We have pilfered the cover of this weeks Entertainment Weekly to show you dudes. It features Josh Brolin as W and Elizabeth Banks as Laura Bush. Thanks to ropeofsilicon for the hookup:

I like the duo. Brolin looks ok as W, but Banks nailed the essence of Laura Bush with that haircut and get up. This is a film I am itching to see, and I am very curious to see which way Stone takes this project.

As all of you know, New Line Cinema is no more. Absorbed and assimilated (resistance is futile) into the collective known as Warner Bros. It is a shame that it’s gone. New Line has brought us some amazing and iconic films over the years, and today Alex Vo over at Rotten Tomatoes put up a list of 25 of the best films offered up by New Line in remembrance of the fallen studio. Read… read my brethren… read and remember:

25. Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle (2004)
24. A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987)
23. Blade (1998)
22. Sid and Nancy (1986)
21. Hairspray (1988)
20. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)
19. Gummo (1997)
18. Wes Craven’s New Nightmare (1994)
17. The New World (2005)
16. Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)
15. Dark City (1998)
14. The Sea Inside (2004)
13. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
12. A History of Violence (2005)
11. American Splendor (2003)
10. The Evil Dead (1981)
09. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
08. Dumb and Dumber (1994)
07. Seven (1995)
06. The Player (1992)
05. Boogie Nights (1997)
04. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
03. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
02. Magnolia (1999)
01. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

I certainly don’t agree with all the films on the list, nor to I really agree with the order they appear in… but still, it’s a great article. Head on over to Rotten Tomates and read the thoughts behind each film’s selection. It’s a fantastic article.

What is with Matthew Vaughn signing up to direct Marvel movies and then dropping out (or being dropped). As some of you remember, Matthew Vaughn (who did an amazing job directing “Stardust”, probably the single most over looked movie from last year) was originally supposed to direct the last X-Men film but then he backed out at the last minute to then be replaced by Brett Ratner.

It was with great joy that we then heard Vaughn was brought on to direct the new Marvel film “Thor”. This was great news for the god of thunder. However, it appears that yet again, Matthew Vaughn is off a marvel film he was supposed to do. The good folks over at IGN give us this:

“Matthew Vaughn no longer is attached to direct the project because his holding deal expired December.” Marvel Studios is currently waiting for I Am Legend screenwriter Mark Protosevich to turn in a script polish. “It’s very much a Marvel superhero story but against the backdrop of nothing you’ve seen before,” Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige said of Thor.”

So another possible Vaughn directed superhero movie dream gets shattered yet again. I can’t really tell if this was a matter of Vaughn deciding to drop out, or if the studio decided to go in a different direction. It doesn’t matter… this is BAD news. I love Vaughn’s style and I think he would have done a masterful job with Thor. Having said that, they can still get another great director who could also do a great job… it’s just a shame that it won’t be Vaughn.

What are your thoughts? Who could you see directing Thor now that Vaughn is off?

We have news today that Heather Graham will be taking the lead in a new dark dramatic comedy entitled Ex-terminators. We get the skinny from the professionals at Variety:

Heather Graham, Jennifer Coolidge, Matthew Settle and Amber Heard will topline the indie black dramedy “Ex-terminators.” Film marks the feature directing debut of longtime “Scrubs” helmer and d.p. John Inwood.

Story revolves around three women who meet in an anger-management therapy group and decide to form a traditional business using very untraditional methods. Suzanne Weinert penned the screenplay.

I am not sure if I fully appreciate the premise for this film; but the cast is outstanding. Heather Graham has been in my good books since Boogie Nights, Jennifer Coolidge is an outstanding Improv performer and Amber Heard is an up and coming stunner that’s sharp as a whip (and has my vote for young Hollywood’s most delicious atheist).

Matthew Settle has been all over television, and a host of films. I cannot say much about the man myself, but he is the recipient of the fabled Bronze Wrangler award. If you have one award on your bookshelf - might as well make it a Wrangler!

I am curious to find out more information about this , and will try to get a more descriptive plot synopsis for you as soon as possible. Right now I am guessing these girls will be bug killers, but I daydream about them running a service that kills Ex-Boyfriends. I think the latter would make for a more appropriate dark comedy.

