Screen Junkies » Dave Horwitz

Watch: Ashton And Demi’s Head-Scratchingly Misguided PSAs

Dave Horwitz — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 17:48:41 +0000

What’s worse than child sex trafficking? If you said nothing, you’d normally be right, but Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore seem to want to prove you wrong. They’v taken a stance against the practice of selling underage children into sex slavery the only way they know how: with horrifyingly misguided PSAs masquerading as “comedy” videos. Deadpan in their execution, the videos, all under the running theme of “Real Men Don’t Buy Girls,” feature celebrities like Sean Penn, Bradley Cooper, and Justin Timberlake demonstrating things real men DO know, such as how to use an iron (Sean Penn uses it to make grilled cheese!), or make a meal (Bradley Cooper pours milk into a BOX of cereal!). It’s an (almost) nice thought, but the execution is so strange and smirky, you’d think they were trying to make a Napoleon Dynamite sequel instead of raise awareness about the sexual exploitation of children. If you can’t get enough of the Sean Penn clip, click here to watch the Bradley Cooper spot. But really, don’t. (Movieline)

Guess What James Cameron’s New Company Does (HINT: It’s 3D)

Dave Horwitz — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 16:59:21 +0000

In a move that will shock literally no one, James Cameron has teamed up with his Aliens Of The Deep cinematographer Vince Pace to start his own 3D production company: The Cameron-Pace Group. According to Cameron, the company aims to “accelerate worldwide growth of 3D across all entertainment platforms including features, episodic and live television, sports, advertising and consumer products, pioneering a new generation of camera systems, services and a variety of creative tools that are innovative, powerful and easier to embrace.” Projects already being handled by the CPG include the new Pirates movie Paul W.S Anderson’s Th Three Musketeers, and Martin Scorsese‘s Hugo Cabret.

Look I am a bad person to be reporting about this. I only saw 5 minutes of Avatar on HBO, and the trailer made me uncomfortable when I saw it in front of Inglourious Basterds. That’s right, I didn’t like the giant blue cat-people-things. I’ll get up on my soapbox and say that we need better movies, not shinier, more expensive ways to cram mediocre movies down our dumb throats. But Cameron seemingly doesn’t agree, and he’s got billions of dollars that also disagree. Here’s the official press release:

James Cameron and Vince Pace Form New Venture to Accelerate 3D Solutions Across All Entertainment Platforms

Legendary filmmaker and 3D visionary, James Cameron has teamed up with acclaimed cinematographer and fellow 3D pioneer, Vince Pace to form CAMERON – PACE Group (CPG), which seeks to accelerate worldwide growth of 3D across all entertainment platforms including features, episodic and live television, sports, advertising and consumer products, pioneering a new generation of camera systems, services and a variety of creative tools that are innovative, powerful and easier to embrace. Cameron and Pace unveiled the new company this morning during a press conference at the 2011 NAB Show in Las Vegas.

CPG will build upon the strong foundation of PACE and the 3D technology to which its co-founders have individually and collectively contributed, such as the revolutionary FUSION 3D system. In combination, Cameron’s and Pace’s technologies, products and services have been responsible for $4.7 billion of box office receipts and have played an extensive role in 25 features, seven concert and music entertainment projects and 40 sports productions worldwide, including “Avatar,” “TRON: Legacy,” “Resident Evil: Afterlife” and “U2 3D.” This history puts CPG in a unique position to respond to the growing demand for high-quality 3D entertainment and to provide 3D technology innovations that serve studios, filmmakers, directors of photography, producers, networks, studios and broadcasters. The company plans to take full advantage of its position to drive innovations in technology and deliver products, services and creative tools in unprecedented ways.

In addition to making advanced technologies, tools and services available to the global entertainment community, CPG will serve as an industry advocate for 3D technologies, practices and creative tools that will help filmmakers and other content producers realize 3D’s full potential as a creative and powerful storytelling and live broadcast medium. It will also drive public advocacy by setting the “gold standard” for the public’s perception of 3D, which will result in compelling, engaging and high quality 3D entertainment.

“Our goal is to banish all the perceived and actual barriers to entry that are currently holding back producers, studios and networks from embracing their 3D future,” said James Cameron, Co-Chairman of CAMERON – PACE Group. “We are dedicated to building a global brand that is synonymous with high quality 3D and spans multiple channels, from features to episodic television, and changes the boundaries of what is understood to be 3D material.”

