Bernard Hill, the actor known for playing King Théoden in the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy and Captain Edward Smith in “Titanic,” has died. He was 79.
Hill died early on Sunday morning, his agent Lou Colson confirmed to Variety. He was with his fiancée Alison and his son Gabriel. No cause of death was given.
Hill first came to prominence as Yosser Hughes in Alan Bleasdale’s 1982 miniseries “Boys From the Blackstuff”; his character was known for his “gizza job” catchphrase. That same year, he portrayed Sergeant Putnam in the Richard Attenborough-directed film “Gandhi.” Hill appeared in multiple British television series during the ’70s and ’80s, including “I, Claudius,” “Crown Court,” “Rooms,” “Fox” and “Jackanory.”
In 1997, Hill played Captain Smith in James Cameron’s “Titanic,” which won 11 Oscars. He then joined Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” franchise as King Théoden, appearing in 2002’s “The Two Towers” and...
Hill died early on Sunday morning, his agent Lou Colson confirmed to Variety. He was with his fiancée Alison and his son Gabriel. No cause of death was given.
Hill first came to prominence as Yosser Hughes in Alan Bleasdale’s 1982 miniseries “Boys From the Blackstuff”; his character was known for his “gizza job” catchphrase. That same year, he portrayed Sergeant Putnam in the Richard Attenborough-directed film “Gandhi.” Hill appeared in multiple British television series during the ’70s and ’80s, including “I, Claudius,” “Crown Court,” “Rooms,” “Fox” and “Jackanory.”
In 1997, Hill played Captain Smith in James Cameron’s “Titanic,” which won 11 Oscars. He then joined Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” franchise as King Théoden, appearing in 2002’s “The Two Towers” and...
- 5/5/2024
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
Turning Disney theme park attractions is a relatively new-ish concept, but the movies based on Disney attractions vary wildly in quality.
The story goes that Dick Cook, who at the time was running the Disney film studio with Nina Jacobson, had originally come up with the idea to “mine the theme parks for movie ideas” (as James B. Stewart put it in “Disney War”). They had made “The Country Bears” and were working on projects based on classic Disney attractions Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion. At the time, Pirates was envisioned as a direct-to-video cheapie, more along the lines of “Tower of Terror,” which debuted as an inexpensive TV on “The Wonderful World of Disney.”
But during a meeting about whether Disney should invest in “Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World,” an expensive Peter Weir movie starring Russell Crowe (they declined), the idea was...
The story goes that Dick Cook, who at the time was running the Disney film studio with Nina Jacobson, had originally come up with the idea to “mine the theme parks for movie ideas” (as James B. Stewart put it in “Disney War”). They had made “The Country Bears” and were working on projects based on classic Disney attractions Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion. At the time, Pirates was envisioned as a direct-to-video cheapie, more along the lines of “Tower of Terror,” which debuted as an inexpensive TV on “The Wonderful World of Disney.”
But during a meeting about whether Disney should invest in “Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World,” an expensive Peter Weir movie starring Russell Crowe (they declined), the idea was...
- 7/28/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Until recently, Leila Farzad was asked to read, repeatedly, for the same kind of role. “There were a lot of terrorist wives that I was put up for, and that was how I saw myself represented a lot,” the actor says dryly. “You know, a wife begging someone to not blow something up.” Having grown up in London, Farzad “didn’t think of myself as necessarily needing to be cast as a Middle Eastern person – I was just a girl from London”, but it happened so often that it became a running joke among her friends – “look Leila, it’s your part”. That is, until a job came along that changed everything. Farzad landed the part of Naomi in Billie Piper and Lucy Prebble’s I Hate Suzie, as the straight-talking agent to child-star-turned-shamed-celeb Suzie Pickles.
The role landed her a Bafta nomination and proved, at 37, to be Farzad’s big break.
The role landed her a Bafta nomination and proved, at 37, to be Farzad’s big break.
- 2/13/2023
- by Nicole Vassell
- The Independent - TV
Until recently, Leila Farzad was asked to read, repeatedly, for the same kind of role. “There were a lot of terrorist wives that I was put up for, and that was how I saw myself represented a lot,” the actor says dryly. “You know, a wife begging someone to not blow something up.” Having grown up in London, Farzad “didn’t think of myself as necessarily needing to be cast as a Middle Eastern person – I was just a girl from London”, but it happened so often that it became a running joke among her friends – “look Leila, it’s your part”. That is, until a job came along that changed everything. Farzad landed the part of Naomi in Billie Piper and Lucy Prebble’s I Hate Suzie, as the straight-talking agent to child-star-turned-shamed-celeb Suzie Pickles.
The role landed her a Bafta nomination and proved, at 37, to be Farzad’s big break.
The role landed her a Bafta nomination and proved, at 37, to be Farzad’s big break.
- 2/10/2023
- by Nicole Vassell
- The Independent - TV
Emma Corrin is spinning out of control shooting a scene from “The Crown” Season 4 in the vast extravagance of a stately English house, Cher’s ’90s dance number “Believe” blasting over the loudspeakers.
Four minutes of increasingly frenzied flailing later, Corrin comes to a halt, panting with exhaustion. She has just captured a young Diana Spencer’s intense claustrophobia during a brutal princess crash course ahead of her wedding to Prince Charles. After weeks of isolation in Buckingham Palace, interrupted only by strict etiquette and ballet lessons, the 20-year-old Diana is going mad.
“Em, that was great, really great,” says the episode’s director, Benjamin Caron, approaching Corrin. “But you were mouthing the words the entire time. Can we do it again?”
Though Season 4 of “The Crown” technically isn’t Corrin’s television debut, it stands to be an introduction to many viewers as dramatic and triumphant as Diana’s...
Four minutes of increasingly frenzied flailing later, Corrin comes to a halt, panting with exhaustion. She has just captured a young Diana Spencer’s intense claustrophobia during a brutal princess crash course ahead of her wedding to Prince Charles. After weeks of isolation in Buckingham Palace, interrupted only by strict etiquette and ballet lessons, the 20-year-old Diana is going mad.
“Em, that was great, really great,” says the episode’s director, Benjamin Caron, approaching Corrin. “But you were mouthing the words the entire time. Can we do it again?”
Though Season 4 of “The Crown” technically isn’t Corrin’s television debut, it stands to be an introduction to many viewers as dramatic and triumphant as Diana’s...
- 11/12/2020
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
It may still be over two months until Halloween, but that hasn’t stopped Disney+ from getting in the holiday spirit. A batch of 20 family-friendly horror films have dropped on the streaming service recently, providing you with an abundance of frights to get you gradually geared up for the best night of the year, with a few stand-out entries worth looking out for.
The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad is one of many anthology pics Disney released in the ‘40s, and is best remembered as a Boomer equivalent of Watership Down, The Dark Crystal or The NeverEnding Story in the “movies that traumatized children” category. Its first segment is based on classic kids book The Wind in the Willows, but the second, more relevant half adapts Washington Irving’s famous short story The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, with its rich but dark animation and foreboding tone and music terrifying many of its young viewers.
