* F. Gary Gray(Law Abiding Citizen
, Friday
) has signed on to direct Hair of the Dog, a mystery thriller involving a successful executive who becomes the target of a vicious blackmail scheme. Gray had been attached to the Bruce Willis starring video game adaptation, Kane and Lynch, but reports are that he's now out of contention to direct that film. I like Gray's movies, mostly because they tend to push people's buttons even if they can sometimes get a bit out of control. He'll always be in my good graces for Friday, though.
, Friday) has signed on to direct Hair of the Dog, a mystery thriller involving a successful executive who becomes the target of a vicious blackmail scheme. Gray had been attached to the Bruce Willis starring video game adaptation, Kane and Lynch, but reports are that he's now out of contention to direct that film. I like Gray's movies, mostly because they tend to push people's buttons even if they can sometimes get a bit out of control. He'll always be in my good graces for Friday, though. * I'm finding it hard to get worked up over Kevin Smith's next project, the political horror film known as Red State, featuring Michael Parks(Kill Bill
) as an evil Fred Phelps-type character. Maybe it's Cop Out residue, I dunno. Whatever the case, Smith seems to be rounding out the supporting cast as he's begun talks with Melissa Leo(21 Grams
), Dermot Mulroney(Career Opportunities
), Michael Angarano(Snow Angels
), Kyle Gallner(A Nightmare on Elm Street
), and Stephen Root(Jersey Girl
). Shooting is set to begin in September, with Smith hoping to have the film ready for next January's Sundance Film Festival. * Bouncing off today's release of the ultra lame poster for Meet the Parents: Little Fockers comes a rumor that director Paul Weitz has asked the cast to return for some reshoots. Not really a big deal. Happens all the time. The interesting part is that it's possible that Dustin Hoffman may be coming in to shoot a few scenes, reprising his role as laid back dad, Bernie Focker. Sounds like the movie stinks, the studio knows it stinks, and is trying to plug the comedy gaps with anybody they can find.
