We aren’t really going to be seeing Star Wars rumors and updates all the way through 2015, are we? As much as that might be the boost the American economy needs (when bloggers make money, bloggers spend money…), it could become very tiresome and result in absolutely no excitement for the actual film upon its release. Maybe once a director is chosen we’ll see a decrease in coverage. Well, maybe we’ll at least see a stoppage of “this director isn’t directing Star Wars” posts, unless we get a start on carrying them over to Episode VIII.
Before we look at the week that was mostly just more Star Wars content, here’s your weekly reminder to read our reviews of new movies in theatrical release (Skyfall, Lincoln, Chasing Ice, Starlet, The Comedy, 28 Hotel Rooms, and The Citadel) and interviews with Skyfall producers Barbara Brocoli and Michael G. Wilson and cinematographer Roger Deakins and 28 Hotel Rooms composer Will Bates. We also watched new trailers for zombie movies World War Z and Warm Bodies, Wong Kar-Wai‘s The Grandmasters, Arnold Schwarznegger‘s The Last Stand, Alan Moore‘s Jimmy’s End, the remake Silent Night, the 3D re-release of Jurassic Park and our very own exclusive debut of the new spot for the wonderful Only the Young.
Now, check out our biggest and best stories and original content from the past week after the break.
Star Wars VII Gains a Writer, is Rejected By 3 Directors
At the end of the week, rumor turned to confirmation on news that Oscar-winning screenwriter Michael Arndt (Little Miss Sunshine; Toy Story 3) would be penning the next chapter of the Star Wars story. It’s unknown if the little Return of the Jedi homage in TS3 had anything to do with him getting the gig (apparently he has also given lectures on the story structure of the films, which could have been a factor). Earlier, we heard that Zack Snyder, Quentin Tarantino and Steven Spielberg wouldn’t be interested in directing if asked. We did hear about directors in the running, such as Colin Trevorrow (Safety Not Guaranteed) and Matthew Vaughn (X-Men: First Class). Also: Harrison Ford will be happy to pick up the paycheck to return as Han Solo, if necessary.
Also recommended, while you’re on the Star Wars kick:
Disney Buying Lucasfilm Is the Best Lucasfilm News in 20 Years
Skyfall Makes Landfall in the U.S.
If anything could possibly take attention off the Star Wars coverage, it’s James Bond. It was like Cowboys and Aliens all over again this weekend, and I think Daniel Craig wins this time too. In the final Countdown to Skyfall column, Kevin examined the ways the new Bond recycles some ideas from older films. On 007 faking his death: “Alfred Hitchcock thought he was really ballsy killing off the main star of Psycho in the first act, and the writers of the James Bond films have considered themselves even more ballsy for years, sometimes ‘killing’ Bond before the opening titles. In From Russia With Love (1963), a tuxedo-clad Bond is strangled to death by Red Grant (Robert Shaw), though we later discover he was a decoy in a mask. Thunderball (1965) starts with a funeral that features a casket engraved with the initials ‘JB.’ We soon learn the funeral was for a SPECTRE agent who shows up alive only to be chased down by Bond himself before he jet-packs away. Finally, the entire plot of You Only Live Twice(1967) features the assassination of Bond by SPECTRE. Of course, Bond was still alive, using his untimely and untrue death as cover for the mission.”
Also recommended, for your Bond-loving eyes only:
Junkfood Cinema: ‘Die Another Day’ Never Happened
AFI FEST 2012 Reviews
Allison and Kate covered the heck out of AFI FEST 2012 (especially considering Kate was stuck in NYC for much of it), with reviews filed for Silver Linings Playbook, Berberian Sound System, Amour, On the Road, The Impossible, The Sapphires, Hitchcock and the closing night selection, Lincoln. Allison also reported on an event for The Sessions, at which actor John Hawkes revealed his secret weapon: “Hawkes describes success in Hollywood as a ‘double-edged sword’ where the more success you have the more visibility you gain, making it increasingly difficult for audiences to separate you as a person from your characters. Hawkes says the ‘great secret weapon is to be unknown.’”
Could Obama Help Lincoln Win the First Presidential Best Actor Oscar?
In his latest Oscar column, Daniel looks at the surprisingly small history of Academy recognition of U.S. Commanders-In-Chief. Might Spielberg’s Lincoln give the role of POTUS its first Best Actor Oscar? “Lincoln does have one thing going for it that none of the other films in the mix can really claim. The Obama connection, despite insistence to the contrary from the writer and director, is clear as day. The current president has been invoking Abe as a hero and role model from the very beginning. Back in 2009 Obama took the oath of office on the same Bible that was used in 1861, and took the same route to the capital. Between the Illinois connection, the legacy of emancipation, and the language of unity the president used in his victory speech on Tuesday night it is hard to miss. If we find ourselves focusing on Lincoln again this coming January, would it be too far-fetched to suggest Hollywood’s passion for Obama might lend itself to an emotional vote for Daniel Day-Lewis? What a way to win a third Oscar.”
Also recommended, if you’re still in a presidential or political mood post-election:
8 Crazy Badasses Who Served As A Movie President
7 Great Political Comedies to Help Take The Edge Off Election Day
Some Thoughts on Moviegoing This Election Day
Michael Bay Listens to the Internet
Thanks to the Internet rumors that Mark Wahlberg would appear in Michael Bay‘s Trans4mers (aka Transformers 4), now Mark Wahlberg will actually be appearing in Michael Bay’s Trans4mers (aka Transfahmahs Fah). There is little else to report, according to Kate’s post, but we can now wonder what else we can get Michael Bay to do. Before you say, “not make Transformers 4,” think about something more creative that might make Transformers 4 more interesting. Okay, we’ve got nothing. How about snakes on a Starscream?