'The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby' To Have 3 Different Cuts Released

Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival last fall, The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby (directed by newcomer Ned Benson) had a screening unlike anything seen before.

The film - starring James McAvoy and Jessica Chastain - tells the story of a married couple whose relationship disintegrate.

The 'catch' with the film's screening though, was that there were two different cuts of shown back-to-back.  Him centered on the story from McAvoy's point-of-view while Her centered on Chastain's.

The Weinstein Company picked up the rights to release the film on September 26th this year, and have now announced the film will actually have three different cuts released.

The main, wide release will be termed Them, which is a combination of the two points-of-view while the two other cuts - Him and Her - will get separate, limited releases as well.

While I think something like this is unique to see in terms of filmmaking, I can't imagine someone paying to see essentailly the same film three times, even though each is technically different.

Whatever the case may be, it'll definitely be on my radar to check out come this fall, depending on whichever cut I actually see.

Source:  Deadline

John McTiernan Wants Back in the Directing Game

For anyone born post-2000, they probably don't have a clue who John McTiernan is.  They have grown up in the world of superhero and comic book movies and - for all intents and purposes - don't understand the craft of a 'true' action movie.

Low and behold, Mr. John McTiernan.

This man directed not only some of the best action films ever made (including Predator, Die Hard, The Hunt for Red October, Last Action Hero, Die Hard with a Venegance, and The Thomas Crown Affair) but also just good, quality films.

Anyone can just blow stuff up (a la Michael Bay), but McTiernan always made sure to focus on the story and characters involved - because he knew without that - there'd be no connection to the action going on.

Anyway, likely the reason you haven't heard McTiernan's name mentioned in a while is because he's actually been in jail for close to the past decade due to his involvement in a wire tapping scandal.

But now, with that under the bridge, the man can get back to doing what he does best: making action movies.

In his first interview since being released from prison, McTiernan states his first film out of the gate - Red Squad - is currently being rewritten as he felt unhappy with its current draft form but is hard at work on getting it right.  It's rumored the film will star Nicolas Cage (on a career comeback?) and Colin Farrell about a team of mercenaries who have gone rouge with their latest mission taking them to Mexico to bring down a drug lord.

McTiernan also states he spent his time in prison writing a sequel to The Thomas Crown Affair, entitled Thomas Crown And The Missing Lioness.  While there has been movement over the years to make a sequel to the Pierce Brosnan starring 1999 caper flick, nothing has sufficed.  Maybe now with McTiernan back, it'll get going.

Honestly, I just hope the guy gets a chance again in Hollywood because he knows how to make a film that not only sells tickets but actually tells a story too (something that's gotten lost in today's filmmaking).

Source:  Empire

The Trailer (12 Years in the Making) for Richard Linklater's 'Boyhood'

I remember first reading about this project way back in 2002 (I was a freshman in high school) and thinking to myself, "This must be an April Fools joke."

The idea that someone would decide to shoot a movie over a span of 12 years to realistically depict a boy's growth from the age of 6 - 18 (1st - 12th grade) was a unprecedented undertaking.  Yet, when it comes to Richard Linklater, he's proven himself time and time again to be everything but a 'conventional' filmmaker.

Starring Ethan Hawke, Patricia Arquette and newcomer (he's ironically been 'coming' for the past 12 years) Ellar Coltrane, Boyhood tells the story of a child named Mason as he naviagtes through that 'rocky' journey we all encounter from childhood to young adulthood.

The film debuted at Sundance earlier this year and received an overwhelmingly positive reaction as a filmgoing experience unlike anything ever seen.  I wouldn't be shocked if this is finally Linklater's ticket to the Oscars that he's been long overdue for.

You can view the film's trailer below along with its official synopsis and teaser poster.

Boyhood hits theaters in limited release on July 11th. 

Filmed over 12 years with the same cast, Richard Linklater’s BOYHOOD is a groundbreaking story of growing up as seen through the eyes of a child named Mason (a breakthrough performance by Ellar Coltrane), who literally grows up on screen before our eyes. Starring Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette as Mason’s parents and newcomer Lorelei Linklater as his sister Samantha, BOYHOOD charts the rocky terrain of childhood like no other film has before. Snapshots of adolescence from road trips and family dinners to birthdays and graduations and all the moments in between become transcendent, set to a soundtrack spanning the years from Coldplay’s Yellow to Arcade Fire’s Deep Blue. BOYHOOD is both a nostalgic time capsule of the recent past and an ode to growing up and parenting. It’s impossible to watch Mason and his family without thinking about our own journey.

