Jon Favreau is not directing 'Avengers' and Norton is not in 'Iron'

Ladies and gentlemen, today is a sad day.  The Jon Favreau, Mr. Iron Man, god among Marvel movie directors has decided he will NOT be directing the planned Avengers film to be released after the Captain America film.  Fans have been pushing for Favreau to direct the film starring the Marvel characters, Thor, Captain America, The Hulk and Iron Man.

I say again Favreau will not be directing The Avengers. It’s a shame, yes, but someone else deserves a shot at the film.  Favreau is hogging the awesome and needs to spread it among the Marvel movie directors.  It will be good for him to be on the side and maybe have his major input with the film be on Iron Man and not tackle all of the characters.

Favreau is currently working on post-production for Iron Man 2 and will be release on May 7, 2010.  No footage for Iron Man 2 has been released to the public but some was shown at the San Diego Comic Con this summer. Favreau spoke with MTV News recently at the Couples Retreat junket in Bora, Bora and said:

“They’ll have to [find a different director], because I’m not going to be available.  It’s something I’m being the executive producer on, so I’ll definitely have input and a say.”
Favreau did give some incite on where exactly the film might go and how the director and producers will deal with the diversity of characters.  Favreau said:

“It’s going to be hard, because I was so involved in creating the world of Iron Man and Iron Man is very much a tech-based hero, and then with ‘Avengers’ you’re going to be introducing some supernatural aspects because of Thor. How you mix the two of those works very well in the comic books, but it’s going to take a lot of thoughtfulness to make that all work and not blow the reality that we’ve created.”

Favreau had talked about taking the reigns of The Avengers but any speculation can be nixed.  The question at hand now is who will take the position?  Well, bare with me here but because Disney just bought Marvel could Marvel be interested in making the cross over by first having a Disney director handle the film perhaps John Lasseter or dare I say BRAD BIRD.  It’s known that he can handle a team of superheroes flawlessly with The Incredibles and is a true visionary in terms of visual storytelling.

You know that idea rules admit it!  Or perhaps another interesting choice of direction similar to the pick of Kenneth Branagh for Thor. How about Gus Van Sant directs The Avengers, epic.
Alright in other Marvel and Favreau news, Edward Norton will not be appearing in Iron Man 2. There was rumor that he would either cameo as Bruce Banner or The Hulk but Favreau also discredited those rumors.  Thanks Jon!

Chris Pine to fill role done by 'Indy,' 'Daredevil' and Jacky Boy

The man behind the next gen…new Captain Kirk in J.J. Abrams Star Trek reboot could be filling the shoes of a lesser Bourne type with not nearly the amount of cool as Bond.  That man is Chris Pine and the character is none other than Jack Ryan.  Paramount Pictures, the studio that also released Star Trek is intending to add a film to the Tom Clancy series.

The series has four movies to its name so far, The Hunt for Red October, Patriot Games, Clear and Present Danger and The Sum of All Fears.  The role of CIA agent Jack Ryan has been portrayed by Alec Baldwin (The Hunt for Red October), Harrison Ford (Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger) and Ben Affleck (The Sum of All Fears.)  Variety broke the story of Pine possibly being involved in the next film.

As of right now the only for sure news bit surrounding the Jack Ryan feature is that Hosselin Amini recently turned in his script draft for the film.  The film will not be based on any novel written by the character originator, Tom Clancy, but rather an original screenplay involving the character Jack Ryan.

I honestly have never seen any of these films so I won’t judge based upon content but from what they’ve done in terms of box office this seems like a step backwards for Pine.  He was the golden boy who revived an iconic character perfectly and held a big blockbuster on his shoulders.  This guy doesn’t need a CIA conspiracy story to stay on the radar he needs another bigger film.  If he wants to stay on the radar I say get into a superhero flick or if he’s looking for an award go drama or indie.

As of right now Pine is set to be in two projects and possibly a Star Trek sequel. He is currently filming, Unstoppable, directed by Tony Scott and co-starring Denzel Washington.  Unstoppable is being produced by Twentieth Century Fox. It was also recently announced that Pine might star in the  film, The Art of Making Money.

Out of the few films mentioned, Washington, Pine and trains (Unstoppable) is intriguing but I think both men could do better. 

The Art of Making Money seems to be the best of the films.  It's being directed by the solid D.J. Caruso (Disturbia) and is about a counterfeiter in New York.  It echoes Catch Me If You Can but I’m not so sure that’s a bad thing, could potentially be Pine’s in for Oscar? 

Star Trek? Is there any question this should happen?  The first was great, but there are so many stories to be told still. 

Finally, the Jack Ryan film could be fun for Pine and give him some more action screen time but I think he should wait on jumping on the bandwagon that captured a superhero, a space pirate and a foul mouthed cop.

