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Film Peek - by Craig Hill

Film Peek - November 2007

KNIGHT RIDER THE MOVIE

November 30th 2007 15:40
knight rider 2010
Knight Rider is one of the shows I just couldn't miss, together with A-Team and some I already forgot.

Therefore, I can honestly say I like the idea of a Knight Rider movie, but am afraid at the same time it'll be ruined. The movie will mostly concentrate on Michael Knight's son, who never got to know his father, but takes over the super car KITT.

A better KITT though. As you can see above it's not the classic version, but rather a 550 HP Ford Shelby GT500KR Mustang. I just drooled.

Anyway, Justin Bruening will play Knight's son and a 2008 release is aimed. The movie will air at NBC, so it seems it won't be big cinema stuff, which is cool and might keep the old spirit.

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FIRST PICTURE OF MADAGASCAR 2

November 26th 2007 09:15
madagascar 2
Madagascar was a surprisingly good movie. I didn't expect much since the animation seemed somewhat cheap with all Pixar movies etc, but it really worked.

Next year it's time for Madagascar 2: The Crate Escape, and we already have a first picture from it as you can see above. Looks hilarious, and this time I believe and expect more.

Forum.
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Posted By: peeker - Category: Pictures
   


WANNA BE IN HARRY POTTER 6?

November 26th 2007 09:07
harry potter 6
MSN has a contest up and running, where the winner gets a part in the upcoming Harry Potter film. All you have to do is answer who played Dolores Umbridge. Which basically means there's no way in hell you'll win, but...

Also, the fineprint says that ultimately you might not be in the film anyway, but at least on set in a scene or so and experience the whole thing.

The Winner will participate in the Walk On Prize as an extra in a crowd scene which may or may not be a silent scene. There is neither a guarantee that the Winner will be able to distinguish himself/herself in the film footage, nor that he/she will be featured in the final cut of the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince film which is always subject to creative approvals and the Director’s final say. There is no guarantee that the Winner will meet or see Talent as part of the Walk On Prize.

To enter, head over here.

//peeker
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NINJA ON HOW TO WIN THE WRITER'S STRIKE

November 26th 2007 08:57
Haven't really talked about the Writer's Strike that's currently going on in Hollywood, but basically no writers are writing, at all, right now. They want higher residuals and DVD/Web money, and personally I think that's only fair. Question is if a strike is the way to go, but I'll leave it a question.

Since it's already happening though, it needs to be solved. And like every problem, a ninja can solve it in the wisest way. Sometimes in the gayest too. Like this one, on how to handle the current writer's strike:

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Posted By: peeker - Category: News, Misc
   


HEAR JOHNNY DEPP SING IN SWEENEY TODD

November 22nd 2007 16:18
Sweeney Todd depp
Although there have been previews with small peeks on Depp singing, here's a clip with some more of it.

Personally I feel it's the usual musical style, talk-singing, but Johnny Depp does it well and the song sounds great too. Look forward to see his overall performance in Sweeney Todd around Christmas.

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DEPP'S NEW FILM POSTPONED

November 21st 2007 09:55
SHANTARAM POSTPONED

Johnny Depp was due to appear in the Mira Nair-directed Shantaram, an adaptation of Gregory David Roberts novel, but it has just been reported that it has been postponed because of Hollywood's writer's strike. What a pity as this was a project that I was interested in seeing.

A strike began on the 5th November when film and television writers began action to gain a larger portion of internet sales and downloads. This is the first major industrial action by the Writers Guild of America in nearly 20 years.

Shantaram is described as a ‘big-budget musical’. It features Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem. Meanwhile both Cruz and Bardem starred with Italian icon Sophia Loren and French actress Marion Cotillard in Nine, a screen version of the successful musical inspired by Federico Fellini's 8 1/2. Unfortunately, this project is also on hold because of the writers’ strike that began earlier in the month.

The dispute’s effects are far-reaching, even affecting the entertainment industry, delaying production television shows such as Desperate Housewives as well as forcing the postponement of the latest season of 24.

