Casey Affleck Joins Ben Affleck's Whitey Bulger Film

Deadline reports that Casey Affleck will have a supporting role in his brother Ben Affleck's Whitey Bulger movie. Casey previously starred in Ben's first directorial effort Gone Baby Gone giving a solid performance earning him credibility as a dramatic actor. The trio first worked together on Good Will Hunting which earned Matt and Ben an Oscar for their script. He also co-starred with Matt in the successful Ocean's trilogy directed by Steven Soderbergh. They confirm that Damon will play Whitey Bulger in the film.

Casey's role is unknown but he's recently played dark characters so it would be easy to see him in the role of gangster or lawman. This could mean other actors that Ben has previously worked with in front and behind the camera could join the cast. I'm hoping names like Jeremy Renner are also in contentions for roles.

Matt Damon & Ben Affleck Making A Whitey Bulger Bio-Pic

Warner Bros. is really coming out with some seriously interesting projects in the last couple of months. This new one that ThePlaylist (via GQ) mentions sounds like something that could have Oscar contender written all over it. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are re-teaming for a bio-pic of Boston mobster Whitey Bulgar who was the head of the notorious Winter Hill gang. While there are a number of other Bulger films in development Damon hopes their project will scare off the other guys. The big weight behind their version is that Terence Winter the writer of HBO's Sopranos and Boardwalk Empire will be handling the script with Ben Affleck directing. Not to mention a major studio is backing them.

Damon and Affleck would star in the film but it's unknown if it will be a straight up period piece similar to Goodfellas. Bulger was a major influence on Jack Nicholson's character Frank Costello in Martin Scorsese's The Departed. I wouldn't be shocked to see Martin Scorsese attached as a producer down the line along with familiar faces in supporting roles. I'm beyond exicted to see another crime drama directed by Affleck and having it written by Winter is a giant bonus. I'm a massive fan of Ben as a director and I really wish he sticks to this sort of genre for at least a couple more films. He's been offered more commerical films like Man of Steel and Stephen King's The Stand but I'd prefer he'd stick to these type of movies.

If I had to come up with one actor that needs to be included in this film it's Alec Baldwin. Alec played such an amazing gangster in The Cooler and a ruthless salesman in Glenngary Glen Ross. It would be a shame for him to retire before going all out that a film like this could allow him to do. I felt he was short changed in The Departed since he plays such great villains.

Bradley Cooper Front-Runner For Soderbergh's Man From UNCLE

ShowBlitz reports Bradley Cooper (Limitless, Hangover) is now Steven Soderbergh's choice to play Napoleon Solo in The Man From Uncle. It's a big change from previous wanted names for the role like George Clooney who dropped out along with hopefuls Matt Damon, Johnny Depp and Michael Fassbender. It was previously mentioned was that Warner Bros. was keen on bringing in Ryan Gosling for the role of Russian Agent Illya Kuryakin. While Soderbergh wanted up and coming Swedish actor Joel Kinnaman (Dragon Tattoo, Snabba Cash 1-3, Safe House, Killing, Darkest Hour) for the part of Illya. I think since they're hoping to go with Cooper, Gosling seems a better bet as both actors have a rather decent sized following.

Diego Luna In Talks To Join Neill Blomkamp's Elysium

ShowBlitz reports that Diego Luna (The Terminal, Contraband) is in talks for a role in Neill Blomkamp's follow up to District 9. Elysium, pits humans and aliens against each other in a class war set off-world. The casting is decent as is with Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, Sharlto Copley, Alice Braga, Wagner Moura and William Fichtner. The science fiction thriller is set to open on March 1st 2013.

Alice Braga Joins Niell Blomkamp's Elysium

Deadline confirms that Alice Braga (City of God) has joined the Niell Blomkamp's (District 9) Elysium. Braga is no stranger to genre based action films starring in I Am Legend, Predators and Repo Men. She joins Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, Sharlto Copley, Wagner Moura and William Fichtner. The film recently got an updated release date of March 1st 2013. 

William Fichtner Joining Neill Blomkamp's Elysium

Variety reports that William Fichtner (Dark Knight, Heat) is in final talks to take a role in Neill Blomkamp's (District 9) off-world science fiction thriller Elysium. The impressive cast includes Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, Sharlto Copley (District 9) and Wagner Moura (Elite Squad 1-2). Sony is set to release the film on March 8th 2013.

