The writer’s strike is beginning to affect films that most thought would have escaped the wrath of the WGA. “Star Trek”, which is currently being shot on the Paramount lot, has a finished script, but the strike is still causing some problems. John August, the film’s writer, has been blogging about the strike on his website, and recently spoke with the director, JJ Abrams, and producer Damon Lindelof on the picket line.

They described to him the problems that they’re currently facing with “Star Trek”. Although Abrams is the film’s director, he’s also a member of the WGA. As a WGA member, Abrams is following their commands not to write while serving in the role of director. Normally he would add a line or two, or change things up a little as he goes, but because of the strike, he must stick with exactly what’s already been written. Lindelof described it as having one of your superpowers taken away.

While they’ll still be able to shoot the film without making changes to the script, the finished product might not be as good as it could have been.

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Just in time for the holidays, Rob Zombie’s “Halloween” is hitting DVDs on December 18, 2007.  One of the horror film industry’s most terrifying and iconic horror franchises, Rob Zombie’s “Halloween” is a re-imagination  of the original film which delves into the troubled childhood of anti-hero Michael Meyers, and uncovers the making of a pathologically disturbed masked killer.

Starring in the film is former World Champion Wrestler Tyler Mane, aka Big Sky, who gives a wonderful performance as the psychotic, silent killer who escapes from a mental institution.  He wears the iconic creepy disguise, wields a kitchen knife and wreaks havoc on his home town.

In celebration of the DVD release, Screenhead is giving away one copy of the DVD to a lucky reader.  To be eligible to win, please leave a comment on this story.  Make sure when you do, you use your email address so that we can contact you if you win.  Only we’ll be able to see the email address.  The contest is open to those in the US, Canada, and UK.

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Focus Features has released the brand-new, official trailer for the upcoming comedy, “Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day”, which will be released in theaters on March 7, 2008. The film is set in 1939, starring Miss Guinevere Pettigrew (Frances McDormand), a middle-aged London governess who finds herself unfairly dismissed from her job.  After attempting to get a new job, Pettigrew finds herself thrown into the glamorous and dizzying social world of the American actress and singer, Delysia Lafosse (Amy Adams).  Soon she finds herself swept up into the middle of the high-society world, and by the end the day, discovers her own romantic destiny.

You can check out the trailer for this upcoming romantic comedy at the Focus Features website.

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Keith Robinson who stars in ‘This Christmas’ and TV miniseries ‘Comanche Moon,” told Variety his inspiration was his family and anyone who overcomes and achieves their goals.

In this movie world, overcoming and achieving your goals is what makes this business a magical. Good looks probably helps too.

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Michael Bay’s favorite collaborator, Mark Miller, is grabbing the reins at Digital Domain. Miller work includes “A.I.,” “Minority Report” and “Transformers.”

Michael Bay is co-owner and co-chairman of Digital Domain, so the move makes sense.

Mark Miller will still hold the hat of President at ILM. I don’t blame him. Marin County is a beautiful place to work.

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Universal approached Russell Crowe over the weekend to convince him to take on the role Brad Pitt decided not to play in “State of Play” because of the script.

To refresh your memory, the strike and all meant no changes, so Pitt said no filming.

Production is to continue according

to Universal and Crowe is their man if he agrees and comes aboard.

“Play” is a thriller story that Pitt has been committed to for 16 months, but never was satisfied with the script.

According to Variety, he wanted the story closer to the authors rendition — I don’t blame him.

It just goes to show you the strike is causing repercussions, and Pitt gladly would play when the rewrite is done after the strike.

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These aren’t dolls. These are girls.

The Bratz girls—Yasmin (Nathalia Ramos), Jade (Janel Parrish), Cloe (Skyler Shaye) and Sasha (Logan Browning) - have been best friends forever and even made a pinky promise to always stick together. But when they become students at Carry Nation High School, they find that social cliques — and the domineering school president, Meredith — are determined to tear them apart! Even though they love following their own dreams, the girls really miss each other. Before long, they realize they can pursue their own passions and be friends, so they set out to end peer pressure forever. Through song, dance, and, of course, fashion, they teach the whole school the true meaning of empowerment, honesty, and most importantly, friendship.

Look for Bratz the movie November 27th!

