Tim Burton will not direct Maleficent, a Harry Potter director might though

Tim Burton was set to direct a live-action spin off of Disney's Sleeping Beauty titled, Maleficent.  That was announced back in January of 2010.  Here we are a year and a half later and it appears that Burton is dropping out, stated The Hollywood Reporter.

The movie would have been told through the evil witch's perspective.  Angelina Jolie has long been rumored to star in the film.

Not to fear, it appears as though a very capable director may replace Burton.  How about David Yates for ya?  THR says the man who directed four of eight Harry Potter films may take over the reigns.  I am a huge fan of the Harry Potter films, more specifically the three Yates films that have been released.  He also directed the next and final film, set to be released in July of this year.

This doesn't mean Burton will be leaving Disney, as if they'd let him leave after a billion dollar success that was Alice in Wonderland.  No, he's already started working on a stop-motion adaptation of Frankenweenie, due out next year.  That's all for now, I'll post any updates as they come up.

The Dark Knight Rises next year, what about Batman after that?

The news is out about a Justice League film is in the works, but there's more.  We're about a year away from the release of The Dark Knight Rises; Christopher Nolan's third and final film in his Batman trilogy. That hasn't stopped Warner Brothers from planning ahead.  With news of the JL movie, came news of more Batman films. 

According to new president, Jeff Robinov, Warner Brothers has more Batman films to follow Nolan's version.  Robinov says that Nolan and his wife, Emma Thomas, will remain produces on the next set of Batman films.  Why this news scares me:  Look what happened with Batman Forever and Batman & Robin.  Tim Burton remained on as producer after his two Batman films, but Joel Schumacher found a way to butcher the Dark Knight.

I guess the same thing could be said about Nolan producing Zack Snyder's Superman film; but it's still something to worry about.  Is this a way for WB to keep Nolan in-house?  He has been a cash cow for years now, and I'm sure they want a long-term relationship with the director.  But what route do they take with the next incarnation of Batman?

Do they go Batman Beyond like the animated series?  Campy like the Schumacher variety?  How about more serious, reality based films like Nolan?  The character is so versatile, so complex, there's a million ways to do it.  How about a true Batman and Robin film?  One that features the Red Hood?  That would be amazing!  And, interestingly enough, could tie into Nolan's interpretation of Ra's al Ghul. 

With all this talk about the NEXT Batman franchise, do you think the CURRENT one will be neglected?  Let's hope not, because Nolan has his work cut out for him if he's planning on topping The Dark Knight.  What would you do with the next Batman franchise?

You know what's a good movie? (Part 4)

Let's recap.

Part 1: Forrest Gump

Connection: Tom Hanks

Part 2: Toy Story

Connection: Pixar

Part 3: The Incredibles

Connection: Superhero Films

Part 4: Batman (1989)

So FattMatt and I need to apologize for not keeping this thing alive, but today we deliver. Batman, 1989... 'nuff said! I spent most of the past few hours "researching" this film. And by research I mean watching hours and hours of special features footage about the film. There's a lot to talk about, so let's jump right in.

Before this movie, there was no place for superhero movies the way there is now. Technology was not what it is today, and there was no way to produce these movies in way that would satisfy fans. Before Batman, there was the Richard Donner film, Superman: The Movie. That film proved you could make a good MOVIE that was about a superhero; it wasn't necessarily a good SUPERHERO movie. Batman carried on that tradition.

Also in 1989, the film's director was a relative unknown... Tim Burton. He had some success with Beetle Juice, but it is important to note that Beetle Juice LATER become the cult classic it is now. To add more doubt to the minds of everyone involved was the budget, at the time, it was the most expensive film in the history of the industry. In 1988, while the film was being made, Tim Burton was only 30 years old! Holy mother of wow!

The most controversial move of all was the casting of Michael Keaton to play the Caped Crusader; a move FattMatt and I LOVE! See, no matter who was cast, fans were going to be disappointed. This was a new take on Batman, never before seen on film. A dark Batman required a dramatic actor, not so much an action hero.

And for every Superhero film, you need a super villain; how about one of the best villains in comic book history... The Joker. The Joker was an obvious move on the part of the filmmakers. The trick of course was to cast someone GOOD enough to carry the roll. Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Jack Nicholson. Joker Jack; does it get any better than that? This version of the Joker was true to the source material, far different than the one depicted in the 1960's Adam West Batman TV Series. Nicholson played him with a charisma that made you love the bad guy, even though you didn't want to. Kudos to Mr. Nicholson, and I am a firm believer that NO ONE else could have pulled off Tim Burton's Joker better than Jack Nicholson.

