A Review: The Twilight Saga: Eclispe

I'll start with this: David Slade better thank his lucky fuckin' stars for being able to make this, after his comments about how he'd rather take a bullet then see a screening of the original Twilight.  

Why Summit decided he was still a fine choice is beyond me. I'm sure they saw the obvious badassness of 30 Days of Night and figured, "Why the hell not, it was still a freaky fuckin' vamp movie. Was it not?" It was. Too bad Summit didn't let him inject that dreadful fear and grim atmosphere into this franchise's current installment.

But Wait! There's more!

Twilight = Spoiled Brats? Paycheck Problems Hold Up Last Installment

Short of the A list directors and then the Bill Condon story about these great talents stepping into the Twilight realm, I refuse to blog about this fad, bubble gum crap. But this developing story is worth it to me.

These two wieners featured to my right, who are supposedly dating but that doesn't mean shit to me, might find themselves up shit creek without a paddle surrounded by piling bills.

The news breaking over the web via The Hollywood Reporter is that some deals are still not in place for some of the supporting cast members, i.e., Kellen Lutz and Ashley Greene.

Taylor Lautner, Robert Pattinson and Kristen "I hate my life" Stewart are all locked down, with bigger checks. Lautner himself garnering he biggest kid salary today with 7.5 milli a film. In the 40's 50's and 60's, talent got you everything, looks were secondary. Today? (James Cann voice from Mickey Blue eyes) Forget about it! 

Both Twilight dads are in place with Bella's cop father (Billy Burke) Charlie Swan and the head of the Cullens, Carlisle Cullen played by a most lucky Peter Facinelli. But supposedly the last two are these guys. Kellen has some flimsy deal in place to head up a film with Samuel L. Jackson, which of course means it probably won't be spectacular, more so then a big attempt at something and miss. I don't know what Ashley Greene is up to, but as a Cullen, dating her "brother" in the film and in real life, I know she's important as Bella's best friend in the books/films. Summit has no official comment but a source close to the story has been quoted with this gem:

"We may have a situation where one of them is thrown out on the street to make a point."

I wouldn't step lightly around that quote. Lest we forget? Rachelle Lefevre (Victoria the bad bitch), who got canned after not clearing a scheduling conflict with Summit AND THEN asked for more money. So they got Bryce Dallas Howard, who is worth every penny, period. Nice. The Reporter goes on to say that offers from Summit -- which are said to be at least 10 times what the actors made on the first movie -- were deemed "offensive" given the mega-money the franchise has generated. Do these kids understand that the first film was a mere 40 million dollar budget, which includes EVERYONE'S CHECKS before gross participation. These films are getting more expensive every time they come out. Sure Summit is blowing up fast with all he goods they from The Hurt Locker, and all this crap from the Bubblegum whores. But in today's economy, which doesn't really seem to be effecting Tinseltown actually, you can't EF around with the money son! To be perfectly honest, it would be nice to see these two get squashed out of the franchise, take the power back studio! But Ashley Greene is good at what she's done already. Lutz? Eh.... So until this clears up, the studio isn't sure if it can move on a fifth film, and might condense it into a giant fouth. But Condon is signed for two films, supposedly filming back-to-back for 2011 fall and '12 summer releases. 

We'll see what happens with all this mess. If I hear someone got rocked off the boat, I'll tell you. If not, I wouldn't hold your breath. 

Munki Out.  

Bill Condon In Negotionations To Helm Breaking Dawn

As a few are saying, but I heard it from Movieweb, Bill Condon is locking down a contract to take over the last two films. As I previously reported Summit has been in the market and swinging for the fences in search of a truly terrific director. Yes, this news is a week old, and I've been slacking lately, ma bad fellow Munki lovers. But I promised you a most special Munki promise I'd keep all you Twi-hards, informed.

It was said that a deal hasn't been officially signed, but both Condon and the studio have been in multiple meetings and negotiations. It was said that Condon would direct both parts of the two-part film and the site heard rumblings that both films would be shot back-to-back.

From what I gathered, the cast is liking the idea of the Oscar winner helming their projects. This next one coming up got lensed by 30 Days Of Night Brit director David Slade. Who says he's scoring the movie in London right now with 3 time academy award winner Howard shore (The Departed, The Aviator, The Silence Of The Lambs). Damn son.

With Summit grabbing the money from this franchise and prestige from The Hurt Locker, looks like they now can start grabbing the gold of talent out there, huh?

Any more news on this or the Franchise, I'll let you know.

Munki Out.

Summit Entertainment Reaches To The A's For Twilight Film

Summit Entertainment is the studio responsible for not only breaking the Twilight Saga wide open and raking in just stupid amounts of money with, but winning 6/9 Oscars it was nominated for with the indie hit, The Hurt Locker. 

And now it looks they're trying to elevate the game with their new found acclaim by reaching out to some high profile directors. Gus Van Sant (Good Will Hunting, Milk), Bill Condon (Dreamgirls), Sofia Coppola (Lost In Translation) and Stephen Daldry (The Reader) have all been supposedly tapped to helm the fourth installment. Now yes, they have made a boat load of cash and good press and zeitgeist silliness of this generation with Twilight. Then they got the prestige they needed to secure themselves as a legit (meaning dope) studio. But I mean... these directors? Are they too big for they're britches here? Maybe not. 

In my opinion (and what do we say about that? It's practically fact folks) , this is all tween-queen bubblegum crap. BUT! They are entertaining movies, not films, and they are fun to watch if you just embrace the ridiculousness of it all. And the approach to a long told classical teen romance, injecting vampires and werewolves and some serious mythology into it? My hat's off to Stephenie Meyer for all of that.

I'd be doing the same thing if I had the credentials Summit now has. Elevate your shit son, class it up, add some grade A to the perspective why don't you? If you can, do it? I'd watch 'em not to just review them for the sake of being a film buff. But because I'm a fan of these directors. I'm all for this idea, let's see who they pin down for it. 

I'll keep you posted on what happens next. 

Munki Out.

A Review: The Twilight Saga: New Moon (Yeah... That's Right)

Oh, my, oh, my... The Twilight Saga. What a tangled web we weave Stephenie. Yeah, whatev. The DVD is out, I saw the first one in theaters last November and now this one is floppin' around. I am an amateur film analyst right? Plus, these movies, like or not, are a big part of the American Zeitgeist right now. I owe it to myself to review things, all things, when I find the time. As long as it's on film (even though I have a feeling they skipped on 35mm film stock and used bubblegum straight outa the pockets of 12 year girls) it's open to be reviewed. 

So let's get started shall we?