Vote the Movies

I haven’t always been a fan of George Clooney’s. I first came across him during his “ER” days, at an age when it was cool to mock such things. The bias I harbored after that continued all the way up through and beyond “Batman & Robin.” Then Clooney started taking on smart projects, like “Three Kings” and “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” I found myself liking the guy and his work despite myself.

So I feel a bit sorry for old George at the news that he and Smokehouse Pictures partner Grant Heslov have been traded away from Warner Bros to Sony. Which isn’t to say that Sony is a bad outfit. Clooney and Heslov have almost a decade of history with WB though. Smokehouse hasn’t exactly performed to expectations, but it’s a shame to see their long partnership end. Nikke Finke at Deadline Hollywood has some less than complimentary things to say about the split and the future prospects for Smokehouse, but I’m maintaining my faith in Clooney’s ability to keep being awesome. Read on for a rundown of Smokehouse’s in-production projects, straight from the press release.

THE CHALLENGE
Screenplay by Aaron Sorkin. An adaptation of Jonathan Mahler’s nonfiction book chronicling the historic Supreme Court case in which two lawyers sued the Bush administration on behalf of accused terrorist Salim Hamdan.

OUR BRAND IS CRISIS
A satirical comedy about American spin doctors competing in the same Presidential election in Bolivia. Based on the documentary by Rachel Boynton, with a script by Peter Straughan (MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS).

FARRAGUT NORTH
An adaptation of Beau Willimon’s critically acclaimed play, set during the Iowa primary of a presidential race.

ESCAPE FROM TEHRAN
The true story of how the CIA used a fake movie project to smuggle hostages out of 1979 Tehran. Chris Terrio is writing the screenplay.

THE TOURIST
A contemporary spy thriller about a spy who risks everything to reveal a conspiracy after he’s accused of a murder he didn’t commit. Based on the bestselling book by Olen Steinhauer. Tony Peckham is writing the screenplay.

THE INNOCENT MAN
Based on the bestselling nonfiction book by John Grisham, the true story of murder and injustice in a small town in Oklahoma. Adapted by David Gordon Green.

Do any of these projects spark your interest? Do any sound like a potential next “Good Night, and Good Luck”?

The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled 5-0 today that Al Franken won last year’s Senate election, and it didn’t take long for responses to start popping up in the Twitter-Wood feed, including reactions from Larry King and Graham Linehan. Magician and quick-witted thinker Penn Jillette also brought politics into his tweets, pointing out the relevance of his film “The Aristocrats” in a recent Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision.

The conversations weren’t all political though. Rose McGowan showed off a shot a of the new dog she adopted and Demi Moore posted her own puppy shot of Ashton Kutcher rolling around on the set of his new movie “Five Killers.” Meanwhile, “Twilight” actor Peter Facinelli was just innocently trying on a bikini and Russell Brand kept to what he does best, lacing an apology to his neglected Twitter followers with dog-and-leg-humping imagery. You’ll find all of this and more below in the Twitter-Wood report for June 30, 2009.

Al Franken Reactions pt 1: @Glinner Al Franken confirmed? Woo-hoo! http://bit.ly/DA1wD
-Graham Linehan, Writer (”Hello, Friend,” “Father Ted”)

Al Franken Reactions pt 2: @kingsthings Minn. Supreme Court dismissed Norm Coleman’s challenge to the November election & declared Al Franken the winner. It only took 8 months!
-Larry King, Interviewer/Actor (”Bee Movie”)

Al Franken Reactions pt 3: @JennaStern Senator Al Franken! (via @mpuzzo)
-Jenna Stern (”The Hungry Ghosts,” “The Best and the Brightest”)

Happy pt 1: @mcgowanrose Thanks all! I rescued a Boston terrier.I’ve named him Happy. He’s 9 but acts like an excited 1 yr old
-Rose McGowan, Actress (”Grindhouse,” “Jawbreaker”)

Happy pt 2: @mcgowanrose http://twitpic.com/8v3yi - Happy!!

