I suspect it's because Mike Mills is COMPLETELY INSANE.

Anyway, Thumbsucker comes out on DVD tomorrow.

I suspect Thumbsucker may be hitting Canadian and UK theaters this weekend, check your local listings, y'all.

Peeved Reeves - an article from the Montreal Mirror

Keanu grunts, groans and scowls his way through an interview about his role in Thumbsucker

by MATTHEW HAYS

Keanu Reeves hates the press. Or so it would seem, as he sits down to talk about his latest film, Thumbsucker, an independent bit of Sundance chic that has the surreally good-looking thespian playing a new-age orthodontist.

One can't really hold it against dear Keanu for hating journalists. After all, it was bottom-feeding tabloid types who gleefully ran with the oft-repeated rumour about his marrying Hollywood mogul David Geffen in a clandestine ceremony. That tall tale got repeated so many times in the early '90s that it almost transcended Hollywood urban legend to become a self-fulfilling reality, much like the one about Richard Gere's gerbil mishap. Geffen finally doused the whole story, stating unequivocally that he'd never even met Keanu.

Then, of course, there are the critics, who have long trashed Keanu's acting style. He is a lightweight poseur, goes the argument, a dude whose career should have sunk long ago, but who stays afloat by the good graces of his looks and little else. (For the record, I think he often delivers carefully minimalist performances that are actually grounded in an intelligent acting process. I predict he'll get his due as an actor in late career, much like Clint Eastwood has. But that's just me.)

Click the extended entry or GO HERE to read the rest of the article...

It doesn't help that Keanu is now sitting at a round table at the Toronto International Film Festival. These round tables allow celebrities to be fast-tracked through a large number of scrums, allowing eight or even 12 journalists to interview a celebrity at once. Simply put, it's the assembly line applied to the interview technique. It sucks, both for the writer and the interview subject. Keanu knows this, and clearly hates it. Which is kinda too bad, given that the film he's here to pump up, Thumbsucker - an unusual tale about a teenage boy whose parents insist he give up sucking on his thumb - isn't a bad movie at all. As well as the Matrix star, the film's kick-ass cast includes Tilda Swinton, Vincent D'Onofrio, Benjamin Bratt, Vince Vaughn and celebrated newcomer Lou Pucci in the lead.

Keanu grunts and groans his way through a series of questions, looking particularly askance at one journalist sitting to his left, an overweight Australian who apparently has not discovered the magical powers of deodorant. "Was this a character you could identify with?" asks one journalist. "Yeah," replies Keanu.

This is perhaps the most insightful part of Keanu's interview. There's a pause, and someone tries to squeeze some juice out of him. "I really enjoyed where he ended up," Keanu says. "And where he started. He's an orthodontist with some ideas about life."

I decide to chime in with what I consider to be a deep thought: "How would you say your craft as an actor has evolved since you began making movies?"

Not knowing my theories about his oeuvre first-hand, Keanu interprets this as an attack, rather than a sincere question. He has taken his barbs, after all. "I know more about it," he responds, icily.

Someone continues, suggesting that with his stoned-out orthodontist role, Keanu appeared to be self-consciously referencing his own career, in particular stoner Ted from the Bill & Ted movies. "That was not intended," insists Keanu.

Then I step in again with the deep thoughts: "It seems like perhaps you were doing a parody of a Keanu Reeves performance..."

And that, as it turns out, is a bit too much for Keanu to take. He clams up. "I'm not saying," he states, while crossing his arms firmly.

With that, director-writer Mike Mills steps in, happy to fill in the gaps. The film, he said, was his own way of reiterating a message he needs to hear himself: that there is no such thing as normal. While his protagonist is a tormented thumbsucker, the lad soon learns that being different really isn't such a bad thing, and rather than fight his purported faults, he should simply embrace them.

Another journalist uses this as a cue to get back to Keanu. Isn't a film like Thumbsucker a perfect reflection of Reeves's own career, given his non-typical status in the business? I mean, Keanu, you're hardly the typical Hollywood guy, argues the journo.

"Who is?"

Do you have a career plan, goes another question, or just fly by the seat of your pants?

"Is there anything in between?"

Another journalist attempts to appeal with a softer question: do you prefer comedy to drama?

Keanu brings this round table to a bitter end. "I don't really know. Unless, of course, I'm parodying myself."

V. and I went to see Thumbsucker this weekend. Here's his review.

Clearly, the real sucking here is not related to thumbs but to the possibility of the studio pulling Thumbsucker from national distribution. They simply aren't supporting it in any meaningful way and that makes the Baby Jesus sad. Everyone in the film is quite good.

Tilda Swinton, though cast in a supporting role, is clearly the star. Her still and quiet fragility lifts even the most stilted of scenes (of which there are several). Languid and pale, she drew me in again and again so that I might be reminded that I am not alone in what it is to be so horribly, painfully... deservedly human. Vince Vaughn is at his most understated in years as a subtly vain teacher of juvenile forensics who just so happens to have mascara in his bag (you know, just in case one of his female charges needs a little help bringing out her eyes before the regionals). Vincent D'Onofrio plays an adequate jock father who turns in a journeyman scene when he suggests to his stoned son that it could just be possible to turn one's back on one's dream for the love of a woman (Swinton) who probably doesn't deserve it as she has no real dream of her own beyond that of the arms of cocaine snorting television star, Benjamin Bratt, about whom I will stop before I commit to words something terribly mean. The scene would have been all the more poignant had I not seen it eighty-seven times before. The character of the younger brother (Chase Offerle) existed solely to deliver lines I had also heard eighty-seven times. Pre-teen characters belong in after-school specials. I certainly don't want to hear
common slang terms for female reproductive organs coming out of their mouths.

The kid who sucks his thumb is played sweetly by Lou Taylor Pucci. I have it on good authority that he'll have a big career. He gets fucked over in the same repetative way all sweet sensitive boys and girls get fucked over until he finally finds his own worth. I only wish I had found that worth at 17. I went to NYC, too, though I sure wasn't bounding across Times Square. I was in Times Square, but it was different then. It just was. No one bounded, but it was the 80's and, therefore, a far more surly time.

That said, I found the kid's hair to be incredibly annoying. Grow it to your shoulders or cut it off. The movies are magic and I believe they can spare me from having to watch kids whose hair makes them look like bums.

There is a scene in which our hero is drunk in a hotel room with three or four teenage girls who suddenly strip to their underwear and attempt to transmit static electricity from one breast to another. (Ummmm.... huh?)

Look. I was a complete dork in high school like this kid. I was in a club that took trips. We all stayed in a cabin with no adult supervision.

It never happened. It never happens. It never will happen. This sort of thing just doesn't happen. Did I say never? Good.

If the movies would simply stop suggesting that one dork with bad hair can have four teenaged girls in their Hanes Herways hopping up and down on hotel beds, charged like Tesla coils of nubile need, well, teenaged boys wouldn't have such dumb expectations and teenaged girls would have a fighting chance at getting through at least three dates before a trembling hand is unceremoniously shoved down the front of their jeans.

Oh. Keanu Reeves is in this movie. He is cast as Perry, the kid's new age orthodontist. I'm rather unsurprised that he was sought out by the casting director as I am at a loss as to just who else would be able to wear the smock and channel the power animal of a dopey neo-hippy orthodontist. As he disappeared from his last screen appearance, I was left with one thought:

This is what happened to Ted "Theodore" Logan after his dream died.

The power animal really should have been a wild stallion. In certain movies, such beasts begin with great hope. In real life, wild stallions often meet a bad end. I could be wrong. After all, I read metaphors in alphabet soup.

That said, he was rather good in Thumbsucker. The film could have used another three or four minutes of him with the kid who sucks his thumb. Keanu is good when cast as a thoughtful, earnest and somewhat troubled man. You just can't sell him to me as a hacker or savior of humanity (Constantine doesn't factor into that last statement as his character was not really altruistic). Please keep in mind that I'm the guy who used to quip at parties: "I find it so amusing that they keep making movies in which Keanu Reeves is wanted for his mind." I understand, now, that he is bright. This, though, was the early 90's or so. The Johnny Mnemonic years. The early Matrix years. I was and still am passionately apathetic about both. I don't have to be a fan to know when he is good, though.

I appreciate him as a man who lives for his art, and that negates any thing I or any of us think about him. Everyone could forget him and he'd still do what he loves to do. I'm trying to assume that into my being as something not unlike an object lesson in living. Most importantly, I do thank him for being the sort of person who could, unknowingly, reach out beyond the screen and change a woman's view of her own heart and by extension, set her on a path that brought her to a place where she could accept and love a heart that is often too heavy and mad to hold.

Keanu's role as Perry the orthodontist was pivotal to the film. While the relationship between the sucking of thumbs and the straightening of teeth is clear, I'm afraid the extension of the orthodontic metaphor will be lost on many movie-goers. Each character's life is painfully adjusted. Some simply don't accept the gift and return to their own form of emotional thumbsucking, slowly rendering their corrected souls crooked, once again.

Finally, Thumbsucker opens tomorrow (Friday - 10/07) in most major US cities.

From the Orlando Sentinel:

The incredible Zen of Keanu
Reeves takes on the role of a New Age orthodontist in 'Thumbsucker.'

Inscrutable.

That's what Keanu Reeves is.

That's the public face he puts on for journalists, the folks who long ago tagged him perma-dude, the actor with the cool name and surfer-dim vocabulary.

"Vacant-looking," critic Leonard Maltin labeled him.

You don't get much out of him in interviews. Sometimes that's because he doesn't have much to say. But sometimes, it's because the press, even in small group settings such as this one, can't resist riffing on the first fragment of whatever he wants to say. He never gets to finish a thought.

Then again, there's a reason the small studio releasing the indie Thumbsucker, which opens Friday, has paired him with his director, Mike Mills, for interviews. And it's not just "that the movie isn't about Keanu," as the publicist says. Mills, a first-time filmmaker from the world of graphic design (think album covers), is here to fill in the blanks that Reeves leaves between thoughts.

But really, the guy is perfectly capable of expressing himself. And if people are saying that his odd, New Age guru/orthodontist in Thumbsucker is the role he was born to play, he'll run with it. A little.

"I liked his richness of feeling," says Reeves, 41. "I don't know how else to describe it. No matter what he was doing, he felt it. He just seemed so open."

If the ortho-doc seems like an adult, self-mocking version of the "Whoa, dude" Reeves we've all grown to expect, well, that's not his fault.

"I didn't think I was doing that in this role," he says, scratching his scruffy 20-day-plus beard. "But maybe I'm naive."

That gets a laugh, as does his take on the stardom that seems to have sat in his lap for the past 15 years.

"It's all drugs, sex and rock 'n' roll, every day," he growls. "24-7, 3-6-5."

He kids.

As does his co-star, Tilda Swinton, who shepherded this project about a functionally dysfunctional family (she plays the mom) dealing with a potentially brilliant 17-year-old who still sucks his thumb (Lou Pucci).

"I kept a poster of Keanu in The Matrix on my wall throughout the whole preproduction of this film," she says. "I knew if he stayed with the project we might actually get it made. He was my 'power animal.' "

Reeves had the good taste to see, in the script from Walter Kirn's novel, a good movie. He wouldn't be the star. He wouldn't rack up a Matrix or Constantine payday ($15 million plus), or the perks.

But his name would get it made. And it did.

"The humanity of the piece, the humor and insightfulness, and intelligence, they were what I read, and what I experienced when I got to see what was on the screen," Reeves says. "I'm really happy with the film. In terms of my hopes and expectations, they were realized. It's a great role, and I had a great time performing it."

Mills says that Reeves, who has for years earned several times more than the entire budget of indie films such as this one, doesn't do "the star thing." Especially on the set.

"He never, with words or anything else, said 'I'm special or different' and never asked for anything special," says Mills. "Working with Keanu is like working with one of my electricians or the grip or anybody. The worst thing you could do was pay too much attention to him."

"I'm just there to try and tell the story," Reeves says. "I can't deal with other people's idea of who I am supposed to be. I'm just there to work."

It's a dream project for Mills, who came to see it as his own story. It's a breakout piece for young actor Pucci.

And for Reeves? He picks up some of his best reviews. And he returns to the city where he grew up (Toronto), in triumph.

"I remember I saw Blood Simple here, which was the first time I ever experienced the Toronto Film Festival," Reeves says. "What was that, in like 1983 or something? 1984? Far back. Years ago, anyway.

"I saw this incredible festival, from that angle, growing up here. I remember, from that time, just waiting for that film festival guide, and every year, you'd go, 'Oh my God, there are so many incredible movies here!'

"And then to be here and have a film here is just exciting, no other way to put it. I remember the first time I came here as an actor, it was for Prince of Pennsylvania [1988]. I'd always wanted to act 'in pitchas.' To finally get to do that, and to come back to the hometown for a movie, was a really good day."

Future good days? There's another comic adaptation (The Night Watchman), and a challenging role as movie star Lana Turner's mobster lover, Johnny Stompanato, in the works, co-starring Catherine Zeta-Jones.

"Johnny wants to self-realize," Reeves says of that role. "But there's all these boxes that he's put in. And I think he's trying to get out of them.

"He wants to be in love with this woman. He wants to create. He wants to be a producer. He doesn't want to just be where he's come from. He wants to be more than that.

"I always think of him as kind of a beauty and the beast. He wants to be more than the brute."

Kind of like "the dude" who wants to be more than the dude?

"Hey," he grins, readying his stock answer for every "Why choose that role?" question. "I was just looking for work."

Copyright © 2005, Orlando Sentinel October 1, 2005 - Roger Moore

Has anyone been reading the Thumbsucker Blog?

I like the way Mike Mills thinks (and blogs). Plus, this makes me giggle MADLY.

Hmm, which one is the lucky Keanu sniffer??

(thx eve!)

MTV news has a Thumbsucker article up that includes this little tidbit...

"I got the script, read the script, really liked it," Reeves remembered recently while discussing his participation in the low-budget film "Thumbsucker." "I went to [the director's] office, sat at a table ..."

"My dog smelled you," smiled Mike Mills, the former music-video director now benefiting from Reeves' accessibility.

"I got smelled," agreed Reeves, "we had a lovely conversation, and I was in."

Also, there's clip of a Q&A with the cast of Thumbsucker up over at Moviephone.

Have a great weekend.

"Reeves is delightful in a part that surely doesn't echo his own Zen-space-cadet offscreen image by mere coincidence. (Hearing him shrug "I was lost in a cloud of hippie psychobabble" is one of many deadpan highlights here.)" - Variety (Sundance)

"Justin Cobb (Lou Pucci) is seventeen and still sucking his thumb. It's hell on his school and sex life. His guru orthodontist (Keanu Reeves in a hilarious cameo) clouds the issue with "hippie psychobabble." But when Justin is medicated for his attention-deficit disorder, the numbnut becomes a narcissist who leads the debating team to victory. The change shocks his coach (a terrific Vince Vaughn) and his parents (Tilda Swinton and Vincent D'Onofrio), who turn out to be just as screwed up as Justin. Debuting writer-director Mike Mills -- remember the name -- brings heart and sting to Walter Kirn's novel. Pucci is an actor to watch: He rides this spellbinder without softening the truths that plague the thumbsucker in all of us."-Rolling Stone

"In the world of the goofy yet salient, Vince Vaughn, Benjamin Bratt, and especially Keanu Reeves all bring welcome humor and varying shades of strangeness." -FilmThreat.com

"Mike Mills doesn't suck And neither does his new film, Thumbsucker - I was amazed with the time it took to instill its characters with huma nism and compassion and draw great performances out of stars like a hilarious New Age-damaged Keanu Reeves, frumpy mom Tilda Swinton, and newcomer lead Lou Pucci. Dude goes from finger-licking nerdy to meds-enhanced overachiever and back." -SF Bay Guardian

"'Thumbsucker' works, in part due to the strength of Lou Pucci's superb lead performance and, in part, because however derivative the movie may be, none of its predecessors featured Keanu Reeves playing a Zen dentist who possesses the answers to life's Big Questions. That those answers change three or four times during the movie shows that Mills possesses a knowing sense of humor about his subject, and that Reeves continues to fashion a solid career parodying his dudeness." - Los Angeles Daily News

"the weirdly Zen Dr. Perry Lyman" - Netflix

"pitch-perfect deadpan styling" - BoxOffice.com

"Dr. Perry Lyman, tries hypnotherapy, urging Justin to invoke his "power animal" - a deer in the forest, as it turns out - for help in casting out his organic pacifier. As played by Keanu Reeves in a nicely self-parodic turn, pensive stoner Lyman isn't a quack; indeed, if Freud was onto anything in attributing oral fixation, and the catastrophic dentistry that goes with it, to bad parenting, then every orthodontist should cross-train as a shrink."-Village Voice

"But perhaps the biggest revelation is Reeves. So often derided for his laconic personality, and outside of the first Matrix movie, totally wasted by Hollywood, he makes a triumphant return to his indie roots with tongue planted firmly in cheek. Lyman's a great character - over the course of the movie, he goes through nearly as big an evolution as Justin does. Reeves, sending up that laidback persona that made him famous, is simply hilarious."- REEL.com

Also, Moviephone has another clip up where you can see part of Keanu's wonderful performance.

Keanu was in Toronto for their International Film Festival, where Thumbsucker was screened earlier this week.

Here's some special screening dates and cities for Thumbsucker - Thanks tess.

September 15 - New York
September 15 - Los Angeles
September 20 - Boston
September 20 - San Francisco
September 21 - Seattle
September 22 - Chicago
September 29 - Dallas

If your city is listed go here to RSVP for passes to the screenings (thanks Keanuweb).

Also, Moviephone has a clip.

"Last night the Egyptian theatre held a premiere for THUMBSUCKER with an after-party in the courtyard sponsored by Venice magazine, the magazine that all P. R. flacks have wet dreams about.

Things started with a cringe-worthy intro by the Sony Picture Classics rep where we were told that “it was uncomfortable to have this event with all that is going on in the Gulf Coast but there could be no better film at this time to show us the strength of humanity.” Memo to Sony execs…scrap those witty trailers and call CNN for flood footage. THUMBSUCKING saves the day!

Director Mike Mills brought up the cast and crew members in attendance. Of the cast, only Lou Pucci, Kelli Garner, Keanu Reeves, and Benjamin Bratt (Julia left me for a cameraman?) were in attendance. Keanu was in full Zen Lord of the Universe form. He had a slight beard growth and dark clothing and that distant look which communicates that he is pondering the universe - or wondering where he parked his motorcycle.

Mike Mills filled the front of the theatre with the crew and some members of Polyphonic Spree choir, but not all. They were a Polyphonic Spree Lite, if you will. It was priceless watching all these people stand there while Polyphonic Spree did an acoustic version of one the film’s songs. Keanu seemed to be pondering the flute player no doubt absorbing her mastery of the wind instrument and what it means to the alchemy of the universe - or he was wondering where he parked his motorcycle.

To the film’s credit it allows Keanu to use this Zen Master pose and play it up. his scenes with Lou in the dental chair are highlights. He seems to have fun poking holes in his persona - or else he was wondering where he parked his motorcycle.

Where was Tilda Swinton last night? Where was Vince Vaughn? One can only surmise that Tilda was reading Shakespeare in the country and Vince was locked up in the love lair with Jennifer Aniston.

