The new Incredible Hulk Theatrical trailer has just hit the net. I just love the look of this thing!

If you’d like to see the larger HD version of the trailer you can go here

Karl Urban still owes me 5 bucks for the piece of shit known as Pathfinder. We have been informed of his upcoming role in Relentless, thanks to our good friends over at cinematical:

According to Variety, Karl Urban is set to star in Relentless, a 3-D action film that will be directed by Demian Lichtenstein.

Relentless is the story of four extreme sports professionals who survive a plane crash in the Amazon jungle. They must use all of their survival instincts to outrun a tribe of homicidal natives, who are hunting them through the jungle.

Well this sounds peculiar. I am hoping this will be better than it sounds - are people going to use their extreme sports skills to get out of the jungle? Will they rollerblade out of harms way and snowboard vertically up trees to pilfer the fruit bounty? Will possessed to skate be in the soundtrack? (it better be)

I hope this film has outstanding chase sequences like Apocalypto, and the body count of Predator. People dying along the way is the only thing that appeals to me, regarding this idea. Primitive jungle weapons flying at the screen in 3-D is a selling point for me as well. If this sucks; Urban owes me 10.

Digging into my movie collection I find that there are a lot of historical adventure type movies. I have a weak spot for swashbuckling adventure in a simpler time.

Of those that I enjoy the most would be a pair of movies that were never meant to be a series, but they end up being so when I watch them. These two movies are Disney’s Three Musketeers and Man in the Iron Mask. Both take on the French novel legends at different times in their lives.

The Three Musketeers (1993) is a story about d’Artagnan meeting up with the Three Musketeers Aramis, Athos and Porthos to fulfil his dream of becoming a Musketeer. The Musketeers are disbanded by the plot of Cardinal Richelieu and now branded outlaws with their new friend, the Musketeers fight for King and Country. All for One and One for All!

Disney’s take deviates from the original novelization, but comes as close as I could hope Hollywood dares. It is a fun charming and amusing tale with plenty of one liners, lots of action and adventure for all.

The Man in the Iron Mask (1998) catches up with the Musketeers after their retirement and the young d’Artagnon is now captain of the Musketeers. The King is dead and his young heir Louis XIV has his own interests at heart and ignores the needs of his country. In a dangerous plot, the retired Musketeers reunite for one last adventure to swap the king with his twin brother - the man in the Iron Mask.

This movie is more serious in tone and though it has its amusing moments, it is not as light hearted and comedic as the movie I place as its prequel.

So why tie these movies together when they were never intended as a series, and in fact were created by two different studios? Because they work together.

The plots work well against each other leaving little to no conflict. It is almost as though they meant it. The only outstanding detail is when the older musketeers in Iron Mask are about to enter the final conflict, Athos states that they should wear the old black uniforms of their glory days. In the Three Musketeers, Disney changed the uniforms to a more family friendly blue. Only the badguy wears black.

If you haven’t seen these movies yet, I encourage you to.

And watch them like they belong together. They do on my dvd shelf.

It appears a three way collaboration of excellence has been assembled in order to create a spy thriller of the highest calibre. We get wind of this alliance thanks to the professionals at Variety:

United Artists and Lakeshore Entertainment have set “24″ co-creator-exec producer Joel Surnow to develop a contemporary spy thriller that will be directed by “Casino Royale” helmer Martin Campbell. Surnow will write the film with Michael Loceff, a “24″ co-exec producer.

UA, which is run by Paula Wagner and partially owned by Tom Cruise, has made it a priority to find a commercially viable franchise for Cruise, though the studio wouldn’t confirm whether the Surnow/Campbell project was specifically designed for the “Mission: Impossible” star. “This is an original concept that both UA and I feel will have an impact creatively and commercially,” Surnow said.

I dislike most TV so I don’t watch much, but I have heard good things about 24. I think getting this writing team on board for a spy themed feature film is an excellent idea, and the director they have chosen will certainly compliment their abilities. This is a fantastic team up, and provides a strong skeleton in which to build a possible franchise.

If they are able to build an outstanding cast around this crew, we may have a winner on our hands. Time will certainly tell - disasters have been known to happen with quality people on board a project; but so far so good!

For those of you that are fans of 24 - what are your thoughts on the matter?

We will be sure to keep you up to speed on the progress of this project, as it fleshes out. (like the dude in Hellraiser)

We have some pictures to show you today from Burn After Reading. We get the hookup thanks to Alex “The Party Wolf” Billington over at firstshowing:


“Computers are Neat-O!”

“Pardon?”

“I hate my life”

“Who’s the mother fucker that interrupted my NyQuil drinking!

I am pumped to see this film. These are great shots that are loaded with emotion, and I am glad they made their way to us. Burn After Reading is going to be ready just in time for the new school year. Expect it in theaters September 12, 2008.

