Sacha Howells,
Apr 10, 2009
Sequel to the New Star Trek Announced. So Do They Call This One 2 or 12? How About Star Trek II: 2?
The reboot of the classic sci-fi series doesn't come out until May 8, but Variety confirms that Paramount is already working on the sequel. This seems like proof positive that how good a movie is doesn't really matter. If it's a reboot or a sequel or a spinoff or a "reimagining" of something old and comfy as a pair of slippers, it will be a hit, and the studios will cash in with a fistful of sequels until the next reboot or spinoff or reimagining. And that's too bad.
Verdict: I can't wait to see this movie in the theatre and see if it's good or bad (and for the record, I'm hoping for good). But it's strange that everyone has already decided OMG BEST MOVIE EVAR! So much for the stereotype of hard-to-please fanboys.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Cameo in Terminator Salvation
Costar Terry Crews told MTV that yes, after months of rumors and denials, the original Terminator will be appearing in this summer's installment of the killer robot franchise. Finally! Although imagine how great it would have been if people really didn't know on opening day. (Weird side revelation: Crews also said Arnold's putting in screen time in Stallone's The Expendables, which Crews also stars in. Looks like Mr. Schwarzenegger Goes to Sacramento is in its final run.)
Verdict: It just wouldn't have been the same without him. Besides, things aren't looking so great on the political front. Let's put it this way: I wouldn't bet on seeing "Senatorator" t-shirts for sale on Hollywood Boulevard any time soon. Maybe it's finally time for him to start work on Twins 2.
Kumar Joins White House; Bill and Ted Named Joint Chiefs of Awesomeness
Kal Penn, who played a doctor on House and a munchies-addled stoner in the Harold and Kumar movies, has left Hollywood to join the Obama White House in the "Office of Public Liaison." Seriously.
Verdict: This is one I didn't see coming. Do they even have a White Castle in D.C.?
Rorschach − Mask + Sweater = Freddy Krueger
Variety reports that Jackie Earle Haley, the child actor turned Oscar winner who starred as the ultra-violent vigilante of Watchmen, has signed up to play Krueger in the inevitable reboot of A Nightmare on Elm Street. I'm surprised they didn't have to tear this role out of Robert Englund's cold, dead claws, it's been his bread and butter since 1984.
Verdict: Haley was great as Rorschach, and would be a creepy Krueger given a halfway decent script. The last two dozen reinventions of old horror movies haven't done a lot for me, but hey, you never know.
Spider-Man Spins off Venom
Marvel's feeling pretty good now that they're all rolling in money because of Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk, and the buzz on their next thirty movies is still overwhelmingly positive. But with a fourth (and maybe fifth) Spider-Man already in the works, do people want to follow this story into the land of the symbiotes? Sony thinks so, with a first draft of the script already done.
Verdict: It may look like Marvel can do no wrong, but they can. Remember Elektra, people? With the saturation bombing of Marvel movies (and even more on the way), I'm not sure they can keep up their track record.