It looks like the Terminator fears not the wrath of unionized labor! The project will start to roll even though the SAG has yet to strike a deal with studios. We get the following news from the Teamster caves of Yahoo:

Cameras began rolling this week on the latest “Terminator” movie — estimated to cost about $150 million — for what many Hollywood watchers say is a late start given concerns that labor tensions could lead to an actors strike by July. “Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins,” began shooting on Monday in New Mexico, bucking a trend in which studios have mostly avoided launching new productions they cannot be sure of completing before the Screen Actors Guild contract expires on June 30, a date being treated as a facto strike deadline.

SAG and Hollywood’s major studios hit a stalemate on Tuesday after three weeks of talks, stoking fears of renewed Hollywood labor unrest after a 100-day screenwriters strike that ended in February. Union leaders say they still hope to reach a deal without resorting to a walkout, and SAG has yet to even seek authorization from its 120,000 members to call a strike.

The SAG is stalling to try and milk as much as they can, but I am going to bet that they will not strike. With the bailing of the AMPTP, they are going to be fucked if they don’t chalk a deal, but the AMPTP does. The SAG will be seen as the less reasoned and co-operatine of the two, pushing the power of AMPTP up and of the SAG down. With luck, everything will be shored up soon, and the two unions can work out the problems between them. Having two separate unions weakens their bargaining power considerably.

Terminator 4 has its own deadlines to meet and I think going forward with production is the right thing to do. If a strike happens; they are fucked - but It’s a gamble they have to take, and I think it’s the lesser of two evils in this situation.

The beginning of production will put to rest rumors that the film has been axed, and with luck, this project will do justice to the terminator universe.

IESB has a number of pics from Hancock up on their site today. I have included 3 for you to enjoy the rest are available at the source:

I don’t have a good feeling about this movie. It looks like it’s taking everything I hate about shitty superhero films; too much drama, not enough “super”. This could end up surprising me, we shall see. It will be cool to see Smith and Bateman play off of each other; with luck their interplay will make for a bitchin’ film.

We have obtained a new poster for the upcoming Nick Cage action flick Bangkok Dangerous. Thanks to moviesonline for the hook up:

Nick Cage has a very strange look on this poster. He looks strained and bewildered all at the same time.

Bangkok Dangerous is set for a release date of August 22, 2008.

We heard from a guy, that heard from a guy, that Rambo 5 may shoot in Mexico. We get wind of this rumor thanks to our friends over at moviehole:

The next Rambo movie could see the shaggy haired rebel knocking about in Mexico – Desperado-style.

According to a tipster for StalloneZone.com, Sylvester Stallone mentioned whilst promoting “Rambo” in Japan that “Rambo 5”, set to film sometime next year, could be a modern-day western. In it, Rambo would go after those that are abducting women in Mexico.

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I am not sure if this is true or not, but I will certainly welcome another 8 Rambo films if they keep the violence cranked like the last outing. Mexico is a location that makes sense considering how the last film ended. If there is a problem within driving distance, Rambo will find a way to get there (he may need a missionary in floral dress to motivate him, but eventually he will save the day).

Once again this is not confirmed, Rambo 5 news seems to be going back and forth and I don’t want to bank on it, till an official announcement is made. I am glad the book is closed on Rocky, but Rambo could go for a few more, Stallone willing. This is a character I would like to see die in battle anyway, any other end for this character will be a let down. He is a warrior born; Valhalla hungers for him.

Special thanks to Henrik for the heads up on the trailer for Global Metal! This documentary looks like it’s going to impregnate me with joy.

For a full review of Global Metal. Check out my nihilist friend Henrik’s full review over at Film Junk. The lucky bastard already saw the film at the CHP:DOX film festival.

A short while ago I posted about Jonah Hill in Transformers 2 as Sam’s college roomate. Well it looks like that isn’t happening.

IESB says:

“Transformers 2 negotiations between Jonah Hill and DreamWorks have broken down, and the Superbad star is no longer expected play a sidekick to Shia LaBeouf in the upcoming sequel from director Michael Bay.

I think it is a good thing Hill didn’t get the gig. I wasn’t comfortable with him playing off of Shia LaBeouf for a number of reasons.

But I think it is also important to state again that Michael Bay said he would misinform to throw off the media and people are dwelling on that too much. When I report anything about Transformers 2 there are always a pile of people shouting “BAY IS MISINFORMING”.

I think Bay’s misinformation is that he would waste time inventing misinformation… that is the routine.

Shamhammer always uses a twist, and if he doesn’t, then that IS the twist. Same thing here. Bay says he will lie about Transformers News and then does nothing so everyone thinks everything is a lie.

I think Jonah Hill was being considered but I thank Primus that it didn’t work out!

