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Showing posts with label Forest Whitaker. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Forest Whitaker. Show all posts

Friday, 19 June 2009

Brody, Whitaker, Wood and Gigandet are part of The Experiment

Adrien Brody, Forest Whitaker, Elijah Wood and Cam Gigandet will star in The Experiment, a remake of the German psychological thriller Das Experiment for Inferno Entertainment and Magnet Media Group.

"Prison Break" creator Paul Scheuring is directing from his screenplay. Filming begins in Iowa next month.

"Das Experiment," directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel, centered on a group of ordinary men recruited to take on the roles of guards and prisoners as part of a research study and examined how the effects of assigned roles, power and control affected the participants. Brody will portray the de facto leader of the prisoners while Whitaker will play a guard who's corrupted by the power he's given.

It is based on Dr. Philip Zimbardo’s 1971 Stanford Prison Experiment. Scheduled to last for two weeks, the experiment was terminated after six days.

Yet another remake heading our way then!
Source: Variety

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Thursday, 14 May 2009

50 Cent as Mr Hyde. Forest Whitaker as Dr Jekyll. Hmmm

Abel Ferrara is re-imagining Robert Louis Stevenson's The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

Titled simply Jekyll and Hyde the film will star Forest Whitaker and Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson in the main roles.

Not much is known about how much Ferrara will change the story, but it seems like it will follow a doctor with a vicious alter ego.

The movie is being produced by Glasshouse Pictures. The film will start shooting later this summer.

"The combination of such formidable talent in front of and behind the camera will turn this wonderful gothic story into a modern classic for a whole new generation," said Glasshouse producer Luc Roeg.

Whitaker is a brilliant actor - Last King of Scotland, Ghost Dog, Smoke... Battlefield Earth...Species...er moving quickly on. 50 Cent can be found in the club drinking Bud.

To be honest I have yet to see 50 Cent acting in anything other than a music video so I can't really comment on whether this is a genious idea or one composed of Fail.

The fact Abel Ferrara is involved is a glimmer of hope.

Source: MovieWeb
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Monday, 27 April 2009

Vanishing On 7th Street - Could if be the next Happening or will it be good?

This is one of those interesting sounding concepts that could end up as a poor mans Twilight Zone if it is not done correctly.

John Leguizamo and Thandie Newton have been confirmed with Timothy Olyphant and Forest Whitaker to star. Brad Anderson (Session 9 , Trans Siberian, The Wire)

Following a mysterious blackout, most of the population vanishes into thin air. As the remaining survivors converge in a small tavern to figure out what happened, the darkness returns to claim them one by one.

I remember walking around Chicago with Jinja during Thanksgiving and that seemed totally deserted on many of the streets we walked down. That was very spooky on such a sunny day so this has the potential to be very odd and memorable.

The concept also reminds me of Phantoms (Ben Affleck was the bomb in that), John Carpenter's In the Mouth of Madness, the opening of 28 Days Later and The Langoliers. Can you think of anything to add to the mix?

Source: QuietEarth

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Thursday, 2 April 2009

Powder Blue - Trailer - Jessica Biel is a Stripper. Steady now

A city of ten million people, Los Angeles is built on dreams of fame where glitz and glamour dominate the topical landscape. But beneath the tabloid headlines and the flashing cameras lies a city whose people are desperate for an identity, a connection, and a reason to hope…

Charlie Bishop is a former priest who has lost his faith. He finds himself on a mission to free himself struggling with his former religious beliefs and ethics. He loads two bullets into a gun and with fifty thousand dollars in the trunk of his car he roams the streets searching for someone desperate enough to pull the trigger in exchange for the money. Charlie soon learns that his mission may not be so easily fulfilled, even desperate people value life.

On the other side of town, a former hit-man drifts in an out of consciousness on a city bus. Jack Doheny recently released from a twenty-five year stint in prison has just been diagnosed with terminal cancer. In a morphine induced haze he finds comfort and solitude in the freezing waters of the Pacific Ocean before settling a score with an old friend. Knowing that any breath could be his last he sets out to find redemption in an unknown world where the only familiar things are faded mementos of a past love found through a young woman named Rose-Johnny.

