A minor sample of the career of Philip Seymour Hoffman

I can't lie. I have a slight crush on Philip Seymour Hoffman. Sure, he dabbled in character acting, but he more than made up for it when he portrayed Truman Capote in 2005. He's just too charming and talented to not like. So, I took a few of my favorite P.S.H. films (I'm not condoning the quality of each of the films should you decide to watch them one day) and made another audio slideshow.

Enjoy.

Actors sign on for "Bang Bang Club"

The upcoming indie drama "The Bang Bang Club," directed by Steven Silver now has its three headlining stars signed on, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Actors Ryan Phillippe, Malin Ackerman, and Taylor Kitsch are all officially set to star in the film. Phillippe starred in the Oscar-winning movie "Crash," Ackerman starred in the recently released "Watchmen," and Kitsch stars on NBC's "Friday Night Lights."

The film tells the true story of four young photographers in South Africa capturing the final days of apartheid. Greg Marinovich, to be played by Phillippe, and cameraman Joao Silva won Pulitzers for their photos.

The photographers, who later became known as the Bang Bang Club, lost two of their group when Ken Oosterbroek was killed in a battle zone, and Kevin Carter committed suicide, both in 1994.

Production is set to wrap in South Africa on May 1.

Even more musicals: Ghost

According to The London Paper, the 1990 (yes, it's been almost 20 years) Oscar-winning movie "Ghost" is set to become a musical.

"Ghost," starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore, tells the story of a couple who gets mugged resulting in the death of Swayze's character. His ghost, however, is trapped and can't leave because he learns that Moore's character is in danger.

The musical is set to be directed by Matthew Warchus with the original screenplay to be adapted by Bruce Joel Rubin.

The music is reportedly being co-written by former Eurythmics star Dave Stewart. Stewart will be penning the music and lyrics with Glen Ballard. Ballard is a Grammy Award-winning writer known for his work as a producer on Alanis Morissette's "Jagged Little Pill."

Flashback Friday: Now and Then

As a mere 7-year-old tot when "Now and Then" was released in 1995, I wanted nothing more than to see this movie after I saw a trailer for it.

This movie is about a group of 12-year-old-ish girls in the 70s. That's it. That's the plot. And it's. So. Good. (And the all-star cast has to count for something right?) Not to mention there was a brief period in time when I was mildly obsessed with the soundtrack.

After seeing this movie I wanted 3 things:

1.) A group of friends with whom I could say "All for one and one for all."
2.) A treehouse.
3.) And Devon Sawa even more than when I saw him in "Little Giants" and "Casper."

'Sleepless in Seattle' : The Musical

All you Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan/early 90s romantic comedy/Broadway fans are in luck.

Variety is reporting that the 1993 hit "Sleepless in Seattle" will be turned into a Broadway musical.

Composer Leslie Bricusse and writer Jeff Arch (who co-wrote the screenplay of the film) are currently working on a musical adaptation of the early 90s hit.

Rights for the theatrical adaptation were secured in early January, though David Shor, the project's producer, and Arch have been working on the musical adaptation for several months.

Bricusse, the project's composer and lyricist, has already penned 18 songs for the musical.

Shor hopes to have a first read through of the script by May, with the project premiering in the first half of 2010.

Flashback Friday: Grease 2

No explanation needed. Sure, a sequel to the smash hit "Grease" sounds like it would be a good idea. And you know what? It was.

"Grease 2" stars Michelle Pfeiffer in her first major movie role, and homegirl works it out. Not sure if it's worth your time? For good measure, I've included a gem of Pfeiffer's performance of "Cool Rider."

A Decade of Music in Film

With the recent telecast of the Oscars ceremony that honored the year's best films, I figured now was as good a time as any to take a look back at the last 10 years of award-winning music as heard in the theater.

Flashback Friday: Hocus Pocus

Oh, 1993. You brought so many great things to the world of cinema: Jurassic Park, Mrs. Doubtfire, Schindler's List (I was going to make a joke about that one being a chick flick, but felt that maaaaybe it was inappropriate.).

And, 1993, you also brought us the cinematical magic (no pun intended, you'll see...) that iiiisss:

Hocus Pocus.

