9/12/2011

Sure Shots: Top Gun; David Chase; Dustin Hoffman


* Although I believe the 3D novelty has worn off, evidenced by the dwindling returns this year, studios aren't giving up on sucking every extra dollar out of us that they can. Titanic will be re-released into theaters next year using the format, and even this weekend you can catch the animated classic, The Lion King, in 3D. Now Paramount is planning on converting and crapping out Top Gun some time next year, assuming director Tony Scott's approval. Interested parties no doubt are lusting for the classic volleyball scene in choppy post-converted 3D. I feel the need....for speed to get me away from this as fast as possible.

* If television has felt...less, than it was before, that might have to do with David Chase pretty much having disappeared since The Sopranos ended it's run a few years ago. I don't blame him. He's not likely to create another show like that anytime soon. Chase has spent that time developing his feature film directorial debut, The Twylight Zones, a coming of age rock 'n roll drama set in the 1970s. Starring James Gandolfini, raunchy comedianne Lisa Lampanelli, Bella Heathcoate, Christopher McDonald, and Molly Price, the film will finally see the light of day on October 12th 2012, putting it firmly into next year's Oscar race.

* Filming on Dustin Hoffman's directorial debut, an adaptation of Ronald Harwood's stage play Quartet, has kicked off and there's been some changes to the cast of mostly British thespians. Maggie Smith, Tom Courtenay, Pauline Collins, Billy Connolly, Michael Gambon, and stage actress Sheridan Smith(Legally Blonde) will star in the film taking place in a retirement home and following four ex-opera singers struggling to hold a concert in honor of the composer Verdi. [EW]