The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad is one of many anthology pics Disney released in the ‘40s, and is best remembered as a Boomer equivalent of Watership Down, The Dark Crystal or The NeverEnding Story in the “movies that traumatized children” category. Its first segment is based on classic kids book The Wind in the Willows, but the second, more relevant half adapts Washington Irving’s famous short story The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, with its rich but dark animation and foreboding tone and music terrifying many of its young viewers.
- 8/24/2020
- by Andrew Marshall
- We Got This Covered
Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes has been set to write the screenplay for The Wind in the Willows, a feature adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s classic English tale. Ray Griggs is aboard to to direct the project, which will be shot at Peter Jackson’s Stone Street Studios in Wellington, New Zealand.
Jackson’s Weta Digital is handling the CGI to bring Mole, Rat, Toad and Badger to life, with Skywalker Sound designing all sound effects and ambient noise. Production is set to begin this year; casting is underway.
Fellowes wrote the book for a Wind in the Willows musical with music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe — the trio had collaborated on the long-running Mary Poppins musical on Broadway. Their Wind in the Willows bowed in 2016 and eventually played on London’s West End.
Gerald R. Molen, who won the Oscar in 1994 for producing Schindler’s List, is...
Jackson’s Weta Digital is handling the CGI to bring Mole, Rat, Toad and Badger to life, with Skywalker Sound designing all sound effects and ambient noise. Production is set to begin this year; casting is underway.
Fellowes wrote the book for a Wind in the Willows musical with music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe — the trio had collaborated on the long-running Mary Poppins musical on Broadway. Their Wind in the Willows bowed in 2016 and eventually played on London’s West End.
Gerald R. Molen, who won the Oscar in 1994 for producing Schindler’s List, is...
- 2/6/2020
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s been about 10 years since we first heard about a film adaptation of The Wind in the Willows coming together with the help of Peter Jackson‘s Weta Workshop. At the time, the plan was for Weta’s Ray Griggs to direct a live-action movie using advanced animatronics to bring the four anthropomorphic animal characters, Mole, Rat, Toad […]
The post ‘Wind in the Willows’ Movie Back in the Works with ‘Downton Abbey’ Creator Hopping on Board appeared first on /Film.
The post ‘Wind in the Willows’ Movie Back in the Works with ‘Downton Abbey’ Creator Hopping on Board appeared first on /Film.
- 2/6/2020
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
Weta on board; shooting to take place in New Zealand.
Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes will adapt family classic The Wind In The Willows for Oscar-winning Schindler’s List producer Gerald R. Molen, with Peter Jackson’s Weta on board.
Ray Griggs will direct the Kenneth Grahame adaptation, on which it is understood extensive design and artwork have already been completed.
Filming will take place at Peter Jackson’s Stone Street Studios in Wellington, New Zealand, while Skywalker Sound will design all the sound effects and ambient noise.
The classic tale recounts the exploits of Mole, Rat, Toad and Badger...
Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes will adapt family classic The Wind In The Willows for Oscar-winning Schindler’s List producer Gerald R. Molen, with Peter Jackson’s Weta on board.
Ray Griggs will direct the Kenneth Grahame adaptation, on which it is understood extensive design and artwork have already been completed.
Filming will take place at Peter Jackson’s Stone Street Studios in Wellington, New Zealand, while Skywalker Sound will design all the sound effects and ambient noise.
The classic tale recounts the exploits of Mole, Rat, Toad and Badger...
- 2/6/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Julian Fellowes, the writer and creator of “Downton Abbey,“ has teamed up with producer Gerald R. Molen on a big-screen production of the classic children’s novel “The Wind in the Willows.”
Peter Jackson’s Weta Digital is on board for the CGI for the four main characters — Mole, Rat, Toad and Badger — who live by a river in Edwardian England, in the Kenneth Grahame novel. The project comes four years after a musical version of “The Wind in the Willows“ premiered in the U.K., with Fellowes having written the script, with music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.
Molen, who won an Academy Award with Steven Spielberg for producing “Schindler’s List,” has hired Ray Griggs and Richard Taylor at Weta Workshop, in coordination with Jackson’s Weta Digital.
Filming will take place at Jackson’s Stone Street Studios in New Zealand, while Skywalker Sound will design...
Peter Jackson’s Weta Digital is on board for the CGI for the four main characters — Mole, Rat, Toad and Badger — who live by a river in Edwardian England, in the Kenneth Grahame novel. The project comes four years after a musical version of “The Wind in the Willows“ premiered in the U.K., with Fellowes having written the script, with music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.
Molen, who won an Academy Award with Steven Spielberg for producing “Schindler’s List,” has hired Ray Griggs and Richard Taylor at Weta Workshop, in coordination with Jackson’s Weta Digital.
Filming will take place at Jackson’s Stone Street Studios in New Zealand, while Skywalker Sound will design...
- 2/6/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
The classic children's novel The Wind in the Willows is set to receive a movie treatment.
Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes and Oscar-winning producer Gerald R. Molen (Schindler’s List, Jurassic Park) are getting behind a film adaptation of British author Kenneth Grahame’s famed effort. Fellowes will write the script to bring the beloved characters Mole, Rat, Toad and Badger to life on the big screen.
Disney previously turned Grahame book's into a short animated film in 1949, and TV takes followed.
Fellowes will collaborate with director and creative Ray Griggs, Richard Taylor at Weta Workshop and Peter Jackson'...
Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes and Oscar-winning producer Gerald R. Molen (Schindler’s List, Jurassic Park) are getting behind a film adaptation of British author Kenneth Grahame’s famed effort. Fellowes will write the script to bring the beloved characters Mole, Rat, Toad and Badger to life on the big screen.
Disney previously turned Grahame book's into a short animated film in 1949, and TV takes followed.
Fellowes will collaborate with director and creative Ray Griggs, Richard Taylor at Weta Workshop and Peter Jackson'...
The classic children's novel The Wind in the Willows is set to receive a movie treatment.
Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes and Oscar-winning producer Gerald R. Molen (Schindler’s List, Jurassic Park) are getting behind a film adaptation of British author Kenneth Grahame’s famed effort. Fellowes will write the script to bring the beloved characters Mole, Rat, Toad and Badger to life on the big screen.
Disney previously turned Grahame book's into a short animated film in 1949, and TV takes followed.
Fellowes will collaborate with director and creative Ray Griggs, Richard Taylor at Weta Workshop and Peter Jackson'...
Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes and Oscar-winning producer Gerald R. Molen (Schindler’s List, Jurassic Park) are getting behind a film adaptation of British author Kenneth Grahame’s famed effort. Fellowes will write the script to bring the beloved characters Mole, Rat, Toad and Badger to life on the big screen.