Ruben Fleischer is having the best week ever

A question you might be asking is who the heck is Ruben Fleischer?  First you could say he is the director of the critically and financially acclaimed film, Zombieland. Second you could say he is one of the most sought after directors in Hollywood.  Third, he’s way more legit than you.

Fleischer was originally a music video director looking for his shot at a big feature.  Now he has a number one film under his belt and is being listed with every comedy flick known in Hollywood.
Fleischer hasn’t officially joined any projects but a few The Hollywood Reporter has circled for the director are Daddy’s Home, Neighborhood Watch, 21 Jump Street and Psycho Funky Chimp.

Woody Harrelson had said in the past that Fleischer would be working with Will Ferrell next.  Apparently that’s not far off the mark.  Fleischer might direct the Ferrell vehicle, Daddy’s Home, in which Ferrell would be a divorced guy who reaks havoc in the life of his newly remarried ex-wife and her uptight second husband. (Possibly played by Ed Helms)

Next is the proposed recreation of the popular ’80s show, 21 Jump Street in film.  It was initially set to star Jonah Hill but doesn’t currently have a director and is being produced by Sony.  This could be a really cool project because after seeing what Fleischer has done with Zombieland it is intriguing to think about Hill in the role originally filled by Johnny Depp and I think Fleischer could bring a new spin to an old idea.

Another former Ferrell vehilce, Neighborhood Watch, is another potential project for him.  I wish I could tell you why this is the worst flipping idea ever.  I wish I could tell you.  In the film a city guy moves to the suburbs and discovers an alien conspiracy, it sounds fun it’s not.

Finally the most intriguing of his projects would have to be Psycho Funky Chimp.  This was his planned project before Zombieland.  The story follows a guy who buys the rarest of all Pez dispensers, the Psycho Funky Chimp.  The purchase attracts vultures, thieves and fanboys and makes him question whether he really is ready to grow up.

Recap: Daddy’s Home, poor move on Fleischer’s part, seems too juvenile, 21 Jump Street, heck yes bring on some high school infiltration with his style, Neighborhood Watch, please god no!  Even he cannot make this script good, Psycho Funky Chimp, I’m in for some weird fun!

Trailer Review: 'Toy Story 3' reminiscent of the good and the bad

I don’t mean to be a pessimist here, but rather a skeptic because I do not want people to get let down if this sequel is not to the same level of the previous films. 

Most entertainment news sites have had nothing but positive things to say about this film so far but I can’t help but think there might be issues present.

Don’t get me wrong this trailer is beautifully done and I’m very excited.  I saw this first when I viewed the double feature of Toy Story 1/2.  I got goose bumps seeing young Andy on screen again.  It was cool to see his home movies because he was one of us when the first film came out, a kid.  Andy grows up in the movies and finally we see Andy heading off to college deciding what to do with his old toys including his pals Woody and Buzz. 

From there it’s not apparent what happens but the toys end up in a daycare center and go through all sorts of torture.  Buzz is nearly swallowed by a young child and Potato Head and the Mrs. look like amputees when the kids are finished with them.  It’s a very funny scene and it looks fantastic on screen, there is a lot of color to it, which will be perfect in 3D.

The toys decide to break out from the daycare center.  Buzz attempts his daring escape similar to the way he first flew in Toy Story and suffers the equivalent to a concussion for a toy.  The others have to reset Buzz and accidentally reset the space ranger to a Spanish setting.  Not only does Buzz think he is Spanish and suave but he’s back to believing he’s a space ranger.

Hamm said it best, “Oh yes, return of the astronut.”

Okay I have literally no comments about the first minute and forty five seconds.  The home movies are brilliant and very sentimental which is fitting because of how these characters make people feel.  The story of Andy going to college is not too cheesy and provides a good conflict to keep the plot moving as far as I can tell.

However, once we hit that mark of 1:45, the plot seems very similar to the past Story’s.  The idea of busting out has been a subplot that has been done to death in the Toy Story franchise.  Woody and Buzz had to bust out of Sid’s house, Woody had to get out of Al’s apartment and now they’re busting out again with the slogan: No Toy Gets Left Behind. It all seems very similar.  Now you can take this as a positive and say “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” but I say that Pixar has way more originality than exploring the simple escape plot.

The other issue, which I see as recycling of the past is the Spanish Buzz subplot.  Have we not already explored Buzz enough?  There are so many other fascinating characters that haven’t been fully explored and should be.   However, Pixar takes the easy way out by going back to Buzz being a bit cuckoo like when he first arrived.  It was done in Toy Story with Woody and his constant bickering over whether or not he was a toy or a space ranger.  Then, we saw it in Toy Story 2 where he literally had to battle his old self as a wannabe space ranger. 

