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- Paul Giamatti, star of Sideways (2004), is in talks to appear in David Cronenberg’s latest project: Cosmopolis. Cronenberg, director of The Fly (1986), has already cast Marion Coutillard and Colin Farrell in the film based on the Don Delillo book of the same name.
- Writer Peter Craig is currently developing a script for action sequel Bad Boys 3. Craig recently penned the script for the well-received film The Town (2010), directed by Ben Affleck. Presumably, Bad Boys 3 will be helmed by the divisive Michael Bay, director of the previous two instalments.
- Jonah Hill, known for his roles in films such as Superbad (2007), and Channing Tatum (whose most recent film appearance was in Dear John), are set to star in a proposed film adaptation of popular TV series 21 Jump Street. The series, which began in 1987 and finished in 1991, follows police officers with youthful appearances working undercover in colleges and high schools.
- Sir Ian Mckellen has finally confirmed that he will reprise his role as Gandalf in Peter Jackson’s upcoming two-part adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit. The films will also be shot in 3D.
The critically acclaimed Slumdog Millionaire is on Channel 4 at 9:25pm this Saturday. Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon follows directly afterwards, at 11:45pm. The film version of the British comedy classic Dad’s Army (1971) is showing on BBC2 at 6:30pm on Sunday. Another British comedy awaits on the same day in the form of Magicians (2007) which is on ITV1 at 10:45pm. David Fincher’s thriller Se7en (1995) is on Five USA at 10pm on Monday and the future is bleak in Children of Men - that’s on at 9pm on ITV4 this coming Wednesday.
- Monsters
The debut film from British director Gareth Edwards follows a young couple struggling across a Mexico dominated by giant Monsters. A monster movie mixed with road and romance elements, it has created considerable interest and varied reviews. Even so, some critics have claimed that this is something special, not least in the special effects it managed to achieve on its extremely modest budget.
- Megamind
A 3D DreamWorks animation about the titular super villain (Will Ferrell) discovering the error of his ways, in a plot highly reminiscent of Despicable Me. Featuring some rather impressive vocal talent including Tina Fey and Brad Pitt, it has garnered predominantly positive reviews, but nothing earth-shattering, so expect a good-natured animated piece of fun.
- Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale
When an excavation team discover the resting place of the original Finnish Father Christmas, all hell breaks loose as he attempts to exact revenge upon all those who’ve been naughty. Perhaps a ridiculous concept but one that makes for a rather entertaining piece of alternative festive fun.
- The Warrior’s Way
A bizarre action fantasy in which a great swordsman flees to the Wild West after refusing to follow orders. What results is a series of ridiculous battles when his old clan catch up with him. No reviews yet suggesting that this won’t be very good; although based on the trailer and premise this could be more of a guilty pleasure.
- Of Gods and Men
Xavier Beauvois has gone from creator of the brutal Frontiers to the winner of Cannes’ esteemed Grand Prix for this tale of Cistercian monks challenged by Islamic fundamentalists. Having received much praise from critics, this should be an extremely intelligent and searing piece of drama that definitely seems worth watching and is probably the best release of the week.
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