“CPG’s mission is to step up industry-wide efforts to help filmmakers realize 3D’s full potential as a creative and powerful storytelling medium and accelerate the growth of the next generation of 3D solutions across all platforms,” said Vince Pace, Co-Chairman and CEO of CAMERON – PACE Group. “Through our expanded reach and new generation of 3D solutions, we will deliver a variety of creative tools including SLATE²SCREEN™ 3D production services, educational workshops for industry professionals in FUSION 3D and FUSION 3D Mobile Workflow Units that support end-to-end solutions for both the live and recorded production environments. CPG will deliver CAN DO solutions.”

CAMERON – PACE Group already has an extensive list of current and upcoming projects, including “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” “Transformers: Dark of the Moon,” “The Three Musketeers,” “The Invention on Hugo Cabret,” “Life of Pi,” and “47 Ronin.” For a more extensive list of CPG projects, as well as a comprehensive overview of CPG’s available products and services, please refer to, www.cameronpace.com.

PACE has begun the formal rebranding process and its operation under the CAMERON – PACE Group banner is effective immediately. CPG will be headquartered in Burbank, CA, at the current home to PACE. CPG is going to expand PACE’s technology impact by developing new solutions and implementing current solutions worldwide. These activities will require the company to both expand its existing staff of engineers and technicians and fill a number of newly created positions. Qualified and talented industry professionals, design engineers, software engineers and technicians interested in shaping the future of 3D entertainment are invited to learn more at, www.cameronpace.com

About CAMERON – PACE Group:

CAMERON – PACE Group (CPG) is a trend-creating technology and production services firm. CPG is advancing the future of 3D across all media channels by making the most advanced products, support solutions and creative tools available and accessible to networks, studios, broadcasters, filmmakers and creative teams around the globe. The company is singularly dedicated to building upon the strong foundation of innovative technology developed by its visionary co-founders, James Cameron, Vince Pace and Patrick Campbell and leveraging its unmatched 3D expertise to help content producers realize 3D’s full potential as a creative and powerful storytelling medium. CAMERON – PACE Group was founded in 2011 by James Cameron and Vince Pace and is headquartered in Burbank, CA. For more information, please visit, www.cameronpace.com.

(Collider)

Enough Killer Children To Swear You Off Of Parenthood Forever

Dave Horwitz — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 18:55:54 +0000

To coincide with the release of Joe Wright‘s little-blonde-girl-assassin movie Hanna (in theaters now), Vulture put together a montage of disturbing child murderers! It’s actually kind of hypnotic to watch, strangely enough. You’d think it’d make ovaries shrivel up and sperm start swimming the other way, but I don’t know, it’s kind of making me want to raise a little rugrat of my own. A little ball of joy to coddle and teach to ride a bike, and how to hold an icepick. It’s all in the angle, you see. You raise that thing high enough above your head, and you’ve got a deadl weapon! Any lower and you’re just going to maim. This heartwarming montage contains clips from Children Of The Corn all the way to Orphan. And if you’re going to complain that Orphan isn’t a good example, you’re even more of a nerd than me, AND you just helped spoil the ending of a terrible movie. (Vulture)

‘Fright Night’ Images Will Chill Your Bones (*If You Scare Easily)

Dave Horwitz — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 17:21:10 +0000

You’ll have to wait until August 19th to see the remake of the horror classic Fright Night, but there are three spine chilling images to tide you over until we get a trailer. They’re, frankly, horrifying! I think I’ll probably have nightmares for the rest of my life, or at least as long as it takes to write this sentence. The film stars Colin Farrell, Chris Mintz-Plasse, Imogen Poots, Toni Collette, Anton Yelchin, and David Tennant. Be warned, the images below may cause your skeleton to jump out of your skin and do a little dance.

If Colin Farell, the vampire next door, was grabbing me by the shirt, I would probably die immediately. Of fright!

The only thing scarier than McLovin with a tiny knife is McLovin with a tiny knife… IN WATER!

Anton Yelchin faces his most terrifying obstacle in this scene. And that is trying not to make fun of Imogen Poots‘ name.

