FrightFest 2011: The Glass Guy Reaction

Martin Pyrite (Andy Nyman) is getting the worst day ever. It's 2010, smack in the center of the economic crisis. He's lost his job, got a piss-poor reference with no one at work will speak with him. He's as much as his eyes indebted, he can't quite bring themself to inform his beautiful top quality wife (Neve Campbell), and today someone's nicked his bloody watch. And it is going to worsen...The 2nd feature from Footballer's Spouses actor Cristian Solimeno is really a resolutely British slow burners, tea and biscuits and all sorts of.Creating progressively, maintaining a deliberately stately pace throughout, The Glass Guy begins as low-key comedy drama gathering handfuls of hysteria but focusing more about atmosphere and downbeat dialogue than action or momentum.Nyman as sad sack Pyrite, Campbell rocking a refreshing developed role and sporting one half decent British accent, and Solimeno themself (inside a supporting role as Pyrite's effective superstar mate), all impress, getting believability, nuance and sympathy to somewhat under investigated figures James Cosmo, because the unpredictable stranger who makes Pyrite a Faustian offer he can't refuse brings a extra degree of unpredictability and intrigue, resulting in a wise, pleasing and unpredicted third act reveal.Entertaining, surprising, touching to some extent, The Glass Man's unnecessarily bloated length (103 mins), languorous pacing and repetitive character, combined using the simplicity (insubstantiality?) from the story itself allows it lower.This feels as though TV. Great TV, mind - an ideal 60 minute BBC special, the whole office could be speaking about the following day.It split audiences, it triggered discussion using the FF crowd and it is really worth a wrist watch, but tend to be one for DVD.

'Hunger Games' VMA Sneak Look: What's Katniss As Much As?

"Hunger Games" fans can get their start looking in an exclusive sneak look of footage in the approaching adaptation of Suzanne Collins' broadly popular novel on Sunday evening (August 29) in the MTV Video Music Honours. But individuals individuals who had been keeping track of the goings-on at MTV News have previously seen greater than a couple of brief teases from the "Games." We close the week with another early look a short one, of course in the VMA exclusive footage from "The Hunger Games." Take a look below! The same is true this clip occur throughout the titular Hunger Games? Or perhaps is Katniss away from home before she becomes District 12's tribute? We guess following the jump! In all probability, this clip happens while our heroine (unwitting Hunger Games participant Katniss Everdeen, performed by Oscar nominated actress Jennifer Lawrence) is competing within the titular teen-killing tournament. We are able to place her Mockingjay pin on her behalf lapel, also it certainly appears like she's running on her existence within this clip. Plus, take a look at how well outfitted she's! We can not wait doing use that bow within the movie. When MTV News spoken to Lawrence captured, she stated that a great deal of coaching went into planning to experience Katniss. "The training's really really fun," she stated early in the year. "I have done archery for like six days and mountain climbing, tree climbing, combat and running and vaulting, but additionally yoga. Such things as that." We are able to certainly begin to see the proof of everything effort within this start looking, and should not hold back until Sunday to determine also the sneak look uncovers. What have you think about this latest "Hunger Games" promo? Inform us within the comments section below or on Twitter!

With 'The Lone Ranger' Shot Down, What Do You Want to See in a Western?