Who can forget the should-have-been award-winning trio of Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and a pre-Sex & The City Sarah Jessica Parker as three indestructible witches? I can't. I mean, let's face it, there's nothing innovative or thought-provoking about the movie...it's just really fun to watch.

I know I can't pass up a movie with Bette Midler stealing the spotlight with an impeccable rendition of "I Put A Spell On You" at a Halloween party (SPOILER ALERT: It's actually a spell).

China to celebrate communism with propaganda films

According to Variety, China will be releasing 50 propaganda films. The reason? To celebrate the 60th anniversary of China's communist rule.

The State Adminstration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) has organized multiple state-owned and privately-owned production companies to prepare for the filming of these films. All of the projects are aimed at celebrating China's history over the last six decades. They hope to cover multiple cubjects including Tiananmen Square, "Big Earthquake", and the riveting topic of "college entrance examination in 1977."

"The Great Cause of China's Foundation," will show the "Most powerful lineup in the history of Chinese film according to China Film.

Box office killed by 'Friday the 13th'

It seems the romantic Valentine's holiday didn't stop people from soaking in their share of horror for the weekend. The Warner Bros. remake of the 1980 horror classic "Friday the 13th," released on its namesake, took in an estimated $45.2 million over the long President's Day weekend.

Warner Bros. also took the second place spot over the weekend. "He's Just Not That Into You" took in an impressive $23.4 million after already taking the top spot in its opening weekend. (Though whether or not it was deserving is another story... shameless plug: Check out my review in the latest issue of the Tan & Cardinal.).

And despite the state of the economy, this President's Day weekend box office sales topped $224 million, a 34% jump from last year, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

A little less impressive than 'Friday' was the performance of the well-publicized "Confessions of a Shopaholic." The Disney film starring Isla Fisher, took in a respectable $17.3 million, though it only earned a fifth place rank.

Flashback Friday: My Girl

Ah, "My Girl." As I was looking at previous Flashback Fridays I noticed that I was inadvertantly spotlighting favorite movies of mine from my childhood rather than legitimately good films that I discovered down the line as I got older.

Well today is no exception.

I frequent a store called New Uses. It's owned by the same people that own Plato's Closet--they buy your gently used household items, appliances, aaaaaand.... DVDs. You kind find nearly any DVD for $5 or less (I'm not ashamed to admit I even landed Oprah's 20th anniversary DVD for a mere $10!).

So I was pleasantly surprised when I came across a solid gem:

Not only did I find "My Girl" for $5.... but it came with "My Girl 2" (I'll save that for another Friday).

"My Girl" follows Anna Chlumsky's character (I'll get to the "Where is she now?" in a sec), Vada, during the summer of 1972. Her dad (Dan Akroyd) is an undertaker, and her mother died during childbirth. Her father becomes involved with Shelley (Jamie Lee Curtis), which is difficult for Vada, but she finds solace in her friendship with Thomas J (played impeccably by none other than Macaulay Culkin).

Oh! So where is Chlumsky now? She played Liz Lemler on an episode of "30 Rock" when Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) received flowers intended for Lemler.

Anyway, I hadn't seen this movie in more than a decade when I decided to watch it a few days ago. Even though I remembered the plot line (including the not-so-fun parts), let's just say I was not prepared for the bees.

Candyland movie predictions

Though no names have been attached to the Candyland movie project I wrote about recently, I thought it would be fun to make my own predictions. Click the image to take a look and let me know what you think!

Flashback "Friday:" Edward Scissorhands

Released nearly 20 years ago, "Edward Scissorhands" tells the story of Edward played by Johnny Depp. Edward is a creation who, before his maker can give him real hands, has scissors for hands. After a woman meets him upon trying to sell make up door to door, Edward emerges from his reclusive state to be taken in by her family and falls in love with her teenage daughter played by Winona Ryder.

"Edward Scissorhands" was the first release to team up director Tim Burton and Johnny Depp who would later go on to release an additional half dozen movies together.

While the film was performed well with critics and at the box office, "Edward Scissorhands" has since developed a cult following, of which I am a part of. I enjoy this movie now just as much as when I was a kid and large reason for that is the music. All of the music in the film was scored by Danny Elfman who is known for his work on many Tim Burton films as well as for scoring the theme for "Desperate Housewives."

