The movie tells the true story of Aaron Ralston who became trapped in Utah’s Blue John Canyon when a huge boulder fell on his arm. After six days of trying to escape the 28-year old hiker amputated the arm with a blunt knife and thus survived.

And the amputation is so realistic, at the premiere at the Telluride Festival on September 3rd two people fainted. Three more followed at the Toronto Festival on September 12, and one at the ‘Mill Valley Festival’ screening.

“I started to feel like I was going to throw up,” Courtney Phelps, who caught a recent ‘sneak-peek’ screening tells the Times.  “So I went to the bathroom and I started feeling dizzy and my heart was racing.”

The paramedics found Phelps passed out on the floor.

“I have never had an experience like this,” she said. “I’m a TV producer. I know this stuff isn’t real.”

And while the buzz from such stories makes priceless PR, the film’s studio, Fox are having trouble deciding how to promote it without being seen as exploiting the gore over the story.

“I would prefer that people not pass out — it’s not a plus,” Fox’s co-president, Stephen Gilula told reporters. “We don’t see a particular publicity value in it.”

While it took Aaron almost an hour to sever the arm, the movie shows it in minutes. But those minutes are hard on the nerves. Very close camera work, snapping of bones and plenty of close-ups.

“I’m almost looking into the camera at times, and it feels like I’m talking to the audience,” says James Franco. “It’s a very intimate experience. When you go to a horror movie you know the characters are expendable, so you don’t care at this level.”

Loosely adapted from Ralston’s 2004 autobiography ‘Between a Rock and a Hard Place,’ and directed by ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ chief Danny Boyle, critics are suggesting ’127 Hours’ could be Oscar material. And they may right – Boyle won eight of the gold men for ‘Slumdog’ in 2009.

Described by Fox’s VP, Gilula as “the most empathetic experience I’ve ever seen,” the movie opens on Friday in New York and LA, with more cities added over the next few weeks.

My money says this is created PR and untrue, but will you go and see it? And do you think you could faint?…

Photo: David Shankbone

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James Franco film, 127 Hours draws melodramatic response

But of all the clues to be gathered from this glitzy debacle, two stand out above all: Having an original story helps to win the gold man, while beating your audience over the head with disingenuous, self-serving hype demonstrably does not.

Both prior to and since its debut on December 18,  Fox and James Cameron have engaged in a sickening, endless and often clandestine campaign of hype for their $237-million curio, desperately trying to maximize their box-office profits and win the gold man.

And they failed.

Only the art directors, the cinematographer and the geniuses at Wikka Digital with their TRS-80′s took home a prize. James and his tired, plodding and derivative story were rightfully left empty handed.

And the moral of this story is far clearer than the plot of that film; To be successful you need to actually be good at your job. Inept mediocrity inflated by hype does not make a star, or ensure true success.

Many ‘celebrities’ would do well to take notes.

Text © 2009, The Loquacious Limey
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James Cameron’s Avatar deserved Oscar snub

The 36-year old New Yorker will now join Robert Rodriguez’ upcoming retread of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 1987 jungle-based romp, which Rodriguez is now writing along with some friends.

‘That 70′s Show’s Topher Grace is also debating getting involved, and if the price gets worked out he’ll join Alice Braga, ‘The Shield’s Walt Goggins, Oleg Taktarov, the UFC star, and one of Rob’s favorite actors [and his second cousin,] Danny Trejo.

This time around – who knows how many more there will be?? – the story concerns a group of elite warriors who become unwilling prey to a swarm of alien trackers called Predators. Adrien is the leader, who has a strong rep as a hunter of men. Topher, meanwhile, plays a placid bean-counter, inside of whom lurks a serial killer. Braga – last seen in ‘I Am Legend’ – is a cold-hearted assassin, Goggins will play a radical type and Taktarov will be a Russian Special Ops expert.

And in what sounds like the most fun role of all, 64-year old Trejo will be a merciless warrior who roams the world with two loaded Uzis strapped on his back.