I would not be surprised to see a gimmick where Woody and Buzz act out that iconic scene in which Woody tells Buzz he is a toy and Buzz answer back in Spanish with, “And you are a sad, strange little man, you have my pity.”  Will I laugh?  Heck yes!  That’s funny stuff but I’ll feel cheated after all these years because Pixar couldn’t come up with a plot not involving Buzz so centrally.

What gives me faith in this movie using more than these overused ideas is the fact that there have been a lot of new characters cast in recent months that could be a huge part in the film.  However, I think it’s more than likely they’re all in the daycare scene and that’s their only part in the adventure.  Either way I promise you readers that I am very excited for this film and I’m so glad they released such an early trailer but I can’t help but be skeptical on the plot thus far.

In quick casting news Kristen Schaal (Flight of the Conchords) will be voicing a character in the new film and Blake Clark will be taking on the Slinky Dog voice which was originally done by Jim Varney but Varney died shortly after the release of Toy Story 2.

Finally for all of those still wanting to see Toy Story1/2 one final time on the big screen.  The double feature will be in release for another 2 weeks until it is replaced by the release of The Nightmare Before Christmas in 3D.

Toy Story 3 will be released on June 18, 2010 and The Nightmare Before Christmas has been re-released in 3D in select cities.

Singer may re-join the "X-Men"

Bryan Singer just might collaborate with our favorite mutants (besides my family) again. Singer has certainly not signed on for any specific X-Men feature but there are plenty for the man who created the first two films.

Those films include X-Men: First Class currently being produced by X-Men, X2 and X-Men:The Last Stand producer Lauren Schuler Donner and written by Josh Schwartz (Chuck.)

Next up for grabs would be the proposed sequel to X-Men Origins: Wolverine. The sequel is set to star Hugh Jackman in the iconic role and possibly take place in Japan. Finally is the spin-off for Ryan Reynold’s character, Deadpool and maybe even the continuation of the current X-Men franchise with X-Men 4.

Singer has not officially signed on to any of these pictures and has plenty of projects he’s currently in development on. Included on Singer’s current slate are Exacalibur, Battlestar Galactica and Jack the Giant Killer.


According to The Hollywood Reporter Singer spoke up at the Pusan International Film Festival in South Korea and said:

“I’m still looking to possibly returning to the ‘X-Men’ franchise. I’ve been talking to Fox about it. I love Hugh Jackman. I love the cast.”

From Singer’s comments alone one could assume a number of things. First off the projects he more than likely won’t take on would probably be X-Men: First Class because he would have to drop the reigns of Jack because First Class is set to shoot in the spring. Also the second I would say should be dropped is Deadpool, from his comments he intends to work with Jackman again and his part in the spin-off would probably be cameo at most. Deadpool is also a character he hasn’t been particualrly familiar with in his films but it certainly would be neat to see Singer’s spin on the “merc with a mouth.”

So that leaves the rumored X-Men 4 or Wolverine 2, I would love to see Wolverine 2 by Singer but more exciting would be to see the whole gang together again. The reason it is more than likely the sequel to Wolverine would have to be his comment about working with Hugh Jackman, because again I would think Jackman’s claws are in Wolverine’s court and any part of a full X-Men film would be cameo at best.

Finally one cannot forget that maybe Singer might change his mind again and take out the ‘Man of Steel’ for another journey. As of right now it appears Supes is out of Singer’s hands. Perhaps Warner Brother will rethink such stupidity because the problem with Superman Returns wasn’t a bad story or most certainly direction but rather he wasn’t marketed well and he doesn’t really fit into this America anymore. Either way hopefully neither Warner Bros. or Fox drop by the ball on this because I want another Singer superhero film.

Box Office Results: October 9th - 11th

Okay, I fail. I epically, horrifically fail as an entertainment reporter because this should have been done Sunday evening and is probably the single easiest story to post but here it is…late.


I am honestly not surprised by the box office results of the week but a trifle upset. Couples Retreat on the surface looks like a fun comedy with great comedy actors but I’m sorry in my world Vince Vaughn has overstayed his welcome and shame on Jason Bateman for being in a film with him.

Well, in the end it worked out for all involved because the film took in a very solid $34.2 million. Luckily something remained in the Top 3 deserving of such an honor, that film is Zombieland which I was able to watch this weekend and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Other surprises on the box office chart include Toy Story 1/2’s drop in the box office but apparently it was enough to have Disney extend the double features release.

Finally, comes the most exciting and impressive budget receipt for the weekend. Paranormal Activity the realistic limited released horror film raked in $7.9 million for the weekend. As of right now the winner for the weekend will be Where the Wild Things Are which will not be a surprise to anyone.

