Total Film News

Dakota Fanning goes ‘70s

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:50:11 GMT

Rock biopic The Runaways has been busy filming in Los Angeles, and now pictures have emerged of Dakota Fanning and Kristen Stewart on set.

While we’ve seen Stewart in her Joan Jett getup before, there hasn’t been much coverage of Fanning, playing leader singer Cherie Currie.

And it’s Fanning who makes the biggest impact here - she’s almost unrecognisable these days from the little girl who appeared in the likes of War Of The Worlds. Sniff… she’s growing up fast.

With recent word that Arrested Development’s Alia Shawkat has joined the film as the band’s bass player – or at least a fictional conglomeration of the string-strummers who swung through the band during its heyday in the ‘70s and ‘80s, it’s shaping up to be something decent.

We’ll have to wait until next year to see for sure. Meanwhile, check out a few more pics in the gallery to the right.

[Source: Just Jared]

Do they look the part? And can the film do the band justice?

District 9 wants you to shoot aliens

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:36:51 GMT

The viral website for sci-fi drama/thriller District 9 has launched an online game that lets you enter the movie’s alien/human-phobic world.

You can play as either a human – with the job of capturing or (more fun) shooting the naughty aliens attempting to revolt and escape, or as a non-human trying to make it out of the slum.

And according to the team at Collider, we'll get to see a new trailer for the movie next week.

[Source: District 9]

Still anticipating the movie? What do you think of the viral campaign so far?

“No plans” for a Heathers sequel

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:35:43 GMT

Pouring some cold water – or should that be drain cleaner? – on the endless Heathers sequel rumours, director Michael Lehmann now says it’s highly unlikely.

While Winona Ryder seems convinced it’ll eventually happen, Lehmann talked to Movieline and denied that so much as a treatment has been penned.

“Winona’s been talking about this for years — she brings it up every once in a while and Dan Waters and I will joke about it, but as far as I know there’s no script and no plans to do the sequel.

“I thought, ‘I don’t know, maybe they did this without me?’ But I got in touch with Dan Waters and he said he didn’t know anything about it. So I don’t think there’s any truth to it.”

Which is strange, since Waters, who wrote the original, has been linked with sequel scripts in the past.

And Lehmann, for his part, is also no fan of follow-ups either. “Generally, I don’t like sequels at all. If the movie’s good the first time, why bother?

"With something like The Matrix, for example, it feels like a trilogy, or with a comic-book movie, those movies were based on something that was created in a serial format.

“So a movie as specific as Heathers, which took place in a specific time and specific place and in which many of the characters got killed off, I never thought it made sense to see a sequel.”

We’re sure whoever owns the rights will consider it anyway – either as a sequel or a remake, but just not yet…

[Source: Movieline]

Nimrod Antal will direct Predators

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 05:50:42 GMT

Nimrod Antal – who made Vacancy, Control and the upcoming Armoured – has been picked to direct Predators.

Robert Rodriguez, who’s producing the film, spilled the goods to Ain’t It Cool, confirming Latino Review's sources.

He also revealed some basic plot detail about the movie, while warning the script is still in flux: "a very intense group of people stranded on a Predator planet discovering unspeakable horrors - that are not always from outside their group.

“So like the original movie, the title does have a double meaning. 'Aliens' was a different take on the Alien idea, and an original movie in it's own right, and that's what we want to do with this."

He’s also clear that this will steer the famous monstoids well away from the AVP films. “A few months ago, when Alex Young at Fox contacted me about re-inventing the franchise using my original draft as a template for getting as far away as possible from the AVP movies, I jumped on it.

“I was already booked up as a director when this came back to me, but I still wanted to have a hand in making it. So I lobbied to have the movie done through my studios so I could oversee it in a stronger position than a producer usually takes on.”

It’s not a bad choice, and with the support of the likes of the KNB effects team, Predators has a shot at being something good.

But then, when your competition is AVP: Requiem, you’re not exactly stacked with reasons to worry…

[Source: Ain’t It Cool]

Is Antal the right choice? Sound off!

