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James Franco to Star in 'Oz: The Great and Powerful'

By Andrew Scott (Subscribe to Andrew Scott's posts), Posted Feb 25th 2011 12:30PM
Filed under: Movie News, Cinematical
James Franco is about to add even more to his ever-growing plate.

The Oscar-nominated actor, who will also serve as co-host of the 83rd telecast (Sunday, Feb. 27, 8:30PM on ABC), has reportedly closed a deal to star in the highly-anticipated 'Wizard of Oz' prequel 'Oz: The Great and Powerful,' based on the novel by L. Frank Baum.

The film, in which Franco will chronicle the titular character's early days as a young illusionist, will reteam him with 'Spider-Man' director Sam Raimi, with a script by Mitchell Kapner ('The Whole Nine Yards') and Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire ('Rabbit Hole').

Robert Downey Jr. was originally set to star in the film, until he dropped out of the project in January. Johnny Depp was rumored as a possible replacement, but reportedly passed.
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Oscars Made Easy: Why You Should See 'Another Year'

By Andrew Scott (Subscribe to Andrew Scott's posts), Posted Feb 24th 2011 3:30PM
Filed under: Features, Oscar News, Awards

We're breaking down all the Oscar contenders for you, so that you can decide whether you want to see them -- or at the very least, be able to hold your own at cocktail parties. Next up: 'Another Year,' the latest dramedy from writer-director Mike Leigh.

Nominated For: Best Original Screenplay (Mike Leigh)
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Kim Kardashian May Join John Travolta in John Gotti Biopic

By Andrew Scott (Subscribe to Andrew Scott's posts), Posted Feb 24th 2011 11:30AM
Filed under: Movie News, Cinematical
In a day that also includes reports about Hollywood wanting to remake 'The Bodyguard,' TMZ is now reporting that busty reality star Kim Kardashian may join the upcoming John Gotti biopic starring John Travolta.

According to sources close to the movie, Kardashian, who can currently be seen on E!'s 'Kim and Kourtney Take New York,' recently met with the executive producers of the movie, and is reportedly being considered for the role of John's daughter-in-law, Kim (natch).

Of course, nothing has been signed, and as far as we know, Kim hasn't tweeted anything about it, so for now we'll take this report with a grain of salt.

As we previously reported, Travolta is set to play the legendary mob boss in the movie, which producer Marc Fiore claims is "going to be the new 'Godfather.'"
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James Franco Teases 'Grease' Oscars Number With Anne Hathaway (VIDEO)

By Andrew Scott (Subscribe to Andrew Scott's posts), Posted Feb 23rd 2011 5:30PM
Filed under: Video, Oscar News, Awards

Oscar host James Franco continued to add mystery and intrigue to Sunday night's ceremony today by posting a new YouTube video that teases him performing a number from 'Grease' with co-host Anne Hathaway.

The video naturally has Franco, who recently joined Twitter, taking on the role of Danny Zuko, and Hathaway as Sandy Olsson, post-makeover. Based on the costumes and set, they appear to be re-enacting the penultimate number, 'You're the One That I Want.'

Will the video be shown during the Oscars ceremony? Is it just a promo? Or is it just another one of Franco's crazy pet projects? We're not really sure. One thing we do know, though: We just got really, really excited for the Oscars.

Watch the video after the jump.
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Oscars Made Easy: Why You Should See 'The Town'

By Andrew Scott (Subscribe to Andrew Scott's posts), Posted Feb 23rd 2011 4:45PM
Filed under: Features, Oscar News, Awards

We're breaking down all the Oscar contenders for you, so that you can decide whether you want to see them -- or at the very least, hold your own at cocktail parties. Next up: 'The Town,' about a bank robber who falls for his hostage.

Nominated For: Best Supporting Actor (Jeremy Renner)
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'Chronicles of Narnia' Producer Perry Moore Found Dead in New York Apartment

By Andrew Scott (Subscribe to Andrew Scott's posts), Posted Feb 18th 2011 11:23AM
Filed under: Movie News, Cinematical
Perry Moore, the executive producer of the 'Chronicles of Narnia' movie trilogy, was found dead in his SoHo apartment early Thursday morning, the NY Daily News is reporting.

The 39-year-old producer died after an apparent overdose of OxyContin, acccording to sources. However, an official ruling on his death has yet to be determined.

Moore, who was also a writer and a director, was found unconscious by his partner, Hunter Hill, and "prounounced dead shortly after responders arrive."
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Oscars Made Easy: Why You Should See 'Blue Valentine'

By Andrew Scott (Subscribe to Andrew Scott's posts), Posted Feb 17th 2011 5:30PM
Filed under: Features, Oscar News, Awards

We're breaking down all the Oscar contenders for you, so that you can decide whether you want to see them -- or at the very least, be able to hold your own at cocktail parties. Next up: 'Blue Valentine,' about the beginning and inevitable end of a marriage between two young lovers (Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams).

Nominated for: Best Actress (Williams)

What It's About: The movie follows Dean (Gosling) and Cindy (Williams) as they fall in and out of love over the span of five years. Told out of chronological order, the audience sees everything from how they met to their marriage and subsequent divorce.
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