The Adjustment Bureau Review

"Fate isn’t that bad"

David Norris (Matt Damon), a rising politician, starts a refreshing romance with a ballet dancer named Elise Sellas (Emily Blunt). At the height of success and flirtation he accidentally discovers a group of agents that claim to control fate. Upon their unveiling, they inform David that his love for Ms. Sellas is misplaced, for it is against their paths of destiny and will destroy their dreams. David’s love only grows stronger and he becomes fixated on being with Elise while maintaining his political standing. The harder David tries the more he jeopardizes his and Elise lives to the hands of “The Adjustment Bureau.”

A reoccurring theme within a lot of my reviews is the phrase “manage your expectations.” This phrase can be directly applied to “The Adjustment Bureau.” Unfortunately managing expectations isn’t as easy as it seems, especially because of movie advertisements and misleading trailers. After seeing the film and then revisiting some of the TV spots and online trailers, I don’t believe we (us as an audience) were completely mislead but I was expecting a bit more action than “The Adjustment Bureau” had to offer. Not the films fault, but I also found myself craving some Jason Bourne moves whenever Mr. David Norris got into trouble. To be honest David Norris has spunk but he’s nowhere close to the likes of Bourne. Mr. Norris could be more accurately described as a genuine and determined hopeless romantic.

This film is unequivocally a romantic drama with a thriller overtone. By no means is this a negative statement but understanding this fact will allow you to better enjoy this film. Fellas don’t be upset, there is enough chase scenes to moderately satisfy your action needs but it will also keep your date happy and heart warmed.

By far the most intriguing aspect of this film is the chemistry between Matt Damon and Emily Blunt. Both actors do an excellent job portraying a true connection between their characters. The audience will immediately fall in love with Elise Sellas and understand why David Norris needs her in his life. This film isn’t extremely exciting and doesn’t boldly stand a part from any other romance or thriller but it does create a unique combination of the two, in a very professional and sophisticated way. “The Adjustment Bureau” is refreshing; I recommend this film for a great date night or Sunday afternoon.

B

Wagner Moura To Play Villain In Neill Blomkamp's Elysium, Coming 2013

HeatVision reports that Brazilian actor Wagner Moura will play a villain in Neill Blomkamp's (District 9) Elysium. Wagner is best known for his lead role in Elite Squad and Elite Squad 2. The science fiction thriller set for a March 8th 2013 release date already stars Matt Damon, Sharlto Copley and Jodie Foster. Elysium's plot is still unknown but would deal with a class system on an futuristic off-world setting with Matt Damon playing an ex-con.

Bourne Legacy Moves On

Tony Gilroy, writer of the first three Bourne films and director of Duplicity and Michael Clayton, is writing and directing the Bourne spin-off "Bourne Legacy." Empire Magazine reports that he is currently taking meetings with several actors to replace Matt Damon.

Yes, Bourne Legacy will NOT star Matt Damon. Specific reasons can only be speculated but there haven’t been any reports that would suggest a negative separation. I think Damon and Paul Greengrass (Director of Bourne 1-3) are just ready to move on. Continuing with Bourne Legacy, so far (according to Deadline) there is a long list of actors pursuing this role: Jake Gyllenhaal, Joel Edgerton, Josh Hartnett, Tobey Maguire, Paul Dano, Micheal Pitt, Oscar Isaac, Garrett Hedlund, Micheal Fassbender, Luke Evans, Alex Pettyfer, Taylor Kitsch and Benjamin Walker. This is a ridiculous list; half of these candidates are absurd and the other half are already attached to many other projects. For example, Tobey Maguire...his mere consideration is an insult to the franchise or even pretty boys like Alex Pettyfer (I am Number Four) or Taylor Kitsch (Wolverine: X-men Origins) don’t come remotely close to the likes of a potential successor. But on the other side of things better actors such as Micheal Fassbender, Paul Dano and Jake Gyllenhaal are already attached to many other films and (in my opinion) just don't seem to fit either.