- a Thumbsucker premiere report at Defamer

While V., Wee Neo and I were on a plane coming back from Seattle, Keanu was at last night's Thumbsucker premiere looking all scruffilicious and stuff.

More photos to be seen via here.

Also, I [heart] Tony Pierce. He knows why.

Reeves, Zeta-Jones eyeing 'Stompanato'

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Keanu Reeves and Catherine Zeta-Jones are circling a movie about Johnny Stompanato, the hoodlum killed by the teen daughter of his girlfriend, actress Lana Turner.

Adrian Lyne ("Unfaithful") is attached to direct "Stompanato," which has landed on the steps of Warner Bros. Pictures but has not yet made the studio its home.

Stompanato, a World War II vet-turned-small-time hood and wannabe actor, was killed on Good Friday 1958 in the Beverly Hills home of Turner by 14-year-old Cheryl Crane. The death was ruled as justifiable homicide, but rumors flew that Crane and Stompanato had been lovers, while other rumors flew that Turner actually killed Stompanato and let her daughter take the rap.

Reeves, last in theaters with "Constantine," just completed work on Warners' "Il Mare," a time-travel romance that reunited him with "Speed" partner Sandra Bullock. Zeta-Jones returns to theaters in the fall with "The Legend of Zorro."

RUETERS- Borys Kit

Looks like this project has been floating around a while. Interesting to see what happens....

Here's a dozen screen shots from the rehearsal footage feature on the Freaked DVD bonus disc. I wish I knew how to rip footage from the disc so everyone could enjoy the leg shaking part.

Of all the films archived in the Backlot, Permanent Record has gotten the most attention. It seems the song sung at the end of the film, Wishing on Another Lucky Star has a special place in the hearts of many people all over the world. Early on in the comments there were requests for a copy of the song and a helpful fan passed along J.D. Souther's version. Then when the film was recently released on DVD, another fan sent me a copy of Jennifer Rubin singing it captured right from the movie. Most recently, another talented fan took the time to work out the chords and share them so fans could pick up their guitars and play the song themselves. For that, to get the mp3's, and to read the comments from fans about it all, go to the PR entry at the Backlot. It's a shame that I've had to close comments at the Backlot due to spammers because it's pretty neat how folks came together around the movie and the song.

Oh, and the title of this entry gives me a nice little segue into mentioning that I'm going to see The Violent Femmes tonight!

Keanu won't be there, but his projects will....

Comic-Con 2005 - San Diego, California, USA

From the schedule for Thursday, July 14:

1:30-2:30 Philip K. Dick's A Scanner Darkly: The Movie: Like a graphic novel come to life, A Scanner Darkly, based on the science fiction novel by author Philip K. Dick, will use live action photography overlaid with an advanced animation process (interpolated rotoscoping) to create a haunting, highly stylized vision of the future. The technology, first employed in Richard Linklater's 2001 film Waking Life, has evolved to produce even more emotional impact and detail. Appearing in person to present a look and discuss the creative process of this ground breaking film will be producer Tommy Pallotta and lead animators Sterling Allen, Evan Cagle, Nick Derington and Christopher Jennings. Also on the panel, in order to answer the question: "Do Androids Dream of Being Phil Dick?" will be Philip K. Dick in android form! Come and see for yourself, he'll even answer your questions! Written for the screen and directed by Richard Linklater, the film stars Keanu Reeves, Robert Downey Jr., Woody Harrelson, Winona Ryder and Rory Cochrane, and will be released by Warner Independent pictures in 2006. Room 6CDEF

5:30-7:00 Constantine: From Comic to Film Warner Home Video hosts key Constantine film and comics luminaries for a special presentation and discussion. The panel features actress Rachel Weisz (Mummy series), film director Francis Lawrence, VERTIGO editor Karen Berger, comics writer Brian Azzarello (100 Bullets), and artist Tim Bradstreet (Punisher). Moderator Jeff Conner interrogates the participants and raffles off signed movie memorabilia and prerelease DVDs. Room 6B

Thanks to POTD for this new still from Thumbsucker and also for the news that the film will be shown at the Toronto International Film Festival this September.

In other news, yes - I'm alive and so is Wee Neo. More from him and Vika in the next day or so. Me? I'm fine, just busy. Happy, but busy.

The Hollywood Reporter reports:

Oliver Stone is in talks to direct "The Night Watchman." The feature film is an adaptation of James Ellroy's script about a disgraced police officer who sets out to rid the police force of corruption. The project, which has been in the works for some time, is being refinanced, with Avi Lerner in talks to finance through his Millenium Films' banner. Spike Lee was set to direct Keanu Reeves in the long-gestating project but has since dropped off to helm "Inside Man" for Universal Pictures. Alexandra Milchan, Lucas Foster and Erwin Stoff are producing. The producers are awaiting a new draft of the script from John Ridley and will then move toward closing deals with Stone and Reeves. "Night Watchman" has been through several incarnations. At one point, David Fincher was in talks to direct for Regency Enterprises and Bruce Berman for Warner Bros. Pictures. Stone most recently directed "Alexander," which has grossed $167.6 million worldwide. Stone and Reeves are repped by CAA."

I'm happy for Reeves to be able to work with a director of note but this is so far off, I really don't have any enthusiasm about it. The story sounds played and dull to me. It did with Spike Lee attached, and it still does with Stone. I suppose that if "get rid of corruption" meant "get in lots of fistfights while not wearing a shirt", I could muster up some glee.

At least there's a good chance he'll be wet and shirtless in Sinbad.

I'm sick.
*wheeze*

The trailer for A Scanner Darkly is available at iFlim.com.

Thank you to everyone that mailed me about it.

*cough*

I'm going back to bed.

Thanks to penelopez for sending her Berlinale report!

"Hey Ladies,

my report is really not so spectacular....I was not so nearly beside Keanu.... I was 20 000 miles away above Keanu but for me it was also really a great feeling. Ok- i'll try to tell you about my day at the Berlinale with Keanu.......me and my friends were waiting at the foyer....I thought, that I will see him closer, but suddenly sounded the gong and that was the request, to places to go....oh what a disappointment. And you can see it by the ticket....my place was on the highest rang......anyway...I will be under one roof with Keanu......In the same time the limousine's forwards.....and I went very very slowly upstairs and when I arrived above, hung at the railing and as Keanu leave the car, I primarily recognized it on (your;)) screaming and in second at his unmistakable sugar-sweet walk......
It was an endless distance to Ke and I thought that I stay cool....no- not really— i hung at the lattice and notice nothing more around me. We had about our places to worry, and I could suspect only on the basis tumult outside in the courses, where Keanu straight was...... I sat and then I was gladly that I sat, because I was really high.....
Keanu, the other actors and the director disappeared somewhere in lower ranks (probable in the V.I.P. Lounge). And I was there above in the knowledge that Keanu is somewhere there down also in the cinema..... the telling way of the film is very unspectacular and gets along without large feelings or depths. All Actors have made a great work. And Keanu's role is the funniest of all. Keanu is remarkably loosely in the role and his dialogues are very strange. His scenes are small, but sometimes the spice lies... in the shortness..
At the end of the movie came Keanu and the other Actors on the stage. Keanu came in third place and he said:“ It is a honour to see the film here. It's an amazing time and
I think It's a wonderful film. Thank you,thank you, thank you.“.......that's all. Then they went away.....for me was this absolute great, even if the distance were enormous... however - that were perhaps also my luck, because I had not lost completely my senses...
Although I found the film good, but I think, that Thumbsucker is not a favorit of the Jury. But this year the filmfestival is not the best in the eyes of the critic and the custumors.....Also they say, that this year not enough glamour and not enough Stars there, because the festival is to close beside the Oscar-Event.....The highlight of the Berlinale this year was the visit of Keanu!!!!!

Ok....that was one day in my life with Keanu......;)
Please,please forgive my bad english.....i hope, that you understand, what I talk about.......

best wishes, penelopez"

Sony Classics gives thumbs-up to 'Thumbsucker' LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Sony Pictures Classics has acquired rights to "Thumbsucker," a crowdpleaser at the recent Sundance Film Festival.

Sources said the deal -- covering North America and English-speaking territories -- was in the $3.5 million-$4 million range. It is scheduled for fall release Stateside.

A first feature from skateboard designer and music-video director Mike Mills, "Thumbsucker" stars Lou Pucci as an incommunicative teenager who doesn't want to give up sucking his thumb. Trying to provide helpful advice are his confused parents (Tilda Swinton and Vincent D'Onofrio), his wacky orthodontist (Keanu Reeves), his love interest (Kelli Garner) and his debate coach (Vince Vaughn).

Sony Classics has committed to running the "Thumbsucker" trailer before such upcoming wide releases as sister studio Columbia Pictures' summer skateboard movie "Lords of Dogtown."

"Thumbsucker" will screen in competition at the Berlin International Film Festival (Feb. 10-20).

I heard a really great review on NPR last week, and was sure that the film would get picked up. Great to have confirmation!

A promising review and nice overview of the story from ScreenDaily.com:

Music video and commercials director and graphic artist Mike Mills makes an impressive feature directorial debut with Thumbsucker, a short and sweet adaptation of the novel by Walter Kirn.

Of all the high school pictures at Sundance this year, this is by far the best, treating the teenager at its centre as an intelligent human rather than as caricature or stereotype. It is also the most understated, and its audience will be an adult one, not the kids it talks about.

Already selected for a competition slot at Berlin immediately after Sundance, Thumbsucker will be a critics’ darling, and Mills, who comes from the same school as Spike Jonze and Sofia Coppola, has the potential to follow in their footsteps as a major young American voice.

Distributors will have to rely on critics and the stars in the supporting cast to market it; even with the presence of Vince Vaughn, Keanu Reeves and Vincent D’Onofrio in the cast, it’s not as hip as it is thoughtful and melancholy. Mills, who also wrote the script, chooses not to hammer home the point in obvious MTV-style exposition, instead choosing moments and sparse dialogue to hint at their inner lives. Teen viewers used to Mean Girls and The OC will not get it.

The film focuses on 17-year-old Justin Cobb (a striking, intelligent breakthrough performance by Lou Pucci) who lives in a dreary Oregon town with his parents Audrey (Swinton) and Mike (D'Onofrio), she a nurse in her early 40s struggling with her own doubts and missed opportunities, he a man living with the disappointment of a broken college football career.

Struggling to find an identity of his own while his parents are so preoccupied, Justin gets spiritual guidance from his new age orthodontist (Reeves), but falls out with him when he realises that he has no answers and is just as busy searching for new philosophies himself.

He lusts after his school debating club team-mate Rebecca (Kelli Garner), but, like him, she is awash with insecurities and the two can’t get it together.

He relies on props in his life - much to his father's annoyance, he still sucks his thumb, for example. Soon his debating coach (Vaughn) suggests he start taking Ritalin, the notorious drug which schools in the US encourage for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Before long, he is experimenting with weed with Rebecca. But none gives him the self-fulfilment or direction he believes he should possess.

Thumbsucker has no plot as such, winding gently through Justin's final year in high school. It touches on his mother's childish preoccupation with a soap star (Bratt), Justin's whirlwind success on the state debating circuit, sexual experimentation with Rebecca and his first heartbreak, and ultimately his own realisation that everyone harbours the same anxieties and flaws and that is ultimately what makes them interesting people.

Mills displays great maturity for a first-timer and while his restraint doesn't always produce lucid results, it does bode well for him in the future. He elicits fine performances from the entire cast, notably Reeves, who shines as the ever-evolving Perry.

I'm slammed with actual work today, and I know I have a bunch of demon movie stuff to catch up on, but here's a couple of Thumbsucker reviews for now. If anyone comes across any others, please leave the link in the comments.

• Oregon Live:
  

  A few films have support. "Thumbsucker," the sweet, delicate, coming-of-age story shot in Beaverton in 2003, had its premiere Sunday night in front of an enthusiastic crowd that especially admired the performance of young Lou Taylor Pucci as a nervous high school senior who tries a number of ways of coping with his feelings of hopelessness and confusion. (It was also the one feature film out of a dozen that contained no nudity.)

  
  
• Dark Horizons:
  

  As for the best of the dramatic films thus far, Thumbsucker is on top of the list. A coming of age story with a difference, this special and often unique comedy drama is about parents and sons, first love, self-discovery and ultimately breaking away. The film's protagonist is one Justin Cobb, addicted to thumbsucking. A bright but awkward high-school teen, he wants to quit, but nothing works. He tries everything from putting ink on his thumb to hypnosis from his New Age orthodontist. He gets so desperate that when a school psychologist suggests using medication to help him focus, Justin leaps at the chance, despite his loving mother's concern. Treated with a wonderfully wry, understated humour and featuring extraordinary performances from Tilda Swinton and a charming Keanu Reeves, Thumbsucker is a stunning debut from a director who has crafted a wonderfully rich and rewarding film, destined for commercial success if picked up by the right distributor.

• Best one-line buzz yet, from SFGate.com:
  

  [Benjamin] Bratt plays a TV cop with a bad drug habit in "Thumbsucker," a coming-of-age saga that's this year's "Donnie Darko."

• Also, not a review but...Salt Lake Tribune:
  

  Sometimes audience members' post-screening questions to actors or directors are just downright stupid. At a Q&A after Sunday's premiere of "Thumbsucker," someone asked Keanu Reeves if he prepped for his role as an orthodontist by watching Laurence Olivier in "Marathon Man" or Steve Martin in "Little Shop of Horrors."
  Reeves, wearing a long black coat and a scraggly beard, looked dumbfounded.
  "No," he said.
  He did add, however, that he got some tips from a real-life orthodontist in Beaverton, Ore., where the movie was filmed. Reeves has a supporting role in the film as a dentist who works on the 17-year-old main character, played by Lou Pucci.
  Apparently, Reeves needed the advice.
  "The first time I was working with [Lou]," he said, "I almost poked his eye out."

UPDATE: Some good links from Tyler and Kaz in the comments plus this from JoBlo.com:

THUMBSUCKER is a solid little indie drama in the vein of TADPOLE and/or IGBY GOES DOWN. It stars newcomer Lou Pucci as an uncomfortable high-schooler who finds comfort in the simple act of thumbsucking. Several well-meaning adults try to help Justin quit the "childish" habit, resulting in a string of oddball divergences. Justin gets hypnotized by his new-age dentist (Keanu Reeves), earns a spot on the school debate team thanks to a kindhearted educator (Vince Vaughn), and even learns a few bizarre lessons from a drug-addicted TV star (Benjamin Bratt). Justin's parents (Tilda Swinton & Vincent D'Onofrio) chime in with their own advice, but clearly Mom and Pop have a few problems of their own. Based on the novel by Walter Kirn, this is a fitfully amusing and surprisingly insightful little indie dramedy, and one that should find a small-but-appreciative audience later this year.

Keanu's at Sundance, looking yummy as usual.

Keanuette's there as well (as are Wanda and Tess), and she was lucky enough to attend last night's Thumbsucker premiere showing. Read her report here. She has some good things to say about the film without giving too much away. Oh yes. Two Words. Bicycle Shorts.

Club Keanu has photos of him out and about in Park City as well. Have I mentioned YUMMY?

I'm getting no Keanu love from The Defamer, who is blogging his Sundance experience all week. I should have sent him a gift basket of drugs and porn last week. Oh well, there's still lots of "Hollywood on Ice" snark as only he can deliver, though. Who knew that the guy from Napoleon Dynamite was such a cutie?

Not as cute as Reeves of course, who apparently still forgets to pack a comb.

Man, I so wish I would have gone. I have the perfect boots to match his scruff.

I'm looking forward to more reports from the field and hopefully some reviews of the film, which seems to be a pretty popular draw at the festival, which is good news.

All pre-purchasable tickets for the Sundance screenings of Thumbsucker are sold out.

That sucks for me (and anyone else that paid the pre-reg fee hoping to get passes), but bodes well for the film.

Hopefully it will pick up a distribution deal from the festival and will get released before summer.

The Sundance site says that tickets for sold-out screenings (link goes to a pdf file) may be available the day of the show, but I'm not going to be taking the chance on a fruitless 400 mile drive, especially one that may involve snow.

Tess, it's all up to you to get to one of those showings and write us a review.

Addiction can take many forms: drugs, gambling, sex, and food are common ones. But for Justin Cobb, it's thumbsucking. A bright but awkward high-school teen, he wants to quit, but nothing works. He tries everything from putting ink on his thumb (a tip from his woefully uncommunicative father) to hypnosis from his New Age orthodontist. He gets so desperate that when a school psychologist suggests using medication to help him focus, Justin leaps at the chance, despite his loving mother's concern. In a refreshingly original and humorous spin, the meds begin to work. But are they the answer or just a more acceptable form of pacification?

Thumbsucker features a truly extraordinary cast that turn in magnificent performances captured by exquisite cinematography--creating an ethereal aesthetic to shape a modern-day fairy tale filled with humor, charm, and fragile love.
Acclaimed graphic artist and music-video director Mike Mills returns to Sundance (his short, Architecture of Reassurance, played in 2000) with another beautifully rendered examination of suburban angst. With his feature debut, he delivers on his unlimited potential, displaying an amazing cinematic dexterity combined with an acute insight into the human condition to produce a visually stunning and thought-provoking portrait of addiction--rooted in suburbia, but relevant to everyone. - Trevor Groth

Thumbsucker debuts in the drama category at this year's Sundance Festival.

Screening dates and times are:

• Sunday , Jan 23 - 5:30 PM - Racquet Club
  
• Monday , Jan 24 - 8:30 AM - Racquet Club
  
• Wednesday , Jan 26 - 11:30 AM - Racquet Club
  
• Thursday , Jan 27 - 3:00 PM - Eccles Theatre
  
• Friday , Jan 28 - 9:00 PM - Trolley Square Cinemas A, SLC

Theater locations/info can be found here.

I can't make the first screening (which isn't technically listed at the "premiere" so there's no telling who might be attending....or not), but I'm going to try and swing the time off for a road trip to the Friday SLC show if I can get passes. Which looks like an adventure in itself.

-via keanuweb

River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves star in director Gus Van Sant's haunting tale of two young street hustlers: Mike Waters, a sensitive narcoleptic who dreams of the mother who abandoned him, and Scott Favor, wayward son of the mayor of Portland and the object of Mike's desire. Navigating a volatile world of junkies, thieves, and johns, Mike takes Scott on a quest from the grungy streets to the open highways of the Pacific Northwest, in search of an elusive place called "home."Groundbreaking and visually dazzling, My Own Private Idaho is a stirring look at unrequited love and life at society's margins.

Finally.

Criteron Collection DVDs are the top of the line and it's about time that this great film gets their attention. Set for release this February (an available for pre-oder now at the Criterion site), the 2 disc set will include features like an "exclusive new audio conversation between Van Sant and filmmaker Todd Haynes" (does this mean commentary track? I'm not sure), documentary footage featuring interviews with key crew members, outtakes (eee!), high quality audio and video enhanced for widescreen televisions and approved by director Gus Van Sant and a booklet featuring a new essay by film critic Amy Taubin and reprinted interviews with Van Sant, River Phoenix, and Keanu Reeves. Plus more...

-via keanuweb

Mike Mills' Thumbsucker has been confirmed to debut at The Sundance Film Festival this January.

