The Semi Large Show » movie news

Ghost Rider 2

alldawayjay — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 06:31:38 +0000

David S. Goyer, the screenwriter of “Batman Begins” and “The Dark Knight”, is planning to write a sequel to the 2007 film “Ghost Rider” starring Nicholas Cage. I wasn’t a big fan of the first film, but with Goyer on board this might make it a completely better film. The comic itself is a pretty cool one at that. I was anticipated for the film version, but the first film unfortunately to me was lame and cheesy. Nicholas Cage tries to hard to act like Elvis. He is definitely not one of my favorite actors. This could possibly be a reboot, which would be lame as well. 20^th Century Fox has plans for a “Fantastic Four” reboot, which is too soon. We saw with “Terminator Salvation” earlier this year that you need a talented director and screenwriter to pull off a successful reboot. Even with Christian Bale headlining “Terminator Salvation” couldn’t save it from being a shitty movie, mainly because director McG (Charlies Angels) helmed the failed reboot. Goyer is a talented screenwriter and should be able to pull off a decent script for “Ghost Rider 2”.

James Cameron Going 3D

alldawayjay — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 06:22:00 +0000

It was announced today that James Cameron’s production company “Lightstorm Entertainment” will be re-releasing a few of their classic films in 3D. “The Terminator”, “Terminator 2:Judgement Day”, and “Titanic” are getting a complete 3D makeover.

Jon Landau of Lightstorm says:

“We are certainly interested in exploring the opportunity to rerelease some of Lightstorm’s past films in 3D. I don’t think it’s too far into the future. We’re pretty far down the road.”

These films aren’t the first of classic hits to be developed to be released in 3D. George Lucas stated a while back that he plans to re-release all six “Star Wars” films in 3D. Pixar next month is re-releasing “Toy Story” and “Toy Story 2” in 3D to prepare for the release of “Toy Story 3” in 3D next June. Hopefully these will get released in IMAX during the slower season. Back in 1997 George Lucas re-released the Special Edition “Star Wars” trilogy in January, February, and March, which are slower months at the box office. If these films are successful this should be a start of a new trend in Hollywood. I’d personally like to see films like “Transformers”, “Spider-Man”, and the new “Batman” films done in 3D.

Patrick Swayze's Top 10

alldawayjay — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 06:28:32 +0000

With the passing of actor Patrick Swayze, I’ve decided in memory of the actor to dedicate this weeks top 10 to Mr. Swayze.

10. Black Dog (1998)

9. Uncommon Valor (1983)

8. Steel Dawn (1987)

7. Next of Kin (1989)

6. Red Dawn (1984)

5. The Outsiders (1983)

4. Road House (1989)

3. Dirty Dancing (1987)

2. Ghost (1990)

1. Point Break (1991)

I made this list based on personal preference. Frankly, I’m not a fan of “Dirty Dancing”, but the film was such a huge hit and catapulted Swayze into the star that he was, it had to be on the list. Most would consider “Ghost” to be his best film, considering it was his highest grossing film and had an amazing impact in movies and pop culture. “Ghost” is a fantastic film and is a personal favorite of mine, but no one can deny his turn in “Point Break”. The role of Bodhi fit Swayze’s persona so well, and the film is without a doubt one of the best action films of the 90’s and possibly of all time. Swayze’s films didn’t always bring in a lot of money, but they were all entertaining and without a doubt the man definitely left his mark in Hollywood. Patrick Swayze will be missed. PS I would have put “Donnie Darko” on the list, but his role was so small that I felt these other films would have done him more justice as an actor.

PATRICK SWAYZE: 1952-2009

Indiana Jones 5 News

alldawayjay — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 07:36:36 +0000

Harrison Ford spoke to a French newspaper stating that a fifth installment of the “Indiana Jones” franchise is underway. “The story for the new Indiana Jones is in the process of taking form. Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and myself are agreed on what the fifth adventure will concern, and George is actively at work. If the script is good, I’ll be very happy to put the costume on again.” This is no surprise here. “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Krystal Skull” grossed $316 million in the United States and $786 million worldwide, making it the highest grossing Indy film of all time (not counting inflation). Krystal Skull was well received by critics, but a lot of audiences and Indy fans didn’t see eye to eye. Krystal Skull shifted gears plot wise focusing on a more Science Fiction plotline. Spielberg and Lucas went this route to fit the story with the time setting. The 1950’s were notorious for its Science Fiction B-Movies as well as extra terrestrial conspiracies. Just like “Raiders of the Lost Ark” was homage to 30’s Saturday Serials; Krystal Skull was homage to the 50’s B-Sci-Fi films. My only complaint with the fourth Indy was not the story, nor the introduction of Shia Labeouf, but the overkill of CGI. I hope the next Indy tones down on the computer effects and has real action stunts. Granted Ford will be about 70 when this is made and can’t pull off the stunts he use to, but Shia Labeouf is young and healthy enough to and stunt doubles have been used in past films. Hopefully Spielberg wont back out as director and keep the franchise to himself. Spielberg has a full plate with such films as “The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn” (2011), “Harvey”, “Lincoln”, “Oldboy”, and several other Science Fiction projects. They should shift gears from Science Fiction and go back to more spiritual, fantasy elements to keep the audience happy. Frankly I think this should be a 2^nd film of a whole new trilogy, and not pass the torch to his son in this film but make a 3^rd film to center on Shia Labeouf’s character Mutt Williams. Personally I’m such an Indiana Jones fan that I wish they had never taken such a long break in the films and turned the series into a new James Bond type character.

