Thursday, April 29, 2010

Buy The Numbers...


The 2009 attendance figures for theme parks are out...

And the Mouse leads in all categories. Even if there is a large amount of competition, it really isn't close on most fronts as you'll see in the data. Of course, that said, I don't want the folks at WDI or the Team Disney Building in Burbank getting any swelled heads. Complacency is the graveyard of many a company.

Theme Park Attendance (Worldwide):

1. MAGIC KINGDOM at Walt Disney World (17,233,000)
2. DISNEYLAND (15,900,000)
3. TOKYO DISNEYLAND (13,646,000)
4. DISNEYLAND PARK at Disneyland Paris (12,740,000)
5. TOKYO DISNEY SEA (12,004,000)
6. EPCOT at Walt Disney World (10,990,000)
7. DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS at Walt Disney World (9,700,000)
8. DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM at Walt Disney World (9,590,000)
9. UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN (8,000,000)
10. EVERLAND (6,169,000)
11. DISNEY’S CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE (6,095,000)
12. SEAWORLD FLORIDA (5,800,000)
13 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS at Universal Orlando (5,400,000)
14. OCEAN PARK (4,800,000)
15. NAGASHIMA SPA LAND (4,700,000)
16. HONG KONG DISNEYLAND (4,600,000)
17. YOKOHAMA HAKKEIJIMA SPA PARADISE (4,500,000)
18. ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE at Universal Orlando (4,500,000)
19. UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD (4,308,000)
20. LOTTE WORLD (4,261,000)
21. EUROPA PARK (4,250,000)
22. SEAWORLD CALIFORNIA (4,200,000)
23. BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA BAY (4,100,000)
24. DE EFTELING (4,000,000)
25. TIVOLI GARDENS (3,870,000)


Theme Park Attendance (North America):

MAGIC KINGDOM at Walt Disney World (17,233,000)
DISNEYLAND (15,900,000)
EPCOT at Walt Disney World (10,990,000)
DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS at Walt Disney World (9,700,000)
DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM at Walt Disney World (9,590,000)
DISNEY’S CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE (6,095,000)
SEAWORLD FLORIDA (5,800,000)
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS at Universal Orlando (5,400,000)
ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE at Universal Orlando (4,500,000)
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD (4,308,000)
SEAWORLD CALIFORNIA (4,200,000)
BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA BAY (4,100,000)
KNOTT'S BERRY FARM (3,333,000)
CANADA'S WONDERLAND (3,160,000)
KINGS ISLAND (3,000,000)
CEDAR POINT (2,942,000)
BUSCH GARDENS EUROPE (2,900,000)
HERSHEY PARK (2,807,000)
SIX FLAGS GREAT ADVENTURE (2,634,000)
SIX FLAGS MAGIC MOUNTAIN (2,500,000)
SIX FLAGS GREAT AMERICA (2,500,000)

Hat Tip to the Themed Entertainment Association.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

A Horse Is A Horse...


Of course, of course...

It seems that Walt Disney Pictures' "Secretariat" trailer is online exclusively at Yahoo! Movies. Take a look and see if the movie looks like a winner.

We already know the horse was...

Game Change...

High score! High score!

Whoo! Hoo!

Well, the film is almost upon us and so are the new additions to Toy Story Midway Mania as well...

Remember back in early March when we broke the news in a Blue Sky Buzz post about new games on the DCA attraction and its DHS clone that would coincide with the release of the sequel in May?

Whew, that's a mouthful!

Well, they've now revealed what those game(s) will be. Actually it's singular. There were a few games that Imagineers tested and this is the one that was chosen. Leaves a little room for WDI to make more changes over the next few years, doesn't it? I can't wait for that holiday makeover.

Mr. Potato Head in Santa gear spouting Rickles' dialogue could be very entertaining...

Hat Tip to Stitch's Kingdom for the details.

Monday, April 26, 2010

The Myth Of Purity...

Ratatouille 5, Up 27, A Bug's Life 2 and on and on...


Toy Story 3, Cars 2, Monsters 2, sequels, sequels, sequels...

Is this the death of creativity at the Lamp? Has John Lasseter and Ed Catmull finally sold their soul to Bob Iger? Say it ain't so, Joe.

It ain't.

But that won't mean people won't try and say it is. I, like you, love the string of original films that Disney North has pumped out over the past decade and a half. Over that time there has only been one sequel: "Toy Story 2." In my opinion, it's even better than the original film. Other than that film Emeryville has produced a collection of original, unique and somewhat unconventional tales that have had audiences waiting in line every summer for a new Pixar film to grace the silver screen.

Now, around four years after the Mouse brought the company in as a permanent part of the family all the offspring are starting to look... remarkably alike. Almost like forgotten twins. Hmmm. Is this a coincidence? Does this mean the end of the era of Pixar? No, I don't think so. I do know that Iger and crew would love to have more sequels to all these classics, but there is no gun being held to the heads of Lasseter/Catmull. But there is a desire for more product. DreamWorks Animation is now on schedule to put out five films every two years and Pixar has been slowly churning away at producing one pic a year. In 2012 there will be two Lamp films for the first time. I don't see them getting up to as many as Katzenberg plans for his company, but I do think you'll see more films in the future. Perhaps one original and one "familiar" film every eighteen months or so. And I'm not opposed to sequels, just bad sequels. If there is a story there to tell, then I'm fine with them telling it.