Despite it being reported that major Hollywood films studios hoped to protect themselves against the strike’s short-term effects by stockpiling finished scripts, unfortunately it wasn’t quite enough as plans for films due for release in 2009 have been affected and probably delayed.

The Tom Hanks film, Angels and Demons and an Oliver Stone’s new war movie, Pinkville, have both been shelved because of the strike. Even late-night chat shows with hosts such as Jay Leno and David Letterman have been halted; industry analysts believe this may last several months.

This is not good news for the film and entertainment industry, although I understand that sometimes severe action needs to happen. Hopefully, some actions can be rectified and halted projects can continue fairly soon.

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Posted By: Tracy - Category: News
   


NEXT BOND 22 VILLAIN?

November 19th 2007 12:16
Mathieu Almaric
Sometimes the casting is quite exiting, especially when it's about such legendary characters as the Bond villains. They're always the meanest and still the smartest ones.

Casino Royale had the Scandinavian Mads Mikkelsen in the role, and he was alright if you ask me. Now for the next installment, Bond 22, it's kinda revealed that Mathieu Amalric is already signed as the villain.

I don't know much about Amalric, but he looks as a villain. Recently he starred in The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, a French film that won a couple of Cannes awards and got a nice buzz. In other words, even though Mathieu Amalric has been involved in some big movies so far, this might be the start of him being more in the center.

The development of Bond 22 is moving great and I'm excited to hear the next news.

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TIM BURTON TO MAKE A 3D VERSION OF ALICE IN WONDERLAND

November 19th 2007 07:03
TIM BURTON TO MAKE A 3D VERSION OF ALICE IN WONDERLAND

Well, I’m intrigued by the sounds of this remake. It sounds unique. Tim Burton has just signed a contract with the Walt Disney Company to direct and produce a 3-D film version of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland.

It sounds great to me, while I wouldn’t say I’ve liked all of Burton’s stuff, he has certainly produced some films such as Edward Scissorhands (1990) and Corpse Bride (2005) that I liked enough for me to be interested in this project. And we mustn't forget the upcoming Sweeney Todd which you’ll probably remember from my earlier (and multiple) posts that I am looking to seeing it. It is almost complete and will be released next month, yehhh.

Alice in Wonderland will begin filming 2008. The adaptation will combine live-action and performance-capture technology.

After that project Burton will be working on his own short film, Frankenweenie. Burton describes the story as "You have a dog that you love, and the idea of keeping it alive was the impulse for the film".

I like the sound of both films; they are ones that I would definitely have a look at.
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HORTON HEARS A WHO - PICTURES

November 14th 2007 17:07
horton hears a who
When the company behind Ice Age, 20th Century Fox, is working on a new project there's no doubt expectations are high. And when you have Jim Carrey as the voice of the main character it can only get better.

Horton Hears a Who is based on the children's book by Dr. Seuss, which mostly the older ones probably recognize.

Animation is on high speed right now, for a spring release.

See the pictures over at the forum.

//peeker
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FILMPEEK FORUM IS OPEN! (LINK)

November 14th 2007 16:25
Hey everybody, first off I'd like to say thank you to all regular visitors for helping this site grow.

As a step to expansion and world domination, the Filmpeek Forum opened up today. Hopefully it will be used to its maximum and a nice place to discuss movies and everything related. While you read the latest news here, you can discuss them and start your own topics over at the forum.

Sure, there are several other similar places to talk movies, but Filmpeek Forum is more of a collaborative blog where everyone can participate. Some news will be posted there as well, such as pictures of movies that are too many to include in news-posts here.

So... add the forum to your bookmarks and let your movie opinions flow all over it.

Thanks!

//peeker
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BEE MOVIE BEATS AMERICAN GANGSTER IN ITS SECOND WEEK

November 12th 2007 12:25
BEE MOVIE BEATS AMERICAN GANGSTER IN ITS SECOND WEEK

The battle between Jerry Seinfeld's Bee Movie and American Gangster continues. As I last previously reported, in its debut week, American Gangster beat Bee Movie, but now they have swapped places.

