Adam Sweeney, Author at The Playlist

‘Best Worst Movie’ Begins Theatrical Rollout

Adam Sweeney — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 16:48:00 +0000

“Best Worst Movie”, the charming Michael Paul Stephenson doc that explores the cult following of “Troll 2”, arguably the worst film ever made, announced their upcoming theatrical release dates and are doing a run of sold out, buzz worthy festival screenings, including a most recent appearance at SXSW. Members of the cast and crew for both films will be present at a majority of the listed screenings below.

April 23 – Austin, TX: Alamo Drafthouse
May 14 – New York, NY: Village East Cinema
May 21 – Los Angeles, CA: Landmark Nuart
June 4 – San Francisco, CA: Landmark Lumiere
June 4 – Berkeley, CA: Landmark Shattuck
July 2 – Washington, D.C.: Landmark E Street Cinema
July 16 – St.

Continue reading ‘Best Worst Movie’ Begins Theatrical Rollout at The Playlist.

Alexendre Philippe Gives Opening Argument for ‘The People vs. George Lucas

Adam Sweeney — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:46:00 +0000

Whenever you dissect a cultural phenomenon as large as “Star Wars” you know that you’re going to be assaulted with opinions. Such has been the case following the release of the first trailer for “The People vs. George Lucas,” a documentary combining professional and fan footage in an attempt to impartially study the fascinating journey of George Lucas, Star Wars and the fans that have both idolized and demonized the director and saga.

We got the chance to talk in-depth with director Alexendre O.

Continue reading Alexendre Philippe Gives Opening Argument for ‘The People vs. George Lucas at The Playlist.

McG Interested In Robert Patrick for Next ‘Terminator’ Film Should One Ever Happen

Adam Sweeney — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 14:39:00 +0000

In his endless quest to get every actor that ever performed in the ‘Terminator ‘franchise to re-appear in his films, McG told Fearnet that he has spoken to Robert Patrick about the possibility of a role in the next ‘Terminator’ film should one ever get greenlit. Patrick played the T-1000 in “Terminator 2: Judgment Day.”

“I talk to Robert Patrick with great regularity,” McG said. “It’s interesting – I was [thinking of] a through line.

Continue reading McG Interested In Robert Patrick for Next ‘Terminator’ Film Should One Ever Happen at The Playlist.

Dreaded Zombie/Aliens Jane Austen Adaptations Trend Raises Its Ugly Head Again

Adam Sweeney — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:17:00 +0000

For those of you that have ever longed for the day that great literary characters like Mr. Darcy would have their asses blown away by aliens, that dream has been finally been realized. Doesn’t it figure that Elton John would somehow be involved?

John’s Rocket Pictures is launching “Pride and Predator,” the Jane Austen adaption “which veers from the traditional period costume drama when an alien crash lands and begins to butcher the mannered protags, who suddenly have more than marriage and inheritance to worry about,” according to Variety.

Continue reading Dreaded Zombie/Aliens Jane Austen Adaptations Trend Raises Its Ugly Head Again at The Playlist.

Dear Leonardo DiCaprio: Please Don’t Remake ’80s Thriller ‘War Games’

Adam Sweeney — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 16:42:00 +0000

In the near future, we plan to write a book titled “Valley of the Dull: An Insider’s Look into Why Hollywood Can’t Make Original Films anymore.” Of course, “Das Reboot” wouldn’t make a bad title either. Whatever the title, it looks like Leonardo DiCaprio will get a chapter in the book, as Production Weekly‘s Twitter feed gives us news that the actor is looking to ” reboot the 80’s thriller ‘War Games’ at MGM.”

“What the Matthew Broderick,” you say?

Continue reading Dear Leonardo DiCaprio: Please Don’t Remake ’80s Thriller ‘War Games’ at The Playlist.

First Looks: Megan Fox In ‘Jennifer’s Body,’ Plus New Shots Of ‘Adventureland, ‘I Love You, Man’ & More…

Adam Sweeney — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 21:23:00 +0000

Entertainment Weekly has a bunch of exclusives first looks on a bunch of new upcoming movies.