That has been Lasseter's mantra all along. Not that they were against sequels, but that they wanted there to be a good story to tell. And so far I have no reason to question their motives. I'm sure the business end of the Mouse does ask/want more of these films, but as long as John and the crew believe in what they do and focus on telling great stories then I won't mind numbers being at the end of a title. I don't think we'll see any more Toy Story films, though. This one is pretty much the closing chapter to that tale. But that doesn't mean Woody and Buzz are going to be retiring. You just won't see them in those films anymore. I'm sure they'll find other jobs in the company. It's a big organization and there are many divisions that would love to have those characters work for them (television, shorts, ads, the parks, ect.).

And then there is the sequel that everyone wants to see. Out of all the projects announced, the one everybody expects still hasn't happened. The Incredibles 2. Well, remember that Pixar is a creative, director driven studio and this is Brad Bird's baby. And Bird is a little preoccupied right now. He's been trying for the longest time to get "1906" up and going and he may be filming the next Tom Cruise M.I. film (Warner, get him to do Superman, pleeeeeaasse!). So unless he frees up time and has a story he believes in, or he give the nod to Pixar/Lasseter that allows them to turn the characters over to someone else don't expect it to happen anytime before 2013-14 at the earliest. If at all.

And not all the films are sequels. Remember that "The Brave" is scheduled for 2012 as well as MI 2. That's the film formerly known as "The Bear and the Bow." And they've got a deep production schedule of films that move further out all the way to 2014, not all of which has been announced yet. More original films will come, but sequels are a part of Pixar and have always been a part of Hollywood. All the way back to the silent days. Rudolf Valentino followed his highly successful "The Sheik" in 1921 with a much demanded sequel in 1926 called "Son of the Sheik." Hollywood has and always will make sequels. So it's not as if it were a shocker that a film studio made more of something that people liked. It's the film business with a focus on business. If they don't make money, they won't make more of something. And there needs to be a desire for people to want to see something before they're willing to make it.

That said, not everything deserves or needs a second helping. I know for a while they tried to make a sequel to "Blade Runner" and it was totally wrong to do so. I loved the film "Highlander" and the ending to that film made any sequel totally transparent as to the blind greed of show business. But again, it's a business. There has never been nor will there ever be a time when it wasn't/hasn't a business as well as an art form. There is no purity in that all they ever wanted was to make art. When John and his small band of cohorts set out to make animated films back in the late 80's it was for the pure love and joy of it. But they weren't planning on doing it for free. It's nice to think that people do things and make art for the Nobelist of intentions, but it's also very naive. Films cost money and they need to make a great deal back to pay for themselves. I have no problem with them making a mint as long as they create something worth the price of my admission. So long as the films Pixar comes out with continue to entertain me like they always have, then I'll be happy to pay for that ticket. And so will many others. Lasseter understands that when they start creating something that bores the audience then they've failed.

I'll trust him to know when that is; he's got a pretty good record so far...

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Reruns...


Well, the future of film from the Mouse event is over...

Yawn. Really, yawn.

Not that some of the projects weren't exciting, but nothing, almost nothing I believe was new. I mean we got see a couple scenes, some purty logos, a new Muppet character revealed for that film. No mention of "Jungle Cruise" or "The Lone Ranger." No glitzy stars to show up. No new clip from "Tron Legacy" to salivate your 80's geeky memories. What gives?

Ross really underwhelmed the event if you ask me and since you're reading this I guess you are. I wish the guy well in the job and all, I mean, I don't want to see Walt Disney Pictures tank but... really? Couldn't you have showed something new. An exciting new clip from something. A satellite feed with Johnny Depp dressed as Captain Jack? How about announcing a film you've finally greenlit? No?

Well, the news will just have to trickle out later and sloooooowly I guess. But if I was grading you Mr. Ross, then you'd be getting a C- at best and that's only cause I was giving you some credit for showing some great projects that your predecessor made. Now what are you going to do?

So far, you seem to be twiddling your thumbs and that doesn't get you far or long in Hollywood...

Future Mouse Tales...


So Rich Ross presented his vision of what the future of Walt Disney Pictures/Studios will be...

And it's a lot like what we've seen in the past. Very much so. Ross is definitely the showman that Cook was from what I'm hearing. Here are the cliff notes:

- As we've already stated, he announced that "Monsters Inc. 2" will be released on Nov. 16, 2012. Pete Docter is back on board as well as the actors playing Mike and Sully, but I forget their names.

- Andrew Stanton's live-action debut, "John Carter of Mars" is supposed to be out in 2012 but hasn't been slotted with a release date yet.

- Jason Segel will have a Muppet film that is loaded with cameos of celebrities just like previous films in the series.

