Just what one wants to read in a posting, that A) Fox wants to make a movie about Moses, that B) they have Ridley Scott, who has lost his fastball, and then some, down as director, and C) that they have the temperamental artiste Christian Bale (Hey, I’m a fan) in mind to star in it.
And that they’re “rushing” to get it into production, as other Biblical Exodus tales have been put in turnaround. A rushed Ridley Scott movie, with Christian Bale, about Moses. From Fox.
It’s time to round up some neighborhood kids and take off for the latest animated outing from Dreamworks.
“The Croods” is a not-so-modern Stone Age family that assorted personal and geological events put on the run and on the road, leaving behind their cave of comfort for the brave new (or newish) world. Nic Cage and Cloris Leachman are the Oscar winners in the voice cast. Emma Stone and Ryan Reynolds are the possible love-birds. “The Croods” opens Mar. 22.
Yes, they are or at least “were” a couple, as of last year. Haven’t checked back to see if that’s still the case. But Danny Boyle gave Rosario Dawson her best role in years with “Trance,” and I’ll be talking with them about it Saturday. I’ve seen the movie and have some questions in mind about that, but I’m always looking for suggestions. Got something you want to ask either of them? Comment below.
It was roundly criticized when it went on the air for being in poor taste — a comedy about bumbling Nazis and con-men POWs during World War II. The phrase “too soon” came up more than once regarding “Hogan’s Heroes.”
But the show was a hit and the rights to it have gotten into the hands of somebody who wants to make a movie out of it. A World War II comedy? Seems too late, now.
The teen daughter of an SS officer leads her siblings through Germany in the days after the surrender and experiences, first-hand, the horrors their family helped create. That’s the promise of “Lore,” a German drama based on a Rachel Seiffert novel. It’s a promise the movie generally keeps.
But this coming-of-age tale is also about the sexual awakening of Lore (Saskia Rosendahl, quite good), and the distraction of hormones may explain some of her inability to grasp the monstrous crimes that Vati (Father, Hans-Jochen Wagner) perpetrated, and that his Good Nazi bride (Ursina Lardi) knew about all along.
That’s a running theme here, the good “volk” of the Fatherland, still humming Hitler Youth tunes, followers of Der Fuhrer who are only sad that “We let him down.” That’s who the kids encounter and get aid from as they flee from their Black Forest home when American soldiers arrest their parents. The day they’re frantically packing, Lore’s only question of her mother is about when “the Final Victory” is scheduled.
Lore, sister Liesl (Nele Trebs), their younger twin brothers and an infant are blond and blue eyed Aryan ideals, a regular Nazi Von Trapp clan on the run from Americans, who “kill all the children,” rape the women and commit unspeakable crimes against the vanquished Germans – or so Mutti (Mother) preaches.
They must make it to their grandmother’s house, outside of Hamburg. Occupying armies are divvying up the country, so there are “zones” to pass through, starving refugees like themselves to contend with and dangers at every corner.
The trains aren’t running. Anarchy is setting in. They have no adult supervision, and a baby with them, and a shrinking parcel of family jewelry to feed him with.
It’s the latest film from the “Shotgun Stories” and “Take Shelter” director Jeff Nichols. Rural, brittle stories with unforgettably “off” characters. “Mud” opens at the end of spring.
The second question’s answer appears to be an almost certain “Sure.” “Oz, the Great and Powerful,” did over $80 million on its first weekend and even if it has no legs, should clear $25-30 million this weekend.
Which means that Steve Carell and Jim Carrey of “The Incredible Burt Wonderstone” have their work cut out for them. I detect no heat for that one, but it could clear $20 million.
A distant second place finish to the year’s first blockbuster, if the prognosticators are right.
Box Office Mojo, which was almost 20% heavy in its prediction for the “Oz” opening, thinks it’ll hit $44 million this weekend. That seems optimistic. They’re predicting only $18 for “Burt Wonderstone,” which is earning indifferent reviews.
“The Call” should clear $12 million, as they predict. Halle Berry isn’t box office, but it’s a thriller and it’s not awful.
Box Office Mojo calls it $43 for “Oz,” $19 for “Burt” and $8″ for “The Call.”
Seems closer to the mark — $40ish, $20ish and $10ish is how I see it.
“It gets worse when you get older.”
Yeah, Keanu, it does. “On the nose” casting, putting Reeves in the lead role where he’s both confused, “dumb,” and somehow irresistible.
“Generation Um…” opens in late May.
It’s time for my weekly chat with Mike “Bulldog” Bianchi over at 740 The Game here in 
Orlando. We’ll talk about “The Incredible Burt Wonderstone,” which is barely credible, “The Call,” which is great, until Halle Berry Hangs up.
And we’ll discuss the documentaries “Sound City” and “The Gatekeepers,” showing this weekend at the Enzian.
Later this afternoon, I’ll talk movies with the afternoon drive team at 1620 The Zone in Omaha. Check out who sponsors their website. A restaurant named “Twin Peaks.” I could hardly say no to David Lynch fans.
We’ll talk about sports talkshow hiost Jay Mohr, who made the jump, full time, to talk radio after “Burt Wonderstone,” where he has a somewhat humbling bit part.
Hitchcock’s last “Hitchcock Blonde” was Tippi Hedren, of “The Birds” and one other of Sir Alfred’s ’60s films.
She’ll be a special guest at this year’s Florida Film Festival. April 12, she’ll appear at a showing of “The Birds” and take questions from the audience.
Cary Elwes is coming into town for a screening of “The Princess Bride,” which is preferably to him showing “Saw.”
And the great stuntwoman Zoe Bell will be here for a screening of “Grindhouse,” one of the few times she’s been able to strut her stuff on screen under her own name. If there’s a big stunt that involved a woman in the past 20 years, chances are Zoe Bell pulled it off.
She’ll be here Sat. Afternoon April 13.
