Author: Travis Keune

Hopeless film enthusiast; reborn comic book geek; artist; collector; cookie connoisseur; curious to no end

Branagh’s Casting Notice for ‘Thor’

thorcasting

Thanks to Corona Coming Attractions and their source, below is the casting call notice from Branagh and the producers developing the ‘Thor’ movie, based on the Norse God of Thunder character from Marvel. The notice describes which physical and personality traits they have in mind for the actor to convey.

Male MUST BE MID-LATE 20’S and SIX FEET OR TALLER. LEAD.

Physically powerful, very handsome, occasionally egotistical, petulant, and wild. A natural warrior with a quick charming wit who must be genuinely and severely humbled before becoming the compassionate, mature her of our film.

So, with this in mind, who are you visualizing in the role of Thor? Does Kevin McKidd still have a chance? No, we are not going to consider Dolph again! Is this the direction you imagined the movie would take?

[source: Corona Coming Attractions]

Danny Trejo takes on ‘The Expendables’

dannytrejoexpend

Holy Cow! Stallone’s newest action-fest is proving to be one heckuva cool project. Having already scored Jet Li, Jason Statham, Mickey Rourke, Forest Whitaker, Dolph Lundgren, Eric Roberts, Randy Couture and just recently Arnold Schwarzenegger… now, according to a source for LatinoReview.com, Sly has apparently enlisted badass Danny Trejo as well! No word on what his character will be, but odds are good he’ll be a baddie.

As an added bonus to spike the spice on this juicy bit of forthcoming violent cinematic bliss… IMDB also lists the following casting rumors: Sandra Bullock (I think this one has already been squelched) and Sir Ben Kingsley!

[source: LatinoReview.com]

Yes, ‘Saw VI’ and the return of Elwes?

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It seems that the ‘Saw’ franchise may be out to set a new record, with hopes of becoming one of, if not THE longest running horror franchise in movie history. Granted, we’re currently only at five, but with a sixth on the way, who’s to say it won’t continue to surpass the classics like, ‘Friday the 13th’, ‘Nightmare on Elm Street’ and ‘Halloween’? And, now that all three of those are being “rebooted” it’s not a stretch to foresee a ‘Saw’ reboot some years down the road… good grief!

Here’s a plot description for ‘Saw VI’ posted on Bloody Disgusting:

One man. One plan. One foot. Yes, the doctor is in! With a strange twist of fate and a revengeful plot, get ready for the most anticipated event of Saw. Face your fears at his operating table. Know that no one is safe from his sickness. Chills and screams are his true pleasure. on…and Blood? You’ll be drenched in it.

Anywho, BD.com has reported that a possible casting rumor may have surfaced by way of XBox Live. The word is that Cary Elwes may be returning in the role of Dr. Gordon in the coming video game, and possibly even in the movie. If any of this is true, his role in the movie may be nothing more than a cameo, but that’s cool.

[source: BloodyDisgusting.com]

Ray Griggs wants to make ‘Lucifer’ Movie

directorraygriggs

I have to send out a “thanks” to my buddy Chad for tips on this one! A good friend of mine and devoted fan of WeAreMovieGeeks.com, Chad and I often swap cool finds from the InterWeb. I had not heard of Ray Griggs prior to Chad’s discovery. My initial introduction to Griggs was with the website for his film in production called ‘Super Capers‘. The website is a cool concept (that I’ve seen before, but rarely implemented) of a virtual comic book. Here’s the plot synopsis for ‘Super Capers’… Grigg’s first feature-length film, due out on March 20, 2009:

Would-be superhero, Ed Gruberman, who possesses no super powers must join a team of misfit heroes-in-training known as The Super Capers. Having only faith, Gruberman must travel through time to uncover an evil plot involving some gold bullion, a fiery femme fatale, and a criminal mastermind with a dark secret about Ed’s past. — Ray Griggs

Prior to making ‘Super Capers’, Ray Griggs made a short film entitled ‘Lucifer‘ and is available for viewing below. The ten-minute short, heavy with CGI, but impressive for what it is, makes a fascinating intro to his vision for a larger-budget, feature-length version of the story. Once again, the website is a cool, quasi-interactive experience. Here’s the synopsis from director Ray Griggs:

This is the story of an exalted angel, charismatic, even heroic, who sat at the right hand of God presumed to be the “chosen one” to rule the Kingdom of Heaven. But this angel whose fierce pride fueled an ambition that would corrupt his judgment, alienate him from his closest friend, divide the Heavenly host into two warring factions and ultimately bring Sin and Death to mankind. This story is the first of a trilogy concerning the greatest battle epic since Creation. For this is the story of the fall of Lucifer, Satan, the Prince of Darkness.