- The trailer for "Tangled" was shown and is very similar to the one that was leaked online, but not exactly like it. There is a clear emphasis to try to play up the adventure for boys, and the name Tangled certainly does that. Uh hum...

- Strangely, or not I guess, Disney did some cross promotion for Paramount Pictures, "Captain America," "Thor" and "Avengers." I guess since all those sequels will be under the Mouse it's ok to mention the competition, huh?

- Johnny Depp and crew start shooting POTC 4 in late May/early June.

- Ross says he deep sixed the 20K prequel because it was "too dark," but didn't rule out bring it back at another time. I would have canned it because of any involvement with Will Smith personally. Dark doesn't bother me.

- Tim Burton's "
Frankenweenie" was talked about. I wonder if Johnny Depp will be involved?

- Pixar's "The Bear and the Bow" is now titled: "Brave" and will be released
June 15, 2012. I guess that title was changed for the boys too, eh?

- They showed more of "Prince of Persia: Sands of Time" at the event. A clip, yada, yada.

- Then there was a clip of "
Secretariat" the horse opera, no I mean, the drama about horse racing. That's it, yeah. Again, another project of Dick's.

- The "Tron Legacy" trailer was shown, but again, nothing new. Ross, are you playing reruns or what?

Really it seems like here I am to show you all the stuff by the guy we fired. My question to Ross is what are you going to do? Because judging by this event, you are still on the coattails of Dick Cook.

I'll be back later to finish up any loose ends and add some commentary, maybe...

Monsters Inc 2 Official...

Told Ja!



What we reported exclusively way back in February of 2009 has been made official...

At Rich Ross' press event it was announced that Monsters Inc. 2 will be out Nov. 16, 2012. And some guy named Docter, Crystal and Goodman are involved. Who'd a thought that?

Now the Hollywood Reporter and all the rest can scoop that too...

The Superhero Error...


It appears that Sony Pictures is pushing back the release of there holiday super-hero film...

There are a lot of films being made now with guys and gals wearing the underwear on the outside of their clothes. Seriously, if you are in the know in Hollywood right now there are two things that are white hot. One is 3D. The other is comics. I'm kind of happy that the Suits in the studios are taking note of how there is a built in audience for these properties. But I also worry about people looking to make an easy profit on these things that simply take a comic/character and twist and turn it into something it's not. These projects more than typically bomb and then the brilliant Suits and Producers blame the properties they licensed instead of the ego reflecting back at them in that executive bathroom. There are many that I can and will list, but I'll start with one coming out next year:

Green Hornet.

If you don't know, this is Seth Rogen's new film was to come out on December 22, 2010 where they would take a classic, yet not well known character and turn it into a parody. A PARODY. Now, before you start saying that all comics don't have to be serious, please listen. I agree. You're right. There are certain properties that would be ripe for parody or satire. Captain Carrot, Cerebus, The Tick and several other characters could easily fall into this line. Not all comic book heroes/characters have to be or should be dark. Parody can work, just look at "The Venture Brothers" which pokes fun at Jonny Quest. It's vulgar and crude, but it is also funny and in a twisted way is a homage to classic Hanna-Barbera series.

But Green Hornet is not one of those that can be used for humor. And the Suits at Sony are starting to understand that. They hate the film. HATE the film... it's a disaster that tries to play edgy and hip, but plays way too weird and tongue-in-cheek. It looks like when this comes out, Rogen will have his first truly box office disaster. They could have asked me, but sometimes the studios have a blind spot and this is one of those times. Having talked to people in the know and several who have seen the film, I can say it's more than likely going to turn out how I feared. A total screw up of a property that could have made a great film/franchise.

Britt Reid aka: The Green Hornet, is a edgy, serious crime fighter. He's the great-nephew of the Lone Ranger for goodness sake! You don't parody him. You glorify him as a symbol of all that is good and right in a morally compromised world. The film should be like a film noir super-hero film, not putting your tongue firmly within your cheek when rolling him out. Action-Comedies are fine, even with comic book characters. Not this character.

Now, instead we'll have some of Hollywood think that it's over. Super-Heroes are done. The cycle may be ending. Naturally, "Iron Man 2" will have already come and gone... and it will be a blockbuster. The adaptions of "Captain America" and "Thor" will be playing next summer after the carnage of Hornet has passed and they won't suffer the same result (financially/critically). And the whines and blames of these Suits will ring hollow because most not insulated by these executives little reality bubble know a good film from a bad one.

Too bad the Suits sometimes don't...

Exceptional Exceptions...


For the last couple of years, the Cartoon Network has started programming live-action series in addition to its animated offerings to try and become a clone of the Disney Channel...

And I've totally been against it. TOTALLY. Until now. Kinda.

Well, there is that rule that goes "there's an exception to every rule." And this is that exception. I don't know if this will be good or mediocre, but it's created by someone of whom I'm a huge fan.

Paul Dini.

The man is a great writer and has created some of my favorite shows, from "Batman: The Animated Series," his comic book writing, his episodes of "The Clone Wars" and his episode of "Lost," "The Moth," was quite awesome too, btw. Plus there is that animated "Indiana Jones" series he wants to do (Please listen to him, George). Anyhoo.