And as if all of this wasn’t scary enough, the film will be in… 3D! I’m never sleeping again. (Collider)

Serkis Slithers His Way Into Second Unit Director Gig On ‘The Hobbit’

Dave Horwitz — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 19:58:03 +0000

Andy Serkis, best known as the wee creature Gollum from The Lord of the Rings trilogy must have made a real impression on Peter Jackson beyond just his ability to slink around in a green suit covered in golf balls, because he’s asked him to be the second unit director on his two new Hobbit movies. Jackson must want a family atmosphere on his set, because he’s inviting more LOTR crew members to join the fold. Serkis told the Hollywood Reporter:

“I think I understand Peter’s sensibility and we have a common history of understanding Middle Earth. A lot of the crew from The Lord of the Rings was returning to work on The Hobbit. There is really a sense of Peter wanting people around him who totally understand the material and the work ethic.”

Serkis also mentioned that performance capture will not be his only job responsibility on the second unit.

“It is wide ranging and encompasses a lot of directing aspects of filmmaking and story. Yes, there is some performance capture, but I will be very much on the live action sets and locations helping Peter to tell the story.”

When he finishes work on the Hobbit films, Serkis plans on directing his first live action feature and opening a performance capture training facility and studio called The Imaginarium. No word on whether Dr. Parnassus will take legal action over the name. (Hollywood Reporter)

Get To Know Katrina Bowden

Dave Horwitz — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 17:54:03 +0000

Katrina Bowen is best known as Cerie on NBC’s “30 Rock.” She’s also appeared in Sex Drive, and will be starring in your dreams for the next undetermined amount of time. I mean, look at her! Yeesh. That’s a human, apparently. Here she is in her own home for a photo shoot in this month’s Esquire for their Sexiest Woman Alive issue. So, she lives in a house, like a person? I guess the facts are all checking out, but I’m still skeptical. Too perfect! (Esquire)

‘Crazy Stupid Love’ Looks Neither Crazy Nor Stupid

Dave Horwitz — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 17:16:40 +0000

The new ensemble romantic comedy Crazy Stupid Love has a shiny new trailer, and it looks better than the usual crop of mid-to-upper level romcoms. Steve Carell heads a top notch cast including Julianne Moore, Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Kevin Bacon, and Marisa Tomei. The film appears to be about a recently divorced/separated man (Carrel) who gets a bit of a “Hitch” treatment from younger, suaver, and all around alpha-er male Ryan Gosling. Oh, and then Emma Stone shows up and I got all distracted and couldn’t focus on anything else that happens. It’s directed by Bad Santa duo Glenn Ficarra and John Requa and comes out July 29th.

AMC Says “No Fatties” With New Healthy Concession Options

Dave Horwitz — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 18:04:23 +0000

Sony Pictures Entertainment CEO Michael Lyton made a plea to theater owners at last years ShoWest, asking them to please consider offering healthier options at their concession stands. His thinking was that it would help fight obesity in younger moviegoers. Sure, that make perfect sense, as children go to the movies 5-7 times a week, right? Welp, logic be damned, AMC stepped up to the plate and heeding his impassioned call. Here’s the press release:

Sony Pictures Entertainment Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael Lynton today welcomed the announcement by AMC Theatres (AMC) that audiences will now be able to purchase “smart snack choices” at the company’s theaters.

“I applaud AMC for making healthier snacks available for theatergoers at concession stands around the country. I believe this will be good for business and for public health,” Lynton said.

In March, 2010, Lynton called on theater owners at ShoWest (now CinemaCon) to serve healthy food in addition to their traditional offerings. In his ShoWest remarks, Lynton said, “By bringing healthier snacks into your concession stands, you would be helping our country meet an urgent public health need. Taking this step is also great for audiences and for your business, because people want to see healthier foods in theaters, and when they do, they’ll buy them.”

Lynton announced last year that the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, a project of the William J. Clinton Foundation and the American Heart Association, had offered to advise theater owners on adding healthier snacks to their menus. AMC did work with the Alliance and said it “modeled AMC Smart MovieSnacks on the Alliance’s school competitive food and beverage guidelines, which the organization uses in its work that supports more than 11,000 U.S. schools.”

That’s all well and good, but I’m going to remain concerned for the safety of our nation’s youth until AMC agrees to ban all non-Pixar animation and movies with more than 5 fart jokes from their theaters for good! Who’s with me? (Deadline)

‘Chinatown’ Writer Towne To Pen Mini-Series About Pompeii

Dave Horwitz — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 19:16:34 +0000

Academy Award winning screenwriter Robert Towne (Chinatown, The Last Detail) has signed on to write a mini-series based on the best selling Robert Harris novel “Pompeii.” The novel was originally going to be adapted by Roman Polanski and made into a feature starring Orlando Bloom and Scarlett Johansen, but the writers strike came along and messed that whole thing up. Now Ridley Scott has acquired it and wants it to go forward as a television mini-series, with the great Towne handling writing duties. Here’s the plot summary:

The period-based tale is centered on Marcus Attilius Primus, a young Roman engineer who works on the Aqua Augusta aqueduct that feeds the ancient cities of the Bay of Naples. While battling a vile real estate speculator who has a water embezzlement scheme, Primus learns that Vesuvius is about to erupt and races to warn his true love before it’s too late.

