All Articles by Matt Currie

New Featurette for PEOPLE LIKE US Starring Chris Pine and Elizabeth Banks

Posted: May 7th, 2012 at 12:18 pm

A bit over a month after the first trailer for long-lost-sibling drama People Like Us debuted online, a sizzle reel (fancy industry talk for “featurette”) has followed. Basically, it’s a lot of the stuff we’ve seen before (plus some new bits), mixed with footage of first-time director Alex Kurtzman (co-writer of Star Trek and Transformers) and stars Chris Pine and Elizabeth Banks discussing the film. Co-written by Kurtzman, frequent collaborator Roberto Orci and Jody Lambert, the film sees a debt-ridden salesman (Pine) who must split a sizeable inheritance with a sister (Banks) he didn’t know about; as he struggles with the “But it’s so much money!” quandary, he forges a relationship with his unsuspecting sis and her young son.

If you thought the first trailer betrayed a bit too much schmaltz, this one won’t do much to sway you. But, at the very least, it improves upon its predecessor by cutting the line “Sometimes the past is a present.” Shudder. Hit the jump to check it out. People Like Us (previously titled Welcome to the People) also stars Michelle Pfeiffer, Olivia Wilde, Jon Favreau, and Mark Duplass. It will hit theaters on June 29.

Michael Bay to Produce Treasure Island Prequel BLACK SAILS for Starz

Posted: May 3rd, 2012 at 2:45 pm

With the Spartacus series continuing to anchor its original programming, Starz has ordered another blood-and-boobs historical epic to series in the form of the Michael Bay-produced Black Sails. Set to film in South Africa, the tentatively titled show is a prequel to Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic pirate tale Treasure Island. It will take place 20 years before the events of the novel, following Captain Flint (the deceased pirate who literally put the treasure in Treasure Island) and a young Long John Silver as they buckle swash in defense of “notorious criminal haven” New Providence Island. Hit the jump for more, including a full press release.

New AVENGERS TV Report Yields First Footage of Joss Whedon’s MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

Posted: April 30th, 2012 at 1:55 pm

As we come within mere days of the North American premiere of The Avengers, the anticipated marketing A-bomb has officially detonated and is in the process of spewing tiny chunks of promotional material across the globe for all to see. We’ve got special edition cola cans, fancy micro-sites, and even pint-sized LARPing…and, of course, your standard behind-the-scenes TV specials. While this one, from CBS News, is mainly a rehash of stuff we already know/have seen before, it would still be worth watching, if only for the chance to have director/geek god Joss Whedon utterly disarm you with his affable wit, as he discusses his career to date.

But here’s another reason to take a look: it features our first glimpse of Much Ado About Nothing, the self-financed, sub-independent Shakespeare adaptation Whedon shot entirely at his Santa Monica home over a period of 12 days just after The Avengers wrapped. Hit the jump to check it out.

Acquisition News: Anchor Bay Picks up VAMPS and Focus World Nabs EXTRATERRESTRIAL

Posted: April 17th, 2012 at 2:53 pm

Two fairly promising genre films found homes today:

• Anchor Bay has acquired the rights to Amy Heckerling’s supernatural comedy Vamps, which stars Alicia Silverstone and Krysten Ritter, with eyes on an October theatrical release.
• Focus World has picked up cult filmmaker Nacho Vigalondo’s alien invasion tale Extraterrestrial for a limited theatrical and VOD run beginning on June 15.

Hit the jump for more on both films, including full press releases.

Ed Harris and January Jones Sign on for Revenge Drama SWEETWATER

Posted: April 17th, 2012 at 1:07 pm

Twin filmmakers Logan and Noah Miller have locked down two fairly high-profile stars in Ed Harris and January Jones to anchor their sophomore effort, the revenge drama (God, there’s a lot of these nowadays) Sweetwater. Jones will step into the role of a 19thC widow who joins forces with Harris’ local sheriff to take down the “brutal sheep rancher” that killed her husband. I’m sure a man who ranches sheep can be absolutely vicious, but I can’t even think the phrase “brutal sheep rancher” without giggling. Production will begin this July in New Mexico. Hit the jump for more, including a look at the Miller brothers’ interesting road to success.

Woody Harrelson and Forest Whitaker Officially Join OUT OF THE FURNACE

Posted: April 13th, 2012 at 1:46 pm

The cast of Scott Cooper’s revenge drama Out of the Furnace was already promising, with Christian Bale, Casey Affleck, Sam Shepard, and Zoe Saldana occupying major roles and a number of intriguing actors circling the villain roles. Today, we can upgrade it to “can’t miss” status with news that Woody Harrelson and Forest Whitaker have officially signed on to round things out. The film, which will be shot primarily in a handful of economically-depressed Pennsylvania mill towns, follows two brothers desperate to leave their Rust Belt roots behind. However, when one of them (Affleck) is murdered after getting involved with a vicious crime ring, the other (Bale) is inclined to dole out some payback. Hit the jump for more on Out of the Furnace, including a full press release.