Source:  IFC Films

'Terminator: Genesis' Has Officially Started Production

Production on next year's Terminator reboot, Terminator: Genesis, has officially begun.

Directed by Alan Taylor (Thor: The Dark World) and starring Emilia Clarke as Sarah Connor, Jai Courtney as Kyle Reese, Jason Clarke as John Connor, Dayo Okeniyi as Danny Dyson, and last but not least, Arnold Schwarzenegger as the Terminator, Skydance Productions posted the above image on their official Facebook page.

Though it's not much to go off of, it can be seen the production is going under the code name 'Vista' as it will be shooting in and around New Orleans.

Also, it seems Arnold has begun shooting as well as I came across this image of him on set below:

Source:  Skydance Productions - Facebook, The Arnold Fans - Message Boards

First Trailer for David Fincher's 'Gone Girl'; Director Exits Steve Jobs Biopic

Originally, this entry was solely going to be about the first trailer just released for director David Fincher's Gone Girl, an adaptation of the Gillian Flynn novel of the same name.

However, news broke just a couple hours back that the extremely talented filmmaker is reportedly 'out' as director for the Steve Job biopic he was looking to helm with Aaron Sorkin (The Social Network) writing and possibly Christian Bale set to star.

First, I'll discuss Gone Girl.

The film is based on the crime-mystery novel about a man named Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) who becomes the lead suspect when his wife (Rosamund Pike) disappears on their five-year wedding anniversary.

The trailer - in typical Fincher style - has that unique look and feel to it (you can also view the film's poster below).

I haven't read the book but I'm certainly looking forward to anything Fincher does.  Not to mention, our upcoming Batman looks to be in pretty fine form as Affleck's seemingly landed one of his most complex and challenging roles in years.  Honestly, when has Fincher ever directed a bad performance?

Gone Girl opens October 3rd.

Anyway, now onto the Steve Jobs thing.

Apparently, Fincher wants too much creative control (including marketing) along with a $10 million up-front fee.

Sony isn't down with the filmmaker's demands and is now looking at other directors to take on the project.

Not for nothing, I understand studios feel things are always a business and are constantly looking to make the most money off of something, but this is David Fincher we're talking about.  One of the top 5 directors working in Hollywood today, bar none.  When the man wants something, you give it to him.  It's not like his track records hasn't proven anything short of greatness.

The original story notes there is the possiblity the studio may re-enter negotiations with the filmmaker down the line so here's hoping Sony comes to their senses.

Source:  20th Century Fox, The Hollywood Reporter

Warner Bros. Sets Guy Ritchie Helmed 'King Arthur' for July 22nd, 2016

Though no cast members have been announced, Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow Pictures have taken the early step in dating their tentpole fantasy retelling, King Arthur, for July 22nd, 2016 with Guy Ritchie directing.

Ritchie - who has a good relationship with the studio having directed both Sherlock Holmes films as well as next year's The Man from U.N.C.L.E. - was rumored to be circling the project back in January with news now coming that he has officially signed on.

If you recall, Warner Bros. was looking to make their new take on the King Arthur legend a couple years back but ran into budget issues as well as being unable to land a bankable lead (Colin Farrel's name was thrown around along with up-and-comers Joel Kinnaman and Kit Harrington).

Now, the studio has signed both a familiar and capable action movie director to deliver - what they hope will be - the start of a new franchise.

Source:  Deadline

Is a 'Goonies 2' Finally Happening?

The Goonies is one of those films that no matter how many times you watch it, it never gets old.  It's a timeless classic that will continue in popularity for year and years to come.

But of course, in our current day business of filmmaking, the obvious word always come to mind:  sequel.

A Goonies 2 has been talked about for decades now.  There's been scripts written - one where the Goonies' kids took center stage, another where the originals came back for one more adventure - but even with that, nothing ever materialized.

However, it looks like something might be back on the table.

Speaking with TMZ over the weekend, the original film's director, Richard Donner, had a surprising tidbit when asked about possibly making another comic book movie (he of course directed the original Superman):

“If you call ‘Goonies’ a comic book. We’re doing a sequel.”

Way to drop a bombshell there, Dick.

I don't think there's been any inkling of movement on a Goonies sequel for a while now, so way to light the fire again.

Donner also stated (and you can watch the video below) that he hopes most of the original cast will return, including Sean Astin, Corey Feldman, and the one who's become the biggest star since, Josh Brolin.