Sounds intriguing, and if you ask me, this version is a lot more appealing than the proposed Polanski version. Not just because of Towne, but because Orlando Bloom as the lead in an epic is just so, um… pre writers strike. (The Playlist)

Official Bidness: Hemsworth And Hutcherson Will Go Hungry

Dave Horwitz — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 17:30:14 +0000

Congratulations to two young male actors I’ve never heard of for securing major roles in The Hunger Games! Josh Hutcherson has, as was previously hinted at here on Screen Junkies, secured the lead role of Peeta Mellark, while Liam Hemsworth will play the Baker’s son, Gale Hawthorne. The much reported-about film, about a futuristic game involving a fight to the death (sadly NOT a remake of The Running Man), will star Jennifer Lawrence, be directed by Gary Ross, and will start filming very soon. And if this isn’t the next Twilight, a lot of very rich people are going to be very mad. (Hollywood Reporter)

‘Immortals’ Is Looking Pretty, Pretty ’300′-y

Dave Horwitz — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:41:18 +0000

New character posters for all the main players in Relativity Media’s Immortals have debuted, both online and at Wondercon, and they’re looking pretty, golden, sepia tinged, and 300-y! Without a trailer, it’s hard to know how the movie will be, but judging by the detail in the character costumes, it certainly looks better than “Spartacus: Blood and Sand.” The posters feature new Superman Henry Cavill, Luke Evans, Freida Pinto, and Stephen Dorff. Immortals opens November 11. (Fandango)

Step Aside Pettyfer: Sam Claflin Wins Lead In ‘The Seventh Son’

Dave Horwitz — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 17:25:06 +0000

Sam Clafin, one of the stars of the upcoming Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, has won the tween dreamboat sweepstakes and secured the coveted male lead in the kid-lit adaptation The Seventh Son. The films has gone through several changes, both title and casting included, but this appears to be the the final iteration. The film, at one point called The Last Apprentice, after the popular series of novels it’s based on, was always set to star Jeff Bridges as a Witch Hunter, and at one point Alex Pettyfer, star of the flops I Am Number Four and Beastly, was set to play the titular apprentice. Jennifer Lawrence, among other actresses, was in talks to play the female lead, but now that role has gone to newcomer Alicia Vicander.

Warne Brothers and Legendary Pictures are producing, and acclaimed Russian director Sergei Bodrov (Mongol) will handle behind the camera duties. Congratulations to Clafin and Vicander, and to all the young hopefuls looking to score a little Pattinson/Stewart cache, thanks for playing Who Wants To Be A Tween Idol! (The Playlist)

Leonard Nimoy Will Spock Up ‘Transformers 3′ With His Voice

Dave Horwitz — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 19:50:21 +0000

Shield your Macbook screens, it’s time for a nerdgasm. Star Trek’s Spock himself, Leonard Nimoy, is coming out of his recently announced acting retirement to voice Optimus Prime’s older brother and predecessor, Sentinel Prime, in Transformers 3: Dark Of The Moon. I don’t really understand how a robot can have a brother, but this is still really good news for people who care about the Transformers franchise. Seriously, as someone who half watched the first one, can you tell me how robots can have brothers? Is it because they are aliens, and their concept of family doesn’t apply to us? Look, I’m sorry, I’m being really insensitive to nerds right now. I think Leonard Nimoy is cool, and just because I think it’s weird or outdated or post-ironic to give a shit about the THIRD Transformers movie, doesn’t mean you can’t. In fact, please do care. It’ll be a lot less shocking when the movie goes on to gross 5 billion dollars. (MTV)

Betty White Just Got Her Own NBC Prank Show (Or We’re All Being Punk’d)

Dave Horwitz — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 17:17:02 +0000

