To say the process of 47 Ronin actually making it in to theaters has been difficult is an understatement. First, the film starring Keanu Reeves was originally set to be released on November 21st. Then it was pushed back to February 8th, 2013. Then, yesterday it was announced that the was pushed back yet again and is now scheduled to come out on December 25th, 2013. The most confusing part about all of this is the mixed messages. Usually any delay in a release date means there are major problems with the film and the studio has lost confidence in it. When a film is pushed back twice, it is almost always the kiss of death. But wait…..that rule doesn't apply if you look at the new release date and consider that it will now be released on the highly coveted date of December 25th aka Christmas. Perhaps, the work they claimed they needed to do on the visual effects when they pushed the first time was actually real and it turned out better than expected? I'm personally fascinated to see what happens with this one. I mean, Keanu Reeves starring with an all-Japanese cast in a retelling of the classic myth of a group of samurai that avenge the death of their master?! Sounds like a true Keanu Reeves masterpiece.
What does The Hangover Part III needs besides a fresh plot and new concept? That's right, the addition of John Goodman. It is reported today that he is in talks to take part in the raucous adventures of the Wolf-pack as he would join the cast of the threequel. Word his his character will play an antagonist similar to the role Paul Giamatti played in The Hangover 2. I have so many problems with this film, mainly being that the second one didn't make me laugh at all, so I'm really not sure how they are going to revive the concept for yet, a third time. However, don't get me wrong, I'm sure I'll see it, but I'm not necessarily happy about it.
Robert Pattinson is now attached to play T.E. Lawrence, aka Lawrence of Arabia in Werner Herzog's film about Gertrude Bell. The film entitled Queen of the Desert stars Naomi Watts as the English writer, explorer and archaeologist. Lawrence and Bell were close friends and while the film will be focused on Bell's life traveling through the Middle East (defining the borders of Iraq, Jordan and Saudi Arabia) but the casting of a big name actor such as Pattinson, indicates that his character will play a large role in the film.
In disappointing news, Disney has decided to cancel the original stop-motion feature that was Henry Selick was developing for the studio. Production on the film has been halted, and while it could still land at another studio, it doesn't look good. Selick is still developing an adaptation of Neil Gamain's story The Graveyard, so at least we will get a taste of some of his brilliant and creative style in the near future.
Maybe I'm confusing 47 Ronin for another 47 Ronin movie but wasn't the Reeves one supposed to be like quasi sci-fi with like laser swords? I've been wanting to see a good 47 Ronin movie for a while now, hopefully this at least captures some of the magic from The Last Samurai.
Peter O'Toole is still alive why can't reprise his role as T.T. Lawrence?
EDIT: Also the next Studio Ghibli movie From Up On Poppy Hill got a trailer (well the first I've seen anyway). Looks like a solid return to 90's era Ghibli and not just giant pretty fantasy.
Yet another film is being delayed. Oh dear, there are so many parallels going on between the movie industry and the video game industry.
Goodman is the only person who could convince me to be interested in Hangover 3.
has long, has it isn't Ronin
Wait, since when is Hangover 3 happening? And a Lawrence of Arabia remake sounds terrible and they could not have picked a worse person to star in it.
Why is Reeves in a remake of Chushingura? (I think I got the spelling write, will have to find the movie or the book.) Not that I'm not always excited to see another period piece coming out of China, Korea, or Japan. Its just that the story doesn't really fit with a gaijin in the role, unless they are taking a lot of liberties (oh no! Hollywood doesn't do that at all!).