"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" trailer

I can't say I'm a huge Brad Pitt fan, but I do like Cate Blanchett, and this movie looks just different enough to be interesting to me. Sort of a cross between Forrest Gump and, well, just click on this trailer and let me know what you think. It's not nearly so cryptic or artful as the first trailer, but you can view both trailers here.

The movie comes out at Christmastime...will you shell out $8 of your precious holiday money to see Brad Pitt age backwards?

Tina Fey as Sarah Palin

We all knew that this was coming, and it doesn't disappoint. (Disclaimer: As with most SNL skits, this parody is mildly edgy.)

Tobey Maguire signs up for "Spidey 4 & 5"?

A recent article from Times Online indicates that Tobey Maguire has agreed to film back-to-back sequels to Spider-man in a deal that could equate to nearly $50 million dollars for the actor. One of the key negotiations, reportedly, is that Maguire be given early mornings and evenings to spend with his daughter, Ruby. Though Sony has not officially commented on this deal, you can read more about it here.

I have a few thoughts about this deal, assuming it is true:

1. Though $50 million seems like a killing, you have to consider that it's for the lead role in two more editions of one of Hollywood's most successful film franchises. It's not unheard of for big stars like Tom Cruise or Adam Sandler to earn upwards of $25 million per movie, so I don't really think the amount itself is that newsworthy (except that any actor making that much money is absurd...).
2. Having said that, to have Tobey Maguire return as Peter Parker/Spider-man without director Sam Raimi would be a mistake. Let's hope that a deal for Raimi is forthcoming. Hopefully $50 million will inspire them back to their stellar work in Spider-man 2.
3. This business about "family time" seems to be controversial, but being a family man myself, I actually think it's pretty great. Not only that Maguire would insist on it, but that the studio would allow it. Good for them. Now please make a good movie.
4. No word on whether Kirsten Dunst or any of the other actors from the first three movies will return, although it seems like it would be hard to maintain the Tobey Maguire universe without his Mary Jane. Kirsten Dunst isn't my favorite actress, but I really like movies that reward their viewers with continuity. Do you hear me, Mummy movies?

I haven't heard an official release date for either of the Spider-man sequels, but stay tuned. In the meantime, let's all go try to negotiate more family time with our employers.

WB announces "The Dark Knight" re-release

Well, I'm nothing if not a Hollywood psychic. A few weeks ago I speculated that one of the reasons for Harry Potter 6's move from November to July might have had something to do with the awards-season consideration for The Dark Knight. Now Warner Bros. has announced that they will re-release The Dark Knight into select theaters in January "as a reminder for people." Of course by "people," they mean "academy voters." Read about it here.

My theory wasn't all correct though: sources are saying that WB intends to release the Bat-sequel on DVD and Blu-ray sometime in December, meaning that the studio doesn't have any intentions of trying to top the box office heights of Titanic. Still, they'll make a killing off the DVDs during the holiday season, and the die-hards and industry insiders can still re-enjoy the movie on the big screen come 2009. Sounds like a pretty neat plan.

As for the film's Oscar odds, only time will tell. We're about to enter the season when studios release all their Oscar-bait prestige pictures, meaning that The Dark Knight will need to do something to stay fresh in potential voters' minds. Heath Ledger is a lock for a nomination (if not a win), but I'd be pleased to see the film considered for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay as well. As psychic as I am, we'll still have to wait until January like the rest of the world to find out.

"Ghostbusters III" announced?

This shouldn't come as a huge surprise, since nostalgia seems to be the order of the day in Hollywood (Transformers, Indiana Jones, 90210, etc.). But after years and years of stops and starts, it appears that Sony is finally serious about the development of a third Ghostbusters film, which would potentially reunite at least the original four Ghostbusters (Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson). The studio has hired a couple of scribes from NBC's The Office to write a screenplay, at which point deals will be made with the stars to return to the successful franchise. Read all about it here.

I love the first two movies. The first in particular was classic--silly, scary, funny, and original. Although it sounds like it's still a long way out, this is a positive sign that Sony is serious about this movie. I can't wait.