FilmChatter

The four women who spiced up Manhattan's singles scene for six years on the HBO television series "Sex and the City" appear headed for a big-screen reunion after all.

New Line Cinema, a corporate sibling of HBO under Time Warner Inc., is close to sealing a final deal to finance and distribute the long-stalled picture, a spokesman for the studio said on Thursday.

The project is set to begin shooting in the fall with all four stars of the HBO hit -- Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon -- on board to reprise their roles.

    'Sex and the City' headed to movie theaters - Yahoo! Movie News

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Technorati Profile

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Well, because my Credit Card on file expired, and I hadn't given GoDaddy.com a new one, I lost my FilmBlab.com domain name! Sheesh! I think GoDaddy.com CEO Bob Parsons needs to pay more attention to his business than his extraciricular activities!

So, a domain broker has grabbed my domain name, and I don't know if I'll ever get it back. So, welcome to my new name, FilmChatter.com! It's a new day, and a time for more news and views from me on the film biz! The old FilmBlab address still works, though: http://www.punditron.com/filmblab/. So, you can still use it. But, you can also use http://www.filmchatter.com/ now and get right to the blog.

Thank you so much for viewing my blog over the past year plus. I hope you enjoy what I have to write in the future!

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The FilmBlab Movie News Page has been updated. Come here for the lastest goings on in Hollywood and the rest of the film world!

     'FilmBlab' Movie News Page

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Hello, all! I will be on vacation from Saturday, April 22nd-Sunday, April 30th. I'll be back to continue bringing you movie news and more. Thank you for reading my blog. I really appreciate it, and look forward to writing for you again when I get back!

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People have been surprised that Vin Diesel is in a comedic role in Sidney Lumet's new film "Find Me Guilty." But, Diesel has a much more varied background than others think. This includes a stage background and a readiness to direct an epic feature based on Hannibal, the 3rd century B.C. Carthaginian leader who led an army riding elephants across the Alps in an assault on Rome.

     Vin Diesel Can Be a Funny Guy, Really - CNN.com

     Find Me Guilty - Official Site

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Okay, maybe Rick McCallum didn't say that exactly, but he did say that the new "Star Wars" TV series will be "everything the fans always wanted the prequels to be." His interview with Empire Online was centered on the new TV series, which is at least 18 months away. But, his admission confirms what lots of "Star Wars" fans thought of the new film trilogy. Disappointment was the primary reaction. I personally was there opening night on May 25, 1977 for the first film. The original trilogy was magical for me, as it was for so many both then and now. But, the new trilogy was a mess, primarily because the writing was so mediocre, from bad dialogue to the chipped-together story lines. Also, the casting was problematic. While Hayden Christensen and Natalie Portman are fine actors, they're both introspective actors. Not the best choice for big, oversized characters where larger-than-life actors are needed. All in all, the new trilogy casts a shadow on the whole saga, diminishing all six films. Can the new TV series make a difference? I'd say, barely, if at all.

     Rick McCallum Admits Prequels Were Unsatisfying - Cinematical

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Ice Cube is ready to take on "Welcome Back, Kotter." In yet another TV-to-movie adaptation, the Sweathogs will be back, with a fall start date planned. The project has been okayed by Gabe Kaplan himself, the original Kotter. So, how will this one turn out? Well, it's gonna be written and directed by Tom Brady, who made "The Hot Chick." Not a real confidence builder, is it? Maybe Gabe really needed the money!

     Sweathogs Rule! Cube Welcomes Back "Kotter" - E! Online

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Paul Haggis is getting ready to tackle his next project, and it's all about Bush! Haggis, fresh off wins for his "Crash," is negotiating to direct a film version of Richard Clarke's "Against All Enemies," a scathing indictment of the administration's handling of terrorism. While Haggis would direct, he won't be writing the screenplay. Rather, he will supervise the screenplay. In the meantime, Haggis will write and direct "Death and Dishonor," another politically-charged film, this time dealing with Iraq.