As I was hunting for news today I ventured over to Rotten Tomatoes to take a gander at Iron Man’s current score. The film presently sits at 89% with favorable reviews from Cinematical, Cinema blend, Richard Roeper, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety and Empire. I am pleased with this score, and look forward to seeing the film myself as soon as possible.

Much positive praise is coming down the pipe regarding Robert Downey Jr.’s performance as Tony Stark. Roeper proclaims that “Robert Downey Jr. is this movie.” I am thrilled, although not surprised that Downey Jr. has rocked this role. I have high hopes for this comic book movie and am hoping that this film will start a trend of blockbuster excellence that makes up for the dismal wipeout of last last year.

International friends, after you have had a chance to see the film - please take some time to share your thoughts with us. This is the sort of film that we love to chat about round these parts, and I look forward to breaking the film down and participating in water cooler chat with each and every one of you.

I am glad that the news is good; now I wait till Thursday.

Paramount may be trying to promote “The Love Guru”, but we’ve got our own dispenser of love, peace and joy! One of the down sides of being in Los Angeles is that we’ve missed having Darren Conley and Bruxy Cavey on the Monday round table podcasts and we’ve got lots of email from you guys lamenting that very fact. But tonight Bruxy is here in Los Angeles and will be coming into studio tonight to join me on the weekly live installment of Uncut!

For those of you who may not know, on Wednesday’s we broadcast a live show starting at 9pm EST (6pm PST). We talk movie news and also take your live calls, or your questions that you can type in on the live interactive chat board. Come on by and join us tonight!

The video will start streaming live right here on the site. See you then!

It appears the 5000 screens that were supposed to be ready for the upcoming 3-D onslaught have yet to materialize. We get wind of this news from the mouth of Katzenberg via Variety:

“In the last 30 days, things have not progressed as well as I had hoped, expected and, quite frankly, been committed to, by all the parties involved,” Katzenberg said in response to an analyst’s question. “It’s ongoing as we speak literally now, but in terms of getting the big three (exhibitors: Regal, Cinemark and AMC) on board and actively moving forward, I feel as though things have dragged along, and it’s been pretty disappointing.”

The DreamWorks Animation CEO said his goal has always been to have 5,000 screens deployed by March, so that his studio’s “Monsters vs. Aliens” can be released nationwide in digital 3-D, but that the chances of that happening are dimming. “If these guys don’t get their act together very quickly in the next 30 days, they’re not going to be able to achieve that goal,” he said. “Every week that goes by, it’ll be several hundred less screens that manage to be rolled out in the time frame.”

Katzenberg’s accusations come just a couple of weeks after National Assn. of Theater Owners prexy John Fithian made similar remarks from the other side of the bargaining table during the Digital Cinema Summit at NAB. “If the studios want this to happen in time for 2009, the deals have to be struck, and they have to be struck right now,” Fithian said at the time.

Well this has the potential to be extremely frustrating for the studios and fans of 3-D like myself. I would guess that the theaters are dragging their heels because they don’t want to pay for the upgrades. I can’t say I can blame them, if the studios want to use a new format I would be tempted to say “you pay for it”. This may or may not be the case, it’s entirely possible that the labor and/or the necessary equipment is taking longer to shore up than anticipated.

Digital cinemas do have an outstanding picture, and I personally welcome the upgrade. I’m looking forward to the glut of 3-D pictures coming down the pipe and I certainly hope that the screens are ready to showcase them. If this problem lingers on, and if theatre chains flat out say “fuck you” to the upgrade - I fear the 3-D resurgence will fizzle fast, and I will be left crying, staring at the sun, with my overpriced (but awesome) custom 3-D Raybans.

I hope Mr. Katzenberg can work magic in this situation and find a way to bring everyone on board; and quick. A lack of screens will dent profits, and enjoyment of films that were intended for 3-D viewing. May Katzenberg be blessed with the wisdom of Solomon and the speed of Mercury in this matter.

Well Crazy McCruise is returning to appear on Oprah, which he hasn’t been since his “jumping on the couch” assault inspired by his desire to explain how in love he was with Katie Homes. So maybe Tom Cruise is making an effort to restore his once strong reputation. So much media revolving around Cruise lately has been about his loony appearances and his failed Lions for Lambs and the unanticipated Valkyrie.

Tom needs a big hit. You know what that means. Yup, another Mission Impossible.

/Film says:

“Tom will make M:I 4 once Paramount greenlights the script. There will most definitely be another Mission: Impossible!”

When in the middle of a big career backlash, why choose edgy challenging (read: risky) films when you have a popular action franchise in your back pocket. Plus, foreign markets still love both Cruise and American action movies.

There is no denying that Cruise’s action flicks make money. Obviously the most financially successful of these have been the Mission Impossible films. So while he dabbles in his artsy “meaningful” films and strips another layer of respect off his public image, he might as well get one of these tentpoles lined up.

In the mean time, I hope that he tones it down and convinces everyone he isnt crazy. (Its ok if you are a nutjob Tom, we just don’t want to see it! We want to see the movies!)