[Source: Chad, SuperCapers.com, LucifertheMovie.com]

Review: ‘Dead Like Me: Life After Death’

deadlikemedvd

Travis:

It’s been a bit of a wait for the ‘Dead Like Me’ movie, which was supposed to tie up loose ends left frayed by the early cancellation of the Showtime series after just two seasons. I have to admit, I really enjoyed the Showtime series and hated to see it canceled. I own both seasons on DVD and was looking forward to seeing how the movie would wrap things up. Unfortunately, the movie doesn’t really “wrap” anything up, so much as attempt to continue the series with a new plot element.

This new plot element is the reaper’s handler Cameron (Henry Ian Cusick), who replaces Rube (Mandy Patinkin) after he “got his lights”. For those of you unfamiliar with the story, “getting your lights” refers to when a reaper has met their quota of reaps and is allowed to continue on to Heaven, etc. The entire story of the movie centers around the relationship between the reapers (George, Mason, Daisy and Roxy) and Cameron. Later in the film, George manages to re-establish an awkward relationship with her little sister Reggie, but that’s all I’ll say about that.

Ellen Muth returns as George Lass and I have to say it doesn’t seem like she’s aged much at all. She still has her sharp wit and quick tongue, but George has become more of a by the book beacon of being morally and ethically right, whereas in the series she was always sort of the “green” reaper learning from her mistakes, often challenging the status quo. In the movie, her role becomes somewhat reversed as Cameron is much more casual and loose with the rules of reaping, compared to Rube, and the other reapers initially find a new sense of fun and freedom in this opportunity. In all honesty, this is what ruins the movie for me. I miss Rube and Mandy Patinkin was perfect for the role. This new guy is annoying and isn’t even in the movie as much as you would think. Presumably, they filmmakers were not able to secure Patinkin to return, which I am guessing is the reason the story took this direction in the movie.

Callum Blue, Sarah Wynters and Jasmine Guy all return to reprise their roles as Mason, Daisy and Roxy. The first half of the film has some promise at being an interesting mystery in regards to who Cameron is an why he works the way he does. However, the second half of the movie ultimately becomes more of a farce and the focus has to be placed on George’s issues with living after death, so to speak. Naturally, the story is told from George’s point of view and is her story, but it occasionally gets lost in the mix. Overall, elements of the original series still exist and make appearance in the movie, but much of the wit and charm and general mood of the series is absent from the movie, which I felt came off as a more watered down re-introduction to the series than an effort to wrap up the story and further it along in a meaningful way.

[Overall: 2.75 stars out of 5]

DVD Features:

  • Audio Commentary by Director Stephen Herek

Uwe Boll needs “Your” help with ‘Blackout’

uwebollfinger

Infamous German b-movie filmmaker Uwe Boll has discovered a new method for financing his movies. Boll will go to the Internet to enlist “co-producers” on his next movie called ‘Blackout’. Each “investor” would make a contribution of $49 (33 euros).

‘Blackout’ is a terrorist disaster movie, making it the second with a terrorist-theme. Boll hopes to attain a budget of $18.5 million, which he plans to obtain in $50 increments from his fans. [Does he have this many fans?] Contributions can be made on the website at TheBlackoutFilm.com, which will launch on March 31, 2009.

Any “co-producers” who do offer their financial support are promised a special Limited Edition DVD, plus will have a chance to win a visit to the set. So, what happens if he doesn’t get the amount of money he wants?

If the planned budget is not reached by then, but at least 43% of the desired cash has been collected, Boll may elect to make the movie with a smaller budget. If not, he says he will return most of the cash to investors. The site claims that at least 27 euros ($40) from each payment will be returned should the film not get made. — HR

Uwe Boll is currently making his apocalyptic thriller called ‘The Storm’ starring Lauren Holly and Luke Perry. This concept of financing a movie through fan contributions is nothing new. Filmmaker Charles Band has been doing this already with his (much cooler) line of genre films. What do you think? Will Boll get the funding he wants, or will he have to settle? Will we be shocked to see how much support he gets?

