Sanders hair from The Ladykillers? Inspired by a classic post at TheJay.com, please take our silly little poll and tell us: What's your favorite Tom Hanks hairstyle?

View Poll



When you're finished with that poll, head on over to Moviefone and vote for your favorite Tom Hanks performance.

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]]>angels and demonsangels demonsAngelsAndDemonsAngelsDemonsdan brownDanBrownron howardRonHowardtom hankstom hanks hairTomHanksTomHanksHairPeter MartinMon, 11 May 2009 22:02:00 ESTRemember "Gladiator 2"? Nick Cave's Script Discoveredhttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/05/08/remember-gladiator-2-nick-caves-script-discovered/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/05/08/remember-gladiator-2-nick-caves-script-discovered/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/05/08/remember-gladiator-2-nick-caves-script-discovered/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

I have the deep suspicion that despite being picked up round the Internet, this Nick Cave "synopsis" will end up being some kind of hoax. If it does, the story someone has concocted for Gladiator 2 is so brilliantly crazy that it's worth reading.

Gone Elsewhere has the rundown for you. This script meets up with Maximus seconds after he comes to in the afterlife. Our deceased gladiator isn't met by his family, but by a mysterious figure named Moredecai. He introduces him to the Roman pantheon who mock him, and offer a deal to kill their brother Hephaestos. If he can, they'll reunite him with his wife and son. Once out of immortal earshot, Moredecai tells Maximus these are lies and that his wife, Maria, sacrified her place in Elyisium to allow their son, Marius, to cheat death. He's now back in Rome living a mortal life. Disbelieving this, our undead hero marches to find Hephaestos who is trying to usher in an age of a "one, true God" and sends him hurtling back to mortal Rome. There Maximus encounters the adult Lucius who is pretty busy slaughtering Christians for the Emperor, a situation that Maximus finds himself embroiled in ... and not surprisingly, one that reunites him with his adult son. There's the cue to unleash hell.

Needless to say, it's a unique read. Cave really took the "What we do in life, echoes in eternity" tagline literally. (You'll know what I mean when you get to the end.) It's so easy to let your mind get carried away imagining scenes like Lucius passing a bust of Maximus and realizing he just saw him in a mob that I'd like to see this filmed, albeit not as a Gladiator sequel, but as pure Roman fantasy. Read it, and see if you agree.

[via IMDB]

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]]>Gladiator 2Gladiator2Nick CaveNickCaveRussell CroweRussellCroweElisabeth RappeFri, 08 May 2009 15:02:00 ESTClassic News Bites: Hansel & Gretel Hunt Witches; 'Paradise Lost' is Foundhttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/04/30/classic-news-bites-hansel-and-gretel-hunt-witches-while-paradise/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/04/30/classic-news-bites-hansel-and-gretel-hunt-witches-while-paradise/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/04/30/classic-news-bites-hansel-and-gretel-hunt-witches-while-paradise/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

I may have suggested once that Hansel and Gretel head for the big screen, but I never imagined it would be as witch hunters. The Hollywood Reporter posts that Norwegian writer/director Tommy Wirkola is cooking up Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters, for Will Ferrell and Adam McKay's Sanchez Prods. to produce. Set 15 years after the incident at the tasty house, Hansel and Gretel are now "specialized bounty hunters looking to put down the cackling black-hat set."

McKay says: "It's a hybrid sort of old-timey feeling, yet there's pump-action shotguns. Modern technology but in an old style. We heard it and we were just like, 'That's a freakin' franchise! You could make three of those!' " Hansel and Gretel, the franchise. That'd be the day! Hold onto your hats though -- Wirkola is still working on the outline, so we've got a long wait ahead.

Meanwhile, it's time for dueling Paradise Lost features. Two years ago, a feature was in the works that would focus on the war of Milton's epic poem, while leaving in enough religion to appeal to faith audiences. Now THR not only states that the project is still in the works for Warner Bros., but that an indie version is now gearing up. Veteran producer Martin Poll is moving ahead with the feature that he started pitching back in the '60s. Talk about determination!