Shooting is penciled-in for Hawaii next month, with interiors, effects shots and green-screening booked to be done at Rodriguez’ ‘Troublemaker Studios’ in Texas. The finished movie is slated to bow on July 9th, 2010.

Photo by Mecredis

Text © 2009, The Loquacious Limey
All rights reserved.

Adrien Brody to lead Predator reboot

Good-night, God’s speed and thank you.

Text © 2009, The Loquacious Limey
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Patrick Swayze, 1952-2009

First released in March of 1989 by Columbia Pictures the ‘crime-drama-romance,’ to quote its PR, gave Christian Slater and Winona Ryder their major film breaks. Now, twenty years of cobwebs have been blown off the story, and Fox’s finest brains [yes, both of them] are hard at work on a reboot.

“We had the title, and talked about doing a film remake,” Gary Lucchesi, president of Lakeshore, who own the film’s rights told Variety. “But doing it for TV seemed like a fresh and original idea.”

The fresh and original movie told the rather curious story of Veronica, who really wants to be part of the “in crowd” at her school. But the girls who are part of this exclusive clique – who are all strangely named Heather – snub her and make her feel cheap. Then the High School’s head hunk, J.D. [Slater] shows her a neat way to climb the School’s social ladder – Together, they kill all the Heathers.

While recycled TV is never truly successful, one upbeat note is that among the Producers is Jenny Bicks, whose credits include ‘Sex and the City’ and ‘Men in Trees.’ So the pedigree seems pretty good.

But let’s face the facts; Most TV execs wouldn’t know an original idea if it gave them its card; Second, ‘fresh and original’ ideas don’t mean just remaking a film. And making a TV show from a movie is not original anyway – have these chowder-heads not heard of ‘MASH’ ??

No date is available for the new show’s debut as the scripts and casting have yet to be done. There is no mention of Slater or Ryder as part of the cast, but that may well change as production goes on. Then, maybe, people will watch…

Picture by Tricky

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Fox bows plans to grow recycled Heather

Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone have now signed to appear on-screen together in the upcoming movie, ‘The Expendables,’ which Sly will also write and direct.

Billed as ‘an ultra-violent action thriller,’ the new flick tells the story of a group of  hard-bitten mercenaries who combine to defeat a vile South American dictator. Helping further their cause are such 80′s bygones as Dolph Lundgren, Stone-Cold Steve Austin and Randy Couture.

Bruce Willis has confirmed to MTV that he will be joining Arnold and Sly to shoot one special scene in which the three biggest ‘action heroes’ in Hollywood history have their first-ever meeting on film, “That’s the concept,” he said with a grin. “I’m just waiting for a call from Sly about when we’re going to make that happen.”

This much-vaunted threesome with Arnie and Sly is scheduled to open on April 25 of next year. Meantime, Bruce’s next bow is the new Sci-Fi feature, ‘Surrogates’, in which he plays a cop [big surprise!] who has to hunt down a killer of robots. It debuts in theaters on September 25.

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Schwarzenegger, Stallone and Bruce Willis team for new film

Warner Brothers, in collusion with Legendary Pictures, their partner on such worldwide crowd-pleasers as “Batman: The Dark Knight,” and the tribal “300” have now confirmed the project is ongoing, and Mr. Raimi will be at the helm.

Since its online debut in mid-84, World of Warcraft – known to its 11-million online subscribers quite simply as ‘WoW’ – has crushed all pretenders to become the most heavily-played game in that genre’s whole life. And with a resume that includes such complimentary fare as three Spider Man films – with a fourth on the way – bringing Sam to this project now clearly makes it one of Warner’s best bets.

After tasting the box-office bounty of such films as ‘Batman TDK’ and the ‘Harry Potter’ collection, the studio is known to be hungry for fantasy themes, and ‘WoW’ may be just what they need. No date for production is yet on the cards yet, as the new movie must wait until Sam wraps production on Spider Man IV. But the Acnepril crowd must be in heaven at the news their devotion is now due to see daylight.