1.) Couples Retreat - $34.2 million
2.) Zombieland - $14.8 million
3.) Cloudy With a Chance for Meatballs - $11.5 million
4.) Toy Story/Toy Story 2 - $7.9 million
5.) Paranormal Activity - $7.7 million
6.) Surrogates - $4.2 million
7.) The Invention of Lying - $3.3 million
8.) Whip It - $2.8 million
9.) Capitalism: A Love Story - $2.6 million
10.) Fame - $2.5 million

Movie Review: "The Informant"

I have loved the movies I have seen lately and you might notice that all my latest reviews are incredibly positive. I consider myself a good judge of character in terms of movies but sometimes I am mistaken, case in point, Hancock.

However, The Informant was not one of those misses, it was everything I expected but also some I didn’t. The film itself follows the character, Mark Whitacre an Archer Daniels Midland employee who became an informant to the FBI on the companies work in price fixing with other international organizations. I really don’t want to say much more in terms of plot because if I give away even a little bit more it would be too much.

I promise you though that this story is solid to its core. The plot is always moving even when interrupted by Whitacre’s (Matt Damon) inner monolgue. There are so many emotions present in this film and in a viewers mind as they watch that it is nearly indescribable. The audience views characters as heroes, crooks, idiots and geniuses sometimes within a few scenes of each other. The plot is beautifully thought out and though it becomes difficult to follow at points, you will more than likely catch on eventually.

In terms of acting, it is some of the most top notch acting seen this fall. Damon is looking better than ever even though he had to put on a few pounds for the role. It is amazing to think that he is the same guy to bring Jason Bourne to life. This role further proves how versatile Damon is as an actor. Also featured in the film is Scott Bakulka as Brian Shephard, FBI agent. Bakulka who is most well known for his character in Quantum Leap is at his best and makes an audience question why Bakulka has not been used before in film. He portrays the intrigue, frustration and overall power an FBI agent has over people perfectly. Along for the ride with Bakulka is Joel McHale as FBI agent Robert Herndon. McHale (Community) really steps up to the plate for this big movie role and knocks it out of the park. His acting style is not utilized so much in dialogue but rather in nonverbals. McHale brings a power to each sarcastic look, dissappointed head shake and general body language used. Finally, last but not least is Melanie Lynskey as Whitacre’s wife, Ginger. She plays the committed wife to a T and is the perfect awkward ying to Damon’s yang. You sense that she would truly follow this foolish guy into the fire any day of the week just like the real Ginger Whitacre.

Also there are a few great comedy actors that take some semi-serious turns in The Informant. Those actors are as follows: Patton Oswalt, Tony Hale, Clancy Brown, Paul F. Thompkins and Andrew Daly.

Next, I have to commend the amazing production designer who made a nineties baby realize how dorky his parents looked nearly twenty years ago. I remember when the first trailer premiered that people were calling it that ’70s movie with Damon. How weird it is that the film in fact takes place within the 90s and 00s. With each ridiculous neck tie, cubicle space, plane and hotel room, Doug J. Meerdink nails every bit of the production design.

To forget the music would be a failure for me as both a film reviewer and music lover because Marvin Hamlisch is a true genius with The Informant. Each musical piece fits the setting and emotion around. Hamlisch accomplishes what many music composers cannot seem to pull off even through an entire film. Hamlisch also creates a sense of irony with the music used in the film with is sarcastic playing of “spy” music as Whitacre is simply a civillian spy in a simple business situation. It’s pitch pefect.

Okay finally the one and only Steven “Oceans” Soderbergh has created his best film in my opinion to date and I am a huge fan of the remake of Oceans Eleven. He has a great grasp on the story of Whitacre and his exploits. This really seemed like a personal project for him and his chance to get the real story of Mark Whitacre on screen. Will Whitacre appreciate Soderbergh’s film is not known but let it be known Steven, I loved The Informant and cannot wait to see your follow up film.

If you’re looking for a film similar to The Informant coming out soon, I suggest watching the trailer for the film, The Men Who Stare at Goats starring a Damon and Soderbergh friend, George Clooney.

The Informant is now playing at the Rivoli and The Men Who Stare at Goats will be released Nov. 6.

The Informant review will be up today with two other news stories, look out for them.

Toy Story 3 Official Trailer

I'm hungry for a good movie: 'Zombieland' Movie Review

I start this review by saying this, I have never used the Lord’s name in veign more so than in Zombieland. The reason was, it blew my mind! There was so much fantastic violence and quirky, dark comedy to the movie, I still can’t fully comprehend what I witnessed.


Zombieland follows an unlikely crew of misfits as they travel through the United States, which is now overrun with flesh eating, oozing monsters. The characters in the film go by the names of their cities so as to not get to close to one another in case one of them becomes a zombie. The four city named non-zombiefied civillians are Columbus, a young college kid with no human connections, no family and a list of rules to fend off zombies, Tallahassee, a zombie killing machine who has a tragic past and wants to make no connection with any of these youngsters, oh and did I mention his ultimate goal in Zombieland is to hunt down a specific classic Hostess snack, Wichita, a wise, strong and cool woman who goes for the bad boys but might make an exception, and finally Little Rock, Wichita’s sister and partner in crime who is just as smart and wily as her big sister.