According to studio estimates issued on Sunday, the Bee Movie earned $US26 million during the three days starting on Friday and American Gangster slipped down to No.2 with $US24.3 million.

I have to say that I’m surprised. I thought that if Bee was in second place in its first week, it seemed unlikely (to me anyway) to hop up to first place. I guess that’s the thing about the film world and audiences, it can be unpredictable.

I wonder what will happen next week; will Bee hold its place? We’ll just have to wait and see.

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TOM CRUISE IS EXHAUSTED

November 12th 2007 08:44
TOM CRUISE IS EXHAUSTED
Weary Tom

Is it mean to say that when I read an article saying that Tom Cruise is suffering from exhaustion I felt little empathy? Apparently, the main problem is a lack of sleep.

That doesn’t sound much different from all other parents, except Tom Cruise is in the media.

He said that between being husband to Katie Holmes, father to 18-month old Suri (as well as 12-year-old Connor and 14-year-old Isabella), a major movie star and co-owner of United Artists, there just isn't much time left over. Yes, I will expand some sympathy and admit that is quite a workload.

Cruise told Entertainment Tonight in an as yet unreleased interview "Just like everybody else, you just work it out,” "We've gotten pretty good at organising everything. I don't sleep much anyway."Ah well, so what’s the problem?" Well, if he doesn't see the problem, then I don't either.

It may sound bitter, but I’m sure he would have a plethora of minions for support. I can’t see housework being part of that heavy workload.

Just to end this cynical post about Cruise, his next aim is to move into directing. ‘’I've always wanted to. I've been offered things to direct but have to find the right piece."

Now I have even less sympathy for him.

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ALIENS VS. PREDATOR: REQUIEM - POSTER

November 8th 2007 13:37
It seems from the comments on the trailer posted few weeks ago, people really want Aliens vs Predator - Requiem. And it's perfectly understandable since it looks groovy and better than its predecessor.

The poster is alright, only showing Predator, but I guess Alien is hiding somewhere for the perfect moment to pop out and inside.

Aliens Predator requiem
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Posted By: peeker - Category: Posters
   


AMERICAN GANGSTER – BEATS JERRY SEINFELD’S DEBUT FILM

November 6th 2007 22:16
AMERICAN GANGSTER

It seems that the collaborative thriller by director Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe, American Gangster has done has beaten Jerry Seinfeld’s first film, the animated Bee Movie at the weekend box offices. According to Exhibitor Relations, the total earned is $US43.6 million, that’s $47.37 million to us Aussies.

As peeker described in an earlier post, American Gangster stars Denzel Washingon as Frank Lucas, a 1970s head drug dealer. Crowe is Richie Roberts, the outcast detective who is hunting Lucas down with much determination.

This a busy time for Ridley and Crowe as they are currently working together again on Body of Lies, which is due out next year.

I’m curious to see what this film is like, especially as Scott has such an impressive directorial background in films such as Alien, Gladiator (again with Crowe) and Blade Runner.

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IRON MAN - TRAILER NR. 2

November 5th 2007 15:50
Ironman
There's already an amazing trailer of Iron Man out there, but this got released today as well. It shows some of what we've already seen, but concentrates more on Tony Stark in the suit, with less backstory.

An interesting on set footage clip can be seen here. Guess I'm not the only one hyped to see this?

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ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS - TRAILER

November 5th 2007 15:40
alvin and chipmunks
Alvin and the Chipmunks is a classic, at least in its original form as a cartoon. Now it's of course becoming a movie, the kind that is destined to fail.

At least it feels that way, since a) the current young generation don't recognize it, b) it's not considered cool anymore and c) these films usually do better in DVD.

In any case, let's not get ahead of ourselves. The poster was ok and now there's a full length trailer available of Alvin and the Chipmunks:

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Posted By: peeker - Category: Trailers
   


AUGUST RUSH - POSTER

November 5th 2007 15:26
There have been mixed reviews about August Rush, the movie about an orphan musician. In summary I guess you could say the pictures are wonderful and very imaginative, but even though the story is strong, it can be experienced as somewhat predictive and cliché.