“Betty White‘s Off Their Rockers” is the real actual name of a real actual show that has been given an official greenlight by NBC. It’s a prank show where White, 89 years young, will pull pranks on a group of unsuspecting young people along with her trusty gang of senior citizens, and it’s really happening. It remains to be seen if this schedule will be incredibly taxing on White, who’s already a regular on the TV Land hit, “Hot In Cleveland,” but one things for sure: she making every other elderly person look downright lazy. Here’s the press release:

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. — March 31, 2011 — NBC will broadcast “Betty White’s Off Their Rockers,” (working title) a new hidden-camera comedy show hosted and executive -produced by seven-time Emmy Award winner Betty White, it was announced today be Paul Telegdy, Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming, NBC and Universal Media Studios. The series of 12 half-hour episodes will be produced by Kinetic Content, the new company run by Chris Coelen (“Secret Millionaire”).

‪Known throughout Europe as “Benidorm Bastards,” “Betty White’s Off Their Rockers” follows a band of seven senior citizens who make it their mission to play pranks on unsuspecting younger people.

‪”Betty White is a comedic genius who escalates hilarity in any situation,” said Telegdy. “Viewers will thoroughly enjoy watching her pull one over on the unsuspecting youth of America.”

‪”People have been telling me that I’m ‘Off My Rocker’ for years — now I can prove it,” commented White.

“NBC is a terrific home for great comedy and Betty White’s mischievous sense of humor is a perfect fit with this format which has shattered ratings expectations and garnered critical acclaim in every territory around the world,” said Coelen, CEO of Kinetic Content.

‪Caroline Kusser, Director North America of SevenOne International, said: “We are thrilled to work with Betty White and Chris Coelen — an absolute dream team for this hilarious international smash hit.”

(The Wrap)

‘It’s Always Sunny’ Will Return In September For More Insanity

Dave Horwitz — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 19:38:52 +0000

Fans of unrepentant dickheads behaving terribly for your wanton enjoyment, get excited: “It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia” returns to FX in September for a seventh season. All the original players will be there, and you can expect flashbacks, musical numbers, a skewering of social media (specifically Facebook), The gang revealed a handful of details from the FX upfronts, and it all sounds promising. Expect to see a rivalry between Frank and his brother, as well as a send-up of kiddie beauty pageants that promises to be every bit as disgusting as an actual pageant. If I could make a suggestion/prediction: Charlie as a pageant coach for a five year-old? I’d watch the shit out of that. “Sunny” will be back at its regularly Thursdays at 10 time slot this fall, with shooting scheduled to start next month. (TV Squad)

David Arquette Will Direct A Movie Called ‘Glutton’!

Dave Horwitz — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 17:48:27 +0000

Did you know that David Arquette is a director? I didn’t. I mean, a lot of actors have dabbled with directing, so I’m not shocked, so whatever! Good on you, Arqy! That’s what I’m going to call him from now on.

ANYWAY, the former Mr. Cox, soon to be seen in Scream 4, will be helming the 3D psychological thriller Glutton, penned by Kenny Yakkel, which has been described as being similar to Misery. The film will be produced by Stan Spry Cameron Larson, R. Scott Reid, R. Scott Reid, Steve Ecclesine and Norween Yakkel, and executive produced by Arquette’s Coquette Productions. Glutton starts shooting in July in Canada. Ill be waiting at my local Redbox until further notice. (Variety)

‘Driving Miss Daisy’ Guy Is Getting Dark

Dave Horwitz — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 17:10:52 +0000

If you were a studio and you had a thriller in the pipeline called Killer Instinct, who would be your first choice? Well, if you guessed Bruce Beresford, director of the touching 1989 Oscar bait film Driving Miss Daisy, you’d be right. You’d be extremely prescient and oddly clairvoyant and I would be uncomfortable. Regardless of my personal feelings, the movie, which tells the story of a young salesman and retired special forces op who get together most likely to kill a bunch of things, will be produced by the fake-sounding-but-real Chockstone pictures, and will be rewritten by Beresford and original writer David Murray. No word yet if a quaintly stereotypical Morgan Freeman will be making an appearance, but we can cross our collective fingers for that. (Variety)

Take A (Good, Long) First Look At New Pixar And Scorsese Films

Dave Horwitz — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 17:21:12 +0000

Stills from yet-to-be-completed films never really tell you the whole story, but instead sort of tease the intended audience to get them excited for the movies they’ll be paying to see in several months. Well, we’ve got a double shot of that this morning with the newest from both Pixar and Martin Scorsese.