New Avatar image released

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 05:50:15 GMT

As the Avatar release date creeps ever closer, we’re getting more and more looks at the movie.

The latest might not be as exciting as the footage screened in Amsterdam, but it’s probably more thrilling for what it represents than what it is.

The San Diego Comic Con is always sponsored by one big film, and this year it’s Avatar.

To celebrate, the banners that hang from the city’s street lamps feature one of the Na’vi (if we had to guess, we’d say Zoe Saldana’s Neytiri.

And while it’s hardly a clear shot of her, it signifies that Avatar will definitely have some sort of presence at the convention.

What that will be has not been announced, but with Warners showing 3D footage from Final Destination 3, it’s more than likely James Cameron will bring… something. Hopefully the Amsterdam Expo material at the very least.

If you were planning to go but haven’t got your pass yet – bad news, it’s long since been sold out. But fear not: totalfilm.com will be there for the whole thing and you can follow us on twitter.

After all, it’s about time Avatar started gearing up the publicity machine…

[Source: Coming Soon]

Like the image? Going to the Con and excited for what Cameron has in store?

Jessica Biel joining Thor?

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 04:32:34 GMT

It’s only just started to gear up properly, but the rumours about Thor casting are still rolling – with Jessica Biel reportedly in talks.

According to “sources” that talked to Nuke The Fridge (so hire a truck of salt to take it with), Biel is in discussions to play the lead’s love interest.

There’s no word on what that might mean, but the site does have suggestions, including a human nurse who becomes Thor’s lady when he’s stuck on Earth, The Enchantress or Sif, and Asgardian warrior who Thor falls for.

And we’ve no confirmation yet as to whether the story will even bring the hero to Earth.

You might remember that Natalie Portman has previously been linked to a possible role, but of course all we have right now is the rumours.

But let’s face it – we’d be happy to see Biel join the cast…

[Source: Nuke The Fridge]

Do you want to see Biel join Thor? Speak!

Bill Nighy cast in The Deathly Hallows!

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 06:10:25 GMT

Bill Nighy has confirmed that he’s nabbed a role in Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows.

While he can’t say too much about it yet – likely under threat of a crucio curse – he has admitted to The Independent that he’s taken a role.

"I don't think I'm allowed to say it but I'm going to be in the next Harry Potter film," he says. "I won't say which character, but he's a goodie. I just got the gig."

It’s about bleedin’ time that one of Britain’s best thesps got added to the Potter series. To his credit, director David Yates wanted Nighy as Minister of Magic Rufus Scrimgeour in Half-Blood Prince, but the role was written out in a draft of the script.

So could he still be Rufus? Who knows? But one thing’s for sure – he’s got some homework to do, since he claims he hasn’t read the books.

“Not yet, but I will! It's rather like being in a Shakespeare that way, you know?"

[Source: The Independent]

Pleased Nighy’s been added? Who will he play?

The Informant! Trailer is here

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 05:59:59 GMT

The trailer for Steven Soderbergh’s new pic, The Informant! is now online and you can see it below.

What was initially thought might be a deep stare into corporate culture and whistle blowing looks like more of a black comedy, with Soderbergh bringing both Matt Damon and a little of the Ocean’s style to the film.

Not only does it look like a lot of fun, but it’s weighed down with prime comedy talent, including Arrested Development’s Tony Hale, comedian Patton Oswalt and even Tom Wilson – yes, Biff himself from Back To The Future!

And that’s only the tip of the thesping iceberg – there’s also Scott Bakula, Melanie Lynskey and Frank “man of a thousand voices” Welker – currently to be found voicing Soundwave and others in Transformers 2.

This just shot close to the top of our wanna-see list, so check out the goodness for yourself…

Seth Rogen and Barbra Streisand: comedy duo?

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 05:46:21 GMT

Clearly aiming to snatch the title of Busiest Bloke In Hollywood, Seth Rogen is developing lots of projects these days – and one includes a juicy part for Barbra Streisand.

Yes, while she’s known for her comedy as well as her drama – see Meet The Fockers and other, better movies as evidence – the idea that she might team up with the Apatow veteran never occurred.