– The Diablo Cody-penned sequel to “Juno” called, “Jennifer’s Body” (September 18). It’s a sarcastic teen horror comedy that’s sort of like “Heather’s” meets generic slasher films with female-centric snark. We read the script months ago and it’s kind of a riot. Whether it turns out onscreen though remains to be seen. Megan Fox stars as a hot teenager who is demonically possessed.

Continue reading First Looks: Megan Fox In ‘Jennifer’s Body,’ Plus New Shots Of ‘Adventureland, ‘I Love You, Man’ & More… at The Playlist.

Zooey Deschanel And Paul Dano Star In The ‘Gigantic’ Trailer

Adam Sweeney — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 18:41:00 +0000

How many more times can we tell you about this indie dramedy, “Gigantic”? We saw it at the Toronto International Film Fest and loved it. Partly and probably because we didn’t know too much about it and went in with zero expectations – that’s not an apologist move, but lord knows, you big-up something in advance once and people inevitably call it overhyped months later.

We’ll try and be brief because we feel like we’re written about the film hella number times.

Continue reading Zooey Deschanel And Paul Dano Star In The ‘Gigantic’ Trailer at The Playlist.

The Wachowskis to Reboot ‘Superman’ Franchise?

Adam Sweeney — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 01:14:00 +0000

Superhero fans, we interrupt your regularly scheduled discussion of all thing “The Dark Knight” to bring you breaking news. A long time ago, in the 1980’s, there was another superhero who sat atop the comic film mountain named Superman. Sadly, his greatness dwindled with each passing film. We try not to even discuss “Superman IV: The Quest for Peace.” But the pendulum never swings too far one way, and director Bryan Singer brought the Superman” franchise back to the middle with “Superman Returns.” It was a decent attempt to move the son of Krypton’s story forward, but the idea of Superman using his X-ray vision in a voyeuristic manner just creeped us out.

Continue reading The Wachowskis to Reboot ‘Superman’ Franchise? at The Playlist.

Catherine Keener Loves Kat Dennings As Much As The Playlist

Adam Sweeney — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 13:32:00 +0000

In our efforts to reverse the tide of negativity that came with Bale-gate back towards a more loving film atmosphere, we have a confession to make. We have a bit of a film crush on Kat Dennings. And we’re not the only ones who can’t stop heaping praise onto the actress. Two-time Academy Award nominee and “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” co-star Catherine Keener fancies Dennings a bit herself.

In the Oscars Issue of The New York Times Magazine, the actress who blew us away in “Being John Malkovich” and “Capote” chronicles her thoughts on the young starlet, including her opinion of Dennings when they met at the script read-through.

Continue reading Catherine Keener Loves Kat Dennings As Much As The Playlist at The Playlist.

Belle and Sebastian’s Murdoch Outlines Plans for Musical Soundtrack

Adam Sweeney — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 22:49:00 +0000

In December of ’07, we brought news of Belle and Sebastian’s principle singer and songwriter Sebastian Murdoch’s plans to find twee-pop extraordinaries for his new musical, “God Help the Girl.” Two years later, Murdoch offers a few more details about his soundtrack magnum opus, which will be released on the Matador record label.

In a blog on the musical’s Myspace page, Murdoch states that the soundtrack album will be released in June. The 12-song album, recorded in Glasgow, features reworkings of Belle & Sebastian tunes “Act of the Apostle” and “Funny Little Frog”.

Continue reading Belle and Sebastian’s Murdoch Outlines Plans for Musical Soundtrack at The Playlist.

Tom Tykwer Lets People Know ‘What Is The What’ In Dave Eggers Adaptation

Adam Sweeney — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 22:31:00 +0000

“Run Lola Run” director Tom Tykwer is a busy man these days. While pushing his action-thriller “The International” (which isn’t exactly being well received) he spoke of his current efforts to adapt David Mitchell’s novel “Cloud Atlas” with the Wachowski Brothers. But that may not be the next film he directs.

There’s apparently a whole lot of adapting going on, as Tykwer told Film School Rejects that he’s also working on an adaptation of McSweeney’s founder David Eggers’ “What is the What: The Autobiography of Valentino Achek Deng.” Egger’s novel is a fictionalized account based on the real life of one of the Lost Boys of the Sudan, and the novel’s title sounds like a dope hip-hop album.

Continue reading Tom Tykwer Lets People Know ‘What Is The What’ In Dave Eggers Adaptation at The Playlist.