     Haggis is Against All Enemies - Cinematical

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Hmmmm, where to have the 2014 Winter Olympics? How about Hoth! Sure, it's a fictional planet from "The Empire Strikes Back," but one website wants to make it happen. There's even a petition and everything. "I threw it up there as a funny thing, and it took on a life of its own," says Shane Igoe, founder of the movement. Igoe's real intent is to get Americans to care more about the Olympics, what with TV ratings down 37 percent this year over 2002. I hear Yavin IV is in the running for the Summer Olympics!

     Faster, Higher, Stronger...Hoth? - Cinematical

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Filmmaker, photographer, and pioneer Gordon Parks is dead at the age of 93. Most famous for "Shaft," Parks was the first African-American photographer at Life Magazine. He went on to film "The Learning Tree" and then "Shaft." Parks helped pave the way for every African-American filmmaker and has earned his place in history.

     Filmmaker Gordon Parks Dead at 93 - Cinematical

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Documentary filmmaker Garrett Scott, whose "Occupation: Dreamland" is up for an award at today's Independent Spirit Awards, has died at 37. Scott was set to attend the awards. His death is tragic not only because of his young age, but because he was such a promising filmmaker. He was one of Filmmaker Magazine's 25 New Faces in Independent Film for 2002. On IndieWire, the expressions of grief and loss over Scott's death indicate how his death is affecting the independent film community. "Occupation: Dreamland" will premiere on the Sundance Channel next month. The Independent Spirit Awards air this afternoon on IFC.

     Filmmaker Garrett Scott, Dead at 37 - Cinematical

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Actor Dennis Weaver, famous for television roles such as Chester Goode on "Gunsmoke" and New Mexico Deputy "McCloud," has died at 81. Weaver also starred in Steven Spielberg's gripping 1971 thriller "Duel." His feature film credits included: "Touch of Evil," "Ten Wanted Men," "Gentle Giant," "Seven Angry Men," "Dragnet," "Way ... Way Out" and "The Bridges at Toko-Ri." He and his wife, Gerry, were involved in many charities. His folksy charm and unique personality will be missed.

     'McCloud' Star Dead at 81 - CNN

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You've heard of The Man in Black, now here's The Superhero in Black. Without any further details, Sony Pictures has released a Teaser Poster for Spider-Man 3, which will be released over a year from now on May 4, 2007. In the simple, yet intriguing poster, we see Toby Maguire as Spider-Man in a black version of his famous costume. Hmmmmm, interesting, eh?

     Spider-Man Movies - Sony Pictures

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"Valley of the Wolves" PosterThe wildly controversial Turkish film, "Valley of the Wolves: Iraq" has been yanked in Germany. Labeled as anti-American and anti-Semetic, the film depicts atrocities by American troops against Turkish special forces soldiers. A fictional hero goes to Iraq for bloody revenge. Gary Busey and Billy Zane even star as evil Americans. German multiplex giant CinemaxX, that nation's largest exhibition chain, dropped "Valley of the Wolves" from its lineup this week, deciding not to renew its rental contract with German distributor Maxximum.

     German Theater Chain Yanks Controversial 'Wolves' - Reuters

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It's Sequel Mania in Hollywood! (what else is new?) This time, though, fanboys will be so excited, we'll have to uncurl them from their fetal positions! Yes, Warner Brothers is said to be greenlighting sequels to the already released "Batman Begins" and the upcoming "Superman Returns." The mega-budget productions are slated for 2008 and 2009, respectively.

     Superman, Batman Sequelize? - E! Online

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Roger Moore to the rescue! One Bond is coming to the aid of another. Daniel Craig, tapped as the new James Bond for the upcoming "Casino Royale," has been under attack from Bond fans who don't think he's up to the task. But, now, Roger Moore is ready to defend Craig. "He's a helluva good actor," said Moore, 78, noting that critics haven't even seen Craig in the role yet. "So why attack him?"

     Former 007 Defends Daniel Craig - Associated Press

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Paramount and Viacom are busy plotting the success of "Mission Impossible:III." It's a big deal, since this was the first film greenlit by the new heads of Paramount, Brad Grey and Gail Berman. Tom Cruise called the meeting, where 100-plus Viacom executives showed up to plot strategy. So, will "MI:III" be a big hit? Maybe. Just keep Tom Cruise from jumping up on couches and calling Matt Lauer "glib!"