But now Drew McWeeny over at Hitfix talked to Rogen, and the actor/writer admitted that he’s holding onto an idea for a film that would see the pair on a road trip.

Very little is known about it, beyond that road trip idea and the working title: Mother’s Curse.

And don’t forget that Rogen is still busy working on The Green Hornet (which just switched release dates across the pond with Adam Sandler’s Grown Ups), so none of his still-in-development movies are likely to go ahead anytime soon…

[Source: Hitfix]

What do you think the plot will be? Get your ideas in now and then launch a lawsuit when/if the movie arrives…

Couples Retreat trailer unpacks

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 02:38:43 GMT

The first trailer for the comedy Couples Retreat has arrived and you can watch it below.

Featuring a host of laugh-grabbing talent including Vince Vaughn (who came up with the idea), Jon Favreau, Jason Bateman, Kristen Bell, Malin Akerman, Faizon Love and Britain’s own Peter Serafinowicz, Couples Retreat looks silly, but fun.

It’s the tale of four couples who go on a lush tropical getaway so one of the pairs can work on their marriage issues. But the others don’t realise that the counselling is not optional…

We’ll see this lush, sunny looking film in October, when it’ll likely be freezing and/or raining.

Meanwhile, check out the trailer below, then let us know what you thinkt…

More on Mute

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:31:08 GMT

In between plugging sci-fi pic Moon, Duncan Jones has been talking more about the next one – futuristic thriller Mute.

“Moon (below) is about alienation and isolation,” he told Screen Daily. “The next one will have a different vibe. It’s not about one actor on their own, it’s an ensemble piece.”

So what is it about, exactly? Jones wouldn’t spill much, but fortunately, producer Stuart Fenegan was on hand to fill in a little more info. Look away now if you’re spoiler-phobic, though it’s only a rough synopsis….

“Mute is about a woman whose disappearance causes a mystery for her partner, a mute bartender. When she disappears, he has to go up against the city’s gangsters.”

Jones will kick off shooting on the movie early next year in Germany, with locations around Berlin and at the city’s Studio Babelsberg.

And he’ll have more money to play with this time. It’s not Michael Bay-sized cash, but it “will definitely be bigger than Moon, probably something up to $25 million.”

We’re already looking forward to it.

[Source: Screen Daily]

Excited to see Moon? Let us know…

Transformation Sweding Challenge Winner!

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:28:43 GMT

The latest winner of our monthly Sweding Challenge has been chosen.

Her name is Jasmine Sahu and her film recreates the regeneration scene in the Doctor Who movie (as if you couldn’t work that out by watching it).

It’s great – and you can see it below.

And in between stuffing prizes into a fat envelope for Jasmine, we’ve come up with a new Challenge.

This month's theme is Accessories, so whether you've got an old pirate costume, or a snakeskin jacket, you can take part.

Choose your favourite accessories scene, recreate it, upload it to YouTube, send the link to chris.hicks@futurenet.com and we’ll pick our favourite at the end of June.

If you need some suggestions, head for our 10 Classic Movie Accessories Scenes To Swede feature – and good luck!

What scene will you Swede? Tell us below!

Guy Pearce is Afraid Of The Dark

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:27:24 GMT

Guy Pearce is close to jumping aboard Don’t Be Afraid Of The Dark, in which he’ll star alongside Katie Holmes.

He’s locking down the final elements of a deal to join the movie, which Troy Nixey, one of Guillermo del Toro’s proteges, is directing.

It’s all based on a 1973 TV movie that follows a young girl who moves in with her father and his girlfriend (Holmes, below), only to discover that the house already has tenants – DEMONIC TENANTS.

Who probably use all the hot water and don’t chip in for rent. Or, you know, try to kill people.

Young actress Bailie Madison has already signed on to play the girl, who apparently becomes fascinated with the creatures – at least until they become dangerous. Naturally, her dad doesn’t believe her, but that soon changes.

Holmes, meanwhile, has been preparing for sheer terror by being married to Tom Cruise. Just kidding!

[Source: THR]

Can GDT launch another thriller talent? Speak!