For you that aren't as geeky as me, the Cartoon Network announced it's schedule the other day and a couple things stood out. One was an animated series by Genndy Tartakovsky called "Sym-Bionic Titan." We'll talk about that another time. But the other series they have coming out that I was interested in was called "Prep Tower" and it was created, produced and written by Paul Dini. My interest was peaked. What is the show about? From the CN press release:

Release Date: 7/21/2009

Cartoon Network Announces Cast for TOWER PREP First Live-Action Series Pilot for Cartoon Network written by Paul Dini Cartoon Network has announced casting for the live-action scripted pilot Tower Prep (working title). Production on the network’s first hour-long live-action drama is slated to begin this August in Vancouver, Canada.

Tower Prep (working title) tells the story of a rebellious teen, Ian (Drew Van Acker), who wakes up one morning to find himself trapped at a mysterious prep school that offers no escape. He forms a secret group with CJ (Elise Gatien), Gabe (Ryan Pinkston) and Suki (Dyana Liu), intent on discovering what they’re being trained for and how to escape. The pilot is executive-produced and written by Paul Dini (Lost, Batman Beyond), with Terry McDonough (Breaking Bad, The Street) signed on to direct.

Cast:
• Drew Van Acker (The Lake)
• Ryan Pinkston (Punk’d, In the Motherhood)
• Elise Gatien (Bionic Woman, Eureka)
• Dyana Liu (Parenthood)
Color me interested and willing to give it a change. I just want CN to understand that most of us tune in to see cartoons, hence the name of your network. That being said, I'm giving this one an exception.

For now...

IMAX MAN 2...

I am Iron Man...


The Imax posters for "Iron Man 2" are out...



Next month Marvel and Downey Jr. are gonna take it to the next level...

Hat Tip to Super Hero Hype for the Iron Man poster and Screen Rant for the Whiplash poster.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Pay No Attention To That Man Behind The Curtain...


The life of Robert Downey Jr. is one of praise, promise and tragedy...

This was one of the reasons that he was so right to play the role of Tony Stark. He was inspired casting that made a film about Sherlock Holmes a huge money juggernaut. And if he accepts the role of the man who was a charlatan from Kansas that winds up becoming the ruler of the Emerald City of Oz... the Wizard? That's brilliant. Really.

For those that don't know, Downey Jr. is being courted to play the lead in the Mitchell Kapner scripted/Joe Roth produced "Oz, The Great and Powerful," which will likely be made by Disney. Perhaps it could be announced at Rich Ross' big public event tomorrow?

Word is that Sam Mendes and Adam Shankman are up for the role of director. Each one would offer a much different tone in terms of interpretation of the material. Mendes seems to be the one that would have a feeling akin to "Something Wicked This Way Comes." Shankman with his "Hairspray" credentials would provide a much lighter tone. Me? I would tend to go the Mendes route and word is that he is the producers first choice for the job. Interesting times down the Yellow Brick Road, huh?

This would make the Mouse's first travels down that road since "Return to Oz," I believe. Strangely, Disney has owned the rights to all of L. Frank Braum's series of books, except for "The Wizard of Oz." And now they could/would create a story that is a prequel to that book? Now, I don't know if they still have those rights or if they've expired, but they did own them through the Eighties. I don't know if Eisner made another mistake by getting rid of them like he did "The Lone Ranger." Properties such as this should be held on to. Of course, let's hope that Sony doesn't follow my advice with "Spider-Man" or Iger will never get to make a film under one of Disney's labels.

We're off to see the Wizard...

Perspecticle...

The show must go on...


Tomorrow morning we get a look at what Rich Ross has in store for the Mouse in film...

That's when he has a press gathering to talk about the future of films at Walt Disney Pictures. We'll finally get a look at some of the ideas he has decided to move forward with (hopefully greenlighting a few). I for one will be interested in how much he diverts from Dick Cook's plans for the company. Will he go more comedy? Less Action? Another internally developed property (Jungle Cruise, Swiss Family Robinson, ect.)?

It's going to be interesting to see what he's got up his sleeve. Cook was a master showman at these events and added a great deal of theatrical spectacle to these presentations. Ross is a rookie at this part. We finally get to measure him up. Of course, we won't be able to take him to task until several of the projects he finally approves arrive at the box office. Then it'll be up to the audience to decide if Bob Iger made the right choice. But I have one suggestion.

Please don't have are no more comedy movies in this line-up staring Travolta...

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Lamp On...

Click on...


Earlier today, Pixar opened up the Lamp North-North...

The Canadian division of the popular film company will make short form content that includes everything from Pixar advertisements/commercials for television, television shows/specials, animated projects for Disney Parks and various other projects not directly tied to the feature film division. So in the future, if you wind up seeing a new scene to play in a Midway Mania game? That was/will likely be Pixar Canada. Now what I'd like to see is a Pixar animation Christmas special like the one Walt Disney Animation Studios made with "Prep & Landing."

Now that could be interesting...

Hat Tip to Upcoming Pixar.

Casting Fourth...