@mrskutcher Babysitting some pit bull puppies on the set of 5Killers http://twitpic.com/8uxdc
-Demi Moore, Actress (”G.I. Jane,” “Striptease”)

@peterfacinelli for those of you that missed it, here is yesterday’s bikini try-on, we r editing the full frontal #bikinidance http://tinyurl.com/m498kn
-Peter Facinelli, Actor (”Twilight,” “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”)

@rustyrockets By Jove! I’ve been so enveloped in tragic world events that I abandoned you like a tethered mutt.As an apology you can make love to my legs.
-Russell Brand, Actor (”Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” “Get Him to the Greek”)

@pennjillette The Ninth Circuit court of appeals mentioned our movie “The Aristocrats.” The point was free speech doesn’t mean our parks need the Crats.
-Penn Jillette, Producer/Actor (”The Aristocrats,” “Penn & Teller: Bullshit!”)

@TomFelton Tomorow I’ll take you round the studios with me(via twiiter : )early start though, 6 o clock .Can’t post pics though : ( sorry sound good? X
-Tom Felton, Actor (”Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” “Anna and the King”)

@PaperHeartMovie A guy said I told him “Nice hair cut” but I hadn’t. Just realized he misunderstood “U trying to cut?” cuz he kinda did by the restrooms -CY
-Charlyne Yi, Actress/Writer (”Semi-Pro,” “Paper Heart”)

Hollywood has a peculiar way of getting ahead of itself. It’s all about that hype train; you want to load in as many passengers as possible while it’s at top speed and then sort out the destinations later. Take last week’s “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” and its seemingly inevitable sequel. Director Michael Bay’s robot warzone weathered buzz-killing so-so reviews and finished out with a record-breaking $200+ million opening weekend.

So it’s no surprise to hear that Bay hopes to expand on breakout “Revenge of the Fallen” star (and last week’s Hump Day Hottie) Ramon Rodriguez’s role in the next “Transformers” movie. The newcomer certainly turned in a solid performance — as solid as a one-dimensional blockbuster sidekick can be — and he continues to align himself with powerful Hollywood players.

Speaking with the Los Angeles Times, Bay said that “we went looking for a sidekick in ['Revenge of the Fallen'], Shia’s sidekick, and we find this new kid who really pops on screen. I think he’s going to have a real bright career. It’s great to work with big stars, but it’s always fun to discover people.”

If anything, Rodriguez seems humbled by the attention he’s been receiving. “I’m coming out of nowhere this summer,” Rodriguez told the paper. “At least that’s how it seems to people. It feels that way to me sometimes too. And it’s been a major education.”

Those who know his background are of course well aware that Rodriguez is not coming out of nowhere. His first gig was in a two episode stint on the popular Denis Leary-led TV series “Rescue Me” and he later played a major role in the canceled ABC series “Day Break.”

Rodriguez gets big respect from me for his eight episode run on HBO’s “The Wire.” That’s like the television equivalent of Shakespeare as far as I’m concerned. The only show I’ve seen where two detectives crack a case while communicating with only a single four letter word. Rodriguez more than held his own playing against one of the series’ strongest and most compelling characters, drug dealer stick-up man Omar Little (Michael K. Williams).

Where do you see Ramon Rodriguez in five years? Where do you see him in the third “Transformers”?

There’s a peculiar love out there for the Coen brothers’ “The Big Lebowski.” Something about the quirky characters, bizarre story and hilarious writing that just sticks with people. I don’t claim to understand it, but I am one of the many fans to have been caught in its tight, oddball embrace.

None of us really believe that there will ever be a proper “Lebowski” sequel, though a nugget of a rumor that’s been floating around for years continues to fuel fan hopes. John Turturro’s character, Jesus “The Jesus” Quintana, is a certified pedophile and master bowler. The actor has frequently mentioned the possibility of a spin-off movie, with everyone from co-star Philip Seymour Hoffman to Joel and Ethan Coen all hinting that it could indeed happen. MTV’s Josh Horowitz got the latest from Turturro on the probably-never-happening project last night at the 20th anniversary celebration of Spike Lee’s “Do The Right Thing”:

by Ayana Allen

As three of the world’s most beloved chipmunks — Alvin, Simon and Theodore — prepare to take the big stage again for “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel,” set to premiere on Christmas day, the MTV intern newsroom is swirling with ideas for the opening song in their second outing. The 2007 original drew viewers in when the pint-sized mammals laid down some high-pitched harmonizing to Daniel Powter’s “Bad Day” while gathering nuts for the winter season.