To refresh your memory, Thumbsucker is based on the Harold Kirn novel by the same name and will star Lou Taylor Pucci as Justin Cobb, a teenage boy with an oral fixation.

Keanu will play his unconventional orthodontist, Dr. Perry Lyman.

The movie also stars Vincent D'Onofrio, Tilda Swinton and Vince Vaughn.

You can visit Sundance.org for information on pre-registering for tickets for individual screenings. I gather that it's going to be nearly impossible to swing a pass for any of the premieres.

I have a family thing on the 23rd, but I'm going to try and make it up there to see my wonderful friend Tess and to attend at least a showing of this film, even if I can't swing the premiere screening.

According to Variety, via ComingSoon.net - Keanu will star in The Night Watchman for director Spike Lee. The story is of "a disgraced cop who discovers corruption inside a police department and sets out on a mission to redeem himself." Filming begins in February.

I'm sort of "meh" about the premise, but I'm excited that Keanu's going to work with the esteemed Mr. Lee, whom I love for his sneaker commercials and basketball heckling.

Keanu's Parenthood co-star Steve Martin will be honored with an American Cinematheque Award tonight. I lurve Steve Martin. I used to have an 8-track (yes, I'm that old) of his first comedy album that I completely wore out. He's such such a great versatile actor, author and seems like generally a hell of a guy. Plus, the white hair does it for me in a big way. *swoon*

The Hollywood Reporter has an article that includes this little bit of trivia...

The following year, Martin starred in the hit comedy "Parenthood" produced by Grazer, who went on to produce the Martin starrers "Housesitter" (1992), "Sgt. Bilko" (1996) and "Bowfinger" (1999). Of the latter film, Grazer notes: "When Steve gave me the (Martin-penned) script for 'Bowfinger,' it wasn't written for (co-star) Eddie Murphy -- it was written for a white action star. It was written for Keanu Reeves, literally. I said, 'Why does it have to be an action star?' He said, 'That's the joke.' I said: 'What if it were Eddie Murphy, and Eddie Murphy played two characters? That could be really funny.' He said: 'You know, that'd be great -- that'd be brilliant. Let's do that.' He processed it in about a minute, and he made a creative sea change."

It's been ages since I've seen Bowfinger, I might rent it again to imagine what it may have been like with the original premise.

These frames are from one of Keanu's first roles in a Canadian teevee film called Letting Go.

The film stars John Ritter and Sharon Gless. Keanu's part is small, he's credited as "Stereo Teen #1". The good news is, after being rarely found only on eBay in VHS, this film is now out on DVD (Region 1) for your viewing pleasure.

When I found out the L.A. Short Film Festival was happening this week, I combed the schedule hoping to see that Stephen Hamel's Echo would be in the mix. Unfortunately, I didn't see it in the listings. I did find this though, playing Friday, September 10, 1:15pm @ Theater 8-

Finding Neo
(Comedy/United States/Beta SP/12 min)
Director: TEO
Producers: Gregory Storm. Richard T. Jones and Teo
Writer: Teo
A two-time parolee, Eno, discovers he must find his "One" to save him from a potential third strike and a permanent return to prison.

So if you're in the L.A. area you might want to check that out.

Some of the other short films look interesting as well.

Superheroes: We Work for Tips
(Documentary/United States/Digital Beta/9 min.)
Directors: Paul Preston and Robert B. Nejman
Producer: Paul Preston and Robert B. Nejman
Writers: Paul Preston,Robert B. Nejman and Karen Volpe
A documentary that uncovers the lives of the superhero look-alikes who pose for tips in front of Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood.

Rock On
(Comedy/ United States/35mm/18 min)
Director: Ramsey Mellette
Producer: Tyler Jones, David White and John Halbert
Writer: Ramsey Mellette
A short comedy about a guy who gets a Whitesnake song stuck in his head and can't get it out!

The Ends of the Alphabet
(Suspense/Thriller/United States/Beta SP/9 min)
Director: Eric Kurland
Producer: Eric Kurland
Writer: Eric Kurland
Jackson Abbott is a hard-boiled detective in 1953 Los Angeles. When the daughter of a Las Vegas Millionaire comes to him for help, Abbott finds himself caught up in a web of murder and deceit. Featuring a cast of unique puppets.

Eeeee! Puppets!

Whether you're in the mood for Comedy, Drama, something Animated or a Documentary there's plenty of cinematic goodness going on.

And the best thing about a short film is if it sucks, it'll be over soon.

Well, the good news is you can get your super special Matrix Trilogy 10 DVD set in a special box with Neo de Milo and a cute little book this Christmas. The bad news is that the Keanu commentary previously reported? Not gonna happen. Feh. According to the report at thedigitalbits.com (via keanuweb):

There will be two audio commentaries for each film - one from philosophers Ken Wilber and Cornel West (who analyze the meanings behind the films), and one from three professional critics who hated all three films (no names given). According to Andy Wachowski, "It's the best idea we've ever had. It's hilarious. They just sit there and rip the shit out of us for six hours."

Hee! That is hilarious. I can't wait.

Also in DVD news, Mayor of the Sunset Strip was released on Tuesday. Yes, it's true that Keanu is only in it for the 2 seconds, as seen in the trailer, but if you have an interest in music and the LA scene it's definitely worth the rental.

Wait, there's more. The sucktacular Even Cowgirls Get the Blues will be out on DVD in November according to DVDanswers.com(via keanua-z). I have it on video from my "must have everything" completist phase a couple years ago. It's bad. Really bad. Recommended to rent ONLY if you've never seen Keanu as the asthmatic Julian Gitche AND you have a coupon or something.

Thanks to Chianti for posting this news at Club-Keanu:

According to Lou Pucci's website, "Thumbsucker" will be first shown at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah on Jan. 20, 2005.

I think I may have to dispatch my SLC field operative (cough*tess*cough) to represent.

Keanuweb reports that Keanu's name has been removed from the cast list at IMDb.com for "Tripoli" (2007).

Meh.

Also Box Office Prophets lists a release date for A Scanner Darkly - September 16, 2005.

I know thats like, forever, but it seems to me we're getting used to it.

Thanks to creezy via Keanuette for this...

Keanu is reported to be starring in "Echo", a twelve-minute black-and-white short film directed by Stephen Hamel.

This should be good, I've always loved what Hamel captured in photographs of Keanu. Of course, for all our yard-long frozen margaritas and Penn and Teller shows, Las Vegas doesn't have an art house theater so I hope this makes it either to CineVegas or shows on IFC.

This film is based on the Greek myth of Echo and Narcissus, though I'm pretty sure it will be a modern retelling, so sorry....no toga.

Refresh your memory of the myth below thanks to this site.

Narcissus was a very handsome mortal lad. All the maidens longed to be his, but he would have none of them. He wanted someone as beautiful as he was handsome. Heart broken maidens were nothing to him. Even the saddest case of the fairest nymph, Echo, did not move him. Hera happened to come inquiring where Zeus was, as she suspected him of seeing one of the nymphs. Echo's chattering kept Hera diverted from her investigation as all nymphs left. Hera turned against Echo in rage. She condemned her never to use her tongue again except to repeat what was said to her. "You will never initiate a conversation; you will always have the last word."

As Echo followed Narcissus one day in the woods, he became lost. He looked around and cried out, "Does anyone know the way out of the woods?" Echo softly cried, "The woods!"
"Yes, I'm lost and need to know the way out of the woods."
"The woods!"
"Don't you understand? Help me find the way out of the woods."
"The woods!"

Echo ran to him and threw herself at his feet! Narcissus, confused, picked her up and said, "Oh, you are just like all the other nymphs who try to kiss me and tell me 'I love you.'"
"Love you!"

Her pushed her away, turned and went on his way. Echo prayed for help silently. Nemesis, the goddess of righteous anger, heard Echo's prayer, for prayers to not have to be spoken to be heard and replied, "May he who loves not others love himself."
As Narcissus bent over a pool for a drink, he saw there his own reflection and for a moment thought it was a beautiful nymph, as beautiful as he was handsome, and fill in love with it. He stayed by the pool vowing he would stay there until the nymph came out. Echo was nearby and heard Narcissus' plea, "Won't you ever come out?"
"Come out!"
As Narcissus came close to dying, he faintly cried, "Farewell!"
"Farewell!"

Narcissus became a very handsome flower whose head bends toward the water rather than the sun. The flower, narcissus, is a daffodil, one whose flowers have a short corona and are usually borne separately. The word "narcissism" means egoism, love of oneself.

• KeanuWeb reports that Lou Taylor Pucci's site reports that:

  Lou [..] was reshooting scenes For "Thumbsucker" with Director Mike Mills, Keanu Reeves, Vincent D'Onofrio, and Tilda Swinton, in fact he said he felt like he was in "The Matrix" as he was shooting scenes in the daytime with Keanu and at night with Carrie-Anne Moss [who just joined the cast of Lou's newest project, titled "The Chumscrubber"]...

• USA Today (and a bunch of other sources) reports that Keanu will be honored for his work in action movies at the upcoming Taurus World Stunt Awards, which are scheduled to air on May 26 on SpikeTV.

  The awards, which recognize the men and women who put their lives at risk to make fights, explosions and tall-building falls on TV shows and movies look more realistic, will be presented May 16.

  The 39-year-old Reeves will receive an honorary trophy for best action movie star. His films include The Matrix trilogy, Speed and Chain Reaction.

  "Keanu's work with The Matrix trilogy was some of the best from an actor of his generation," said Gernot Friedhuber, executive producer of the show. "He has consistently shown an ability to learn from the stunt teams on his many films and has expressed a genuine interest in the field of stunt work."

  
  
• becky's Paulie will be tending goal at two charity hockey games this weekend in Calgary and Vancouver. See HollywoodCelebrityHockey.com for details.
  
• Keanu co-star Diane Keaton makes People Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful list. The man himself is overlooked once again, which is fine as it allows me to keep up the tradition of NEVER, EVER buying People Magazine.
  
• Vibemerchants officially have a new drummer, and she has a rad haircut (which allows me to usurp her old one, glee!) and completely rocks. Expect gigs as soon as July.
  
• Red Bull comes in handy to carry 4-packs now. Be still my heart......no, really.
  

From Billboard.com:

...[Tim] DeLaughter has been drafted to score the film "Thumbsucker," and may release the soundtrack on his own Good Records imprint. The Spree's Web site says the soundtrack will feature tracks from the group and possibly the late Elliott Smith.

I haven't heard The Polyphonic Spree before, but I think Elliott Smith's music is an excellent choice for this movie.

...also, as far as a release date goes, according to this interview with director Mike Mills...

RM: So when does [Thumbsucker] hit a theater near us?

MM: We'll try to get it into Cannes in May of 2004. Then it might actually come out next fall.

...we have a bit of a wait.

DVDanswers reports that Something's Gotta Give (R1) is due to hit the shelves on March 30. (via keanuweb)

No word on extras, though I imagine there'll be a few. Did "What Women Want" have directors commentary? If so, then I expect SGG will too, along with a "featurette" or something.

I'll be searching for the easter egg that contains Dr. Julian's pager number.

You can pre-order it at amazon.

This is a bloggy thing involving 100 of IMDB's top 250 movies. (last seen at tenth-muse.com, also at kat's)
There's also a bottom 100 and I'm happy to say I've only seen a couple on that list, and dammit I LOVED that Sgt. Pepper movie.

I declare this all on-topic because the list includes The Matrix.

Read on, the ones I've seen are in bold.

1. Godfather, The (1972)
2. Shawshank Redemption, The (1994)
3. Godfather: Part II, The (1974)
4. Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, The (2003)
5. Lord of the Rings: Two Towers, The (2002)
6. Casablanca (1942)
7. Schindler’s List (1993)
8. Shichinin no samurai (1954)
9. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The (2001)
10. Citizen Kane (1941)
11. Star Wars (1977)
12. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)
13. Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)
14. Rear Window (1954)
15. Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
16. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
17. Memento (2000)
18. Usual Suspects, The (1995)
19. Pulp Fiction (1994)
20. North by Northwest (1959)
21. Fabuleux destin d’Amelie Poulain, Le (2001)
22. Psycho (1960)
23. 12 Angry Men (1957)
24. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
25. Silence of the Lambs, The (1991)
26. Buono, il brutto, il cattivo, Il (1966)
27. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
28. Goodfellas (1990)
29. American Beauty (1999)
30. Vertigo (1958)
31. Sunset Blvd. (1950)
32. Pianist, The (2002)
33. Matrix, The (1999)
34. Apocalypse Now (1979)
35. To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
36. Some Like It Hot (1959)
37. Taxi Driver (1976)
38. Paths of Glory (1957)
39. Third Man, The (1949)
40. C’era una volta il West (1968)
41. Fight Club (1999)
42. Boot, Das (1981)
43. Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi (2001) (Spirited Away)
44. Double Indemnity (1944)
45. L.A. Confidential (1997)
46. Chinatown (1974)
47. Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
48. Requiem for a Dream (2000)
49. Maltese Falcon, The (1941)
50. M (1931)
51. All About Eve (1950)
52. Bridge on the River Kwai, The (1957)
53. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
54. Se7en (1995)
55. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
56. Cidade de Deus (2002)
57. Raging Bull (1980)
58. Wizard of Oz, The (1939)
59. Rashmon (1950)
60. Sting, The (1973)
61. American History X (1998)
62. Alien (1979)
63. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
64. Leon (The Professional) (1994)
65. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
66. Vita bella, La (1997) (Life Is Beautiful)
67. Touch of Evil (1958)
68. Manchurian Candidate, The (1962)
69. Wo hu cang long (2000) (Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon)
70. Treasure of the Sierra Madre, The (1948)
71. Great Escape, The (1963)
72. Clockwork Orange, A (1971)
73. Reservoir Dogs (1992)
74. Annie Hall (1977)
75. Amadeus (1984)
76. Jaws (1975)
77. Ran (1985)
78. On the Waterfront (1954)
79. Modern Times (1936)
80. High Noon (1952)
81. Braveheart (1995)
82. Apartment, The (1960)
83. Sixth Sense, The (1999)
84. Fargo (1996)
85. Aliens (1986)
86. Shining, The (1980)
87. Blade Runner (1982)
88. Strangers on a Train (1951)
89. Duck Soup (1933)
90. Metropolis (1927)
91. Finding Nemo (2003)
92. Donnie Darko (2001)
93. Toy Story 2 (1999)
94. Princess Bride, The (1987)
95. General, The (1927)
96. City Lights (1931)
97. Lola rennt (1998) (Run Lola Run)
98. Full Metal Jacket (1987)
99. Notorious (1946)
100. Sjunde inseglet, Det (1957)

The list between 95 - 105 fluctuates due to ongoing rankings.

There are a couple films I didn't count because I am not sure if I saw them or just have seen so many clips/references to them that I think I did. The Godfather is a good example of that.
There's a few that I know I need to add to my Netflix queue, including Lawrence of Arabia. Being a fan of Mr. O'Toole, I'm sure Keanu would be very disappointed in me.

From Coming Soon.net, thanks POTD

"Producers Michael Shamberg and Stacey Sher, whose Along Came Polly opens today and Garden State bows at Sundance, have closed development deals for projects involving Keanu Reeves and Harrison Ford, reports Variety.

The Reeves project is a comedy based on an idea generated by the "Matrix" star. He'll play an American who becomes a success in London and has to deal with the cultural differences. They've set Michael Kalesniko to script the film."

Oooo, I'm very excited to hear this. Especially that it's going to be an original story based on an idea of his. Should be interesting. And of course, I love him in a comedy.

Not that that has anything to do with this entry. I just thought I'd share.....

Thank you to Nadia for this article from Pacific News Service

Lord of the Rings vs. The Matrix

The "Lord of the Rings" and "Matrix" trilogies have defined early 21st century cinema more than any other big-screen flicks. But as critical acclaim has increased with each new hobbit-filled "Rings" installment, the "Matrix" films have fallen from favor. "Return of the King" is hailed as "glorious," "a triumph," and "masterful," while "Matrix Revolutions" is ridiculed as "dismal," "pompous," and "underwhelming."

Like most, I was entertained and awed by the artistry and technical achievements of "The Return of the King," but by the end of the film's 3.5 hours I thought the final chapter should have been dubbed "The Return of the Patriarchy."

The "Rings" films are like promotional ads for those tired old race and gender paradigms that were all the rage back in author J.R.R. Tolkien's day. Almost all of the heroes of the series are manly men who are whiter than white. They are frequently framed in halos of blinding bright light and exude a heavenly aura of all that is Eurocentric and good. Who but these courageous Anglo-Saxon souls can save Middle Earth from the dark and evil forces of the world?

On the good side, even the mighty wizard Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen) is sanitized and transformed from the weed-smoking, rather dingy figure we first meet in the "The Fellowship of the Ring," into Gandalf the White, who, by the time of "Return of the King," has become a powerful military leader complete with pure white hair and an Eisenhower attitude.

Say what you will about the convoluted storyline of the "Matrix" trilogy. At least those films give women and people of color some characters they can relate to.

From its earliest scenes, "The Matrix" flips mainstream Hollywood's minority representation manual on its head. A multi-culti group of hackers dressed in black leather and sporting funky hairdos are our heroes; Secret Service-type "agents" in suits and ties are the bad guys. Neo, the trilogies' central figure, is played by mixed-race actor Keanu Reeves. His savior and mentor is Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), a powerful leader who also happens to be a black man. The wisest figure in "The Matrix" is The Oracle, a warm and witty African American woman. The films are also infused with a strong sense of Asian style and culture, exemplified by the character Seraph (Collin Chou), the Oracle's protector, who is both a martial arts expert and Buddhist meditation practitioner.

Physically powerful female characters also rock and rule in "The Matrix," led by the high-kicking Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), the Emma Peel of the 21st century, daring pilot Niobe (Jada Pinkett Smith) and military wife turned fighter Zee, (played by Marvin's daughter Nona Gaye).

Most of the really bad guys in "The Matrix" are Eurotrash, including the very snobby Merovingian (Lambert Wilson) with his French accent, the dread-locked, very British albino twins (Neil and Adrian Rayment) and the Oracle's evil counterpart, The Architect, (Helmut Bakaitis), a rather stuffy and pompous white guy with white beard and white suit who reeks of imperialism.

By comparison, three women play minor roles in "The Lord of the Rings": the powerful elf Galadriel (Cate Blanchett), the selfless Arwen (Liv Tyler), who is willing to give up immortality for the man she loves, and Eowyn (Miranda Otto), the niece of the king, who must disguise herself as a man to go into battle. Beyond this threesome, the rest of the women of Middle Earth are largely an unwashed, helpless mass who, in the face of a virtually hopeless battle against overwhelming enemy forces in "The Two Towers," can do little more than look anxious and cower with their children in fear.

Plenty of critics got lost in the complex post-modern philosophy of "The Matrix," but a few noted its more important message. As the New York Times said of the second Matrix installment: "'Reloaded'" has one of the most excitingly subversive and radical points of view ever seen in a major motion picture – a postmodern purview that accords philosophical ideals from people of color equal weight."