Jason Lee joins A Couple Of Dicks

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:55:51 GMT

Kevin Smith has hired View Askewniverse regular Jason Lee for a small role in A Couple Of Dicks.

Talking to actor Kevin Pollack (who’s also in the movie) on his ‘net show, Smith mentioned that Lee is showing up for a couple of days of shooting.

And Variety is also reporting that Michelle Trachtenberg – last seen in 17 Again – has also joined the cast, playing Bruce Willis’ daughter. The trade mag has it that Lee will be her stepfather, so expect plenty of comic tension.

The plot, in case anyone has forgotten, finds Willis and 30 Rock’s Tracy Morgan as a pair of detectives who tangle with gangsters, drug money, a kidnapped Mexican beauty and a stolen baseball card.

It’ll arrive early next year and we can’t wait to see what Smith will produce, given that this is the first time (on a feature film, at least) that he’s working from someone else’s script.

[Source: Variety/Kevin Pollack Chat Show]

Excited to see Lee back on the big screen sans Chipmunks? Speak!

Alvin & The Chipmunks 2 teaser hits

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:24:34 GMT

The first teaser trailer for Alvin And The Chipmunks: The Squeakuel has arrived.

Let’s face it, you knew it was coming the minute the first movie made ten bazillion dollars at the box office.

Much as many of us might hate the idea of the CG singing ‘toon beasties, the kids love ‘em and they’re here to stay.

So grab an ankle biter and make them watch it a thousand times in punishment for what they did.

Or, if you loved the first movie, be prepared to squeal with glee at the idea that we get to meet the Chipettes – voiced by Amy Poehler, Anna Faris and Christina Applegate.

Take a look for yourself, and then tell us what you thought. Screaming can be expressed through judicious use of the caps lock key.

Guitar Hero for movies?

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:24:36 GMT

If you’re sick of banging away on fake instruments and really just want to insert yourself into classic films instead, help is apparently now at hand.

A US company called YooStar has patented a way to let you appear in clips from famous films and even shoot your own, thanks to a kit that includes a webcam, green screen, microphones and computer software.

We’re not convinced it will be quite as much fun as the likes of Rock Band, but they’re also including a couple of moving backgrounds so you can improv your own scenes.

Oh, and they’ll let you upload the finished product – but only to their own website.

So far, you just get clips from The Terminator, Beverly Hills Cop and Sunset Boulevard, but the company plans to have other more available to download for a price.

And talking of price, the whole thing will set you back a whopping $170 – and there’s no word on a UK edition yet. We’re guessing if the company can find enough loaded, bored teenagers to sell it to across the pond, they’ll target our shores soon enough…

[Source: Variety]

Would you buy or use something like this? Or does it sound like a waste of money?

Amy Adams up for The Fighter

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:16:29 GMT

Amy Adams is looking to switch her rep from sweet heroine to tough bartender with a role in David O. Russell’s The Fighter.

The movie, which charts the early years of championship boxer “Irish” Mickey Ward (Mark Wahlberg) and his half-brother who helps him train (Christian Bale), is set to finally kick off shooting this summer.

Adams would play a gritty drink slinger from Massachusetts who dates Wahlberg.

The film has been through changes both in director (Darren Aronofsky was planning to take it on before David O. Russell) and casting (Matt Damon was attached to one of the leads), but now it’s actually looking like Wahlberg’s months of training might actually have been worth his time…

[Source: Variety]

Excited to see Adams switch it up? Or just happy the movie’s finally looking likely?

Michael Jackson skit cut from Bruno

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 04:51:51 GMT

The team behind Bruno have decided to edit out a reference to Michael Jackson, following the performer’s death last Thursday.

The scene – which sees Bruno interviewing LaToya Jackson - features Baron Cohen cracking jokes about her brother’s voice and trying to get his number from her phone.

Whilst it was present in press screenings, the studio and filmmakers have ultimately decided to slice it from the premiere print.

"We decided to take it out for tonight, and we'll reassess before the release whether to keep it out," director Larry Charles told The Hollywood Reporter at the premiere’s party.