Yo, ho, ho, ho...


With all the casting news lately for Walt Disney Pictures "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" we can finally start seeing a bit of how the story will play out...

A little.

I mean, let's take who we know is in the film first of all, and then examine who each of them will be playing.

Captain Jack Sparrow - Duh. The classic Disneyland attraction may have been created without him, but the film series depends on this roguish character as much as Raiders of the Lost Ark relies on Indiana Jones. It's hard to believe this character at one time was being thought of for Matthew McConaughey. Then again, it's hard to believe that Tom Selleck was going to by Indy.

Captain Hector Barbossa - Although it's not official, Geoffrey Rush has talked about returning and with the plot line that ends in "At World's End" it only seems natural that Barbossa would chase Sparrow looking for revenge and that map. He's the perfect foil to Sparrow, even if not the perfect villain in part four.

Joshamee Gibbs - Jack's right hand man should likely see adventure again so long as the crew under Captain Rob Marshall see fit. Where would Sparrow be without Gibbs to help him out of a tight spot or an empty flask of rum?

Pintel - Barbossa's short, puggish and blunt member of the crew was hilarious and a great straight man to Ragetti. These two make a great 1700'a Abbott and Costello. These two would more than likely be in tow with Captain Hector.

Ragetti - The funny man in this two man comedy act. String bean tall, dim whitted and one eyed crew member won't be seen far from Pintel. Like Yen and Yang, they go together.

Blackbeard/Edward Teach/Edward Thatch - The scourge of the high seas. The perfect villain if played/written correctly. I wondered where he was in the Pirate World when watching the original series and now that's going to be answered. I'm excited to see how McShane plays him. If there is any pirate to be a bad guy, it's Edward Teach. The mythos surrounding him lend itself to some great sea tales.

Blackbeard's Daughter - Who would have known that the pirate had a daughter? And who would have thought she would be as hot as Penelope Cruz? I'm sure the character is designed to be a love interest for Jack Sparrow. That would be a nice change since the love angle in the original series was set up for Will/Elizabeth.

Syrena - The lovely and alluring mermaid, Astrid Berges-Frisbey will play a siren of seas that will most likely play out in another fantasy world like Davey Jones Locker. I wonder if she'll have seashells strategically placed and sing songs about the world of humans?

Philip - A youthful missionary named Sam Claflin. This character will possibly be a moral point, by which I mean, a way to give exposition to the story. Or at least someone to offer prayers when Blackbeard makes Sparrow walk the plank.

Scram - A loathsome pirate played by Stephen Graham. Not much else is known about the character, but since it was announced in the trades I expect the character to play a central role in the plot.

So we know a little about the people that populate this fourth film. Slowly, the world expands and as the weeks pass I'm sure we'll see and learn more of this new voyage.

Dead men tell no tells...

Friday, April 16, 2010

Primed...

Three, two, one...
Going live...
Nellie Andreeva over at Deadline Hollywood has an article about the upcoming pilot season on the networks that's telling...

You should go read it if you want to see what you may be watching come fall. But the telling part to me is how uninterested I am in seeing any of the new shows on (Disney's) ABC's list. I'm not saying they won't be great, or I won't eventually like them, but the description of them doesn't really spark my interest. I wish them well, but as of now nothing looks attractive. That could all change when mid-season replacements come up and hopefully some of what the Mouse has recently bought will show up in primetime.

As for what I did like that the Networks are coming out with?

Here's a short rundown of what me likey:

Terra Nova: Steven Spielberg is once again working with dinosaurs in this drama about a family set a hundred years in the future that travel back in time (150 million years) to prehistoric Earth and encounter a beautiful and dangerous world forgotten by man. Think of it as a serious version of "The Land of the Lost." (FOX)

Undercovers: J.J. Abrams newest takeover of television is a story about espionage that tells the lives of a married couple involved in the world of spying. And it's got a comedic undertone. Apparently Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie weren't available, but Abrams is directing the pilot so I'm there. (NBC)

Chase: Jerry Bruckheimer's new show about a team of government officials hunting down wanted fugitives sounds like a television version of "The Fugitive," but it's The Bruck and he's had a hot streak on television. I'm sure Disney is still smarting from not picking up "CSI" when they had the opportunity for the Alphabet Network. Millions and millions of dollars flew out the window of some ignorant suit that day when Jerry walked back to his bungalow and phoned CBS. I'll give this a glance. (NBC)

Kindreds: It's from David E. Kelly and it stars Kathy Bates. That sounds like a winning combination to me. I love Kelly's writing and Bates is a wonderful and versatile actress. The only bad news is that it's a legal drama. Can you please write a character that's a farmer/spy/Indian chief someday, David? (NBC)

The Event: I love conspiracy shows. I believe in almost none, since I follow Benjamin Franklin's quote about two people in a room can keep a secret as long as one of them is dead. But I still find the good ones fascinating to watch. This is one that follows a group of people who have had their lives dramatically changed by some sort of extraordinary event. Hence the title. (NBC)

Hawaii Five-O: I don't know if this will be good or another bad adaptation of a classic television show (hello, The Night Stalker?), but I think the story and setting have potential if brought properly into the present. Still, I always felt this was a property that should have gone to a big screen adaption, not a television series. Will be watching to see how well they say: "Book him, Dano." (CBS)

So until we see some previews and promotions for these and other stories that flesh out what they are and even if they're any good, that's all I can take from this news...