Burton enlisted the help of Danny Elfman for the score.

Batman Theme Song sound bite Batman sound bites

Elfman's theme for Batman was so good, so popular, that the studio gave the score it's own soundtrack, apart from the soundtrack with songs by Prince inspired by the film. The movie went on to gross over 400 million dollars worldwide! The movie and soundtrack were huge successes. It made Tim Burton the must-have director of his generation; it paved the way for Batman: The Animated Series; it lead to three live-action sequels; it opened the flood gates of comic book movies that we all know and love today.
The movie won an Oscar for Design and Nicholson was nominated for a Golden Globe for best Supporting Actor. A pretty good day at the office, Mr. Burton, a pretty good day.

Angelina Jolie up for Tim Burton's Maleficent? And a writer is hired.

The news today is that Angelina Jolie is interested in the title role for Maleficent, Tim Burton's remake/prequel/sequel/reboot to Disney's Sleeping Beauty. We told you a few weeks ago that Tim Burton would helm the project, but this is the first piece of news since then as to casting, etc.

Linda Woolverton is writing the movie, fresh off the success of Alice in Wonderland, also a Burton creation. Woolverton has a lot, I mean A LOT, of hits under her belt, to the tune of Mulan, The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast. Let's just hope she redeems the God-awful story that was Alice in Wonderland.

As far as the casting of Angelina Jolie, I could see it. It's still in the "rumor" section of things, but I like it. I think she would do well; it would be a nice change of pace for her. To be honest with you, I thought what a lot of people thought, that Helen Boham Carter would be an automatic choice for the role. Burton and his wife (Carter) obviously work well together, and she could definitely pull off the dark side. Considering the remake/reboot, whatever you want to call it, is focused on Maleficent's life, a certain range of acting would be required, and Carter could pull it off. But for today's rumor, its Jolie. We'll keep ya posted if that changes.

Tonedog Review: "Alice in Wonderland"

Finally! The long awaited Alice in Wonderland has screened in thousands of theaters across the country. Now... how was it?! Ok, I've done this a few times before and it seems to get the best response. I'll go through what I liked and didn't like about the movie.

What I liked:

'Underland':
What did you expect from Tim Burton? Seriously, was there a doubt that this man was going to make 'Underland' anything less than magnificent? The world looks and feels familiar, yet so very different. It has a very eerie, Gothic feel, that makes you just a little bit uneasy... which I'm sure Alice must feel as she enters this strange world. The colors, the animals, creatures, all amazing. I don't want to focus too much on this point... but watch the film in 2D. My wife and I watched in 3D and to be completely honest, it took away from the movie for me. So many details are blurry (a big negative to 3D), that I would rather enjoy them in 2D.

The cast/characters:
Again, what did you expect? So much talent, so many unbelievable characters it's ridiculous. Let me start with Johnny Depp, he does an amazing job as the lovable, yet crazy Mad Hatter. He has to be charming enough for you to care, and goofy enough to make you think he's nuts... without being annoying. Great work.

Helen Bonham Carter STEALS THE SHOW! She's sooo good, she's so talented, so funny I couldn't wait for her to reappear onscreen. Pay close attention to the amazing acting she does with her face alone, because her body is slightly twisted for the movie. Mia Wasikowska does great as a curious, scared, confident Alice.

The characters were mostly CGI all of which are stunning. Great to look at, great voice acting and just overall a orgasm for the eyes. Anne Hathaway... I still think you're the most overrated actress in Hollywood, 'nuff said.



What I didn't like:

The story:
This is perhaps the deal breaker for me as far as giving this movie a thumbs up approval. The story is simple, and I understand that's good for families going to see the film, but come ooooon! I don't want to spoil anything, but I promise you this... you will leave asking yourself "who cares?" Seriously, why even make the movie with such a weak story? As I was watching the film, I thought to myself, "oh, this happened in the 1951 Disney cartoon. Oh those characters are in the cartoon. Oh that is a cool CGI version of the cartoon." There wasn't enough of a difference from the cartoon classic to consider this a true sequel, as much as a reboot with CGI. So disappointing there wasn't more meat to the story... SO DISAPPOINTING!

My own expectation:
Look, this is an interpersonal issue, and I understand that. But you're on our blog, so I'm assuming you care what we feel. I felt like I was so let down. I feel like it was such a lost opportunity to make something so special. The talent was there, the characters were there, the technology was there, but.... flat. So flat. A year now of solid anticipation and I walked out so let down.