While many people have already seen this movie, there are always a few stragglers who haven't. To those people I say: Watch it. It doesn't matter whether or not you like Tim Burton, or whether or not you like Johnny Depp. Just watch it. I guarantee Edward will live on as one of the most likeable characters you will ever watch.

(And it should speak volumes that Johnny Depp speaks less than 200 words in the whole film despite playing the main character.)

'Candy Land' -- the movie

Universal Studios is set to turn children's board game "Candy Land" into a major motion picture.

Writer Etan Cohen is set to pen the script for film adaptation of the Hasbro board game. Cohen's writing credits include two 2008 successes--"Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa" and "Tropic Thunder."

Universal has also signed Kevin Lima to direct the film. Lima's last directorial project was 2007's Academy Award nominated film "Enchanted."

Hasbro CEO Brian Goldner will produce the film.

Sources:
IMDB
Variety

Entire cast confirmed to star in "Sex & The City" sequel

Though it has already been confirmed that the "Sex and the City" franchise will see a sequel in the works, Variety is reporting that New Line Cinema has confirmed that all four leading ladies will reprise their roles in "Sex and the City 2."

Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Cynthia Nixon, and Kristin Davis have all signed on to star again as Carrie Bradshaw, Samantha Jones, Miranda Hobbs, and Charlotte York, alongside Michael Patrick King, the film's writer, director, and producer.

While production is set to begin indefinitely, Toby Emmerich, president of New Line, has been hoping to fast-track the sequel, aiming for a summer 2010 release.

This release will come two years after the first film, which garnered more than $400 million from US and international markets.

Source:
Variety

Flashback Friday: The Cutting Edge

If this isn't a classic, I don't know what is (that's only semi-sarcastic).

1992's "The Cutting Edge" tells the story of Doug Dorsey (played by D.B. Sweeney) and Kate Moseley (played by Moira Kelly).

Doug is a professional hockey player who is forced to leave the game after an eye injury. Kate is a spoiled figure skater whose prima donna attitude drives away countless skating partners. So when Kate's coach is forced to find her a new partner, he tracks down Doug who is eager just to skate again whether it's in the game of hockey or not.

So what happens when a macho hockey player and spoiled figure skater team up to skate in the Olympic Games? Pure magic.

Now, just because I'm suggesting this movie for Flashback Friday by no means insinuates that I'm condoning the writing, acting, or general plotlines of the film. It does mean that if it's on TV I can't pass up watching it.

...Though I will say that this is some of D.B. Sweeney's finest work. And that's including his impeccable performance in the short-lived Kelly Osbourne teen drama "Life As We Know It."

'Notorious' writer to pen Run-DMC film

It seems Cheo Hodari Coker, writer of the recently released biopic 'Notorious,' isn't exactly finished writing scripts about slain rap stars.

The Hollywood Reporter said today that Coker is currently attached to adapt "Tougher Than Leather: The Rise of Run-DMC -- The Authorized Biography" for the big screen. The book's author, Bill Adler, is also the group's former publicist and will serve as executive producer.


Dallas Jackson, president of DJ Classicz and producer for the film said, "It's an extraordinary rags-to-riches journey that I'm eager to bring to the screen, and I'm hoping to have Run, DMC and Russell Simmons' involvement. This will be a big movie about the 1980s hip-hop movement that took over the world."

Though there are no tentative release dates for the film, The Hollywood Reporter is saying that this film will follow the history of rap's first superstars-- Joseph "Run" Simmons, Darryl "DMC" McDaniels and Jason "Jam Master Jay" Mizell.

Mizell was shot and killed outside his studio in Queens in 2002.


Sources:
The Hollywood Reporter
IMDB

Podcast!

Check out my podcast about representation of gay characters and plotlines in Oscar nominated films.
Click the link above or the post's title to listen.


Thanks to Jevonna Morris and Ashley Warren for helping out!

Flashback Friday: Drop Dead Fred

First, an explanation. Every Friday will be "Flashback Friday." I'll spotlight a movie worth your viewing that was released a decade or more ago. And second...

This first Flashback Friday segment is dedicated tooooooo:

Drop Dead Fred.

Directed by Ate de Jong, Drop Dead Fred tells the story of Elizabeth (played by Phoebe Cates) and her imaginary friend Drop Dead Fred (played by Rik Mayall). Elizabeth was forced to let go of Fred when she was a child, only to rediscover him years later as she goes through a divorce.