It’s a tough opening to beat. Powter’s #1 hit has echoed across radios and televisions internationally since its release in 2005. Some might even argue that season five of Fox’s “American Idol” overused the song. Well now we have a few suggestions of our own to share. Take a look at what we came up with…

“Just Dance” by Lady Gaga

Cruising to the top of the pop scene this year, Lady Gaga’s hit song is downright infectious. “Just Dance” will certainly hook the audience if the chipmunks kick off their latest adventure with it. Adopting her racy attire probably isn’t a good idea though. A club or house party scene would definitely be appropriate for kicking the movie off on the right paw!

“Thriller” by Michael Jackson

Even though “Squeakquel” was completed prior to Michael Jackson’s untimely death last week, a last-minute “Thriller” add would be a nice way for the Chipmunks to honor the legendary King of Pop. The release of the original chipmunks cartoon in 1983 aligns perfectly with 2 of Jackson’s biggest hits — “Thriller” and “Billie Jean” — but the newsroom decided that a chipmunks stab at “Thriller” would be more entertaining than the moonwalk-filled “Jean.” Also a perfect match because the only thing more terrifyingly cute than Alvin and his pals are… zombie chipmunks!!

“Best I Ever Had” by Drake

From his breakthrough acting on The N’s “Degrassi” and collaborations with rappers Lil Wayne and Young Money, Drake is referred to as one of the most promising young hip hop artists. The Canadian singer grabbed everyone’s attention with his 2009 hit song “Best I Ever Had.” It’s got a melody the chipmunks could use to woo any love interests — say their adorable counterparts, the Chipettes — in the sequel. Alvin and his pals also have something important in common with Drake: a promising career in both acting and signing.

“Heartless” by Kanye West

The melodramatic hit song from Kanye West, released last year, allows for a moving opening by the three lonely chipmunks. I can hear it now — a wave of “awwws” across the theater and a big box of lotion-infused Kleenex circulating rapidly. It could be a somber start to a sweet chipmunk love story. Let’s be honest here… who wouldn’t shed a tear for a heartbroken chipmunk singing:

“Somewhere far along this road he lost his soul”—Alvin
“To a chipmunk so heartless”—Simon and Theodore in harmonic unison

“Good Girls Go Bad” by Cobra Starship

While fans are (im)patiently awaiting the release of their new album, Cobra Starship’s recent single would make for a rocking way to open our cuddly friends’ new adventure, especially with the added Chipettes angle. Of course, this would be a little risqué for the guys to pull off, but it can be done with the right wardrobe and perfect timing; i.e. while Dave is away at work. Once equipped with a pair of dark shades and multicolored skinny jeans and scarves, they will be ready for their big opening, driving the girls crazy!

*Song suggestions by Jett Wells, Sandra Segura, Christa Ruggiero and MTV Newsroom editor Kyle Anderson.

This seemingly minor blip of news is going to be very exciting for a lot of you readers. The third movie entry in the “Twilight” series, “Eclipse,” will shoot at Vancouver Film Studios between August 17 and October 31 (Halloween wrap!), ComingSoon reports. The David Slade-directed adaptation of Stephanie Meyer’s novel will come from a script by series scribe (and occasional “Dexter” writer) Melissa Rosenberg.

The Halloween wrap is perfectly timed to coincide with what will likely be the start of a massive publicity push leading into the release of “New Moon” on November 20. “Eclipse” is currently set for a June 30, 2010 release, a fact which I’m sure that many of you readers are already well aware of. So mark those calendars if you haven’t already, and prepare for an increasing onslaught of “Eclipse” news as the wheels spin faster and faster. And since you’re here, here’s that “New Moon” trailer one more time:

Harry Potter fans had reason to hate Transformers earlier this month when they learned the IMAX release of “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” would be delayed because of “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.” That robo-blockbuster sequel has the majority of IMAX screens booked solid for a whole month, meaning that when “Half-Blood Prince” opens on July 15 the Autobots and Decepticons will still be battling on the bigger screens, leaving us with only normal-sized Potter for a couple weeks.

