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'The Dark Tower' To Make Movie History as a Hybrid Film Trilogy and TV Show {Cinematical}
Sep 9th 2010 4:49PM I think it's pretty certain they're going to cast an A-list actor for Roland. In fact, I know one that's been asked to read the books, because he said he was reading them. He'd be perfect, but I doubt he'd sign on for such a long term, time consuming project... and he's never done TV or even any film sequels. He has said he kind of regretted not taking the roles offered him in LOTR and Matrix... so maybe he's ready for a multi platform project that is more offbeat than his usual roles.
The fact that this one A-lister has been approached, indicates that even if he doesn't sign on, another A-list actor will be chosen. They need a star who has the acting chops and prestige. They need for these films and TV productions to have a real headliner, not put the weight of this project on the shoulders of a B list actor like Thomas Jane... sorry, but that should be obvious.
Their Best Role: Russell Crowe {Cinematical}
May 13th 2010 5:26PM I agree, Ms. Rappe... Crowe's interpretation of Capt. Jack Aubrey is one of the most satisfying acting tours de force I've even watched and enjoyed on screen.
Crowe and the film, it's supporting cast and director should all have garnered Oscars for what they did with this film. I watched it in HD on cable TV again the other night and was blown away just as strongly as I was back in the days of it's release.
Master and Commander is a film for the ages. Who needs CGI monsters, comic book characters and cartoonish action capture when you have a cinematic experience like this to watch? One is transported to another world as strange and beautiful as anything James Cameron could imagine... and yet, the world of Patrick O'Brian is a realistic depiction of a bygone era, lovingly reproduced, amazingly acted, exciting and compelling all the more for it's veracity.
Russell Crowe's Capt. should be his legacy, just as much as his general made a slave.
New 'Robin Hood' Trailer Looks Less Like 'Gladiator'! {Cinematical}
Mar 11th 2010 10:19AM Love the new trailer. It's far more interesting and appropriate than the earlier Gladiatorlike ones. We get to learn a bit about the story, see more characters and get a taste for the scope of the action.
The PG13 rating insures a broader audience than an R, and if we're to get exciting story and human centric films made in the future [as opposed to only CGI monsters, fantasy worlds and rampaging machines] I hope Robin does well at the box office.
Crowe looks ... well... heroic again. Can't wait.
Lights, Low And High, At The 82nd Annual Academy Awards {Cinematical}
Mar 9th 2010 8:02AM Avatar is a very popular, well made CGI film with a thin story and thin acting. It made a ton of money and got the awards it truly deserved. Maybe if Cameron had not let his hubris get in the way and hired an imaginative writer to bring his "groundbreaking" vision to life, he'd be clutching the gold man for best picture.
Hurt Locker deserved it's accolades. It is an amazing film, showing what can be done with a great story, terrific actors, a brilliant director and low budget. After watching it for the first time way back in the year, I just knew it would be nominated for the directing AA and told my companions the same. We all agreed it was certainly one of the best films we'd seen in a long time.
I wonder how many of the fans of Avatar who criticize the Academy have actually watched Hurt Locker? It's back in theaters, so I suggest opening your minds and have a look. When you do, Imagine Avatar's story and script being as compelling, or the actors as skilled and nuanced.
London hotels rated as worst in Europe {Gadling}
Nov 12th 2009 8:40AM No one who has stayed in London hotels should be surprised. They're the worst! Overpriced, dimly lit, poorly serviced, surly staff, bad plumbing and inadequate climate control... and these are just the newer and better ones!
I remember checking into a 150 room London 4* hotel only to discover scaffolding and tarps everywhere in the halls and public rooms, the breakfast room was closed [ even though breakfast was included in our room rate... we were given vouchers to eat at another property 2 blocks away !!] and our cramped "superior" room was in the basement, which had no discernible heat and damp mildewed walls. For this, we were charged almost $280. The hotel should not even have been open for business. We checked out after our 1 pre-paid non-refundable night and found a more comfortable 6 room B&B nearby for considerably less money and much higher comfort. It may not have have been fancy, but it was clean, roomy and friendly.
If you are willing to pay over $400 a night, you may, just may, find a good room in one of the larger hotels in London, Paris or Rome. But if you're looking for a good value, forget it.
Massucci's Take: AT&T's lawsuit against Verizon draws attention to its own flaws {Daily Finance}
Nov 8th 2009 9:41AM I love the iPhone... but hated having to sign with AT&T... we'd had Verizon for years because AT&T's coverage was so spotty and they were so arrogant. But we eventually gave in.
In defense of AT&T in this one instance, they have improved service in my community and we now get a strong 3G signal and it's rare to have calls dropped... from home at least. On the road.. it's something else entirely. We had waited a long time to get the iPhone, in hopes of better coverage... and the off chance that Verizon might one day be a partner. Looks less likely than ever, with this suit.
"AT&T is drawing more attention to its smaller-than-Verizon's 3G network and more people are hearing that it's slower too, from folks who use iPhones." I couldn't agree with this more. What a stupid, ill considered law suit.
Just expand the service coverage and let the public know you're doing it!
Fox Pits 'Gladiator' Writer Against Their Vampiric 'Passage' {Cinematical}
Sep 17th 2009 9:48AM Another vampire film? yawn.
Monday Night Poll: 'Funny People' Gender Divide? {Cinematical}
Aug 4th 2009 1:01PM I didn't like this at all, as it's yet another guy flick that marginalizes women.
I don't think I've ever seen a film with Sandler that I liked, I really really dislike Rogen and I've come to realize Aptow probably doesn't like women.
Why did I go? It was my guy's turn to select a film... and he wanted to see it. I'm seriously reconsidering the relationship.
Danny Huston Takes the Crown in 'Robin Hood' {Cinematical}
Jul 14th 2009 8:15AM Wasn't Rhys Ifans tagged last month to play King Richard? Much was made of that, as he used to date Sienna Miller who was dropped from Robin Hood and replaced by Cate Blanchett. Now, it appears Ifans is not to be in the film either. I suspect there's an interesting story there, somewhere.
Columbia Postpones Soderbergh's 'Moneyball' {Cinematical}
Jun 22nd 2009 8:17AM This piece gets something wrong. It wasn't the Zaillian script that Soderbergh wanted to direct. Soderbergh had apparently re-written the script [with Pitt's involvement, no doubt] Here's the quote from Variety... take note of the wording.
"The move came after Pascal read a rewrite that Soderbergh did to Steven Zaillian's script and found it very different from the earlier scripts she championed."
Pascal is a seasoned pro. She signed on her studio to film the Zaillian script. Soderbergh was playing games, holding out on the new script until the last moment, assuming he'd get his way as it was too late for the studio to bail. He was playing games with Pascal, only she called his bluff and pulled the plug.
Given Pitt's propensity for demanding significant script changes at the last minute to suit himself, you just know he was up to his pretty eyebrows in this baseball script with Soderbergh. He bailed on State of Play when changes wouldn't be made. Variety is off the mark in their article. State of Play's director has said he and Universal wanted to make the original script.... it was Pitt insisting on making significant changes, including glamorizing his reporter character.
