When Is Adventureland Not?

When it's a film released by the Disney's Miramax division, that's when...

The arthouse room of the Mouse House has released this poster for "Adventureland". Very retro 70's. Could be interesting, I'll go put on my pair of bell-bottom jeans and give it a try...

Hat Tip to IMP Awards.

One House, Many Rooms...

The Walt Disney Company is made up of many divisions. It's a huge company that exist in the 21st Century, a mere eighty-five years after Walt and his brother Roy formed their little animation company...

I figured we would take a moment and look the divisions within the Mouse:

A Long Romance Rekindled...

It looks like Miramax and Rocket Pictures are finally moving ahead with "Gnomeo and Juliet"...

The project has been at the Mouse for close to a decade at least and has moved forward in fits and starts, but it always kept getting put on the back burner. It was placed into turnaround once Lasseter took over Disney's animation department and got a good look at the mess that was the original story... but like so many other projects it refused to go away.

James McAvoy and Emily Blunt are in talks to play the animated(CGI of course) couple fall for each other. Think, "Shrek" meets "Romeo and Juliet". Wait a minute... wasn't that what "Shrek" was to begin with? The story seemed a lot more original before Shrek came out. Hopefully the script is very good.

This has been a film that is dear to the heart of Elton John, who has shepherd it since its conception a long time ago...

Developing.

Bastards No Mouse...

It appears all the buzz about Quentin Tarantino's new script "Inglorious Bastards" being acquired by Miramax turned out to be not true... The Weinstein Company appears to have gotten the cash necessary to make the film without having to kneel before the Mouse for funding...

Oh well, such is life... Such is Hollywood... Such is Harvey...

Leo Is A Nazi, Pitt A Nazi-Hating Bastard...

Or they very likely could be...

Variety is reporting that Leonardo DiCaprio is in negotiations with Quentin Tarantino to play the villainous Nazi, Hans Landa. He would join Brad Pitt along with several other high profile stars the director is now courting...

Miramax will be handling domestic rights, while The Weinstein Company is negotiating with the major studios for international rights to Tarantino's WW II set "Men on a Mission" movie.

I'll have my own views on this script in a couple weeks...

Disney Adopts Bastard...

It appears that Harvey Weinstein can't get away from Miramax even after the very public divorce he had with the Mouse a few years ago. When his company, The Weinstein Company failed to secure financing for Quentin Tarantino's latest script, "Inglorious Bastards", the scribe sent out the script to several studios for financing and the winner was...

Miramax.

Weinstein's old home will distribute both films(yes it will be two films, ala: Kill Bill) domestically and Harvey will produce. Interesting how fate can play you a very funny hand sometimes, eh?

BTW, I'll have a review of "Inglorious Bastards" up in the coming weeks as I'm just about half-way through reading it...

The Good Life...

The Mouse's arthouse branch, Miramax Films and Scott Rudin are making the high-society memoir "Oh the Glory of It All" which Mike White will adapt from the book and produce.

Based on the memoire by Sean Wilsey, it chronicles growing up amid affluent San Francisco elite in the 80's. A bizarre, decadent and cold, almost nihilistic cast of characters populate the story of these rich socialites that globetrot and hobnob with everyone from actors to anarchist.

Quite a bit different from the other brands, eh? Rudin has an acquired and risky taste that seems to fit well with the Weinstein's old moniker...

Academy Awards All Around...

It was a very good night for the Mouse...

The Walt Disney Company's Miramax Film division's "No Country for Old Men" took home the Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor. Can't really disagree with them... I loved the film. It and "American Gangster" are tied as my favorite of the year. Joel and Ethan Coen are very talented writers and directors. Javier Bardem was amazing as a ruthless killer that felt no empathy and spread death in his wake.

Pixar keeps racking up awards as well with "Ratatouille" taking home the Oscar for Best Animated Film... I was a little surprised at this since there had been a build up about "Persepolis" over the past few months as being the David which would defeat the Remy-Goliath. Once the awards season happened and Brad Bird's film kept winning awards that began to dissipate until it culminated last night. Bird gave an exceptional acceptance speech for an exceptional film.

Congratulations go out to all Mickey's employees and everyone else that took home Oscar gold...

Reel Change...

In this time of everyone talking about change...

The Mouse has released scheduling changes due to the writer's strike. Here's a partial list of the films and dates that have been changed.

"Confessions of a Shopaholic"

PJ Hogan's take on Sophie Kinsella's novel has moved from its October 9th 2008 date to Valentine's Day 2009. How romantic...


