Hollywood Catch-Up
Over the last ninety days, a lot has happened in the world of Hollywood and movies. And while little has been reported on CollegeMovieReview, I feel it is time to play catch up. Below is a long list of topics, all of which have been at the center of the movie business. Some are interesting, some funny, but all critical in the world of Hollywood. So sit back, relax, and bask in all the news and notable of the last few months.
October 9, 2008
Oscar to Allow Movie Blurbs
Since the Oscars were first televised in 1953, movie commercials have always been banned...until now. However, there is one catch: any movie advertised during the live broadcast cannot be released until the last week of April at the earliest. This means that no film being awarded at the ceremony can receive any extra attention during the commercial breaks. Though this decision is huge in terms of history and tradition, it is something that needs to be done to keep audiences interested during the long and at times dragging ceremony. And who wouldn't like to see soem never before seen spots from such highly anticipated films like Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, G.I. Joe or even Terminator Salvation. In March, it might just happen.
October 10, 2008
Variety Reveals 10 Actors to Watch in 2009
Variety has announced their slate of actors to watch in 2009, and boy are there some great pics. Check out the list below which includes the actor as well as the movie which earned them their highly sought after title.
Viola Davis: Doubt
Kat Dennings: Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist
Rebecca Hall: Vicky Christina Barcelona
Armie Hammer: 'Billy: The Early Years'
Taraji P. Henson: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Michael Kelly: Changeling
Melissa Leo: Frozen River
Chris Pine: Bottle Shock, Star Trek
Michael Shannon: Revolutionary Road
Mia Waskiowska: Defiance, Alice in Wonderland
October 13, 2008
YouTube Goes Long
YouTube, most known for its user-generated material has decided to stream full length episodes of shows. Though the only episodes will be vintage CBS skeins and current Showtime series, it is still a huge step up in terms of YouTube's potential to move all in on episode streaming. And while YouTube has confirmed that they are talking to other studios, the most notable show that is currently streaming from the site is Showtime's 'Dexter.'
October 14, 2008
Steve Martin Joins Meryl Streep for Romantic Comedy
Steve Martin has officially joined the yet-to-be-titled romantic comedy that will also star Academy Award winners Meryl Streep and Alec Bladwin. The premise will pit Martin and Baldwin against one another, each vying for Streep's affection. Sound similar? Yea, they pretty much all do at this point in time. But the film is written by Nancy Myers who also penned Something's gotta Give and The Holiday
October 17, 2008
Soloist Removes Itself from Oscar Race
Paramount Pictures has pulled the award-season plug on The Soloist which stars Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr. Originally the film was set to be released on November 21, 2008, but has now been moved to March 13. And while the move, which tells the story of a homeless schizophrenic musician's dream of playing at Walt Disney Concert Hall, seems innocent enough, it does remove the film from any 2008 awards, a heavy blow to a film that was seen as a heavy contender for numerous Oscar categories.
October 20, 2008
Palin Generates Record Ratings
Sarah Palin made an appearance on NBC's 'Saturday Night Live,' and to somewhat of a surprise, the VP hopefully sparked an enormous ratings boost, generating the highest ratings for the program since March of 1994. The show was also the third most watched show of the week, behind only ABC's 'Dancing with the Stars' and CBS' 'CSI.'
October 22, 2008
'Dexter' and 'Knight Rider' Hear Good News
While many shows are being removed from the airwaves, two shows have gotten some good news. Most notable is NBC's 'Knight Rider,' which has received a full season pick-up, a huge feat when looking at their beginning numbers. Additionally, Showtime's 'Dexter' has also gotten word that it has been picked up for a fourth and fifth season/
November 4, 2008
Doubt Replaces Soloist in AFI Fest
After Paramount moved the release date of The Soloist, the film had to be replaced as the opening night feature at the highly popular AFI Film Festival. So, with 24 hours to find a solid replacement, festival execs presented the highly anticipated drama Doubt starring Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Amy Adams.
November 10. 2008
Quantum Kills Overseas
The new James Bond film Quantum of Solace brings in over $106 million overseas, serving up the 11th biggest weekend for overseas sales ever. In the process, the film nearly tripled the accumulated sum of the next four film in foreign territories: High School Musical, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, Body of Lies and Saw V.
November 11, 2008
14 Finalist Confirmed for Animated Oscar
The 14 animated films in contention for the 2008 Oscar have been named, below is the list.
Wall-E
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
Horton Hears a Who
Bolt
Delgo
Dragon Hunters
Fly Me to the Moon
Igor
Kung Fu Panda
$9.99
The Sky Crawlers
Sword of the Stranger
The Tale of Despereaux
Waltz With Bashir
November 12, 2008
Hollywood Film Freeze Beginning to Thaw
Despite hard economic times and a possible SAG strike, Hollywood studios are preparing for a busy 2009 in terms of film production and release. This, though a bit of a risk for studios, is a relief to move fans who have had to sit through some of the worst films in years throughout 2008. (Does anyone remember Drillbit Taylor or The Love Guru? Oh, and what about 88 Minutes? Yea, nough said.)
November 18, 2008
HSM3 Begins Award Push
Disney has begun the unthinkable, pushing High School Musical 3: Senior Year for end of year awards. Though no word has been released by the studio, ads were placed in many Hollywood trade magazines, including one in the Daily Variety pushing the film as a Best Picture contender as well as deserving a spot in the Original Song category for 'Can I Have This Dance,' 'A Night to Remember,' 'Scream' and 'I Want it All.' Though the film will probably receive a nomination in the latter, the film will become victim to the Academy's new regulation stating that only one song can be nominated from a particular film.
November 20, 2008
'24' Returns with 2-Hour TV-Movie
It has been nearly 18 months since fans got to see Jack Bauer and company in Fox's highly addicting drama '24.' And while ratings were decent, the fact that the show is finally back is a reassurance to fans that though long, the show will be well worth the wait.
November 26, 2008
Paramount Pushing Footloose for 2009 Release
After a strong $42 million opening for Zac Efrton and High School Musical 3: Senior Year, Paramount is pushing for its upcoming Footloose starring Efron and directed by HSM3's Kenny Ortega into spring production making you wonder just how hot a commodity is star Zack Efron?
December 2, 2008
'Galactica' Prequel a Go
The Sci-Fi Channel has finally greenlit 'Caprica,' the highly anticipated prequel to the hit series 'Galactica.' 'Caprica' will be set 50 years prior to 'Galactica's' seminal attack on human civilization. The show will star Eric Stoltz, Esai Morales, Paula Malcomson and Polly Walker.