Rose-Johnny is a single mother who recently moved to Los Angels with dreams of becoming a star, yet her vision is compromised when her son is seriously injured in an accident. She lives alone in a motel and dances at a gentleman’s club to cover the enormous hospital bills. Her only prayer is that her son will wake up from his coma, and her only comfort is her beloved dog Rudy. One night after another awkward and unsuccessful date, she returns to the motel to find her dog missing. Grief stricken and panicked she roams the streets searching fruitlessly.

Meanwhile, Charlie has moved into the same hotel. One night he encounters Qwerty Doolittle, an eccentric mortician who spends his days helping the less fortunate in times of need. His empathy and charitable tendencies have put him in serious debt and in grave danger of losing his business. With Charlie’s money and gun, Qwerty has a decision to make. But like others before him, Qwerty turns down Charlie’s offer.

Fate will cause these four strangers to cross paths through extraordinary and serendipitous circumstances. Epiphany’s will be had, truths will be revealed, some hearts will shatter and others will heal. Fear will be overcome by courage, and ultimately in one way or the other, love will be found.

Director: Timothy Linh Bui
Writer: Timothy Linh Bui
Studio: Unknown
Cast: Ray Liotta, Forest Whitaker, Jessica Biel, Patrick Swayze, Kris Kristofferson, Eddie Redmayne, Lisa Kudrow

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Monday, 23 March 2009

Is Kurt Russell going to be in Stallone's The Expendables?

Recently the news came to pass that Forest Whitaker would not be starring in The Expendables. He was replaced by 50 Cent who was replaced by Terry Crews. I still think Carl "Action Jackson" Weathers should have been the guy.

Now some word has come from the Stallone Zone about what Kurt Russell (Snake Plissken, R J MacReady, Elvis Presley, Jack Burton, Captain Ron, Elvis Presley, Cash, Wyatt Earp and Stuntman Mike) has said about the possibility of starring in the film. Will Tango and Cash be reunited?
I know that many people on the site have asked for Kurt Russell. I asked for him too. Actually, I was taken aback when asked to put the request in a letter and send it to his agent. Subsequently, I was called back by the agent several days later after refusing to send a letter and he said Kurt Russell is not interested in ‘ensemble acting’ at this time.

So, People, I came, I saw, I failed.

Best,
Sly

That will be a no then.

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Saturday, 21 March 2009

50 Cent is no longer one of The Expendables

First is was Forest Whitaker, then it was 50 Cent who was down to play Hale Caeser in Sylvester Stallone's The Expendables. Now it has changed again. Stallone got in touch with Harry Knowles over at AICN with the update.
So... who is Hale Caesar?

First off - he's 6'2 & a half" and BIG. He's a former San Diego Charger. He made his screen debut with Arnold Schwarzeneggar in THE 6TH DAY. And his most recent film will be this summer's Arnie-less TERMINATOR SALVATION. He is TERRY CREWS. Not necessarily a big name, but a big man to take his place among other big men. As I said, Sly seems very enthusiastic about this fella and I look forward to seeing what Terry Crews has in store for us.
I think this is a much better choice than 50 Cent. Crews has been in Idiocracy, Get Smart, Everybody Hates Chris, Terminator Salvation and loads more. He's also due to star in Game with Gerard Butler - the first person shooter film where gamers control real people.

Do you think this is a better casting decision than 50 Cent was?

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Thursday, 19 March 2009

50 Cent to replace Forest Whittaker in Stallone's The Expendables

Filming for The Expendables had to be pushed back a month which meant Forest Whitaker had to bow out to due to scheduling conflicts. Sylvester Stallone sent these letters over to AICN. The first one mentions the various character names and points out that Curtis Jackson (50 Cent) has replaced Forest Whitaker in the film.

Needless to say this caused a whole heap of WTF so Stallone sent the second letter explaining the decision.
Dear Harry,

Below is a letter that I sent to the Stallone Zone that I had also wanted to
send to you because I have the same loyalty to your site as well. Anyway, it
might temper preconceived opinions.

