Entertainment News
Entries from October 2010
The weirdest thing I can remember about trick-or-treaters was the time a teenage girl came to my door and politely rejected the candy that was offered her. Instead, she requested any Heineken I might have had on hand. Well, it's Halloween and the only day where truly eccentric behavior is not only tolerated but encouraged. However, some people cross the line in terms of outrageous behavior when it comes to their costumes. Click here to revel in the most tasteless costumes you ever saw! - Lee Pfeiffer
Daniel Craig's new thriller Dream House was set to be released in February but the actor is too busy to reshoot several key scenes. Thus, the premiere date of the movie has been pushed back indefinitely as the in-demand actor tries to cope with a non-stop work schedule. Click here for more
Deadline Hollywood reports that Francis Ford Coppola is "quietly shooting" a new movie with a horror element to it- the first time the Oscar winning director has turned toward the genre since his adaptation of Dracula. Val Kilmer and Bruce Dern will star. While Coppola has made films in recent years, they have tended to be art house movies with limited popular appeal. Click here for more
Steven Spielberg will return to the sci-fi genre, directing a big screen adaptation of the novel Robopocalypse. The story centers on the struggle of the human race to survive amidst an uprising of deadly robots. Click here for more
James Cameron will produce a remake of the 1966 sci-fi hit Fantastic Voyage about a daring team of scientists who are miniaturized and injected into the body of a dying man to save his life in a race against time. The original film was an early starring role for Raquel Welch. Cameron has not decided who will direct the pic for Fox. For more click here
People magazine reports that Liam Neeson has shot a one-day cameo in Thailand for Hangover 2. Neeson replaces Mel Gibson, who was bumped from the film. Click here for more
Legendary Rolling Stone rocker Keith Richards' tell-all autobiography Life may be an instant bestseller, but it's causing Disney execs heartburn. The family friendly studio is nervous about featuring Richards reprising his role in the next Pirates of the Caribbean film. Industry scuttlebutt says that the studio is contemplating cutting Richards from the movie because his book includes advice about how best to indulge in dangerous drugs. Click here for more
Click here to order the book discounted from Amazon
The web site www.screenrant.com points out that the poster for the forthcoming Tron Legacy is based on an original one sheet poster for the 1982 original. Click here for the story
Mel Gibson was all set to film a cameo role as a tattoo artist in The Hangover 2 but it appears that a backlash among the cast and crew have convinced producers to drop the idea of featuring the scandal-scarred Oscar winner. Click here for more
Actress and former Playmate of the Year Victoria Vetri of Rosemary's Baby and When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth
fame has been arrested for the attempted murder of her husband. Read
more at CNN.com where Cinema Retro contributor Tom Lisanti was interviewed for his comments, as he profiled
her in his book Glamour Girls of Sixties Hollywood.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE STORY AND TOM LISANTI'S COMMENTS
CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE BOOK FROM AMAZON
Screen legend Kim Novak has been diagnosed with breast cancer. The 77 year-old Novak only recently came out of self-imposed exile to make a rare public appearance to promote a new DVD collection of her films that has recently been released. Novak is said to be in excellent physical condition and it is anticipated she will make a full recovery. Click here for more
Oscar winner Morgan Freeman will receive the American Film Institute's 39th Lifetime Achievement Award next June. "Morgan Freeman is an American treasure," Howard Stringer, chair of
the AFI board of Trustees, said. "Across
decades, whether playing a prisoner, a president or God, he
embodies a calm authority that demands respect for the character
and for the art form. His gifts to the cultural record are also
underscored by his unmistakable voice that echoes through the
hearts and minds of movie lovers around the world." Freeman is only the second African American actor to receive the award. Sidney Poitier was the first. The AFI began honoring the top filmmakers and actors with an award to the legendary director John Ford, who was so frail that when he attended the ceremony, he had the distinction of having his wheelchair guided on stage by President Richard Nixon. Since then, the AFI honor has ranked alongside the Oscar as the gold standard in terms of paying tribute to artists in the American film community. For more click here
Deadline Hollywood reports there are credible indications that James Cameron is exploring the possibility of directing Angelina Jolie in her forthcoming Cleopatra epic. Uh-oh. Doesn't Hollywood ever learn from its past? The 1963 Elizabeth Taylor-Richard Burton Cleopatra might be magnificent entertainment, but it was seemingly cursed from the start and the massive budget over-runs almost drove Fox into bankruptcy. Cameron, who is not known as a penny-pincher when it comes to spending studio's money, does have a great track record at the box-office, but whether there is enough interest in ol' Cleo to justify the inevitable huge expenditures on the pic will remain to be seen. Cameron has not confirmed his participation, but apparently he is in discussions with Sony.