PSA Sunday: G.I. JOES Teach a Drowning Boy Self-Reliance

Posted: April 1st, 2012 at 7:22 am

In the mid-late 1980s, the G.I. Joes were the finest cartoon role models the nation had to offer; they were good men, capable men. Even when they weren’t shielding the world from the chaos and destruction of Cobra Command, the Joes remained ever-vigilant, especially of our greatest non-petroleum resource: the children. Be the threat as ominous as a potential abduction or benign as a nosebleed, they were always on hand with utterly sound advice. Today, for the first time ever on PSA Sunday, we’re going Joe.

We open on a boy, stranded in the ocean. He can’t swim, but it’s okay, because just when he’s needed most, aquatic commando Torpedo rises from the depths. Not to save the drowning tyke, mind you, but to teach him how to save himself. Hit the jump for sink or swimming lessons, with a Real American Hero.

Watch Orson Welles’ Final TV Interview, Recorded a Few Hours Before He Died

Posted: March 30th, 2012 at 2:54 pm

The term “genius” is perhaps applied a bit too liberally when we, as fans of film and television, discuss the people we admire and their works.  But it’s a word that doesn’t do justice to Orson Welles. An unparalleled talent of stage, radio, and silver screen, the man left an indelible impression on each medium. In 1938, he conducted the most infamous radio broadcast of all time, an adaptation of H.G. Wells’ The War of the Worlds that, because of its ‘news bulletin’ format, led many listeners to believe an actual alien invasion was underway. A few years later, still in his mid-20s, he wrote, directed, and starred in Citizen Kane, often lauded as the greatest cinematic achievement of all time. And let’s not forget: he was the voice of Unicron in 1986’s The Transformers: The Movie. Hit the jump for more, and to watch the final interview of Welles’ life recorded hours before his death.

Mia Wasikowska to Lead MADAME BOVARY; Paul Giamatti Circling Supporting Role

Posted: March 30th, 2012 at 12:47 pm

Fresh off proving that she can totally rock a corset (plus, you know, poignantly bring to life one of literature’s most renowned characters) in last year’s Jane Eyre, young Aussie Mia Wasikowska is set to lead another adaptation of a 19^th Century classic in the form of Madame Bovary.  Gustave Flaubert’s highly revered and influential novel (which many cite as having planted the seed for modern literary Realism) tells the tale of Emma Bovary, a young woman who goes through life dreaming of excitement and romance, only to be stifled at nearly every turn by the repression of her male-dominated era. Paul Giamatti is also reported to be closing in on an important role in the film, which is being helmed by Sophie Barthes, who worked with Giamatti in her 2009 debut, Cold Souls. Hit the jump for more.

Chris Columbus to Direct Adaptation of HOME FRONT; Abigail Breslin Eyes THE THINGS WE DO FOR LOVE

Posted: March 30th, 2012 at 11:19 am

It’s a good day to be a fan of Kristin Hannah, as the bestselling author has just inked a pair of deals that will see two of her popular female-experience-centric novels developed for the silver screen. First up, 1492 Films has picked up the rights to Hannah’s latest, Home Front, the tale of a Blackhawk helicopter pilot in a crumbling marriage who is forced to leave her husband and children for a tour of duty in Iraq. Per Deadline, the book, currently 14^th on the NY Times bestseller list, was powerful enough to really pique the interest of director Chris Columbus (Stepmom, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets), who is attached to helm.

Also per Deadline, an adaptation is underway for Hannah’s The Things We Do For Love, the story of a disillusioned, childless divorcee and a pregnant, recently homeless teen who form a bond that will both fulfill and sorely test both women. SPB Productions is developing with an eye on transitioning child star Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine) for role of the teen. Hit the jump for full synopses of both books.

New TV Spots for THE AVENGERS, Plus Details on a Massive New Marketing Campaign for the Film

Posted: March 30th, 2012 at 10:04 am

Avengers corporate marketing consortium Aaaaaasssssssemmmmmmbbllllleeeee!  We’re just over one month out from the May 4 premiere of The Avengers.  If for some reason it’s not already perpetually occupying your thoughts, rest assured that, over the next few weeks, you won’t be able to turn on the TV, browse the Web, even leave your house without having the image of a Marvel superhero kicking ass burned into your brain.  It starts right now, with the release of this 34-second international TV spot.  Basically, the clip boils down to a quick summary of the film’s conflict (superheroes at war with Loki and co.) plus a helpful breakdown of the various Marvel icons that make up The Avengers.  Fortunately for people who already know all this stuff, that info is delivered via a giddy-squeal-inducing verbal throwdown between Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) and Loki (Tom Hiddleston). You bet your ass they’ve “got a Hulk.”