"G-Force"

The CGI family film that Jerry Bruckheimer is producing about some commando rodents has got a launch date of July 24th, 2009.


"The Hannah Montana Movie"

The pop-cultural phenomenon that is Miley Cyrus comes to the big screen on May 1st, 2009 as counter programing against the testosterone drenched superhero film "Wolverine".


"Old Dogs"

No, this isn't Quentin Tarantino's take on the South Korean classic "Old Boy"... this is a film that continues the lovefest between the Mouse and John Travolta. Robin Williams and Seth Green co=star with him in the comedy which is slated for an April 10th 2009 opening.


"Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time"

The film based on the best selling video game has moved up from its July 10th, 2009 date to June 19th 2009 where it will hope many a video gamer will begin lining up.


"The Proposal"

The chick film/romantic comedy starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds will now get a date(pun intended) on September 25th, 2009.


"Race to Witch Mountain"

The remake/sequel? starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson will make it's debut/return? on March 13th 2009. Are you reading my mind?


"The Surrogates"

The Bruce Willis vehicle about a world where people only have contact with others through avatars will shine on silver screens on November 20th, 2009.


"Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland"

From the warped mind of Tim Burton comes his take on the classic Lewis Carroll stories of a little girl that takes a drink of some drugged tea and pops into a psychedelic world that only a hippie could appreciate. The acid trip begins on March 19th, 2010.

Forgotten Mouse Tales 7...

And now it's time for another look down memory lane to the projects the Mouse had planned on making into films but got too scared to actually go through with it. This being October and Halloween coming up, I guess this will be an appropriate start...

Bell, Book and Candle 

A comedy written by Andrew Stengel that Miramax was going to make for the Mouse about a witch that enchants her neighbor because she despises his fiancée. Sounds like she's jealous of her broom, doesn't it? It's based on the classic 1958 film and was rewritten a few years ago by Leslie Megahev.


Rich Girl 

A romantic comedy from writer Aline Brosh McKenna and producer Debra Martin Chase described as a sophisticated interracial romantic comedy along the lines of "Guess Who's Coming To Dinner?"  Now, we know there haven't been enough of these films. Where is Ashton when you need him? The story was based on a pitch by Chase for Walt Disney Pictures.


Regulators

An action film that focused on the world of surfing and gangs by writer Tristan Patterson. Jon Shestack was to produce the film for Walt Disney Pictures. Originally sold as a pitch and then the script was written and forgotten about...


Antonius

Originally conceived as an animated project for Walt Disney Pictures about a leopard in ancient Egypt who becomes a freedom fighter. The screenplay was by Tom Firestone and Martin Meunier. Interestingly the writers were discovered from a posting they did on a website.


Tim Allen Project (Untitled)

A wealthy man who comes across an unusual character who ends up having a positive influence on his life and character. Actor Kevin Pollack brought the idea to Tim Allen and they developed it together. Pollack wrote the script. Allen's company, Boxing Cat Prods. has a first-look deal at the studio and was to produce for Walt Disney Pictures... then nothing. I guess "The Santa Clause 3" and "Wild Hogs" got in the way? Either way, someone got a nice treat since they paid in the mid-six figures for the story.


ate of the Blade

The story of an adopted teenage Asian American girl grows up in a white middle-class San Fernando Valley family, is the sole surviving descendant of a Samurai clan of Japan and discovers an ancient demon is stalking her. I don't know if anyone has ever read Frank Miller's Ronin, but this has shades of that story which is set in a futuristic Los Angeles. The Mouse paid in the mid-six figures for this action-comedy by writer Analisa LaBianco, based on a comic book by Pat Lee and Chris Sarracini for Walt Disney Pictures.


The Fool's Errand

Another animated film for Walt Disney Pictures by David Steinberg about a court jester who goes on a mythical journey to return peace to his kingdom. The pitch was sold to the Mouse and then it magically vanished...


Stern-Weiss Project (Untitled)

This script by J. David Stern and David Weiss was a live-action tale of the deconstruction of the world of fairies and sprites. Producer Robert Simonds was to produce. Years has gone by and not a Faerie to be seen...


Tempting Fate 

This comedy by Lisa Mohan and Alex Stayden was bought for Touchstone Pictures in the upper six figures. The story is about a marketing exec whose life is turned around when he is the victim of downsizing. When his wife files for a divorce, he has to sell his house and go to work as a temp. At the first day of an assignment he meets a female ad exec who thinks that he's a client before realizing that he's her new secretary, and they fall in love. This project was bought originally in 1999 and has been jestating in development hell for almost a decade. Just another day in Hollywood.