Drop Dead Fred was released April 19, 1991 (Just to put it in perspective: Kids born in 1991 are turning 18 this year. I'm 21 and that makes me feel old.). The film initially did poorly grossing only $3.6 million during its opening weekend, going on to gross a total of $13.8 million. Though the film didn't do well in terms of box office ticket sales, the movie did go on to develop a cult following (which I am most certainly a part of).

I can remember watching this movie as a child over and over again. I watched it on a VHS tape from when it was recorded off of television, and then Santa finally brought me a true VHS version of the movie many years ago (and it was still just as good). More recently I decided I just had to upgrade to DVD. After searching high and low at Best Buys and Wal-Marts all over, I did a little research to discover that the DVD officially went out of print in 2008. No big deal, right? I can just check half.com or eBay. Not so. The DVD was going for $40 or more everywhere I looked!

So to sum up:

If you can get your hands on this little gem, watch it. Then let me know where you got it.

Oscar noms announced

The day has arrived. The one cold January day movie geeks look forward to every year. The nominations for the 81st Academy Awards were announced.

Leading the nominations this year was David Fincher's "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" with 13 nominations, becoming only the ninth film to reach that feat. Nominations for "Button" include best lead actor, best supporting actress, and best director.

Rounding out the nominations for best picture: "Frost/Nixon," "Slumdog Millionaire," "Milk," and "The Reader."

Noticeably absent from the best picture category was the box office smash "The Dark Knight," which received much Oscar talk following its release. While "The Dark Knight" did not garner a best picture nomination, it did pick up eight others including a posthumous best supporting actor nomination for Heath Ledger.

The 81st Academy Awards will air live February 22 on ABC.

Sources:

The Hollywood Reporter

Variety

Keanu Reeves will star in 'Cowboy Bebop'

Brace yourself, anime fans. It seems Jack Traven himself has been confirmed to star in the film adaptation of "Cowboy Bebop."

Keanu Reeves, best known for his roles as Jack Traven in "Speed" and Neo in "The Matrix" series, has been confirmed to star in the film as Spike Spiegel, according to Variety.

Spiegel is a bounty hunter traveling through space in the year 2071 in the "Bebop" series, which originated in Japan. The series first aired in 1998 on Tokyo TV and Wowow, eventually making its way to the U.S. as a part of the Adult Swim programming on the Cartoon Network.

Though a director has yet to be announced, Reeves has been confirmed to star in the film and Peter Craig, whose film writing credits only go back to 2003, has been confirmed as the film's writer.


Sources:
Variety
IMDB

Casey Affleck and Joaquin Phoenix to team up for documentary

We all remember hearing the news last November--
Joaquin Phoenix announced he was giving up movies to pursue a career in music.

While we have yet to hear much of Phoenix's musical endeavors, we may not have to wait much longer. According to The Hollywood Reporter, actor Casey Affleck will go behind the lens to direct a documentary as Phoenix begins his journey as a rapper, beginning with his first public performance tonight at a club in Las Vegas.

Affleck will begin filming the documentary in Vegas, and continue to chronicle Phoenix as he makes his debut rap album, to be produced by none other than Sean Combs.

This will be Phoenix's first solo album, though he did receive a Grammy for his work on the Walk the Line soundtrack in 2005.

And while some of us may or may not be waiting on pins and needles for the album to be released, at least we already know he has his image nailed down:



Phoenix in Miami last month.





Sources:
Variety
The Hollywood Reporter
IMDB

Welcome to Reel Film

For as long as I can remember I've loved movies. Not loved them in the sense that I might go to one every couple of weekends. More like loved them for what they are: works of art. It's like all forms of art wrapped up in one sitting: theater, photography, writing. It's all there. My favorite movies are not subject to one genre. I like Hollywood blockbusters, independent movies, romantic comedies (I'm slightly ashamed to admit that, but I'll get over it), foreign films. You name it, and I have a favorite of the genre.

So with Reel Film I hope to bring you a few things: up-to-date movie news as well as insight into what's worth watching.

And in case you want even more movie news than you can handle, check out these movie-related blogs/sites:
- themovieblog.com
- rottentomatoes.com
- dvdverdict.com
- filmfodder.com
- milkplus.blogspot.com