I don’t know where to begin with what I liked about this film from beginning to end it was a laugh riot and most intense movie experience I’ve experienced. Dare I say it may have even rivaled Inglourious Basterds for my favorite movie as of late.

This is a visual film, and that is putting it lightly. With every zombie, the make up is brilliantly done, so realistic, the use of Columbus’ rules in surviving Zombieland are brilliantly inserted in the film. Finally the most amazing part of Zombieland is the often overused slow motion. However, there is nothing corny or cheeseball about the use of the slow motion, it fits with every scene it’s used in and adds yet another level of awe. It is one of the most disturbing, disgusting and brilliantly shot films ever.

Not only is the direction and visual of the film beautiful with it comes brilliant acting from the cast. All four of them, Jesse Eisenberg (Columbus), Woody Harrelson (Tallahassee), Emma Stone (Wichita), Abigail Breslin (Little Rock) give some of the best performances of their careers. Looking at the idea of this film, you think that all is needed is a few kids and older middle aged type to have some fun blasting some zombies. However, there is more to it than that they all have to act comedy, drama, action, heroism and romance sometimes all in the same scene.

I would have to say the best performances come from Stone and Harrelson because they are so bad a—. Eisenberg does a really great job in his role as well but there’s something too Michael Cera about him. Honestly, I think I like his style more than Cera’s but because Cera was around before him it’s hard to forget. Breslin also puts in a great performance, proving that she has certainly gotten better with age.

Finally is the cameo…Yes, you may have heard about it. You may know who it is. I won’t say but believe me folks it lives up to all of the expectations one might have. It is certainly a tad random, but the movie has that feeling to it sometime so it’s not a surprise to see this person up on screen.

Overall this movie was pleasing to the eyes, even though it made the stomach queasy. It was made for only $ 23.6 million but it looks like a $100 million picture, they really got a lot of bang for their buck on this one. The direction by Ruben Fleischer is unbelievable he truly has a grasp of the genre and can handle directing both comedy and horror perfectly. The praise really must go to the writers, Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, they created a screenplay that was so entertaining and genius in explaining what many people see as a joke but made Zombieland real and the most intense thrill ride moviegoers might go on this season.

The film was released October 2 and is currently playing at the Imperial Theatres in Hastings.

http://www.dtmovies.com/showtimes.aspx?tid=153

Me, Zac Efron and Orson Welles: 'Me and Orson Welles' Trailer Review

I like Zac Efron. There I said it. Yup, I like him in it all, Hairspray, 17 Again and even High School Musical. The guy is entertaining. I have even said if given the right role Efron could be the next Johnny Depp or Tom Cruise.


Efron been involved in the planning stages of remakes such as Teen Wolf and Footloose. I'm not sold on the idea of Efron taking on remakes, I think his place is sinking his teeth into a solid original script.

Now I know that is a bold statement but I stick to it especially after seeing the new trailer for Me and Orson Welles. However, it's not strictly Efron's movie, the film so far belongs to Christian McKay as the famous director, Orson Welles.

I am really excited about the film because the conflict between Efron's character as an actor in Welles' play and Welles will be epic and in contrast of one another. The fight between a young actor and the pumpous director will be one of the main reasons I'll be along for this trip through the theatre.

The film is directed by Richard Linklater and follows a troupe of actors in 1936 as they present a stage production of Julius Caesar with Welles directing. Welles directed the stage play five years before making Citizen Kane, his most well regarded film. Efron plays a young actor cast in the play, who claims his life is completely changed in a weeklong experience with the production.

Me and Orson Welles has had issues finding distribution and has received good reviews so far but the final verdict on the story of Orson and friends will come when it premieres Nov. 25.

Who you going to call? Ivan Reitman!

According to Bloody Disgusting It is official the one and only director of the original  Ghostbusters film and the less exciting sequel, Ivan Reitman, is involved in the long-awaited sequel, Ghostbusters 3.

It is not known what Reitman’s involvement will be in the project for he has not signed on as director or producer, but he will in some way be involved.  Reitman’s past credits as a director include along with the Ghostbusters films, Stripes, Meatballs and Kindergarten Cop.  He is also a producer extraordinaire with 59 credits to his name.

As of right now most everyone from the first two films is signed on for the sequel including the four Ghostbusters themselves, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson.

According to SlashFilm Gene Stupnitsky and Lee Eisenberg (The Office) have a script turned in and the script follows the ‘Busters as they “reopen” their ghost removal service and hire new younger crew members.  The old Ghostbusters will be mentors to the new poltergeist pulverizers.