Disney previously turned Grahame book's into a short animated film in 1949, and TV takes followed.
Fellowes will collaborate with director and creative Ray Griggs, Richard Taylor at Weta Workshop and Peter Jackson'...
London – Co-founding one of the most influential comedy troupes in history just wasn’t enough for Terry Jones, of “Monty Python’s Flying Circus.” He also had to become one of the foremost amateur medieval history scholars in the world, among his many achievements as author, director and comic sketch creator. Jones passed away in London on January 21st, 2020. He was 77.
Terrence Graham Parry “Terry” Jones was born in Colwyn Bay on the north coast of Wales in England. He graduated from St Edmund Hall, a constituent college of Oxford University, where he met future writing partner Michael Palin. He broke into British television in 1967 along with Palin in the show “Twice a Fortnight,’ worked with Eric Idle in “Do Not Adjust Your Set,” and wrote alongside Graham Chapman John Cleese, Idle and Palin (all soon-to-be Pythoners) on “The Frost Report.”
’She’s a Witch!’ Terry Jones and Connie Booth in...
Terrence Graham Parry “Terry” Jones was born in Colwyn Bay on the north coast of Wales in England. He graduated from St Edmund Hall, a constituent college of Oxford University, where he met future writing partner Michael Palin. He broke into British television in 1967 along with Palin in the show “Twice a Fortnight,’ worked with Eric Idle in “Do Not Adjust Your Set,” and wrote alongside Graham Chapman John Cleese, Idle and Palin (all soon-to-be Pythoners) on “The Frost Report.”
’She’s a Witch!’ Terry Jones and Connie Booth in...
- 1/22/2020
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Jones died after a long struggle with a rare form of dementia, according to his family.
UK actor, director and writer Terry Jones has died at the age of 77, according to his agent.
Jones co-created iconic UK comedy series Monty Python’s Flying Circus alongside Eric Idle, John Cleese, Graham Chapman and Terry Gilliam.
He went on to direct or co-direct their film projects Monty Python And The Holy Grail (alongside Gilliam), The Life Of Brian and The Meaning Of Life. His other films as a director included Erik The Viking (1989) and The Wind In The Willows (1996).
Welsh-born Jones was awarded...
UK actor, director and writer Terry Jones has died at the age of 77, according to his agent.
Jones co-created iconic UK comedy series Monty Python’s Flying Circus alongside Eric Idle, John Cleese, Graham Chapman and Terry Gilliam.
He went on to direct or co-direct their film projects Monty Python And The Holy Grail (alongside Gilliam), The Life Of Brian and The Meaning Of Life. His other films as a director included Erik The Viking (1989) and The Wind In The Willows (1996).
Welsh-born Jones was awarded...
- 1/22/2020
- by 1101184¦Orlando Parfitt¦38¦
- ScreenDaily
Jones died after a long struggle with a rare form of dementia, according to his family.
UK actor, director and writer Terry Jones has died at the age of 77, according to his agent.
Jones co-created iconic UK comedy series Monty Python’s Flying Circus alongside Eric Idle, John Cleese, Graham Chapman and Terry Gilliam.
He went on to direct or co-direct their film projects Monty Python And The Holy Grail (alongside Gilliam), The Life Of Brian and The Meaning Of Life. His other films as a director included Erik The Viking (1989) and The Wind In The Willows (1996).
Welsh-born Jones was awarded...
UK actor, director and writer Terry Jones has died at the age of 77, according to his agent.
Jones co-created iconic UK comedy series Monty Python’s Flying Circus alongside Eric Idle, John Cleese, Graham Chapman and Terry Gilliam.
He went on to direct or co-direct their film projects Monty Python And The Holy Grail (alongside Gilliam), The Life Of Brian and The Meaning Of Life. His other films as a director included Erik The Viking (1989) and The Wind In The Willows (1996).
Welsh-born Jones was awarded...
- 1/22/2020
- by 1101184¦Orlando Parfitt¦38¦
- ScreenDaily
After directing the Python films and creating such characters as the Virgin Mandy and the monstrous Mr Creosote, he went on to make Personal Services and The Wind in the Willows
• Terry Jones dies aged 77
• Jones’s legacy – a life in pictures
Terry Jones, who has died at the age of 77, was the Python with a sweetly open, guileless face and a rich voice that he often tortured into a high-pitched, strangulated warbling for his many “Hello, Mrs Smoker” drag roles. He was also the Python credited for inspiring the team’s consistent surrealist denial of conventional structure. It was Jones who took on the directing role for the Monty Python movies: sharing the credit with Terry Gilliam for Monty Python and the Holy Grail in 1975, but taking the helm on his own for their masterpiece, Monty Python’s Life of Brian, in 1979, and the rather more patchy Monty Python’s...
• Terry Jones dies aged 77
• Jones’s legacy – a life in pictures
Terry Jones, who has died at the age of 77, was the Python with a sweetly open, guileless face and a rich voice that he often tortured into a high-pitched, strangulated warbling for his many “Hello, Mrs Smoker” drag roles. He was also the Python credited for inspiring the team’s consistent surrealist denial of conventional structure. It was Jones who took on the directing role for the Monty Python movies: sharing the credit with Terry Gilliam for Monty Python and the Holy Grail in 1975, but taking the helm on his own for their masterpiece, Monty Python’s Life of Brian, in 1979, and the rather more patchy Monty Python’s...
- 1/22/2020
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
Alfred Hitchcock assembles all the right elements for this respected mystery thriller. Joan Fontaine is concerned that her new hubby Cary Grant plans to murder her. But Hitch wasn't able to use the twist ending that attracted him to the story in the first place! Suspicion Blu-ray Warner Archive Collection 1941 / B&W / 1:37 flat Academy / 99 min. / Street Date , 2016 / available through the WBshop / 21.99 Starring Joan Fontaine, Cary Grant, Cedric Hardwicke, Nigel Bruce, Dame May Whitty, Auriol Lee, Leo G. Carroll Cinematography Harry Stradling Art Direction Van Nest Polglase Film Editor William Hamilton Original Music Franz Waxman Written by Samson Raphaelson, Joan Harrison, Alma Reville from the novel Before the Fact by Francis Iles (Anthony Berkeley) Produced and Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
Reviewed by Glenn Erickson
Some movies don't get better as time goes on. Alfred Hitchcock got himself painted into a corner on this one, perhaps not realizing that in America,...
Reviewed by Glenn Erickson
Some movies don't get better as time goes on. Alfred Hitchcock got himself painted into a corner on this one, perhaps not realizing that in America,...
- 4/9/2016
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
From Monty Python's Terry Jones comes Absolutely Anything, starring Simon Pegg. The late Robin Williams steals the show, though...
Absolutely Anything has been on comedy fans' radars for a long time. Terry Jones' first directorial effort since 1996's The Wind In The Willows is touted as a zany sci-fi comedy with shades of Douglas Adams and Monty Python's Flying Circus, with a cast that includes Jones' fellow Pythons, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle and Michael Palin, alongside other comedy stars like Simon Pegg, Eddie Izzard, Joanna Lumley and Robin Williams.