Out of this odd assortment of actors personally, I think Garrett Hedlund (Tron, Four Brothers) or Joel Edgerton (Animal Kingdom) would be good choices. Both would take the film in different dirrections but they share similar attributes in their versatility, intensity and rising careers. Garrett Hedlund, I know is somewhat of a strange choice but his roles in “Death Sentence” and “Four Brothers” showcase his adaptability, and capable honesty and grit. But despite my opinion, I think it’s safe to say that Jake Gyllenhaal and Josh Hartnett are forerunners.

True Grit Review

"True Grit" lacks just that…

True Grit is about fourteen year old Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld), who is determined to avenge the death of her father. Mattie’s vigor persistence convinces the both reluctant and trigger-happy US Marshal Roger Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), to aid her manhunt of outlaw and murderer Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin). Her journey for vengeance is complicated by the involvement of Texas Ranger LeBouef (Matt Damon) and his determination to see Chaney hang in Texas for his crimes against the state, instead of the murder of her father. Mattie must endure the elements of her journey, maintain the motivation and sobriety of Cogburn and race against LeBouef to get her man brought to justice in the name of her father.

The Coen brothers appropriately pay homage to the original film following the basis of its storyline. However their version elevates itself above the original with the usage of exceptional dialogue; which adds excitement to an otherwise slow pacing film. The intelligent, quick tongued and sarcastic Mattie Ross quickly becomes an audience favorite and noble heroine. In my opinion both Mattie Ross the character and Hailee Steinfeld the actress hold this film together. Hailee Steinfeld is deservingly nominated for an Oscar, along with Jeff Bridges. Bridges nomination surprises me; he played the part well but by no means was his performance extraordinary or incomparable. I think his nomination is nothing more than the aftermath of his “Crazy Heart” performance and the lack of competition this year. I actually think that outside of Steinfeld the only other memorable actor was Barry Pepper who played gang leader Lucky Ned Pepper. Though his screen time is limited and near the end of the film, I thought he actually stole all the scenes with Josh Brolin.

Despite all my negativity, True Grit is a good film; it’s just not a great film. I think all its vast positive criticism is nothing more than blind praise to a John Wayne remake and Coen Brothers film. If you like Coen brothers films or westerns, it’s definitely worth viewing but maintain your expectations and rent it in a few months.

B-

Syd Mead Hired To Design Sets For Neill Blomkamp's Elysium

Deadline reports Neill Blomkamp has reached out to legendary science fiction designer Syd Mead to create sets for next film Elysium. Mead is a hard get as he doesn't often do work for films. His previous design work includes sets and vehicles for Aliens and Blade Runner. Syd's detailed set work is one of the major reasons I love those movies. Blomkamp seems to be throwing down a gauntlet reserved for directors like Ridley Scott and James Cameron. Expect big things from this gestating project which is set 100 years in the future and on another planet.

This seems like the next step for the epic sounding science fiction thriller. Blomkamp has written the script with Matt Damon, Jodie Foster and Sharlto Copley locked in to star in the film. The site also mentions an intention for the release date to be sometime during the holiday season of 2012. This could be the first competition to part one of Peter Jackson's Hobbit.

Jodie Foster Joins Damon & Copley In Blomkamp's Elysium

Deadline reports that Jodie Foster (Taxi Driver, Panic Room) has joined Matt Damon and Sharlto Copely in Elysium. The science fiction horror film is the follow up to Neill Blomkamp's District 9 but has no connection to the previous film. Media Rights Capital is currently helping the director shop the secretive project to potential studios.

Matt Damon Could Join Neill Blomkamp's Elysium

Deadline reports Matt Damon is in active talks to join the cast of Neill Blomkamp's sci-fi horror film Elysium. The only actor officially hired currently is Sharlto Copley who gave such powerful performance in Blomkamp's District 9. It will be interesting see the other big names who I assume will also want to star in the film. While the film is expected not to have any connection with District 9 I assume the action level will be just as high if not bigger.

Johansson Could Join Damon In We Bought A Zoo

There seems to be heat starting up for writer/director Cameron Crowe's next film We Bought A Zoo. Matt Damon is set to star in the lead role and according to Deadline Scarlett Johansson could be joining the film too. The site mentions contenders like Amy Adams, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Rachel McAdams also up for the role. The fim centers on an American who moves to England to operate a zoo.