"The Return of the King" is a fantastic finish to a memorable film trilogy, but on a personal level, I was much more satisfied with the conclusion of "The Matrix" series. For once, the major female characters in an action film aren't whimpering and waiting to be rescued by some steroid-laden Schwarzenegger-type in the end. For once, all of the major characters of color aren't lying in a heap of corpses as the credits start to roll. To my African American female eyes, the biggest difference between "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Matrix" isn't swords versus automatic weapons, or low-tech versus high-tech. It's the patriarchy of the past versus the Rainbow Coalition of the future.

-By Andrea Lewis

Andrea Lewis is a San Francisco-based writer and co-host of the "Morning Show" on KPFA-FM 94.1 in Berkeley, Calif.

I'm still waiting for Chase Offerle to stop by the comments of this entry and give us some info on Thumbsucker. It's sure to be coming out soon, right?

Anyway, via Club-Keanu, the Beaverton Valley Times has an article about the effects on the Beaverton local family and dentist who had their home and business featured in the movie.

Galloway helped coach Reeves on some dental examination techniques, but mostly he watched as the actor gave Pucci “an E-ticket ride” through the world of dentistry.

“I just showed him how to hold the instruments and adjust the chairs, that type of thing,” Galloway said. “He pretty well had his character all set by the time he showed up here.”

Read the whole article at the Beaverton Valley Times website.

You know how hard it is to get a hold of a copy of Freaked, right? Yeah, you can find it amazon on VHS, but I wouldn't recommend it for 30 dollars, especially since the US version has one of the very few scenes with Keanu cut out of it.

Well, maybe there's hope...

Yeah, I know, we have yet to see an online petition have any weight or result, however I am linking this one and saying "go sign" for the simple reason that this, unlike other petitions I've seen, has actually been started by the makers of the film, Alex Winter and Tom Stern. So I'm hoping that the show of support behind it will actually be channeled where it needs to go.

Though the studios may regularly ignore collections of digital signatures as the work of over zealous internet nerds, I can see this being a useful tool to gage interest. Plus, at least you're letting the filmmakers know that you support their work.

While this movie is hardly one of my favorites (I've only seen it once and the copy was really horrible which only made me wail louder) I would certainly buy it on DVD if it had some commentary, some extras and was the full cut that included the Hollywood Squares-type game that Keanu's character, Ortiz hosts.

-Via AlexWinter.com (Bill blogs!)

If you read the comments on Permament Record over at the Backlot, you'll get an idea of the effect it had on people, including those that identified with Chris, and those who came very close to making David's choice as well.

I loved Keanu's performance in this. I think it was one of his best in his early years, so I'm very happy that it will be released on DVD this February.
Thanks to r.j.girl for the info.

Thank you Nadia, for this SGG article at FilmStew.com.
Excerpt below...

The wildcard in Something’s Gotta Give is Reeves. Long a leading man and hot off The Matrix sequels, he nevertheless accepted a supporting role. And he’s more or less the straight man – though an utterly charming and engaging straight man -- to Keating and Nicholson.

“I have a couple of jokes,” Reeves points out. “I hope I do. It's like, ‘Do you take Viagra?’ Yeah, to a certain extent in the film, I am the straight guy, which was great actually. I mean, I thought of the character as he's a cardiologist, he's an emergency room doctor, he's dealing with matters of the heart, and he's a caregiver. So for me, I had to support whoever I was with. With Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson, my feeling was to do whatever it took to play the straight guy, to set it up”.

Reeves describes Keaton and Nicholson as “remarkable people” and “very gracious.” He arrived on the set fairly late in the game and found them remarkably welcoming to him. “They're people with great humor and sensitivity, and so it was a really enjoyable experience,” he notes.

Asked if he can be a fan when working with such veterans, Reeves smiles. “Well, you know, when I met them, it was like, ‘I'm really glad to meet ya,’” he says. “And yes, it was great to be able to communicate my enjoyment of their work. But then, once you go to work, you go to work. They're great. They're great.”

Meyers also earns Reeves’ praise, complimenting her both as a screenwriter and a director. “In speaking about her words, she protects them, and rightfully so because they're really good,” the actor explains.

-Read the whole article at filmstew.com

First off, congratulations to Jack Nicholson and Diane Keanton on their Golden Globe nominations for Something's Gotta Give.

Extra TV has another interview clip with Keanu content. ~Thanks Nadia

Peet and Reeves tell us that locking lips with a Hollywood legend is no ordinary smack in the mouth. Peet says, "He is the master. It was all a little nerve-wracking."

Meanwhile, Reeves says that kissing Keaton was a lot of fun because they were both so immersed in the affection of their characters. He says, "I think that was fun to play, and it was fun to feel."

But, believe it or not, Keaton says she actually felt strange kissing Reeves. She says, "He is a God. He is so beautiful it is ludicrous."

Also, Keanu is scheduled to appear on the syndicated Entertainers show with Byron Allen this weekend. You may have to scour your local listings, it tends to run in the middle of the night. ~Thanks Jena

Some news about another possible new role for Keanu...

Filmforce.IGN - Neo or Aragorn as Superman?

December 18, 2003 - IGN FilmForce has learned the latest on Truth, Justice & the American Way, Focus Features' long-planned biopic of the late Superman star George Reeves. The Allen Coulter-directed project is aiming to begin filming in Los Angeles this March or April. Location scouting, production design work, and casting are currently underway.
[...]
And who might portray George Reeves? Hugh Jackman, Ben Affleck, and Dennis Quaid have all been approached for the part at different times. Now Keanu Reeves has met with Coulter about the lead. Should the Matrix star pass then Viggo Mortensen (Lord of the Rings) might be offered the role.

I've never been hip on the idea of Keanu playing Superman, but this new twist intrigues me...

Playing the man who played Superman.

That cancels out the curse, right?

Love among older adults conquered the box office as Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton's romance "Something's Gotta Give" debuted in the top spot with $17 million.

I have the morning news on and I saw this! Very cool, and I'm not suprised at all. It's a very good movie. In fact, when I was watching it Saturday, the first scene with Dr. Julian almost took me by suprise.

Oh yeah! Keanu's in this movie!

I was just enjoying the film that much.

Thanks to Nadia for sending me the link to this article, Her Keaton Heart at the daily news. Excerpt below:

Q: Jack isn't the only one you make out with in the movie. You also have some pretty passionate scenes with Keanu Reeves ...

A: Stop. (Laughs) Just stop. That was embarrassing. I mean, it was fun in the moment, but when you're done you just think, "This is absurd."

Q: He was very convincing in conveying his character's love for you.

A: He's a good actor, see? People underestimate Keanu.

Q: But maybe it wasn't all that hard for him to act that way ...

A: Oh shut up, man! (Laughing) You're making fun of me now and I know it!

Q: Not at all. Not at all. So, the lesson we've learned today is that love makes the world go around, and if it involves hopping into bed with Jack Nicholson or swapping spit with Keanu Reeves, so much the better.

A: Absolutely. I think love can be like that. Why not? Why can't it be? It's really all about a point of view, you know.

RottenTomatoes.com is a good one-stop shopping destination for movie reviews, including the latest on Something's Gotta Give, which is currently enjoying a nice freshness rating of 73%, and definitely more juicy tomato icons than splats.

But to hell with reviews, did you see it today? What did you think?
Not just of Keanu but the whole film?

I really went in expecting not to like it but was pleasantly suprised. It wasn't perfect but there were enough laugh-out-loud scenes in it to be worth the ticket. And I have to say again, that Diane Keaton is brilliant and hilarious.

And you already know how I feel about Keanu's performance.

Yay! Sony has a bunch of clippy goodness for Something's Gotta Give up.

I've linked the Keanu ones here, just choose your bandwidth and format preference.

CLIPS

Clip 4 - "I Really Am A Big Fan"
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Clip 6 - "Have Dinner With Me?" ["AAIIEEEE!!!"--krix]
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Clip 7 - "Look Who's At The Door"
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SOUNDBITES

Keanu Reeves
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Don't think I don't know how terribly savvy you are to choose to do Something's Gotta Give and play a role so different from Neo to follow up the Matrix films. And while I wasn't excited about it at first (I'm sort of "meh" on romantic comedies), now I have to say....good choice. Quite brilliant, actually.... Surrounded by legends. Working with an esteemed director and great script.....And you did it so well. You worked well with Nicholson and had such wonderful chemistry with Ms. Keaton. Your portrayal of Dr. Mercer was perfect, endearing and funny. Exceptional delivery and timing. And so romantic without being cheezy. You were so wonderful that I think that at one point, every woman in the theater tonight spontaneously ovulated. Even the several there that were well past menopause.

You do realize what this performance is going to do, don't you Keanu?

Every woman on the planet is going to fall madly in love with you after seeing this movie. Oh sure, it's smart and well written and funny and yes, there may be mutterings of "Best Nicholson blah blah" "Diane, so lovely and bold yadda yadda" "Gorgeous cinematography, etc. etc" "Oscar lalalalala".
But also there will be a hormonal surge strong enough to twitch seismographs in other counties as each woman sighs "I'm so in love" to herself as she gazes dreamily at the credits and stumbles through the dark, popcorn cluttered aisle.

Not to mention the ones that loved you already. They will be the gasping, moaning, calling her friends on the way out of the theater parking lot making undecipherable sex noises and "oh my god he's just so...so....UNNNNNNHHHHHH!"- ones

Not that that's a big step for some of us.

*cough*

Now I've got to go sit in the tub and write "Mrs. Dr. Julian Mercer" in the steamed up shower door.

Tell Diane she's hilarious.

xo,

a fan

From the Hollywood Reporter:

~By Kirk Honeycutt

"Something's Gotta Give" is a cheerful romantic comedy about the rejuvenating power of love and how old dogs can indeed learn new tricks. Writer-director Nancy Meyers smoothly blends several comedy styles -- the delicious oddball situation of Kaufman and Hart and the psychobabble of Woody Allen with a considerable helping of the frothy style Meyers herself has developed over the years with her former screenwriting partner Charles Shyer -- into a kind of updated and saucier version of a Rock Hudson-Doris Day comedy.

Only the characters are determinedly middle-age as Meyers has crafted chewy parts that allow Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton to perform riffs on their own personalities and past roles. This skewers the demographics toward older audiences, of course, but this should be no serious drawback as boxoffice for this joint Sony/Warner Bros. production looks promising. You just wish someone had come up with a better title.

Meyers' premise, in which a divorced mother falls in love with her daughter's much-older boyfriend, could have sent the plot rumbling off in any number of quirky if not edgy directions. But Meyers settles for a sitcom crowd-pleaser. Seemingly at issue here are May-December romances, but this quickly dissolves in favor of a conventional romance with a meet-cute (albeit a very funny one) leading to love, a disruption, then a happy fadeout.

Nicholson's Harry Sanborn, a 63-year-old music business mogul who never dates women older than 30, travels to the Hamptons for a weekend tryst with his latest infatuation, Amanda Peet's Marin. To their horror, the two lovebirds discover that Marin's mom, highly successful Broadway playwright Erica Barry (Keaton), and her aunt Zoe (Frances McDormand) also are in residence.

Mistaking Harry for a burglar as he rummages in the refrigerator clad only in his underwear, Erica and Zoe pull a knife and are in the process of dialing 911 when a red-faced Marin, also clad in scanties, clarifies the nature of this intruder. An understandable hostility develops between Harry and the two disapproving sisters, but this gives way to concern when he suffers a mild heart attack.

His ER doctor, Julian Mercer (Keanu Reeves), allows Harry to return to Erica's beachfront home with the understanding that he is not to budge until his health improves. When the rest of her family decamps for Manhattan after the weekend, a dismayed Erica finds herself with an unwanted housemate. Then Erica, instead of writing her latest comedy, finds her world turned upside down when both Harry and Harry's doctor, a man in his mid-30s, become romantically attracted to her.

All the characters have a tendency to psychoanalyze both themselves and one another, which makes this a very talky comedy. Yet Meyers has handed her leads many juicy lines and several fine comedy situations to play. The film also does something quite remarkable for an American film: It makes middle-age love look sexy and hugely satisfying.

Nicholson and Keaton pair off nicely in their first co-starring outing together. Nicholson performs adroit and hilarious physical comedy to go with line deliveries no one else would do half as well. Similarly, Keaton gives her character's emotional dithering and confusion over all the curves life suddenly throws at her a charm few other actresses could have managed.

Reeves, McDormand, Peet and Jon Favreau, playing Harry's all-purpose assistant, bring star power to what amount to small roles, giving these characters a dimension that was probably barely discernible on the page.

For a film shot mostly on soundstages and backlot sets, "Something's Gotta Give" has a fairly realistic look thanks in large measure to Michael Bullhaus' glistening cinematography. Sets and costumes look like someone hit the shopping mall and bought Pottery Barn and J. Crew out of much of their inventory.

-want my reaction? Click Here;)

Thank you to MC at RD!

If you live in a major city, there's a good chance that a couple of your local theaters will be showing a sneak preview of Something's Gotta Give on Saturday (Dec. 6) night.

Just check IMDB's movie listings after entering your city or ZIP code. Be SURE to look at the listings for Saturday the 6th, because the movie won't be listed if you just pull up today's listing.

Yay!

Thankfully that is NOT a question asked in this nice long interview from moviehole.net:

One easily forgets that there is more to Keanu Reeves than "The Matrix", as is proven by his charmingly romantic turn in "Something’s Gotta Give", in which he plays a doctor smitten by the older Diane Keaton. In an affable mod when chatting to the press in a New York hotel room, Keanu talks romance and movies with PAUL FISCHER.

The doctor is in?
The doctor is in, what seems to be the problem?

Is it fun to come back from blue screens?
And sentinels? I thought that I was playing a human being before. No, if you're speaking about going from 'The Matrix' to this film, 'Something's Gotta Give', I would speak about it going from kind of a formalism of 'The Matrix' to the naturalism of this piece and for me, trying to do different kinds of roles. It was a wonderful opportunity, really, just to do something different and of course to work with Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton and work with a wonderful, beautiful script and directed by Nancy Meyers, was really for me a dream come true.

It didn't matter that it wasn't the lead like you've been playing for the last ten years?
Well, I don't know about that. I mean, I played a supporting role in Sam Raimi's 'The Gift'. Yes, it was good fun, and for me, I hope to be able to lay different kinds of roles whether it's a leading role or a supporting role or a character role. For me, hopefully, you get to play differently, and do different kinds of acting and so, in this case, it was a great role, I think.

Did Nancy come to you or send this to your people?
I was looking for a job. You laugh, but it's true, and I read the script. It was a beautiful script and then, I went in to meet on it and I auditioned for the role.

You audition still?
Yeah, sure.

What scene did you do and did you do it with Diane?
The first scene I auditioned with Diane Keaton first, yeah.

Are you as impulsive as this character seems to be?
Sometimes, sometimes, yeah. I tend to leave impulsively.

Would you say that intimacy is the real issue of this film and that it's a universal theme for men and women?
Yes, I would say that. Some people speak of this film as being age oriented, but I would say that it's ageless oriented, personally. Yeah, I think that it's about taking a risk, opening up and somehow it seems so terrifying to open oneself up to another, and I think that we see these two beautiful, brave people in this film, Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson, just kind of open up to each other. We get to enjoy it and see it on screen.

Your character intuitively sort of knows the emotions of this woman. Do you think that people don't have that in real life?
I played a character that I feel had a lot of life experience and playing a doctor, I think that he's had an objective point of view of people and I think that that informed who he was and he's a sensitive guy. I think that if you pay attention to someone that you love, you're going to get them.

Do you think that he told her that?
I mean, he has a line. He says, 'Isn't it great that I'm not intimidated by your brilliance?' No, it's 'How great is it for you that I'm not intimidated by your brilliance?' He gets her, and in that line, he's saying, 'I recognize that this must be hard for you, that other people might be intimidated by your brilliance and I see that it's isolating for you,' and he's like, 'Baby, you ain't alone because I love how brilliant you are.' So, I think that he is telling her that he gets her.

Do you feel that age plays a role in relationships?
I think that you're naive if you think that it doesn't, but I think that it doesn't matter at the same time. It's like one of those kinds of interpersonal things, and I think that if you're are connecting with someone, it's like, 'Don't you know that I'm,' and they're like, 'Yeah.'

Can you talk about Diane Keaton? She said she was scared about your love scene, and that you helped her?
She's great. I guess that in terms of playing the role and being there that it's okay. 'Yeah, we're going to be okay.' I mean, it's nerve racking. Kissing someone is pretty intimate, actually, very intimate and your heart always kind of skips a beat before you do that, but with my character, it was okay. My character kind of takes her and asks her. He kind of puts his hand on her and says, 'Do you want to kiss because it's going to be alright.'

What did you think of how Jack and Diane worked and behaved?
Behaved. 'How are you behaving today, Jack?' 'Well, Keanu, however I want.' [Laughter] That was a good lesson to learn. They're both professionally and personally gracious and wonderful people and unique and in terms of speaking of differences, I think that I'll speak about what's the same. There's not beating [around the bush]. It's just cutting to the chase. They're consummate professionals, incredibly awesome at what they do and any moment that I got to share with them, I felt lucky to be there because they were just great people and really talented artists.

How does it feel to be on the cover of 'Mad' magazine?
Am I on the cover of 'Mad' magazine? Do you have one, right now? You don't have one?

They're satirizing you and Al Pacino.
Oh, fantastic! That's awesome, awesome. I remember that they satirized 'Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure' and I remember speaking with Alex Winter who I performed with in that, and we were like, 'Yeah!' That's awesome.

Do you feel the same about 'Newsweek'?
Well, it depends on what level you're talking about.

What about the fallout from 'The Matrix' now that it's over?
Fallout? Where's the shelter?

Are you glad it's over like Ewan McGregor was talking about he's glad he did it, but also glad that the eight years of work have come to an end?
How many years, eight years? Good God, maybe he and I can go to the hotel bar and reminisce about being in trilogies. 'Oh my God, can you believe?'
'I know, it's mad, isn't it? We're so lucky it's mad.'

Do you think that it was a dangerous thing to go and do a trilogy?
Not at all. I think that they're wonderful films and I'll speak about them until I croak and I loved them. I had a great experience.

What do you think about the comments that the third and second films were not as well received as the first?
They weren't? I disagree, I disagree. I think that they were embraced differently. Sometimes, you have a morning hug, an afternoon hug, you get a goodnight hug. I think that these films, I mean, if you remember way back when in '99 when the first 'Matrix' came out, it took awhile. It was not a critically acclaimed film and it was a kind of underground cult film that became popular and I think that ‘Reloaded' and 'Revolutions' kind of continue on in that tradition. Critically, they were not embraced. Though, when you tend to speak to people who have seen them a couple of times, and later on go, 'I saw Reloaded again, it's really good,' or not, but my experience has been that if you spend some time with the films, and time goes by, you kind of feel differently. I mean, if you didn't get it or if
you didn't feel like you enjoyed it, sometimes that experience can change.

How do you feel about the aspect of you being portrayed as something you don't feel that you are?
I'm not a great fan of speaking about myself, but I love speaking about the films that I act in especially if I enjoy them.

How do you deal with a society that doesn't believe in the private life of any actor?
I try to do it graciously.

Have you seen the biography that they did on you?
I haven't, I haven't.

