Gunsmoke Movie in the Works

CBS Films is developing a feature reboot of "Gunsmoke" and has hired "National Treasure: Book of Secrets" writer Gregory Poirier to pen the screenplay.

TV Western Gunsmoke Gets A Big Screen Adaptation

The longest-running primetime series in history, The Simpsons, has already been turned into its own feature film. Now it's time for the runner-up to take a shot. Gunsmoke, the Western series that ran for 20 seasons and is probably still in re-runs somewhere, will be turned into a feature film by producer Craig Baumgarten. Gregory Poirier, who wrote National Treasure: Book of Secrets, will be handling the screenplay for this one-- maybe they'll be seeking out hidden mysteries in the Old ...

GUNSMOKE Is Getting a Feature Film Reboot

After all of these year the longest running primetime scripted drama, Gunsmoke, will be making it’s way to the big screen. The movie is being developed over at CBS Films where they have brought in National Treasure: Book of Secrets writer Gregory Poirier to bust out a screenplay. Craig Baumgarten is producing the movie, and [...]

Gunsmoke Remake Gets Writer in Gregory Poirier

Greg Poirier, known for his National Treasure: The Book of Secrets script, is now being hired by CBS films to write the remake of the classic western series, Gunsmoke. Westerns are becoming the rage again or at least the idea of taking something traditional and putting modern action twists on it like Jonah Hex is [...]

Wimpy Kid cast

In what has to be the greatest miscasting of all time, newcomer Zachary Gordon has snagged the title role in DIARY OF A WIMPY KID, the adaptation of Jeff Kinney's best-selling illustrated novels. Don't be startled if you've never heard of Gordon; he's only appeared in NATIONAL TREASURE: BOOK OF SECRETS and THE BROTHERS BLOOM but may be poised for a breakout with the lead in this popular children's series. The books... Read More...

