Entries by Peter Georgiou (1944)
Confucius Trailer
The Philosophy Of Confucius:
* The superior man understands what is right; the inferior man understands what will sell.
* Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.
* Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance.
* Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.
* An oppressive government is fiercer and more to be feared than a tiger.
'Boondock Saints II' Trailer
Boondock Saints, the 2000 crime picture renowned for the unique story of the fast rise and fall of its egomaniacal filmmaker, Troy Duffy, as well as the cult following that appeared later on home release, gets the sequel treatment with this follow-up. Sean Patrick Flanery and Norman Reedus reunite as the vigilante MacManus brothers, with Billy Connolly returning as Il Duce. Duffy once again directs from his own script, with Clifton Collins Jr., Julie Benz, and David Della Rocco filling out the rest of the cast.
'The Green Hornet' Has Wings
Despite my critical rants to the contrary, "The Green Hornet" is actually happening. Whether that is a good thing or a bad thing remains to be seen but Columbia Pictures via Latino Review has announced that cameras began rolling on September 2nd. On top of the announcement that principal photography has begun on the the film, additions to the cast were also revealed. Joining Seth Rogen, Nic Cage, and Cameron Diaz, are Tom Wilkinson, Edward James Olmos, and David Harbour.
I honestly appreciate the quirky subtlety that Michel Gondry can bring to a flick, I'm just not sure how that will fit into the Green Hornet universe. I would imagine they are hoping for a presentation similar to another television show turned movie, "Get Smart". That flick went over pretty solid on screen and if I'm the studio I'm crossing my fingers for a mirror of that box office take. Hopefully this isn't Rogen's "Land of the Lost" and the general public actually cares enough to buy some tickets.
Adding Tom Wilkinson to the cast is a bold move and to me adds some credibility to the flick depending on the role he actually does play. Just seeing that guy on screen gives the impression that whatever movie I am watching matters. Wilkinson stole the show as Benjamin Franklin in HBO's mini series "John Adams". Even his small role as Carmine Falcone in "Batman Begins" made me giddy. I Heart Wilkinson.
Stallone Can't Let Go Of Rambo
I have to hand it to Sylvester, the guy still looks like an action figure and he sure isn't going to let us forget it. In 2006 he brought back loveable south paw Rocky Balboa in a film by the same name. Still feeling a bit nostalgic Sylvester decided to bring back another one of our favorite characters from his arsenal, John Rambo. "Rambo" didn't even make back it's budget domestically, 42 million against a 50 million dollar budget, but it seems that NU Image/Millenium Films wants to give us some more blood and bullets. "Rambo 5" has officially been given the green light with Sylvester again gearing up to direct and star in the actioner. Apparently John Rambo is give the task of saving a young girl who was abducted somewhere along the Mexican border.
To me it has been all downhill since "First Blood" made a surprise appearance in the early 80's. "First Blood II" and "Rambo III" were soon to follow. I still don't understand how they came to the conclusion it made sense to call the 3rd installment "Rambo III". Maybe the title was a tribute to "Leonard Part 6". In case anybody is interested, production is going to start in the Spring on "Rambo 5". Unlike my obvious lukewarm feelings towards the Rambo series, I'm certainly looking forward to the "Expendables" which is sure to entertain despite the on set issues. I'm just not sure how long Sylvester can keep this up. I'm waiting for the inevitable "Rambo & Rocky" film, where Rocky has to reach out for Rambo's help when Pauley is abducted by the aliens from "Cocoon". I should leave this last line out, I don't want to give the studios any ideas.
'The Green Hornet' Has Wings Clipped
"The Green Hornet" release date has been pushed back 5 months. So instead of me not going to see Green Hornet on July 7th, 2010; I now wont be going to see this flick on December 17, 2010. No your eyes are not deceiving you, the above picture lists the start date as June 25th, 2010, which means this movie was already pushed back two weeks. You might not have known that, and if you didn't it's probably because you don't care. If that is the case, then I support you completely.
Of course the studio didn't give a reason for the date changes but it's obvious that they are afraid of putting this film up against any movie. It doesn't matter if the competition is "Predators", "Smurfs 3D", or "Yogi Bear", "The Green Hornet" is no match for any rival. Seth Rogen continues to talk up the film as if it these constant delays are a good thing.
"We're both relieved and psyched about the change. It gives more time for post, which would have been immensely rushed if we were to come out in the summer. It also affords us more time to promote the film, (now we can go to Comic-Con with more than a car!) and ultimately is a great vote of confidence from the studio. We got the same date that movies like 'I Am Legend' and 'Avatar' are getting, so we're thrilled to be there."
Vote of confidence? Sounds like the studio is running scared. I wonder if they are trying to get off the Rogen Train before it derails or if they just aren't all that confident in the product. It isn't like there is a large fan base for Green Hornet nor can I imagine people lining up to witness Rogen fighting crime and Nic Cage spouting off a plethora of fancy words.