Well, that's it for this time. Many of these projects will never see the light of day and from the sound of some of them... I'm kind of glad about that. I wonder where the brilliant executive that bought these is now working. Employed at McDonald's or taking tickets at Knott's Berry Farm?

Until next time...

Admit One...

As a counter-balance to the "Forgotten Mousetales" columns we post here at Blue Sky, I thought I'd go through a list of films in various stages of production that actually have a good chance of making it into a theater near you. Most of these projects have been committed to and are heavily in pre-production or actual production so there is much less a chance of them going into "Turn Around". For those of you that don't know what that term means, it's when a studio gets cold feet when a movie is about to be made or is in production and pulls the plug. Sometime those movies die and sometimes a studio will foot the production cost and take over the project. The big hit "Home Alone" was one such production... now wouldn't you like to be the Suit at that studio that put that one into Turn Around? Didn't think so...

Here are a list of films that the Mouse or its other studios will be releasing over the next couple of years.

BEDTIME STORIES (Walt Disney Pictures, 2008) - Adam Sandler will star as a real-estate developer/architect whose life is turned upside down when the bizarre, outrageous bedtime stories he tells his niece and nephew suddenly become real. Havoc, then ensues... The script is written by Matt Lopez and Adam Shankman directs.

BOLT (Walt Disney Animation Studios, 2008) - Bolt, a German Shepherd, has lived his whole life on the set of his action TV show, where he believes he has superpowers becomes separated from the studio by accident, he meets Mr. Mittens (actually a female cat) and a hamster named Rhino. Along the way, he learns that he doesn't have superpowers and that the show is not realistic. First time feature director Chris Williams took the reigns of this project from Chris Sanders(Lilo & Stitch).

BOY SOLDIER (Touchstone, 2008) - Not much is known about this project other than that Oliver Higschbiegel(Invasion) is directing.

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN(Walt Disney Pictures, 2008) - The Pevensie siblings return to Narnia, where they are enlisted to once again help ward off an evil king and restore the rightful heir to the land's throne, Prince Caspian. The film will be directed by Andrew Adamson(The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Shrek).

CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC(Touchstone,2009) - Based on the novel "The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic" by Madeleine Wickham under the pseudonym Sophie Kinsella. The story of Rebecca Bloomwood is a financial journalist (just like her creator). When she is not telling others how to manage their money, she is spending her own on shopping. The film will be directed by PJ Hogan(2003's Peter Pan).

DOUBT(Touchstone, 2008) - John Patrick Shanley directs the adaptation of his own play, set in 1964, Doubt centers on a nun who confronts a priest after suspecting him abusing a black student. He denies the charges, and much of the play's quick-fire dialogue tackles themes of religion, morality and authority.

ESCAPE FROM WITCH MOUNTAIN(Walt Disney Pictures, 2008) - Andy Fickman(The Game Plan) directs Dwayne "The Rock" Johnsonas a Las Vegas cab driver who picks up a pair of tween siblings with mysterious powers on the run from ominous forces. Andrew Gunn produces through his Gunn Films shingle, and Ann Marie Sanderlin is the Suit in charge for the Mouse. The remake is written by Matt Lopez.

HERO (Miramax, 2008) - A heroic young officer returns home from the trenches during WWI, but is pursued by a mysterious deserter who plans to kill him. Directed by Julian Farino.

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3 (Walt Disney Pictures, 2008) - This haunting action-adventure involves an undercover cop at a high school... wait, that's not it. If you've seen HSM1 and 2 then you already know what this is about. The only thing I can add is that it involves graduation. The film will be directed by Kenny Ortega who did the first two films.

THE RESURRECTIONISTS (Miramax, 2008) - based on the best selling Michael Collins' novel with acclaimed director John Madden(Shakespeare in Love) attached to direct.

SNOW (Walt Disney Pictures, 2008) - Also known as "Snow and the Seven", it's an adaptation of the classic story "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves" only set in China with the princess guarded by seven Monks. The film will be directed by Francis Lawrence(Constantine).

WALL-E (Pixar Animation Studios, 2008) - The tale of a lone robot left on earth to clean it up 700 years after humanity trashed the place. Andrew Stanton's follow-up to his mega hit "Finding Nemo".

ADVENTURELAND (Touchstone, 2009) - In the summer of 1987, concerns an uptight recent college grad who's forced to take a minimum-wage job at the local amusement park: "Adventureland", after realizing he can't afford his dream European tour. The experience helps him to loosen up a bit as he finds first love, forms new friendships and matures just in time to enter the real world in the fall. The film is written and directed by Greg Mottola(Superbad).