His last movie project, the dismal, ‘Drag Me to Hell,’ which debuted in May, was a box-office dud, scoring just $42-million on US screens. But Warner’s aren’t fazed – 2007′s Spider Man III, which Sam co-wrote and directed, made them $151-million in three days alone!

Source: NYT

Photo by Chan

Text © 2009, The Loquacious Limey
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Sam Raimi signs-on to rule ‘World of Warcraft’

In news from the franchise that seems destined to take over the mantle of devotional fandom vacated by that iconic boy-wizard, the word is that ‘Twilight 3′ is already in casting.

The movie translation of Stephenie Myers’ longed-for third chapter, ‘Eclipse’ has been shrouded in secrecy since the book rights were sold, but three of the characters are now ‘outed’ for fans in official briefs, released by Summit. Read on for news, but be warned – there are spoilers…

Part three’s director, David Slade, has a clear vision of what is required: The first character now open for screen tests is named, ‘Seth Clearwater,’ who’s described as “a “tall, gangly-limbed boy, with a huge, happy grin. He idolizes Jacob.”

Another notice seeks a girl to portray Seth’s sister, Leah. She’s defined as 19-years old, and La Push’s only female member, requiring an actress who is, ‘tall and slender with beautiful skin and cropped black hair. Would be considered gorgeous if not for her perpetual scowl due to a broken heart, and her anger issues.” says the notice.

Two other actors are also required to portray novitiate members of the Quileute tribe and the ‘La Push’ wolf pack. And just as in ‘New Moon,’ these actors need to have Native American or First Nation heritage to win what are sure to be coveted roles.

So ‘Eclipse’ is in motion, but chapter four, ‘Breaking Dawn’ still seems up in the air — No-one is signed yet to make it all work? “I’m signed for three,” Peter Facinelli told E’s reporters at the MTV music awards. “I’m hoping they make four. If New Moon does well, I think they will.”

Ashley Greene was also unsure, “I can’t even think that far in advance!” she told reporters. “They’re just going to have to make a Twilight Five! I will be forever known as a Twilight girl.”

Leads, Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, however, have confirmed they want to do chapter four. So the news overall is quite good.

‘Eclipse,’ meanwhile, will start lensing in August, for a planned US debut on June 30th, 2010.

Text © 2009, The Loquacious Limey
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Twilight (Eclipse) now secretly casting

The movie, which cost Fox a mere $14-million to make has so far earned them $326-million and eight Oscars. Yet two of the stars – already surviving in homes made of canvas – have lost even that after bulldozers trashed them to build a rail station.

Nine-year old Rubina Ali [she played 'Latika',] and 10-year old, Azharuddin Ismali [the young Salim,] were reportedly in tears as a wrecking crew recently leveled their plastic-sheet ‘homes’ to begin the construction. “I have seen their homes being knocked down and that upset me a great deal.” says Danny Boyle, the movie’s director. “But it’s only now that the trust has been able to enact a workable plan.”

The ‘Jai Ho’ trust Danny mentioned pays the two stars a risible pittance. And Fox even announced they were “proud” of the treatment these actors received; “For 30 days work they were paid three times the annual salary,” a spokesman for Fox Searchlight told the press.

Anil Kapoor [game-show host, 'Prem Kumar',] donated his fee to help children in the Indian town of Mumbai, where the movie is set. But Fox have done almost nothing but talk. Ali and Ismali were flown to the US to be displayed at the Oscars, whisked around Disneyland, then sent right back to India to starve in a tent. And now even that is no more.

After international outrage at this cold-hearted treatment, and the dogged persistence of Mr. Boyle, an apartment has just been secured for each of the stars – so they finally have a real home. Danny also donated $745,000 to a charity that helps thousands of children just like them, who suffer similar hardship all over India.

Is it possible at least someone working at Fox has a heart??

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Slumdog debacle shows Fox’s true colours…

After years of slow but steady discussions, Steven Spielberg’s ‘Dreamworks’ team has just secured the rights to the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King.