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Remember Rambo? It’s been twenty years since the last film in the series, and the latest installation in the Rambo series will be hitting U.S. theaters early next year, on January 25, 2008. In this film, John Rambo (who’s still played by Sylvester Stallone) has retreated to northern Thailand, where he’s running a longboat on the Salween River. Nearby is the Thai-Burma (Myanmar) border, where the world’s longest running war - the Burmese-Karen conflict - is raging on into its 60th year. Rambo however has no part of this, living a simple solitary life in the mountains and jungles, and has given up fighting.

But Rambo is brought back into the fold when he is approached by a group of human rights missionaries who explain that since last year’s trek to the refugee camps, the Burmese have laid landminds along the road, which makes it too dangerous for overland travel. They ask Rambo to guide them along the Salween River and drop them off so that they can deliver food and medical supplies to the Karen Tribe. So he does.

Fast forward to two weeks later, and Rambo is approached by a pastor who tells him that the missionaries did not return and that the embassies have not helped to locate them. He tells Rambo that they are being held hostage by the Burmese army, and that he has mortgaged his home and raised money from his congregation to hire mercenaries to get them back. Although he’s given up the life of fighting and war, Rambo is reluctantly drawn back into that life, and knows what he must do.

If that hasn’t gotten you excited for the latest Rambo adventures, then surely this brand new television spot for Rambo will. Check it out:

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Michael Moore’s latest film, “Sicko”, which was released in US theaters this past summer, gave viewing audiences an in-your-face look at the state of the American healthcare system. And then, after we were shown the atrocities of the U.S. system, Michael Moore took us on a trip around the world to see what other countries’ healthcare systems were like. Canada and the United Kingdom seemed to be pretty well off, and France appeared to have it even better. But there was another country that Moore visited that did not make it into the final cut of the film because the studio thought that the footage would be too “unbelievable”.

That country Michael Moore visited was Norway, a country which has the world’s lowest murder rate. It also boasts one of the world’s best healthcare systems, and a very progressive approach to things like healthcare and incarceration. Here’s a clip of the deleted scene.

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“Colin Farrell stars in Playwright turned filmmaker, Martin McDonagh, first feature film “In Bruges,” opens the Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 17.

The film tells a story about two hit men forced to take a vacation in Bruges, Belgium.

In his playwriting career, McDonagh won Olivier Awards for “The Lieutenant of Inishmore” and “The Pillowman” as well as Tony nomination for “The Lieutenant of Inishmore,” “The Pillowman,” “The Beauty Queen of Leenane” and “The Lonesome West.

In 2006, his first film “Six Shooter” won the Oscar for live-action short.

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The word is out that WGA sounds a little bit hopeful. The strike may end by the holidays. Looking at this picture of Tuesday’s Labor Solidarity march of 4,000 supporters mile long through Hollywood Blvd., and then rally in front of the Chinese Theater, they sure do seem pretty serious, though. Thanks for the picture Variety!

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Judd Apatow will soon be releasing his latest comedy, “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story”. If you’ve been following this film at all, they you probably saw the kid-friendly clip that’s been circulating the web. But come on, what you’re really interested in is not the PG or PG-13 clip, you want the R-Rated clip. Well ask you you shall receive!

The R-Rated trailer for “Walk Hard” has just been released. It’s chock full of obscene, raucous, and hilarious clips, featuring John C. Reilly, the film’s star.

“Walk Hard” is the story of musician Dewey Cox, whose songs would change a nation. In his wild and crazy rock n roll career, Cox sleeps with 411 women, gets married three times, has 22 kids and 14 stepkids, stars in his own 70s TV show, collections friends like Elvis and the Beatles, gets addicted to and then kicks every drug you can imagine… and in spite of all this, Cox becomes a national icon and earns the love of a good woman - his backup singer.

Whew. Now if that doesn’t make for one crazy funny movie, I’m not sure what will. So here’s the clip to hold you over til the film is released:

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Coming soon to theaters is “The Singing Revolution”, a film by James and Maureen Tusty. The film will run from December 7-13 in Los Angeles, and December 14-20 in New York City.

The film explores the importance of singing in revolutions, something that a lot of people don’t really even think about. But between 1986 and 1991, hundreds of thousands of Estonians seeking to free themselves from decades of Soviet occupation gathered in public to sing forbidden patriotic songs and to rally for independence.

“The young people, without any political party, and without any politicians, just came together … not only tens of thousands but hundreds of thousands … to gather and to sing and to give this nation a new spirit,” remarked Mart Laar, a Singing Revolution leader featured in the film and the first post-Soviet Prime Minister of Estonia. “This was the idea of the Singing Revolution.”

This interesting film tells the story of the Estonian people, and how they peacefully regained their freedom, and helped to topple an empire along the way.