It appears that the SAG has been unable to reach a deal with the studios after 12 days of negotiations. We get the following update from the professionals at Variety:

In a development that will amp up strike fears, hopes for a SAG deal with the majors this week have nearly vanished. With a dozen days of negotiations in the book, progress remains negligible, although both sides have adhered to an unofficial news blackout with no public disclosure on the substance of talks on SAG’s feature-primetime deal.

SAG’s also sticking to its guns on a boost in DVD residuals, despite warnings by the AMPTP that it won’t give in — even if SAG goes on strike.

Should SAG decide to hold off on making a deal this week, that tactic would reflect the belief that the guild will achieve sweeter terms when it’s much closer to the June 30 expiration — and a possible strike. Going that route runs the risk of AFTRA signing a deal first and using that pact to sign new shows shot on digital, since both unions cover that area of jurisdiction.

Well, this doesn’t appear to be good from where I sit. AFTRA split from joint negotiations with SAG; and now SAG looks like it’s playing hardball by playing chicken with the strike deadline. The problem is, if AFTRA comes in and inks a deal, while SAG is spinning their thumbs; they will look foolish. Being second gives AFTRA a very good strategic advantage and I’m going to guess that the days of joint tag-team bargaining between these two unions will be a thing of the past.

I will disclose to you that I am not familiar with the particulars of this strike, and have no great desire to. It’s not my battle to fight; I just hope it gets resolved quickly - because another walkout isn’t going to be good for anybody.

Transformers 2 has already confirmed that this will continue to follow the story of Sam Witwicky as he journeys off to college and now we catch news that his roomate could be Jonah Hill.

/Film offers:

Jonah Hill is in early negotiations to costar opposite Shia LaBeouf in Transformers 2 according to EW. Hill would likely play the role of Sam’s college roommate Chuck.[CHUCK] 19-25 yrs., Sam’s roommate at Princeton. He runs a conspiracy theory website. Funny in an irreverent, edgy way, he is shocked to see his conspiracy theories come to life. (2nd Lead)

I really do like Jonah Hill for the type of movies he does and the characters he plays. I also like Transformers. Both I have a great appreciation for - but not together.

I also like peanut butter and jalepeno peppers. Just not at the same time.

I could see Jonah in the role they suggest, that is not the issue. I just have a knee jerk reaction that I wouldnt want to see them together. I think there is a little too much overlap in both of the actors’ appeal.

Shia plays the underdog. The awkward nice guy hoping to get acceptance. Jonah has a lot of that appeal as well and I love him for it.

I don’t know. Maybe it will grow on me. Maybe I will see them together and it will rock.

It looks like Scarlett has decided to branch out into music, with an album titled Anywhere I Lay My Head. We find the first single Falling Down this morning in the fabled caves of Yahoo:

I was surprised to see this news, I was unaware Scarlett had singing aspirations. I cannot say that this song is my cup of tea; but perhaps it will speak to some. This song is strained and full of woe. International friends - what are your thoughts. Do you enjoy Scarlett’s venture into song; or would you prefer to pass on the album?

Some fans at a recent Publicity Event (I refuse to call a planned pep rally “viral”) were awarded with a prize of a 35mm print of the Dark Knight Trailer to take home. Awesome prize right?

What truly makes the prize awesome is that this very unique gift was apparently “defaced” by the Joker himself. One of the winners uploaded this excellent prize version of the trailer so that we can all see what they got.

This is really a unique offering. The fan would have been excited enough to have a 35mm print of the trailer - a prized possession for any true collector - but to then find that this print was even more unique than any other version is just incredible.

It may not be “viral” as I feel they are abusing the term. Their marketing is more of a flooding than virally infecting. Still a VERY cool item to have indeed.

Via /Film

A new bootleg Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull trailer has been leaked online. Its a little rough, but its pretty decent.

Cinematical tips us off:

It’s quite obviously leaked, though it doesn’t look all that bad — and it features a ton of new, familiar dialogue as well as new scenes mixed with ones we’ve already seen. The trailer opens up with Indy talking about the Crystal Skull, how it’s guarded by the living dead and that whoever finds it will gain its powers. Cut to the devilish Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett) who tells Indy that he is to help her (and a bunch of other evil Russians) find it. Thus begins another Indiana Jones adventure

I personally would liked to have heard the Indiana Jones theme come up a little sooner. The segments before the fanfare begins might have been better with music.

Still no indication of an Aliens storyline. This appears to be purely supernatural at this point. Maybe the rumours were just to throw people off. Maybe not.

I think the last Indy trailer was better.

Not that anyone doubted this would happen, but Ian McKellan has come forward to confirm that he will in fact be returning as Gandalf in the Hobbit movies.

Cinematical reports:

Empire caught him at the Speed Racer premiere, and made him speak the words to quicken the hearts of all Middle Earth fans. “Yes, it’s true,” he said. “I spoke to Guillermo in the very room that Peter Jackson offered me the part and he confirmed that I would be reprising the role. Obviously, it’s not a part that you turn down, I loved playing Gandalf.”