Abrams Star Trek DVD/Blu-Ray Is Packed With Features

While not the most sophisticated science fiction movie ever made, it was a lot of fun to watch. Paramount Home Entertainment has announced all of the features that will be included in the DVD and 2 or 3 disc Blu-Ray edition of Star Trek on November 17th. Here the press release!DIRECTOR J.J. ABRAMS PHENOMENAL REIMAGINING OF THE LEGENDARY ADVENTURE SOARS ONTO DVD AND BLU-RAY $375 Million Worldwide Sensation Beams Up to a Single and Two-Disc DVD and Three-Disc Blu-ray November 17, 2009< HOLLYWOOD, Calif. This year audiences thrilled at the triumphant voyage of the Starship Enterprise and her young and vibrant crew in movie theaters across the planetand on November 17, 2009, the world will go where no one has gone before when STAR TREK debuts as a three-disc Blu-ray with digital copy, two-disc DVD with digital copy and a single-disc DVD from Paramount Home Entertainment. Bursting with spectacular action (Hollywood Reporter) and pure filmmaking exhilaration (Rolling Stone) director J.J. Abrams sensational reinvention of the Star Trek franchise was hailed by critics and embraced by long-time and new fans alike, earning over $375 million at the worldwide box office. Starring a hot young cast including Chris Pine (Carriers), Zachary Quinto (Heroes), Zoe Saldana (Avatar), Karl Urban (The Bourne Supremacy), John Cho (Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle), Anton Yelchin (Terminator Salvation) and Simon Pegg (Shaun of the Dead), the global smash hit also features seasoned actors such as Eric Bana (Munich), Bruce Greenwood (National Treasure: Book of Secrets), Winona Ryder (Girl, Interrupted) and the original Spock himself, Leonard Nimoy. I cannot wait for fans of Star Trek to check out the home entertainment release of the film. The behind-the-scenes features on the DVD -- and especially the Blu-ray -- give a wonderful look at the crazy hard work and incredible fun that went into making this movie, said J.J. Abrams. The cast and crew were truly extraordinary to work with -- watching these special features, you'll see why. And for people who didn't catch Star Trek in the theater, I hope they do now, as Paramount has done an exceptional job with this release; the picture and sound quality are both excellent. The STAR TREK DVD and Blu-ray will boast out-of-this-world special features to take viewers even further into the new universe of the rousing space adventure. The two-disc DVD and three-disc Blu-ray include in-depth explorations of the reimagining of the franchise, the phenomenal cast, the spectacularly real action sequences, the powerful score and the captivating aliens, commentary by J.J. Abrams, the writers and producers, a gag reel and a digital copy of the film. Additionally, the discs feature compelling deleted scenes that reveal a side story involving Nero with a first-ever look at Abrams version of the infamous warrior Klingons. The STAR TREK Blu-ray boldly ventures beyond the final frontier with over three hours of sensational bonus footage including branching pods that allow for enhanced exploration, more fascinating features on the starships, planets, props, costumes and sound of STAR TREK, as well as a Starfleet Vessel Simulator and access to the latest NASA news about real-life space exploration via BD-Live. The two-disc DVD and three-disc Blu-ray will also offer a home entertainment first: groundbreaking augmented reality technology. Using a webcam, a Star Trek visual cue will morph into a 3D holographic tour of the U.S.S. Enterprise on the screen, providing a unique immersive and interactive experience. DVD: The STAR TREK two-disc DVD is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 televisions with Dolby Digital English 5.1 Surround, French 5.1 Surround and Spanish 5.1 Surround with English, French and Spanish subtitles. Special features are as follows: Disc 1: CommentaryBy director J.J. Abrams, writers Robert Orci and Alex Kurtzman, producer Damon Lindelof and executive producer Bryan Burk. A New Vision J.J. Abrams vision was not only to create a Star Trek that was a bigger, more action-packed spectacle, but also to make the spectacle feel real. Every aspect of productionfrom unique locations to the use of classic Hollywood camera trickswas guided by this overall objective. Gag ReelBloopers featuring the entire principal cast. Disc 2: Digital Copy Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary o Spock Birth o Klingons Take Over Narada o Young Kirk, Johnny and Uncle Frank o Amanda and Sarek Argue After Spock Fights o Prison Interrogation and Breakout o Sarek Gets Amanda o Dorm Room and Kobayashi Maru (original version) o Kirk Apologizes to the Green Girl o Sarek Sees Spock To Boldly Go Taking on the worlds most beloved science fiction franchise was no small mission. Director J.J. Abrams, writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, producer Damon Lindelof, and executive producer Bryan Burk talk about the many challenges they faced and their strategy for success. Casting The producers knew their greatest task was finding the right cast to reprise these epic roles. The cast, for their part, talk about the experience of trying to capture the essence of these mythic characters. The piece concludes with a moving tribute to Leonard Nimoy. Aliens Designers Neville Page and Joel Harlow talk about the hurdles they faced creating new alien species, recreating the Romulans and Vulcans, and designing the terrifying creatures on Delta Vega for the new Star Trek. Score As a fan of the original series, composer Michael Giacchino embraced the challenge of creating new music for Star Trek while preserving the spirit of Alexander Courages celebrated theme. DVD-Rom: o STAR TREK® D-A-C Free Trial Game for XBOX 360® o Weblink to the STAR TREK® D-A-C Free Trial Game for PC o Weblink to the STAR TREK® D-A-C Free Trial Game for PlayStation® Network Blu-ray The STAR TREK three-disc Blu-ray is presented in 1080p High Definition with English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD, French 5.1 Dolby Digital and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital with English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles. Special features are as follows: Disc 1: CommentaryBy director J.J. Abrams, writers Robert Orci and Alex Kurtzman, producer Damon Lindelof and executive producer Bryan Burk. NASA News This BD-Live feature gives viewers access to the latest NASA news about real space exploration. Learn about new mission developments and check out featured imagery from around the universe. Disc 2: To Boldly GoSee description above. o Branching Pods: The Shatner Conundrum Red Shirt Guy The Green Girl Trekker Alert! CastingSee description above. A New VisionSee description above. o Branching Pods: Savage Pressure StarshipsAbrams and production designer Scott Chambliss were careful to pay tribute to the design of the original Enterprise, but they also wanted to make it futuristic and cool for a modern audience. This chapter focuses on the unique stories behind the creation of the films starships. o Branching Pods: Warp Explained Paint Job Bridge Construction Accelerated The Captains Chair Button Acting 101 Shuttle Shuffle Narada Construction Accelerated AliensSee description above. o Branching Pods: The Alien Paradox Big-Eyed Girl Big Bro Quinto Klingons Drakoulias Anatomy 101 Planets >From the frozen landscape of Delta Vega to the desert plains of Vulcan, Scott Chambliss and the art department had a number of radically different planets to create. Abrams desire to shoot on real locations whenever possible led the production team to a number of strange and surprising locations. o Branching Pods: Extra Business Confidentiality Props and Costumes Property master Russell Bobbitt had the unique challenge of designing props that were both true to the original series and pertinent to todays technology. Likewise, costume designer Mic

