By all indications at the LA press day the principals involved in Alex Cross are happy as plums with the pic director Rob Cohen delivered, which sees Tyler Perry (of Madea fame) making his action hero debut on Friday. So is it any wonder that a deal is underway already with novelist James Patterson to start work on Double Cross , the next in what Summit and QED International hope is another fruitful Perry franchise? Based on Patterson’s popular crime novels, Alex Cross follows a detective/profiler (Perry) as he challenges a serial killer named Picasso (Matthew Fox, in a memorably crazed turn) who kills with perverse pleasure — and has targeted people close to the detective. The two then engages him in a dangerous cat and mouse game against the backdrop of a decayed Detroit. It’s Perry’s first film solely as an actor following a tremendously successful run of niche films, television, and theater projects that have grossed over half a billion dollars to date with Perry producing, directing, writing, and/or starring. Alex Cross is, fittingly enough, his big crossover push as well as his first action role, and given his loyal following it’s not surprising that the studio’s banking on a big enough opening from the modestly-budgeted $25M pic to warrant a sequel. For his part, Patterson voiced his support of Perry’s star turn filling the shoes of the iconic character previously portrayed by Morgan Freeman in Kiss the Girls and Along Came a Spider . He described Perry as a more accurate embodiment of Alex Cross, who’s described in the novels as a 6’3″, 200 lb. family man who’s close to his grandmother. Addressing the idea of writing yet more novels in his 20-book Alex Cross series, the poised, brash Patterson answered, ” Always. Baby needs new shoes .” (No, really. He said that.) So I’m guessing there’s none of that original author hesitation on Patterson’s part to see another one of his novels adapted for the screen, regardless of how Alex Cross opens with audiences or critics this weekend. There’s no indication yet of who will be scripting or directing the sequel, but if I were QED I’d look to upgrade on both counts. [ Deadline ]
Dree Hemingway and Besedka Johnson star in this SXSW Film Festival special jury prize winner set to hit theaters November 9th. Hemingway (great-granddaughter of Ernest and daughter of Mariel) plays a young aspiring actress who befriends an elderly widow set against the backdrop of Southern California’s San Fernando Valley. The trailer opens with a Yard Sale where Hemingway buys a thermos. She takes the purchase home and discovers a wad of cash inside… Now what does she do? The trailer hints at strains with similarly aged friends as Jane’s (Hemingway) bond with her elderly friend grows. Official log line below : Starlet explores the unlikely friendship between 21 year-old aspiring actress Jane (Dree Hemingway) and elderly widow Sadie (Besedka Johnson) after their worlds collide in California’s San Fernando Valley. Jane spends her time getting high with her dysfunctional roommates and taking care of her chihuahua Starlet, while Sadie passes her days alone, tending to her garden. After a confrontation at a yard sale, Jane finds something unexpected in a relic from Sadie’s past. Her curiosity piqued, she tries to befriend the caustic older woman. Secrets emerge as their relationship grows, revealing that nothing is ever as it seems. Director Sean Baker continues in the naturalistic style of his previous films, the Spirit Award nominated Prince of Broadway and Take Out , capturing the rhythms of everyday life with a rare authenticity. Featuring exceptional debut performances by Dree Hemingway (great granddaughter of Ernest and daughter of Mariel) and 85 year-old Besedka Johnson, who received a Special Jury Recognition at SXSW, Starlet is at once provocative, haunting, unpredictable, and surprisingly sweet. Starring: Dree Hemingway, Besedka Johnson, Stella Maeve. James Ransone, Karren Karagulian Read more on Starlet newcomer Dree Hemingway in Movieline’s SXSW interview. Follow Brian Brooks on Twitter . Follow Movieline on Twitter .