What do you think about it?
I was told that they were doing a biography on 'Biography' and you hope that it's done in good taste, and you hope that it's good. I have no hope for it, actually. I don't really care. I don't care, whatever. That's something that's kind of orbital and something that kind of exists outside of what I do, and I'm not going to get hired or not hired, or my relationship with a director or another actor isn't going to be based on, 'I was going to work with you, but I saw your biography, and kid, I just don't' Hopefully, those kinds of things, you hope that people aren't climbing your walls to take a picture of you walking to your kitchen, and that's the only thing that you hope, that people conduct themselves in respectful manner in the world.

People have done that to you, haven't they?
(Sarcastically) Oh yeah, they've climbed walls.

Were you committed to Constantine a long time ago?
No, I was working in Australia and working on 'The Matrix' films and just trying to develop work for afterwards and this script came and worked on the script and worked with Warner Brothers and some of the execs there, and writers, Akiva Goldsman came on as one of the producers and so, he's done some writing and it took about a year, and right now, we're about six weeks in.

Is it a comic book?
Yes, it's coming from a comic book series, from a character from Alan Moore. I think that it was introduced in 'Swamp Thing'.

What's the take on the character?
His relationship to God. I guess that it's ultimately it's his relationship to the world. It's a guy who's got anger and ambivalence. There's a line in it, 'God has a plan for all of us, and some people like it, some people don't.' That's kind of a Constantinian take on it. Some people like it and John Constantine doesn't like it, but he likes it.

Do you think that it's going to be commercial because that's a dark comic series?
Well, I mean, we have a character. We're hoping to make a PG-13 film, but
it's also a character who after he goes to Gabriel and finds out that there's no way. I'm playing a character who's damned and he's trying to escape hell and he goes to Gabriel and he's like, 'Come on, I'm taking demons out of little girls. Who's that for?' Gabriel is saying, 'Well, you don't believe.' I go, 'I believe for Christ sake.' He goes, 'No, you know. You don't have faith.'

He's an ex-priest?
I don't know. It depends on what story you’re telling. In this one, he wasn't and after that, he goes and you see my character with scratches on his back and he's drinking some whiskey and he's just made love to the demon. So, you know, we're trying for PG-13. My feet are on the floor of the bed, he's under the covers.

So, that's not exactly like making love to Diane Keaton in this movie?
No comment.

What do you think are some of the cons about getting involved with another franchise?
I don't know about cons. I don't know about that. I mean the business side of it and the storytelling side of it; if we're fortunate enough and it all comes together and we make an interesting, enjoyable film, I'll be really happy. I'm having a really positive experience right now. I'm working with some incredible artists. We have a remarkable DP. I'm working with Francis Lawrence who's very talented, has a fresh vision, a great storyteller. I'm doing a script with Akiva Goldsman, an Oscar award winner. He's one of the best writers in town. I'm working with Rachel Weisz and Tilda Swinton is acting in it. We've got some incredible set direction and we've got one of the best crews that I've ever worked with. We're telling a righteous story and something that I think is cool about adjusting one's place in the world and if we're lucky enough to entertain folks and that they dig it and whoever says, 'Keanu, do you want to do that again,' we'll see. Whether that turns into a franchise, and lunch boxes, I doubt it, but hopefully, if we can make a good film, I don't know.

How is it to come to a decision to make a film as an actor at this point? Do you agonize over it?
Often, you have a gut reaction. I have a gut reaction to the material that I'm dealing with and if there's something, like, with this, 'Something's Gotta Give', when I read this script, I was like, 'This is one of the best scripts that I've ever read, period.' In terms of working with Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton, there was the role of Dr. Mercer and I was like, 'Call someone,' and I got to meet on it. So, the script and the story and the character and your feeling, I guess.

Are you often in the position of looking for work or are the scripts piled
up for you?
Yeah, you're always looking for good material. I mean, I love acting. So, look at Jack Nicholson. He's sixty six years old, I think, and he's making movies. He's doing his thing. Does Jack Nicholson have to go and make a
movie? That's what we do. I guess that's our life.

Did you get to talk with Jack much or get any advice from him about the business?
Actually, last night, it was great. Nancy Meyers had a dinner and Jack was there, and I was speaking, we were speaking about the film and the process and Nancy Meyers tends to, she likes to let the camera roll and I was speaking to Jack about that, and he was like, 'Yeah, even when I was starting out,' he said, 'I would always tell the operator, Give him a slow cut,' because sometimes, the directors will say, 'Cut,' or the first A.D. will say cut, and the operator because of the cost of film will just flip the switch and so, what Nicholson was saying was that because some things happen at the end of the take, that is the thing, and so, he was like, 'I always asked for a slow cut,' and I got that because sometimes, you know, that's experience. That's someone who's like, 'If you give them a slow cut, I like do that thing,' and he was saying that you get to express something off, more of that other thing, you get to express something that might not be on the page, but that might be a part of the character, and I was thinking about that, and I was like, 'He's right again.'

Would you ever audition for Stratford again?
I auditioned for Stratford like four years in a row.

But that's when you were known?
No, that's when I was young. I was like sixteen. Yes, I mean, I hope that that's something in my life, actually. I like that production too. It was good, straight ahead 'Hamlet', I thought.

Is it possible at this point in your career to sit back and be a couch potato or do you feel compelled to honour your temple, so to speak?
I feel honoured to honour the temple of my body. I mean, yes and no. It's something that won't do the training that I did for that film. I'm kind of making it up as I go along.

Do you believe in true love and soul mates and all of that?
Sure. Yeah, I agree.

Are you a hopeless romantic?
I don't know. Am I a hopeless romantic? It's fun to be hopelessly in love. It's dangerous, but it's fun.

When you were in Paris, was it romantic?
It is indeed.

Had you been there before?
I had worked there before. I worked there on 'Dangerous Liaisons'.

Do people know you when you're there?
Sometimes, once in a while. I get recognized once in a while, but not that often.

I suppose saying "I can't wait for this movie" is a little obvious when talking about his films, huh?

Hee.

I wish we knew a release date for this. IMDB shows it in March but only for Belgium.
...what the hell?

E! online is having a sweepstakes for two tickets to LA to go to the Something's Gotta Give premiere.

Click here.

Thanks Jena!

The NYPost's Liz Smith:

"WENT to see the full version of the coming Jack Nicholson/Diane Keaton comedy "Something's Gotta Give" (I'd seen a snippet a few weeks back and loved it.) Well, this Nancy Meyers' movie is going to be huge precisely because, in some respects, it mirrors Jack's real life (dating very young women) and it more than proves that middle-aged women, Diane Keaton for instance, still have "a dance in the old dame yet." (She is simply divine; no wonder Warren Beatty and Woody Allen and many another guy found - and find - her so wonderful.) I also loved Keanu Reeves in this movie - here blessedly removed from his inscrutable "Matrix" persona, which certainly doesn't tap his talents. And I wish the film had shown us more of the great Frances McDormand.

If I say "Something's Gotta Give" could use some judicious cutting near the end, that's just because I'm a fuddy-duddy who thinks most "entertainments" are too long. But this one will tickle you."

(Thanks Jane)

Also, Coming Soon has a new trailer up (choose 'B') that has some choice shots of our dream doctor. Thanks to Club-K, who already have some stills in their gallery

I admit that I've been wondering about our workaholic being well into working on Constantine and not having his next project lined up yet.

Or maybe he does.

Coming Soon (via Club-Keanu) reports....

Keanu Reeves Replaces Russell Crowe in Tripoli

Keanu Reeves has replaced Russell Crowe in director Ridley Scott's Tripoli. However, 20th Century Fox has put the film into turnaround, and now co-financing companies are kicking the tires. The movie could have been Reeves' first big role after the "Matrix" trilogy.

Reeves is now attached to the story of how U.S. soldier William Eaton joined forces with an exiled king to overthrow the corrupt ruler of what is now Libya.

Screenwriter William Monahan wrote the script.

I'm not a fan of the period war epic, but this looks to be a meaty role, and working with Ridley Scott? Bonus.

update: Here's a moviebus.com page on Tripoli (thx Rhonda!)

So call me a doctor, STAT!

Extreme Big Love to Ale for the link to LatinoReview.com's page on Something's Gotta Give that has some great looking stills from the movie, including these.

Big Love to Indy for this info-

This Tuesday, October 21, there will be a screening of Speed at the Arclight Cinemas on Sunset Blvd, Hollywood with a Q&A with Director Jan de Bont afterward.

Ooooooh, I really wish I could go to this. Just the thought of seeing Jack Traven on a big screen again makes me all squishy.

Here are a couple of pictures of Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton from Something's Gotta Give. (courtesy Sony Pictures)

You're right. There's no Keanu in these, but I'm posting them anyway so Sony will like me and send me the good stuff when it becomes available.

Actually the first one on the beach is lovely. I think I might print it out, frame it and try and pass them off as my parents.

Doing the score/soundtrack for Constantine are Patrick Cassidy and Lisa Gerrard.

From Lisa Gerrard's website:

Lisa has been working on this VERY dark soundtrack for a few weeks now. If the first track is anything to go by this going to be one of the darkest works Lisa ever did. The film is directed by Francis Lawrence and John Constantine is played by Keanu Reeves.

John Constantine the antihero and magician is a very interesting character his story really starts after the death of King Arthur, when Merlin sought the man known as Kon-sten-tyn and helped him become the new King of Britain, but Kon-sten-tyn was very determined not to rule under Merlins commands and so the trouble started. There is a family tree and a lot of good information on John Constantine and Hellblazer at the Straight To Hell website. Not to sure how much John Constantine will or has been changed for the film, but let's hope that the core of Constantine will remain intact.
No matter what this film puts Lisa in front of a vast darkness and (heavenly) light filled canvas and Francis Lawrence's prior work shows a strong sinister, dark and mysteries dimension. Keanu Reeves is well suited for the part, let's just hope that he reads Hellblazer and portrays John Constantine as the heavily smoking antihero he is. But probably the most important point with a character like John Constantine is to hope that nobody is actually expecting a PG-13 rating.

(via insanerantings.com)

Warren Ellis, who has authored many issues of Hellblazer (some of the best of the ones that I have read), finally talks about the upcoming Constantine in today's BAD SIGNAL:

"Anyway. And then I ended up drinking with Tilda Swinton. This was one of those weird moments; she kept saying "serendipitous," which is not a word I would attempt after mixing that much whisky and beer. She's just been offered the part of the angel Gabriel in CONSTANTINE, the film of the comics series HELLBLAZER, which I wrote for a year. So we had an hour of discussing the character, the book, the selection of Keanu Reeves (which is actually a big part of her interest. I've always said that Reeves is a better actor than anyone gives him credit for -- watch him carefully, and you'll see him deliberately creating a space for other actors to work in), and the possibilities in the role in relationship to America today. She said something I found fascinating: in an America where a president again invokes the term Evil in public statements, there's the potential to say something very interesting in a major-studio film about Biblical good and evil. To present the angel Gabriel as a figure of horror; there's space to say something that in the mainstream of American culture is certainly subversive. She characterised Reeves as an intelligent, "spiritual" man, and thinks there might be the possibility, with Reeves there, to do something challenging.

This, by the way, is the answer to the almost-daily emails asking what I think of Keanu Reeves cast as Constantine. First; the film is never going to be the same as the comic. American or English, the film will succeed if it's true to the core of the man, because that's what hooks people into the book. Nicolas Cage, I maintain, would have made a good Constantine because he can do the ravaged, shattered side of the man. I think Reeves is an interesting choice because he can get at the other part of Constantine, the part that demands social justice and exists in ethical turmoil. His partner for the story is being played by Rachel Weisz, whom people seem to have forgotten can act -- she broke out of British television in the same piece as Ewan McGregor, THE SCARLET AND THE BLACK. With Tilda Swinton as Gabriel, this is all far from a bad proposition.

But, of course, I haven't read the script.

Reading this from someone so close to the property really gives me a new hope and enthusiasm for this movie. Nice to hear him say good things about Keanu as well. And I like the way he puts it: "deliberately creating a space for other actors to work in". A very good way to describe Keanu's non-scenery-chewing approach to his craft and generosity that many that have worked with him can attest to, and his critics seem to mistake for something lacking in his ability.

Sony seems to have the start of a site for the upcoming Meyers film. Not much there yet, but there's a link to sign up for updates.

You can view the quicktime trailer here over at Apple.com's trailer pages.

And there are also Windoze Media and RealPlayer trailers at the Sony site as well.

• SGG trailer : hi bandwidth - asx
  
• SGG trailer : lo bandwidth - asx
  
• SGG trailer : hi bandwidth - ram
  
• SGG trailer : lo bandwidth - ram
  

Yeah, I'm all about the bulleted lists today.

TUALATIN — A little Hollywood glamour has come to Oregon, and last weekend that glamour found itself roosting in a hot, dusty rock quarry that looked eerily like the set of a cheap science fiction movie.

But the movie that brought stars Vincent D’Onofrio, Tilda Swinton, Keanu Reeves and Benjamin Bratt to Oregon is “Thumbsucker,” a wry coming-of-age story adapted from the Walter Kirn book about a teenager with an oral fixation. The film completes seven weeks of Oregon location work this weekend.

[snipped for Keanu content ...]

Reeves, who was in town for four days, plays the kindly orthodontist who hypnotizes Pucci to stop his thumbsucking, which only sends him off on new fixations. Vince Vaughn plays his debate coach, and Bratt is a TV announcer whom Audrey fancies.

[and some nice things about Lou Taylor Pucci, the film's lead...]

Although Pucci is a newcomer to film, he has plenty of fans on this set.

“He’s so way ahead of any actor I’ve met for his age,” D’Onofrio said.

“From the very first day of improv, he was neck and neck with me.”

“Honestly, Lou is a total gift from God that came on the last day of casting,” said Mills, who auditioned 150 teenagers.

“There are a lot of people who are good at pretending to be this or that; Lou is this magical little chameleon.”

Pucci also is up for a role in “Constantine,” another Reeves project.

“I love Keanu Reeves so much, I wish I could do more with him,” Pucci said.

Read the whole article here.

"From a number of sources, FilmJerk.com has learned that Rachel Weisz has been cast in Warner Bros.’ “Constantine,” an adaptation of the DC Comic comic book “Hellblazer.” Weisz, who was last seen in “The Shape of Things” and “Confidence” – as well as the upcoming fall films “Envy” and “the Runaway Jury” – will be playing Angela, the lead female role. Reeves and Weisz previously co-starred together in the ill-fated 1996 film "Chain Reaction."

Read the whole article over at FilmJerk.

I can't wait to tell eddieshirt. They worked together, you know.

So I guess ET will be showing the trailer from the Meyers film tonight...

Keanu Gives It Up!

August 15, 2003
Taking a break from his 'Matrix' duties, KEANU REEVES is teaming up with screen legends JACK NICHOLSON and DIANE KEATON for the romantic comedy 'Something's Gotta Give,' coming to theaters this December. Tonight on ET, we have your exclusive first look at the hilarious new trailer!

In the new comedy, Nicholson plays Harry Sanborn, an aging playboy with a libido much younger than his years. During a romantic weekend with his latest conquest, Marin (AMANDA PEET of 'The Whole Nine Yards'), at her mother's Hamptons beach house, Harry has chest pains. Marin's divorced mother, Erica (Keaton), reluctantly cares for Harry, and in the process he develops romantic feelings for the more age-appropriate woman.

But while Harry struggles to change his old habits, his charming, 30-something doctor (Reeves) steps in and begins to pursue Erica! Now Harry, who has always had the world on a string, finds his life unraveling.

Also starring FRANCES McDORMAND and JON FAVREAU and directed by NANCY MEYERS ('What Women Want'), 'Something's Gotta Give' gives in to audiences everywhere December 12.
--

Thanks to Club-Keanu for the heads-up, and actually you should head over there to check out some pics from an Oregon news story about Keanu being typically cool and cordial with some fans.

SOMETHING’S GOTTA GIVE

December 12
Romantic Comedy

Academy Award® winners Jack Nicholson, Diane Keaton and Frances McDormand star with Keanu Reeves and Amanda Peet in a sophisticated romantic comedy from writer/director Nancy Meyers (What Women Want, The Parent Trap), which proves that in matters of the heart, you can expect the unexpected.

Harry Sanborn (Jack Nicholson) is a perennial playboy with a libido much younger than his years. During what was to have been a romantic weekend with his latest infatuation, Marin (Amanda Peet), at her mother's Hamptons beach house, Harry develops chest pains. He winds up being nursed by Marin's reluctant mother, Erica Barry (Diane Keaton) -- a successful, divorced New York playwright. In the process, Harry develops more heart pangs -- the romantic kind -- for Erica, an age appropriate woman whom he finds beguiling.

However, some habits die hard. When Harry hesitates, his charming thirty-something doctor (Keanu Reeves) steps in and starts to pursue Erica. And Harry, who has always had the world on a string, finds his life unraveling.

Cast
Jack Nicholson
Diane Keaton
Keanu Reeves
Frances McDormand
Amanda Peet
Jon Favreau

Hopefully we'll have an official site link soon.

I hope everyone had a great weekend.

While I was slacking off, it seems that there was a possible becky show announced for the 19th at the Viper Room. That's two days after the hockey game. On a Tuesday night. I won't be staying for it, but as always I recommend going if you are in the area.

Also, FilmJerk reports that the Nancy Meyers Project may finally have a title.
"Something's Gotta Give", after the old Johnny Mercer song whose lyrics include "When an irresistable force / such as you / meets an old immovable object like me / you can bet as sure as you live." Um, I think the next line is probably the title line. You get the idea.
And apparently it does not have anything to do with "Something's Got to Give" Marilyn Monroe's unfinished final project, which had me all worked up until I said to myself "it's a movie title, krix, get over yourself" and in appreciation for my own good advice I treated myself to a nice drink.

Having a cocktail in me, I toyed with the idea of writing a little parody on why Keanu, not Arnold, should be elected governor of California. However, it turned into so much stupid yammering and was trashed as soon as I sobered up. Like the guy has the time anyway, right? But if it came down to ass, we all know who would sweep the popular vote, right?

Oh, the picture up there? It was my payoff for being woken up by a nightmare this morning and not being able to go back to sleep. I'm a sucker for buy-it-now, and it will go quite nicely in the black-and-white collection I intend to get together.

He's just stunning. I'd vote for him.

Someone I know that does work for "the industry" emailed me on the Untitled Nancy Meyers Project. Still no title yet, but I did get a release date of December 12th. This is confirmed over at IMDB. I'll let you know if I hear anything else.

(I'm still pretty "meh" about this picture. I watched "What Women Want" the other night and I wanted to stick a fork in my eye throughout most of it.)

Also, this entry must be a result on Google for Thumbsucker and Beaverton, because I'm getting a few random commenters with info on the filming, including that they still need extras this Saturday at Tualatin High School, and that Keanu stopped for a milkshake in downtown Beaverton last week. Cute!

Via KeanuWeb and Club Keanu, there's an article on Billy Jack over at CHUD (which stands for Cinematic Happenings Under Development or some such, NOT Cannibalistic Humanoid Underground Dwellers)

I thought this pic was a no go? I'd be suprised if Keanu was still wanting to do it after all this time and trouble (never a good sign).

I guess we'll see.