I honestly didn’t think this would be an issue. He has always spoken fondly of his role of Gandalf and has repeatedly said if a Hobbit movie was to happen that he would be eager to reprise his role.

I don’t think the age thing is an issue. This is fantasy and an ancient wizard can look the same at 60 as he would at 80. Its fantasy, so I am not concered about age. He could look exactly the same and it wouldn’t make a difference to me.

But could you imagine the Hobbit without McKellen??

Documentaries that get your attention tend to be the contraversial or unique. No one wants to see a documentary on the mating habits of the North American Common Squirell, however get a guy who tries to kill himself by eating 3 meals at McDonalds a day and you have a winner.

Cinematical has put up a review of an interesting Documentary that deals with machines being designed for companionship called Mechanical Love.

Phie Ambo’s Mechanical Love begins by noting that soon the elderly will outnumber children for the first time in human history. Obviously, this leads to questions about how these people will be cared for — and I don’t just mean how they will get fed and provided shelter, but also who will give them actual care and attention. The older generations already have a limited number of ways to get personal interaction, even though it is something that is necessary to continue their drive to live. In response to these changes and concerns, there are engineers like Professor Ishiguro who are developing robots not for work or sex, but for human companionship.

Now this treads on dangerous ground as there is a growing fear that machines will take over the world should they become too independant. I am not talking about sci-fi fanboys running around with tinfoil on their head, this is a gnawing reality that some people are concerned about. Could creating a machine that will simulate companionship could just be the bridging point to a droid nation?

Consider that today they make an android that can converse and interact mentally with a living counterpart. Why can’t they make one that can perform menial tasks? Then before you know it we have law enforcement and military androids eliminating the risk to human life in ballistic conflict.

Are we really that far from Asimov’s I, Robot? How long after before they establish SkyNet?

Sounds like an interesting Documentary.

I have to admit it. I am a big Will Smith fan. For me he delivers goods nearly everytime. So with another Will Smith summer blockbuster nearly on our doorstep, Yahoo! takes a look at his career

The most profitable man in movies, Will Smith reigns as Hollywood king. With his latest blockbuster - Hancock - hitting theaters on July 2nd, take a look back at Smith’s top five career-shaping films.

The five movies they mention are certainly benchmarks for Smith and worthy titles. Here is my take on them.

Six Degrees of Separation - With a solid cast alongside Smith, this is the first movie that people were reminded that Smith was no longer the Fresh Prince.

Independence Day - This summer hit caught the rest of us who didnt see Six Degrees. Now we all know he isnt the Fresh Prince. A solid foundation for Smith to launch his adult stardom.

Men in Black - Monopolizing on his charm and comedy action appeal MiB solidified his “I make this look good” presence.

Ali - Failing to remain the cocky action star, Smith decides to show us he can act. Does a good job at it too.

I am Legend - Still adding his trademark flair to the bitter role of the Omega Man, Smith adds another chapter to his action/drama resume.

Some people love to hate him, but that comes with his level of fame. You don’t have to like all his movies, I certainly don’t, but I still consider myself a Smith fan. So with Hancock coming out and seeing Smith’s cocky attitude driven characters that sell movies like a Highschool Musical Sequel to a preteen girl, this role seems dutifully meant for him.

I for one am looking forward to it. I like me a good superhero film, and this seems to be of a different flavour, even if Will is going to give us the “Awwww Naw” again.

Recently ComingSoon.net had a sit down with Brandon Routh about his new film Lie to Me, but talks soon turned to Superman. Proving his is once again in tune with the desires of the fanbase (he admits to being a big fanboy himself) he offers comfort as to the direction of the sequel Man of Steel.

Coming Soon.net quotes Routh:

Well, I think that something that audiences are looking for – and I certainly am, too – is for Superman to actually be able to lay a punch on someone or something. I was filming and I thought, “I haven’t really hit anything. I feel like I’m going to need to let some of this anger out.” So I’m happy that I think that’s going to be a central part of the sequel, getting a good villain that we can actually have physical altercations with. Certainly also, I’d like more humor from Clark or just more of Clark and Jimmy. A little bit more of Lois and Clark, how we used to see them, a bit more of buddies.

A central part of the sequel will be that he gets to unload his anger?I had a theory that little superboy will get himself offed and the killer (Darkseid?) gets to feel the wrath of the Last Son of Krypton. But maybe they will just adopt the lame plot hook of Lois’ new man turns into an insensitive jerk and Lois becomes single mom. I don’t wish for bad thing to happen to children, but it would be a bold move and a great story to be told.

And the badguy has to be able to TAKE a super-whooping so we are talking some of the heavy hitters. The fans will want Doomsday but that is unlikely to happen.