But now both sides have decided to ditch the scene altogether for all prints, which is still possible since the prints have yet to be finished or shipped out.

Whether it’ll turn up on the DVD, of course, is another matter. We’re guessing they’ll reassess the issue when the time is right.

[Source: THR]

Do you think they made the right call? Speak!

A new American Werewolf In London?

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 04:51:30 GMT

Just what is it with ‘80s werewolf movies at the moment? First Teen Wolf, now the legendary An American Werewolf In London is rumoured to get the remark treatment.

Bloody Disgusting has heard that John Landis – who isn’t exactly opposed to the idea of a remake – has sold the rights to Dimension Films.

Question is, do we need another Werewolf movie, in London or otherwise? While Teen Wolf could conceivably be updated in today's high school-obsessed era, we’re not sure anyone needs to try and top Landis’ seminal horror, nor Rick Baker’s amazing effects (below).

Sure, not every moment still holds up, but it remains a superb horror comedy and really doesn’t need a new version. After all, doesn’t anyone remember the truly awful sequel set in Paris? CG Werewolves? No thanks!

Oh, and the last time Dimension did American werewolves, we got Cursed. Again we say: no ta.

[Source: Bloody Disgusting]

What do you think? Yay or nay?

Transformers 2 smashes the US box office

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:57:45 GMT

After raking in plenty of cash over here, Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen turned its attention Stateside, where it earned $112 million in its first weekend alone.

Combined with its haul from Thursday onwards, it has taken in $201.2 million in just five days, seemingly on course to be the year’s top grosser.

The movie’s success meant that everything else shifted down one, though The Proposal held strong with $18 million this weekend, The Hangover made $17.2 million and Up brought in $13 million.

The only other film in the top five was the only film brave enough to launch against TF2 – My Sister’s Keeper, which made a respectable $12 million.

The top 10 in easily digested chart-form…

Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen ($112 million) The Proposal ($18.4 million) The Hangover ($17.2 million) Up ($13 million) My Sister’s Keeper ($12 million) Year One ($5.8 million) The Taking Of Pelham 123 ($5.4 million) Star Trek ($3.6 million) Night At The Museum 2 ($3.5 million) Away We Go ($1.6 million)

[Source: Box Office Mojo]

Inglourious Basterds prequel still on?

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 05:07:36 GMT

Harvey Weinstein has been talking up Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds to GQ, and, like the director himself, has brought up the idea that there could well be a prequel to the film.

While we’re sure they’ll wait to see how the first movie is received and performs at the box office, Weinstein seems eager to get more life out of the Basterds, and drops a certain famous name who might also be back.

“Brad wants to do Inglorious II. We all want to do it. And the movie hasn’t even come out yet! But unfortunately I cannot give away the plot.”

The producer also talks up just how much material Tarantino created for this film across the years, dropping the fact that it was planned as a Band Of Brothers-style TV show at one point.

“He had so much stuff mapped out, we could have done like three movies. It was just epic.

“We could do two movies, three movies. I was begging for the movies, but Quentin wanted to do the TV series, Bob wanted to do the TV series, so it was like two against one, you know?

“And I was getting outvoted all over the place, so I just figured, All right, forget it, I’m not gonna be a loser, I’ll jump to the winning side.’ And then Quentin turns it into one movie. Go figure.

Given Tarantino’s notorious nature for dropping hints about follow-ups and other ideas while he’s on the promotional circuit (or any time he opens his mouth), we won’t hold our breath just yet. But if Basterds does well, we bet Harvey will be pushing for more.

And talking of more, he also took the chance to debunk rumours he wants the director to slice 40 minutes out of the pic.

“Those stories are all untrue. There’s no fucking way. Here, read my lips: That is nuts. Please don’t even write that, it’s insanity. There’s not even a question of that. Whatever you’re reading, it’s like some insane blogger…

“There’s no truth to any of this. He’s not gonna cut. What he’s doing is just reorganizing some scenes. I mean, the guy had six weeks to cut his movie for Cannes; most guys take six months. “

Do we believe the words of the man known as “Harvey Scissorhands”? We’ll wait until we see the final cut…

[Source: GQ]

Excited by the thought of more Basterds? Or do you want to wait to see the first one?