Thank you to Wrygrass who sent out an article/interview* from August's Starlog magazine that included this from Keanu about the upcoming Constantine role:

"I've read a few of the comics, and I really like the character of Constantine," Reeves says. "I like his ambivalence, his vitality, his darkness and his anger. I also appreciate his underlying grace and love for humanity. And I love him as a figure who is sort of the ultimate [example] of the existential 'God is dead' [argument]. Hellblazer literalizes a kind of Heaven and Hell and that type of Catholic background, and Constantine's saying, 'The nine deities, the nine devils, all of you get out of here. Just leave us alone.' He's the ultimate man without all of the other kinds of entities. I love the dialogue, because he finds out something else in his quest. He finds out something about himself and his humanity."

OK, I have no idea what he's talking about, really.

I did, however, get my copy of "Dangerous Habits" that I mentioned in this entry, and let me tell you, what a great story. I can only hope they use the best elements of it for the movie. The more Hellblazer I read, the more fascinated with John C. I am and the more hope I have for this film. I hope that Keanu has reason to read a few more of the comics and that he really embraces the bastard. Because that's where the beauty and challenge to an actor of the character is, and it will be much more difficult to play and sell.
But if they try and make him a "hero", this film might suck.

Because the humanity of John Constantine is a tricky thing, innit?

*(the rest of the article was Reloaded stuff that we have pretty much heard before)

Dear citizens,

Please don't harass the movie.

Thanks.

P.S. If you really have the need to, start with Vince Vaughn. I hear he's quite the slut. But don't go messing with Lou, capiche?

Actor Jack Nicholson voiced his support for striking French actors as they interrupted his film shoot on location in Paris.
Nicholson was filming on a bridge over the river Seine when protestors walked on to the set and refused to leave, police said.

Nicholson, in his trademark dark glasses, picked up a loudhailer to address the group and ask what the problem was.

Told that artists' rights were threatened, he said in broken French: "The struggle continues!"

After discussions with the protesters, the production crew decided to pack it in for the night, police said.
Nicholson is in the apparently un-named movie alongside Diane Keaton and Keanu Reeves.

The actors and other arts workers are protesting over government plans to change arts workers' unemployment benefits.

The dispute has already caused the cancellation of a string of events across the country.

France's three-week Avignon arts festival was abandoned and a sister event in nearby Aix-en-Provence has also been scrapped.

On Wednesday, Culture Minister Jean-Jacques Aillagon described the actors as "irresponsible" as the government vowed to press on with the benefit cuts.

--------
[google news search on the strike]

PARIS, July 9 (AFP) - A new film starring Keanu Reeves and Jack Nicholson was halted mid-shoot in Paris this week when hundreds of striking arts workers closed down the production.

Around 650 demonstrators stormed the set on one of the bridges in the middle of the city late Tuesday as a protest against French government plans to change their unemployment benefits regime, police said.

Nicholson tried in vain to negotiate with them, but they refused to move away, a person working on the film said.

US director Nancy Meyers, who previously made "What Women Want" with Mel Gibson, was part-way through the 12-day shoot in Paris when the incident occurred.

It was uncertain when the production - which was employing 300 French extras and technicians and which was injecting EUR 4 million (USD 4.5 million) into the city's economy - would be able to continue.

The striking arts workers have already forced the closure of many of France's summer festivals and have interrupted shows, films and television programmes to press their demands.

The French scenes being filmed by Nicholson, Reeves and actrees Diane Keaton were to go into a romantic comedy Meyers is making that is also set in New York City and the Hamptons.

The as-yet-untitled production is about a middle-aged music executive (Nicholson) used to dating much younger girlfriends, who, while recovering from a heart attack, falls for the mother of his latest conquest. Reeves plays his doctor who becomes a rival in the romantic triangle.

It was scheduled to be released in the United States on December 12, but the French strike could delay that, especially as such interruptions are not generally covered by movie insurance.

The Paris scenes were meant to have been wrapped by July 11.

------

More on this story also at Yahoo News.

I do hereby declare Lou Taylor Pucci to be the Cutest. Thing. Ever.
And I'm pretty sure he's on the verge of becoming a very big star.
Looking again at the casting for Thumbsucker, Lou has the lead as Justin Cobb, Vincent D'Onofrio will play his father, Tilda Swinton as his mother, Keanu as his unconventional orthodontist of course....and now I see according to Lou's news page that Matthew McConaughey is out as Mr. Geary, the debate coach, and Vince Vaughn is in. Vince freaking Vaughn, hot damn. I luff him.

And speaking of casting, congrats to Chase Offerle, a Beaverton! local who now has the part of Joel, Justin's younger brother. According to this article Chase has two scenes with Keanu. His mother must be so proud.

According to this Portland Tribune article on Lou : Thumbs up to a juicy role, the budget for the film is a mere 3 million dollars, which could mean the script must be very good to be getting the cast it has. I hoped that Keanu would do a film like this after he finished the Matrix movies. Of his three upcoming films, as of right now, I'm looking forward to Thumbsucker the most.

Of course, if I hear that Keanu goes blonde for Constantine(which I seriously doubt, but still secretly hope for), that all goes right out the window.

Thanks to club-keanu for the heads up on this post by Tresses at the DMB that says that Keanu and Bret will be appearing on a Mr. Big (who I have never heard of) tribute album "...very unique project in which Mr. Big classic songs have been revisited, featuring all star vocalists and guest musicians as well as the band members themselves."

Oh, in case you are wondering, Keanu is in Paris working on that Meyers thing (oh look, his character has a name: Julian. You may recall that he also played a Julian in Even Cowgirls Get the Blues, which was of course...the Worst Movie Ever....I'm just sayin'). He's also going to movie premieres and having lunch. Pics and links to pics can be found at Club-Keanu and Keanuholic.

Also, according to Lou Taylor Pucci's news page, Keanu will be arriving in Beaverton! toward the end of the month to work on Thumbsucker (why hasn't this movies IMDB page been updated?).

BEAVERTON, Ore. -- Want to be in a movie?
"Thumbsucker," a new movie starring Keanu Reeves, Matthew McConaughey and Vincent D'Onofrio, is set to begin filming July 9.

Northwest Extras, the company in charge of casting the rest of the movie, is looking for people of all ages, shapes and sizes.

If you're interested, gather your color snapshot (waist or shoulder high), resume, name, address, phone number, e-mail address, date of birth, height, weight, eye color and times when you'll be out of town this summer.

[contact info at article link]

Wait a minute, "when you'll be out of town"?

I wonder if they're looking for extras or places for the crew to crash?

When I was grudgingly paying bills this morning, I realized that one of my credit card payments goes to Beaverton.
So I just couldn't help putting a little note on the back of the envelope.

Also, here's some good news for you stage moms in the Portland area:

PORTLAND - There's an open casting call for young men who want to star alongside Keanu Reeves and Matthew McConaughey.
The casting director of "Thumbsucker" is looking for 10 to 13 year old boys for the supporting lead role of "Joel."

The open casting call will be held Thursday from 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. at 3829 Northeast Tillamook Street in Portland.

Thanks to Jenn of Illusionaire for this article link about Thumbsucker shooting in Beaverton, Oregon:

'Thumbsucker' Comes to Beaverton
By Gretchen Lehmann

PORTLAND, OR 2003-06-20 (Oregon Considered) - Next month, a small movie crew and a few Hollywood stars--will be in Beaverton to shoot the new movie "Thumbsucker." The independent film--which stars Keanu Reeves and Mathew McConnaughey--follows the story of an insecure high schooler who still sucks his thumb. By Hollywood standards, it's a small-scale project coming in with a budget of only $3 million. But it's just the kind of economic development project the state is eager to get. On a brightly lit sound stage in Northwest Portland, Governor Ted Kulongoski sits in a director's chair, surrounded by movie types. He casually jokes about how he nabbed "Thumbsucker" and its star Keanu Reeves.
Governor Kulongoski: Beaverton! (laughs)
Mike Mills: Keanu Reeves often mentions Beaverton! (group laughs)
Beaverton will serve as the backdrop for this light comedy about a high schooler who struggles to gain confidence in himself and his family.
The story is based on the novel "Thumbsucker," by Walter Kirn.

Director Mike Mills says when he was scouting sites, Beaverton and northwest Oregon grabbed his attention immediately.

Mike Mills: We're going everywhere from Trillium Lake up by Mt. Hood to Vernonia to Beaverton is kind of the heart of the shoot. And that's all two and half hours away. So for us production-wise it's an amazing number of places.

Mills says production will be low-key and neighbors won't even know they're there. But he and producer Anthony Bergman says Beaverton will have a clear presence in the film.

Mike Mills: We even wrote in hall street Restaurant into the script the other day and there may be a shot of the Beaverton sign in the beginning.
Anthony Bergman: and if you're walking in downtown Beaverton while we're shooting, we'll enlist you as an extra (laughs).

This kind of exposure is exactly what Governor Kulongoski wants. He's made recruiting movie and TV projects a significant part of his economic development plans for the state. In the case of "Thumbsucker," the governor authorized spending $100,000 from his Strategic Reserve Fund to entice the filmmakers to come to Oregon. Kulongoski says it's the kind of investment that pays for itself.

Governor Kulongoski: This production will have about 75 actors both out and within the state and there's about 300 extras. That puts a substantial amount of money in the local economies here, so it's a great return for us.

In the case of last year's movie "The Hunted"--which was shot in Portland and the Willamette Valley--there was a $30 million return to the state. Part of the terms of the "Thumbsucker" deal is that the filmmakers must prove they've spent a substantial amount of money in Oregon. A similar you-pay/we'll pay proposal is making it's way through the legislature. Senate Bill 313 would offer movie and TV productions a 10% rebate on their spending in Oregon up to $25,000. In return, the filmmakers must spend at least a million dollars in the state. Governor Kulongoski says it's the kind of incentive necessary to stem the tide of moviemakers going to Canada, where there are special tax incentives and a favorable exchange rate.

Governor Kulongoski: What we want to do is be much more competitive and get them to stop here in Oregon.

The crew of "Thumbsucker" will arrive in Beaverton on July 9th. In addition to Keanu Reeves, the film will also star Matthew McConnaughey, Vincent D'Onofrio and newcomer Lou Taylor [Pucci]. Filming is expected to take several weeks.

I used to prefer my Keanu clean shaven but I have come to appreciate the scruffy bearded look as well. Especially with the hair this length.

*swoon*

ahem....anyway, if you want to check out some pictures of Reeves in all his scruffy goodness from the most recent becky shows you can see Jen's at the Yahoo Group KeanuA-Z and also I believe there are some at a place called Casa Feliz' Darkroom. Registration required for both, but surely worth it.

In movie news, ComingSoon.net has a little bit on Thumbsucker from Variety:

Bull's Eye Entertainment will finance and produce the dark coming-of-age comedy "Thumbsucker," with Matthew McConaughey and Vincent D'Onofrio added to an ensemble cast that includes Keanu Reeves and Tilda Swinton.
Set for a July 9 start in Beaverton, Ore., Mike Mills will make his feature-helming bow with the adaptation of Walter Kirn's novel.

Scripted by Mills, "Thumbsucker" is the story of an anxious teen with a serious thumb-sucking habit. In desperation, he turns to the only sensible people he knows: an orthodontist (Reeves) and a high school debate coach (McConaughey).

Anthony Bregman of This Is That and Bob Stephenson of Cinema-Go-Go produce the pic. Exec producers are This Is That's Ted Hope and Anne Carey, along with Bob Yari and Cathy Schulman of Bull's Eye. Jay Shapiro of Cinema-Go-Go will co-exec produce.

I guess Elijah Wood is no longer cast in the title role in Thumbsucker. Maybe they should give it to that Culkin kid or maybe the guy from Almost Famous. (Can you tell I don't pay attention to any other actors?)

And I guess Keanu is back east, still working on the "Just how freaking hard is it to name a movie anyway?" Untitled Nancy Meyers "Christmas Project".
I actually had to go to Liz Smith for this little bit of info:

OH, YES, they're having a hot time in the Hamptons. Jack Nicholson, Diane Keaton, Keanu Reeves and Amanda Peet have been filming the much-talked-about Nancy Meyers' "Christmas project" - that is, a movie with no title yet. These biggies rented houses in the Hamptons, and they filmed all over the place, including the mansions on Meadow Lane.

Now the stars are in Manhattan briefly before going to Paris. Nancy dreamed up this Christmastime project for Columbia after being divorced from her director-husband, Chuck Shyer, some years back. She'd rented a house in Sagaponack to recuperate and had an idea about an ad guy, 63, dating a young beauty, 29. She takes him home to mother, 55, on Long Island. A stint in the Southampton hospital brings them all together with a handsome doctor, 30.

Guess what happens next? Some people call this "The Older Woman's Revenge," but I'm sure they'll think of something better to name it for the marquee. Meyers' credits include "What Women Want," "Private Benjamin," "Father of the Bride" and comedies of that ilk.

The more I hear about this movie, the less I want to see it.

Oh, and as far as some other gossipy stuff related to this one, all I have to say is...the man's got to eat, eh?

Lastly, because god knows every comic-based "superhero" movie that's been completely re-tooled by Hollywood needs a romantic subplot, Constantine is still looking to cast the role of Angela, a female cop.

I'd audition but badges and navy blue make my ass look huge.

When it was first announced that Keanu was going to be playing the title role in Constantine, based on the Hellblazer comic series, I went and eBay'ed a few issues to get a feel for the character. At first I hated the idea, then as I got to know about this "right bastard" a little bit more, I got a little excited over the thought of Keanu being able to stretch his bastard muscle a little bit. Donnie Barksdale was a good tease, but a whole movie of Reeves bein' all rogue-ish and onery? Bring it.

But it seems that the Hollywood machine is doing some pretty drastic things to this property.
Thanks to M.C. for this link to the Hellblazer site, insanerantings.com, that is a grudgingly good source of info on the project, including some pre-production concept drawings.

Current plot overview : John Constantine, an American magus recently diagnosed as having brain cancer, teams with Detective Sergeant Angela Murdoch in the hunt for a serial killer who preys on psychics and magicians.

Even I can see why the fans of the comic are not too happy. And all I did was buy a few odd issues of the comic.

-From a poster called "Funk" at the insanerantings forum:

[...]"They buy up the Hellblazer franchise and move the action to America. Not such a big change really, given that John spends much of the comic book series abroad.

Then other small changes occur over a long period of time:

*He's given a female cop sidekick. Not so bad. After all, she's part of the plot.
*He can now drive. Hey, that wasn't such a big part of his character.
*He becomes an American. Big change, but it's not like his attitude or personality is too badly affected.
*They pick a dark haired, part-Hawaiian actor to play him. Looks aren't everything though right?
*He gets brain cancer instead of lung cancer. Ah, we can live with that.
*He no longer smokes. Who's going to miss a little thing like that?
*He's described as "innocent" rather than "a bastard" which seems odd, but it's not like they've changed everything else about him have they...?

So at the end of a series of very small changes you end up with... well. TED CONSTANTINE.

Of course, when you're close to the project and have no idea of the original source material these changes don't seem so serious, especially when they're being made over such a great deal of time. I doubt that they thought "let's use this franchise and completely change everything about it".

Oh, and note the car in those drawings mentioned above. Hellblazer's John Constantine can't drive.

And there's more in depth discussion if you want to check it out.

FYI, The movie should be out next summer, and according to this article starts shooting September 15 in Los Angeles.

One happy byproduct of my curiousity of the Hellblazer Series is that I discovered Warren Ellis' blog (and that in turn led me to William Gibson's, as well).

Mr. Ellis is a glorious madman. Makes me wish I were a camgirl so I could get his ear for a bit and find out what he thought about the Hollywoodization of John Constantine. I could probably guess, if only in abstract. My grasp on british profanity being pretty poor.

Anyway, luckily I am a Keanu fan more than a comic fan, so I can probably enjoy this movie. It's actually sort of a relief, knowing they changed it so much that it won't be him that gets blamed if it's crap. However, I'm not nearly as creamy about this interpretation of the magus.

Plus, I am a little sad that he won't be going blonde.

To steal a phrase from AICN's review of Reloaded:
"Jim-Jammity Jesus Krispy Kreme Christ on a twat-rocket!"
There is NO WAY I can keep up with all the media out there.

But let's see....
Thanks to Club Keanu for putting a schedule right at the top of their page :)
Here are a few upcoming television appearances that you might want to tape or Tivo:

Mon May 5-Entertainment Tonight (syndicated)- More on Reloaded
Mon May 5 - Jay Leno - Laurence Fishburne - NBC - 11:30pm
Thu May 8 (might be the 9th) The Today Show - Keanu Reeves - NBC - 7am
Thu May 8 - Jay Leno - Keanu Reeves - NBC - 11:30pm
Thu May 8 - MTV Movie House - Matrix Special - 9pm
Sun May 11 - MTV Movie House - Matrix Special - 11pm
Thu May 15 - ET on E! - Behind the Scenes of The Matrix Reloaded 5:30pm
Tues May 27 - Keanu on Biography - A&E 8pm
Wed May 28 - Keanu on Biography - A&E

The Last Free City.com has been absorbed by UGO.com and now has some really agressive Powerade marketing to deal with before you even get to the good stuff. But they really are on the ball news-wise so whatever keeps them up and running is okay by me.
One spiffy thing is that TLFC member "the_one" is hosting some sort of "wait in line party" at Universal Citywalk. So if you live in that aera you might want to check it out.

Sounds like a whole lot of fun.

I'm sure there is news I'm missing, so check your favorite links for more hype and info.

Oh, and here's a little snark on a Saturday morning...
The other night, Amanda Peet was on Letterman and talked a little bit about the Nancy Meyers film. She mentioned her other co-stars but not Keanu. What the hell?

So, I pretty much hate her now.

I am tickled to see that Jon Favreau is part of that cast now. I love him.

Hellblazer news!
(click the quote to read the whole article)

Already working on the part, Reeves hasn't even earned the accolades producers are expecting for his upcoming "Matrix Reloaded" and "Matrix Revolutions" films coming out within half a year of each other this summer and fall. Producer Lauren Shuler Donner says he's the perfect actor for the adult-oriented comic book series about the man who sends demons to Hell.

"He's hot in the role, he's perfect for Hellblazer because he has that innocent quality about him, a bit naive, but someone you like," Donner says to Zap2it.com. "He's a bit like Tarzan, or a hero like that. But this time, he sends demons to hell."

Oscar Facts:

Oscar's height: 13 1/2 inches
Oscar's weight: 8 1/2 pounds
Number of Oscars presented at Academy Awards shows or to winners absent from show to date: 2,455
Number of competitive categories in 1927: 12
Number of competitive categories in 2002: 24
How many people it takes to make a statuette: 12
How long it takes to make a statuette: 20 hours
Number of Oscars manufactured each year: 50-60
How many Oscars have been refused: 3
Number of decorative prop Oscar statues: 65
Smallest decorative prop Oscar statue: 1-½ feet
Tallest decorative prop Oscar statue: 24 feet

Want to know what's in those gift baskets that everyone gets?
Well you can find a list of the goodies over at girlhacker.com's blog.

I don't even know if I'm going to watch the Oscars tonight. I'm not particularly interested, although I do like Steve Martin.

I remember when I was in high school, the Oscars were THE Event for the Drama Club crowd. We'd get dressed up, get someone's older brother to buy us champagne and figure out who's house had the best combination of a big TV, jacuzzi and out-of-town parents.