He wrote a script with the late John Collier, kept renewing the option, and now STV Networks is biting. David Dunham and Patricia Li Bryan are set to play Adam and Eve, and they're currently looking for a star to play Satan, and a director to helm the thing. I know I just wowed over him playing a god in Clash of the Titans, but Danny Huston would make one charismatic devil. Who would you cast?

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]]>Adam McKayAdamMckayCinematicalHansel and Gretel: Witch HuntersHanselAndGretel:WitchHuntersJohn CollierJohnCollierMartin PollMartinPollParadise LostParadiseLostTommy WirkolaTommyWirkolaWill FerrellWillFerrellMonika BartyzelThu, 30 Apr 2009 15:32:00 EST"Tourists" Snap Shots for 'Demons,' or: Why Opie's Going to Hellhttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/04/27/tourists-snap-shots-for-demons-or-why-opies-going-to-hell/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/04/27/tourists-snap-shots-for-demons-or-why-opies-going-to-hell/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/04/27/tourists-snap-shots-for-demons-or-why-opies-going-to-hell/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

I actually think this is sort of clever, in a "we can afford to do this" kind of way (which is more than I can say for The Da Vinci Code, am I right?!). Apparently, when the production of Angels & Demons had been refused permission to shoot key scenes in the Vatican, special effects director Ryan Cook had a team of people blend in with tourists and take about 250,000 pictures and shoot hours of video to use as reference back in Los Angeles.

Said Cook in an interview with an Italian movie magazine (then excerpted by The Scotsman, and further excerpted here): "The ban really put us in a lot of trouble because we could not use the precision instruments which are used to take photographs and make reconstructions in the computer."

On a mild tangent, I have to ask whether or not our readers are getting excited for the film itself. Of all the anticipation for summer blockbusters, and especially out of the May offerings, this seems to be the quietest title of the bunch (though twice-baked, half-volume controversy and the lack of a Cannes bow will do that to a film). I've only been assured that this book was better than its predecessor (I know, this one's a prequel), so did anyone here like Da Vinci? And whether you did or didn't care for that film, are any of you specifically psyched for round two?

[via MCN]

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]]>angels and demonsAngelsAndDemonsdan brownDanBrownewan mcgregorEwanMcgregorron howardRonHowardthe da vinci codethe vaticanTheDaVinciCodeTheVaticantom hanksTomHanksvaticanWilliam GossMon, 27 Apr 2009 14:45:00 ESTDan Brown is Now a Franchise With 'The Lost Symbol" http://www.cinematical.com/2009/04/21/dan-brown-is-now-a-franchise-with-the-lost-symbol/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/04/21/dan-brown-is-now-a-franchise-with-the-lost-symbol/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/04/21/dan-brown-is-now-a-franchise-with-the-lost-symbol/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Dan Brown will finally get his Robert "he looks like Harrison Ford" Langdon film franchise as according to Variety, Columbia is already prepping to buy Brown's latest symbolist installment, The Lost Symbol. They have first rights to the book, as Sony already owns the rights to the character of Robert Langdon. (Were they able to actually buy Tom Hanks for all eternity, I wonder?)

Symbol was originally supposed to be published in 2006, but has been delayed repeatedly. Now Doubleday has the manuscript in hand, swears its thrilling, and has set a publication date of September 15. It already has a first print run of five million copies, which is actually small fry compared to the 81 million copies The DaVinci Code has sold.

No one knows what Symbol will be about other than it will feature the Freemasons, Washington D.C., and the Kryptos sculpture at the CIA . But where there's a secret organization, I think we can hazard a guess that we'll also find a religious coverup and the Catholic Church! I can't imagine that Brown will ever disappoint fans in that regard. I hope that Langdon runs around Washington D.C. with a copy of the Declaration of Independence which, when rubbed with lemon juice, tells where to find the True Cross, the Ark of the Covenant, and the Spear of Destiny. Throw in a beautiful brunette and an evil monk, and no one will remember Nicolas Cage.

Angels & Demons, Brown's latest Langdon film adaptation, will hit theaters on May 15.









