Brand new 'Footloose' trailer arrives

Paramount has released the trailer for its remake of the 1984 movie "Footloose." From what I remember of the original film, a rebellious teen attempts to abolish a small town's ban on rock & roll and dancing. All of the while falling in love with the minister's daughter of course. 

Well, it looks like director Craig Brewer ("Hustle & Flow," "Black Snake Moan") has added his own touch to the film, because I swear I saw not only major explosions in the trailer, but I also caught a glimpse of what looks to be some serious yard stomping. 

Whether that is a good or a bad thing, I will leave up to the viewer. This film is slated for an October release, and the cast includes Kenny Wormald, Julianne Hough, Ziah Colon, Dennis Quaid, Miles Teller and Andie MacDowell.

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Coens' 'True Grit' gets 2010 release date

Good news for all fans of Joel and Ethan Coen! The super brothers' new film and remake "True Grit" will open Christmas Day this year, courtesy of Paramount Pictures. Thanks Paramount, you've made my day!

Jeff Bridges is on board to play a U.S. marshal who joins forces with a lawman (Matt Damon) and a 14-year-old girl to track down her dad's killer. Josh Brolin is playing the bad guy.

The Coens last directed "A Serious Man," a strange little film I had some trouble with but still ended up enjoying in a way. It's one of the films I have trouble analyzing, but at least it's one that sticks with me.

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Monday film news roundup: Ricky Gervais to host Golden Globes; 'Paranormal Activity 2'?

• Funny man Ricky Gervais will host the 67th annual Golden Globes Jan. 17. The folks at NBC suggested a host may boost the show, and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association agreed. Gervais most recently starred in "The Invention of Lying." By the way, look for Globes nominees December 15.

• Ron Livingston is the latest to join Zach Galifianakis, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd and Lucy Punch in Jay Roach's upcoming "Dinner for Schmucks," a remake of Francis Veber's popular 1998 comedy "Le diner de cons." Livingston recently starred in "The Time Traveler's Wife." (Variety)

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Julianne Hough added to 'Footloose' cast

Julianne Hough will join Chace Crawford in Paramount Pictures' upcoming Kenny Ortega-directed remake of the 1984 musical "Footloose."

"Footloose" will mark Hough's first major big-screen gig. Her small-screen credits include "Dancing with the Stars" and "Entertainment Tonight."

Zac Efron was originally attached to star in the remake, but he later dropped out. I guess the "High School Musical" star's had enough of teen dancing for a while.

The original "Footloose" was directed by Herbert Ross and starred Kevin Bacon and Sarah Jessica Parker. The flick followed a city boy who moves to a small town where rock music and energetic dance moves are not appreciated.

"Footloose" will start shooting early next year, with a release currently set for June 2010. (Source: Variety)

Paramount speeds up Zac Efron's 'Footloose'

Now that “High School Musical 3: Senior Year” is ruling the global box office, Paramount is already developing the next musical for Zac Efron.

Variety says the studio hopes to begin production on “Footloose” early next year, which Kenny Ortega directing and Efron starring as the lead.

The project is a remake of the 1984 movie of the same title, and focuses on a city boy who stirs up a small town with his passion for rock music and energetic dancing.

The trade says Jon Hartmere wrote the screenplay, which “Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist” director Peter Sollett is rewriting.

Apparently, Efron will be getting quite the big check for his participation.

The original Herbert Ross-directed “Footloose” starred Kevin Bacon and picked up two Oscar nominations.

Efron, can next be seen in Burr Steer’s upcoming comedy “17 Again,” which is scheduled for release April 17, 2009.

Final word: Another musical, another remake. What is there left to say?