IT MATTERS

[Friday: July 18] Today was opening day for "The Dark Knight", sequel to 2005's "Batman Begins"...but, of course, you probably already know that.

Who doesn't?

After the startling death of Heath Ledger, who plays the insane criminal mastermind and Batman's arch nemesis: The Joker; everyone's interest was piqued for this movie. I know mine was! But not all of the interest in this movie's debut is morbid - seeing one of the popular Aussie actor's last on-screen roles. With a stellar cast including Christian Bale (Batman), Aaron Eckhart (Two-Face), Morgan Freeman, & Gary Oldman - to name a few - "The Dark Knight" already had an incredible fan base. And now that is has arrived, 'blockbuster smash' status is just around the corner. I would even say that it will gross more than any of the other comic-based movies that have and will come out this year...and perhaps any previous year as well. The largest-grossing opening weekend for any comic-based movie was Sony's "Spider-Man 3" which pulled in a whopping 151+ million back in 2007. "The Dark Knight" might be giving Spidey a run for that top spot though. What do you think?

Also, the idealistic and independent character, Rachel Dawes, will be played by Maggie Gyllenhaal this time around instead of Katie Holmes who had the roll in "Batman Begins". Holmes stated a 'scheduling conflict' as her reason for turning down the role - enter Maggie Gyllenhaal. I, for one, am excited to see what she will be able to bring to the table. Honestly, Holmes is just a little overrated for me...her Dawson's-Creek-Joey-Potter-ness seems to seep into every role she plays. Good for her for trying out something new and letting Gyllenhaal fill the gap! :o)

THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG

Breathlessly awaiting the next Disney princess? You won't have to wait long. Apparently Disney is in the works for another princess movie to come out in 2009. What makes this movie unique is that this time around it is an African-American princess named Tiana.

Set in New Orleans during the Jazz era, this movie will be a throwback to the old 2-D movies Disney is famous for (before they got in bed with Pixar and dreamed about talking toys!) with a generous portion of musicality and imagination. So, why does this movie matter? It should be obvious...BECAUSE I LOVE DISNEY MOVIES!! I'm a randomly-burst-into-song-and-dance-routine kind of person. I grew up with a certain love for the Disney classics like "The Little Mermaid", "Beauty And The Beast", and "Aladdin". And this newest installment promises to be another favorite for all little girls (and the not-so-little-anymore ones as well!).

However, there is the tiniest bit of controversy over this film already. Originally, Tiana was named 'Maddy' and she was to have the role of 'chambermaid' before reaching princess status - this upset certain people. So, she is no longer going to be demoted to slave status (which apparently the name 'Maddy' and occupation 'chambermaid' would have done) and is now being toted as a heroine named Tiana. Oh...and did I mention the prince is white?

Okay, did nobody watch "Pocahontas" or "Cinderella"? These concepts aren't exactly 'new' in the Disney repertoire. But, of course, in an effort to show the utmost sensitivity to all who would watch their films, Disney is doing it's best to make this film as PC as possible. My only real 'beef' with all this is the fact that they let go their original composer, Alan Menken - an Oscar winner and amazing original artist who composed award winning songs for other Disney princesses, in favor of Randy Newman, Disney's Pixar composer who doesn't have the same sensational Broadway-type drama to his music like Menken. (sigh)

So...what do you think about Disney's decision to go back to 2-D and add a new princess?

According to the IMDb, in June of 2009 we can all look forward to Dune Entertainment's release of "The A-Team". A movie remake of the 1980's TV show featuring four Vietnam vets framed for a crime they didn't committ. Of course, this time around it will be four Iraq vets who are rumored to be played by Bruce Willis (Col. Hannibal Smith), Woody Harrelson (Capt. H.M 'Howling Mad' Murdock), and Ice Cube (Sgt. Bosco 'B.A.' Baracus). I guess they don't have any good prospects for the character Lt. Templeton 'Face' Peck. But I would like to take just a moment to nominate Jason Statham. Not to typecast him or anything, but since Statham played a similar role as 'Handsome Rob' in "The Italian Job" (which I highly recommend if you haven't seen it), I think he'd be a beautiful addition to this movie remake. Or perhaps Ryan Reynolds...because I WILL be seeing this movie and it wouldn't hurt if I got to see Reynolds shirtless just once more...

Any thoughts as to whom you would suggest director John Singleton (director of "Shaft") use to play 'Face'? Any thoughts about the current picks for the other A-Team members? I personally can't see Ice Cube living up to Mr. T's standards as B.A. - but I'mi sure there will be a lot of action to make up for it!!

Labels: Movies