Simon West

First Trailer and Official Synopsis for THE EXPENDABLES 2, Plus New Promo Poster

by Brendan Bettinger    Posted: December 14th, 2011 at 4:27 pm

Lionsgate has released the first trailer for The Expendables 2, directed by Simon West (The Mechanic).  It’s a teaser that doesn’t get into plot, or even showcase any major action.  At this early stage, with over 9 months to go until the August 17 release, the film is selling itself entirely on the reputation of the cast: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Chuck Norris, Terry Crews, Randy Couture, Liam Hemsworth, Jean Claude Van Damme, Bruce Willis, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

If you are interested in the plot, the studio also unveiled the first official synopsis for The Expendables 2 along with a new promo poster.  See it all after the jump.

Simon West in Talks to Direct 1950s Car Racing Movie DUST AND GLORY

by Brendan Bettinger    Posted: November 28th, 2011 at 8:04 pm

Simon West is in negotiations with Top Cat Media and Blue Star Entertainment to direct Dust and Glory, a car racing movie described as a cross between Mad Max and Jewel of the Nile.  According to THR, “the romance adventure project is set during the 1950s’ Redex trials, which covered more than 10,000 miles of some of the toughest racing terrain in Australia, if not the world.”  Robert Lewis Galinsky adapted the screenplay from the novel Dust and Glory by Evan Green.

I can’t find much more about the out-of-print book (check out this threadbare Amazon page), but there is an official Dust and Glory site with minor updates on the movie.  Top Cat says they are in discussion with an “A-list cast and director.”  West is a solid choice for this type of action movie—we’ll see if that leads to the desired A-list cast.  West is currently shooting The Expendables 2.  Dust and Glory is tentatively scheduled for a summer 2012 shoot in Australia.

Promo Posters for ASS BACKWARDS, CARNAVAL, and THUNDER RUN Starring Sam Worthington and Gerard Butler

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: November 6th, 2011 at 8:34 am

We’ve got another round up of stuff from the American Film Market to share with you today in the way of promo posters for Ass Backwards, Thunder Run, and Carnaval. Thunder Run is the 3D motion-capture war film starring Gerard Butler, Sam Worthington, and Matthew McConaughey. Directed by Simon West (Con Air), the film centers on the 2003 capture of Baghdad. The comedy Ass Backwards stars Alicia Silverstone, Jon Cryer, Casey Wilson (Happy Endings) and Vincent D’Onofrio and centers on two best friends who head back to their hometown in an attempt to win a pageant they never won as children.

Carnaval stars John Cusack and Johnny Knoxville and centers on a sports scout (Cusack) who is forced to head down to Rio de Janeiro to recruit the world’s top soccer player. The scout’s best friend (Knoxville) comes along for the trip, and hijinks ensue. Josh Stern (Swing Vote) will direct.  Hit the jump to check out the promo posters.

Gerard Butler, Sam Worthington, and Matthew McConaughey to Star in 3D Motion-Capture War Movie THUNDER RUN

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: October 27th, 2011 at 1:13 pm

A trio of burly men have signed on to the Iraq war movie Thunder Run. Gerard Butler, Sam Worthington, and Matthew McConaughey are set to star in the action-thriller from director Simon West (Con Air). However, this isn’t your typical war pic, as Thompson on Hollywood reports that the film will be made using 3D motion-capture technology. The film centers on the 2003 capture of Baghdad, and is based on David Zucchino’s novel Thunder Run - The Armored Strike to Capture Baghdad. Black Hawk Down scribes Robert Port and Ken Nolan are handling screenwriting duties, and the film has apparently been in development for five years. Freedom Films’ Brian Presley had this to say:

“[This will be the] first ever conventional war film made to utilize this revolutionary facial and motion capture technology and state of the art CG and 3D.”

I’m not exactly sure how they plan to make this movie not look like Call of Duty, but it’s certainly a unique idea. Since the motion-capture process necessitates a lengthy post-production, it may be awhile until we actually see the film on the big screen. Hit the jump to read the synopsis of Zucchino’s novel.

Liam Hemsworth Joins THE EXPENDABLES 2

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: September 19th, 2011 at 2:23 pm

It appears that the cast of The Expendables 2 won’t be entirely made up of aging action stars. Fresh off his role in Gary Ross’ highly anticipated adaptation of The Hunger Games, Liam Hemsworth has joined the cast of the action flick. We recently reported that rumored additions Jean-Claude Van Damme and Chuck Norris are confirmed to be appearing in the film, with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis set to reprise their roles from the first outing. Sylvester Stallone toplines, with Jet Li, Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren, Mickey Rourke, and Terry Crews all set to return as well.