I am relieved to hear that some of the concerns fans had are hopefully becoming a reality. Now if they could just get this moving in earnest we can complain about it some more.

Campea just shot the following skinny my way; Corey Haim will have a role in Crank 2.

You thought shit was tough for Statham the first time out? Now he has this to fucking deal with:

I have no idea if Corey will be a hero or villain as of yet. I certainly hope he’s a bad guy. I want him to whip a senior citizen in the face with that horn necklace (see above) till they sign over their pension check.

Neveldine and Taylor always provide perverse and titillating sex sequences; I wonder if we will see Haim throw his hog around. They totally showed ALL of Alyssa Milano in Pathology, and I am wondering if I will get to see another childhood role model’s genitals before I die.

This dude was mocked like crazy for putting an ad in the trades recently; but he’s in Crank 2, and we will watch him. Curiosity is wrapping its tentacles around all of us and whispering the words “Corey Haim” into our wanting and inquisitive ears.

We will be sure to keep you posted about this story, and will fill you in with updates, as they are made available to us.

Check out the man-in-suit army that is the Sleestaks! We get the following pic from our friends at cinematical:

These bad boys will be making their appearance in the remake of The Land Of The Lost. I must say, this picture increased my anticipation of the film a solid 60%. I love man-in-suit monsters and these guys look outstanding. Apparently these creatures will not use crossbows as they did in the original; instead, they will shoot quills from their own bodies. This film is scheduled for release July 17, 2009. …I need one of these suits.

We have a peek onto the set of The Taking Of Pelham 123 today thanks to our good friends over at slashfilm:

Currently filming in Queens and Manhattan, Scott’s film pits Washington against John Travolta’s leader of subway highjackers, with James Gandolfini playing the city’s mayor.

I have no knowledge of the original film, but Denzel versus Travolta (and a band of thugs) could make for some very good times. Travolta seems to be hit and miss with his projects, but if we can get another Face/Off quality action film out of him before he retires - I am all for it.

We will be sure to be on the lookout for more information regarding this project; and additional photos of Denzel in that vest.

We have The Mummy 3 international teaser poster for you to check out today thanks to Bad Taste via slashfilm:

Do teaser posters ever make it to print?

This is a question I am wondering aloud; if you have an answer, please let us know.

This bootleg has been swirling round the net, and as soon as a proper version gets loosed - I will hook you up! Heath is good in this one, that is for certain.

We get wind today of a revenge film titled “Red” that features Tom Sizemore and Robert Englund! We get word of this project, thanks to the following news blurb from Variety:

Magnolia Pictures has scooped up North American rights to Trygve Allister Diesen and Lucky McKee’s thriller “Red.” Screenplay by Stephen Susco is based on Jack Ketchum’s novel of the same name.

A Sundance 2008 preem, revenge drama stars Brian Cox and Tom Sizemore and features Robert Englund and Amanda Plummer. Project was initiated by McKee (“The Woods”) and finished by Diesen. Tale of retribution begins with the search of an elderly man (Cox) for justice when his dog is murdered, ultimately leading to a series of unsavory and violent events.

This is a great idea for a story! Everyone has been tempted to kill a neighbor’s pet at one point or another; and nothing would gain the ire of someone faster than killing their fuzzy companion. If anyone killed my cat Budwinski I would certainly, and without reservation cripple them for life with a baseball bat and/or turn them into a vegetable. Either way, a bat would be swung, and bones would be broken.

Revenge however, seldom stops. It gets bounced back and forth like a shuttlecock of sorrow; each time creating more pain than reward, and eventually both parties are worse off than before it all began. The old adage is useful when describing revenge. Before you embark on a journey of revenge; dig two graves.

Revenge may be a poor life decision….but it makes for fantastic cinema! I like the cast of players they have assembled to tell this tale, and will certainly be interested in checking it out once it’s available for viewing. The phrase “leading to a series of unsavory and violent events” certainly wells up interest within my bones.

Steven Soderbergh has a film about high cost hookers on deck! We get the news regarding The Girlfriend Experience thanks to the professionals at Variety:

Steven Soderbergh will direct “The Girlfriend Experience,” a feature that focuses on the world of prostitution from the vantage point of a $10,000-a-night call girl. Pic will be financed by 2929 Entertainment partners Mark Cuban and Todd Wagner through their HDNet label. It will become the second film — after “Bubble” — in the six-picture pact they made for Soderbergh to direct low-budget films that get distributed simultaneously in theatrical, on cable TV and on DVD.

Rather than go for star power, Soderbergh may set an adult film actress to play the lead role. Soderbergh shot “Bubble” using mostly non-pros. The title refers to a phenomenon in which wealthy men pay not just for the quality of a sexual encounter but also for a woman who will play the role of a perfect girlfriend. The arrangement apparently involves more intimacy than the usual prostitution relationship. Soderbergh, Koppelman and Levien interviewed numerous women and fixed on an interior look at a woman who makes $1 million a year in the business.