First up is Pixar’s Brave, a movie befallen by some turmoil recently, including the exit of its lead voice actress, Reese Witherspoon (she’ll be replaced by Kelly McDonald), and the firing of the company’s first female director, Brenda Chapman. Nevertheless, it looks lush, gorgeous, and unlike any Pixar film we’ve ever seen.

(EW)

Next up is an intriguing still from Martin Scorsese‘s Hugo Cabret, a kids film produced by Johnny Depp, who as this photo reveals, is also acting in the film as well. Depp will play Monsieur Rouleou, a painter who helps the young protagonist on his journey. Depp shot seven scenes for the film, and can be seen in the image below putting his famous goatee to use Hugo Cabret is in theaters this holiday season.

Comedy Central May Order David Gordon Green Pilot NOT About Weed

Dave Horwitz — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 19:10:50 +0000

Although his last two directorial efforts, Pineapple Express and the upcoming Your Highness are both largely stoner movies, David Gordon Green‘s new project seems to be a different kind of high concept. “Black Jack,” which is being heavily considered for a pilot pickup, is a half hour comedy that concerns a special ops agent. It ain’t “Archer,” but it sounds promising:

Black Jack, written by Michael Starrbury, centers on Black Jack who, after 20 years as the mos kick-ass special ops agent the US government has had on its payroll, finally goes too far and is de-commissioned. He’s sent home to begin the most treacherous mission he’s ever faced — normal life.

Sounds interesting enough, although the pilot order seems contingent on finding the right actor to play the lead. It might be a little on the nose, but I think Liam Neeson would absolutely murder that role, along with anyone else that crossed him. (Deadline)

PG-13ified Cut Of ‘The King’s Speech’ Opens April 1

Dave Horwitz — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 17:25:31 +0000

A new, less “fucky” version of The King’s Speech is coming to theaters on April first. That’s right, say goodbye to your precious fucks, fans of The King’s Speech, because in eight short days, a cut of the film is coming out that will replace all the instances of the word “fuck” with the word “shit,” which is apparently all you need to do to get your film downgraded to a PG-13 rating from an R. The new cut opens on 1000 screens, and it’s no April Fool. Here’s the press release:

The Weinstein Company (TWC) announced today that THE KING’S SPEECH PG-13, the family-friendly version of its Academy Award-winning historical drama about King George VI, will open on 1,000 screens nationwide on April 1, and will be the only version available in theatres. One of the year’s most celebrated, successful and beloved films, THE KING’S SPEECH was honored at the 83rd Academy Awards® with Oscars® for Best Picture, to producers Iain Canning, Emile Sherman and Gareth Unwin; Best Director, to helmer Tom Hooper; Best Actor, to star Colin Firth; and Best Original Screenplay, to screenwriter David Seidler. The announcement was made by TWC’s President of Theatrical Distribution and Home Entertainment Eric Lomis.

Said Lomis, “We are thankful to the MPAA for their wisdom and swift action in approving the release of THE KING’S SPEECH PG-13 release. The action enables those to whom it speaks most directly – young people who are troubled by stuttering, bullying and similar trials — to see it.”

The emotional impact of stuttering that was illuminated by THE KING’S SPEECH continues to be a topic of conversation with the recent statements by Vice President Joseph Biden about his own struggles with stammering. The release of THE KING’S SPEECH PG-13 offers families nationwide access to a positive story about stuttering and overcoming obstacles and social stigmas.

Kirk Jones Carries Pregnancy Movie To Term

Dave Horwitz — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 19:15:47 +0000

If you were just itchin’ for the upcoming film version of the worldwide pregnancy bestseller “What To Expect When You’re Expecting” to find a director, then itch no longer! Kirk Jones, the man who brought us Nanny McPhee will be helming the film for Lionsgate. The film, written by Heather Hach and rewritten by Whip It! screenwriter Shauna Cross, is being described as being similar as being similar to Love Actually in structure, with several expectant couple’s lives intertwining, possibly against the strains of a top 40 soundtrack. This structure has been oft repeated in the last few years in romantic comedies like Valentine’s Day, he’s He’s Just Not That Into You, and the upcoming New Year’s Eve. It makes for a, let’s say, busy viewing experience. Let’s hope Jones will spend a good deal of time exploring the complexities of each relationship and making them feel full and complete. Or, there’ll just be a lot of breast milk jokes. (Deadline)

Emma Roberts Will Come Of Age In ‘Adult World’