A worthy winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, Dr. King’s books and speeches have been carefully guarded by the King family since his death, but consent has finally been given for all of his papers to be used for the script, including the civil rights milestone, ‘I have a dream’ speech, whose [mostly improv] delivery enraptured the world in late ’63.

Both Steven and Dreamworks co-chair, Stacey Snider, have had such a film on their wishlist for years and were doggedly working to make it come true. But the fight has been hard, as Dr. King’s family have been entangled in lawsuits over whether his works would ever be used to show the full extent of his gifts.

“We are all honored that the King Estate is giving us the opportunity to tell the story of these historic events,” Mr. Spielberg says in a statement. “It is our hope that the creative power of film and the impact of Dr. King’s life can combine to present a story of undeniable power that we can all be proud of.” he told Variety’s scribes.

Dr. King’s untimely death at the hands of an assassin on a cold Memphis day in 1968 ended a life that transfigured a nation, and the new film will be most people’s first chance to truly see what we lost.

Spielberg himself will co-produce the new movie, but no director or schedule has yet been released.

Photo by: Unfocused Brain

Text © 2009, The Loquacious Limey
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Steven Spielberg announces new MLK movie

Universal execs, Peter Guber and Cathy Schulman worked for over two years to secure the rights to Frank’s life and music, and Warner’s [Frank's label,] have finally agreed. No actor has been named for the role but Leonardo di Caprio is thought to be Marty’s first pick, while the studio wants Johnny Depp.

Regardless of the star, the film’s pedigree is already superb – Scorsese. 67, will direct and produce, and the screenplay will be penned by Phil Alden Robinson, who wrote the 1989 Kevin Costner classic, ‘Field of Dreams.’

According to Ms. Shulman, the movie will be an ‘unconventional biopic’ that will explore every shade of Sinatra’s iconic and colorful life. Born in New Jersey in 1915, his countless love affairs and alleged Mafia ties made Frank an absolute gift for the Hollywood gossips. But the scale of his talent overcame their attentions, and both his peers and the world were soon enthralled by his style, “My father had great admiration for the people he worked with, and they had great admiration for him,” Frank’s daughter, Tina, told Variety. “It’s pleasing that this paradigm is continued with Marty at the helm of the film.”

Since his death in April 1998, plans for the movie have been constantly stalled by the complex task of trying to license Frank’s work. “Everyone knows that Marty is a final-cut director.” Ms. Shulman told the reporters. “So there had to be a lot of trust he would tell the story in a way that didn’t destroy Sinatra’s memory.”

The trust is well placed; With an Oscar, three BAFTA’s and two highly-prestigious ‘Golden Bears,’ they couldn’t have picked a more worthy guy.

No date for filming is available yet, but when they post one you’ll find it here.

NYC Sunset photo by FergusonPhoto

Text © 2009, The Loquacious Limey
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Scorsese to direct biopic on Sinatra

The handsome young actor is reportedly deeply intrigued by the cross-dressing culture, and he and Lady J have become inseparable friends. The pair have shared dinner together numerous times and attended a long list of parties; arriving at one arm-in-arm. “He’s a lovely guy and he and Our Lady J got on like a house on fire.” a close friend of J’s told the UK’s Daily Telegraph.

Daniel, 19, is said to have met Brooklyn-based Lady J during his Broadway performance in Equus. Known for her love of gospel songs and superb piano skills, the draglicious diva also has a gift for impersonation that makes her Alanis Morisette almost better than that done by the lady herself – And Daniel was hooked on the spot! “Daniel is fascinated by drag culture. He went to a few shows and was made to feel very welcome.” says the friend.

The feeling is quite clearly mutual – After a recent repast, Our Lady J told her 970+ Facebook fans [of which I am one,] that she’d “Just had a delish meal w/Dan Radcliffe.”

Daniel is due to enchant us once more when ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,’ makes its US debut on July 17. If he does it in drag, we’ll know he’s a fan. If he wears dreamgirl lingerie, it could be the start of a whole new career.

Photo by Freshwater

Text © 2009, The Loquacious Limey
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Harry Potter and the draglicious diva