Microsoft and 343 industries aren’t getting into the cinema, they’re sidestepping it entirely as an obsolete technology. Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn is a 90-minute, $10 million dollar movie , and if you’re wondering why you haven’t heard about its upcoming release, it’s because it’s already out . The new movie follows the a squad of military cadets as they gradually learn how to be soldiers and then, very suddenly, learn that they’re under alien attack. Finally, they learn that Master Chief kicks ass. But gamers already knew that. Master Chief is the ultimate tough guy. A bulletproof power-armored soldier, faceless by design behind his golden visor, all he does is sleep and fight. Literally: They keep him in cryosleep until its time for him to open another can of interstellar whoop-ass. He’s so self-sufficient an action star that he even carries his own damsel in distress with him, Cortana, a smokin’ female AI that’s been loaded into the computers in his armor. (This enables her to call him long-distance when the bad guys get her.) Given those credentials, how insane is it that he and Halo haven’t been in the cinema? Think about it: Halo is one of the most popular gaming franchises in history. It’s the face of an entire console generation, a multi-billion-dollar phenomenon that generates block-long lines with the release of every new chapter of the game and opening weekend sales that would make most movie producers and studios weep into their cayenne-pepper cleansing smoothies. Even novels based on the game have been bestsellers, and novels based on games have a worse reputation than the used socks of gamers. Halo would seem to have all the ingredients for an awesome summer tentpole picture: An inscrutable tough guy teams with unlikely allies to battle invading aliens and, along the way, encounters enough twists and support characters to support a full trilogy. (Sergeant Johnson alone deserves his own movie). And yet, Halo has been knocking around Hollywood production hell for seven years. In that time, the franchise has produced five more games, including a remake of the original 2001 game, Halo: Combat Evolved . An early script was written by Alex Garland, whose merciless Dredd 3D demonstrates that he’s the perfect writer for tough-guy-in-helmet-kills-everything plots. In 2005, Peter Jackson came on board as executive producer and Neill Blomkamp, who would go on to make District 9 , was set to direct, and for a few months gamers were certain their dreams of a Halo movie were about to become computer-generated reality. Given the sweeping battles that Jackson depicted so vividly in LOTR , we envisioned breathtaking footage of the epic space combat only hinted at in Combat Evolved, alongside the and close-range futuristic firefights the game was all about . (Even fanfic that combined both franchises sounded possible. Imagine a crossover in which Legolas swings up around the turrets of a giant Covenant Scarab to shove an Energy Sword through its core, while Gimli clubs Brutes with their own gravity hammers and shouts “That still only counts as one point!”) Ironically, the huge financial potential of the Halo film is what ultimately doomed it. Microsoft saw the property as nothing less than the ultimate game movie and wanted to be compensated accordingly. Twentieth Century Fox and Universal initially partnered to take on the challenge, but the project collapsed over costs. The rights reverted to Microsoft, which was left with a money-minting game franchise that no one wanted to make mint money from. Which may be why Microsoft has decided to test the waters on its own. The company has a can’t-miss franchise and a vast entertainment network already wired to Halo’ s target market. It’s no secret that Microsoft and Sony have been positioning their Xbox and PS3 consoles as home-entertainment centers for years now. Gamers can stream Netflix movies through the former and watch Blu-Ray discs on the latter. And now here comes Microsoft with its very own content: Halo: Forward Unto Dawn, a live-action web series tied to the Nov. 6 release of Halo 4, which also bears the Forward Unto Dawn subtitle. Microsoft-owned 343 Industries has produced five 20-minute webisodes, which if you add them up clock in at the length of a feature film. Then again, the shows are released weekly and distributed through Machinima , host to several popular video game series. The series is essentially an extended advertisement for the Halo games, but that doesn’t make it any less good. George Lucas kept Star Wars fans coming back to the cantina by expanding the universe and telling the story of brand new characters. With Forward Unto Dawn , the lines between advertising and content are blurred enough that it’s possible to enjoy both. This advertising pedigree also helps with production – they’re using everything they know about internet marketing, building interest in the series by slipping in hints about the hotly-anticipated Halo 4 game. Guaranteeing that every player will watch. The teaser trailer told fans everything they need to know: We’re sure a certain officer Lasky will turn up the upcoming Halo 4 . Impressively, Microsoft is now taking the “pay if you want to” model of many independent internet creators. The entire series runs free for everyone on YouTube, and will later be available for sale as a standalone DVD or — much more likely for most fans — an extra in a Collector’s Edition of Halo 4. That’s the exact opposite of cinema: you get to see whether you like it first, then you can pay some money. Most modern movies wouldn’t survive under those conditions. This is a test. Microsoft has a can’t-miss canon, an established fanbase, its very own distribution network, and a healthy love of making money. The producers of Resident Evil: Damnation recently avoided cineplexes entirely (possibly because it’s offended by the live-action movies), and marketed the movie directly to its hardcore fanbase through — via their consoles — a week before the DVD was released. If this series succeeds, it won’t just be a good collection of YouTube clips — it’ll be proof that movies don’t belong exclusively to the movie industry. Luke McKinney loves the real world, but only because it has movies and video games in it. He responds to every tweet. Follow Luke McKinney on Twitter. Follow Movieline on Twitter.