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Leaving A Heavy Footprint...


Well, now that Variety has chimed in it appears that these rumors have solidified...

And expanded. Not only will Joss Whedon be directing "The Avengers" film, but he will take a pass at Zak Penn's draft of the script which was just turned in last month.

AND...

He's going to be doing a polish on "Captain America" which begins filming very, very soon. I wonder how it's got this close to shooting that Marvel feels they need a (re)write of the project. I've watched much of what Whedon has done and been impressed with most, but his Astonishing X-Men is my favorite work of his. It also is why I feel he "gets" the Marvelverse and look forward to his take. I think he'll do a very good job with both, particularly since he hasn't ever had the budget to fill out his words... until now. Plus I feel with his script, the Captain America film will be on much more solid grounds. Joe Johnston will have no excuse for a bad movie with a great script, cast and Marvel backing him on creative decisions. All that's left is for him to deliver and I hope very much so that he does. But regardless, Joss Whedon is about to leave a very big mark on the cinematic Marvel universe.

2012 is just around the corner...

Sorcerer's Apprentice Too Preview...

Oh oh, it's magic...


When I'm with you...
Well, it's really just the teaser poster for the film...

But I like it. Very retro. Looks like something you would have seen back in the day at your local theater alongside posters that displayed the words "Willis" and "Stallone." Another picture of crazy Cage to look forward to.

Cautiously optimistic...

Hat Tip to Coming Soon via Ain't It Cool News.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Whedon To Lead...

Buffy, the Avenger...


Sorry, but I was too busy to post sooo much Marvel news yesterday...

I'm starting to feel like a companion site to Super Hero Hype with all this Marvel news. More guys in tight suits than mouse suits it seems.

I think this could be a pretty inspired move. Although the idea of Joss Whedon directing an "X-Men" film would be totally geek-spastic, the idea of him helming "The Avenger" is something that I would find very exciting indeed. More for what is possible than what has happened. He's mainly known for television, but if anyone could/would know the Marvel characters, it's Whedon. And for you that don't know, he was attached to another comic property for a good deal of time. Albiet Marvel's competition, DC Comics. I'd love to see what his take on "Wonder Woman" was (hint to anyone out there with a copy, ehem). I think with him being involved, this could turn into a bigger film that this was originally intended to be.

As if that could be possible...

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Ultimate XD...

Spidey-Man, Spidey-Man, does whatever a spidey can...


The Marvelization of Disney XD had begun...

Or should that be continues? Those of you that haven't heard, Marvel announced today that an animated "Ultimate Spider-Man" will premiere on Disney XD in fall 2011. This is the second animated Marvel series to be announced for XD after "The Avengers," but it's certainly not the last. I know of at least one animated series that has been in development and not yet greenlit.

Of course, Disney Suits are combing through the archives looking for other possible characters for movie adaptations and there should be an announcement sometime this year (later, most likely) about a live-action series. Over the next couple of years you will see these characters spread out across the various Mouse divisions. What will be next?

Time will tell...

Timing...

Time, keeps on slipping...



Into the future...
If you've been to DCA this week you've gotten to experience the newly opened Paradise Park...

Nice, huh?

I've heard several people refer to it as lovely 20's theming. Now, as I'm an architectural lover and I know the Imagineers perchance for detail, I must correct.

Let me illuminate for you.

Those that tell you the pier looks the way it would have looked when the company's founder first arrived are wrong. The new front entrance will be late 20's/early 30's. A style known as Spanish Revival. The Hollywoodland section, will be themed more "Golden Age" to the mid 30's/late 30's that is known for its Art Deco Stylings (of note, the Disney Cruise Line's ships are designed in different styles, one Art Deco, the other Art Nouveau).

So the pier, which WDI describes as a "Turn of the Century" park would be considered Victorian/Edwardian, but not twenties. This would fall in line with the Arts and Crafts period themed Grand Californian which was popular around the same time (modeled after the Gamble House). Technical, eh? So, if you want to describe the feeling, music and atmosphere to someone when walking though the area, Mictorian turn of the century is the broadest, most accurate words to use. Not, the 1920's.

Remember, timing is everything...

Monday, April 12, 2010

Persian Posters...

Prince of Persia, blah, blah, blah...


Jerry $$$...

New characters posters are out for Walt Disney Pictures' "Prince of Persia: Sands of Time" are out...

They look rather nice, but doesn't the Prince's hand look a little off to you?





Only a month away...

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Pirates Of The Third Dimension...


So "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" starts shooting this summer (late June/early July) in Hawaii...

What hasn't been addressed yet is this whole big 3D thingie that started a stampede with a little film called "Avatar." People have been wondering if POTC 4 will be shot or converted into 3D for next year's tentpole release. For the record, almost every summer/tentpole release from every studio will be in 3D for near future. But the question about Pirates, is will it be filmed that way; 2D or 3D.

