Fishing for Avatar

The Los Angeles Times has released a interview with the 'King Fish' of cinema himself, James Cameron. The Avatar director reveals an August re-release of the box office giant among other things and delves a bit into what we might expect from the sequel:

"Part of my focus in the second film is in creating a different environment – a different setting within Pandora. And I'm going to be focusing on the ocean on Pandora, which will be equally rich and diverse and crazy and imaginative, but it just won’t be a rain forest. I’m not saying we won’t see what we’ve already seen; we’ll see more of that as well."

Sounds like Jake will literally get his feet wet this time around. The sequel is probably still a few years from being made, as he will have to dream up all of the various multicolored sea creatures, but don't expect another 12 years in-between. He and others that worked on the film have stated numerous times that the world has been built now and revisiting it will be much easier.

Be sure to get your tickets in advance for the August re-release!

Russell Crowe: Man In Tights

A new poster has been released for Ridley Scott's adaptation of Robin Hood. This promises to have epic battle sequences and a heavy dose of drama. It may even top Mel Brooks' "Robin Hood: Men In Tights" to claim the title of best film based upon the character.

All kidding aside, the trailers for this do look quite good and unless my mind changes a considerable amount from now until that proposed release date, then I'm sure I will be checking it out opening night. Gladiator was such a quality movie and there's no way this can't be as bad as the Kevin Costner version...

... or can it?

Strange Tides For Sam Claflin

Press Release:

Sam Claflin has been selected by producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Rob Marshall to star in the key role of Philip, a youthful missionary, in Walt Disney Pictures'/Jerry Bruckheimer Films' epic adventure "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides," the fourth in the blockbuster series of films. Claflin joins Johnny Depp, returning in his iconic role of Captain Jack Sparrow, as well as Astrid Berges-Frisbey and an international cast. The film is slated to open on May 20, 2011.

Hailing from the United Kingdom, Claflin attended The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. He then won roles in the historical mini-series "The Pillars of the Earth," alongside actors Ian McShane, Rufus Sewell, Matthew MacFadyen and Donald Sutherland, followed by the telefilm "The Lost Future."

"Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" is directed by Rob Marshall, whose first feature film was the Academy Award®-winning "Chicago," followed by "Memoirs of a Geisha" and "Nine." Producer Jerry Bruckheimer's films include (producing with Don Simpson) "Top Gun," "Beverly Hills Cop," "Flashdance," and (producing solo) "Con Air," "Armageddon," the "Pirates of the Caribbean" trilogy and the "National Treasure" franchise, as well as this summer's "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" and "The Sorcerer's Apprentice." JBTV's current series are "C.S.I.: Crime Scene Investigation" and its spin-offs "C.S.I.: Miami," "C.S.I.: NY" and "Cold Case," "The Amazing Race" and "Miami Medical."

The first three films in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" series amassed a total international box office of $2.7 billion.

Beginning in June, "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" will film entirely on location in Hawaii, Great Britain and Los Angeles.

It seems that Claflin will be taking duties in a role similar to Orlando Bloom's now that he's out. We get to see another film where the young adventuring boy goes after the love of a girl all the while Jack tries to sweep her off her feet by his own admission.

The odd thing about this news to me, is the choice of director. I am not doubting Marshall's skill as a director in the least. I very much enjoyed Chicago; possibly the best musical I've seen but I'm unsure how he will handle all the action and big moments of a film of this type.

Is this actually going to be Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, The Musical?

Disney's Redeeming Apprentice

When I first heard this movie was being made and with Nic Cage in it as well, I almost dismissed it. More magic, sorcery and fantasy is just what we need. I assumed very little about this movie would excite me. Then the trailer was released, and it was full of great sequences and my opinion immediately changed.  
 
Comingsoon.net has released the teaser poster for Disneys' "The Sorcerer's Apprentice". The poster reveals just enough to surround itself with good mystery if you are glancing at it for the first time in theatres.

I believe this one is shaping up to be a great boost for Disney in the live action department, as their latest installment of the hugely popular "Pirates" series, left bitter thoughts in the minds of critics and fans a like.

Also another note of interest, Nic Cages hair in this one looks believable and fits his often mundane face quite well.

Because You Asked For It, Avatar Returns

Apparently the studio executives at Fox weren't pleased with the box office numbers of Avatar and they've struck a deal with AMC Theatres for a limited two day re-release of the phenomenon.
 
If you couldn't wait until Thursday to own the movie then here's your chance to pay the newly raised 3-D prices that you missed the first time around. Friday and Saturday will have 61 theatres in 29 cities showing the movie that wowed audiences back in December.

This is the first news I've heard about the re-release so I'm unsure what other moviegoers are thinking on the release. I'll just wait for the Blu-ray and be amazed at the clarity on tv my as I rest a plate on my stomach, downing a cold one.

Jeff Daniels, The Author

Comingsoon.net has released the official poster for 'Paper Man'.

Continuing his role as a down an out writer from the 'Squid and the Whale', Jeff Daniels stars in the April 23rd release of 'Paper Man'.

The story is about a failed author who learns to grow out of his childish habits and behavior with the help of a young teen girl, all the while his wife and imaginary superhero friend disapprove.

Also starring Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds and Lisa Kudrow.

The costume of Paper Man reminds me a bit of Martian Manhunter with color alterations. I am intrigued by the poster and it sounds like the movie will be a light hearted, fun comedy. I sure do miss that wonderful beard Daniels was sporting in 'The Squid and the Whale' though. 

Webs Of Doubt For Logan Lerman?

Webs of rumors continue to spin out of the soon to rebooted Spider-Man franchise. It was recently reported that Logan Lerman from Percy Jackson fame was a sure bet to be cast in the lead role. Interesting news from IESB claims that Josh Hutcherson has slung his name into the mix as

Hutcherson has starred in "Zathura" and "RV", with his latest role being in "The Vampire's Assistant". His name hasn't been set in stone for the #1 pick for everyone's favorite web head but with the direction the reboot seems to be geared towards, he fits the mold quite well.

I get the sense of a more "Ultimate Spider-Man" themed film this time around, which may be a nice change from the Raimi films in order to rejuvenate the character.

Tweeting About Lantern

Newly appointed Creative Officer of DC Entertainment, Geoff Johns, takes a few moments from his busy schedule to let us in on what hes seen of the Green Lantern thus far courtesy of his Twitter account:

"Back from an amazing trip to Green Lantern town a.k.a. New Orleans!! Ryan IS Hal. And Mark Strong is going to be a brilliant Sinestro.

Kilowog, the Guardians, Oa...all breathtaking. The age of Green Lantern is upon us!!"

Seeing Johns' comments on the production so far has me all the more amped up for the release of this film. It sounds like they are really trying to give us a good depth from the Lantern lore.

Nolan afraid of Kryptonite?

It's a bird, its a plane, its...

A RUMOR!

As it usually goes with the wonderful world of Hollywood, the recent news of Nolan mentoring a Superman franchise has been commented as only a rumor by DC's head of entertainment, Diane Nelson.

"Wouldn't you like to know!" laughed Nelson when asked if there was any truth to the recent rumor that "The Dark Knight " director Christopher Nolan will oversee a reboot of the "Superman" movie franchise.


"We don't have any plans about that, and as I've mentioned, in the coming months we'll be making a lot of announcements about what our content plans will be," she added. "But right now, that's nothing but rumor - and we frankly don't say a whole lot more about rumor than that, so..."

It seems wise to take anything as a rumor at this point regarding any of the current DC rumblings. This statement could also be a coy move to keep Nolan's involvement as secretive as possible. Time will tell.