Well looky what we gots here! Tyler Perry has gone and got himself a fitness plan and landed the November cover of Men’s Health (that was very nice of them don’tcha think?) just in time to talk about his starring role in Alex Cross . Check out a couple excerpts below: Tyler on his view of his body after his amazing 30-pound weight loss transformation for his role in Alex Cross… “I walk into a room with a lot more confidence. All my life I’ve tried to hide my height. I was taller than everybody else and stood out, so I would slouch and try to hide it. But with what I’ve been able to do with my body, I’m owning it. I’m standing up when I walk into a room.” “Now, I feel like it’s okay to be thought of as s e x y.” *barfs in paper bag* LOL sorry, ladies. Does Tyler get you hot and bothered? Hit the flip for some career related quotes from Tyler Perry, including why he thought he could step into a role Morgan Freeman was well known for.
This might get a better reception than Zoe Saldana as Nina . Mike Epps is set to play comedian Richard Pryor in the new Nina Simone biopic. The 41-year-old funny man has landed the supporting role of comedian Richard Pryor in the upcoming Nina Simone film. Epps will play the comedian in the early 1960s when he would open the singer’s shows when they were both starting out. In her autobiography, Nina Simone recalled how she would calm down the comedian when he suffered from his terrible stage fright. According to The Hollywood Reporter, filming for ‘Nina’ begins this week in Los Angeles with Avatar star Zoe Saldana portraying the iconic jazz singer. Do you think Mike will be able to fill those huge comedic shoes? Source
Scarlett Johansson is channeling screen legend Janet Leigh in this depiction of the cult movie Psycho ‘s famous (or infamous) shower scene. Johansson is, of course, portraying Leigh’s character Marion Crane in the upcoming Oscar contender Hitchcock , which will have its world premiere as the opening night film at AFI Fest November 1st. Alfred Hitchcock (Anthony Hopkins) and his wife Alma Reville (Helen Mirren) are the focus in the Sacha Gervasi-directed feature, which is set against the backdrop of filming Hitchcock’s Psycho in 1959. Click for more images from Hitchcock Scarlett Johansson as Janet Leigh Johansson as well as Jessica Biel, Vera Miles, James D’Arcy, Danny Huston and Toni Collette also star in the film, which spans from the time of Wisconsin murderer Ed Gein, who was the inspiration for Psycho ‘s Norman Bates character, to the release of the acclaimed film in 1960. Hitchcock and Reville’s marriage comes under strain due to the filmmaker’s determination to complete the film. It is hard to completely tell if Johansson is wearing a bit of lipstick to show off her pillowy lips, given the color vs. black and white comparison with the original, but a little creative license will always be at play nevertheless. Psycho became a big success despite the fact that horror was often dismissed by the Hollywood elite of the time. Janet Leigh’s scream is easily one of the most recognizable images in Hollywood history. Leigh died in October 2004 at 77. Alfred Hitchcock passed away in 1980 at age 80. Fox Searchlight, which will release Hitchcock beginning November 23rd and it will likely be an Academy Award power-house this year. [ Source: The Sun ]
Alluring. International. Deadly. The so-called Bond Girls are, let’s face it, the fetish objects the producers hope will keep us coming back to the 007 pictures . (After the watches — the sweet, sweet watches.) While the internet is loaded with glamour shots of Bond ladies from Ursula Andress to Michelle Yeoh, these women are more than mere pin-ups. Indeed, here are some oddball facts about the women in James Bond ‘s life that ought to do you well at a dinner party — provided, of course, that you don’t order red wine with fish. Ursula Andress , the ur-Bond Girl (and not just because it is a pun), became an instant screen icon when she emerged from the Caribbean in her white bikini holding… something, I dunno, I never focused on her hands. But did this Swiss ingenue show any gratitude to the official EON James Bond productions? No! Just a few years after her debut as Honey Ryder in Dr. No she turned around and appeared in a legal loophole “unofficial” James Bond production, 1967’s Casino Royale . Andress wasn’t the only one to make a mockery of her Bond Girl status. The woman who played Tatiana Romanova in From Russia With Love , Daniela Bianchi (who came from the Russian section of Italy, apparently), took part in the mockery known as OK Connery , also known as Operation Kid Brother . In it, Neil (brother of Sean) Connery plays a spy called-up as a replacement when his big brother isn’t available. The movie has never been released on DVD. Mie Hama , who played Kissy Suzuki in You Only Live Twice , is notable for what she did before being a Bond Girl. Prior to Hama, most of the women were European models or aspiring actresses who managed to marry well. Hama was a bus conductor. I’m not even 100% sure what a bus conductor is, but I can totally picture her in her native Japan being constructive and forward in modern society. And probably wearing a sharp outfit.