True Grit Remake

alldawayjay — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 08:25:49 +0000

For some god forsaken reason, a remake of the John Wayne classic “True Grit” is being remade. Normally I would be cursing at my computer screen and feeling that Hollywood has lost any originality it ever had, then I read that the Coen Brothers (No Country For Old Men) are directing the remake. As I was pondering on who would fill the shoes of the Oscar winning role made famous by the Duke himself, it reads that Jeff Bridges (Iron Man) has been cast as Rooster Cogburn. I still am completely against most remakes, but this may fall under the 1% area. This will be the first Western from the Coen Brothers, and the first film since “The Big Lebowski” that they collaborated with Jeff Bridges. The original 1969 film is about an aging US Marshall named Rooster Cogburn, who is hired by a young girl to hunt down and kill the men that murdered her father. The point of view in “True Grit” was through Cogburn, but this version will be through the eyes of the young girl. The Coen Brothers are masterful storytellers and Bridges is an exceptional actor that can tackle any role. Without a doubt I am convinced this will be a remarkable remake of a remarkable film. Who knows, lightning may strike twice and earn Bridges his first Oscar for the role.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

alldawayjay — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 08:10:57 +0000

Walt Disney Pictures made a big announcement stating that the fourth installment of “The Pirates of the Caribbean” will be titled “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” and to be released the summer of 2011. The subtitle “On Stranger Tides” is actually the title of a pirate novel written by Tim Powers. The books synopsis goes like this:

“Puppeteer John Chandagnac, bound for Jamaica to recover stolen money from his uncle, becomes Jack Shandy after pirates attack his ship and force him to join their crew. Shandy’s struggle to accept his new life grounds the story for readers, even as Blackbeard and vodun magicians whisk everyone away to dreamlike lands where the Fountain of Youth itself awaits. The chaotic sea battles sing, though at times key events happen so quickly that they get lost in the shuffle as Jack tries to comprehend where he’s going and what’s at stake. This dark fantasy tale will appeal not just to pirate fans but also to anyone who appreciates Powers’s talent for blending the most unlikely elements into a brilliantly cohesive whole.”

At the end of the third pirates film “At Worlds End”, Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) has stolen back the Black Pearl from Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) in search of the fountain of youth. This means the story for “On Stranger Tides” will tie in perfectly for a fourth Pirates film. This also means that Jack Sparrow and Barbossa will have the infamous Blackbeard as their adversary. So far this film seems like a fresh start from the downward spiral that the last two created for the franchise. The only people involved from the last three films that have signed on are Johnny Depp as Sparrow and screenwriters Terry Rossio and Ted Elliot (as well as producer Jerry Bruckheimer of course). Director Rob Marshall (“Chicago”) has replaced original director Gore Verbinski. It is still unclear whether or not Geoffrey Rush will return, but the last film hinted that he would have a role in a fourth film. Orlando Bloom and Kiera Knightly’s characters however aren’t mentioned to be in the story, so they may sit this one out (thank god!).

Machete Cast Revealed

alldawayjay — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 10:17:31 +0000

For those of you that missed the Quentin Tarantino/Robert Rodriguez 2007 film “Grindhouse”, there was a fake trailer for a movie called “Machete” starring Danny Trejo as the title character. The trailer went over so well that “Machete” was green lighted into a full-length feature by director Robert Rodriguez. Pre-Production has been under way in the last month and there have been a lot of rumors on who else will co-star in the film. The full list of stars was released today and it is surprisingly impressive. As well as Trejo, the other stars are Jessica Alba (Sin City), Robert DeNiro (Raging Bull), Michelle Rodriguez (The Fast and the Furious), Lindsay Lohan (Mean Girls), Cheech Marin (Up In Smoke), Jeff Fahey (TVs “Lost”), Don Johnson (TVs “Miami Vice”) and Steven Segal (Hard to Kill). Granted aside from DeNiro these are not A-list stars, but they are perfect for this B-Rate film. Jonah Hill was rumored to have a role, but that apparently has fallen through (thank god). Comingsoon.net provided a brief synopsis of the film and its characters:

