In Contention

Tag: A Christmas Carol

  • Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor do the nasty

    (from left) Ewan McGregor and Jim Carrey in I Love You Phillip MorrisThe first still for “I Love You Phillip Morris” has been released, and it’s an enticing shot for the two or three people in the world who’d like to see these guys bumping uglies…

    But seriously, I do think it’s hilarious that this film was pitched as “‘Catch Me If You Can’ meets “Brokeback Mountain.’”  Gotta give Hollywood one of those recipe pitches every now and then, assure the suits that they aren’t straying TOO far from the norm.

    I’ve never read Steve McVicker’s book, but it does sound interesting.  And no, it’s not about a man who falls in love with Big Tobacco.

    I also like Jim Carrey’s choice of material lately.  As “Liar Liar”-ish as “Yes Man” sounds, it could be a solid piece of work and “Morris,” of course, coming from the “Bad Santa” team, has a lot of potential.  I’m also looking forward to “The Christmas Carol,” which could be dazzling.

    The guy sure could use a boost after three stinkers in a row.

  • Behind the scenes of Henry Selick’s ‘Coraline’

    Every time I walk into the comic book store lately I feel the urge to pick up Neil Gaiman’s “Coraline.” I haven’t done so yet (mainly because I’m buried in so many other books at the moment), but it’s an interesting tale that could make a fabulous feature film.

    Henry Selick is, of course, doing just that and Rotten Tomatoes has secured a behind-the-scenes look at the film. Focus Features is set to distribute “Coraline” in February of next year, but there is still an outside shot at an Academy-qualifying run in 2008 if the film is finished in time. It would enter into the animated feature derby with “WALL-E,” perhaps Sony Classics’ “Waltz With Bashir” and DreamWorks SKG’s “Kung Fu Panda” (which is just asking to be kicked to the awards curb).

    Next year, the competiton looks to be Pixar’s “Up,” Walt Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog” and Focus’s own “9.” Perhaps Robert Zemeckis’s “A Christmas Carol” will turn the tide for motion capture for the animators, but I doubt it.

    “Coraline” is currently set for release on February 6, 2009.