Showing Out

Anything that comes from DreamWorks Animation is worth at least a mention, especially if they drop a trailer with a long lead time. Such is the case for Megamind, a film slated to hit theaters on November 5th and starring Will Ferrell, Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill and Tina Fey. But we’ll be real with you here: this doesn’t look astounding. The film stars Ferrell as a super villain named Megamind, an evil force who defeats his good guy enemy Metro Man (Pitt), a feat that actually depresses instead of enlivens him once he realizes that he’s nothing without someone to fight against. So instead, he creates a new superhero named Titan (Hill), who goes against his will by wanting to be evil instead of good. This one’s a teaser, but honestly, they should step their game up for the next one. Shame on you, DreamWorks.

Last we heard on Jamie Foxx starring in in a film, he signed on to shoot the big screen version of Sheneneh alongside Martin Lawrence. But additionally, he’s got another work in the pipeline, too. According to screenwriter Kyle Ward’s Twitter account, Foxx has signed on to play Lynch in Lionsgate’s video game adaptation of Kane & Lynch: Dead Men, which is slated to be directed by Simon Crane (producer of Jumper). Bruce Willis was previously attached to play the role of Kane, though that deal isn’t necessarily finalized for the film at the moment. In the meantime, if you can’t really wait for the film adaptation of the game, be on the lookout for the video game sequel Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days, which will be released later this year. Good luck with this one, Foxxy.

Some more Michael Jackson news for you this fine day. After news broke that a new MJ documentary was on the way, another piece of knowledge dropped care of “Thriller” music video director John Landis, who says he’s got some plans to re-release the video in 3-D. In an interview with CHUD, Landis stated that the hourlong doc “The Making of Thriller,” in addition to the remastered video, would soon be released. But the news that caught our attention was that the Jackson estate has intentions to re-release “Thriller” in 3-D, with no announced plans on whether or not it would be released on the big screen or on 3-D TV. If this actually goes through, then the world can finally see this video in the format in which it always should have been seen. Gotta love technology.

We all saw this coming. After Blockbuster shuttered 960 stores last September, the future looked pretty grim for the once towering rental service, with Netflix and Redbox changing the way that people rented and watched films at home. Now, Blockbuster is really feeling the sting. According to Variety, the former retail giant is falling victim to its billion dollar debt, with the recent announcement from the company that there is “substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.” News that the company might file for Chapter 11 caused its stock to plummet 29% yesterday, prompting the company to consider “slash[ing] $200 million in overhead costs, close more than 500 stores (it closed 572 last year) and sell off businesses in various countries, as well as bring back late fees.” Looks like the end is near for Blockbuster. Pour some out on the curb.

Another rom-com starring Jennifer Aniston. Just what we need. Above is the new trailer for the upcoming film The Switch, which actually takes a more risque approach to the rom-com genre by basing it around - ahem - artificial insemination. The film stars Aniston as an unmarried 40-year-old (right) who decides to strike while the iron’s hot and get pregnant while she still has the capability to bear children. But after seven years, she links back up with her best friend Wally (Jason Bateman) who not only loves her, but also pulled a fast one on her and replaced her chosen sperm with his own. The film, which also stars Jeff Goldblum, Juliette Lewis, Patrick Wilson and more, and it set to hit theaters on August 20th. Could be good, could cross the line. Either way, sick premise.

For all you bibliophiles, you’ve probably read Eat, Pray, Love. And like any bestseller, Hollywood has gone right ahead and turned this one into a feature film. Above is the trailer for the upcoming flick, which stars Julia Roberts, James Franco, Javier Bardem, Billy Crudup, Richard Jenkins and Viola Davis. Based on the memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert, the film focuses on a married woman (Roberts) who, after a difficult divorce, goes on a quest around the world. The film is directed by Ryan Murphy (Running with Scissors) from a script co-written by Murphy and Jennifer Salt. Looks like a chick flick by our standards, but since we’re not so up on our contemporary literature, we wouldn’t really know what direction this leans. Check this one out when it hits theaters August 13th.

For those of you up on your Michael Jackson paraphernalia and collectibles, you most likely have Ian Halperin’s book Unmasked: The Final Years of Michael Jackson. Now, there’s even more news worthy of rejoicing. According to Variety, Halperin is keeping on with his MJ-focused projects with his upcoming 88-minute documentary Gone Too Soon that comes from 300 hours of footage taken inside MJ’s camp. The film is set to premiere next month at the Mip TV confab in Cannes, with plans to bring the film to theaters in Canada and France on June 25th - the first anniversary of Jackson’s death. The footage in the film includes audio and video of Jackson just before his death, in addition to interviews with everyone from his everyday life (his trainer, hairstylist, manager, chef, etc). If this doesn’t get your blood pumping, you need a Jacksonvention.

Last time Snoop Dogg was in a movie, his music made a cameo in the teen horror flick Jennifer’s Body. Now, he’s going to erase that bad memory with a mini-movie of his own. In the above trailer, you can get a good look at his upcoming mini-film Malice in Wonderland: The Movie, which is set to be included on the re-release of his album Malice in Wonderland titled More Malice. The film is set to premiere on BET and Spike TV on March 24th, with its Hulu premiere to take place next week, giving viewers multiple platforms to see Snoop assume the form of a superhero. The flick, which features guest appearances from Jamie Foxx, Xzibit, Nipsey Hussle, looks like it’s going to be a mess. A beautiful mess.

Oh good, another Jason Statham movie where lots of stuff blows up and camera cuts happen every three seconds. Above is the trailer for the remake of the 1972 film The Mechanic, starring a healthy cast that includes Statham, Ben Foster, Donald Sutherland, Christa Campbell and more. Directed by Simon West (Tomb Raider0he film focuses on Steve McKenna (Foster), a young dude who goes under the wing of a skilled hitman (Statham), whose job is compromised when he involves McKenna in a few of his assignments. The film won’t actually be in theaters until December 15th, but it looks like it has the potential to leave you right on the edge of your seat. Just like every other Statham movie. Enjoy.

Last we heard on Ice Cube’s 30 for 30 episode “Straight Outta L.A.” for ESPN, the rapper took a trip to Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to commemorate the Los Angeles Raiders, bringing along a camera crew to do a documentary-style film that reflected on the last team to play in the stadium. Now, it’s heading to a screen near you. According to Screen Daily, the ep will premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 23rd, with plans to air the doc on ESPN on May 11th. “Straight Outta L.A. gives us an entertaining, first-hand account of how a professional sports team captivated a city and ultimately changed the culture of LA,” said Nancy Schafer, Tribeca Film Festival’s executive director. “For the past three years, the Tribeca/ESPN Sports Film Festival programme has been an audience favourite at our Festival, and this year’s line-up will continue that tradition.” Gotta love them festivals.