The perfect relationship isn’t cheap, but some are willing to pay the price for trouble-free romance. You can’t take your money with you; why not give some to professional feel good specialists? Regardless of public perception and opinion, some gals go on to make a fortune as professional escorts. While the rest of the world is debating the issue, they are living the life of riley working the oldest trade on earth. Hookers are very interesting and will always make for great film subjects.

I like Soderbergh’s idea to cast an adult film star. An adult entertainer would understand the role of a professional escort more than most, and lets face it - they probably know a few girls that moonlight in the field. The adult actress is paid to act in a manner that ignites the desires and fantasies of the viewer; causing boners and/or vaginal moisture. This skill set is similar to the hypnosis that a professional call girl would wield, and thus, I believe that Soderbergh has made a decision, that will best communicate his vision.

At the end of the day, escorts exists because people are lonely. This should be a very interesting look into the world of high-end friends, and I will be sure to keep my ear to the tracks for news. Soderbergh will release the film simultaneously on multiple formats, and I thank him for that. I consider him to be a trend setter, and in time, think others will follow his lead.

Of all the celebrities that make personalities of themselves outside of the films they play, sometimes the most challenging role would be to play themselves, but make it interesting.

Enterainment Weekly has their list of the top 23 celebs to play themselves on the big or little screen. My favs on the list:

23. NPH - Harold And Kumar movies
22. Patrick Stewart - Extras
17. Pamela Anderson - Borat
15. John Malkovich - Being John Malkovich
12. Stan Lee - Mallrats
6. Ben Affleck and Matt Damon - Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back
1. Marisa Tomei - Seinfeld

Some of these are cheating since they show up in shows where the celeb is SUPPOSED to be himself. But keep in mind that these are the best of them and Patrick Stewart was likely the BEST routine on Extras.Not on the list, but worthy of mentioning would have been Julia Roberts playing herself in a movie where she WASNT herself. Bit of a spoiler, but in Oceans 12, the gang notices that Tess looks a lot like Julia Roberts and she poses as her in the movie. Classy.

It takes a class act to make fun of yourself on screen so the hyper-real versions of themselves that these actors portray are often showcasing their (fictional?) less appealing qualities but clearly drawn from some shred of truth.

Pamela Anderson is one of those people who I am convinced that the “ditzy” thing IS her act. I would wager that she is off the charts smart and just doesn’t want anyone to know about it. Set the bar low and you will never disappoint!

But the best on that list has to be Ben Affleck and Matt Damon cameo in Jay and Silent Bob Strikes Back. They cameo as themselves on set filming a rediculous sequel to one of their films. Its deep commentary and serious laughs all at the same time.

And NPH makes the Harold and Kumar films worthwhile. Certainly outgrowing his Doogie Howser origins, Neil Patrick Harris goes above and beyond to make a character out of himself!

After you go read the full list at Enterainment Weekly, who would you put on there?

Not too long ago we posted about the Filmaka web contest that rewards an independent visionary with the prize of financial backing, to the tune of 5 million! Today we learn that Nuru Rimington-Mkali has been crowned the victor, thanks to the professionals at Variety:

Nuru Rimington-Mkali is ready for his closeup. The 21-year-old Londoner has been crowned the winner of the yearlong film contest sponsored by Web-based production shingle Filmaka. As his prize, Rimington-Mkali will receive funding of about $5 million for a feature film he will direct. He’s prepping to pitch a handful of ideas to Filmaka partners Deepak Nayar, producer of such indie pics as “Bend It Like Beckham” and “Buena Vista Social Club,” and former Fox TV Entertainment Group chief Sandy Grushow.

Filmaka contest challenged non-pros to take on a monthly series of assignments to produce short films based on a thumbnail idea posted on the website. Judges of the competish included actors and helmers Colin Firth, Werner Herzog, Neil LaBute, John Madden, Zak Penn, Paul Schrader, Bill Pullman and Wim Wenders.

LaBute called Rimington-Mkali’s final winning short, “And I Refuse to Forget,” a “wonderfully impressive paranoid thriller that was told with great economy and vivid imagery.” He also cited Rimington-Mkali’s innate skills on the technical aspects of directing.

Nuru Rimington-Mkali, we who will eventually die, salute you. This is a young filmmaker’s dream come true, and with luck, Nuru will be able to keep the momentum rolling. May this award be a seed for a burgeoning career in film.

Filmaka is currently accepting submissions for other contests. If you are an aspiring filmmaker - please consider entering, and share your experience with us.

We have word today that Ms. Mariah Carey will be returning to the silver screen! (Godzilla wept.) This surprising news was bought to our attention thanks to the murky caves of Yahoo:

Seven years after making what is widely regarded as one of the worst movies ever, Mariah Carey is back with another road-trip flick. But her new movie, “Tennessee,” has little in common with 2001’s “Glitter.”