The answer is both. Huh, you say? Well, the majority of the Walt Disney Pictures film will be shot in third dimension. Almost all the actor bits and dramatic scenes and all. A good two-thirds of the film will be captured that way. The remaining FX parts of the film will be shot in normal 2D and then converted to 3D. The final result of which will be ALL 3D, of course.

I know you can't wait to see Jack Sparrow square off against the lord of all pirates, the darkest privateer of them all and captain of The Queen Anne's Revenge, Blackbeard.

I can't wait to see his beard all in flames from those fire crackers tied to his hair as he boards the Black Pearl...

Friday, April 9, 2010

Hollywood In Danger...

Danger Man! Ooops, Girl, I mean Danger Girl...


And yet another comic book property I mentioned in my "Without Tights" post is being primed for an adaptation...

Sigh. Someone in Tinsel Town really should hire me as head of development, because another comic I mentioned in that post is now coming to the screen. That doesn't leave much left. It's funny, that post was just a year or so ago and almost every property is now in some form of development. Some will get made, others will undoubtedly fall back into Development Hell, but soooo many are in development now. I was actually working on a second Without Tights post when Disney bought Marvel. At that point it was moot to publish simply because there was no need for them to get the rights to those comics now that they had 5000+ characters to exploit.

Well now comes word that producer Adrian Askarieh is going to have Todd Lincoln direct an adaption of "Danger Girl" for his production company. He's also got several other properties (comics/video games) in the pipeline as well, but the LA Times Entertainment Blog has an article asking him about this production. Take a look at it and expect more, much more in terms of comic adaptions over the next few years.

Not just from Disney, but every studio in Hollywood...

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Should You Choose To Except This Assignment...


Brad Bird is a frickin' genius...

I have loved everything he has done. From "The Simpsons" to "Family Dog" to "The Iron Giant" to The Incredibles" to "Ratatouille." Everything he's done is great, well crafted and extremely entertaining. And I was looking forward to him directing his first live-action film, "1906" for 2011/12. But we broke (hear that Hollywood Reporter?) the news that the Suits over at Warner were nervous handing a guy that had never done live action such a large budget production and had gotten cold feet.

And then the news came last month about him being up for the fourth "Mission Impossible" film starring Jerry Maguire. Surprising but not unpleasant news, I must say. I was underwhelmed by the first two of the films, but actually loved J.J. Abrams take on the series. I would think that this third sequel would be my most anticipated were the director to be named Bird. And now that may happen. It's all a matter of money right now. And in Hollywood, that's the bottom line. He and the studio will have to reach an agreement soon because they want the sequel out Memorial Day, 2011. Ok Paramount operatives, hire the Bird and this difficult mission will commence immediately.

This post will self destruct in ten seconds...

Hat Tip to Vulture via /Film.

The 4th Keynote...


Apple, Inc. introduced the latest update to the iPhone today...

Version Four of the OS was put on display and will be available for the iPhone/iPod Touch by summer. The iPad will get the update in the fall. Looks rather swanky, can't wait to download it on to my own phone.

If you want to watch the Keynote then click here.

Summer? Hmmm... I guess it'll be out in time for that flashy, thinner, new version of the iPhone. I'm sure it'll be nice, but I'll hold off till next year to get one. Maybe. I think.

Thinking Different...

Rats Onboard Ship...



The Disney Dream pulls into port for cruises from Florida in January of next year...

And besides being about one and a half times as big as the Wonder and Magic, the ship also has other new features like an outdoor water slide that shoots over the side of the ship and several other cool features not seen on the Disney Cruise Line.

Today we find out what the new premiere restaurant will be named:

Remy.

Can you guess what kind of food they'll be serving?

USA Today has all the details here...

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Third Visit To The Hollow...

More fairy dust...


With another year, we have another Tinker Bell film coming out...

There's a new trailer for "Thinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue" out that you might want to have a look at. It appears this time they're broadening the world in which the Disney Fairies live. Of particular interest is that this film was written by Rob Muir and Bob Hilgenberg whom you'll know if you read the comments sections of the site. I know that there is one more "Seasonal" Tinker Bell story, "Tinker Bell: A Winter Story" and then "Tinker Bell: Race Through the Seasons". After that fifth one, the sales will determine if there are anymore because as of now that is the end of the series. So if you have a little princess or fairy-in-training, then click on the trailer and show them what they can look forward to.

Just remember to believe...

Blue Sky Buzz: Going Vertical...


If you start showing up at DCA over the next few weeks you are going to finally see noticeable change...

After over a year the new pier will opening up to give guest a look at a much more detailed section of the evolving Victorian shoreline that Paradise Pier will become between now and 2011. Then later this year the rest of the boardwalk where the stores are will go down and transform into the same stylings as games near the Midway Mania attraction. The Maliboomer dismantling that was originally proposed, then abandoned, then postponed is now on again and the area will become a meet-and-greet location for guest and characters. The trees, benches and shading should serves as quite a contrast to the cold steel and themeless environment of this horrible import from Knotts/Six Flaggs.