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]]>Angels and DemonsAngelsAndDemonscolumbia picturesColumbiaPicturesdan brownDanBrownDoubledayfeaturedrobert langdonRobertLangdonRon HowardRonHowardSonythe davinci codeThe Lost SymbolTheDavinciCodeTheLostSymboltom hanksTomHanksElisabeth RappeTue, 21 Apr 2009 10:02:00 ESTCinematical Seven: Religious Doubthttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/04/07/cinematical-seven-religious-doubt/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/04/07/cinematical-seven-religious-doubt/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/04/07/cinematical-seven-religious-doubt/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



I had planned to theme my Cinematical Seven around a DVD that was cute and cuddly, like The Tale of Despereaux, but a list of movie mice isn't much fun to write, let alone read. So when in doubt ... go with Doubt. It is Lent, after all, a time that was always a bit fraught with religious drama even in my Lutheran upbringing. My church didn't require us to give up anything -- but I have guilty memories of being asked who I loved more, Jesus or my parents. Heavy stuff for a seven-year-old.

So I thought I might provoke a little conversation by listing seven films that are centered around theological distress. Some of the picks are a bit light-hearted, others a little more controversial, but all are worth talking about. Spoilers abound, so if you really don't know how Dogma or The Last Temptation of Christ ends, skip this post for something safer.

1. The Last Temptation of Christ

Both Nikos Kazantzakis' novel and Martin Scorsese's film continue to attract controversy for daring to portay a Jesus who was uncertain, troubled, and struggling with his destiny. I can't really say it any better than Roger Ebert did, so let's just quote him: "Here he is flesh and blood, struggling, questioning, asking himself and his father which is the right way, and finally, after great suffering, earning the right to say, on the cross, 'It is accomplished.'"

2. Agnes of God

Immaculate conception or someone taking advantage of a troubled young nun? Are her actions tinged with madness or inspired by a higher power? Neither the movie nor the play its based on ever really answers the question, and neither explanation offers much comfort.

Continue reading Cinematical Seven: Religious Doubt

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]]>Agnes of GodAgnesOfGodcinematical 7cinematical sevenCinematical7CinematicalSevenDogmaDoubtfeaturedQuillsReligious DoubtReligiousDoubtthe exorcistThe Last Temptation of ChristThe Nuns StoryThe Sound of MusicTheExorcistTheLastTemptationOfChristTheNunsStoryTheSoundOfMusicElisabeth RappeTue, 07 Apr 2009 22:02:00 ESTSnag This: Trembling Before G-Dhttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/04/07/snag-this-trembling-before-g-d/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/04/07/snag-this-trembling-before-g-d/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/04/07/snag-this-trembling-before-g-d/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

'Trembling Before G-d'Is it possible for gay and lesbian ultra-Orthodox Jews to reconcile their sexual orientation with their devout religious beliefs? Director Sandi Simcha DuBowski examines the question carefully and quietly in Trembling Before G-D, a documentary available for free online viewing at SnagFilms.

Over a period of years, DuBowski interviewed Hasidic and Orthodox Jews in New York, California, Florida, Britain, and Israel, all individuals struggling with their feelings. One man has undergone therapy for more than 10 years in an attempt to "cure" his homosexuality. Others have been ostracized from their families and the communities in which they were raised. Still others prefer to remain anonymous. DuBowski also talked to different medical experts and religious leaders.

In his review for another site, Eric D. Snider commented: "Though the stories are compelling in their humanity and the striking quandaries they present, even for straight viewers, they develop a sameness after a while. None of the stories are outrageous or especially moving; in fact, most of them are not stories so much as case studies ... They are portraits of people, and good ones, but the film falls into a rut long before it's over. That said, it offers several interesting insights into the seemingly incongruous matters of homosexuality and orthodox religion." Reviewing it for The Village Voice, Jessica Winter concluded: "DuBowski's sober, scrupulous documentary doesn't lash out at an oppressive religious structure so much as offer a hopeful prayer-out of love and devotion-that it be made better."

We've embedded the video below for your viewing convenience. More information is available at the film's official site and at SnagFilms.