A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Walt Disney Pictures, 2009) - Director Robert Zemeckis, having become tired of directing actors, has another animated motion capture film ready for the holiday season two years from now. This one is based on the classic novel, adapted too many times to count, "A Christmas Carol". And no, I wasn't kidding. He really has grown tired of dealing with actors which is why he likes MO-CAP... he has to deal with them for just a few weeks and can spend the rest of the time working on the film not having to pamper egos.

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER(Walt Disney Pictures, 2009) - Lucy and Edmund Pevensie return to Narnia with their cousin Eustace where they meet up with Prince Caspian for a trip across the sea aboard the royal ship The Dawn Treader. Along the way they encounter dragons, dwarves, merfolk, and a band of lost warriors before reaching the edge of the world. The film will be directed by Michael Apted(The World Is Not Enough, Amazing Grace).

G-FORCE (Walt Disney Pictures, 2009) - The live-action/CG family feature follows an elite group of government trained super-intelligent animal commandoes who set out to stop an evil billionaire from taking over the world. Special effect supervisor and legend, Hoyt Yeatman is directing. Of note, Disney's Secret Lab, the Mouse's old special effects house was co-founded by Yeatman.

JUNGLE CRUISE(Walt Disney Pictures, 2009) - An adaptation of the classic Disneyland ride, the story involves a journey down a jungle river for a magical cure. No director is attached as yet. The screenplay is being written by Alfred Gough & Miles Millar(Smallville, Shanghai Noon,The Mummy 3).

PRINCE OF PERSIA (Walt Disney Pictures, 2009) - The story, based on a best selling video game, follows an Arabian Prince that must avenge the death and betrayal of his father all while being framed for the crime and hunted down by his own kingdom. While it's been reported that Michael Bay would direct this film, there is no confirmation of him signing so he may have decided to continue working with giant robots.

PRINCESS AND THE FROG(Walt Disney Animation Studios, 2009) - Set in the 1920's New Orleans jazz era, the story follows the tale of Disney's first black princess. Directed by legendary directors Ron Clements and John Musker(The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Hercules).

THE PROPOSAL(Touchstone, 2009) - Not much is known about this project other than that director Robert Luketic(Legally Blonde) is attached.

UP (Pixar Animation Studios, 2009) - The story of a 70 year-old man that teams up with a wilderness ranger to fight ferocious beast and dastardly villains while still making it home in time for dinner. This film is Pete Doctor's follow up to "Monsters, Inc.".

ALICE (Walt Disney/Touchstone, TBD) - Another live action interpretation of the classic novel by Louis Carroll. No director is attached and it is unknown who will be writing the screenplay.

LIBERTY (Touchstone, TBD) - No information is known about this project at this time.

Of course, as we all know, things can change... but this should give you a clearer picture as to what the Mouse has planned for your local theater in the near future.

Reserve those tickets now...

Mouse Pays For The Blind...

Walt Disney Studios owed but independently run studio Miramax Films has purchased the rights to Fernando Meirelles' new thriller "Blindness" for $5 million dollars. The story focuses on a city overtaken by an epidemic of its citizens becoming blind. The story is told from the point of view of several victims played by Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo, Alice Braga, Danny Glover and Gael Garcia Bernal.

I'm a huge fan of Meirelles' "City of God" and liked parts of "The Constant Gardener", although I thought that film was politically heavy-handed and don't tend to like preachy conspiracy takes on life. The film was very well done though and received a great deal attention from a guy named Oscar.

It appears Miramax's Daniel Battsek is still trying to stay artsy despite the absence of Harvey Weinstein. Don McKellar wrote the script, which is adapted from Portuguese Nobel Laureate Jose Saramago's 1995 novel. Filming is going on in Toronto right now.

Adventureland Film By Disney Studio...

Well, not exactly...

Miramax Pictures, a studio owned by the Walt Disney Company will produce, along with Sidney Kimmel a new film from Greg Mottola(Superbad) known as "Adventureland". The script was also written by Mottola. Jesse Eisenberg("The Squid and the Whale") is attached to star. Shooting is set for this fall in Pittsburgh.

Story, set in the summer of 1987, concerns an uptight recent college grad who's forced to take a minimum-wage job at the local amusement park: "Adventureland", after realizing he can't afford his dream European tour. The experience helps him to loosen up a bit as he finds first love, forms new friendships and matures just in time to enter the real world in the fall.

So much for the Mouse turning all its theme park rides into films. Could we say they're turning theme park lands into rides... not really, but it made a fun header and after seeing "Superbad" it'll most likely make a very funny film.