The film does not have a release date set but IMDB lists it as a 2012 release.

'Juno' and Maeby writing HBO show 'Stitch N'Bitch'

Alright, well I promised the boss lady that I would branch out with my news story so here is an attempt.  Ellen Page (Juno), Alia Shawkat (Arrested Development) and Sean Tillmann (Whip It) are planning on writing and executive producing a series for HBO.  The show fittingly titled for these indie three is Stitch N’Bitch.

There is not much known about the project but sources say that it will explore the lives of some of the most demented and disturbing people known to man.

HIPSTERS

The Hollywood Reporter said that the show will feature a single camera shoot and document the lives of two hipster girls.  The two relocate from Brooklyn to Los Angeles planning to become artists.
As of right now Page and Shawkat are not currently signed on to star in the series.  However, if they were to both sign on I would be more interested in the show.  I think the two are some of the strongest young female talent out there today and really could do something with this only slightly intriguing plot.

This show is intriguing for the same reason Bored to Death is.  It features relative unknowns to the mainstream similar to Jason Schwartzmann’s (Funny People) new show, Bored to Death, also starring Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover) and Ted Danson (Becker).  I wish I had HBO…

This could be a great opportunity for the two budding actresses and actor to step forward as creative talents and prove they’ve got more than just indie acting under their hoodie sleeves.  Good luck Maeby, Juno and the other guy.

Darrell Hammond officially leaves 'SNL'

Darrel Hammond, Saturday Night Live cast member for 14 seasons has taken his final bow for the weekend sketch show and will not be reappearing.  Hammond has officially announced his retirement from SNL.

He apparently has said that he retired last year but his retirement is official today according to a post by Extra.  Hammond, 53-year-old will no longer be featured in the shows iconic opening credits but could appear in certain sketches on a “case-by-case basis.”

Hammond is most well known for his appearances as Sean Connery (“That’s not what your mother said last night!”), Donald Trump (“You’re fired”), Vice President Dick Cheney and the one and only President Bill Clinton.

Clinton had to be Hammond’s best impression all the way from the accent to that politicians thumb, as he spoke.  Hammond was one of the better impressionists of the show but never was fully appreciated unless you’ve been a fan for a long time.  He was older, but really brought a lot of class to the show and I will miss seeing his talent.

Darrel Hammond joined the show in ‘94 and is the longest running cast member.

I’m concerned his retirement is the final bow needed for Lorne Michaels, producer, to revamp the show with as much young talent as possible.  With the firing of Michaela Watkins and the hiring of younger Jenny Slate this furthers my theory.  As much as I love Samberg, Wiig, Hader and Sudeikis there was something about the classic comedians up there that made a more diverse and intriguing show.

We shall see how the show continues without Hammond and hopefully it sticks to the the same idea and that is to always remember the funny!

Venom: Why won't the black goo die?

Venom has been in development for some time after the release of the travesty that is Spider-Man 3, but news of the film getting a director and writer has surfaced.  Gary Ross (currently writing Spider-Man 4) could be writing the Venom spin-off and even directing.  Ross is an interesting fit for the franchise in terms of screenwriting with his credits including Big, Dave and Lassie. However he has had a shot at a very visually stimulating film, Pleasantville as a director.

The film was originally set to be written by Paul Wernick and Rhett Rheese, who scribed the recent film, Zombieland, and before them Jacob Estes was entrusted to write the Spidey villain’s story.
There are no casting plans as of right now.  Originally the character was played by Topher Grace (That ’70s Show.)  It can be assumed that Grace will not be recast in the spin-off so as to seperate Venom’s film from the critical flop Spider-Man 3.

To say that Spider-Man 3 was a bad movie is an understatement, to say that it was a disaster, an understatement, that movie was an attack on a child’s heart.  A child who loved to watch the Saturday morning cartoon and awaited the moment when Eddie Brock would become Venom.

I recall my experience at a late screening the night before it came out (work at a movie theatre the perks are amazing).  I indulged the corny action flicks and cheese ball dialogue.  I thought the whole time, just wait, Venom will be here soon, and he came and went.  Along with an emo Peter Parker waltzing down New York’s streets like Travolta in Saturday Night Fever. 

Honestly the character of Venom was good, not great, not everything he was in comic and cartoon lore.  I don’t blame Topher Grace, because I liked his performance but there was something that was just missing in the big black glob.

Spider-Man 4 is set for release on May 6 2011 and Venom currently does not have a release date.

Polanski: Behind bars and not so desired

Roman Polanski has been no stranger to the news lately after he was taken into custody in Zurich, Switzerland.

It is now known that Polanski will not be released by Switzerland. 30 years ago, Polanski awaited sentencing in Los Angeles after he was convicted of six felonies involving the drugging and raping of a 13-year-old girl. Polanski could no longer wait for his sentencing and fled. He was living in exile in Europe but recently was arrested because of extradition requests by the United States.