The trailer of August Rush looked promising though, and the poster is kinda cute as well.

August Rush poster
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NE LE DIS A PERSONNE - TELL NO ONE

November 5th 2007 04:38
NE lE DIS A PERSONNE - TELL NO ONE

This film, Ne le dis à personne (Tell no-one) instantly appeals to me. I hadn’t heard of it before reading a synopsis about it on the weekend, so it led me to do some research on it. I liked what I read, then decided to write a post on it.

Occasionally, I like a good thriller, especially if it is French, so I have decided this is the next one for me. The alluring blend of thriller and Frenchness (yes, that isn't actually a word-not yet anyway) appeals.

Its basic premise is that Dr Alexandre Beck (Cluzet) is still grieving for his wife Margot (Marie-José Croze) who was murdered by a serial killer eight years, just days after their marriage. He receives an anonymous email that reveals a woman's face standing alone in a crowd. He recognises it as Margot's face. Hence, the mystery begins. Is she still alive? How? Where is she? And why does the email instruct Alex to 'Tell No One'?

Next, two bodies are found where Margot was murdered, and the police empathetically assume Beck is involved. They do not give up on this suspicion. Eventually, Beck has no choice but to go on the run while trying to find out what is happening and whether his precious wife is actually still alive.

Ne le dis à personne is based on Harlan Coben's bestselling novel and has reported as being a phenomenon at the French box office. Apparently, director Guillaume Canet's adaptation of the book is a brisk blend of Hollywood thrills and French cinematic style with big intersecting appeal.

The more I read, the more I’m interested. I particularly enjoy off-beat French films with a thriller element. I’m intrigued....
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CROWE TO LOSE WEIGHT FOR ROLE IN BODY OF LIES

November 5th 2007 03:56
CROWE - BODY OF LIES

Russell Crowe has been told that he needs to lose some weight for his role in Body of Lies. Apparently, director Ridley Scott believes that he needs to shed approximately 13 kilos. Ridley is helping him and stated:

I've shot with Russell for the past five weeks. That's why he's so sturdy-looking at the moment. He's losing weight.
Gosh, it’s hard work being famous. This is the opposite situation to Nicole Kidman who needs to put on weight for her role in The Read as I reported a couple of weeks ago. Its reasons like these that stop me from wanting to be famous. Plus, the small factor of the lack of singing, dancing, acting or entertaining talent. Ah well. I’m happy being me, a part-time blogger and full-time film lover. Anywho, enough about me and more about the film.

Body of Lies also stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Vince Colosimo (an Aussie from successful TV series The Secret Lies of Us and film Daybreakers) and Carice van Houten (Valkyrie). This is Crowe's fourth collaboration with Ridley. They previously worked together for Gladiator, A Good Year and the upcoming American Gangster, co-starring Denzel Washington.

Body of Lies is based on the fictional novel by Washington Post columnist David Ignatius. Crowe plays Ed Hoffman, a former journalist who comes out of the Iraq war with a shattered leg. He has a personal and obsessive mission--to infiltrate the network of a master terrorist known only as "Suleiman’ in order to get revenge. The CIA hires him to track down this terrorist leader who is believed to be in Jordan.

I’ll leave the storyline there for now. Filming has just commenced in Morocco and is expected to be released in 2008.
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JUMPER - TRAILER AND POSTER

November 3rd 2007 17:33
Jumper poster
Not much has been said around here about adventure/sci-fi movie Jumper, but here's a good reason to do so. The new poster is very attractive and gathers interest. I'm a big fan of good adventures that unfortunately don't get released very often due to their budget.

So, since you now have seen the poster to Jumper, it's time for the trailer. The trailer is complex, you don't understand what really goes on, but that's the point. It's one of those movies you can't afford to get distracted or you'll miss important story-information.

But it looks nice, and includes a great cast.