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Atlantic Records has announced the impending release of “P.S. I Love You Music From The Motion Picture” on December 4, 2007.  The film itself will open in U.S. theaters nationwide on December 21.

The album features tracks for a wide range of artists, including James Blunt, the Pogues, Paolo Nutini, Nellie McKay, Chuck Prophet, Toby Lightman, Fueled by Ramen, The Academy Is, and NEEDTOBREATHE.

“Same Mistake”, the second single from James Blunt’s album, All The Lost Souls, will be featured in the movies upcoming advertising campaign.  Blunt will also be performing the song a number high-profile television programs.

In celebration of the album and movie release, Screenhead is giving away a copy of the “P.S. I Love You Soundtrack.”  In order to be eligible to win, you must live in the US, Canada, or UK.  To enter, simply leave a comment on this post, and make sure you use an email address when you register (only we will be able to see it) so that we may contact you if you are chosen as the winner.

 

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Adam Sandler has teamed up with Judd Apatow on his next project, which admittedly sounds pretty strange.  In “You Don’t Mess With Zohan”, Sandler plays an Israeli commando who fakes his own death in order to start a new life in New York City as a hair stylist.

Notorious for their comedic prowess, Sandler and Apatow co-wrote the film, which will hit theaters next summer.  To be more precise, it’s got a June 6, 2008 target release date.  If you’re wondering what Sandler would look like as a Israeli commando-turned-hairstylist, check out the photo above from this week’s Entertainment Weekly.

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“Until Death”, the first film in the Spike Guy Movie series, and makes its television premiere November 25th on the Spike television channel. Starring Jean Claude Van Damme, Selina Giles, and Mark Dymond, “Until Death” tells the story of a crooked cop who must find a way to put the pieces of his life together and take down his would-be killer.

Check out the trailer and then tune in at 9pm ET on Spike:

Until Death Trailer

Posted Nov 15, 2007

Van Damme is back as a cop left for dead, vengeance on his mind and a needle in his arm.

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To celebrate the DVD release of “Help!”, which was on November 6, the first ever Beatles podcast has been created.  The podcast is narrated by Michael Palin, and so far there are two parts available to listen to.  A third part will be released shortly!

If you haven’t already checked out the “Help!” DVD,  I would really recommend it.  I had never seen it, and wasn’t alive for its original 1965 release, but I still enjoyed it.  It featured all the old classic Beatles’ songs that I love, and a quirky story line.  What amazed me the most was the restoration job they did - wow did the quality look great!

So, check out the podcast here, and then skip on down to your local store and pick up the DVD.  It’s also the perfect gift for the Beatles fan in your life.

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With the sad demise of Norman Mailer, one of America’s most important writers, comes the news that one of his novels will be coming to us via the silver screen….. again. Dark Horizons reported this week that the author’s son, John, has released the rights to adapt The Naked and the Dead. The 1948 novel was a landmark in writing, being one of the first honest accounts of life in the Second World War. The novel was adapted into a 1958 film version, and was generally considered to be a forgettable, sanitised version of the powerful story.

The novel deals with a reconnaissance platoon of US soldiers based in the South Pacific. It depicts the difficult lives of the soldiers and officers involved, and manages to create rich characters, often telling the history of a character through a key flashback- a device you will recognise from Lost.

The only problem with making a film of The Naked and the Dead, is that while it can be commended for being the first, and one of the most effective war novels, war movies have raided its insight for quite a while. Now, the war movie has been done to death, ranging from the frivolous (Pearl Harbour) to the profound (Apocalypse Now). A film adaption of the great novel simply can’t be great, due to the genre having been exhausted since.

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With casting news pouring in of JJ Abrams’ Star Trek prequel, it seems as if the plot of this film, due out next Christmas, has been leaked. Now, I don’t particularly enjoy that soap-opera in space, but with the competant Abrams in control, and with an interesting plot confirmed, this may turn out to be half decent.

According to IESB, the new Star Trek film centres on a young Captain Kirk and Spock as they train in the Star Fleet Academy. However, those nasty Romulans from the future manage to travel back in time to attmept to kill Kirk, the man who has caused them so much trouble. However, hearing about this, the future Spock also travels back in time to warn his young self about this dastardly plot.

If this is true, it will certainly explain why Leonard Nimoy, the original Spock, is getting a cameo in the film. Heroes’ Zachary Quinto (Sylar) will be playing the young Spock.