Alas, the material doesn't live up to the star calibre, nor the literally limitless potential suggested by the title. Loosely based on H.G. Wells' fantastical comedy short story The Man Who Could Work Miracles, the film begins when a group of power-crazed aliens (voiced by the Pythons) discover a probe with information on Earth's culture and decide...
Absolutely Anything has been on comedy fans' radars for a long time. Terry Jones' first directorial effort since 1996's The Wind In The Willows is touted as a zany sci-fi comedy with shades of Douglas Adams and Monty Python's Flying Circus, with a cast that includes Jones' fellow Pythons, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle and Michael Palin, alongside other comedy stars like Simon Pegg, Eddie Izzard, Joanna Lumley and Robin Williams.
Alas, the material doesn't live up to the star calibre, nor the literally limitless potential suggested by the title. Loosely based on H.G. Wells' fantastical comedy short story The Man Who Could Work Miracles, the film begins when a group of power-crazed aliens (voiced by the Pythons) discover a probe with information on Earth's culture and decide...
- 8/16/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
The last feature film Terry Jones stepped behind the camera for was in 1996 for The Wind in the Willows, and now, after decades of tinkering on the script with co-writer Gavin Scott (Jones has stated he had the idea in his head for over twenty years), we see him in the director’s chair once again for Absolutely Anything, the kind of absurd comedy you would expect from a member of Monty Python that sadly sees its attempts at drawing huge guffaws elicit only minor chuckles instead. Jones reunites with the remaining Pythons as CGI aliens who have slapped a demolition notice on Earth, but according to their laws, our majestic blue orb is given one chance to be saved: a normal human being is given the power to do absolutely anything they desire. If they use this power for good, Earth is saved. Use it for evil, doomed. These...
- 8/15/2015
- by noreply@blogger.com (Tom White)
- www.themoviebit.com
Hollywood went hunting for lots of British comedy talent in the 1990s - and lured the likes of Hugh Laurie, Stephen Fry and Emma Thompson...
For some reason, Hollywood fell in love with British actors again in the 1990s. Sparked by Alan Rickman's turn as Hans Gruber in Die Hard at the back end of the 1980s, many movie villains were either Brits, or in the case of Cliffhanger, John Lithgow taking on the mannerisms of a British antagonist.
Yet in particular, Hollywood went recruiting British comedy talent, with faces then mainly - but not exclusively - known for their small screen work getting roles of various sizes in Hollywood productions. Here are some who racked up the air miles - starting with the man who arguably became one of the most successful...
Hugh Laurie - 101 Dalmatians
Laurie is a man of many talents, who ultimately cracked America with...
For some reason, Hollywood fell in love with British actors again in the 1990s. Sparked by Alan Rickman's turn as Hans Gruber in Die Hard at the back end of the 1980s, many movie villains were either Brits, or in the case of Cliffhanger, John Lithgow taking on the mannerisms of a British antagonist.
Yet in particular, Hollywood went recruiting British comedy talent, with faces then mainly - but not exclusively - known for their small screen work getting roles of various sizes in Hollywood productions. Here are some who racked up the air miles - starting with the man who arguably became one of the most successful...
Hugh Laurie - 101 Dalmatians
Laurie is a man of many talents, who ultimately cracked America with...
- 4/20/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
It's tough to stand out among the other Super Bowl commercials, but the 30-second trailer for Disney's Tomorrowland turned a few heads - and probably brought back memories of Space Mountain. Yes, it's a movie inspired by Disneyland's futuristic-themed sector, and it's not the first time Disney transformed a ride into a feature film. Considering that some of the theme park's attractions have been beloved to Disney fans for years, it's surprising it took 60 years for Tomorrowland to spawn a movie. (California's Disneyland turns 60 this year, with plenty of celebrations foot.) To mark the World of Tomorrow's transition to the screen,...
- 2/5/2015
- by Drew Mackie, @drewgmackie
- PEOPLE.com
Disney is bringing another theme park ride to the big screen. Suspiciously coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the "It's a Small World" attraction at Anaheim's Disneyland theme park, Deadline is reporting that the studio will now be turning the popular musical ride into a feature-length film. Director Jon Turtletaub ("Last Vegas," "National Treasure") is on board to helm the adaptation from a script by Jared Stern ("The Internship," "The Watch"), who pitched the idea to the studio. Not surprisingly, Disney is viewing the film as the potential start of another mega-grossing franchise a la "Pirates of the Caribbean," which has brought in over $3.7 billion worldwide (with a fifth entry potentially on the way). A film based on The Disneyland attraction "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride" is also reportedly in the works. How do you feel about "It's a Small World: The Movie"? Vote in the poll below to let us know.
- 4/23/2014
- by Chris Eggertsen
- Hitfix
Monty Python’s Terry Jones reveals why he hasn’t made a film in 18 years and whether there will ever be a new Monty Python film.
Shooting begins on Monday (March 24) on Absolutely Anything, a high-concept comedy starring Simon Pegg and Kate Beckinsale.
It marks the first time that Monty Python member Terry Jones has directed a film since The Wind in the Willows in 1996.
“I sort of gave up on the film industry when The Wind in the Willows wasn’t distributed,” Jones told ScreenDaily of the film that was critically well received but only received a limited relase. “It was so appallingly handled.”
While it is clear those wounds have yet to heal, Jones thought “it was about time” he made another film and is “very excited” to be back in the directors chair.
The comedy, co-written by Jones and Gavin Scott, stars Pegg as a disillusioned school teacher who suddenly finds he has the...
Shooting begins on Monday (March 24) on Absolutely Anything, a high-concept comedy starring Simon Pegg and Kate Beckinsale.
It marks the first time that Monty Python member Terry Jones has directed a film since The Wind in the Willows in 1996.
“I sort of gave up on the film industry when The Wind in the Willows wasn’t distributed,” Jones told ScreenDaily of the film that was critically well received but only received a limited relase. “It was so appallingly handled.”
While it is clear those wounds have yet to heal, Jones thought “it was about time” he made another film and is “very excited” to be back in the directors chair.
The comedy, co-written by Jones and Gavin Scott, stars Pegg as a disillusioned school teacher who suddenly finds he has the...
- 3/21/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Terry Jones’ next movie will be “sci-fi farce” Absolutely Anything. This marks his first feature since 1996′s The Wind in the Willows, although he is of course best known for directing Monty Python hits Life of Brian and The Meaning of Life, as well as co-directing Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
Hot Fuzz and Star Trek Into Darkness star Simon Pegg will take on the lead role, and as you can see from the new promo poster below, he will be surrounded by a simply incredible assortment of actors.