Also in Friday morning’s round-up of news briefs: Ridley Scott gives the low-down on a Blade Runner sequel. Michelle Williams is eyeing a role in a WWII-era drama and a run-down on the weekend’s new specialty release offerings. Richard Gere Considering Counter Islamophobia Pic After Innocence of Muslims Controversy Promoting Arbitrage at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival, Gere said he was “talking to a couple of people…about the possibility of shooting part of a movie that I’m working on here.” He said he was open to shooting a movie that would present Muslims in a more positive light after the damage caused by the anti-Islam video, THR reports . Ewan McGregor Set for Australian Crime Thriller Son of a Gun McGregor is currently shooting August: Osage County with Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts. He will shoot the crime pic Son of a Gun in Australia early next year. The film revolves around McGregor’s criminal character and his young protégé, Deadline reports . Ridley Scott: ‘ Blade Runner Sequel is ‘No Rumor’ Producer/director Scott confirmed that a re-make of the sci-fi classic is in the works. Scott was not sure if Harrison Ford will be on board the possible re-make of the 1982 pic, Metro reports . Michelle Williams Eyes Suite Francaise Williams is set to star in the leading role of the forthcoming film adaptation of Irène Némirovsky’s celebrated second world war novel Suite Française . A Ukrainian-born Jew, the writer died in Auschwitz in 1942 after completing only two of the novels, which were then lost in her personal papers until 1998, The Guardian reports . Specialty Box Office Preview: Middle of Nowhere , Smashed , Excuse Me for Living , Simon and the Oaks , Gayby This weekend’s new specialty release offerings get a preview including the Octavia Spencer/Mary Elizabeth Winstead starrer Smashed and other newcomers that will be opening in theaters, Deadline reports .
This week television’s probing procedural Law & Order: SVU ripped inspiration from the headlines — or rather, the bestseller list — with a case involving the assault of the author of a Fifty Shades of Grey -style novel. (Starring My Girl ‘s Anna Chlumsky!) But what’s the takeaway here? What’s L&O:SVU really trying to say to E.L. James ? Chlumsky guest-starred as Jocelyn Paley, a successful writer whose bondage-fantasy lit phenomenon, 25 Acts , has burned its way up the charts. “Her book makes Fifty Shades look like a Disney story,” explains talk show host Adam Cain (Roger Bart), who then takes fantasies straight from Paley’s book over the rape-y line. As they do each week, the L&O:SVU crew then sets out to seek justice. But there’s a twist! (Uh, spoilers.) Paley’s not the real author of the kinky Fifty Shades stand-in, but has instead claimed credit and made a fortune off of someone else’s writing. Plagiarism: Another shade of grey! (Ok, not really.) In real life, James has tread both moral grounds. As Fifty Shades blazed a kinky trail through the suburbs and lady lit world, critics claimed its depictions of the BDSM community are off-base and promote regressive gender politics. Is protagonist Ana Steele an agent of her own sexual awakening or a pathetic young woman submitting herself to the irresistibly damaged Christian Grey ? The twisty question of authorship put on blast by L&O:SVU also has roots in James’ phenomenal success. First penned and shared online (for free!) as Twilight fan fiction — minus the supernatural stuff, but with all of the emotional desperation — Fifty Shades of Grey became a commercial property when James stopped going by her message-board friendly AKA Snowqueens Icedragon, re-named her characters to avoid copyright infringement, and turned her lusty fanfic into a book . So what’s going on here, L&O ? Does James owe more of a debt than she acknowledges to Twilight and the fan community that once welcomed her as their own? Are there repercussions to cashing in as James did without giving proper credit? Are the Law & Order writers not entirely objective in their deliciously entertaining, headline-ripping yarn-spinning ? Recall that cutting Law & Order: Criminal Intent episode inspired by Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark featuring Cynthia Nixon as a wacko drunk Julie Taymor doppelganger? Yeah, not judgmental at all. I do hope that the producers of the in-development Fifty Shades of Grey movie take note of this L&O: SVU episode and, in some way, acknowledge the meta-fictional incest loop of it all, because by the time the film spanks its way into theaters we’ll have dissected James’ novel — and the phenomenon surrounding it — every which way already. And if the big-screen adaptation is just a straight, lightly erotic retelling of Ana and Christian’s kinky courtship it’ll all seem so… vanilla . Oh, and one more thing: When will Richard Belzer record his Fifty Shades of Grey celebrity narration? Watch the full episode online here and wonder how long all this will be relevant as the Fifty Shades of Grey movie keeps chugging along. Follow Jen Yamato on Twitter . Follow Movieline on Twitter .