The movie blogosphere is buzzing with speculation as to why Disney might have scrapped a huge Johnny Depp reboot of 'The Lone Ranger.' The official reason seems to be that the studio thought the project was too expensive, though that hasn't stopped Disney from investing recently in some other lavish and risky projects, like the upcoming 'John Carter' and 'Oz, The Great and Powerful.' It seems clear that there are several other issues at play here, but one of the basic ones is: no one seems to have a handle on what audiences want to see in a Western -- or even if they want to see Westerns at all. Or maybe the problem was the werewolves. (More on that below.) One issue is almost surely the failure of Universal's 'Cowboys & Aliens.' The genre hybrid, which cost a reported $163 million to make, has earned back just $82 million in three weekends of release. The thinking seems to be: If even a well-marketed Western with a perfectly descriptive title, shot by the director of the 'Iron Man' movies, starring James Bond and Indiana Jones, couldn't succeed, then what Western could? After all, the Western hasn't been a popular genre for 40 years. Its law-and-order theme has been supplanted by cop films, and its theme of frontier exploration has been superseded by sci-fi sagas. Whole generations have grown up not watching Westerns, and they're not about to start now. But 'Cowboys & Aliens' doesn't necessarily prove that nothing will drag contemporary viewers to see a Western, only that nothing will make them see a disappointing Western. Does no one remember a movie a few months ago called 'True Grit'? That was a really good Western, with top-notch writing, directing and acting. It made $171 million here and another $79 million abroad. That's not the kind of money Disney was hoping for from a Johnny Depp movie -- his last two for Disney, 'Alice in Wonderland' and 'Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,' both made more than $1 billion worldwide -- but when your movie cost just $38 million to make, a $250 million gross is pretty awesome. When your movie costs $250 million, however, that's another story. That's how much producer Jerry Bruckheimer, director Gore Verbinski and Depp wanted to spend on 'The Lone Ranger,' according to Deadline. Now, why on earth would a Western that doesn't have aliens in it cost that much? One reason, no doubt, was the participation of Bruckheimer, Verbinski and Depp, the team that made the first three 'Pirates' movies for Disney (Verbinski didn't direct the fourth). If all three of them earned their standard fees, that's tens of millions of dollars spent before a single frame of film is shot. Still, you'd think that trio would be worth spending that kind of money, given the billions the 'Pirates' movies have earned. But aside from 'Pirates,' Bruckheimer's movies for Disney have been pretty spotty lately. 2010's 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice' and 'Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time' are both widely perceived as flops, since neither earned more than $100 million in North America, though both movies did much better overseas. Nonetheless, it seems like the only sure bet with Bruckheimer would be another 'Pirates' movie. Bruckheimer does seem to have a handle on how to appeal to moviegoers overseas, where 'Sorcerer' made $152 million, 'Persia' made $244 million and even the widely derided cartoon 'G-Force' made $173 million. International audiences are increasingly the force that determines big decisions in Hollywood, with the domestic market almost an afterthought. And foreign viewers, the logic goes, are especially uninterested in Westerns or any other movie so heavily steeped in Americana. That's where the the werewolves come in. According to Hollywood Elsewhere, werewolves were prominent in an early draft of the 'Lone Ranger' script. Good thing the Lone Ranger uses silver bullets, right? Why werewolves? Well, for one thing, this 'Lone Ranger' is Depp's pet project. In homage to his own heritage (which he says includes possible Cherokee or Creek ancestry), as well as to his late pal Marlon Brando's well-known advocacy for Indian issues, Depp wanted to star as Tonto and make him the focus of the film. (The Lone Ranger was to be played by 'The Social Network' co-star Armie Hammer, a far less famous actor who's unlikely to steal Depp's spotlight.) Playing up the Indian aspect of the story apparently led to Native American folklore and mythology, in which werewolves (or shapeshifters or skinwalkers, call them what you will) play a prominent role, as fans of 'Twilight' and 'True Blood' know. That explains Bruckheimer's contribution as well, since he's known for movies that are long on lavish supernatural spectacle (and often short on story). That also explains why the movie was going to cost $250 million. Plus, Depp and Verbinski have already made a trippy Western together, this year's animated hit 'Rango.' Sure, purists will argue that werewolves really don't belong in a Lone Ranger movie. All you really need are the two heroes and some outlaw adversaries. That's it. But this movie wasn't being made for purists, if they even still exist. Few people alive remember the old radio and TV series, and the last serious attempt at a movie reboot was the 1981 flop 'The Legend of the Lone Ranger.' People remember the character a little, but mostly, it's just an established brand, a way to provide some familiarity and reassurance, both to Disney suits who were going to risk hundreds of millions on the project and to audiences who were apparently going to be presented with a story about an Indian sidekick who upstages his cowboy partner while they confront werewolves. Variety and Deadline are both reporting that there still might be a chance to save 'The Lone Ranger' from the development Boot Hill if the filmmakers can figure out a way to rein in the costs. The obvious way to do it would be to emulate 'True Grit' and eliminate everything that doesn't belong in a traditional Western. But that's not the way the system operates; it's too invested in spending a lot on big visuals that play well in any language (and not spending a lot on story and dialogue that are harder to translate). It's used to opening its wallet and saying, "Hi-yo, Silver! Away!" What elements would you want to see in a reboot of 'The Lone Ranger,' or in any other new Western? Follow Gary Susman on Twitter @garysusman.

Cohen options feature script

Producer Martin Cohen has optioned Michael Ricigliano Jr.'s film script "Redemption" for his new banner, Motts9 Prods. Cohen exited his position as prexy of post at Paramount late last year and prior to that was a post-production exec at DreamWorks. He'll produce "Redemption" with partner Marc Vanocur. Story follows a young Hollywood producer who hires a down-on-his-luck actor who was once a star for a low-budget, direct-to-DVD pic. Cohen aims to start pre-production on "Redemption" in early 2012. He is working as an independent producer on "The Hunger Games." Ricigliano penned the short "Lily of Feast," starring Paul Sorvino. Cohen and Vanocur are also developing the feature "Fort Santa." Contact Gordon Cox at gordon.cox@variety.com

Watercooler: How Should Save Me Burn Up?

Denis Leary The start of the finish is here, people.With FX's frequently superlative, always irreverent firemen drama Save Me in the center of its final season, happens is clearly being looking for what is an incendiary send-off. By last evening, Tommy was (briefly) suspended in the NYFD for mouthing off throughout a public interview, his 62 Truck co-workers were scrambling to maintain the press from digging up their very own past indiscretions, and the10th anniversary of 9/11 was inching as rapidly because the show's timed-to-the-event finale.A great deal went lower - and when you viewed the show, you receive that joke - yet none from it had related to actual fire fighting. Rather, we had figures positioning themselves for existence past the closing credits. There is Franco's planned progress the ranks, an unconventional romantic (and aromatic) turn for oddball Sean, Colleen's impending wedding, as well as what might be considered an indication of solidarity one of the usually fractious Gavin clan. These developments both thrill and concern us, as this is not really a world where happy being are most likely. Tragedy, loss and disorder, yes. Walks off in to the sunset? Less.So inform us, how can you anticipate Save Me diminishing out? Do you consider the producers will let Tommy live a later date and then leave us to question when his recklessness will ultimately get caught up to him, or is he going to and the co-workers result in the ultimate exit inside a blaze of glory?Sign up for TV Guide Magazine now!

