‘Tron’ franchise gets new writer

We all know that “Tron: Legacy” was a visual spectacle, but the script left something to be desired—a coherent and engaging story to start. Disney is hoping to change this with the addition of screenwriter David DiGilio; considering Pixar was called in at the last minute to re-work some of "Legacy's" scenes while simultaneously writing completely new ones, it’s probably a good thing.

However, hiring DiGilio seems to be more than a bit of a gamble. Cinema Blend states the only other substantial piece of writing in his resume is “Eight Below," the surprisingly decent, and I mean surprisingly decent, sled dog movie staring Paul Walker. I’m willing to give him a chance. Are you?

Disney & Warner Bros. in pursuit of Darren Aronosfky

Still riding the success of "Black Swan", director Darren Aronosfky is now being approached to helm two major projects. After recently dropping out of directing the "Wolverine" sequel for 20th Century Fox, Aronofsky now has some time on his hands that Disney Pictures and Warner are both hoping to fill. 

The folks at Disney are looking for the director to take on "Maleficent," which covers the story of "Sleeping Beauty" told from the witch's perspective, while Warner is running after him for its "Moses" project, a biblical drama about Moses' attempt to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.  (via Dark Horizons)

Movie Review: "The Sorcerer's Apprentice"

Seen on: July 8, 2010

The players: Director: Jon Turteltaub, Writers: Matt Lopez, Doug Miro, Cast: Nicolas Cage, Jay Baruchel, Alfred Molina, Teresa Palmer

Facts of interest: Turteltaub also directed "National Treasure."

The plot: Cage plays a sorcerer who must train a young nerd (Baruchel) so he can use magic to defeat the world's most dangerous sorceress.

Our thoughts: Wearing long hair and a threatening black coat, Nicolas Cage runs around as a master magician in Jon Turteltaub’s new Walt Disney action adventure “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” a film that boasts solid production values but lacks the decent script that could’ve turned it into a cool big-screen experience. Instead, this chaotic movie qualifies only as a mediocre effort to entertain audiences.

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David Mamet to direct 'Anne Frank' movie

Oscar-nominated filmmaker David Mamet is set to write and direct a new big-screen version of "The Diary of Anne Frank," which Disney will develop.

Variety says the project will be based on the play by Albert Hackett and Frances Goodrich, and Mamet's own version of the famous true story.

Of course, the focus will remain on the diary Anne Frank wrote while hiding from the Nazis in the secret attic apartment in Amsterdam.

Mamet recently directed "Redbelt," a film I admit I haven't seen yet. I did however highly enjoy "Spartan," "Heist" and even "State and Main."

Daily news dose: Disney readies new 'Pooh' film; Javier Bardem to join 'Wall Street 2'?

Here's your dose of film news for June 2, 2009:

• Walt Disney is gearing up to develop another big-screen Winnie the Pooh adventure. It will be a hand-drawn animated flock in the tradition of 2005's "Pooh's Heffalump Movie," which only grossed $18 million domestically. The Hollywood Reporter says Disney plans to release the film in 2011.

• According to Deadline Hollywood Daily, Oscar winner Javier Bardem may play the villain in Oliver Stone's "Wall Street 2." Michael Douglas and Shia LaBeouf are also on-board. Douglas is back as Gekko, and DHD says LaBeouf will play a "Wall Street trader who's engaged to be married to Gekko's estranged daughter."

• Playboy model Angelina Leigh has joined the cast of Greg Lamberson's upcoming sequel "Slime City Massacre," which will head into principal photography next month. Leigh is set to play Honey, a prostitute trying to survive SCM's post apocalyptic environment. Debbie Rochon. Lee Perkins, Brooke Lewis and Kealan Patrick Burke co-star.

• Alyssa Milano ("Charmed") will star in (and produce) Daryn Tufts's romantic comedy "My Girlfriend's Boyfriend," about a woman who must decide between a failing novelist (Christopher Gorham) and a successful ad executive (Michael Landes). Beau Bridges and Carol Kane co-star. (The Hollywood Reporter)

• Lionsgate will be working with Paul Haggis on his next film, "The Next Three Days," a remake of the French film "Pour Elle." Haggis will also write the script, which follows a couple forced to make major decisions in a situation that could change their love and lives forever. Haggis also directed "Crash" and "In the Valley of Elah." (Variety)