However, AICN are reporting that the film’s plot idirectly borrows from an episode from the original Star Trek show,  entitled The City on the Edge of Forever. AICN published a memo from that programme’s writer, Harlan Ellison, who is notably upset at the prospect of his legally owned creations without his permission or acknowledgement. Let the bitching commence!

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Remember the “Hogfather” film we were telling you about a few days ago? Well it’s airing on ION on November 25th at 7pm, and in the meantime, we’re running an awesome contest.

For your chance to win this super cool “Hogfather” prize pack leave a comment on this post. When you do so, make sure you enter your email address so that we’ll be able to contact in you if you’re the lucky winner. The winner of the “Hogfather” prize pack will be randomly chosen on the evening of November 24th, so to be eligible you’ll need to get your entries in before then. The contest is open to those living in the US, Canada, and the UK.

The “Hogfather” Prize Pack includes:

- A copy of the “Hogfather” book by Terry Pratchett

- The “Hogfather” movie on DVD

- The “Merlin” movie on DVD

- “The 10th Kingdom” DVD

- Sci-Fi checkers set

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Tim Burton is hooking up with Disney’s Pixar for a two picture.  One of the film’s in the deal is Burton’s 1984 short film “Frankenweenie”, which will now be turned into a feature-length film.  The second film on the slate is a remake of the classic “Alice in Wonderland.”

The “Frankenweenie” short film is the story about a boy who brings his dog back to life, and as far as the “Alice in Wonderland” film is concerned, well no one’s quite sure whether it will be based off the classic C.S. Lewis book, or if they’ll take it in another direction.   “Frankenweenie” will be an animated feature, while “Alice in Wonderland” will combine live action with motion captured animation, such as that which was used in “Beowulf.”

It’ll certainly be interesting to see what comes out this two picture deal between Burton and Pixar.  And isn’t funny that Burton, who left his job with Disney, is now back in the fold?

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Geffen Records recording artist Matt White has spent the last couple of months on tour to promote the debut release of his Best Days album. He has a few remaining headlining club shows and opening slots on the Third Eye Blind tour.

Matt will also be making a special appearance, along with Mindy Smith and Jenny Owen Youngs, in New York City at The Housing Works Bookstore Café on Friday, December 21 at 7:00 pm. Tickets are at $20 and can be bought here. 

All proceeds benefit Housing Works Inc, the nation’s largest minority-controlled AIDS services provider, offering shelter, medical services, job training, and legal advocacy to homeless people living with AIDS in New York City.

Below are the remaining tour dates for Matt White this month.  More to follow soon:

• November 15th in Worcester, MA - Palladium w/ Third Eye Blind
• November 16th in Hartford, CT - Webster Theater w/ Third Eye Blind
• November 17th in Genesee, NY-  SUNY Genesee w/ Third Eye Blind
• November 18th in Charleston, WV - Mountain Stage
• November 20th in Cleveland, OH - House of Blues, Cambridge Room
• December 21st in New York, NY - Housing Works benefit

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If the writers are on strike, who is going to write for the award shows? Does that mean the acceptance speeches get to be longer than 30 seconds!! Bravo!!! I love hearing those. I miss them.

Even the show could be shorter, less than 3 hours.

How will Jon Stewart, who is the scheduled Oscar host, fair on his own. His talk show is dark these days. Sounds like he needs his writers.

According to Variety, writing for most awards shows begins after the nominations are announced. That is months away, so the strike might be resolved by then.

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Rumors have it that as early as next month latenight talkshows will be back.

According to Variety nobody wants to take the first plunge. They want to jump in together and there is a concern about going back too early when a settlement is looming.

Some talkers have been dark since November 5th, which isn’t too good for film promotion or employees.

Some are saying perhaps two shows from different networks will jump in together on the same date. That’s a good idea, rather democratic.

Then, of course, respect for the writers is important too.

I still think we can forgo the monologues and skits and do more interviews.

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“Nightmare Before Christmas” producer and director David Burton teams up with Disney to direct two 3D pictures,”Alice in Wonderland” and “Frankenweenie.”

I think this two-movie deal is a work of art. “Alice” goes first using combine performance-capture imagery, currently seen in “Beowulf,” with live-action footage.

Burton is finishing up the Paramount and Dreamworks musical “Sweeney Todd.”
“Frankenweenie” comes from Burton’s 1984 short film about a pet dog brought back to life by his loyal owner, which will be shot in stop-motion animation and shown in digital 3D.

Burton worked with Disney before on “Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Ed Wood.”

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