A little tidbit about X-Men Origins: Wolverine reveals that Scott Summers (Cyclops) and Logan may have crossed paths. This was hinted since the role of Scott Summers has been cast and filled by an unknown Tim Pocock

SuperheroHype has:

Australian actor Tim Pocock listed as playing Scott Summers (Cyclops) in X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

‘A1ant’ then followed-up with the agency who confirmed the casting. “Yes, that information is correct. He was cast as the younger Scott Summers,” they said.

Now this could mean that Wolverine tripped over a younger Scott Summers before and didn’t really meet him.

Scott could be leaving a taxi as Wolverine hops in. It’s all vague at this point.

I would wager on the cameo since the actor hired is a complete unknown, and that they would have a hard time explaining why Scott didn’t make reference to it in the subsequent X-Men films.

At very least it shows that the creators are attempting to continue the tradition of name dropping in the XFilms.

Some new images have been released for the big screen version of G.I.Joe and I am of mixed feelings on this.

Cinematical Says:

Paramount has released a crop of new photos from the upcoming live-action G.I. Joe flick; most of which appear to be different from those that leaked online not long ago

First is Sienna Miller’s Baroness. Ok, now THIS is a hot sexy Baroness that I remember. There was a lot of talk about a previous revealed image that showed Sienna in her traditional blonde look in casual dress. No leathers, no indication of curves and no dark hair. As we can see, that is clearly a “before” image as Sienna seems to have added a tiny bit of hip, and gone with the dark locks and glasses. Get me some dark red lipstick and I am SOLD on this girl to play Baroness.

Secondly, lets applaud they for covering up Stormshadows face. Got it? Now keep it there. we should NEVER get to see Stormshadow’s face. Its part of his mystique, and I was happy to see that they are upgrading the white chic ninja outfit to include the hood.

Lastly and speaking of covering up. WHAT THE HELL IS WITH DESTRO????

Seriously. They don’t expect us to buy this Destro without the chrome dome??? As much as we accept that they will be updating the outfits to be less superhero spandex like, I just simply will not accept Destro without the Dome.

And I have to say, I just love Christopher Eccleston but Destro was always the manbeef, and Eccs is just a little too slim to pull of Destro’s imposing physique. I don’t know that I like this casting at all.

Two out of three ain’t bad. But the bad seems to have trumped the positive spin I got from the other two. Despite a lot of our readers saying they were not looking forward to GIJoe, I was pretty much for this, but now I have my doubts.

All because of Destro.

You can see enbiggened versions of those images as well as Heavy Duty and Breaker by clicking Here

The Most Entertaining man in movies is at it again and he isnt even stirring the pot this time!

For those of you under a rock, Uwe Boll faced his anti-fans and challenged saying if people got a million signatures on a petition he would stop making films.

Cinematical says:

Stride Gum is now “supporting the efforts of StopUweBoll.org in their attempt to convince famed film director Uwe Boll to stop making video game-based films.” Oh yes, Stride Gum. Makers of … gum. And if one million people sign this petition by May 23rd (opening day for Postal), then all one million folks will receive a digital coupon for a free pack of gum. Wait, I don’t know if you were paying attention just then — I said a FREE PACK OF GUM!

Stride Gum is pretty eager to hop on internet popularity and attempt to create their own viral experiment. Problem is, that once you attempt to make something viral, its no longer viral. Just the nature of the beast.

Back when some creative guy decided to travel the world and film himself dancing at different locations around the world and compiled it into one video, the website Where the Hell is Matt was an instant hit. Then Stride Gum approached him and said “we will pay you to do that again!” attaching their product to his fame.

Now they are attempting to piggypack the Anti-Boll thing online.

Even if they get a billion signatures I think Boll will not stop making films. And I hope he doesnt. He is too much fun to write about.

That and I hope Postal is a critical success so he can go on Youtube and give us another “I am the only true genius in Movies” rant again.

I have included 3 favorites but please check out all the available photos that have been brought to us via moviesonline:

If you needed a reason to see this film Isabella Leong has just given us one. That picture of her in the fur lined coat is as porno as a picture can get without nudity. The other pictures are certainly less exciting, but good none the less.

I am not a fan of the Mummy franchise, but many enjoy them as “popcorn” flicks and I can appreciate that. Who knows, this one could end up being a surprise and completely upstage the previous incarnations. With plans to draw the franchise out beyond the third; I certainly hope so.