The biggest companies producing X rated films have voluntarily shut down pending resolution of a crisis caused by the spread of HIV among performers. Ordinarily, the disease has been well controlled by the industry, although there have been previous instances of infection. A clinic that caters to adult film stars confirms the latest infection but would not disclose any specifics about the identity or even the sex of the performer. Actors in X-rated films are required to prove they are HIV- free 30 days before filming. Whether those rules were ignored or the person became infected within the 30 day period is not known. The industry is concerned because many of the performers make quite a number of films in a short period of time, usually with multiple partners. Condom use is virtually ignored in X-rated films because of marketing concerns: viewers find it a turn-off. For more click here
For Fox News' look at the history of porn click here
By Lee Pfeiffer
Director Oliver Stone says he is worried about his friend and colleague Michael Douglas, who is battling throat cancer. Douglas' spokespeople have issued optimistic updates about his condition, but Stone confesses he believes Douglas' health is "precarious". Douglas attended the premiere of Stone's Wall Street:Money Never Sleeps in New York three weeks ago, but had to cancel a European promotional tour. The 66 year-old Oscar winner is in remission from chemotherapy and friends and family remain hopeful he will be able to return to acting.
Regarding the Wall Street film, just a couple of quick personal observations. I found the movie to be highly engaging and extremely well-acted. Stone manages to avoid delving into the types of cliches we might have expected and focuses on how the financial crisis affects the personal lives of the main characters. Douglas is terrific, reviving the role of charismatic scoundrel Gordon Gekko that won him an Oscar in 1988. There's also a wonderful supporting cast including Josh Brolin, Carey Mulligan and Frank Langella, who continues to get better with age. The central protagonist is played by Shia LaBeouf, who certainly gives a fine performance even though his name sounds like a sandwich choice on the menu of the Carnegie Deli. There's also a small but key role played by the seemingly indestructible Eli Wallach, who at age 94 is still able to steal scenes from his co-stars. (I love the inside joke that LaBeouf's character uses the theme from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly as the ring tone for his phone. There's also a another inside laugh when Michael Douglas visits a posh haberdasher in London and stands in front of a photo of young Kirk Douglas) One other reason to like the film: it actually features opening credits and a theme song, a tradition that most contemporary movies neglect because studio executives believe audiences have such limited attention spans, they'll lose interest before the story begins. Here's hoping Michael Douglas goes on to make many more fine movies like this. For more click here
Kimberly Lindbergs, who runs one of our favorite retro movie sites Cinebeats, also has a gig posting stories about films at Turner Classic Movie's sister site Movie Morlocks. In this column, Kimberly discusses her passion for collecting soundtrack albums from her favorite films- and offers some generous illustrations, as well. For all of you with a basement full of vinyl- here's proof you are not alone! Click here to read
Sir Sean Connery failed to show up in a Spanish court to answer questions about a land deal that has spawned a criminal investigation. There is no indication Connery has personally done anything wrong, but a Spanish judge could issue an international arrest warrant for the former James Bond. Connery sold his estate in Marbella, Spain in 1999 and has lived in the Bahamas since. A scandal has erupted concerning the use of the land after Connery and his wife Micheline left Spain. A developer has built 70 housing units on the property, far in excess of what the zoning laws allow. Connery maintains all he did was sell the land and move on and claims he has nothing to do with the new development. Connery notified the court that due to factors such as age and health, he would not appear in the court. The most likely scenario is that a judge would dispatch a legal team to take a deposition from the Oscar winner. Click here for more