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Posted By: peeker - Category: Trailers, Posters
   


CONAN THE BARBARIAN 2009 - POSTER

November 2nd 2007 16:32
Not much to say... but... is this necessary?

conan 2009 poster
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THE ROCK IN SHAZAM!

November 2nd 2007 16:26
The Rock Black Adam
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is in talks, and almost certain, for the role as Black Adam in the Captain Marvel movie Shazam!

Shazam! is currently written by great screenwriter John August and will be directed by Peter Segal. Hopefully Segal will be able make this good and with a touch of seriousness, since he's mostly experienced with comedies (Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult, Anger Management).

And after all, The Rock is almost a duplicate of Black Adam. Amazingly alike aren't they?

//peeker
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DEL TORO'S 'THE ORPHANAGE' - POSTER

November 2nd 2007 16:14
Since Guillermo del Toro is one of the currently most imaginative film-makers, with Pan's Labyrinth as a worthy Oscar-winner, here's the poster to his new movie - The Orphanage (or El Orfanato in Spanish).

Although he's not directing, "just" producing.

When Laura returns to the house where she was raised, she decides to transform it into an orphanage. Soon, her son, Simón, makes an invisible friend and stuff start happening... [IMDB]

The Orphanage
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ACROSS THE UNIVERSE – ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE

November 1st 2007 21:03
ACROSS THE UNIVERSE – ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE

Across the Universe is set during the 1960s in the middle of the anti-war protest with The Beatles music as a backdrop. Its tagline is: All you need is love.

It is not just a coincidence that the tagline is a Beatles song, as this is a musical based on The Beatles’ songs, set in the England, America, and Vietnam. It might sound as though this is a Beatles tribute or biography similar to film Backbeat from 1994 that focuses on the band in their early days set in Hamburg, Germany but it isn’t. With Across the Universe, the Beatles’ music sets the scene for a strong yet complicated love story between Jude and Lucy, along with their close group of friends and musicians.

Jude (Jim Sturgess) is a dock worker from England who travels to America to find his estranged father where he meets and falls in love with sheltered American teenager Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood). Lucy’s brother, Max (Joe Anderson) is soon is drafted to fight in the Vietnam War, which sets the point at which they become involved in peace activism, opposing the war and any involvement while vying for free speech and civil rights.

Taymor, Clement and La Frenais wrote the original story. The film features thirty-four compositions written by various members of The Beatles, including Help! (1965), A Hard Day's Night (1964), Yellow Submarine (1968) and Let It Be (1970). Thirty of the thirty-four featured songs are officially credited to the Lennon-McCartney partnership.

The films has several cameo appearances, by Bono as Dr. Robert, a counter-culture shaman, Eddie Izzard as Mr. Kite a circus ringmaster, Joe Cocker plays three street characters (gosh) and Salma Hayek who via digital special effects is seen as five nurses.

To me, this is a unique blend of music, love and war issues melted into one film.

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IS SAM WORTHINGTON THE NEW GI JOE?

November 1st 2007 05:21
IS SAM WORTHINGTON THE NEW GI JOE?

Well, it’s looking as though well-known Aussie actor, Sam Worthington may score the role of GI Joe rather than George Clooney as previously rumoured.

Worthington is best known for his roles in the highly successful Foxtel television series, Love My Way and for films such as Macbeth (2006), Somersault (2004) and Dirty Deeds (2002).

Fox is currently in talks with Paramount Pictures to ensure that Worthington will have completed his role as Jake Sully in James Cameron's upcoming film Avatar by the planned starting date of February 2008.

Worthington has an increasingly impressive portfolio, including an AFI Award Best Actor in a Leading Role for Somersault (2004) as well as being nominated for several roles in both Somersault and Dirty Deeds. He seems to have a prosperous career ahead of him.

It is unsure whether the decision is actually final yet, it could be that Worthington is being considered for the role of Duke rather than GI Joe, so we will just have to wait and see.

Either way, it is definite that whether Clooney or Worthington wins the role, the sex factor will be high.

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