The screenplay by Jones and Gavin Scott centres on Pegg’s disillusioned teacher Neill Clarke, who is gifted powers to do “absolutely anything” by aliens. With a simple wave of his hand he finds he can wipe out classrooms of badly behaving students, and bring people back to life. But he experiences mishap after mishap while struggling to master his new skills.
Hot Fuzz and Star Trek Into Darkness star Simon Pegg will take on the lead role, and as you can see from the new promo poster below, he will be surrounded by a simply incredible assortment of actors.
The screenplay by Jones and Gavin Scott centres on Pegg’s disillusioned teacher Neill Clarke, who is gifted powers to do “absolutely anything” by aliens. With a simple wave of his hand he finds he can wipe out classrooms of badly behaving students, and bring people back to life. But he experiences mishap after mishap while struggling to master his new skills.
- 2/17/2014
- by Josh Wilding
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Anyone who saw this winter's wonderful animated adventure "Frozen" probably thought that the story, about a pair of princess sisters, one of whom has locked her kingdom in a frosty perpetual winter, was ripe for a Disney theme park attraction. The movie already felt so classic that a ride, potentially in the "dark ride" mold of things like Peter Pan's Flight or Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, seemed like a foregone conclusion. And you know what? It kind of is.
Disney historian Jim Hill, while appearing on the Disney Dish Podcast with Touring Plans founder Len Testa, described what the Mouse House has planned for "Frozen," at least when it comes to its theme park presence. Apparently the first place the movie, which just beat out "Monsters University's" $268 million gross by a few million, is first headed to the Norway pavilion at Florida's Epcot.
This makes sense, of course, considering...
Disney historian Jim Hill, while appearing on the Disney Dish Podcast with Touring Plans founder Len Testa, described what the Mouse House has planned for "Frozen," at least when it comes to its theme park presence. Apparently the first place the movie, which just beat out "Monsters University's" $268 million gross by a few million, is first headed to the Norway pavilion at Florida's Epcot.
This makes sense, of course, considering...
- 1/2/2014
- by Drew Taylor
- Moviefone
Simon Pegg takes the lead role in Terry Jones's new sci-fi comedy, which will feature four more members of Monty Python
• Simon Pegg's guide to 2013 in film
• News: Pegg slates Star Trek detractors
Simon Pegg will take the lead role of a teacher handed magic powers by aliens in the Monty Python "sci-fi farce" Absolutely Anything, reports Screen Daily.
Pegg takes a role that was once earmarked for Benedict Cumberbatch in the film, which is being directed by Terry Jones. The director will also unite with fellow Pythons John Cleese, Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin to play the aforementioned extraterrestrials. Absolutely Anything arrives on the scene amid fresh interest in the Monty Python troupe, who are reuniting for a series of stage shows next July.
"As someone whose love of comedy was hugely informed by Monty Python, the chance to work with Terry was a gift," said Pegg.
• Simon Pegg's guide to 2013 in film
• News: Pegg slates Star Trek detractors
Simon Pegg will take the lead role of a teacher handed magic powers by aliens in the Monty Python "sci-fi farce" Absolutely Anything, reports Screen Daily.
Pegg takes a role that was once earmarked for Benedict Cumberbatch in the film, which is being directed by Terry Jones. The director will also unite with fellow Pythons John Cleese, Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin to play the aforementioned extraterrestrials. Absolutely Anything arrives on the scene amid fresh interest in the Monty Python troupe, who are reuniting for a series of stage shows next July.
"As someone whose love of comedy was hugely informed by Monty Python, the chance to work with Terry was a gift," said Pegg.
- 12/12/2013
- by Ben Child
- The Guardian - Film News
'Making a bad film is always more enjoyable. You know it's crap, but you're having fun'
What first drew you to comedy?
Probably spending 12 years at boarding school – comedy became a survival gene. But I think some people are funny right off the bat, as soon as they can speak, or be naughty.
What was your big breakthrough?
Learning that there was such a thing as Footlights [the Cambridge University drama society]. When I auditioned, in March 1963, John Cleese, Tim Brooke-Taylor and Bill Oddie were members. I got in, and Footlights became my life. Mercifully, I've never had to get a proper job.
Who or what have you sacrificed for your art?
A number of virgins on the altar of Monty Python in the 1970s.
Do you get sick of people doing Monty Python impressions when they meet you?
Yes, but I don't get that a lot any more. Usually they just smile, which is nice.
What first drew you to comedy?
Probably spending 12 years at boarding school – comedy became a survival gene. But I think some people are funny right off the bat, as soon as they can speak, or be naughty.
What was your big breakthrough?
Learning that there was such a thing as Footlights [the Cambridge University drama society]. When I auditioned, in March 1963, John Cleese, Tim Brooke-Taylor and Bill Oddie were members. I got in, and Footlights became my life. Mercifully, I've never had to get a proper job.
Who or what have you sacrificed for your art?
A number of virgins on the altar of Monty Python in the 1970s.
Do you get sick of people doing Monty Python impressions when they meet you?
Yes, but I don't get that a lot any more. Usually they just smile, which is nice.
- 11/21/2012
- by Laura Barnett
- The Guardian - Film News
Benedict Cumberbatch and Gemma Arterton look set to join the cast of the 'sci-fi farce', which is scheduled to begin filming in 2013
Benedict Cumberbatch and Gemma Arterton look set to join the cast of the Monty Python troupe's long-awaited return to cinema, Absolutely Anything, reports The Wrap.
Sherlock star Cumberbatch is said to be in talks for the project, which will be directed by Python Terry Jones from a script he co-wrote with Gavin Scott. Arterton has already signed on the dotted line, with filming set to begin in the first quarter of 2013.
Previously described as a "sci-fi farce", Absolutely Anything will feature Pythons Jones, Terry Gilliam, Michael Palin and John Cleese voicing aliens who are able to give humans the power to do "absolutely anything." According to The Wrap, the film centres on a teacher who benefits from the extra terrestrials' aid: he soon discovers he has magical powers...
Benedict Cumberbatch and Gemma Arterton look set to join the cast of the Monty Python troupe's long-awaited return to cinema, Absolutely Anything, reports The Wrap.
Sherlock star Cumberbatch is said to be in talks for the project, which will be directed by Python Terry Jones from a script he co-wrote with Gavin Scott. Arterton has already signed on the dotted line, with filming set to begin in the first quarter of 2013.
Previously described as a "sci-fi farce", Absolutely Anything will feature Pythons Jones, Terry Gilliam, Michael Palin and John Cleese voicing aliens who are able to give humans the power to do "absolutely anything." According to The Wrap, the film centres on a teacher who benefits from the extra terrestrials' aid: he soon discovers he has magical powers...