Premiering at New York’s Tribeca Film Festival last Saturday, it follows two brothers seeking their estranged father. On their travels, they meet Krystal, a waitress played by Carey.
“Mariah said, ‘This is going to be refreshing for me; this is actually something that I want,’ even knowing that it was a gritty, hard shoot,” director Aaron Woodley told Reuters in an interview. “Some people even told me that they forgot it was Mariah Carey when they were watching the film.”

I still have to see Glitter. After everyone on earth said that it sucked; I felt it a safe one to skip. To be honest, after such a huge flop I will give it to Mariah - the gal has guts to do another picture. I don’t think it was a wise or necessary decision, but she isn’t a chicken - I will give her that.

I get confused why successful recording artists want to moonlight as movie stars; they have money, they have recognition, why do they want more work? As someone who values time as a resource, I will never understand this desire- but hey, it’s not my life. I certainly hope this film is outstanding, for her sake. Glitter was panned by all; and they enjoyed doing so. The sharpened maws of critics are waiting for this one to come down the pipe and will gladly tear it to shreds. If Mariah makes back to back stinkers - it will probably put her in the loony bin.

We will be sure to keep our ear to the ground for reviews coming out of Tribeca, and share the word on the street with you - when it is made available to us.

I think a Mariah movie night will be in order, in the not too distant future.

It appears Mel Gibson will be putting on his acting shoes once again. We get the following scoop from the fabled caves of Yahoo:

Mel Gibson, who has kept a low profile since his drunken anti-Semitic outburst in July 2006, is set to headline his first feature film since 2002, Daily Variety reported on Tuesday. The 52-year-old Hollywood actor has committed to play a police investigator in “Edge of Darkness,” a thriller based on a 1985 BBC miniseries, the trade publication said.

Gibson will find himself on the other side of the law in “Edge of Darkness,” playing a straitlaced cop who uncovers systemic corruption while investigating the death of his activist daughter, Daily Variety said. Mel Gibson made a titanic fuck up and really deserved all the negative attention that he got. If you are going to drive drunk and then start spitting racist venom at cops; you are going to pay.

I think part of the reason the outburst received so much attention, is because it was totally unexpected. Mel had a squeaky clean, good guy image and sold himself as a moral, upright man that makes films about Jesus. When the shit hit the fan, everyone was reeling from the comments; and the surprising source. If a known Hollywood badboy/girl made the comments they may have fizzled much sooner. But People felt duped because Mel Gibson was supposed to be a good guy.

I am not sure if people are ready to see a Mel Gibson film again, but there’s only one way to find out. The scandal hurt the box office earnings and reception of what I consider to be a masterwork in Apocalypto; will the curse live on to haunt this project too?

If the scandal continues to dog the star, I think it may be best for him to stay behind the directors chair and/or retire altogether. There is no shame in retirement, and this scandal may have been the push he needed to relax, unwind, stay out of the spotlight, and learn to live in peace with all.

International friends, what do you think? Should Gibson get back in the game? Will people welcome him anew; or continue to shun him?

TMB Alum Wormwood tipped me off to this video comparing the 1989 Batman Trailer to the 2008 Dark Knight Trailer.

It would be a stretch to think this happened completely by coincidence. The pacing, clips and content match up so precisely that it must have been intentional.

Edit: I have been had. I was under the impression that it was the original Trailer but instead this is a fan edit of the original trailer set pace to the Dark Knight Trailer.
It still looks really good both ways. Very cool stuff.

One of my favourite things online is webcomics. Many of which focus on popculture and video games. So I thought I would share with you a strip that made me lawl. It is written by Aaron Willams, most famous for his Nodwick strips. His Full Frontal Nerdity (rpg gaming) and Backwards Compatible(video gaming) strips are equally as funny.

Crispy Gamer hosts the aforementioned Backwards Compatible, and today they address the growing concern that the release of Grand Theft Auto IV on consoles would cut into the Boxoffice profits for IronMan.

Because Meet the Spartans was met with such raving reviews and wild success, can we expect anything less than more from the braintrust that brought us this cinematic feat?

Cinematical says:

Grosvenor Park is going to finance a new, untitled project from Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer, otherwise known as the writer/director team behind Spartans.

The pair have just started directing from their script in Shreveport, LA, and while there’s no word on what this latest comedy will be about, it’s got a cast that includes Matt Lanter, Vanessa Minnillo, Carmen Electra, Kim Kardashian, G-Thang, Nicole Parker, Crista Flanagan, and Ike Barinholtz. Sounds excellent, eh? We won’t even have to wait long for it. The film is scheduled to be released this August.

I don’t think it would be wise for these guys to even admit they were doing this movie. If I was responsible for Meet the Spartans, I would write my next movie under a pseudonym and hope it was a success so I could later come clean and clear my name.

Secondly, can we really have any faith in a big screen release movie that goes from script in hand to finished product in just over three months?

Someone should kick these guys into a bottomless hole for not even having the spine to TRY for another outing. At least if they TRIED to make a decent film I could reserve judgment but it doesn’t even seem like they are putting out any real effort.