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]]>sandi simcha dubowskiSandiSimchaDubowskitrembling before g-dTremblingBeforeG-dPeter MartinTue, 07 Apr 2009 14:45:00 ESTPaul Bettany Is Ordained for 'Priest'http://www.cinematical.com/2009/03/31/paul-bettany-is-ordained-for-priest/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/03/31/paul-bettany-is-ordained-for-priest/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/03/31/paul-bettany-is-ordained-for-priest/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Paul Bettany obviously has a thing for the sacrilegious. Fresh off playing the Archangel Michael in Legion, Bettany is reteaming with director Scott Stewart for Priest, ScreenGems' adaptation of Hyung Min-woo's popular manga series.

Bettany will play Ivan Isaacs, the warrior priest who turns his back on the Church to rescue his niece from a pack of vampires. The role once belonged to Gerard Butler, until the project fell apart sometime in 2006. ScreenGems revived the project last December with Stewart, keeping Cory Goodman's screenplay.

The casting came about not out of Bettany and Stewart's desire to reunite for religion, but due to ScreenGems president Clint Culpepper, who apparently thought Isaacs needed to be played by a former albino monk: "I knew the moment I saw Stewart's first cut of Legion that Bettany was Priest and so I mentioned it to him immediately."

Whether this Priest will make it any further into production than Andrew Douglas and Gerard Butler's will remain to be seen -- but since everyone wants their own religious pseudo-western, I bet the second time will be the charm. I still wish Butler's version would have taken off, but Bettany is probably a better physical choice for the role. He bears an uncanny resemblance to the art, anyway. I'm not a huge fan of the series, so hopefully some manga experts can weigh in with what they think of the casting.

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]]>Andrew DouglasAndrewDouglasClint CulpepperClintCulpepperGerard ButlerGerardButlerhyung min-wooHyungMin-wooLegionmangapaul bettanyPaulBettanyPriestscott stewartScottStewartScreenGemsElisabeth RappeTue, 31 Mar 2009 10:02:00 ESTMatthew Vaughn Will Direct Mark Millar's 'American Jesus'http://www.cinematical.com/2009/03/26/matthew-vaughn-will-direct-mark-millars-american-jesus/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/03/26/matthew-vaughn-will-direct-mark-millars-american-jesus/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/03/26/matthew-vaughn-will-direct-mark-millars-american-jesus/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mark Millar's American Jesus has been kicking around studios for a few years -- about as long as it's taken him to put out any more issues of the series. Sony Screen Gems nearly optioned it, but Millar pulled the plug on the deal in order to expand the story, with an eye on making it as enormous as Lord of the Rings.

Once he actually thought about it a little more, he realized that 9 issues or so could make a single movie. Back in September, his Kick-Ass helmer Matthew Vaughn wanted to tackle it, but Millar still hadn't decided what to do with the story, and urged Vaughn to do Kick-Ass while he wrapped it up. He must have it plotted out now, as The Hollywood Reporter is saying that the duo is back to work on a film adaptation and looking at a summer start date. Meanwhile, Millar is still trying to get the comic's second volume done for a fall release, so don't hold your breath for American Jesus.

The story of American Jesus is right there in the title. A 12-year-old boy named Jodie Christianson discovers he is the Messiah. (The initials are a big clue.) From there, I'm honestly not sure what happens as I have only read the first issue (which you too can read at Newsarama), I just know there's some kind of cliff-hanger. Millar gave a few hints as to where Vol 2 was going: "I don't want to spoil the ending of Chosen for anybody who hasn't read that, but the second volume is about the adult Jesus in the modern day walking around in the world of Guantanamo Bay and conservative Republicans running Americans who don't have that much in common with a 2000-year-old Judean idea of what Christianity is. It's Jesus in the modern world, and they crucified him last time, so it's kind of updating that for the modern world."

Continue reading Matthew Vaughn Will Direct Mark Millar's 'American Jesus'

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]]>American JesusAmericanJesusMark MillarMarkMillarmatthew vaughnMatthewVaughnElisabeth RappeThu, 26 Mar 2009 10:02:00 EST