     Par and Viacom Plot "MI:III" Success - The Hollywood Reporter

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The Media Lab is IFC's online project allowing budding filmmakers the opportunity to show their work. Started quietly late last year, the online project now has almost 4,000 registered members and 400 films submitted. In April, IFC will take the 5 top-rated films and air them on their TV network in between features.

    IFC to Air Short Movies on Its Web Site - Associated Press

    IFC Media Lab

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Thank you to Harcourt Trade Publishers for being the first to place a Blogad on FilmBlab. As Bartles & Jaymes would say: "I thank you for your support!"

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"Brokeback Mountain" won Best Adapted Screenplay, while "Crash" won Best Original Screenplay at the 58th annual Writers Guild Awards in Los Angeles.

     'Crash,' 'Brokeback' Honored by Writers - The Washington Post

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Even though China says it's being more open, it's censoring "Memoirs of a Geisha." Censorship in China has been faced before for movies such as "Kundun" (1997) and "Seven Years in Tibet" (1997). Of course, China's trying to stop these films is being circumvented by the DVD black market, which is getting illegal copies to Chinese citizens regardless of the censorship.

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I was waiting for a Weinstein Company website and found that they have one online. The site features plenty of Macromedia Flash, and the current and upcoming releases. Fans of "Project Greenlight" have been waiting for the release of Season 3's release, "Feast." However, I haven't seen the film on the site yet.

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Film production begins again in New Orleans. On Monday, the Jerry Bruckheimer-produced "Deja Vu" starts shooting in the devasted 9th Ward. Instead of avoiding the destruction left by Hurricane Katrina, the film will use it. "It's great to be able to bring the movie industry back," Bruckheimer said. The film stars Denzel Washington as a time traveling FBI agent.

    Katrina Debris Part of Set for 'Deja Vu' - Associated Press

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The fifth film adaptation of J.K. Rowling's popular series starts filming Monday. "Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix" returns Daniel Radcliffe to the title role. Filming begins Monday in Hertfordshire, a county in southern England. The movie is slated for release next year.

    Fifth Harry Potter Movie to Start Filming - Associated Press

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Harvey Weinstein went after NBC's "Today" show and ABC's "Good Morning America" and "The View" for not booking actress Judi Dench. Claiming age discrimintation, the popular British actress was denied appearances on all three shows. She was seeking to promote "Mrs. Henderson Presents," for which she was nominated for an Oscar. "They said that she didn't fit their demographics," the outspoken head of The Weinstein Company told New York Magazine.

    Weinstein Says Judi Dench Snubbed for Age - The Washington Post

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Movie history is one day away! Steven Soderbergh's "Bubble" is about to be released simutaneously in theatres and on cable. DVD release is 4 days later on January 31st. Never before has this been done. Steven's move has certainly been bold. He has been both praised and criticized for this release strategy. But, he's taking it all in stride, looking forward to the other 5 high-definition movies he will release the same way. It should be very interesting to see how this all plays out!

     Boy in the Bubble - ComingSoon.net

     "Bubble" Bubbles Toil and Trouble - Minnesota Public Radio

     Bubble Reviews - Rotten Tomatoes

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Actor Chris Penn was found dead Tuesday at his condominium near the beach in Santa Monica, police said. Chris was the brother of Sean Penn. The family has asked for privacy during their difficult time. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death.

Chris Penn appeared in many films, including "Resovoir Dogs." His last film was "The Darwin Awards," which is appearing at this year's Sundance Film Festival.

     Actor Chris Penn Found Dead at Residence - The Washington Post

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The controversial 'Da Vinci Code' will be The Cannes Film Festival's opening-night film. Starring Tom Hanks and directed by Ron Howard, the film is based on Dan Brown's bestseller. The festival is held in France every May.

     'Da Vinci Code' to Open Cannes - Associated Press

     Cannes Film Festival

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