But that’s just the beginning. Hit the jump to see the spot and for news on the massive synergistic marketing push being launched by Marvel in collaboration with companies like Acura, Dr. Pepper, and Harley-Davidson. [Update: A domestic TV spot has hit the web, and we've now included it below alongside the international one.]

Geek Gifts: “Han Solo Carbonite” iPhone 4 Case Lets You Feel Like Boba Fett

Posted: March 29th, 2012 at 4:30 pm

If I have one complaint about the iPhone (and I may, in fact, have only one) it’s the relatively plain-looking exterior. Much as it kicks all kinds of ass in terms of performance, there are certainly more aesthetically-intriguing devices out there. But hey, that’s what iPhone cases are for, right? And this one is a doozy, especially if you’re a fan of the Star Wars franchise.

Provided you’ve got an extra $15.50 lying around, the iconic image of Han Solo encased in carbonite at the end of The Empire Strikes Back/beginning of Return of the Jedi can adorn the back of your iPhone 4 or 4S. The plastic-aluminum case is the work of Moti Zemelman, proprietor of the Etsy.com-powered online store iCaseSeraSera. Hit the jump to get a look, plus some insight into how it was designed and buying info.

Gerard Butler in Talks to Lead MOTOR CITY

Posted: March 29th, 2012 at 2:24 pm

It’s rough out there for a single film. Just ask revenge flick Motor City, which has been on the lookout for a leading man to settle down with for months now. It thought it had found Mr. Right late last year with up-and-comer Dominic Cooper, but just when things seemed to be getting serious, he was all like “I can’t do this” and left (he just left!). Painful as that was, Motor City refused to sulk and admirably kept itself open, out there, and available. Alas, after promising flirtations with Jake Gyllenhaal and Jeremy Renner ended with an “Oh hey, you’re a real special flick but I’m kind of committed to another film right now,” it seemed like it was time to break out the sweatpants and Haagen-Dazs. But now, when things are at their bleakest, Gerard Butler (a nice enough guy who Motor City totally never thought of as more than a viewer), is starting to look like the one they were meant to be with all along.

Variety reports that the 300 star is in talks to come aboard the Albert Hughes-helmed actioner, as a man who is released from prison and proceeds to hunt down those responsible for putting him there. The pic is slated to start production this June. Hit the jump for more on Motor City.

VFX Artist Tim Miller Signs on to Direct Graphic Novel Adaptation GRAVEL

Posted: March 15th, 2012 at 7:04 pm

As his planned directorial debut, the hotly anticipated (by me, at least) Deadpool, seemingly toils in development hell, Tim Miller has been tapped for another comic-book adaptation. The visual effects savant has agreed to helm Legendary Pictures’ adaptation of Gravel, based on Warren Ellis’ graphic novel series. An intriguing mash-up of horror and hard-boiled detective story, the Gravel comics centre on William Gravel, a British soldier who plays magic-wielding mercenary on the side, doing battle with the forces of darkness to pay off his ominous personal debts.

Miller’s name may not ring any bells, but he’s the guy who, via his own CG animation-house Blur Studio, put together that jaw-dropping sequence at the start of David Fincher’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo remake. You know, the one with all the oil and the writhing and the Led Zeppelin (via Karen O);  I like to imagine that Miller just walked into his first meeting with Legendary, popped that thing in the Blu-ray player and said “Call me with the details,” over his shoulder as he made his way back to the elevator. Hit the jump for more on Gravel.

William Petersen to HURT PEOPLE, Matt Davis Joins CULT, Michael Kelly Heads to Netflix’s HOUSE OF CARDS

Posted: March 13th, 2012 at 8:46 pm

Here’s our TV casting call round-up. Check out the new additions at a glance below:

• William Petersen will star in and exec produce GKTV’s hitman drama, Hurt People.
• The Vampire Diaries actor Matt Davis will lead the new CW mystery pilot, Cult, from Farscape-mastermind Rockne S. O’Bannon.
• Fresh off playing the world’s worst dad in Chronicle, veteran character actor Michael Kelly is joining David Fincher’s Netflix series, House of Cards.
• Freddie Prinze Jr. has been cast in an untitled NBC sitcom pilot by Hilary Winston (Community).

Hit the jump for details on each project.

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