Kruger, Schweiger in "Inglorious Bastards"

Diane Kruger and Til Schweiger have boarded Quentin Tarantino's "Inglorious Bastards."

Kruger steps into the role that was set for Nastassja Kinski. Tarantino's had flown to Germany for discussions with the actress but a deal could not be reached for her to join the World War II movie which focuses on a French girl who takes revenge on Nazis as well asa group of Nazi slaying Americans.

The cast already includes Brad Pitt, Mike Myers, Eli Roth, Samm Levine and B.J. Novak with filming apparently starting October 13th in Berlin, Germany. Release date is set for June 2009. Universal distributes theatrically and Showtime has bagged TV rights.

Kruger was last seen the in the adventure sequel "National Treasure: Book of Secrets" and is in post production for the romantic drama "Anything for Her" (a.k.a "Pour elle") as well as Jaco van Dormael's "Mr. Nobody" starring Rhys Ifans.

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"Knowing" trailer 2! Starring Nicolas Cage and Rose Byrne.

We have the second trailer for Summit Entertainment's sci-fi actioner "Knowing" starring Nicolas Cage and Rose Byrne.

Directed by ALEX PROYAS (I, ROBOT) and written by Ryne Douglas Pearson ("Mercury Rising"), Richard Kelly ("Donnie Darko, "Southland Tales"), Stiles White ("The Need," "Boogeyman"), Stuart Hazeldine ("River World") and Alex Proyas, acclaimed director of the instant sci-fi cult classic "Dark City."

Academy Award^® Winner Nicolas Cage (National Treasure: Book of Secrets, Leaving Las Vegas) stars in KNOWING, a gripping action-thriller of global proportions about a professor who stumbles on terrifying predictions about the futureand sets out to prevent them from coming true.

 

In 1958, as part of the dedication ceremony for a new elementary school, a group of students is asked to draw pictures to be stored in a time capsule. But one mysterious girl fills her sheet of paper with rows of apparently random numbers instead.

 

Fifty years later, a new generation of students examines the capsules contents and the girls cryptic message ends up in the hands of young CALEB KOESTLER. But it is Calebs father, professor JOHN KOESTLER (Nicolas Cage), who makes the startling discovery that the encoded message predicts with pinpoint accuracy the dates, death tolls and coordinates of every major disaster of the past 50 years. As Ted further unravels the documents chilling secrets, he realizes the document foretells three additional eventsthe last of which hints at destruction on a global scale and seems to somehow involve Ted and his son. When Teds attempts to alert the authorities fall on deaf ears, he takes it upon himself to try to prevent more destruction from taking place.

 

With the reluctant help of DIANA WAYLAND (Rose Byrne) and ABBY WAYLAND, the daughter and granddaughter of the now-deceased author of the prophecies, Teds increasingly desperate efforts take him on a heart-pounding race against time until he finds himself facing the ultimate disasterand the ultimate sacrifice.

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Box Office Says Yes to Yes Man. "The Wrestler" posts big numbers.