- 11/7/2012
- by Ben Child
- The Guardian - Film News
While Disney is busy working on turning Mr. Toad's Wild Ride into a feature film, The Jim Henson Company is looking at a pair of iconic amphibians for a future project. ComingSoon has a press release that reveals the Muppet company is working on an animated adaptation of Frog and Toad, the series of four children's books written and illustrated by Arnold Lobel which first hit in the 70's. Frog and Toad (that's their name as well as their species) are just a couple of best friends with simple daily adventures like sledding in the winter and getting ice cream on a summer day. But the film should have a larger story scope. Lisa Henson, CEO of The Jim Henson Company says, "Frog and Toad has tremendous value with parents who read these charming stories when they were children and are now sharing them with their own kids. With such...
- 6/11/2012
- by Ethan Anderton
- firstshowing.net
After the incredible success of the Pirates of the Carribean movies, it's no surprise that Disney has been looking to develop some of its other Magic Kingdom theme park rides into film franchises. A Haunted Mansion project directed by Guillermo Del Toro is supposedly in the works, and now a movie based on Mr. Toad's Wild Ride has gone into production. Disney enthusiasts will know that the ride itself was based on a segment found in the animated film The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad.
- 4/18/2012
- by David Hoffman
- GetTheBigPicture.net
Disney has been looking to their theme park rides for movie ideas ever since "Pirates of the Caribbean" became a multi-billion dollar franchise. The studio is currently developing "Jungle Cruise," "Magic Kingdom" and "The Haunted Mansion." And now comes word that Disney is turning "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride" into a movie as well. The ride is one of Disney's longest-running. It originated at Disneyland during the park's opening in 1955 and was also popular at Disney World in Florida. The ride was eventually closed in 1998 and replaced with "The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh." Justin Springer (Tron Legacy) is producing. Commercial director Peter Candeland is on board to direct the live-action/CGI film. Among his many projects, he previously worked with Paul McCartney to create a cinematic opening to The Beatles Rock Band for Harmonix. Video:...
- 4/18/2012
- WorstPreviews.com
On Allen's fourth birthday in March, we took him to Disneyland. This was his third trip, and we're still adding new rides each time we go, figuring out what he and Toshi like the most, and there are rides we still haven't been on. This past time was their first experience with Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, and it was a big hit with them. They don't know the film "Wind In The Willows" at all, though, and I've noticed that as a big part of the Disneyland experience for kids. They don't actually know many of the films that inspired the...
- 4/18/2012
- by Drew McWeeny
- Hitfix
I've been to Disneyland a few times as a kid, sadly I can't remember any of it, other than the handful of pictures and Disney money my mom keeps in my babybooks. I do however, clearly remember going to Disneyland for the first time as a teenager. I had a miserable time at the "Happiest Place on Earth," because I had to drag around my two little toddler cousins. The only enjoyment I had that day was on Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, one of the kiddy rides that had been there since Disneyland first opened in 1955. The ride itself wasn't anything amazing, but watching the two drastically different reactions from my pint-size cousins was all the entertainment I needed. The two year-old girl looked adorable as she laughed and smiled at every spin and turn. But while she jumped in her seat and clapped her hands in delight, her 5 year-old...
- 4/17/2012
- by abefroman
- GeekTyrant
Birthday shoutouts go to Lost star (and Sexy Jesus) Henry Ian Cusick (above), who is 45, the faboo Liz Phair is 45 (and Exile In Guyville still holds up almost 20 years later), Rooney Mara is 27, and Victoria Beckham is 38 (again). What are your favorite Spice Girls songs? Here are mine: 5. "Too Much," 4."Goodbye," 3. "Spice Up Your Life," 2. "Wannabe," 1. "Say You'll Be There."
Disney is making plans to turn Mr. Toad's Wild Ride into a feature film. Obviously, they're hoping for another Pirates of The Caribbean and not another Haunted Mansion.Speaking of Disney, "Gay Day" is coming to Disney World, which means you can expect a lot of hand-wringing and banner flying.In today's unnecessary remake item, a feature version of The Rockford Files is on the way, with Vince Vaughn taking over for James Garner. Hopefully without electric cars.In ratings news, the gayish Smash was down to a series low.
Disney is making plans to turn Mr. Toad's Wild Ride into a feature film. Obviously, they're hoping for another Pirates of The Caribbean and not another Haunted Mansion.Speaking of Disney, "Gay Day" is coming to Disney World, which means you can expect a lot of hand-wringing and banner flying.In today's unnecessary remake item, a feature version of The Rockford Files is on the way, with Vince Vaughn taking over for James Garner. Hopefully without electric cars.In ratings news, the gayish Smash was down to a series low.
- 4/17/2012
- by snicks
- The Backlot
Deadline is reporting that Disney, always on the look out for a synergistic property that uses cross promotion to advance sales in multiple platforms, is planning an adaptation of the beloved theme park attraction Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. The ride, which currently resides in Fantasyland in Disneyland (the Walt Disney World counterpart was sadly shuttered in 1998 and replaced by a cutesy Winnie the Pooh ride), utilizes characters from Disney's 1949 adaptation of Kenneth Grahame's fantastical "The Wind in the Willows," a children's novel about animals that wear pants and speak with English accents. "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride" is currently looking for writers to adapt the property.
Disney has tasked Pete Candeland (how has he not just changed his last name to Candyland?) to direct. Candeland, a British commercial director known for creating, under parent company Passion Pictures, many of the "visual components" to the Gorillaz musical project, which included music videos and on-stage live elements.
Disney has tasked Pete Candeland (how has he not just changed his last name to Candyland?) to direct. Candeland, a British commercial director known for creating, under parent company Passion Pictures, many of the "visual components" to the Gorillaz musical project, which included music videos and on-stage live elements.
- 4/17/2012
- by Drew Taylor
- The Playlist
After Disney surprisingly turned their Pirates of the Caribbean attraction into a billion dollar film franchise, we expected all their rides to get the feature film treatment. Slowly but surely development on films for Tomorrowland, Jungle Cruise and a reboot of The Haunted Mansion (since the first one sucked) have manifested themselves, and now another old ride is headed to theaters. Deadline reports Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, one of the longest running attractions, based on Disney's adaptation of The Wind in the Willows, is now getting a hybrid live-action/CGI film from Pete Candeland, a commercial and music video director. No writer is attached yet, but Tron Legacy producer Justin Springer is behind the film. As for Candeland's involvement, the director has been involved with animation for sometime, including directing music videos for the animated band The Gorillaz, easily some of the best music videos that still take creative advantage...
- 4/17/2012
- by Ethan Anderton
- firstshowing.net
Which came first, the chicken or the egg? For centuries, wise men, philosophers and pranksters have debated whether this classic riddle can even have an answer. But in Hollywood, the answer is obvious: Neither. They're both adaptations of an old TV show based on a book. If you Google the word Ouroboros, it should have a picture of Jerry Bruckheimer's face.
Well, Jerry might not be involved with Disney's latest project, but the spirit of "Pirates of the Caribbean" lives on, as Deadline is reporting that Disney is working on a film adaptation of their theme park attraction "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride," which itself is an adaptation of their movie "The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad," which, by the way, was an adaptation of the classic children's novel "The Wind in the Willows."