By Lee Pfeiffer
The Dilemma, the new Ron Howard comedy, is certainly causing a dilemma for Universal. The Vince Vaughn starrer centers on a man who is torn about whether to tell his best friend that he knows his wife is having an affair. The subject matter is seemingly innocuous but a line in the film that was used in the trailer, as well, has become the subject of contention with gay rights advocates. The scene uses the term "gay" in a demeaning way, even though the connotation would like not raise many objections during ordinary times. However, there have been several high profile crimes against young gay men in recent weeks. One resulted in a man being severely beaten by fellow gang members who suspected he was gay. The other was even more tragic: a student at Rutgers University in New Jersey was surreptitiously videoed by his roommate by a hidden webcam. The camera picked up images of the student having a sexual encounter with another man. When the roommate posted the footage on-line, the victim became so distraught that he committed suicide by jumping from the George Washington Bridge.CNN anchor Anderson Cooper was the first to turn the spotlight on the insensitive dialogue used in the trailer for The Dilemma. Bowing to protests from a gay rights group, Universal cut the line from the on-line trailer. However, theatrical trailers still have the line in them and there is pressure building to have these trailers recalled and edited. Click here for more
UPDATE: Vince Vaughn has argued to keep the controversial line of dialogue in the film, telling Deadline Hollywood, "Let me add my voice of support to the people outraged by the bullying
and persecution of people for their differences, whatever those
differences may be. Comedy and joking about our differences breaks
tension and brings us together. Drawing dividing lines over what we can
and cannot joke about does exactly that; it divides us. Most
importantly, where does it stop?"
Warner Brothers has announced that the new film Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 will not be released in 3-D. With the November 19 premiere date fast approaching, the studio admits there simply isn't enough time to fine-tune the technical aspects of the movie. Warners is obviously sensistive to increasing annoyance among movie fans that some recent 3-D films had underwhelming special effects. The studio does plan to ensure that the Potter film that follows this one will be in 3-D. Click here for more
The inimitable Vincent Price may be gone, but he's certainly not forgotten. The sophisticated actor, artist and culinary master is now starring in his own comic book, Vincent Price Presents, published by Blue Water Productions. In each issue, Price "stars" as a different character. Click here for info on the next issue, with a great cover by artist Patricio Carbajal.
Writer/director Tony Gilroy has clarified the status of the next Jason Bourne film: Bourne won't be appearing in the movie at all, although the character is linked to the story. Huh? Gilroy will use the Bourne framework to introduce an all new character- thus, Matt Damon will not be part of the new project. Click here for more
The seemingly ageless and ever-diversified Clint Eastwood opened his supernatural-themed drama Hereafter at the New York Film Festival on Sunday. Star Matt Damon and other cast members also attended. Click here for more Click here to read Time magazine's rave about the film, which it reviewed at the recent Toronto International Film Festival. The review indicates that Eastwood's intelligent use of CGI in the tsunami sequence is one of the most thrilling sequences filmed in recent years.
