Friday, August 22, 2008

BLACK SHEEP'S WEEKLY NEWS WRANGLE


MUCH ADO ABOUT HARRY
Have you caught the latest issue on Entertainment Weekly? I'm a big fan of the magazine but I can't help but snicker at them as Harry Potter's Daniel Radcliffe graces the cover of their fall movie preview despite having been moved to July of next year. It is especially amusing considering both Potter and the magazine are both owned by Time Warner. Meanwhile, Potter's move has affected a number of major relases dates. The highly anticipated vampire flick, TWILIGHT has capitalized on the shift by moving their release date up from December to the American Thanksgiving frame. And the latest James Bond pic, QUANTUM OF SOLACE, has moved from November 7th to the 14th, as it was originally giving itself more distance from Potter. I guess the vampires scare Bond a lot less than the wizard.
Source: Variety

COENS GET SERIOUS
Recent Best Picture/Writer/Director Oscar winners, Joel & Ethan Coen are just about to unveil their latest star-studded offbeat comedy, BURN AFTER READING. The film stars George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Frances McDormand, John Malkovich and Tilda Swinton, to name a few. And while the Coens have always had an ease attracting top name talent to their projects, they have decided to go in a completely opposite direction next time out. Their next project, entitled A SERIOUS MAN, revolves around one man in 1967 whose life falls apart when his wife announces she's leaving and his inept brother will not leave and the two leads have been officially cast. The protagonist will be played by Tony winner, Michael Stuhlbarg and his annoying brother will be played by television actor, Richard Kind. That's some serious casting for A SERIOUS MAN.
Source: Ioncinema

MAMMA MIA, HERE WE GO AGAIN
On August 29th, Universal Pictures will issue a new version of their international smash, MAMMA MIA! Select theatres nationwide will begin screening a special Sing-Alone version of the ABBA musical. Just what this movie needs, more amateur voices singing in imperfect harmony. Check the film's official site for details regarding whether or not you'll be able to belt out "Super Trooper" in your city.
Source: Mamma Mia official website

TORONTO TO BECOME HOLLYWOOD
The Toronto International Film Festival is certainly one of the world's most prominent and for 10 days in September, the city resembles a Canadian version of Hollywood. I am fortunate enough to be attending the festival for a few days and these are just a few of the 500 confirmed guests I could randomly bump into in between screenings: Adrien Brody, Alec Baldwin, Alicia Keys, Anne Hathaway, Ben Kingsley, Benicio del Toro, Brad Pitt, Charlize Theron, Christopher Walken, Claire Danes, Cynthia Nixon, Edward Norton, Ethan & Joel Coen, Garl Garcia Bernal, Guy Ritchie, Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Hudson, Jessica Biel, Matt Damon, Michael Cera, Sir Michael Caine, Spike Lee, Steven Soderbergh, Tilda Swinton, Viggo Mortensen and Wong Kar Wai. Oh, and I almost forgot the piece de resistance ... Zan Efron!! For a complete list of guests and films, visit the festival website.
Source: TIFF