If an adaptation of an adaptation of an adaptation sounds like it might be tricky to pull off,...
Well, Jerry might not be involved with Disney's latest project, but the spirit of "Pirates of the Caribbean" lives on, as Deadline is reporting that Disney is working on a film adaptation of their theme park attraction "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride," which itself is an adaptation of their movie "The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad," which, by the way, was an adaptation of the classic children's novel "The Wind in the Willows."
If an adaptation of an adaptation of an adaptation sounds like it might be tricky to pull off,...
- 4/17/2012
- by Scott Harris
- NextMovie
Pirates of the Caribbean, the Haunted Mansion, the Matterhorn ... Disney remains determined to mine each of its theme-park properties for the big screen, even if the ride in question was already derived from a movie. And so it goes with Mr. Toad's Wild Ride: Deadline reports that the studio has lined up director Pete Candeland to adapt the classic Disneyland attraction (itself adapted from The Wind in the Willows) into a live-action/CG feature. In the plus column: Animation vet Candeland also helmed several Gorillaz videos and that awesome Beatles Rock Band intro sequence. But who will they cast as Mr. Toad? Do they still have an option on Woola?...
- 4/17/2012
- by Kyle Buchanan
- Vulture
Walt Disney Pictures is once again looking to their theme parks for movie ideas, following the success of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies and past and future movies based around the concept of The Haunted Mansion . This time, they're looking to bring their popular park ride Mr. Toad's Wild Ride , based on Kenneth Grahame's 1908 children's story "The Wind in the Willows," to the screen as a feature film that combines live action and CG by commercial and video director Pete Candeland. Previously, Candeland did the animation for music videos by The Gorillaz and worked with Paul McCartney on the The Beatles Rock Band video game. Disney is looking for a writer to script the adaptation. The theme park ride has been a fixture at Disneyland since 1955, making...
- 4/17/2012
- Comingsoon.net
Roald Dahl is a beloved children's book author who scares the hell out of me. I don't want to know where he lived, who raised him, or why he decided to address kids as an occupation, because the man is so, so disturbing. His Matilda is grim, his James and the Giant Peach is twisted, and his most beloved novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a frightening, cruel morality tale set in a candy-colored dystopia. I'm happy to report that Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, the 1971 film adaptation of Dahl's sugary absinthe dream starring Gene Wilder, Oscar winner Jack Albertson, and a crew of unknowns, is just as frightening and cruel as the source material. And it has a secret gay relevance that I figured out only last night! Hooray! Now it's the Best Movie Ever.
I'm sure you know the story, but I'll dutifully recount it: Charlie...
I'm sure you know the story, but I'll dutifully recount it: Charlie...
- 4/11/2012
- by virtel
- The Backlot
Dimension Films has found a writer for its reboot of Short Circuit. Variety reports that Matt Lieberman has been hired to write a script that will be directed by Tim Hill (Hop). All details are being kept under wrap, but the film will be a reimagining of the 1986 family film.
The original film followed "Johnny Five, an experimental military robot that develops intelligence and self-awareness after being struck by lightning. With the help of a troubled young boy, the robot tries to evade capture and convince his creator that he's truly alive."
The project has been in the works since 2009, when Dimension optioned remake rights. When Hill signed on to direct in August, the project gained momentum. David Foster, who produced the original, is producing along with Ryan E. Heppe, John Hyde, and Brian Manis. Production is slated to begin at the end of the year, for a scheduled release next summer.
The original film followed "Johnny Five, an experimental military robot that develops intelligence and self-awareness after being struck by lightning. With the help of a troubled young boy, the robot tries to evade capture and convince his creator that he's truly alive."
The project has been in the works since 2009, when Dimension optioned remake rights. When Hill signed on to direct in August, the project gained momentum. David Foster, who produced the original, is producing along with Ryan E. Heppe, John Hyde, and Brian Manis. Production is slated to begin at the end of the year, for a scheduled release next summer.
- 2/3/2012
- by Tiberius
- GeekTyrant
Dimension Films have announced the hiring of screenwriter Matt Lieberman to pen a remake of the 1986 cult favorite Short Circuit. An Honors film grad from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, Lieberman wrote a draft of the Doctor Dolittle sequel Doctor Dolittle: First Dog, and another couple projects that have never gone into production, including Disney's Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. He's a graduate of the Disney screenwriting program, and has uncredited worked on a bunch of the Disney live-action film projects from the past few years. Despite my jab headline, Lieberman seems like an up-and-comer. He is set to work closely with director Tim Hill (Hop, Alvin and the Chipmunks). The press release says that "details of the new take are currently being kept under wraps" but its pretty obvious that they are aiming for something much tamer than the original film. It is very clear...
- 2/3/2012
- by Peter Sciretta
- Slash Film
Although I'm not a huge Monty Python fan, I am getting the distinct feeling that this is next bit of news could be a pretty big deal. After decades of concentrating on their own solo careers, it appears that England's most influential comedy troupe will once again come together for a new big screen collaboration. The plan is for Terry Jones (Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Life of Brian, The Meaning of Life) to direct a new feature film called Absolutely Anything, described as "a sci-fi farce combining CGI and live action." Terry Gilliam, John Cleese and Michael Palin have all agreed to be involved, and the producers are currently in talks with Eric Idle as well. If they are successful, the only missing member would be the late Graham Chapman, who died in 1989. Clearly it could never be a true Monty Python film without him, but Jones assures...
- 1/27/2012
- by Sean
- FilmJunk
It's been nearly thirty years since the members of Monty Python appeared on screen together in "The Meaning of Life." Thanks to most of the group feeling it was the weakest of their film outings, long-standing fissures in the group, and resistance by John Cleese in particular to a possible sequel to "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," Monty Python have never since worked on the same project since. That said, members have teamed on various projects over the years -- all the surviving members (Graham Chapman having passed in 1989) except Terry Gilliam appeared in Terry Jones' "The Wind In The Willows" in 1996, while there have been a few on-stage reunions, generally with one or more members absent. Fifteen years on from "The Wind in the Willows," most of the band seem to be getting back together for another film project, albeit one in which they won't actually appear.
- 1/27/2012
- The Playlist
Terry Jones, the Python who oversaw Life of Brian, to direct 'sci-fi farce' in which remaining comics voice a group of aliens
The Monty Python team is set to reunite for the cinema screen for the first time since 1983, according to a report in Variety magazine.
Terry Jones, director of Life of Brian and The Meaning of Life, as well as co-director (with Terry Gilliam) of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, is to helm a "sci-fi farce" called Absolutely Anything. The other Pythons are being lined up to voice the roles of a group of aliens who endow an earthling with the power to do "absolutely anything".
Sporadic attempts at a Python film reunion have been made since their cinema career as a group ended. All surviving Pythons bar Eric Idle participated in the recent A Liar's Autobiography, an adaptation of the book by former Python Graham Chapman, who...