Graham King, Johnny Depp enter 'Vault'

KingDeppGraham King and Johnny Depp are looking into "The Vault," picking up feature rights to Image's three-part graphic novel by Sam Sarkar, author of "Caliber." Reps for King's GK Films confirmed the deal Thursday. Image launched the first issue, illustrated by Garrie Gastonny, two weeks ago at Comic-Con. "The Vault" is a sci-fi thriller about a team of treasure hunters off the coast of Nova Scotia who uncover a mysterious sarcophagus and unleash an evil they never knew existed. Producers are King and GK Films co-chief Tim Headington, Depp and Christi Dembrowski, president of Depp's production shingle Infinitum Nihil. GK Films and Infinitum Nihil partnered on "The Rum Diary," which stars Depp and is due out in October. Four-year-old GK Films is developing "Spartacus" as a feature, based on a pitch from "300" writer Michael B. Gordon. It's in post-production on "Hugo," directed by Martin Scorsese; "In The Land of Blood and Honey," written and directed by Angelina Jolie; and is developing the screen adaptation of "Jersey Boys," the untitled Freddie Mercury story, a reboot of "Tomb Raider" and "Dark Shadows" for Warners. Sarkar is repped by CAA and Nicole Romano at The Schiff Company. Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com

Jerry Lewis Out As MDA Host, National Chairman

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Just days after Jerry Lewis shot down rumors he was done hosting the Muscular Dystrophy Association annual telethon, the organization has announced the legendary funnyman wont be back as master of ceremonies at the annual event. He also is no longer the national MDA chairman. Jerry Lewis is a world-class humanitarian and were forever grateful to him for his more than half century of generous service to MDA, MDA Chairman of the Board of Directors, R. Rodney Howell, M.D., said in a statement on Wednesday. We will not be replacing him as MDA national chairman, and he will not be appearing on the Telethon. Just last week Lewis told reporters as he promoted Method to the Madness of Jerry Lewis, an Encore documentary about the legendary star, not to believe everything that had been reported, when asked if he was definitely out of hosting the MDA Telethon. He added at the time that he was planning to make an announcement in September. But it appears as of Wednesdays MDA announcement, he is definitely out of hosting the telethon. Lewis made headlines last week when, while promoting his Encore special, he slammed reality TV, in particular, American Idol contestants. The kids they get on American Idol, theyre all McDonalds wipeouts They all worked there and now theyre doing that, he said of the people who try out for the show. We dont have the soul in our industry that we had when I was working in it, he continued. The soul has been desperately deteriorating [in] it, only because youve got a guy running a network whose aunt died and left him some stock. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Will & Sophistication Vet Sean Hayes Plotting Comedy Return On NBC

BEVERLY Hillsides, Calif. -- Sean Hayes spent eight seasons as Jack on Will & Sophistication, and also the actor is likely to mind to NBC while watching camera, he confirmed on Monday. [Theres] nothing I'm able to discuss right now, but we'd a conversation also it appears like its heading for the reason that direction and Im destined to be doing something about the network, a good-lipped Sean told reporters following a Television Experts Association Summer time Session 2011 panel for Grimm, the NBC fall drama he's creating for that network. While particulars were slim, Sean confirmed his return could be inside a comedy, but rejected to express more. The actor, who switched as much as the TCAs having a shaved mind, caused by filming The 3 Stooges, did open about his approaching film, where he stars as Ray, alongside Will Sasso as Curly and Chris Diamantopoulos as Moe. We simply wrapped two days ago, Sean stated. I never chuckled so difficult during my existence and that i saw some early clips also it looks fantastic. The actor stated the film takes The Stooges original comedy style and puts that template inside a modern setting. Its a modern day restructuring from the classic shorts, so yes we're trying good to emulate the spirit of individuals three men while performing a modern day story, he stated. It had been an amazing privilege and dealing using the Farelly Siblings, who also shared the type of passion for where many people say comedy started, because nobodys seen anything like this that powerful, physical comedy, Sean added. And So I live for your type of stuff. I really like that. The film co-stars Jane Lynch, Sofia Vergara and features cameos by Jersey Shoreline stars Nicole Snooki Polizzi and Jenni JWoww Farley. There have been some, great guest stars, co-stars within the movie, Sean stated from the cast and cameo stars. I was lucky, very, very lucky to possess more and more people thinking about wanting look around the Stooges again around. Seans other project, Grimm, will air Friday nights at 9 PM this fall on NBC. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved.These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.