Kenny Ortega to direct 'Dirty Dancing' reboot

Does the world really need a "Dirty Dancing" remake? No, it does not. Still, some incompetent wannabe creative mind at Lionsgate thought it would be a fabulous idea, and believe it or not, the studio is moving forward with a reboot. Why, oh why?

Either way, musical man Kenny Ortega is set to direct the remake, which follows a chick falling for her dancing teacher. Apparently, the new film will "incorporate classic songs from the 1960s, hits from the original film and brand new compositions." Again, what's the point here?

Ortega most recently helmed "This is It," but he's also got the "High School Musical" flicks under his belt. Oh, and "The Cheetah Girls 2" as well. As it so happens, he was also the choreographer on the original film, which further explains why he got the gig.

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Patrick Swayze dead at 57

Golden Globe-nominated actor Patrick Swayze, the star of "Point Break" and "Dirty Dancing," died Monday with his family at his side, according to the AP. He was 57.

Annett Wolf, his publicist, released a statement saying, “Patrick Swayze passed away peacefully today with family at his side after facing the challenges of his illness for the last 20 months.”

Swayze has been battling pancreatic cancer for a while. Swayze continued to work and underwent treatments. He most recently appeared on television's crome drama "The Beast."

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Wednesday film news roundup: Summit to pick up 'Beaver'?; Michael Davis travels to 'Outland'

Here are some short but interesting film news that appeared in the trades or on the Web today:

• Summit Entertainment is in talks to grab worldwide distribution rights to the upcoming Jodie Foster-directed comedy "The Beaver." Mel Gibson plays a crazy dude who starts walking around with a beaver puppet, which he treats just like a human. Foster also plays his wife. (via Variety)

• Michael Davis ("Shoot 'Em Up" & "Monster Man") is set to direct a remake of Peter Hyams' Sean Connery vehicle "Outland," a sci-fi flick about a police marshal who uncovers a big conspiracy in a mining colony on Jupiter's moon Io. Chad St. John will write the screenplay. (via Variety)

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