Get it out, get paid. Go home and cry yourself to sleep.

Since on one else here thought it was worthwhile, I thought I would introduce to you the poster for the Sex and the City movie. The estrogen soaked fanbase wasn’t enough to get this show extended, but apparently huge bags of money left on the doorstep of the cast managed to encourage them to reunite for a movie.

In case you lack a vagoo, CinemaBlendlays it out for you.

It’s the film based on the popular television series. The primary cast is back in their original roles and it hits theaters on May 30th.

It will get you true love. Honest.

If you want to see Parker’s Eveningwear Barbie look, you can go to CinemaBlend.

Kiefer Sutherland is best known for his no nonsense badass Jack Bauer on TV’s 24. A very well recognized federal counter terrorist agent. Now he is taking the big step into another role of authority. The Mall Security Guard. Well that is one mall I would walk softly in.

Movies Online.ca says:

We have the first photo for the new Kiefer Sutherland horror tale ‘Mirrors’. He will star as a mall security guard who quickly finds something disturbing in the mall’s mirrors, and this sets him out trying to “discover the origin of the evil.” Alexandre Aja (“The Hills Have Eyes” and “High Tension”) is set to direct and has written the latest script for “Mirrors

My concern is that people associate him too closely with his TV role (despite his numerous other roles in film and TV) and may have a hard time seeing him as a security guard at the mall. This is the type of character employment best suited for underdog types like Seth Rogen (See Observe and Report).

Its not much, but it is the first I heard of the project. Keifer rarely disappoints on the big screen, so I hope his “demotion” is worth it.

As we speak John is already on his way to go see Iron Man. Relax, I have already conveyed the required degree of jealousy upon him. But just recently IGN posted news about a press conference yesterday Where Favreau commented on his hopes for the future of Iron Man. A Trilogy.

[We] hit the Iron Man press junket yesterday to chat with the cast and crew of the new film on the eve of its release, and during the event a recurring topic was whether or not we’ll be seeing a sequel to the Marvel/Paramount superhero movie. Both star Robert Downey Jr. and his costar Terrence Howard were optimistic that a second film will get made, but director Jon Favreau was willing to go so far as to say that he’s got an entire trilogy mapped out already.

Favreau slips some things that can be read into as spoilery so don’t go read the interview if you are taking no chances on that.

Of course he admits that he would love to do it, and has it all thought out in his head as to where he would want it to go, but wisely admits that he isn’t stating it WILL happen. A sequel is inevitable unless all this buzz and positive reviews spiral into complete failure, but Favreau doesn’t have to be the one to do it. I like his movies, so I for one wouldn’t be against it.

The thing he needs to consider (without spoiling anything to the upcoming release) is that he has to hit on the alcoholism. The man of iron has a weakness. No, its not the dayglow pacemaker, its his alcoholism. Its lonely at the top and Stark can’t handle all that pressure. The man who appears to have it all has nothing.

Then we can see if the hinted War Machine will appear to fill his boots so he is not flying under the influence.

I like that Fav is thinking of a solid trilogy and that he recognizes that just because the movie has three films it really isnt a trilogy (even though Hollywood disagrees). There has to be an ongoing story or saga to make it so. THIS is the kind of film making I want to see.

Im so pumped over this movie I cannot wait for John’s review. Now I am excited about the potential franchise. This better not suck.

YES SIR! We have new My Name Is Bruce Images for you today thanks to our good friends at horror-movies.ca:

My Name Is Bruce is set for an Oct. 2008 release.

Look at that Hawaiian shirt! Look at those angel wings! This is an orgy of Bruce! BRUCE!

***Additional images available at the source.

Mike Judge will be teaming up with Jason Bateman in Extract. We get wind of this team up from our friends at Variety:

Mike Judge will direct and Jason Bateman will star in the comedy “Extract,” the first project to be produced under Judge’s new shingle, Ternion Prods., which he formed with writer-producers John Altschuler and Dave Krinsky.

Ternion is fully financed to develop film, TV, digital and new-media projects through a finance and development deal with Media Rights Capital. The shingle will also produce films and TV projects through the traditional studio and network route. Penned by Judge, “Extract” explores what it’s like to be the boss when everything seems to be shifting around you.

Judge wrote Office Space and I welcome another business comedy; this time from the perspective of management. Jason Bateman is a hilarious comedic actor and I am thrilled that he has been getting so many roles over the past few years. I consider his team up with Judge to be cause for celebration and will keep my ear to the ground for news of this project!

If this film is half as good as Office Space, it will be cause for all to celebrate!

We have the new teaser poster for Dragonball today thanks to our friends at slashfilm:

This poster doesn’t give me much insight into the film; but that is the nature of a teaser poster I guess. Those of you that are fans of Dragonball Z let me ask you; does this poster have any meaning that I am unable to decipher? Does this poster excite you?