Dave Horwitz — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 17:59:09 +0000

The past few years have seen Emma Roberts emerge as an up and coming young actress in films like It’s Kind Of A Funny Story. Her next project, the Scott Coffey directed Adult World, sounds like a good opportunity for her to continue to put kiddie fare like Nancy Drew and Hotel For Dogs even further in her rearview. Adult World centers around a post-grad who aspires to be a poet but gets stuck working in a small bookstore. With a name like Adult World and a setting like a bookstore, is it a stretch to think it might be about an ADULT bookstore? Look, I’m just sayin’. I’m not gross! I’m just supposin’ over here. This isn’t fair. You’re the weird one! Whatever. (The Playlist)

50 Cent And Bruce Willis Are In A Movie Together (For Some Reason)

Dave Horwitz — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 17:07:41 +0000

Don’t look at me for answers, I’m just a reporter. That’s right, I can’t tell you what rapper Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is doing sharing the screen with famous and reasonably talented actor Bruce Willis. It looks like acting, but that’s not really sufficient explanation, is it? Well, there aren’t many more clues in the trailer to the new crime thriller Setup. There’s a heist, I think, and there’s Ryan Phillippe, and it’s all being directed/written by a stunt coordinator. It doesn’t really add up, but here it is. It’s got a lot of the staples of a Bruce Willis OR 50 Cent movie: people getting shot, things being stolen, bad guys riding in the back of limos and saying vague and evil things, and someone possibly being a ghost. Who knows, it might even be good! It most likely will not, but stranger things have happened. You know, like that time 50 Cent lost all that weight for a movie that looks like it was shot on a flip phone. (Vulture)

Four Of Your Favorite Comics Will Be ‘Talking Funny’ For HBO

Dave Horwitz — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 18:08:37 +0000

Jerry Seinfeld, Ricky Gervais, Louis C.K., and Chris Rock are all going to sit down and shoot the shit for an hour or so for HBO’s upcoming special “Talking Funny.” The quartet will wax poetic on all things comedy, from their specific approach to writing and performing, to their experiences in the entertainment industry.

Each comic answers questions such as: “Who was the first funny kid you ever met?,” “When is it time to add new material to your act?” and “How do you know when you’ve hit on the proverbial ‘thing’ that sets you apart?,” giving quirky insights into what rocketed them to being the best in the business and at the top of their game.

Sounds interesting. Obviously it’d be better to see any one of these four actually performing instead of just talking about performing, but in a medium like television that’s usually a wasteland when it comes to stand up, I’ll take what I can get. “Talking Funny” airs Friday April 22nd at 9pm on HBO. (Cinema Blend)

Jeff Daniels Might Walk And Talk For Sorkin

Dave Horwitz — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 19:25:23 +0000

Criminally underrated actor Jeff Daniels is teaming up with appropriately rated writer Aaron Sorkin to star in his upcoming HBO pilot. Described as a behind the scenes look (shocking, I know) at an all-news cable channel, the tentatively titled “More As The Story Develops” would be Daniels’ first foray into series television, and producer Scott Rudin‘s first since his 1994 hit film Clueless was adapted into an ABC sitcom.

Sorkin’s previous work includes a behind the scenes look at cable sports (“Sports Night”), a behind the scenes look at The White House (“The West Wing“), a behind the scenes look at a (terrible) late night sketch show (“Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip”), and, most recently, an Oscar-winning behind the scenes look at the creation of a phenomenally successful website (The Social Network). With Sorkin’s penchant for long tracking shots, let’s hope this fictional cable news channel has extra long hallways. (Hollywood Reporter)

Arnold Schwarzenegger Is Back In New International TV Series

Dave Horwitz — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 17:19:31 +0000

Former California governor (and Kindergarten Cop) Arnold Schwarzenegger will announce details on his new international TV series at this years MITPV conference, April 4 at the Riviera-Majestic Hotel in Cannes. Schwarzenegger’s last acting turn was an uncredited cameo in last year’s The Expendables, but this will be the actor’s first major acting role in many years. It’ unknown yet whether the actor will play an aging robot with a leathery face, a genetic hybrid of man and old wallet, fused together in a leather factory explosion, or a muscular lizard. Whatever the case may be, one thing is for sure: Ahhnold’s getting on in years. (Hollywood Reporter)

It’ll Be Moore Vs. Bridges In ‘The Seventh Son’

Dave Horwitz — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 16:48:37 +0000

We reported a few weeks ago that Jeff Bridges would be starring in the kid-lit adaptation The Seventh Son (formerly known as The Last Apprentice), and now he has another A-lister joining him in what many hope will be a successful new franchise. The description of Moore’s character sounds downright nasty:

Moore will play the principle villain of the piece, Mother Malkin, who sucks the blood out of young women to keep her youth and battles a witch-hunter known as the Spook, and his young apprentice Tom Ward.