Thank you and best,
Sly

P.S. Also, for clarification:
Hale Caesar is Curtis Jackson
Toll Road (new character) is Randy Couture
Monroe is Eric Roberts
Tool (an ex-Expendable) is Mickey Rourke
Bao is Jet Li
Lee Christmas is Jason Statham
Lacy is Charisma Carpenter
Sandra is Giselle Itie (famous Brazilian actress)
And
Barney 'the schizo' Ross is Yours Truly.

P.S.S. By the way, there's enough testosterone and ego in this film to float
a large continent covered in elephants, but I'm enjoying it.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Craig,

I appreciate the incredible amount of work you've done on my behalf. Please
tell the loyal followers to be positive not negative in their feedback. I am
not self-destructive. The anger of the casting of 50 Cent is understandable,
but not fair. A player is only as good as his coach. If a man can
communicate in one medium, he can communicate in another if his strengths
are brought out and he has the support of well-wishers. So, trust me, the
change of Forest Whitaker to 50 Cent AKA Curtis Jackson is a good one. No
one thought Dolph Lundgren was a good choice for ROCKY or Mr. T. Carl
Weathers was an afterthought when Ken Naughton fell out. The same with Talia
Shire and Richard Crenna, who was known as a comedic actor, not a serious
one.

Nobody wanted Eric Roberts over Ben Kingsley, but I believe it's a vastly
improved casting. The point is, you either believe in me and the project,
setting your personal feelings aside, or you take a darker approach, which
really serves no purpose since your insight and suggestions and overall
enthusiasm are a great thrill for me to behold everyday I sign on.

Signing off -

Your friend,
Sly
Oh well, he does stand by his decision. Pity Whitaker can't be in it. I've never seen 50 Cent in one of his acting roles so I'm not really in a position to comment. Do you think he is a good choice for the film or has Stallone dropped the ball on this one?

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Thursday, 12 March 2009

Stallone brings Charisma and Stone Cold to the Expendables.

Some more casting news for Sylvester Stallone's The Expendables has hit.

Variety reports that WWE alum "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and Joss Whedon veteran, Charisma Carpenter ("Angel", "Buffy the Vampire Slayer") have joined the cast of the film, which was written and will be directed by Sly.

The two join a growing cast which includes Sylvester Stallone, Forest Whitaker, Eric Roberts, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Randy Couture, Dolph Lungdren, Mickey Rourke and a cameo by Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Stallone seems to be being rather clever with his casting and going for actors who cover a multitude of genres. This should hopefully bring in the viewers when the film is released.

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Wednesday, 7 January 2009

Mickey Rourke is one of The Expendables

It was mentioned the other day that Sir Ben Kinglsey was cast in Sylvester Stallone's The Expendables and today comes the great news (via /film who also put together that cool photo I think) that Mickey Rourke will join the crew of Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Randy Couture, Dolph Lundgren, and Forest Whitaker.

The team is sent to infiltrate a South American country to overthrow the ruthless dictator and liberate the country. According to Variety, Rourke will play “an unscrupulous arms dealer who becomes the go-to guy for the group of mercenaries”. Principal photography is set to begin in Brazil and Louisiana in March.

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Tuesday, 30 December 2008

The Expendables - Script review for Stallone's action movie

Vern over at AICN has had a chance to look at Sylvester Stallone's script for The Expendables and it sounds like it could be a good old fashioned action movie. As Vern says, "This is a movie where a team of 5 can take on an army of 100, where armed men still sometimes engage in martial arts and fisticuffs, where many, many things blow up, where occasionally a character might have something sarcastic to say during combat. In other words, a good old fashioned action movie. An endangered species."

There is nothing definite as to who is playing what character in the film but is possible, and highly likely that Stallone may play the leader of the group called Barney.

"Barney is a very different character from Rambo. For one thing, his name is Barney. For another he talks in more than one sentence sometimes. He's almost a father figure to the team and finds himself always listening to other people's problems and trying to be supportive. The other character who gets the most screen time is the lovelorn Lee Christmas. He's supposed to be American but calls a guy "mate" at one point, which means he's played by Jason Statham. There's also Kong Kao, who will be played by Jet Li. He does a lot of kicking, but is much more of a supporting character than Li usually plays. I do think it's a pretty good character for Li, though, because he gets some funny lines. He's an unhappy smartass, not the usual Li type of character."