Invention Of Lying trailer arrives

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 05:07:14 GMT

The first trailer for Ricky Gervais’ directing debut The Invention Of Lying has arrived online and you can truthfully watch it below.

Co-directed with Matthew Robinson (who also co-wrote) The Invention Of Lying finds Gervais as Mark a man in a world where no one lies, and speaks the bald-faced truth on every occasion.

But then one day at the bank, Mark suddenly hits upon the idea of fibbing, and his world changes radically.

He’s soon a massive celebrity and able to win the heart of the lovely Jennifer Garner. Yet his power has a downside…

With a comedy cast that includes the likes of Tina Fey, Jonah Hill, Rob Lowe and Christopher Guest, this looks like it’ll dig up a chuckle or two.

Take a look at the footage and decide for yourself…

Michael Jackson dead at 50

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 02:54:35 GMT

Michael Jackson has died unexpectedly at the age of 50.

While the circumstances of his death were initially shrouded in mystery – early reports had him in a coma after a cardiac arrest early on Thursday afternoon, he was rushed to the UCLA Medical Centre in Los Angeles where he was eventually pronounced dead.

Though best known for his music – including such best-selling albums as Thriller, Off The Wall and Bad, Jackson was a mysterious, misunderstood figure, particularly later in life.

But he was also fascinated by the art of making movies, and launched a career in cinema with The Wiz in 1978.

Among his other film moments were experimental Disney movie Captain EO, music-based epic Moonwalker (below) and a small cameo in Men In Black II as self-parodying “Agent M”.

His final performance was in little-seen spoof Miss Castaway And The Island Girls, though his music can be heard through dozens of movies.

But our favourite Jackson On Film moment has to be the John Landis-directed, 14-minute, zombie-influenced promo for his 1982 song Thriller.

Despite recent personal troubles, he had planned a series of comeback concerts in London next month.

Born in Indiana in 1958, Michael Joseph Jackson is survived by his parents, his eight siblings and three children.

[Source: BBC]

Amelia trailer flies in

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:20:57 GMT

The first trailer for Amelia – the Amelia Earhart biopic starring Hilary Swank – is online and you can see it below.

Looking like it wants to be considered pure Oscar bait, the biopic of the legendary female pilot – whose bold plan to fly around the world ended in her vanishing, never to be seen again – is being brought to life by Mira Nair.

Swank plays the idealistic and spirited airwoman, with Richard Gere as George Putnam, the man who loved her.

While it’s definitely got some interesting imagery, we can’t say it has us too excited yet – but take a look for yourself and let us know your thoughts…

Farrah Fawcett has died

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:18:55 GMT

‘70s TV legend Farrah Fawcett has died from cancer at the age of 62.

While she’s best remembered for her role as Jill Munroe in Charlie’s Angels in 1976, Fawcett’s career spanned a wide range of TV and stage projects, which drew her multiple Golden Globe and Emmy nominations.

Fawcett launched her performing career in TV ads before breaking into comedy and drama through small guest roles on the likes of I Dream Of Jeannie and larger parts on shows such as The Six Million Dollar Man.

Long before the likes of Pamela Anderson and her ilk, Fawcett became a pop cultural icon thanks to a legendary bikini poster shoot, which saw her plastered on boys’ bedrooms everywhere.

March 1976 saw her launch her role in Charlie’s Angels before a series followed in September the same year. Ironically, her part boosted sales of her poster, and she actually earned more in image royalties than her wages from the show.

She left the show after one season and while she suffered a run of flops, she bounced back with theatre work and critically-acclaimed TV movies.

She’s since been seen in the likes of Dr T And The Women and made guest appearances in shows such as Spin City and Alley McBeal, while also drawing controversy by finally agreeing to pose nude for Playboy in 1995 and returning to the magazine at the age of 50 in 1997.

She has suffered several bouts with cancer and succumbed to the condition on Wednesday at St John’s Health Centre in Santa Monica, California.

[Source: BBC News]