The Monty Python team is set to reunite for the cinema screen for the first time since 1983, according to a report in Variety magazine.
Terry Jones, director of Life of Brian and The Meaning of Life, as well as co-director (with Terry Gilliam) of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, is to helm a "sci-fi farce" called Absolutely Anything. The other Pythons are being lined up to voice the roles of a group of aliens who endow an earthling with the power to do "absolutely anything".
Sporadic attempts at a Python film reunion have been made since their cinema career as a group ended. All surviving Pythons bar Eric Idle participated in the recent A Liar's Autobiography, an adaptation of the book by former Python Graham Chapman, who...
- 1/27/2012
- by Andrew Pulver
- The Guardian - Film News
The surviving members of the Monty Python troupe -- John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin -- have very rarely appeared as Monty Python since the death of Graham Chapman in 1989. But the five actors have shown up together in various configurations in a few projects over the years. Now a new one is brewing: Absolutely Anything, a hybrid live-action/CG sci-fi farce that is planning to feature the living Pythons as "a group of aliens who endow an earthling with the power to do "absolutely anything" to see what a mess he'll make of things." Variety reports that the film will be directed by Terry Jones, who last made The Wind in the Willows in 1996, itself a sort of minor Python reunion. (Jones also co-directed Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and directed Life of Brian and The Meaning of Life.) He told the trade,...
- 1/26/2012
- by Russ Fischer
- Slash Film
Generations of children have grown up listening and singing them, imagining their prince charming is coming (or that they'll find that princess in distress), and now, future generations could be singing Your songs.
The royalty rights to a large number of classic Disney songs, written by affirmed Disney legend Frank Churchill, are up for auction at TheRoyaltyExchange.com. As StitchKingdom.com points out, the royalty rights of some most iconic songs in Disney history are up for auction, and many of them will cost a pretty penny.
The most expensive song is "Someday My Prince Will Come," from "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves," which, with over three weeks left in the bidding, is at $20,000. Securing the royalty rights will give the winner a yearly income of what is estimated to be $2,360.99. Another "Snow White" song, "Heigh Ho," is currently set at $14,500, with an annual return of $1,613.43.
There are more...
The royalty rights to a large number of classic Disney songs, written by affirmed Disney legend Frank Churchill, are up for auction at TheRoyaltyExchange.com. As StitchKingdom.com points out, the royalty rights of some most iconic songs in Disney history are up for auction, and many of them will cost a pretty penny.
The most expensive song is "Someday My Prince Will Come," from "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves," which, with over three weeks left in the bidding, is at $20,000. Securing the royalty rights will give the winner a yearly income of what is estimated to be $2,360.99. Another "Snow White" song, "Heigh Ho," is currently set at $14,500, with an annual return of $1,613.43.
There are more...
- 6/23/2011
- by Jordan Zakarin
- Huffington Post
Before Iron Man director Jon Favreau passed on directing Iron Man 3 to take the helm of Disney's Magic Kingdom, a family adventure movie in which the attractions at Disneyland come to life after the park closes, Star Trek writer and Battlestar Galactica producer Ronald D. Moore wrote the initial draft of the movie that got the ball rolling. However, accompanying the announcement that Favreau would direct the movie came the news that Disney might be looking for someone to "reshape" Moore's script.
Nothing more was heard about Disney's hunt for a new screenwriter for several months until word got out back in March that Favreau and Pullitzer Prize-winning novelist and screenwriter Michael Chabon (Wonder Boys) had been meeting to discuss the movie. More than two more months went by with no confirmation of Chabon's involvement, which led many to believe that discussions must have stalled out. But, unless Favreau is just being cheeky,...
Nothing more was heard about Disney's hunt for a new screenwriter for several months until word got out back in March that Favreau and Pullitzer Prize-winning novelist and screenwriter Michael Chabon (Wonder Boys) had been meeting to discuss the movie. More than two more months went by with no confirmation of Chabon's involvement, which led many to believe that discussions must have stalled out. But, unless Favreau is just being cheeky,...
- 6/2/2011
- by BrentJS Sprecher
- Reelzchannel.com
An Aardman Production For Sony Pictures Animation Martin Freeman, David Tennant, Imelda Staunton, Jeremy Piven, Salma Hayek, Brian Blessed, Brendan Gleeson, Russell Tovey, and Ashley Jensen Also On Board
Culver City, Calif. – Hugh Grant will voice the lead role alongside an all-star cast in The Pirates! Band Of Misfits, the new stop-motion, 3D, animated film produced by Aardman Animations for Sony Pictures Animation. The film, which will be distributed by Columbia Pictures, will be released March 30, 2012 in North America.
Hugh Grant, starring in his first animated role, is the luxuriantly bearded Pirate Captain – a boundlessly enthusiastic, if somewhat less-than-successful, terror of the High Seas. With a rag-tag crew at his side (Martin Freeman, Brendan Gleeson, Russell Tovey, and Ashley Jensen), and seemingly blind to the impossible odds stacked against him, the Captain has one dream: to beat his bitter rivals Black Bellamy (Jeremy Piven) and Cutlass Liz (Salma Hayek) to...
Culver City, Calif. – Hugh Grant will voice the lead role alongside an all-star cast in The Pirates! Band Of Misfits, the new stop-motion, 3D, animated film produced by Aardman Animations for Sony Pictures Animation. The film, which will be distributed by Columbia Pictures, will be released March 30, 2012 in North America.
Hugh Grant, starring in his first animated role, is the luxuriantly bearded Pirate Captain – a boundlessly enthusiastic, if somewhat less-than-successful, terror of the High Seas. With a rag-tag crew at his side (Martin Freeman, Brendan Gleeson, Russell Tovey, and Ashley Jensen), and seemingly blind to the impossible odds stacked against him, the Captain has one dream: to beat his bitter rivals Black Bellamy (Jeremy Piven) and Cutlass Liz (Salma Hayek) to...
- 5/17/2011
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Ricky Gervais (The Invention of Lying) will voice Mole, one of the lead characters, in the adaptation of the classic book The Wind in the Willows. The film will be live-action with the animatronic animals, such as Mole and his friends Toad, Rat and Badger. The story will be about the alliance that's forged between woodland animals to save their land when a sinister plot is discovered that will destroy the peace between animals and humans.
Disney made an animated version in 1949 which left its legacy as Mr. Toad's Wild Ride at Disneyland. Sony made a live-action Monty Python version in 1996 titled Mr. Toad's Wild Ride.
Source: Variety...
Disney made an animated version in 1949 which left its legacy as Mr. Toad's Wild Ride at Disneyland. Sony made a live-action Monty Python version in 1996 titled Mr. Toad's Wild Ride.
Source: Variety...
- 1/6/2011
- by tara@kidspickflicks.com (Tara the Mom)
- kidspickflicks
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