As well as those three we all know now that Dolph Lundgren is going to be in the action epic. Unfortunately he may only be in the film for a couple of scenes which is a shame. It's a small but crucial role as an Expendable named Gunnar who comes into conflict with Kong.

Vern also goes onto explain the roles that Forest Whitaker and Sandra Bullock may be playing and he has this to say about some roles that have yet to be cast.

"There's Richard, who is the gay Expendable. It's a plot point that he's gay, but they don't make any dumb jokes about it, he's just a member of the team. I'm proud of Stallone for that one. On the other hand, the black Expendable isn't much more than a benign Black Dude stereotype. He doesn't get enough characterization, but on the positive side he owns a restaurant, is zealous about tacos and has a name even more cartoonish than Lee Christmas: his name is Hale Caesar. I approve of that."
It's not clear if this is going to be the final script as many of the fight scenes and characters are a bit sketchy at the moment especially the last big battle that Stallone describes as

"THE BATTLE IS ON!! WHAT ENSUES IS A REMARKABLY SAVAGE EBB AND FLOW BATTLE. TO DESCRIBE THE ACTION DESIGNED FOR THIS SCENE WOULD TAKE MANY PAGES, SO TRUST ME, IT'LL BE LIKE NOTHING SEEN BEFORE."

I have got a good feeling about this film though. Make sure you have a read of the rest of the script review. Will this be a great action movie or should it be a direct to DVD one?
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Monday, 15 December 2008

The Expendables cast expands - Forrest Whitaker and Randy Couture

Sylvester Stallone spoke to AICN and let them know of some more casting for his old school action flick, The Expendables.

Looks as if UFC champ, Randy Couture (The Scorpion King: The Akkadian), is joining Jason Statham, Jet Li, and Dolph Lundgren.

Forrest Whitaker has also been cast in the film and rumour has it Lundgren and Li will have a bit of a barney in the film which should be cool.

I must admit that the more I hear about this film the more I want to see it.
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Wednesday, 10 December 2008

Powder Blue - Trailer for film where Jessica Biel plays a stripper. How do you like them apples?

Several Angelenos meet on Christmas Eve through chance, tragedy and divine intervention. Patrick Swayze will play the sleazy owner of the strip club where Jessica Biel's character dances. Eddie Redmayne will portray a mortician who falls in love with her. Kristofferson will play the head of a corporate crime organization who tries to convince his former employee (Ray Liotta) not to seek vengeance on his former co-workers. Forest Whitaker, who also serves as a producer on the film, will play a suicidal ex-priest. Newcomer Alejandro Romero will play a transsexual prostitute who shares an unexpected bond with the priest.
Written and directed by Timothy Linh Bui.

The divine intervention thing intrigues me. Will it have a Hudsucker Proxy style twist with angels and things? Doubtful but you never know. Anyone read the script? Will you be going to see this for more than just Biel playing a stripper? Kristofferson is always cool.

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Wednesday, 8 October 2008

Forest Whitaker will be Louis Armstrong

This is a genius piece of casting. Forest Whitaker is set to direct and star in a biopic about Louis Armstrong titled What a Wonderful World for Paris-based Legende (La Vie en Rose).

According to Variety, Ron Bass will write it.The film is the first big screen project to be authorized by the Armstrong estate, and will kick off during the musician’s impoverished early years in New Orleans and primarily chronicle his career as a trumpet virtuoso and improvisational singer.

"Armstrong left a monumental mark on our lives and our culture," said Whitaker, who portrayed jazz great Charlie Parker in Bird. "He lived an amazing life and, through his art, shifted the way music was played and would be heard after him, not just here in the U.S. but all over the world."What a Wonderful World will begin shooting in the summer in Louisiana.
Source: Movieweb
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Tuesday, 5 August 2008

Winged Creatures - Trailer


Some news on this little Indie movie by Rowan Woods. It is an ensemble drama and is meant to be pretty good. Got a great cast - Dakota Fanning, Guy Pearce, Jackie Earle Haley, Kate Beckinsale and Forest Whitaker. It looks great from the trailer.


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