While I can imagine the 'nostalgia' of bringing back all the original Goonies for a follow-up some 30 years later, I can't help but think that ship sailed a long time ago.  But hey, if they've come up with a great story (three decades is certainly enough time to figure it out) and have both Donner and original producer, Steven Spielberg (who I'm sure is driving the bus on this thing), back, I say, "Why not?"

We'll keep you posted on if more comes of this.

Until then, stay tuned.

 

Source:  TMZ

'The Expendables 3' Roll Call

Smartly realizing the huge amount of coin Captain America: The Winter Soldier is going to make this weekend, Lionsgate is taking advantage by attaching their 'roll call' for The Expendables 3 before the newest Marvel Studios film.

Though certainly not considered a 'trailer', it seems Lionsgate figured they could bring some new fans to the table by showing off a cool, action-packed preview of their August 15th release.

I have to say, the budget looks way bigger for this film compared to previous two and it looks like they actually got someone who knows how to direct an action film this time (Patrick Hughes).  However, I'm not sure how much Kelsey Grammer has done action-wise to fit in here along this Glen Powell guy who I'm pretty sure no one has ever heard of.

Watch the 'roll call' below along with the film's officialy synopsis:

Opening in theaters on August 15, the action film stars Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Randy Couture, Terry Crews, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Wesley Snipes, Antonio Banderas, Mel Gibson, Harrison Ford, Kellan Lutz, Ronda Rousey, Victor Ortiz, Glen Powell and Kelsey Grammer.

In The Expendables 3, Barney (Stallone), Christmas (Statham) and the rest of the team comes face-to-face with Conrad Stonebanks (Gibson), who years ago co-founded The Expendables with Barney. Stonebanks subsequently became a ruthless arms trader and someone who Barney was forced to kill… or so he thought. Stonebanks, who eluded death once before, now is making it his mission to end The Expendables -- but Barney has other plans. Barney decides that he has to fight old blood with new blood, and brings in a new era of Expendables team members, recruiting individuals who are younger, faster and more tech-savvy. The latest mission becomes a clash of classic old-school style versus high-tech expertise in the Expendables’ most personal battle yet.

Source:  Lionsgate

Mel Gibson to Star in 'Blood Father'

I really hope that someday soon enough, people give Mel Gibson a chance again.

For a while, he was one of the biggest stars in Hollywood.  Then, after a sinful mistake, he's been blacklisted from the industry.  He deserves better.

Until then, he's lining up his next project, a Taken-like thriller called Blood Father.

In the film, Gibson will play a an ex-con who reunites with his 16 year-old daughter to protect her from drug dealers looking to kill her.  It will be directed by Jean-Francois Richet (Mesrine) and will start production this May in New Mexico.  It was scripted by Peter Craig (The Town).

I know these Taken inspired flicks are starting to get old (look at Kevin Costner's most recent, 3 Days to Kill for example) but I really hope a guy like Gibson can bring something new to this thing.  He's obviously an extremely talented filmmaker (five Oscars for Braveheart including Best Picture and Director will do that for you), so I can only imagine a guy like him on board will benefit the project.

We'll see.

Source:  Deadline

Dayo Okeniyi Joins 'Terminator: Genesis'; Will Play Son of Miles Dyson

After a recent report came out pegging John Boyega (Attack the Block) as the frontrunner for the role of Danny Dyson in Paramount Pictures/Skydance Productions Terminator reboot, Terminator: Genesis, it's been confirmed that Dayo Okeniyi - most recently seen in last year's The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and The Spectacular Now - has landed the role.

Okeniyi - like Boyega - was being torn between this project and JJ Abrams new Star Wars picture as one of the film's leads.  Reportedly, Skydance's boss, David Ellison, stepped up and did what he had to do to land Okeniyi for a central role in his sci-fi franchise reboot, which is also planning to shoot a second and third film back-to-back in a span of nine months, if of course, this first one is a success.

Okeniyi's role of Danny Dyson may sound recognizable as his character is the son of Joe Morton's Miles Dyson in 1991's Terminator 2: Judgment Day.  The elder Dyson was the creator of Skynet and it seems his son will play a vital role in developing the technology to make its birth possible.

Terminator: Genesis is set to start shooting in just under a month in New Orleans with franchise star Arnold Schwarzenegger reprising his signature role along with Emilia Clarke, Jason Clarke, and Jai Courtney playing the roles of Sarah Connor, John Connor, and Kyle Reese, respectively.  JK Simmons also stars.

Alan Taylor is set to direct for a July 1st, 2015 release.

Source:  Deadline