“The feature version of the trailer finds Machete (Trejo) a renegade former Mexican Federale, roaming the streets of Texas after a shakedown from drug lord Torrez (Seagal). Reluctantly, Machete takes an offer from spin doctor Benz (Fahey) to assassinate McLaughlin (De Niro) a corrupt Senator. Double crossed and on the run Machete braves the odds with the help of Luz (Rodriguez), a saucy taco slinger, Padre (Marin) his “holy” brother, and April (Lohan) a socialite with a penchant for guns. All while being tracked by Sartana (Alba), a sexy ICE agent with a special interest in the blade slinger.”

No word on a release date, but I assume “Machete” will hit theaters sometime next year or first quarter of 2011.

Tarantino May Do A Western

alldawayjay — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 06:17:05 +0000

Quentin Tarantino is by far one of my favorite somewhat new filmmakers. Even though he’s been in the game for close to 20 years, some filmmakers spend a lifetime and don’t even come close to accomplishing what Tarantino has in such a short amount of time. With “Inglourious Basterds” coming out soon, I think it’s awesome Tarantino is changing direction by adding a spin to different genres. Since he’s doing his take on a war film, Tarantino stated that he wants to make a western, possibly as his next film. Tarantino told Empire Magazine:

“Well I still want to do a Western, I haven’t done a Western yet. I still keep flirting about with it, but I haven’t done it yet.”

Tarantino would make the most badass retro style western like nothing we have ever seen. I can picture him doing homage to classics like “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly” and “High Plains Drifter”. I’m not too much of a fan of the spagetti western as much as I am of lets say John Wayne’s westerns, so I hope he gives homage to those as well. Tarantino didn’t say that this would be his next film. He still plans on remaking the 1970’s grindhouse classic “Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill!”, which I personally think he should stay away from the remake territory. Although, that would be his spin on a remake since everything is being remade these days. All I know is whatever he makes I am there.

Due Date

alldawayjay — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 05:57:07 +0000

After the success of “The Hangover”, director Todd Phillips is set to direct “Due Date”. “Due Date” will star Robert Downey Jr. and Hangover star Zach Galifianakis. The story so far is Robert Downey Jr.’s character is an expecting father who trying to get home in time for his childs birth, and ends up with Zach Galifianakis as his road trip partner. From the premise alone and the pairing up of these two great actors, this film is going to be fucking hilarious. Todd Phillips is definitly on a role with the success of “The Hangover”, and Galifianakis has become quite the rising star with the success of that and last weekends number one film “G-Force”. Watch out Seth Rogen, there is a force to be reckoned with named Zach Galifianakis.

The Green Hornet

alldawayjay — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 09:27:59 +0000

Columbia Pictures is developing a film adaptation of “The Green Hornet”, a classic series that first ran on the radio in the 1930’s and made its way to television in 1960’s. The tv show was the launching pad for martial arts legend Bruce Lee. The premise is of a billionaire Britt Reid and his sidekick Kato. Being a bored playboy, Britt witnesses a mob hit and decides along with his sidekick to take on criminals as the green hornet. The show was particularly known for Kato and his incredible martial arts to subdue criminals.

The newly adapted version of the film is being directed by Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) and stars Seth Rogen as Britt Reid. Rogen and screenwriting partner Evan Goldberg (Superbad, Pineapple Express) have written the screenplay as well. Originally, Stephen Chow was set to play Kato, but dropped out for undisclosed reasons. Apparently, the studios are still moving forward with the film while trying to replace Chow to make the July 9th, 2010 release date. So far, Nicholas Cage has signed on to play a gangster that is the films villian, and Cameron Diaz has signed on to play a reporter and the love interest.

I’m sorry, but no offense to Seth Rogen, but I find this hard to swallow with him as the lead in a so-called action film with Diaz as his love interest. It may have worked in ‘94 with “The Mask” when no one new who she was, but if they are trying to make this strictly an action blockbuster then Rogen is the wrong choice for the lead. I understand if this is intended to be a comedy, but each site I read all my information from says that it is an action/adventure crime film. This is kind of far fetched. I do like the casting so far as a comedy. I’m just wondering who is going to play Kato. There don’t seem to be too many young asian martial arts actors around anymore. Jackie Chan and Jet Li are both too old, they might have to pick a newcomer. It is always nice when someone is discovered for a blockbuster and becomes a star.