Across the pier we should soon start seeing The Little Mermaid attraction begin to take shape and form surprisingly fast. By the Holiday season you'll be able to get a very clear idea of the detail and size of this new experience.

Around the same time, expect to see a mass of steel heading skyward over in the new Carsland area. This collection of metal and concrete will begin to take form and slowly become the primary focus of the park. It will be the white elephant in the room. You won't be able to avoid. And each day, week, month there will be some new detail to watch come into play.

As the seasons change and the year winds down you can expect to see one half of front entrance go down and then back up again as it's rebuilt to the past. The focus on the late 20's/early 30's will start to transform the entrance into something uniquely Disney and not look like something that was transported from The Block.

After all these years of hearing about expansion, construction and change the largest part of it will begin to happen this year. Next year will be even more chaotic with all the construction, but it will also bring a great deal of excitement. It's as if we're getting a whole new park. A park worthy of being across the Esplanade.

Truthfully, it is and we will...

Press Play...


Well, it seems the Hollywood Reporter has broke that Walt Disney Pictures has already started work on a sequel to "Tron Legacy" even though the film isn't even out yet...

That sounds familiar. Where have I heard that before? Oh, right. Blue Sky Disney reported this over a month ago. Nice that the official trades are finally catching up. Wonder if they're willing to share their salary with us? Hmmm? Guess not. They also mention that in addition to a sequel, the Mouse might be planning on making it a trilogy.

Wait...

That was reported here too. Strange, I thought they reported new news. Truthfully, the only thing new reported is that they don't know who will be the producer, since Sean Bailey is now that he is president of production for Disney. Which is really stating the obvious, like milk is white.

Now let's see if their next breaking report is that Disney is thinking of creating attractions for its parks based on this film cause that would be something new.

It's not like we didn't report it on here over a month ago...

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

The Master's Vision...


I remember an interview with George Lucas a while back where the interviewer asked if there would be anymore films in the Star Wars universe...

He mumbled and backtracked when they asked about adaptions of video games or something else. He didn't rule it out, but he did say there would be no more adventures of the Skywalkers and then he mentioned that the future of Star Wars was in television.

I didn't realize he was this serious.

We all know about "The Clone Wars" show on the Cartoon Network and there is the Star Wars Live-Action Series that is slowly moving forward. Last month we got news about the adaptation of the Galactic Heroes line of toys for a new, younger generation of fans and now comes this.

The creators of "Robot Chicken," Seth Green and Matthew Seinreich have been hired by Lucasfilm to create yet another television series (that would be four television series on the air by 2012/13). Jennifer Hill will produce and Todd Grimes will direct (no word on who gets the show, Cartoon Network/Comedy Central, Disney?). The as yet unnamed series would follow other people and other adventures in the SW Universe and given the creators and the comments, would possibly follow a humorous tone. I don't know how funny it's supposed to be be. There is a fine line between parody and tragedy and this could be either. I like Green and know that he's a huge geek. I think he actually gets the Star Wars universe more than it's creator does, so I'll reserves scathing comments until I see what it is they come up with. Lucas, long ago lost sight of what his creation was; like a mad genius whose creation outgrows him, he has held onto it far too long. It's time that he let go of the steering wheel and let someone else drive.

I'll cross my fingers and hope that it's a start by letting Green and Co. play around in Lucasfilm's sandbox...

Monday, April 5, 2010

Bob's Dark Life...


So with the closing of ImageMovers Digital up north I wondered what Robert Zemeckis would do next...

Although the "Yellow Submarine" is still on life support in development, Zemeckis is planning on an adaptation of Kat Falls' "Dark Life" novel. ImageMovers is apparently moving ahead with producing the film, but I don't know how since the studio will be disbanded by late this year. In name only perhaps. Nothing has been mentioned as to if this will continue Bob's mad journey into MoCap or if this will be live-action. I can't see some of it not being MoCap, but I would love to see the Back to the Future director actually direct people who aren't wearing golf balls all over their body.

For those that don't know, here's the official synopsis:

Set in an apocalyptic future where rising oceans have swallowed up entire regions and people live packed like sardines on the dry land left, DARK LIFE is the harrowing tale of underwater pioneers who have carved out a life for themselves in the harsh deep-sea environment, farming the seafloor in exchange for the land deed. The story follows Ty, who has lived his whole life on his family’s homestead and has dreams of claiming his own stake when he turns eighteen. But when outlaws’ attacks on government supply ships and settlements… … threaten to destroy the underwater territory, Ty finds himself in a fight to stop the outlaws and save the only home he has ever known. Joined by a girl from the Topside who has come subsea to look for her prospector brother, Ty ventures into the frontier’s rough underworld and begins to discover some dark secrets to Dark Life. As Ty gets closer to the truth, he discovers that the outlaws may not be the bloodthirsty criminals the government has portrayed them as. And that the government abandoning the territory might be the best thing for everyone, especially for someone like Ty, someone with a Dark Gift.

As details unfold I'm sure we'll find out what direction he plans on taking...