It’s often automatic to hear the word reboot and instantly recoil, but when the original movies themselves were so universally accepted as stink-fests, then what’s to lose? Especially when there was so much potential squandered that first time around. There’s no reason why 2001’s LARA CROFT: TOMB RAIDER or follow-up CRADLE OF LIFE couldn’t have introduced audiences to a strong, exciting new female role model to give Ellen Ripley or Sarah Connor a run for their money. The character and rich mythology had already worked wonders for Eidos Interactive in their best-selling videogame series, and comic book spin-offs continue to be produced today. But with sub-par screenplays, terrible casting (Angelina Jolie aside), and lackluster direction, Paramount saw to it that the movie franchise petered out quite quickly.

Eight years on, it’s time to have another crack, with the news that GK Films have hired writers Mark Fergus and Hawk Otsby (IRON MAN; COWBOYS & ALIENS) to pen the screenplay, with the aim to explore the character’s origins.

Fans of the character might be in for a long wait however, with a projected release date of 2013 (plenty of time to have fun with the casting rumours though!) Until then, Croft is getting similar treatment (albeit in pixel form) with a new video game reboot by Crystal Dynamics, due late this year.

Who would you cast as Croft? Excited about the prospect of a new TOMB RAIDER franchise, or couldn’t give a monkeys? Let us know with your comments below!{jcomments on}

Continue reading

{jcomments on}05/05/11

The directing duo responsible for last years compelling yet controversial “documentary” CATFISH – Henry Joost & Ariel Schulman – have signed on to direct PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3 for Paramount Pictures.

Having seen their interesting debut (and being one of the few PA2 apoligists) I’m genuinely pleased at the choice – the franchise needs somebody who can skillfully create that reality feel from the fictional subject matter… something they proved to be masters at during the first two thirds of CATFISH.

Details are – as usual with this franchise – scarce, but we do know that it will continue the story introduced in Parts 1 & 2, with original protagonist Katie (Katie Featherstone) already signed on to reprise her role.

The film is slated for release this coming Halloween, giving the guys a mere five months to turn the film around in time.

At least the workload will take their mind off the long-running lawsuits.

Is there still life in this franchise? Would you rather have another director at the helm? Let us know with your comments below!

Continue reading

{jcomments on}05/05/11
Wow. Lionsgate Pictures really upped their game after that criminally pointless teaser trailer a few months back, for this doth truly kick-arse in comparison. Check it out…

{mov}ConantheBarbarian{/mov}

Nifty stuff indeed, though director Marcus Nispel has a lot to prove after destroying not one, but two cult classics already (see THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE; FRIDAY THE 13TH).  Let’s hope he’s not going for the hat trick.

CONAN THE BARBARIAN is released in theatres this August.

Annoyed this project isn’t the long-mooted KING CONAN? More annoyed that it looks like THE MUMMY? Could they have cast an uglier Conan?! Let us know in the comments below!

Continue reading

The always excellent Rachel Weisz (THE FOUNTAIN) is the latest in talks to join the cast of Sam Raimi’s upcoming WIZARD OF OZ prequel OZ: THE GREAT AND POWERFUL as the film’s antagonist, the wicked witch Evanora.

Already confirmed are James Franco (YOUR HIGHNESS; this years OSCAR train-wreck) as the wizard himself (actually a shady snake-oil salesman transported to Oz via enchanted balloon), and the beautiful but bulbous-eyed Mila Kunis (BLACK SWAN) as Evanora’s sister Theodora.

OZ: THE GREAT AND POWERFUL is just one of six(!) Oz projects heading to our screens over the next few years, facing competition from Drew Barrymore’s SURRENDER DOROTHY; Leigh Scott’s THE WITCHES OF OZ; and comic book adaptation DARK OZ to name but a few of the main contenders (direct-to-video TOM AND JERRY AND THE WIZARD OF OZ shouldn’t be causing Disney any sleepless nights.)

With Raimi at the helm expect this to film to deliver in a big way – his dynamic shooting style and visual perfectionism making him an inspired choice to bring L. Frank Baum’s world back to life.

Are you ready to Return To Oz? Frustrated Raimi isn’t just getting on with EVIL DEAD 4 dammit? Let us know with your comments below!{jcomments on}

Continue reading