[source: Hollywood Reporter]

Robert Rodriguez tags another one…

robertrodrigueznc

All-around utility filmmaker and total badass Robert Rodriguez has decided to re-team with Dimension for his “next” film, which will be a futuristic sci-fi thriller titled ‘Nervecracker’. Rodriguez will write and direct, as he rapidly develops the persona of being the busiest dude in the movie biz.

Set in 2085, the story centers on a character named Joe Tezca who is part of an elite unit dispatched to quell a crime wave in a theoretically perfect future society. – Variety

In case you’re wondering, with all these projects Rodriguez is taking on lately, whether this one will actually happen… the movie already has a release date: April 16, 2010.

[source: Variety]

McGuigan to Direct ‘Capa’ Biopic for Brosnan

robertcapa

Pierce Brosnan’s production company is putting together a biopic about Robert Capa, a Hungarian-born photojournalist well-known for his photography depicting the wars of his era. Paul McGuigan (Push) is set to direct the dramatic and engaging story about one of the most influential men in photojournalism.

Born Andre Friedmann in early-20th century Budapest, Capa memorialized many conflicts, including the Spanish Civil War and World War II. The colorful journalist also helped found Magnum Photos and traveled in glamorous circles that included a friendship with John Steinbeck and an affair with Ingrid Bergman.

Capa, who was killed in 1954 when he stepped on a land mine during the Indochina War, perhaps is best known for his photos of D-Day. He was one of the few photographers to land on the beach in Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944, and capture images of the Allied invasion. — HR

This is a perfect example of the type of biopic film I yearn for. Capa’s story NEEDS to be told on film and I even smell an Oscar nod (I know, it’s a bit early) if done well. That, of course, is a BIG “if” and much of it depends on who gets cast. Nonetheless, I am thrilled to see this movie is getting made!

[source: Hollywood Reporter]

UPDATE: A source has informed me of the following additional details regarding this production:

The script (finished) is by Jonathan Marc Feldman. It covers the Spanish Civil war, World War II and the Hollywood years. There are big parts for someone to play Ingrid Bergman, Gerda Taro, Martha Gellhorn, Hemingway, Irwin Shaw and John Steinbeck. They are beginning to cast.

WAMG First Look… ‘Veronika Decides to Die’

veronikadecidestodie

Right out of the gate, my BOGUS alarm went off when I found out about this movie. Two things had me concerned… First, it’s an American remake of the original Japanese film from Kei Horie made in 2005 and second, it stars Sarah Michelle Gellar. Well, let me be the first to say that I think I may have been TOTALLY wrong! Once I saw the trailer, my attitude immediately changed from loathing the thought of even going to the press screening to one of “Oh, My God! This movie may actually be really good and I am really excited to see it!”

‘Veronika Decides to Die’ is based on the best-selling book from author Paulo Coelho. The film is directed by Emily Young (Kiss of Life), the music in the trailer sounds good, if not great and the film is being scored by British composer Murray Gold (Death at a Funeral).

The story centers on Veronika, a woman in her mid twenties who appears to have everything: good looks, good job and a great life ahead of her. Yet she decides to end her own life. She is unsuccessful and awakens in a mental hospital where she learns that she has five days to live. We learn that the reason that she attempted suicide was that she felt so constrained by the rules and expectations of ‘normal’ society that she had concluded that she had experienced all that life had to offer. However in the hospital she meets people who are only ‘insane’ because they don’t always follow society’s rules. With little left to lose, Veronika embarks on a journey on which she frees herself to experience relationships and emotions and ultimately discovers what it means to live. — IMDB

Downey + Bekmambetov = ‘The Days Before’

timurbekmambetov_tdb

OK, so none of this is official yet, but Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted) is in talks to direct a new sci-fi project called ‘The Days Before’ written by Chad St. John. Furthermore, producer Gianni Nunnari (300) is in talks with Reese Witherspoon and Robert Downey, Jr to star in the film.

Days Before tells the story of a race of aliens who invade Earth by traveling backwards through time and wiping out humanity, one day at a time, yesterday by yesterday. One man attempts to stay “a yesterday ahead of them†, and every time he must try to convince the world that “the end is coming†, again. — /film

If this all goes through as stated, I’m all in for this one. It sounds like an original sci-fi story, Downey is the man and I love Timur B (Bekmambetov) as a director, even if he has allegedly abandoned the ‘Watch’ trilogy before the third installment even had a chance of seeing the light of day. Timur B is one of the most intriguing and visually stylistic directors out there, second only to Zack Snyder (IMO).

[source: /film]