We have a new look at Milk today thanks to the good people over at Entertainment Weekly:

In this exclusive First Look at director Gus Van Sant’s highly anticipated biopic Milk (out Nov. 26), Sean Penn, as community activist Harvey Milk, celebrates his long-fought election to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977, the first time an openly gay man had won elected office in a major U.S. city.

The story of Milk is one of triumph and tragedy, and it screams out to be told. Sean Penn looks like he is going to give a performance deserving of the tale. I am pumped to see this one; and it is certainly one to watch for. Milk will make the festival rounds in the fall, and with luck, will have a wide release soon thereafter.

Ellen Page has been tapped to take the lead in a film adaptation of Jayne Eyre. We get the scoop from the professionals at Variety:

Ellen Page is set to play one of English literature’s most famous characters, the eponymous heroine of Charlotte Bronte’s “Jane Eyre.” Alison Owen of Ruby Films, who most recently produced “The Other Boleyn Girl,” is working with BBC Films to develop the new adaptation of Bronte’s classic 19th century romance. It’s the story of a mousy governess who softens the heart of her surly employer Mr. Rochester, only to discover that he’s hiding a terrible secret.

Moira Buffini has written the screenplay. No director is yet attached, but the producers are aiming to set the project up to shoot this fall. “Jane Eyre” is one of the most adapted novels in English literature, with at least 20 previous film or TV versions. Most recently, the BBC made it into a miniseries that won three Emmys last year. The last bigscreen adaptation, in 1996, was directed by Franco Zeffirelli and starred Charlotte Gainsbourg.

Well Ellen Page certainly seems to be shoring up some sweet gigs post Oscar nod.

Jane Eyre has more adaptations than Wurthering Heights! For some reason, I have missed every incarnation…. maybe it has something to do with the fact that it’s a romantic period piece, and I usually find them to be dreadfully boring.

I was surprised when I didn’t hate The Other Boleyn Girl. If Alison Owen is behind this project as well, I will certainly give her the benefit of the doubt, and give this film a chance.

I once again turn to people that have read more books than I, and beseech the International Friends for their thoughts on this story. Do you think Ellen Page is a good fit for the character, or would you prefer another? Please give suggestions if you have someone in mind.

It looks like Mr. Cruise is being courted to star in another Mission Impossible film. We get this scoop from the professionals at Variety:

Sumner Redstone said Tuesday he has no objection to Tom Cruise starring in the next installment of the “Mission: Impossible” franchise. The Viacom boss made the comment after speaking at the Seoul Digital Forum in the South Korean capital.

Redstone ended Paramount’s 14-year relationship with Cruise and his producing partner Paula Wagner in August 2006 and publicly criticized the actor’s behavior. However, Cruise is now in talks with Paramount to star in a fourth “Mission: Impossible” film.

Money has a way of settling disputes. The chosen son of Xenu has been in the news recently for his insane blathering on an in-house Scientology motivational film. His German drama Valkyrie has been pushed back, and many are wondering if the star’s antics will allow him to remain in the A list much longer. I suppose another Mission Impossible film would be the best test for that hypothesis.

Tom Cruise is bent on controlling the earth with the power of the great Xenu. The thousand tentacles of the deity stretch far and wide through Tom Cruise’s influence. It is foretold that one day the great Xenu himself will birth from Cruise’s vagina-esque belly button. Xenu in human form looks like a young Burt Reynols, with a serpent head. Like Serpentor, but way cooler.

They should call this film Mission Impossible 4: Tom Gets His Wits About Him

I am currently blogging on my laptop and used the built in camera to take a picture of my cat Bella that is nursing kittens. Her three youngsters are adventuring, so I need to blog near them and ensure their safety. I have attached a picture of the fuzzy friends for all of you.

Please pardon the exposed nipples. She had to be shaved down for an emergency surgery, to remove 2 kittens that were unable to be birthed naturally.

We have an image and an announcement regarding the Spirit thanks to our good friends over at moviesonline:

I like this poster! It has been some time since I have seen brick letters! What a fantastic touch.

The film was originally scheduled for a release of January 16th, 2009 but will now be upon us for the Christmas holiday season according to ReelComix.

I have liked what I have seen so far from this project. My only concern is that it looks quite similar stylistically to Sin City. I love the look of Sin City however, and if the same style works for this film, why not.

We have this alarming photo from the upcoming Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li. Thanks to moviesonline for the hookup!

***Update*** the above picture features Moon Bloodgood as Detective Maya Sunee. This is not Chun Li as I had previously thought.

With luck, Chun Li will look the way we all want her to; now we wait for our first look. Thanks to Melbe for the heads up.