Kevin Smith Teabags Weinsteins For Failing His ‘Porno’

Adam Sweeney — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 19:58:00 +0000

Let the blame game begin, as is usually the case when a film doesn’t live up to expectations. For filmmaker Kevin Smith, that film would be “Zack and Miri Make a Porno.” The highly discussed film, at least in movie blogs, made $31 million dollars domestically, which some critics see as a poor outing compared to the film’s $24 million dollar budget. So who’s to blame for the film’s performance? If you listen to Smith, the answer comes in the lack of support shown by The Weinstein Company in the promotion of the film.

Continue reading Kevin Smith Teabags Weinsteins For Failing His ‘Porno’ at The Playlist.

John Carpenter Teaches New School Horror A Lesson, Will Direct ‘The Ward’

Adam Sweeney — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 20:15:00 +0000

John Carpenter, one of the greatest horror directors of all-time, and that’s not a contradictory statement, will be stepping into the mental asylum to direct “The Ward,” a psychological thriller starring Amber Heard.

Heard recently appeared in “Pineapple Express” and “The Informers,” so she’s got some momentum building. Why not do a horror film? It is pretty much the one genre that can guarantee solid box-office numbers without having to offer a quality feature.

Continue reading John Carpenter Teaches New School Horror A Lesson, Will Direct ‘The Ward’ at The Playlist.

Martin Scorsese, Daniel Day-Lewis And Benicio Del Toro Give Us Reason To Cheer With ‘Silence’

Adam Sweeney — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 05:29:00 +0000

For those of you fighting hangovers from Super Bowl parties or the fact that the best film opening nationwide last weekend was “Taken,” this news might serve as the cure-all for whatever ails you. Director Martin Scorsese wants to make the drama “Silence” his next film, as he and Graham King’s GK Films are negotiating to get Daniel Day-Lewis and Benicio Del Toro to star, according to Variety. Add Gael Garcia Baenal for the thespian trifecta, who is in early talks to land a part, and you can see why we’re more than a bit giddy about the prospects of this one.

Continue reading Martin Scorsese, Daniel Day-Lewis And Benicio Del Toro Give Us Reason To Cheer With ‘Silence’ at The Playlist.

Geekbeat: Soundwave Jets in, Dinobots Are Out for “Transformers 2”

Adam Sweeney — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 01:05:00 +0000

It’s bad enough that Grimlock and the Dinobots won’t be in “Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen”, but now it seems like nearly every Decepticon in the Transformers movie franchise is a freaking jet. Need proof? Empire Magazine has new pictures of the toys for Transformers 2. They include Bumblebee, who we’ve seen before, and new images of the Decepticon formerly known as a ghetto blaster, Soundwave. Could Michael Bay have not made one of the coolest Transformers ever into an iPod at least?

Continue reading Geekbeat: Soundwave Jets in, Dinobots Are Out for “Transformers 2” at The Playlist.

Fay Dunaway Disses The ‘Bonnie & Clyde’ “Remake”

Adam Sweeney — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 23:28:00 +0000

You know the end is nigh when even “Bonnie and Clyde” is being remade.

You know a snowball has frozen over in hell where the remake in question will star tarts like Hilary Duff walking a bank-robbing mile in Faye Dunaway’s shoes, playing the role of Bonnie Parker. Kevin Zegers, the nobody who has appeared in “Transamerica”, “The Jane Austen Club” and our personal favorite, “MVP: Most Valuable Primate,” will play the role of Clyde Barrow.

Continue reading Fay Dunaway Disses The ‘Bonnie & Clyde’ “Remake” at The Playlist.

‘Watchmen’ Offer Up New Poster, Zack Znyder’s Son and Dr. Manhattan’s Package

Adam Sweeney — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 18:16:00 +0000

We’re roughly a month away from the film’s premiere, and the leaks of “Watchmen” news are coming our way faster than “Los Campesinos” albums … which is actually only twice a year, but that is light years in album release terms, so lay off. We start with the final poster for the anticipated film.

For some reason, the final “Watchmen” poster just doesn’t get our motor running. Maybe it’s because previous images offered a more telling example of each character’s nature.