Good times.

This year? Feh, whatever.

In the DVD Comentary for Hardball, the director (?) talks about meeting Keanu the day after the Oscars. Keanu showed up approximately an hour and a half late (he did call) in his helmet claiming that "the day after the Oscars should be a holiday."
So tomorrow is unofficially "Keanu Reeves Day".
So bake a cake or something.

"Listen to me, Coppertop. We don't have time for twenty questions. Right now, there's only one rule. Our way, or the highway."

From Ananova Via Metafilter, a list of the top ten movie one-liners of all time...

1. "You were only supposed to blow the bloody doors off" - The Italian Job;
2. "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn" - Gone with the Wind;
3. "We want the finest wines available to humanity, we want them here and we want them now" - Withnail and I;
4. "You talkin' to me?" - Taxi Driver;
5. "I love the smell of napalm in the morning" - Apocalypse Now;
6. "I'll have what she's having ..." - When Harry met Sally;
7. "All my life I wanted to be a gangster" - Goodfellas;
8. "I do wish we could chat longer. But I'm having an old friend for dinner" - Silence of the Lambs;
9. "Infamy, Infamy, they've all got it in for me" - Carry on Cleo;
10. "He's not the Messiah - he's a very naughty boy" - Life of Brian.

The thread over at Metafilter is chock full of other great lines that didn't make the list.
A few Keanu utterances from The Matrix as well as a line from DA are among those in the discussion as well.

My favorite non-Keanu movie lines include the one in the title (from Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas) and "Yeah! Let's go get sushi and not pay."

Bogus Jouney is full of great lines - "I got a full-on robot chubbie".
So is Speed- "Shoot the hostage."
Even in one of his smaller roles, Tod in Parenthood, Keanu had the memorable "You know, Mrs. Buchman, you need a license to buy a dog, to drive a car - hell, you even need a license to catch a fish. But they'll let any butt-reaming asshole be a father."

I could go on and on.

What are some of your favorite movie lines?

So, educated guessers are figuring that Keanu is currently working in L.A. on the "Untitled Nancy Meyers Project". At least this little blurb from this article about Jack would indicate that filming is underway:

"Nicholson, who is currently shooting a Nancy Meyers-directed comedy about a music mogul who falls for his girlfriend's mother, declined interview requests after the nominations."

ComingSoon.net has a fairly decent synopsis of the whole thing, including this plot summary:

"Academy Award® winners Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton star in a sparkling and sophisticated romantic comedy from acclaimed writer/director Nancy Meyers ("What Women Want," "Father of the Bride") which proves that in matters of the heart, sometimes you can teach an old playboy new tricks. Harry Langer (Nicholson) is a hip-hop music mogul with a libido much younger than his years. He has the world on a string -- and a string of beautiful young girlfriends to prove it. During a romantic rendezvous with his newest girlfriend, Marin, at her mother's Hamptons beach house, Harry's develops chest pains and eventually winds up being nursed by Marin's reluctant mother, Erica Barry (Keaton) -- a successful, divorced New York playwright. In the process, Harry develops more heart pangs - the romantic kind - for Erica, a woman who is right for him in every way. However, some habits die hard, and when Harry hesitates to pursue Erica, his charming thirtysomething doctor becomes smitten with her. Harry undergoes a true change of heart when he fights to win Erica back.

The "thirtysomething doctor" is the role that Keanu has been cast in.

I'm not really familiar with Ms. Meyers work. Basically I'd rather lick a nine-volt battery than watch "What Women Want". I think I may have been exposed to the remake of "Parent Trap" at some point when I was sick in bed and couldn't find the remote.
So of the three films that Mr. Reeves will be (reportedly) working on this year, I'm least excited about this one. But who knows, I was sure I was going to hate Hardball and was happily proven wrong...

One thing that fugs the buck outta me is the whole "Untitled Nancy Meyers Project" thing.
How hard can it be to title a movie?

Hospitality Suite?

The Doctor, His Patient, His Wife, Her Mother?

Hearts of the Affair? (I actually fear that it will be some lame play on words like this)

Jack is going play a hip-hop music mogul? OH! the possibilties....

Doctah Playah Hatah, anyone?
OK, that one sucks.

I guess we will just have to wait and see.

I am happy that Keanu is getting to work with Jack. And Frances McDormand, too. I love her.

(The original, not that crappy Bizkit version)

Great, as if I didn't have enough to do, now I have to figure out how I'm going to infiltrate ShoWest.

If anyone has any industry connections, hook a girl up, eh?

(via KeanuWeb)

Also at KeanuWeb's trailers section is something you spoilerwhores should check out.
I haven't looked at it yet. And that's all I'm going to say.

updated: spoiler image in the extended entry...

OK fine. Every place I go today spoils for THIS particular image, so I might as well post it for swoonage's sake...

He's a damn fine film kisser.

I must go weep now.

Thanks to POTD.

...that Movies.com know something about movies for god's sake?

from this page:

Keanu Reeves will literally suck in this indie comedy about a man with an oral fixation. He goes to a psychologist to try to cure his thumb-sucking habit though hypnosis. Will it work? Only time will tell...

Idiots.

I mean movies-fucking-dot-com can't do a little research?

This is why I never believe anything I read from a single source.

*note for those out of the loop*
The main character, the thumbsucker-if you will, is a teenager and Elijah Wood has possibly been cast in the role.

I finished reading Thumbsucker, by Walter Kirn yesterday.
Funny how I get all freaky about avoiding spoilers for The Matrix films, but I go out and buy a book because Keanu is doing the movie. I did it with Hardball, too.
Anyway...
I read about 60% of the book the first night I picked it up, another good chunk the second night and then it took me a week to get through the last 30 pages. Maybe I was just sleepy.
It's a good book. The focus on the "oral fixation" isn't what I expected, in fact about a third of the way through the book, you kind of forget why this kid, Justin Cobb, is doing the things he does to fill the void. The things he does all sound pretty normal to me.....maybe I had a fucked-up childhood and don't realize it.
*shrug*
So anyway, it's not a bad book, really. I imagine it will make a good screenplay. I mean, I'd bet a lot of stories look pretty lame on paper, but make a good movie, right? I was discussing it with a friend and she pointed out that since the concept is a bit unique, as long as it has some well written dialogue, it should be a good film. It will be interesting to see what parts of the book make it into the movie.
I don't want to give too much away.
I figure the part the Keanu will play will be the dentist that hypnotizes Justin in order to break him of his habit, Perry Lyman.
He's a crucial character, though not a major one, if that makes any sense. And he goes through some changes himself during the course of the story.
He's interesting and I'm sure that Keanu will play him well. Plus, his voice is so naturally hypnotic that those scenes are bound to be quite....um....intense? Something.

I've never been much of a Hobbit-fancier.

I see that all sorts of people are going to see the new LOTR movie today.

Even Keanu went to the premiere (link via keanuette).
Me? I haven't read the books.....maybe once all three LOTR movies are out on DVD I'll watch the whole thing.
You go you crazy Frodo fans, you. Rock on. I'll be in the same mindset this May. I'm so pathetic, I'm starting to think about what I'll wear to opening day of Reloaded. Do I go with a PVC trinity look?...Probably too squeaky in the seats. I'm leaning toward a nice Neb/real world look....comfy cotton sweater...yoga pants...I think that's the way to go since I'll most likely be sitting in a theater half the day.

Of course, that's right out once I get my invite to the premiere at Mann's Chinese.
Call me, Warner Brothers, Wachowski Brothers, Mr. Silver.
Mr. Reeves, even....you know you want to.

I'll need to hear from you soon, as you see, there are wardrobe plans to be made.

Wowsers, I woke up today and my inboxes were overflowing and all abuzz with news of three, count 'em, THREE movies that Keanu has signed on for in 2003.

(from Yahoo)
Keanu Reeves will fill out a love triangle with Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton in an untitled comedy that marks one of three films he will shoot next year. Reeves will also star in 'Thumbsucker,' an indie adaptation of the Walter Kirn novel, and then move on to the previously announced 'Constantine,' the adaptation of the DC-Vertigo comic 'Hellblazer' at Warner Bros.

So, are we sure now that the Constantine is the Hellblazer story? Freaking Variety got me all confused last week. I hope that they were just wrong and that Keanu is going to play that right bastard, John Constantine, and not the religious historical figure. Because you know we're going to have dirty thoughts about him, and that's a little icky.

I don't have much to say about the Thumbsucker one, but I just ordered the book it's based on. According to IMDB, Elijah Wood is cast as the lead, so we can kiss our oral fixated Keanu fantasy goodbye. It's an indie so it's bound to be my favorite of the three. I know I'll like it more than the untitled Nicholson/Keaton film. I'm not a big romantic comedy fan. I know that lots of fans are and are extremely excited about it, though. It's the older woman thing. I'm happy he's getting to work with Jack.

Here's a couple links to the stories at Yahoo:
"Reeves Joins Nicholson, Keaton in Triangle"
"Dr. Reeves treats Meyers-helmed comedy for [Columbia Pictures]"

And there's some matrix stuff over at Film Force, too. Mostly about the philosophy section at the official site and the soundtrack.

Thanks to batgrl, I discovered badmovies.org.
Whenever I come across any movie site, I always look to see if they have any of Keanu's films and lo and behold, badmovies review staff came through with an amusing look at Babes in Toyland.

The funniest part of the reviews of movies "SO bad, they're almost good" is the "Things I learned from this movie" list.

- If an electric pole is knocked down it only takes out the phones.
- Mean people live in bowling balls.
- Everyone who works in a bakery wears roller skates.
- If you can't pay the rent in cash the bank will take kids.
- Not being able to blink is a serious problem when you only have one eye.
- People from Cincinnati are immune to poison gas.
- Concentrated evil should be stored in an appropriate container, specifically not something glass.
- Teddy bears are not cut out for riot control.
- Wedding vows should include the phrase "Give him a lot of fun." on general principle.
- Santa is a little Japanese man.

There's a few pics and some .wav files, too...including a snipppet if the Cincinnati song, hee!

It's that time of year, so I may have to inflict Babes on myself for the hell of it soon. I'm sure I've done something naughty recently that I need to be punished for.

Thanks to C.C. for the info that over at DarkHorizons.com there's a little blurb about the possibility of a Bill and Ted 3.

"Bill & Ted 3: Apparently Keanu Reeves indicated to Michael Parkinson that he's interested in doing another comedy in the series with him and Alex Winter playing their characters aged in their 40's."

We've heard murmurings about this before. I personally would LOVE to see this movie made. I've even come up with a few ideas...

Bill and Ted's Bodacious Mid-life Crisis
The two great ones find themselves stranded in Vegas after a messy dual divorce from the historical babes. They use the time-travel booth to cheat and win big at Caesar's Palace. This gets them in trouble with the mob and they have to go back in time to get the Real Julius Caesar to help them out. Hilarity ensues.
(Alternate title-Bill and Ted 3: Dude, Where's my Hair?)

Bill and Ted's Righteous Gift to Humanity
Bill and Ted go back in time to Save Kurt Cobain's life and prevent Britney Spears from ever being born.
In an uproarious sub-plot, Rufus accidentally convinces the Beastie Boys that he's the Dalai Lama. Hilarity ensues.

Bill and Ted’s Bogus Phone Bill
Bill racks up hundreds of thousands of dollars calling Miss Cleo. Ted tells him he’s an idiot because “Dude! We can time travel.” Jackie Chan guest stars as a collections agent. Hilarity ensues.

Bill and Ted's Grievous Error in Judgment
Bill and Ted abandon rock and roll in favor of emo and are never heard from again.

(via keanuweb)
Go here and scroll down to the bottom.

Or better yet, go here, the article they refer to.

Looks like the director himself of the new Superman says that the rumors about Keanu playing the man of steel are false.

whew.....

The Keanu as Superman discussion has made it over to Slashdot

Smooches to Craig for this info.

For the record, I think that this whole thing is just industry hype. But if there is a tiny chance that Keanu is actually considering it?
Dear Mr. Reeves, I don't really want to see you do this movie*.
For a few reasons, not the least of which being that I'm against this movie being made at all.
How about some more of those original ideas, Holllywood?

I really feel that he's smart enough not to do this film movie. He certainly doesn't need to.

*Not as the Man of Steel anyway. How about as the villian? How about as LEX??? mmmm, bald Keanu...purrrrrr.

Yay! C.C. comes through with some Keanu news~

From Foxnews.com:

Keanu for Superman's New 'Excellent Adventure'?

It's on, it's off, and on again. Superman is back in the planning stages at Warner Bros.

My sources tell me that Keanu Reeves, star of Warner Bros.'s very successful The Matrix has been tapped by director Brett Ratner, to play the Man of Steel in Superman: Last Son of Krypton. Jeffrey Abrams, who wrote the feature Regarding Henry and invented TV's "Felicity" series, wrote the final, accepted script.

Ratner, director of the forthcoming Red Dragon, the Rush Hour movies, and the very interesting Family Man, is just about to sign to direct Last Son, finally ending Warner's tango with director McG, who is busy readying Charlie's Angels 2. Ratner had been rumored in Variety last month as a possible Superman director among many. But I'm told the deal is done and he is in.

Weirdly enough, Keanu's name is similar to that of the original beloved TV Superman, George Reeves.

Keanu's first big hit of course was Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure. Imagine if those characters had had X-ray vision!

Superman of late has had a hard time getting back to the screen. At one point Nicolas Cage was set to play him. Kevin Smith, of Chasing Amy and Dogma fame, wrote a script but that was abandoned. Then a Superman vs. Batman movie seemed like it was taking shape, with Jude Law and Colin Farrell rumored to be set for the respective parts. Law dropped out, and the new rumor was that Josh Hartnett was replacing him. But a wildly high budget made that project prohibitively expensive and it was scrapped. Interestingly, Superman vs. Batman was supposed to be directed by another Warner's favorite, Wolfgang Petersen.

But Petersen (are you still with me?)-director of The Perfect Storm, Das Boot and Air Force One, abandoned Superman vs. Batman for the historical epic Troy. This is the film that Brad Pitt also recently jumped to, leaving Darren Aronofsky's The Fountain feature high and dry in Australia just as they were ready to go into principal production.

Before the S v.B-Troy shuffle, Petersen had a staunch fan and supporter in then-Warner's chief of production, Lorenzo di Bonaventura, who proudly announced the Petersen project and touted it to the trades. But last week, di Bonaventura was ousted from his position at the studio. Is there a connection? Was Petersen Kryptonite to Lorenzo? Indeed, he-and the Superman vs. Batman epic were what did him in. Alan Horn, now running Warner's on his own, championed the Abrams/Ratner simpler Superman idea.

Ironically, news of this new Superman film is coming to light just as the original movie Superman, Christopher Reeve (yeah, I know, this name is really weird) has announced that he's making progress in his effort to walk again. Wouldn't it be great if Ratner's new screenplay includes some kind of part for Reeve? That would give this project, which has been jinxed so far, the imprimatur it needs.

This could just be hype.
I wonder if Mr. Reeves is eager to play another superhero, especially such a pre-defined one.

And considering today's date, I'm not even going to think about the "curse".

So, it's still looking like Constantine has the green light and Keanu is still attached according to this story (via keanuweb) about Lorenzo di Bonaventura, who will be producing.
(Mr. Di Bonaventura is the gentleman whose name I could never catch or remember while writing the Revisited recap. I've surely doomed all hopes for a Reloaded premiere invite with that....doh!)

Anyhoooo...
So I've finally started reading what issues of HELLBLAZER I have.

I liked issue #31-"Mourning of the Magician", mostly because it was kind of a stand alone. It's damn frustrating to have these huge gaps because most of the time they end in a cliffhanger.

I enjoyed #63 "Forty", featuring Constantine's 40th birthday, with a cameo by Swamp Thing and my favorite character thus far--a talking rabbit, Mange.

I find myself trying to figure out what may or may not be used for the movie. I only got the last two issues in the "Rake at the Gates of Hell" storyline. It reads like a pretty good screenplay, although I suspect any of the complete story-arcs might.

I've got a straight run for the next few issues (84-90) that I'm going to get at tomorrow.

I'm enjoying this. Probably too much, and I'll have to start digging around for more issues to fill in the gaps.

OK...according to this link (via reeves drive) it apparently is "confirmed" that Keanu will play John Constantine in the upcoming Hellblazer movie. The Superhero Hype article cites this as its source, but when I went there, I didn't see anything about Keanu.
One thing that I did see is that many of the Hellblazer fans over at Superhero Hype's forums are none too pleased about Keanu playing their beloved Brit hero.
Refreshingly, most have well thought-out reasons beyond "Keanu Sux0rs!"

"Listen, for me this is not a matter of bashing Reeves. I actually kinda like him in The Matrix and The Gift. It's just that he's WRONG FOR THE PART! Constantine is this cynical, streetwise, carved-by-life character. You have to look at him and be able to say, "gee, this guy went through some really tough times". I don't think Reeves has the looks, attitude or acting style that fits this character."

Then there's this gem:

"Hate to break it to you man, but your English accent sucks."

"I think my accent is good."

"Look, I didnt want to tell you this, but it's Keanu Reeves bad."

"Whoa. . . didn't realized that. . . wait, 'Keanu Reeves in Dangerous Liasons' bad, or 'Keanu Reeves in Much Ado About Nothing' bad?"

"Keanu Reeves in 'Dracula' bad."

"My god. . . that bad? I had no idea. . . "

Sorry, but...hee. That's kind of funny.

He does have his defenders.

"I'm going against the majority here, but I think it's a fine choice. After the HUGE success of the upcoming Matrix sequels, he'll be a major money maker for this project. Just take a chill pill and give him a chance. He's not a bad actor, you're just buying into all the critics bull****t. I look forward to seeing him in this movie."

As I understand it, the "Hollywoodization" of Constantine began way before Keanu got involved, and fans of the character are already annoyed. This just adds fuel to the fire.

Personally, I've decided that I would like to see Keanu in this role. While the movie Constantine may stray from the original, those who don't have a predetermined concept of who he is supposed to be will enjoy it.

And if he doesn't do the movie, there are thousands of lesser-known superheroes that are just dying to be made into a multimilliondollar picture.

Like...The Red Bee.
His superpower?
He keeps vicious trained bees in his belt buckle.

I'm not even going to get into the "The Red Bee Plunges his BIG KNIFE into the KILLER FISH!" innuendo...

(Red Bee babble inspired by some comments over at billegible.org)

Thanks to Ann for this news from Cinema Confidential:

FROM THE NEWS ARCHIVES OF CINEMA CONFIDENTIAL

Keanu Reeves as Constantine?
POSTED ON 07/01/02 AT 2:00 A.M.
BY THOMAS CHAU

Variety also reports that Keanu Reeves may be tapped to replace Nicholas Cage as the main star in "Constantine," the project based on the Hellblazer comic series.

Cage dropped out due to the departure of "The Cell" director Tarsem. Unless a new director is found, the trade reports, a deal with Reeves will not be made.

A comic character, eh?
I'll have to do a little infoseeking, as I've never heard of this one.
This comic thing seems too trendy (Spiderman, Daredevil) for Keanu to really be serious about.
I don't see this happening....but who am I?
I'd rather see him in a nice well written indy film next. It's not like he's gonna need the money from another blockbuster effects driven spectacle.
Not that that describes The Matrix Trilogy. But you know what I mean.

