Ryan Murphy will direct 'The Normal Heart'

Ryan Murphy's "Eat Pray Love" is hitting theaters this week, and the successful filmmaker already has his next project lined up. He will direct the big-screen adaptation of Larry Kramer's play "The Normal Heart."

MTV confirmed the news earlier today. Murphy, who created "Glee," said, "I'm directing it from Larry Kramer's beautiful script and we're going to shoot that in June of next year." Kramer wrote the screenplay.

Mark Ruffalo will star in "The Normal Heart," the a semi-autobiographical play that focuses on the gay Jewish founder of an HIV advocacy group. Murphy said he is "very excited" to direct Ruffalo in this.

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Could Mark Ruffalo play Hulk in 'Avengers'?

Lots of big players in Hollywood can act like children at times, as seen recently via the bid Edward Norton dispute and the question of whether he'll play Bruce Banner aka. the Hulk in "The Avengers."

Well, it's pretty clear now that Norton will not be the Hulk, and that brings up the question: who the heck will replace him? Considering Marvel is trying to turn "Avengers" into a big movie, it's a crucial decision.

Deadline Hollywood has one lead, reporting that Mark Ruffalo is a hot contender for the role. The site says he has an offer on the table, although other sources attached to the film say nothing is a done deal.

Ruffalo is an interesting pick. He's without doubt a fabulous actor, but I admit I was surprised when I heard his name pop up for this. Could he do it? I think he'd totally deserve a shot at it. Don't you think?

Movie Review: “Shutter Island”

Seen on: February 16, 2010

The players: Director: Martin Scorsese, Writer: Laeta Kalogridis, Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Michelle Williams, Max von Sydow

Facts of interest: Based on the book by Dennis Lehane.

The plot: Two marshals travel to Shutter Island to investigate the disappearance of a prisoner from the mental institution, but neither of them is ready to face what really happened there.

Our thoughts: Martin Scorsese’s psychological mystery thriller “Shutter Island” is by far not a masterpiece, but the film’s creepy atmosphere, compelling characters, outstanding technical credits and fabulous cast definitely help overshadow some of its rather obvious story flaws. Although no Scorsese classic, “Shutter Island” is still worth a trip to the multiplex.

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Movie Review: “Where the Wild Things Are”

Seen on: October 16, 2009

The players: Director: Spike Jonze, Writers: Spike Jonze, Dave Eggers, Cast: Max Records, Catherine Keener, Mark Ruffalo, Lauren Ambrose, James Gandolfini

Facts of interest: Based on the book by Maurice Sendak.

The plot: The film follows a young boy who imagines he's traveling to a big island inhabited by wild creatures.

Our thoughts: Spike Jonze’s “Where the Wild Things Are” is a fantastic big-screen adventure I absolutely adored even though I never read Maurice Sendak’s beloved book. It’s a film that worked for me for so many reasons, starting with its simple, yet quite meaningful examination of the many complications of childhood.

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Feature trailer for 'Shutter Island' now online

A new trailer for Martin Scorsese's upcoming mystery thriller "Shutter Island" has officially hit the Web, and it's just as good as its predecessor. It's similar, but it also features a bit of new footage. Check it out below.

In the film, two marshals are sent to a remote, barren island off the coast of Massachusetts to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a murderess from the island’s fortress-like hospital for the criminally insane.

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Awesome new 'Where the Wild Things Are' TV spots

Two brand-new TV spots for Spike Jonze's upcoming big-screen adventure "Where the Wild Things Are" have hit the Web, and I highly recommend you check them out after the jump. They are wonderful!

Based on the popular book by Maurice Sendak, the plot follows Max, a disobedient little boy who's sent to bed without his supper and creates his own world -- a forest inhabited by ferocious wild creatures that crown Max as their ruler.

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Bad news: 'Shutter Island' pushed to 2010

Bummer! Martin Scorsese's upcoming thriller "Shutter Island" won't be opening as scheduled on Oct. 2. 2009. Instead, Paramount has decided to push back the release to Feb. 19, 2010 because of economic reasons. Yep, that's how bad it is out there...

Paramount basically said that the slate for 2009 was set up under a different economic climate, according to Variety. I don't know why they waited this long to go forward with this or announce it, but the economic climate has been sucky for a while now, no?

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Awesome 'Where the Wild Things Are' trailer hits

Here is the brand-new trailer for Spike Jonze's upcoming adventure "Where the Wild Things Are," and wow... this one is even more awesome than its predecessor.

Based on the popular book by Maurice Sendak, the plot follows Max, a disobedient little boy who's sent to bed without his supper and creates his own world -- a forest inhabited by ferocious wild creatures that crown Max as their ruler.

Catherine Keener, Max Records, Mark Ruffalo, James Gandolfini, Forest Whitaker and Catherine O'Hara are part of the cast. "Wild Things" opens in theaters Oct. 16, 2009, and I have a strong feeling it will deliver the goods big time.

BTW, Jonze's credits also include "Adaptation" and "Being John Malkovich."

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'Shutter Island' trailer delivers the goods!

The first trailer for Martin Scorsese's "Shutter Island" has just exploded onto the Web, and you should definitely check it out below. It totally delivers the goods.

The film tells the story of two U.S. marshals, Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo), who are summoned to a remote and barren island off the coast of Massachusetts to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a murderess from the island’s fortress-like hospital for the criminally insane.

"Shutter Island" is based on the novel by Dennis Lehane and stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Michelle Williams, Patricia Clarkson, Max von Sydow and Jackie Earle Haley.

As you can see below, the film promises to be an intense psychological thriller with a bunch of twists and, judging solely by this preview, vibrant performances. I for one can't wait, and the film will open Oct. 2, 2009.

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Daily news dose: Dakota Fanning to star in 'New Moon'?; 'Lost Planet' to cost $2M

Here's your dose of quick news bits for Jan. 22, 2008...

• According to E!Online, Dakota Fanning is in talks to star as Jane in Chris Weitz's "New Moon," the sequel to "Twilight." “They just offered it to her outright, and now they’re in negotiations. They’ve been going back and forth,” according to a source. Fanning as a bloodsucker? Well, well...

• Ving Rhames has signed on to star in Lonny Price's "Master Harold... and the Boys," the big-screen adaptation of Athol Fugard's 1982 play. The Hollywood Reporter has more: "Rhames takes on the lead role of Sam, a dignified, noble waiter who is a father figure to young Hally."

• Capcom has announced that the big-screen adaptation of its video game "Lost Planet" may cost up to $200 million. "I think that it is because of our original IPs that we are able to try something so ambitious," said Capcom's Toshihiro Tokumaru.

• Mark Ruffalo's directorial debut "Sympathy for Delicious," which was put on hold last year after the death of his brother, is now officially back on track with Orlando Bloom and Laura Linney among the leads. The film focuses on a paralyzed disc jockey who mysteriously becomes a faith healer. (The Hollywood Reporter)