Continue reading ‘Watchmen’ Offer Up New Poster, Zack Znyder’s Son and Dr. Manhattan’s Package at The Playlist.

Gary Oldman Chosen By Heath Ledger’s Parents to Represent Him At SAGS

Adam Sweeney — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:40:00 +0000

There were a few people surprised to see Gary Oldman accepting the Best Supporting Actor award at the Screen Actors Guild Awards on behalf of Heath Ledger instead of Christopher Nolan, director of The Dark Knight. Now we know why Oldman was there.

Aside from his acting connection to Ledger, who passed away last year from an accidental drug overdose, in the blockbuster ‘TDK’, a friendship had grown between the two actors. According to SF Gate’s ‘Daily Dish’, this led to Ledger’s parents eventually asking Oldman to accept the award on their son’s behalf.

Continue reading Gary Oldman Chosen By Heath Ledger’s Parents to Represent Him At SAGS at The Playlist.

Uwe Boll, Mike Myers Lead ‘Official’ 2008 Razzie Nominations

Adam Sweeney — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 06:03:00 +0000

Two weeks ago, we gave you the dirt concerning the shortlist of awful performances that were being considered for the Razzies. Call us Jack Nicholson in “The Shining”, because we’re back with the official list of the 2008 Razzie Awards nominees, honoring the most awful performances of the previous year. Sure enough, it sucks. On a sidenote, you know that we have become a media hungry society when The Razzies deem it necessary to send out a shortlist and an official nominations list.

Continue reading Uwe Boll, Mike Myers Lead ‘Official’ 2008 Razzie Nominations at The Playlist.

Hoffman Picks ‘Jack Goes Boating’ for Directorial Debut

Adam Sweeney — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 06:55:00 +0000

Philip Seymour Hoffman’s career has been more a case of swim than sink. He will continue in his attempts to stay above water by directing “Jack Goes Boating” for Overture Films, an adaptation of the Off Broadway play written by Bob Glaudini. Hoffman will also star in the film. The film is the first to emerge from a production deal between Overture and Hoffman’s production company, Cooper’s Town, last summer.

Hoffman, who can be seen currently in “Doubt”, will co-star with Amy Ryan.

Continue reading Hoffman Picks ‘Jack Goes Boating’ for Directorial Debut at The Playlist.

Is Dark Knight Producer Hinting That Someone Else Could Play The Joker?

Adam Sweeney — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 05:41:00 +0000

By now, the question of whether there will be a sequel to “The Dark Knight” has been asked ad nauseum. Most of us suspect that there will indeed be a third installment to Christopher Nolan’s brilliant saga. Media sources like the MTV Splash Page are reporting that Nolan and ‘Dark Knight’ co-writer David S. Goyer are in talks to continue the story. The more riveting question is if said members of the Batman franchise would roll the dice and let another actor take on the role of Batman’s greatest nemesis, The Joker.

Continue reading Is Dark Knight Producer Hinting That Someone Else Could Play The Joker? at The Playlist.

Britney Spears Rumored to Bring the Gossip in ‘Sex and the City’ Sequel

Adam Sweeney — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 20:47:00 +0000

As the city council of Playlistville, we declare this ‘Drama-filled Divas Up for Movie Roles Day.’ We’ve already discussed the dubious prospects of Amy Winehouse starring in a Universal Pictures film, now we set our sights on the dirty south at America’s favorite pop star (at least in terms of gossip), Britney Spears. The latest issue of Britain’s Heat magazine states that Spears is being considered for a role in the second “Sex and the City” film.

Continue reading Britney Spears Rumored to Bring the Gossip in ‘Sex and the City’ Sequel at The Playlist.

Amy Winehouse Offered Acting Role NOT on Reality TV?

Adam Sweeney — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 19:01:00 +0000

If there are a few certainties in the film industry, one is this; Hollywood loves the underdog. Mickey Rourke’s acting resurrection in 2008 has made that crystal clear. If you believe the sources at The Sun, who we’ll humor, then it appears Universal Pictures wants to take the troubled artist challenge and multiple it by 10, as sources are reporting that singer Amy Winehouse has been offered a role in a film.

Winehouse would play a music teacher in a public school, taking advantage of her singing skills.

Continue reading Amy Winehouse Offered Acting Role NOT on Reality TV? at The Playlist.