Variety’s reports states that Hemsworth will be playing a sniper in the film. Statham recently told Steve that filming begins at the end of this month in Bulgaria. One can safely assume that the story involves guns and explosions. That leaves John Travolta and Donnie Yen as the other two rumored additions that have yet to be confirmed. Simon West (Con Air) is directing. The Expendables 2 opens August 17, 2012.

Rumored Cast for EXPENDABLES 2 Includes Schwarzenegger, Willis, Travolta, Van Damme, and Chuck Norris

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: July 29th, 2011 at 11:33 am

Filming on the sequel to Sylvester Stallone’s 2010 all-star action movie The Expendables is set to begin in September, and now rumors are starting to swirl about what action heavyweights will be along for the ride this time around. Shooting will be taking place in Bulgaria, and the CEO of Bulgaria-based NU Boyana studios David Varod recently dropped some huge names when listing the cast for The Expendables 2 to Novinite: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, John Travolta, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Chuck Norris, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dolph Lundgren, Mickey Rourke and Bruce Willis.

We expected Stallone, Statham, Lundgren and Rourke to return, but this is the first time we’ve heard of Travolta, Norris and Vam Damme’s involvement (Stallone has been wanting Schwarzenegger and Willis to return for a while). However, just because Varod listed them off doesn’t mean all of these actors mentioned are definitely in the film. Hit the jump for more.

Simon West to Direct THE EXPENDABLES 2

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: June 15th, 2011 at 4:52 pm

After all that talk of whether Sylvester Stallone would be returning to the director’s chair for The Expendables 2 or not, it looks like Simon West (The Mechanic) will be taking the reins this time around. Deadline reports that, after a long search, West has been given the job of overseeing the flick, which centers on a bunch of guys killing people. West is no stranger to action flicks, as his filmography includes Con Air, Laura Croft: Tomb Raider, and The General’s Daughter. While Con Air has its cheesy charm, West hasn’t really done anything that makes me think he’s the right choice for Expendables 2. Stallone’s work on the first flick wasn’t especially mind-blowing, but he brought a certain seriousness that grounded the ridiculous action in reality. I can’t really see West bringing anything interesting to the material, but maybe he’ll surprise.

While nothing’s confirmed, the report states that the original cast of Stallone, Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren, Mickey Rourke, Terry Crews and Jet Li are expected to return. The plot has yet to be released for the flick, but Stallone previously expressed his interest in having Bruce Willis return as a super-villain. Lionsgate is set to release The Expendables 2 on August 17^th, 2012.

Danny Huston Joins the Cast of MEDALLION Starring Nicolas Cage and Malin Akerman

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: March 11th, 2011 at 4:02 pm

Actor Danny Huston (X-Men Origins: Wolverine) has joined the cast of director Simon West’s (When a Stranger Calls) upcoming action-thriller Medallion. The Playlist reports that Huston will join Nicolas Cage in the flick, which centers on a former master thief (Cage) who has only a few hours to find his daughter when she is kidnapped and locked in the trunk of a New York medallion taxi cab. Malin Akerman will portray an ex-girlfriend of Cage’s who teams up with him to find his daughter. The Taken-esque flick has a script from David Guggenheim (Safe House) and marks the re-teaming of Cage and West after their previous collaboration on Con Air.

Malin Akerman in Negotiations to Star in MEDALLION with Nicolas Cage

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: February 28th, 2011 at 4:02 pm

Nicolas Cage is starring in yet another action film, and it looks like Malin Akerman will be along for the ride. Akerman is in negotiations to take on the female lead in Medallion, from director Simon West (When a Stranger Calls). The Taken-esque story centers on “a former master thief (Cage), who has only a few hours to find his daughter when she is kidnapped and locked in the trunk of a New York medallion taxi cab.”

Heat Vision reports that Akerman will star as Cage’s former girlfriend/bankrobber who, of course, teams up with Cage to help him find his daughter. David Guggenheim (Safe House) wrote the script, while McG is producing, sigh. West and Cage previously teamed up for the fantastically ridiculous Con Air, and one can only hope that working together on this project will get the ball rolling on that Con Air sequel that West wants to do. Akerman recently replaced Lindsay Lohan in the Linda Lovelace biopic Inferno.

Simon West to Direct RED SONJA; Amber Heard Top Choice to Star

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: February 10th, 2011 at 12:52 pm

A few years ago, a reboot/remake/relaunch of Red Sonja was in the works with Rose McGowan attached to star and Robert Rodriguez producing.  While that adaptation fell apart, producer Avi Lerner still plans to bring the buxom red-headed barbarian back to the big screen.  Lerner tells Empire that they’re planning to shoot Red Sonja after Conan and that Simon West (The Mechanic) will direct:

“We didn’t want to start it until we’d finished Conan,” he tells us, but with confidence in Marcus Nispel’s revivified warrior growing, and a sequel already in development, Lerner reveals that “We will definitely shoot Red Sonja in between Conan and Conan 2. We already chose the director: an English guy called Simon West.”