The reason for Switzerland’s holding of Polanski is that he presents a “high risk of flight.” Switzerland will hold Polanski while they await for the U.S. government to request extradition.

In reality Polanski should be happy because he’s safe in his cell for now, because if and when he gets back to the United States everything will be even more exciting than before. He will more than likely go through multiple trials and interviews before any of this situation is solved.

Polanski has tried to have the charges against him dropped but the U.S. said he must surrender. The woman involved who is now older has said on multiple accounts that she wants this all to be put behind her. She does not want her family or others close to her be affected by what this ‘70s director did years ago.

Polanski’s case also had another breakthrough as Marcia Clark, Los Angeles District Attorney lied to the director of a documentary about Polanski, “Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired.” This falsity could very well hurt any chance Polanski has to be proven innocent on all counts.

The case is an interesting one much like Polanski’s life, but it’s certain to go even deeper much like Polanski’s brilliant, often disturbing films.

Tarantino might be looking 'pretty' or Western

Tarantino’s “Inglourious Basterds” has grossed $117,023,832 and already has some Oscar buzz surrounding the film. So what should a successful director like Tarantino be doing? I have a feeling a trip to Disney World may not be in Quentin’s future.

According to a conference call with Variety, Tarantino is planning to put on hold the second sequel to his “Kill Bill” franchise. Tarantino plans to instead shoot a ‘20s/’30s ‘Pretty Boy Floyd’ type of gangster or a Western picture.

Tarantino last week had said he wanted to film “Kill Bill 3” but now his intent has changed after holding a press conference for “Inglourious Basterds” at the Morelia Film Festival. There he decided that he would like to do a different film in between “Basterds” and “Kill Bill 3.”

Tarantino is well known for his gangster pictures like “Pulp Fiction” and “Reservoir Dogs.” However, he has never taken on a period gangster picture like the one previously mentioned. As much as I’d be interested to see what Tarantino could do with a Western, I cannot help but want to see him take on the ‘20s/’30s crime period. It was recently fictionally documented in Michael Mann’s “Public Enemies,” but there are so many more stories to be told and it is no surprise that Tarantino is interested in the Pretty Boy Floyd character, who got very little screen time in Mann’s film.

Another reason I really do not want Tarantino to take on a Western is the fact that my favorite directors of all time are handling that department. The Coen Brothers are at work on a remake of “True Grit” originally starring John Wayne as ‘Rooster Cogburn. There has not been very much news about this remake besides the rumored casting of Jeff Bridges as Cogburn.

For now all of this is simply rumor and no matter what film Tarantino chooses to do it is a long way out. In the words of “Basterds” Col. Hans. Landa, “I love rumors! Facts can be so misleading, where rumors, true or false, are often revealing.”

'Toy Story' times two equals 3D

Many reviewers through the years have talked about “Toy Story” like it was their own. “Toy Story” was a film for anyone who wanted to revert to a child like state, but our generation was currently in that state. “Toy Story” is our movie, the children of the nineties. There was not a little kid out there not quoting the movie or singing along with Randy Newman when “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” came on the radio.

“Toy Story” was our “Jaws,” our “Star Wars.”

Well, guess what all you little kiddies out there we can relive those childhood movie moments. “Toy Story” and “Toy Story 2” premiered last weekend at the Rivoli Theatre as a double feature in 3D.

“Toy Story” explores the ‘secret life of toys.’ A young boy named Andy owns the toys. Andy loves his toys especially Woody, a hand me down cowboy doll, until a hip new space action figure named Buzz Lightyear arrives. Woody tries to get rid of Buzz but fails and Woody is disowned by Andy’s other toys. Buzz and Woody eventually must work together to get out of a few difficult situations including escaping a toy destroying child’s home.

Luckily I was able to see the films on Friday and it had been awhile since I had such an enjoyable movie watching experience. Lately I do not sit down for a ‘PG’ or ‘PG-13’ film and would rather watch a bloody, action ‘R.’ However; “Toy Story” truly has stood the test of time. Many animated features nowadays are forgettable but “Toy Story” was so original and creative that there is no question in my mind why most critics perceive it as a classic.

The 3D visual of my favorite toys coming to life again really was something spectacular. The 3D glasses and imagery did not create a gimmick like that of an amusement park. You will not see Sid’s maniacal smile in your face, but you will see things you’ve never seen before. Pixar gives you the ability to see deeper into Andy’s Room, Sid’s House or even Pizza Planet. The “Toy Story” double feature was a total immersive experience.

I have read and perhaps you have too that the 3D in “Toy Story” was not nearly as impressive as that of its sequel. I disagree with that, the only issues with the first film are the fact that the original is just that, the original and “Toy Story” was a learning experience for Pixar. Don’t be fooled by the naysayers, each film looks beautiful up on the big screen again.

