Joaquin Phoenix Quitting Movies
October 31, 2008 by Jane Boursaw
It seems like most actors go through a period where they quit the business for one reason or another. But a lot of them come back!
I’m hoping that’s the case with Joaquin Phoenix, who told “Extra” this week that he’s quitting movies to focus on his music pursuits. His publicist, Susan Patricola, confirmed it, saying that “Two Lovers,” his upcoming movie with Gwyneth Paltrow, would be his last.
“He has said that ‘Two Lovers’ is his last,” said Patricola. “But this is not strange. Joaquin has been directing music videos and been involved in music for the last number of years.”
More after the jump…
David Heyman on "Half-Blood Prince" Delay
October 30, 2008 by Jane Boursaw
ComingSoon.net spoke with producer David Heyman about the delay of “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” to next summer.
Heyman said he’s sympathetic to the upset caused by the delay, but there were reasons for the move. “I would love the film to come out in November,” he said. “We would have been ready, but the fact is partly because of the writers strike and for whatever reason, Warners didn’t have any movies next summer. They had Batman this year which was bigger than they ever thought it would be, so they came to me, and they said, ‘David, we want to move it.’”
I don’t really have a problem with the move. I figure it just spans the franchise out that much longer, because I’ll hate to see it end. I mean, don’t go crazy and wait five years or anything, but half a year? No problem.
Heyman added that Warner Bros. has been very good to him in terms of autonomy and finances. “It defies belief how much independence we have on these films. They’ve been so supportive that one has to support… they needed it. It’s a film business.”
Heyman said the film is essentially done, except for a few tweaks. But for security reasons, they’ll keep all of the elements separate until they make prints, six weeks before the release date. “Piracy is such a huge issue.”
Image: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Warner Bros., 2009
"The Day the Earth Stood Still" - 5 Minute Trailer - VIDEO
October 30, 2008 by Jane Boursaw
This 5-minute trailer for “The Day the Earth Stood Still” was released today, although it’s very similar to the extended trailer shown with “Fringe” several weeks ago. Keanu Reeves is the perfect guy for this role, isn’t he?
"Valkyrie" - 4 New Pics
October 29, 2008 by Jane Boursaw
MGM/United Artists released four new images from Bryan Singer’s “Valkyrie,” in theaters Dec. 26, 2008. Also, a new trailer for the movie will premiere exclusively on Yahoo! Movies around 8 p.m. PT on Thursday. I’m sure it’ll go up on YouTube shortly thereafter, so I’ll post it here for you, as well. Until then, check out the new pics below! The film was shot in Germany at various locations where many of the actual events occurred, including the historic Bendlerblock.
More after the jump…
"Sherlock Holmes" - New Set Pics!
October 29, 2008 by Jane Boursaw
I’ve got a few new set photos from Warner Bros. “Sherlock Holmes,” starring Robert Downey, Jr. and Jude Law, scheduled for a Nov. 20, 2009 release.
Downey, Jr. plays the legendary detective, while Law stars as his trusted colleague, Watson, a doctor and war veteran. Rachel McAdams stars as Irene Adler, a woman who has a tempestuous relationship with Holmes. Mark Strong stars as their mysterious new adversary, Blackwood, and Kelly Reilly will play Watson’s love interest, Mary. But mostly, I’m looking forward to seeing Robert Downey, Jr. What about you!?
More after the jump…
"Zack and Miri Make a Porno" - Preview and Trailer
October 29, 2008 by Jane Boursaw
Despite the provocative title, “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” actually looks like a lot of fun (if you don’t mind a movie rife with sex, nudity, and swearing). And with the economy being the way it is, well, you’ve gotta wonder if more folks are looking at, uh, creative ways to pay the rent. Plus, there’s not much new in the romantic-comedy department, and this movie definitely looks different from the status quo. Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks look like they have great chemistry, too.
More after the jump, including a trailer (not the red-band trailer, though - the one they’re actually showing in theaters)…
New on DVD: Oct. 28, 2008
October 29, 2008 by Jane Boursaw
Tinker Bell. The little pixie gets her own movie, and yes, she has a backstory filled with magic and wonder. Voices include Mae Whitman, Kristen Chenoweth, America Ferrera, and Raven. Rated G.[Gecko Preview] [Official Site] [Buy It]
Kitt Kittredge: An American Girl. Abigail Breslin plays the American Girl, helping her family through the Great Depression. Rated G. [Gecko Review] [Official Site] [Buy It]
Journey to the Center of the Earth (Limited Edition 2D and 3D with glasses). Brendan Fraser and Josh Hutcherson star in this splendid remake of the classic movie. [Gecko Review] [Official Site] [Buy It]
The Prince and Me 3: A Royal Honeymoon. Six months after their marriage, the newly crowned king of Denmark and his wife finally set out on their long-planned honeymoon. But paparazzi and oil drillers get in the way. [IMDB Page] [Buy It]
Death Defying Acts. During Harry Houdini’s tour of Britain in 1926, the escape-master enters into a passionate affair with a Scottish psychic. Stars Catherine Zeta-Jones and Guy Pearce. [IMDB Page] [Buy It]
Image: Tinker Bell, Walt Disney Home Video, 2008
Mirren and Hackford Talk "Love Ranch"
October 29, 2008 by Jane Boursaw
Actress Helen Mirren and director Taylor Hackford (who are married in real life) talk about their upcoming film “Love Ranch,” about a brothel. I just love Helen Mirren. She can do pretty much anything and I’m there. Check it out:
Russell Crowe to Play a Werewolf?
October 29, 2008 by Jane Boursaw
Well, it wouldn’t be the worst casting decision on record. I can totally see Russell Crowe as a werewolf.
According to Bloody-Disgusting.com, Crowe is set to play a werewolf in a movie that will be directed by his pal Ridley Scott. Apparently, Ian Jeffers, who wrote both James Wans’ drama-thriller “Death Sentence” and Sylvain White’s upcoming adaptation of “Castlevania”, has sold an original script to director-producer Ridley Scott.
No other details were revealed, but it sounds like something to look forward to. And are werewolf movies the “in” thing now? We’ve got “The Wolfman” with Benicio Del Toro scheduled for release April 3, 2009. I guess they are.
Image: American Gangster, Universal Pictures, 2008
Jon Favreau and Robert Downey Jr. in for "Iron Man 2" and "The Avengers"
October 28, 2008 by Jane Boursaw
A Marvel press release landed in my inbox which I’m seriously overjoyed about: Robert Downey, Jr. will appear as Tony Stark in “The Avengers” movie, as well as reprise the role in “Iron Man 2.”
Also, Jon Favreau will direct “Iron Man 2,” as well as executive produce “The Avengers.” I figured this would probably be the case — especially with the wild success of “Iron Man” — but it’s always fun to see it in an official press release.
More after the jump…