That is, unless you’re lucky enough to live in New York, Chicago or Los Angeles. Those are the only three cities in which a giant-sized boy wizard can be seen as early as opening day, including now-standard midnight screenings the night before.

Collider has discovered the three specific locations: NYC’s AMC Loews Lincoln Square, Chicago’s Henry Crown Space Center at the Museum of Science and Industry (which is also currently displaying a Harry Potter exhibit) and LA’s Century City IMAX, which I hear is one of those smaller IMAX screens.

The latter two theaters appear to be selling tickets for the film already, so if you’re in their respective cities, or you have the means to get there (and you’re a big enough Potter fan), you’ll want to purchase yours immediately. Judging by past major IMAX release, those shows will likely sell out in advance. Then you’ll have to wait until “Potter”’s July 29 wide IMAX opening for your giant-sized wizarding action.

Being so patient will be hard if you’re a true fan. After all, the first 12 minutes of “Half-Blood Prince” have been converted for the larger format, and many capable IMAX screens will also be showing that stretch in 3D. You’ve already had to wait an extra seven months for this sequel after Warner Bros. delayed the film’s opening last November. Then again, maybe you’ve gotten better at holding out after the delay and could actually stand to wait another month. Or you could just go see “Potter” on a normal-sized screen on July 15. Just saying….

Will you be one of the lucky few to see “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” in IMAX on opening weekend? How far will you Potter fans travel to see this version? Will you settle to see the movie in normal size first and then see it in IMAX, or could you stand waiting until July 29?

If, like me, you’re a fan of last year’s Swedish vampire sensation “Let the Right One In,” and you’ve been dreading the Hollywood remake, take comfort in knowing that there might not be reason to worry after all. “Cloverfield” director Matt Reeves has been set to script and helm the English-language redo.

While speaking to the LA Times recently, Reeves defended his vision and shared some interesting new information about his personal take on the young vampire love story, about a bullied 12-year-old who falls for the bloodsucking girl next door. “Twilight” this is not, but the comparisons are there to be made nonetheless.

“I can understand because of people’s’ love of the [original] film that there’s this cynicism that I’ll come in and trash it,” Reeves told the newspaper. “I have nothing but respect for the film. I’m so drawn to it for personal and not mercenary reasons, my feeling about it is if I didn’t feel a personal connection and feel it could be its own film, I wouldn’t be doing it.”

As for the updated info, the new version is scheduled for a fall 2010 release and will simply be called “Let Me In.” That’s the same shortened title as the American version of John Ajvide Lindqvist’s original novel, which is fitting since Reeves will reportedly be looking at that source material as much as he’ll be looking at the first film for his own adaptation. The writer/director just finished his second draft of the script, and he further revealed that the coming remake would be set in snowy Colorado during the Ronald Reagan era.

In addition to already scouting locations for the film, Reeves has begun working with casting director Avy Kaufman, who is known for discovering young child actors for films such as “The Sixth Sense” and “The Ice Storm.” This is perhaps the most important reveal in the update for us worried fans, as Reeves promised that “Let Me In” will not feature older characters in order to cash in on the success of “Twilight” by incorporating a heavier teenage romance.

Of course, just the fact that “Let the Right One In” is being remade at all is likely due to the successes of “Twilight” and “True Blood.” Thanks to Reeves’ update, we don’t have to fear that this will just be a quick and easy cash-in.

It couldn’t be any more dumbed-down than the subtitles on the American DVD release of “Let the Right One In.” OK, I might be giving Hollywood a little too much credit with that assumption, but I remain hopeful.

Are there any “Let the Right One In” fans out there who are now more at ease thanks to Reeves’ defense and update? Or do Twilighters and “True Blood” fans wish that this remake was aged up for steamier vampire love?