Nic Cage's Need For Speed
Something about Nic Cage makes me feel comfortable. He is like a steaming bowl of clam chowder on a frigid winter day. I don't want to eat a cream based soup every day, but there are times when it hits the spot and fills you up. I don't know if it is his flamboyant hair or his familiar method of delivering dialogue, but there are times when I welcome Mr. Cage into my living room with open arms. There are other times, I don't even want to hear his name mentioned within five hundred feet of where I am sitting. I think that "Drive Angry" could be one of those times.
The Trades are reporting that Cage has signed on the dotted line to headline Patrick Lussier's "Drive Angry". Nu Image/Millenium Films will be running the show with Michael De Luca set to produce. The story is set up like your typical revenge flick with Cage hot on the trail of the group of individuals who killed his daughter and also kidnapped her baby. Like one of his previous action films, "Gone In 60 Seconds", the camera will follow Cage via car as he partakes on a bloody rampage all over the highways of America. The movie goer will be able to view this massacre in 3D. Filming to commence April 2010 in Louisiana.
'Predators' Getting Leid In Hawaii
If it isn't clear to some of you quite yet, we are all going to be blessed with another installment of our favorite dreadlocked aliens. Director Nimrod Antal, no that isn't a typo, will begin principal photography on 'Predators' September 28th. The Robert Rodriguez produced film is going to deal with a contingent of people who have somehow made their way on to the Predator's home planet. Apparently this past week 20th Century Fox's production team was scouting locations in Hawaii. If Hawaii does end up hosting these alien beings in the upcoming 'Predators' filming would take place in October according to Tim Ryan's Reel Hawaii.
My guess is the jungle will be used for a setting in a flashback. Possibly a nod to the original Predator, but don't expect Apollo Creed or Arnold to be machoing around the jungle after them There is also a possibility that Hawaii could pass as an alien landscape. Either way I'm not very excited about yet another Predator flick. It gives me a "been there, done that" type of feeling in the pit of my stomach. I'm not sure if it is the onslaught of remakes, prequels, and sequels we have been getting or that I've turned into a Jamie Williams.
Competition Can't Cheat 'Final Destination'
Weekend Actuals: August 28th - August 30th
1 The Final Destination $27,408,309
2 Inglourious Basterds $19,303,653
3 Halloween II (2009) $16,349,565
4 District 9 $10,270,435
5 G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra $7,715,572
6 Julie & Julia $7,035,675
7 The Time Traveler's Wife $6,452,270
8 Shorts $4,511,345
9 Taking Woodstock $3,457,760
10 G-Force $2,824,808
Green Lantern Might Be Grounded
The thought of another DC related character outside of Superman and Batman flying across the big screen always seemed like a novelty to me. I never felt quite at ease with the notion, but I sure wanted to see it happen. Since "Green Lantern" was first announced, I found myself doubting that I would ever get to enjoy it at the local multi-plex. Even my multiple email correspondences with Green Lantern writer Marc Guggeheim always screamed for reassurance from the scribe. I was never sure. I'm still not.
Its been almost two months since the news broke that Ryan Reynolds had been cast as Green Lantern, since then, we haven't heard much. We were expecting that WB would announce that Carol Ferris had been cast, maybe Sinestro. The only person who has given any real insight into the project has been screenwriter Marc Guggenheim, who has since turned his attention to television to work on Flash Forward. Martin Campbell hasn't uttered a peep since being announced as director of the project, although the most recent draft of the script was said to have been heavily influenced by his ideas.
Today via Production Weekly's Twitter we were finally given some news on "Green Lantern", although it doesn't seem to be all that positive.
"Green Lantern’s proposed Australian shoot is understood to be under threat after the rising Australian dollar has blown out production costs."
It is certainly possible that Warner Bros could lock up a different location to shoot the film. New Zealand, Vancouver, Montreal, or Toronto being the most likely destinations. This could also be the beginning of a string of bad news. I hope the next report will be positive and we don't hear something like Martin Campbell has dropped out and new writers have been brought on board. I really don't feel like being witness to another "Justice League: Mortal".
According to Brendan Swift of Inside Film, Warner Bros is trying to negotiate with the NSW State Government in hopes of receiving a higher level of concessions to make up for the increased value of the Australian Dollar.
The value of the Australian dollar has climbed by more than 16 per cent since the State Labor government announced the deal to film at Fox Studios in mid-April. The big-budget Hollywood blockbuster was expected to create around 500 local jobs, including 100 performers and 200 crew.
Normally a production would lock in finance once said film received the all important green light. However, subsequent drafts of the "Green Lantern" script delayed filming and the ability to lock in said finance.