Jim Carrey enjoyed a top spot at this weekends box office chart with Warner Bros. Pictures Yes Man scoring $18.1 million on its debut.  The Peyton Reed comedy including Zooey Deschanel, Bradley Cooper, John Michael Higgins, Rhys Darby and Danny Masterson, opened in 3,434 venues at an average of $5,288 per theatre.

This marks the sixth highest opener for Carrey, falling under:

1.       Bruce Almighty ($67.9 million)

2.       Dr. Seuss Horton Hears a Who ($45 million)

3.       The Truman Show ($31.5 million)

4.       Lemony Snickets: A Series of Unfortunate Events

5.       Me, Myself & Irene

The Grant Nieporte written Seven Pounds starring Will Smith and helmed by The Pursuit of Happyness helmer Gabriele Muccino, finished with a higher per-theatre average than Yes Man. Drama pulled in $16 million from 2,758 venues at an average of $5,801.

In related news for Seven Pounds, Mr. Nieporte was kind enough to email one our writers, praising his review of the film saying Can't thank you enough for the insightful and meaningful review of Seven Pounds.  It meant a lot to me to read your words, the script was a labor of love three years in the making for me.  Read the review by Eric Sloss here.

Universals animated opener The Tale of Despereaux finished off in third position with $10.5 million posted from 3,104 locations. The family adventure based on the Newberry Award-winning book by Kate DiCamillo, features the voice talents of Matthew Broderick, Dustin Hoffman, Emma Watson, Tracey Ullman, Kevin Kline, William H. Macy, Stanley Tucci, Ciran Hinds, Robbie Coltrane and Tony Hale.

Foxs revamp The Day the Earth Stood Still dropped a big 67% in its sophomore weekend at play after topping the charts on its debut weekend. Frontlined by Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly and Jaden Smith, the sci-fi offering ended in a fourth-positioned $10.1 million and has posted over $48 million thus far.

Finishing the top five, Four Christmases, the leader of two weekends, added an additional $7.7 million, pushing its total over the magic $100 million mark in domestic figures.

Most impressive was Golden Globe nominee "The Wrestler" starring Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood with a massive $294,980 from a mere 4 venues. That's $52,369 per theatre.

The top film this time last year was National Treasure: Book of Secrets followed by I Am Legend, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Charlie Wilsons War and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

This week sees some of the most anticipated releases including Adam Sandler starrer Bedtime Stories, Lionsgates The Spirit, acclaimed drama Revolutionary Road starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, Valkyrie starring Tom Cruise, Last Chance Harvey with Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

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"Marley & Me" rules for a second weekend.

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20th Century Fox's family comedy "Marley & Me" held strong atop the box office charts in its sophomore weekend with an estimated $24 million. Film showed a 35% change and passed the $100 million mark with around $106 million accumulated from the Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson starrer.

Adam Sandler starrer Bedtime Stories also carried on strongly for Disney with a slight 26% change indicated when posting $20.3 million as opposed to last weekends $27.4 million total. Adam Shankman directs the adventurous family fantasy which has brought in over $85 million thus far.

Third placed Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett critically acclaimed drama The Curious Case of Benjamin Button added $18.4 million, averaging $6,158 per its 2,988 theatres. Paramounts release has brought in a strong $79 million since making its debut last weekend.

Bryan Singers Valkyrie sent out by MGM also stayed on well for a fourth-place in weekend number two with $14 million. The film focusing on the last attempt to off Hitler features a powerful cast frontlined by Tom Cruise.

Warner Bros. Pictures Yes Man showed a very small change of just 17% when posting $13.8 million in its third weekend at the box office. The Jim Carrey comedy has raked in just under $80 million.

As far as limited openers go, Paramount Vantages Daniel Craig starrer Defiance impressed with $121,000 brought in from just two theatres. THINKFilms drama Good directed by Vicente Armorin and starring Viggo Mortensen and Jason Isaacs failed to capture much attention with a paltry $9,300 earned from two venues.

Overall, this is now the second up weekend after two down weekends. The top films at the same time last year was National Treasure: Book of Secrets followed by Juno, I Am Legend, Alvin and the Chipmunks and One Missed Call.