Yikes. Sounds pretty grim, but Moore’s a class act who could probably bring humanity and likability to any role, even if it was saddled with a terrible Boston accent (hello, Nancy Donovan from”30 Rock“). This is the first blockbuster role she’s tackled in years, and it should be interesting to see how she handles it. The film itself has gone through title changes, and lead actor changes, as Alex Pettyfer has been removed from the running for the role. It remains to be seen whether this one will be a Narnia or a Golden Compass, but, even if it fails, with actors like Moore and Jeff Bridges, they’ll go down swinging.

This post is dedicated to Alex Pettyfer‘s career Feb 2011- Feb 2011. (The Playlist)

You Could Be America’s Next Top Tupac!

Dave Horwitz — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 19:16:20 +0000

The late, great west coast rap legend Tupac Shakur, who, unwilling even in death to be outdone by The Notorious BIG, is being immortalized in a biopic of his very own. Directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day), Tupac will tell the story of his life, and you (yes, YOU!) can help. The filmmakers have announced a gigantic casting call searching for the perfect actor to play ‘pac. If you’ve got what it takes (shaved head, chest tats, and the soul of a poet recommended but not necessary), you could play Tupac in a major motion picture. White guys, don’t even think about it. Here’s the official press release:

The casting call begins on Friday, March 18 and allows individuals who exemplify Tupac to upload their video audition to InSearchofTupac.com. Fans and entrants are encouraged to check the website often, as important announcements and additional opportunities will be unveiled during the course of the month-long audition.

“We are excited to partner with Morgan Creek on this innovative casting call,” said Scott “DJ Skee” Keeney, founder of Skee.TV. “This audition process is a great example of utilizing today’s ever-evolving technology to reach fans and actors around the world to pay homage to a hip-hop legend.”

“Tupac” chronicles the life and legacy of Tupac Shakur, including his rise to superstardom as a hip hop artist and actor, as well as his imprisonment and prolific, controversial time at Death Row Records, where he was steeped in the East Coast /West Coast rap war. “Tupac” will be directed by Antoine Fuqua (“Training Day,” “Tears of the Sun,” “Brooklyn’s Finest”). The film will be produced by James G. Robinson, David Robinson and LT Hutton, and executive produced by Tupac’s mother, Afeni Shakur. The screenplay was written by Stephen J. Rivele, Christopher Wilkinson and Steve Bagatourian. Universal Pictures distributes in the United States and co-distributes with Morgan Creek International overseas.

“We’re looking for someone with the right mix of raw charm and charisma for the role,” says producer David Robinson. “At this point, we’re more concerned about finding someone with the ability to give their entire heart into the performance than just looks and personality.”

(Coming Soon)

New ‘Thor’ Posters Made By Norse God Of Laziness

Dave Horwitz — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 18:33:00 +0000

Check it out! Do these spicy one sheets get you mega stoked for Thor? Really? They do? Are you easily impressed? Did the guinea pigs of G-Force blow your mind? Is a DiGiorno pizza the height of culinary excellence for you? If so, I don’t envy your life, but you’re in luck, because the international Thor posters are here, complete with poorly Photoshopped floating heads. Enjoy, you easily entertained person! (Slash Film)

NBC Renews Three Thursday Night Comedies (Done Right)

Dave Horwitz — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 20:13:50 +0000

In a move that would probably surprise anyone who still pays attention to ratings, NBC has given season pickups to”The Office,” “Parks And Recreation,” and “Community.” The fan favorites “Parks” and “Community” are building solid core audiences, but have yet to catch on with a wide crowd. “The Office” is still pulling down considerably more solid ratings, however we’ll see if that persists next season with the departure of it’s star, Steve Carell.

This is incredibly encouraging news. “Parks” and “Community” continue to grow in ways that should serve as inspiration to anyone who thinks that great television can’t thrive on network TV. Let’s hope all three shows stay around forever, or just long enough to not wear out their welcome. (Hollywood Reporter)