Terry Gilliam has been trying to bring his vision of Don Quixote to the big screen for so long that a feature film documentary was made years ago about his aborted projects, one of which starred Johnny Depp before filming was halted due to financing problems. Gilliam recently thought he had acquired the $20 million needed for his attempt to revive The Man Who Killed Don Quixote. Robert Duvall and Ewan McGregor are to star- but the financing dried up once again. Gilliam is still game, however, and vows the project will come to fruition. Click here for more
Hitchcock must be rolling in his grave. The web site Chud reports that a remake of the Master's thriller Strangers on a Train is in the works with a teenage cast! What next? Justin Bieber in Citizen Kane??? For more click here
The dearth of original ideas at Hollywood studios becomes even more apparent with the news that there will be a big screen remake of the 1984 hit Footloose, which made Kevin Bacon a star. It's not that the film was a classic - it will probably just seem like one when the remake is unleashed. Click here for more
IFC has picked up distribution rights to The Harvey Weinstein Project, a not-very-flattering documentary about the firebrand producer and co-founder of Miramax. IFC describes the film as "a powerful, uncensored, no-holds-barred account that traces
Weinstein's path from concert promoter on the cold streets of
Buffalo to his first trip to the Cannes Film Festival, where he
arrived with one pair of pants and closed his first movie deal, to
winning an Oscar, and breaking the bank with his first $100 million
film. It examines his complex relationships with his brother, his
staff, and the Hollywood community at large and features interviews
with industry insiders and the Hollywood creative community." You won't have to wonder when it hits theaters- just stick your head out the window and listen for Harvey's bellowing. For more click here
A spokesman for Michael Douglas says the actor is feeling and is winding down his chemotherapy treatment for the advanced throat cancer he is combating. Douglas has been resilient during the process, attending the premiere of the Wall Street sequel and engaging in activities such as walking his daughter to school. He will begin a recuperation period of six weeks before assessing whether he will be returning to his normal lifestyle. The good news for Douglas is that the Wall Street film is performing very well at the box-office and looks to be his first hit in a number of years. For more click here
John McTiernan, the once-revered director of such action films as Die Hard, Predator, The Hunt For Red October and the 1999 remake of The Thomas Crown Affair, has been sentenced to one year in jail and a $100,000 fine. McTiernan is free on bail pending appeal. The sentence results from his conviction on charges of hiring a private eye who used illegal wiretapping equipment to tape a producer McTiernan was having a dispute with. McTiernan was then convicted of lying to the court about his actions. For more click here
True to his wishes, the family of Tony Curtis ensured that his funeral was an upbeat affair, filled with plenty of laughs and anecdotes. The star-studded tribute was open to the actor's many fans and was attended by his friends and family. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger gave an impromptu eulogy and recalled how Curtis inspired him to succeed when he was a young actor. The Huffington Post notes how Curtis' widow remembered the mischievous superstar:
"Curtis' sixth wife, Jill Curtis, eulogized her husband of 12 years.
She recalled how he easily dismissed their 45-year age difference when
friends asked if he was worried about keeping up with a younger wife.
"Well, if she dies, she dies," she said her husband would deadpan in reply." For more click here
Warner Brothers is determined to try once again to launch Superman in what it hopes will be a new series of films. The last attempt to do so, Superman Returns, grossed a considerable sum in 2006, but the studio felt the response was still too tepid. Zach Snyder, the red hot director of 300 and Watchmen, will helm the new film with Batman director Christopher Nolan producing. The hope to is make Superman as hip and contemporary as the Caped Crusader has become to younger audiences. For more click here
Sony's The Social Network, about the controversial young founder of Facebook, came in at #1 over the weekend at the North American box-office with $23 million. The modestly-budgeted flick was dismissed by a rival studio executive as of interest only to big city dwellers, but the fact remains the film stands to make a killing when future revenues from video and pay-per-view are considered. Click here for more
UPDATED
Rare early British TV appearances of Sean Connery and Maggie Smith have been discovered in a film vault in New York City. The footage has been turned over to the British Film Institute, which is organizing a campaign to locate programs that were thought lost forever. The footage pertains to shows aired between 1957 and 1969. Click here for details.Click here for the list of programs that were discovered. (Thanks to reader Chris Mussett for the update)
Huffington Post film writer Scott Mendelson offers and in-depth and very revealing analysis of which movies succeeded and failed during the summer of 2010- and which ones were successful, but still considered to be disappointments. Click here to read
There was a time when Woody Allen and Manhattan went together like bread and butter. The quirky Oscar-winner shot virtually all of his movies in New York City, where he has resided his entire adult life. Like his best-loved character, Alvy Singer in Annie Hall, Allen was said to be like a fish out of water outside of Manhattan. That's all changed in recent years. Allen shot his acclaimed film Match Point in London and was enchanted by the city. He has since shot virtually all of his movies in Europe. Allen says it comes down to pure economics: he still loves New York but finds it too expensive to shoot movies on limited budgets. However, he does concede that Gotham has far less red tape to contend with. Click here for more
|
|
