Neat Special Effects, Will the Film Live Up to Them?

I remember when the first Tron film was released (thus providing a further hint that I'm a bit older). People were freaked out for some reason that Disney was putting out a movie that wasn't rated G. Sure, that seems absurd now, but at the time it was an honest concern for some people.

I watched the film, both in the theatre and on cable. It was all right, but it didn't captivate me as much as other productions at the time. Excalibur came out around then. Remember that King Arthur epic? Major cool. Anyway, Tron was okay, but not the most special thing in the world. They came out with some video games. The cycles. The flying discs. Interesting in a time of early standup gaming, but after a game or two you could move on without dropping more quarters into the slots.

So why is Disney releasing Tron Legacy (formally Tron 2)? I don't know. But if the movie is half as cool as the updated special effects, I'll have to give it a go. Empire Online is one of the spots where you can view the trailer shown at Comic Con. Is Jeff Bridges a bad guy this time around? Or is there more to his hunting down that other cyclist than meets the eye?

I think I'll be able to manage waiting until 2011 to find out. Until then, how about a sneak peek at Olivia Wilde's character? C'mon, guys!

Let's Watch Some Guys Sell Some Cars!

I'll be honest. Jeremy Piven's acting style grates on me after a while. But, in limited doses, it can be entertaining. Funny or Die has posted the red band trailer for The Goods, Piven's upcoming car salesmen comedy with a nice supporting cast. (Sorry, after multiple attempts I couldn't get the vid to load properly here. Click the link to check the site out.) They don't mention Charles Napier by name in the trailer, but I've always been a fan of his. And Rob Riggle as... well, you have to watch the video... cracks me up with his dry approach. Have you see the safe driving PSA that he did? Good stuff. I don't think that The Goods will be the next The Hangover, but it should be worth plenty of laughs for the buck.

Chuck News is Good News

Back from my vacation and there's oh so much stuff that I could cover. So why not get started with a personal favorite? The gang over at My Hollywood Dream has posted some links concerning the excellent television series Chuck. Nearly destroyed by NBC's apathy, a very loyal fan base made sure that the show would return after a number of initiatives. Check the link out for, well, more links. I can hardly wait for the new season! How will Chuck's new knowledge affect his life? Does he need Sarah and Casey any longer? Will we be seeing more of Chuck's father? And, most important, how about more scenes of Sarah getting ready for dates? I think you know what I'm talking about.

Weekly Wrapup

A gathering of bits and pieces from the week...

• I Don't Like You In That Way is keeping its rail hitched to the "Let's see how much of Hermione we can see" train with some revealing pictures of the actress. As Emma Watson left the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince after party, she made some nerds very happy. Shame on you, Emma.

• My Hollywood Dream has initiated its commentary on the recent Emmy nominations. My own thoughts are more simple. Among them: Where in the world is Elizabeth Mitchell? Lost's Juliet has been denied again. Shame on you, Emmys.

• Who will be Bilbo Baggins? Rumors are flying that the casting could be announced at Comic Con next week. But, according to an online article from Empire, director Peter Jackson is saying not to hold our breaths.

• I still haven't forgiven Scarlett Johansson for marrying Ryan Reynolds when I'm terribly available, but here's a low resolution picture and article from Entertainment Weekly covering her casting as Black Widow in the next Iron Man movie. But if she decides to come visit me in that outfit, I'll reconsider.

• I'm all for hunting zombies. They're nasty creatures that could possibly put a crimp in your day if they eat your brain. But this poster for Zombieland posted on IGN doesn't really do it for me. Kind of boring. Let's see if they follow up with a better one.

Dafoe's a Martian!

Variety has reported that Willem Dafoe will star with Taylor Kitsch and Lynn Collins in John Carter of Mars, Disney's fantasy epic based on the book series by Edgar Rice Burroughs. Dafoe will portray Tars Tarkas, a green Martian warrior who will most likely fight along Kitsch's John Carter.

The John Carter books are full of sequel potential. Dafoe has proven himself worthy of the makeup and fantastic setting of a film such as this, due in no small part to his participation in Spider-Man as the Green Goblin. I've always found him likeable and talented. Will Disney be able to bring justice to the grand scale of the books? I'm anxious to see, being a fan of classic novels. I can't imagine anything worse concerning this project than Disney blowing the potential of a continued successful movie series. (crossing fingers)

Arquettes Out to Dodge Killer Again

My Hollywood Dream has just reported that David Arquette and Courtney Cox-Arquette have signed to return to their roles as Dewey Riley and Gale Weathers in Scream 4, the long-awaited sequel to the horror series. Kevin Williamson is writing the script, but it's not for certain if Wes Craven will be directing or not.

What separates Scream from other slasher/killer style horror flicks is that there's a definite story and flow involved. Movies such as the Saw films tend to concentrate on the killing itself. It would be interesting to see some old faces show up in this new Scream. Everyone loves nostalgia, old and not-so-old.

Hathaway as the White Queen Pic

Empire Online has posted a new image of Anne Hathaway as the White Queen in Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland. Photos have already been published of Johnny Depp's Mad Hatter, Helena Bonham-Carter's Red Queen and Mia Wasikowska as Alice.

Hathaway appeared in the mediocre Bride Wars earlier this year, but it's her participation in 2008's Get Smart that still has my attention. Let's face it, Anne sure can fill out a wardrobe. Agent 99 did our country proud. Will she bring the White Queen to justice? We'll have to wait until the early half of 2010 to find out.