Maybe I'm being harsh, maybe I "missed the point", but I really did feel let down. It's ok, Burton and company are going to be fine, because the movie is going to do well, VERY WELL. It was sold out 1:40 PM showing on Friday afternoon, a school day. So look for big numbers, check out the movie and lets compare scoring points.

6/10
C+
My thumb is down.

Tim Burton to direct a Sleeping Beauty remake?

Yeah, it looks like it's true. Tim Burton, who's retelling of Alice in Wonderland hasn't even hit theaters yet; is set to direct another Disney favorite, Sleeping Beauty. This time in live action of course. The movie is called Maleficent; and focuses on the evil fairy by the same name. I'm not sure if they're going to do a prequel of sorts, and show us why she is as evil as she is, or if it's a straight forward sequel.

The broadway play, "Wicked", focused on the Witches from The Wizard of Oz. Maybe Disney will take from the success of the play and do something along those lines. Either way, I think Tim Burton is the man for the job. My only criticism is that he should move on from Disney after Maleficent. I know his love and passion for art, animated, etc... but I wanna be selfish! I want to see more Sweeny Todd type of films. Not necessarily a musical, but live action fun from Burton and Depp. We'll keep ya posted as more news about this project comes up.

New Alice in Wonderland trailer!

WOW... the first REAL trailer from Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland. And it looks great!!!! Check it out below and remember, the movie is out March 5th, 2010. My birthday is the 8th, so tickets to see this would be a great gift, wink wink. Enjoy.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Broadway musical

Riskybusinessblog is reporting that Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will soon be a Broadway play.

Warner Bros. is developing a stage musical based on "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," the children's classic that it bought [back]to the big screen four years ago.

I can't say this news surprises me. This is a pretty common thing we're seeing now. Last year, my wife and I had the pleasure of seeing the play "Wicked"; based on the characters of The Wizard of Oz. I remember thinking to myself that a Willy Wonka play would look amazing on stage. My wish seems to be coming true, in that they're heading more towards a Tim Burton look, rather than that of the 70's Gene Wilder version.

Either way, it will be fun to see the movie from a different perspective. The only bad thing is, it will take years before the show moves to Los Angeles, and that's when I will see it.

Seriously? Tyler Perry wins the box office?

I'm not gonna list why I don't like Tyler Perry movies, I'm just going to tell you I don't! Maybe another day, another post I'll share why I don't like them. Whether I like them or not, they make money, a lot of it. The weekend box office went to Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All By Myself. We didn't report anything about it, because we don't care. It came in at 24.03 million.

The CGI animated picture, 9, took in about 10 million for the weekend, 15.3 million since its Wednesday release. The movie is produced by Tim Burton and stars the voice talent of John C. Reilly, Elijah Wood, Christopher Plummer and Jennifer Connelly as dolls who have to save humanity.

The two other new releases are Sorority Row, opening at 5.3 million. Let me give you the skinny on this: a sorority of hot girls mixed in with an axe murderer. The other new release is Whiteout, opening with 5.1 million.

Last weeks winner was The Final Destination, which fell to fifth place with 5.5 million. Here's the rest of the list:

1. "Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All By Myself," $24.03 million.

2. "9," $10.9 million.

3. "Inglourious Basterds," $6.5 million.

4. "All About Steve," $5.8 million.

5. "The Final Destination," $5.5 million.

6. "Sorority Row," $5.3 million.

7. "Whiteout," $5.1 million.

8. "District 9," $3.6 million.

9. "Julie & Julia," $3.3 million.

10. "Gamer," $3.15 million.

Quickie: Little Red Riding Hood getting a movie... a gothic one

Variety is reporting that Leonardo DiCaprio's production company, Appian Way, is set to produce a new Little Red Riding Hood movie... with a Gothic twist. They've already picked up David Leslie Johnson to write the script, he wrote the creepy looking Orphan. In researching to make sure this was accurate, everyone had a suggestion for director, in fact they all said the same thing... Tim Burton. He could easily bring together Alice in Wonderland and Sweeny Todd, but I have someone else in mind. I believe the man for the job is Guillermo del Toro! The man is responsible for movies like Pan's Labyrinth, Blade II (talk about Gothic) and the upcoming The Hobbit (prequel to the Lord of the Rings). He could do an incredible job. But we'll have to wait and see. What do you think about a Gothic kid's story?

Picture is from DeviantArt, creator: *turtlechan

Quickie: Alice in Wonderland Teaser Trailer!

'Alice in Wonderland' Teaser Trailer

Just enjoy!