**Well fuck.
After a little investigating, I think I would like to see him play John Constantine. Especially since he's desribed as a "total bastard"...
Great. More comics for me to buy.
Of course, the first and foremost question being....
KEANU AS A BLONDE???

I'm not sure how I feel about that, and I know how the fanboys hate Hollywood altering crucial things like hair color in their idolized graphic novel mages.

OK, so that last statement was just so I could use the tems "fanboy" and "mage".
What do you want from me?

***After even more exhaustive research, I have decided that....
No. Keanu shouldn't play John Constantine.
The character was actually based on Sting, so WB should shell out and secure him for the role.
Jeez, can't the movie industry get behind an ORIGINAL concept/story for a change?
That being said, I would like to see Keanu play some type of "total bastard" again.

(via keanuweb)
So, Variety reports that the deal for the remake of Billy Jack has been re--made and Keanu probably won't be part of the new deal.

I never saw the original, so while I'm bummed for Reeves (losing work is losing work), I'm not going to lose sleep over this. Actually, from speaking to some friends that know and love the original, it's probably just as well.

Here's the wrap-up of Hardball. It's short and sweet.

Krix plays Hardball (in her VCR) part 4

It's the morning after the tragedy with G-Baby. Conor gets the phone call, and there's some nice editing here. At the funeral, Mama is barely holding it together, but she exudes grace and dignity to me. She asks Conor to say a few words and he starts off awkwardly, but tells the story of the last game with tenderness and passion. We cut between the church and the field. Slow motion and thoughtful music in the background. This had the potential to be pretty cheesy but it worked just fine. Conor's eyes are glistening with tears as are mine every time I watch this part, and if anyone who watched this movie wasn't reaching for the tissue, well, they're just not human. By the way, to the AOLChatMC(or the chatter) that asked "Did you use drops in that scene?" I extend a whole-hearted "Fuck You." Because Reeves(in the chat) was too gracious to. Great scene. So proud.
Anyway, after the service, the rest of the team wants to talk to Coach Conor. They all seem a little more grown up. Conor tells them they don't have to play, but they want to. For G-Baby.
"Hell Yeah" they do, and Conor does the little nod that I've noticed he does when he learns something about these boys and himself. He did it in the pizza place, he did it at the stadium. Every time he's treated them as equals, and given them respect, they rise to the occasion. Even in the face of this sensless death, they have strength you just don't expect.
So the Kekambas make it to the 'ship. Elizabeth is there and even Ticky shows up. It's all good. Elizabeth plants one on Conor when she finds out that he applied for the job at the school. Heh, I'm fighting the urge to make a raunchy cloakroom joke, because really, this final part of the movie is just so uplifting.
Conor's little speech to the team is a big part of that. "I'm blown away by your abilty to show up."
I'm blown away by this whole movie. And when Kofi shows up to play, in honor of his brother, that's what it's all about. They don't even have to show the game or if they won, because at this point it's unimportant, really. They do win though, because it's Hollywood.

I said before, I really thought I was going to hate this movie. I read the book and wasn't that impressed. But the movie was very different and much better.

Here's more of
Krix plays Hardball (in her VCR)
(please note that there are some total spoilers in this, so if for some reason you haven't seen this movie yet, you might not want to read it)

Ok, it's another day and another game. D.B. Sweeney continues to be an asshole, and not only does he get Jamal kicked off the team, he puts the kibosh on Miles' magical headphones. Conor brings the team in to let the bad guys face them. He makes a great point about the League. That it should be about the kids playing, not about the trophy that D.B. brings home, or to the office as it were. He also breaks the news that this is his last game. Kids are bummed.
The other team's chatter breaks Miles' concentration and they lose the game. D.B let's out a "Boo-Yah" and frankly I'd like to kick him in the nuts.
That night, it's the $12,000 game, and Conor and Ticky watch through the window at Sluggers. Keanu gives a great performance. Conor's emotions run the gamut. He's stressed and desperate. "Never again."
When it looks like the bet is lost, he's freaked. And when they pull it out at the buzzer he's on the gambler's winning high. He and Ticky show up at Duffy's singing Big Poppa. It's short lived, though. Duffy asks "What now?" Yeah, Conor, WHAT NOW? You saved your ass this time, are you gonna keep living like this? Coaching crack babies? Hmm, Conor sure seems to care about a team he just bailed on. He doesn't have to keep coaching. But you can tell, he's changed.
Next day. Ticky comes over, and the plan is that he and Conor are going to go place another bet with Fink. One thing I want to comment on. There's a pizza box on the top of the TV (which is on top of another TV, heh, white trash decor), in the exact same place there was a pizza box presumably weeks ago when the barber's son paid a visit. There was some discussion on a list I'm on whether this was a continuity error. I'd just like to say again, that I know guys like Conor. It's the same pizza box. He also has no clean forks and is using at least one coffee cup as an ashtray. His trash can is overflowing with beer cans and if you look in his fridge there's nothing but a half bottle of spicy brown mustard, and an empty Miracle Whip jar with the knife still in it. I'm suprised he actually has sheets on the bed. Anyway, they need to go to the field and drop off the equipment. There's a bit of a stand off at the field between Conor and the kids. Or actually between Conor and Conor. I love the "Hah!" action here. Great stuff. He tries, really tries to not give a damn, but he just can't help it and eventually loads the kids up to take them to see a real baseball game, leaving Ticky "flapping in the breeze". Aww, poor Ticky. Whatever. Go Conor! The whole Stadium thing is cute, there's a little cheesy slo-mo stuff, but all and all it's just right. Kids are happy and Conor is happy. Again, Reeves works his powers of cuteness just by sipping through a straw. Speaking of cuteness, next is a great scene between Conor and Miss Wilkes. More cute chemistry and if I were her? His ass would have been dragged into that classroom and thrown across the desk then and there. Good thing I'm not a teacher at a catholic school.
Anyway, the team makes it to the finals and coach Conor suprises them with some spiffy new uniforms. Even G-Baby gets one. It's the epitome of heart-warming.
It's a good game. And the tune that they play here, is NOT on the soundtrack, which it should have been, coz it's real groovy.
Last inning, and Conor brings Miles back in to pitch. Miles knows they're gonna sweat him, but Conor has faith, and with a little help from Conor, the team, and the crowd in the stands singing Big Poppa, he finds the zone even without his headphones. D.B is visibly annoyed, Heh.
All they need is one run. In typical movie fashion it's down to two outs, and G-Baby goes in for Jefferson, who's busy sucking his inhaler. D.B. doesn't mind side-stepping the rules when it looks like they'll benefit him, again I say :Asshole.
We don't see the end of the game yet. Next we see Conor dropping off Kofi and G. They can't get into the building, though because something obviously bad is going down. We see that Jamal has joined a gang since being kicked off the team. Sad. Kofi and G-Baby go around to the back just in time to get caught in the crossfire of a gang hit. FUCK! G-Baby has caught a stray bullet through the heart and is still and quiet in his brothers arms. This sucks. Really bad. Especially because this sensless shit happens in urban areas everywhere. I can recall at least 2 similar deaths in Las Vegas in the past year. So fucking sad. All comparisons to The Bad News Bears or Mighty Ducks end here and now. This isn't a movie about the underdogs pulling it out and winning, it's about so much more.

...more later

OK, here's more of me babbling about Hardball. I know it's kind of screwy with the entries being in reverse order, but I have faith y'all can figure it out.
*EDITED 9pm*
~I just got another great email from Lori. and she has some awesome points about some things. I admittedly get caught up with trying to be clever and fitting a lot in, so I'd like to add her thoughts in a few places. I agree with all of what she says, and thank her for sharing her insights.~

Krix plays Hardball (in her VCR) part 2

After the visit to the hospital, Conor meets Ticky to scalp some tickets. There's a little exchange where Ticky says that Conor has told him about all the kids on the team, letting us know that he is, in fact, starting to care.
Keanu actually got picked up for scalping in preparation for this role. He told a funny little story on Leno about it.
Seems people recognized him.
"Hey, aren't you Keanu Reeves?"
"Yeah," he said. "Do you need tickets?"
I love this guy.
Conor decides to lay another bet to try and get himself out of the hole he's in.
Back at his day job, Conor starts to work with the kids a little more, busting Kofi on his negative chatter.
It's a charming scene by the end. The team, as much as they suck, are starting to come together.
Then a look at a typical day for Conor, in yet another noteworthy outfit. Drinking a brew at what's probably 11 am, he collects his check (he does a funny lunge thing at the receptionist, I'm thinking that was improv), pays the barber, comes home with a slice and another beer and reflects. Or maybe he's just thinking about the pizza. Chicago-style pie does that to a guy.
LORI: YES, he was reflecting. I saw this as a very telling scene, where we learn more about how Conor feels about his shitty little life. How depressing to get the check, get it cashed, then hand it all over (and then some) to the Barber? I mean, what kinda dinner is one slice of pizza and a beer? Tasty, yes, but fulfilling, NO. So we see Conor ruminating about all this, the bleakness that is his life. The man is ripe for a change
Classroom. Jefferson recounting his real life incident as a short story about "banditos". He comes out the victor in this version, though. Conor shows up in what he seems to think passes for a suit. I'm telling you that THIS was the BWAH! moment in this movie. Ray-ray nails it with "Yo coach, why don't you invite your pants down to your shoes so the can party" *snort*
LORI:...the cool thing is, Conor acknowledges it, doesn't let it embarrass him like some adults would. He's so good with these kids, they respect him and he respects them. The scene with G-baby and the uniform is another great example of this. He may have thought he "ain't no good with kids," but boy was he wrong. 'Cause he just treats 'em like people, with respect and kindness, something they don't get a lot of from adults. They respond well to it, don't they?
He looks dorkier than I thought possible. More quasi-slapstick with a briefcase mishap. Kids do their oral book reports. Kofi gives another look at life in Cabrini with his brief commentary. "Where I'm from, don't nobody's father come back." Sad.
It's the first real game, the team gets uniforms, except for G-baby, but Conor soothes his tears and makes him feel included anyway. It's very sweet and we get a sweeter Reeves smile at the end.
Play ball! The Kekumbas can't play for shit, but they're fun to watch. They get creamed even with Kofi's home run. Lots of post-game bickering in the dugout and Kofi quits. Conor takes the rest of the team for pizza to boost morale. After trading some Bulls seats for the pies, Conor and the boys wax about "Goin' to the 'ship" The championship, that is.
Also, Reeves makes holding a styrofoam cup look mega-sexy.
Conor takes Andre home, looking in doorways as they pass down the hall. 'Dre gives the coach a reality check when asked what they do for fun. "Play baseball with you," he says with a shrug. We see it sink in.
Another game, the Kekumbas show a marked improvement. Miles, a quiet kid with headphones pitches. He listens to "Big Poppa" to get in the zone, and it works. Really well. They win the game..
Hey, it's been a while since we've checked in on the love interest plotline.
Conor asks Wilkes out, she'll think about it.
Another game, Kofi watches from the fence. G-baby negotiates his return and while he's no Jerry MacGuire, it works out for everyone.
The team wins again, and Conor scores a victory, too. Wilkes agrees to meet him for dinner. I would too, although he almost lost me with his lame "well-lit, people can hear you scream" line.
LORI: I personally think he had her from the moment she said, "I'm not a nun" and he replied, with that lovely smile, "Thank God!" Well, he woulda had me, anyway. (krix: Me too)
Before dinner, Conor and Ticky go and meet a creepy guy named "Fink", so Conor can place that "one last bet that's going to pay off and turn everything around, dammit". It's a real heavy situation, I can tell by the "Watcher"-like background music. Then, afterwards, as if first-date jitters weren't bad enough, Conor gets chased by a couple of the barber's thugs. This satifies the "In every Keanu Reeves movie, he must run" requirement, and I check it off the list. He crashes into his apartment with a hearty "Fuck this". He makes the call to place the bet but before he hangs up he waffles and switches it. I'm pretty sure this breaks some sort of gambler's code or system or something, but Conor's gut hasn't been so reliable so maybe it's a smart thing. Kind of like when George Costanza did everything the opposite of his instinct and his life started to work out. In any case, he has the "What the hell did I just do??" expression when he hangs up.
OK, at the restaurant. Conor sets the tone for the date by finishing his drink and leading Wilkes to a...get this...dirty table. Right there? You are SO not gettin' any, dude. What a shmuck. And it gets worse from there. Wilkes says she knows he isn't a broker and immediately Conor cops a 'tude. Hello? She's there anyway, man. No matter, he blows it. Blows it bad.
LORI: Yeah, you're right, he does much to blow it on the first date, but I think she blew it just a little too. When she said, "You just don't look like a broker" didn't you get the impression she was sorry it came out that way, that she wanted to backpedal a little? I was offended for Conor, and could totally relate to his natural (though thick-headed) response. That really vulnerable, hurt look on his face, just for a second, right when she said it, spoke volumes. Then of course, he got all macho and stupid, as men will do, and made us hate him, but for that split second we saw just how much it hurt him that she would see him that way and TELL him so.
Anyway, she grabs a cab and leaves Conor with some words of wisdom and a job offer, but he's too busy being a jerk to catch the 6th, 7th, and 8th chances she gives him. Even though I understand why he's being such a dick, I'm not ready to forgive him, no matter how cute that little shrug was. Which means Keanu has done an excellent job in this role.

LORI: Yep, keanu acted his ASS off in this film, no doubt about it.

....more to come. And again, thanks to Lori.

Well, I started with just jotting down some comments as I watched Hardball for the second time today.
I fear it's going to reach re-cap proportion in length however. So I am going to do it in parts here, and maybe eventually make a page for it once it's done. SO...

Krix plays Hardball (in her VCR)

~Y'all gonna make me lose my mind.....~

Ok- first off, preview for Crossroads? Thank jebus for FF buttons.
I like movies that start out with him wet, hee!
I wonder why he was wearing the tux.
Anyway, nice intense opening scene. I hear that he really cut his hand on the car window. Suffering for his art yet again.
Passing out in the puddle, no one faints like Keanu.
Cripes, this is gonna be long, but I also have to comment on the "coming to" close up. How does he make looking like death warmed over so sexy? huh? HUH?.
Damn~ I love his little lip scar, too. Always have. I actually have one that almost matches, but mine's not from a puck, it's from some home pimple surgery went awry. ANYWAY....
Yadda-yadda..jail. Ticky tries to bring the funny, but the "zackleys" joke is pretty lame. Up to Conor's seedy digs and WHAM! He's in a towel. I'm pretty sure it's not integral to the plot but who cares? VIVA la gratuitous towel scenes! Frankly, it should have fallen off when he ducked the baseball bat...I'm just sayin'.
Conor up in whatshisname's business office. Even if this character would have turned out likable, his hair-don't makes me hate him.
Moving onward...Nice groove as we fly over Cabrini Green.
It's our intro to the kids. Fun and swearing in the dugout. I really liked the individual characters that are immediately established .None of them seem stereotyped at all. Andre rocks, Bryan Hearne is sure to grow up to fill Chris Rock's shoes.
Here comes D.B. Sweeney already being an asshole. More dugout hijinks. "Can we cool it with the 'bitches'"? Heh.
More atmosphere/exposition. Kids knowing guns by the sounds of the shots. We get a feel of how it is in the projects without it being rammed down our throats. Keepin' it real and all. It's actually sobering when you stop and think about it.
Then it's a not-too-terribly-dressed (except for those shoes) Conor going to see Miss Wilkes (Diane Lane) for the first time. A little slapstick with the door, I don't see Jim Carrey having anything to worry about though. Reeves pulls it off OK, not BWAH! funny, but cute enough. There's a little chemistry between Conor and Wilkes, or Reeves and Lane as the case may be. That smile of his is more than an act, that's for sure.
Conor's attempt at bullshitting her is hilarious. "Business part" of Canada? Puh-leez.
Conor back in his element at Duffy's trying to cover his ass. We're learning just how deep he's gotten himself...any deeper and he'll have to worry about more than his thumbs, I'd say.
Back on the field, we meet Kofi, Lamont and G-Baby for the first time. G's about the cutest thing ever and Michael Perkins....well, let's just say I'd really like to see him in about 5 years.
So it's the first real practice and coach Conor has his hands full. Or he would if he were doing anything but biding his time waiting for Ticky to show. Husky little Jefferson wants to leave early and we'll see why in a bit. In the meantime, boys will be boys and there's a scuffle to be broken up, Ticky shows up and practice is over. Conor goes off to deal with his own shitty life and Jefferson ends up walking home after dark. There's a gauntlet to be run to get home and it's all very tense. I half expected the crackhead that lights up in the doorway to be wearing a hockey mask ala Micheal Meyers in Halloween. Oh wait, was that Friday the 13th? Whatever, you know what I mean...Jefferson, armed with only his inhaler, tries another approach but is cut down by some big kids on bikes that rough him up and steal his backback. Speaking of Halloween, I had my candy stolen by big kids one year and this gave me flashbacks, but being pushed down in the street and having your bunny ears torn off is a cakewalk compared to the brutal beating this poor kid takes. For a fucking backpack, what the hell?. Now we know why he wanted to get home before dark. Every night is as scary as Halloween in the 'hood. Conor goes to visit Jefferson in the hospital the next day. The boy's mom is very cold to him, but remains calmer than I would expect. I think in reality there would be some screaming involved instead of just the nose-wrinkling and cutting remarks she gives Conor. He tries some damage control but not even Jefferson is buying that he gives a damn.
"You're never gonna stay being our coach"
Sure don't look like it to me at this point, either.

..to be continued.

Here's a tidbit on what Reeves might be up to next summer.

Keanu Reeves in police corruption movie

Keanu Reeves is to star with Dennis Quaid in a US police drama.

The film Time For A Killing is based on the Rolling Stone magazine article The Murder of Notorious B.I.G.

The article covered an investigation by Los Angeles Detective Russell Poole into gangland killings and police corruption.

His probe focused on police involvement in the deaths of rappers Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G, alias Biggie Smalls.

Reeves will play the investigating officer in the film about the scandal which swept through the Los Angeles Police Department.

Quaid is to play the Mr Fixit who organises contract killings and payments to police officers who assist The Mafia.

The project, backed by FilmFour, is scheduled to go into production next summer.

The Matrix Online has a Revisited review/preview that has a few spoilers if you are into that kind of thing.

Also, thanks to Keanuland, I hear there is some talk about a Bill and Ted 3 over at Ain't-it-cool-news.

This sounds like a very bad idea to me.
I'm all for a third Bill and Ted movie, but what I read here does not thrill me at all. Halloween theme? Just because a theme park attraction is popular?
I think that's the reason the last couple Batman movies sucked.
OK, not really. They sucked for completely different reasons.

The thought of Keanu making a token appearence and having the plot revolve around the kidnapping of Ted is just stupid. Are they thinking of making Chris Carter a co-writer? He sure did a bang up job of working The X-Files around Duchovny's absence......NOT.

I like the idea I heard tossed around a while back.
Bill and Ted in their 40's as a Las Vegas lounge act.
Now, THAT has potential for great comedy.
I even offer my services as a consultant.
Email me, Alex. I'll hook you up at The Glass Pool Lounge