And who does Lerner see as his new Sonja?  Rising star Amber Heard.  Hit the jump for more on Lerner’s dream casting.

THE MECHANIC Review

by Bill Graham    Posted: January 28th, 2011 at 11:40 am

The Mechanic takes a tired genre and, without breaking new ground, creates a festive and entertaining film fueled by non-stop action and a great role by the ever-reliable Ben Foster. Simon West directs this hitman film based on the original 1972 Charles Bronson actioner of the same name, with Jason Statham filling the role of Bronson while Foster fills the role of Jan-Michael Vincent. Brutal violence and unexpected humor keep the proceedings from feeling too rehashed, and an undercurrent of revenge never bogs down the streamlined plot that propels the movie forward. This is an action film that knows to play within the set boundaries of what an audience wants—and does so unblinkingly within the 92 minute run time. Hit the jump for my full review of The Mechanic.

Director Simon West Wants to Make CON AIR 2

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: January 25th, 2011 at 9:38 am

Put the bunny back in the box. Again. While promoting his latest film, The Mechanic, director Simon West let loose a wish of his that is so Earth-shatteringly awesome, it absolutely has to happen. While he’s been at the helm of films such as Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and When a Stranger Calls, West got his start on the 1997 film Con Air. The premise? En route to a different penitentiary, a group of maximum-security prisoners take control of their transport plane. The cast? John Malkovich, John Cusack, Dave Chappelle, Steve Buscemi and Nic Cage. Also, lots and lots of explosions. Awesomeness-overload. In an interview with Crave Online (via Dark Horizons), West expressed his wish for a sequel:

“Con Air 2 I’d like to do. It’d be great. It’s a matter of getting everybody together. There’s so many people involved and it’s about getting everybody to agree. But I’m going to bring it up to Nic. I’m going to put a bug in his ear about it. If the two of us want to do it, we’ll go after the others.”

Though nothing is officially in the works, and at this point the film is merely an idea, if there’s any justice in this Epic Movie-ridden world, Con Air 2 will eventually be made complete with explosions, bunnies in boxes, and a new/fantastic Nic Cage hairstyle.

4 Movie Clips from THE MECHANIC Starring Jason Statham, Ben Foster and Donald Sutherland

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: January 15th, 2011 at 8:58 am

If you’re a fan of Jason Statham action films, you’ll be happy to know his latest movie, a remake of The Mechanic, opens January 28.  Like the 1972 Charles Bronson film that it’s based on , Statham plays a ‘mechanic’, “an elite assassin with a strict code and unique talent for cleanly eliminating targets.”   Unlike some remakes that stray far from the original, Statham’s remake uses the same plot, but updates all the technology and kills.  Also, Simon West directed (Con Air, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider) the film so the action is well done.

While not an expert Stathamologist, I thought The Mechanic was a lot of fun and having Ben Foster play the apprentice was a smart move as he’s a very talented actor that brings a lot to the role.  Anyway, we’ve been given four clips from the film, so hit the jump to check them out.  I’ve also provided the official synopsis:

Red-Band Trailer for THE MECHANIC

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: January 3rd, 2011 at 4:05 pm

A new red-band trailer for the action-thriller The Mechanic has gone online (here’s the green band).  Directed by Simon West (Con Air), the film stars Jason Statham as a hitman who takes on an apprentice (Ben Foster).  The film also stars Tony Goldwyn and Donald Sutherland.  If you’re a fan of Statham kicking ass and blowing shit up, what are you waiting for.  The Mechanic opens January 28th.

Nicolas Cage Is a Master Thief in MEDALLION

by Brendan Bettinger    Posted: December 14th, 2010 at 7:09 pm

Nicolas Cage has signed on to star in Medallion, an action thriller not dissimilar to 2008′s Taken.  The story centers on “a former master thief (Cage), who has only a few hours to find his daughter when she is kidnapped and locked in the trunk of a New York medallion taxi cab.”  Simon West (When a Stranger Calls) is on board as director with a script from David Guggenheim.

The project has making the rounds for a while.  Heat Vision links Clive Owen and Jason Statham to the lead role in prior iterations.  Medallion represents a reunion between West and Cage, who last teamed for Con Air in 1997.

Hit the jump for a look at Cage’s upcoming slate.

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