“Toy Story” looked great, “Toy Story 2” because it had gone through innovations in animation looks amazing. “Toy Story 2” is a continuation of “Toy Story” that follows Buzz and other toys as they set out to rescue Woody from a creepy collector named Al. During their escapades Woody questions if Andy will love him forever and the toys must face off with both Al and Buzz’s enemy Emperor Zurg.

The opening with Buzz Lightyear is one of the best openings of all time with its science fiction references and intense near miss action sequences and then the humorous finale. As a moviegoer you quickly realize it may have old familiar faces but this film is all it’s own.

I said I wouldn’t call out too many details but it’s impossible for me not to mention my favorite voice actor in “Toy Story 2,” Kelsey Grammer. Grammer as “The Prospector” is one of the most brilliant casting decisions ever made for a Pixar film, he pulls off the loveable old man perfectly and when the character takes a turn for the worst Grammer is at his best. “Toy Story 2” is viewed as one of the best sequels of all time and I cannot deny that because it uses all the elements that made “Toy Story” so great in the first place. With its use of humor, compelling characters and a story that switches from drama to comedy so easily you forget the characters are animated.

For anyone concerned that the story or original animation has been changed can rest easy because the full story of Buzz and Woody is intact and funnier than ever. It was interesting to watch this children’s movie again and catch onto to the adult humor. I never knew why Mr. Potato Head took his mouth off and tapped it to his bottom as a six year old; now as a nineteen year old the old business insult makes perfect sense.

It is also interesting to think that my siblings today are watching films like “Coraline” which I interpret as inappropriate for children but when thinking about the horrors in Sid’s Room it makes me retract my grievances.

In between the two films is an intermission featuring the characters of the films, trivia, clips and more. One of the most interesting and disturbing clips I saw was the test footage for “Toy Story” with Woody as a ventriloquist dummy and Buzz as a pint-sized version of himself named “Tempas from Morph.”

The most intriguing part of the double feature besides the films has to be the new trailer that is currently only being shown in theatres. The trailer is wonderful and gave me goose bumps seeing the toys back, looking better than ever and a grown up version of a familiar someone, who could it be? I guess you’ll have to find out. If that is not enough incentive to sit down and watch another stirring adventure of Andy’s toys then maybe the casting of Michael Keaton (“Cars”), Whoopi Goldberg (“Lion King”), Ned Beatty (“Rudy”) and Timothy Dalton (“License to Kill”) is.

I wish I could say more but I don’t want to spoil it for you but I have high hopes for the third “Toy Story” film and I believe Pixar will not let me down and the millions other willing to pay opening day, June 18, 2010. Until then my fellow moviegoers, to infinity and beyond!

Michael Bay is more than meets the eye, with no ‘Pain’, no ‘Gain’

Michael Bay had said before the release of “Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen” that he wanted to direct a smaller more personal “Pulp Fiction” type film. Apparently that is no longer the case, Bay is meeting with Hasbro, the company that holds "Tranformers" rights, in Rhode Island to incorporate new characters into the multi-million dollar franchise. Bay is also working on a script with Ehren Kruger, who wrote the latest installment of the series, and Steven Spielberg,.

The film is set to release on July 1, 2011. Paramount and DreamWorks will produce it like the previous two films.

The release date was mentioned in March but Bay was not sure he would be willing to direct the robots again so quickly. Seemingly he intends to leave behind “Pain and Gain.” “Pain and Gain” was to be a “kidnapping and extortion thriller about a pair of idiot bodybuilders,” according to IMDB Pro. Bay intends to follow the third “Transformers” film with “Pain and Gain” as of right now.

There is also development surrounding “I Am Number 4” and “Bad Boys 3.” “I Am Number 4” has three writers attached and follows “nine alien teens that come to Earth after their planet is destroyed by an enemy species. But soon discover that their enemy is now after them on Earth,” according to IMDB Pro.

Finally, Megan Fox will also be returning to the sequel. Fox and Bay have had their differences in the past few months, but she will be back to fight alien robots, according to Bay’s post on his official forum. Bay has not dropped the feud between the two though as he posts:

Megan Fox, welcome back. I promise no alien robots will harm you in any way during the production of this motion picture. Please consult your Physician when working under my direction because some side effects can occur, such as mild dizziness, intense nausea, suicidal tendencies, depression, minor chest hair growth, random internal hemorrhaging and inability to sleep. As some directors may be hazardous to your health, please consult your Doctor to determine if this is right for you.

Megan Fox can currently be seen in the Twentieth Century Fox film, “Jennifer’s Body,” and will next star alongside Josh Brolin in the Legendary Pictures and DC Comics produced “Jonah Hex.”

Thank you to SlashFilm.com for breaking this story.