Daily Breeze: What's Breezing

The Daily Breeze...

Tom Hanks is developing another show at HBO. Damon and Affleck team up and head to Boston like it's the Good Will Hunting days. Coldaply. Justin Timberlake. Captain America. And the return of a Butt Head.



- Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are gonna party like it's 1997. The two friends and Oscar winners will team up in the near future for a movie about the reputed former godfather of the Irish Mob. As Matt Damon said in an interview with GQ: "We're doing a Whitey Bulger movie." Damon will star as the notorious gangster while Affleck will direct. Affleck is currently filming his next picture, the Iran hostage crisis film Argo, and will most likely direct the film after completing that project. Terence Winter, of The Sopranos and Boardwalk Empire, will pen the screenplay.

- Tom Hanks is developing another show at HBO, but this time the project is not a war epic or a series detailing the space race, instead the setting shifts to another American institution: college. The half-hour comedy, titled Players, will follow the lives of college athletes and is in development from Hanks and long-time producing partner and Playtone co-founder Gary Goetzman.

- The quality hit from the summer and arguably marvels best "second" wave production Captain America: The First Avenger gets the Blu-Ray and DVD treatment this week. Extra features include how to get a six pack and the short documentary on Steve Rogers titled: "From Frail to Feared."

- Coldplay drops their fifth album, Mylo Xyloto, this week. Lead singer Chris Martin explains to MTV the details: "It's definitely a schizophrenic album ... it keeps changing sounds. That's why we called it such a strange thing, Mylo Xyloto. Because we felt like so many people have already made up their minds about us, both good and bad, that we can sort of start again from scratch and try and reflect all the music we listen to and we love." Some people will scream.

- Speaking of MTV... Beavis and Butt Head makes a glorious return to television this week on Thursday night. This time around the duo will be riffing on the likes of the Jersey Shore and 16 and Pregnant. Beavis and Butt-head Do America is classic. Cornholio.

- In Time races into theaters, the latest film from Gattaca director Andrew Niccol. The film stars Justin Timberlake, along with the slick cast of Cillian Murphy, Vincent Kartheiser, Olivia Wilde, Johnny Galecki and Matt Bomer, as a man who is accused of murder and has to go on the run. The catch in this one? It's a retro-future when the aging gene has been switched off and people stop aging at 25 years old. Time is money, literally. JT starts running when he inherits a fortune of time from a dead upper-class man over a century old prior to his death. The premise might sound a bit out there, but trust the director on this one. Gattaca is one of the most underrated films of the 90's.

- Some crazy stuff happened on Boardwalk Empire last night.

Matt Damon: Steven Soderbergh Really Does Plan to Retire from Filmmaking

When someone retires and they still seem to posses the skill they are retiring from, many of us out there wonder--why?

If you could still do what it is you do, why would you stop? Famed Detroit Lion running back Barry Sanders might be the best example of the bunch, having retired with a few years left in the tank, and already considered to be one of the best running backs ever.

Recently I was reading some news that sort of shocked me--director Steven Soderbergh plans to retire after he works on his next couple films.

The reason the news shocked me is because Soderbergh is one of the most talented filmmakers in the industry, and easily one of my favorites. Another reason was that because the man is only 48 years old.

In an interview with the LA Times, actor Matt Damon, who is very close with the director and is currently working with him on the film "Contagion," said that: "He's retiring, he's been talking about it for years and it's getting closer. He wants to paint and he says he’s still young enough to have another career."

According to the article Soderbergh hasn't kept his ideas a secret, having told Esquire a couple years ago that he'd like to retire by the age of 51, which marks his 25th year as a filmmaker.

Damon later offered more specifics: “After this movie we’re doing, ‘Liberace’ next summer with Michael Douglas, and then he might do one more movie after that with George [Clooney], and then after that he’s retiring."

While I wish this were a trick or a prank, Damon seems to be totally serious. And while I'd miss Soderbergh as a filmmaker, the man has every right to decide if and when he wants to stop making movies.

Selfishly, I wish he would reconsider, because if you've enjoyed films since the early '90s, some of them are sure to have been Soderbergh's. In 1989 he splashed onto the scene with the independent film "sex, lies, and videotape" (which is great) and has worked on films such as "Traffic," "Erin Brokovitch," "Che," "Ocean's 11," "The Informant!" and many others.

But I can't hate on the man for pulling a Barry Sanders here--if he wants another career, he has every right to do so. No matter what happens, if he really retires or not (hey, remember when Jay-Z retired…twice?), the man will always be able to look back on his Academy Award-winning work and his impact on independent film and American cinema and be pretty pleased.

Not a bad career to leave behind.

Matt Damon In Talks For "Elysium"

Last summer when "District 9" hit theaters I had no idea what to expect. That was something rare for this day in age, with constant movie spoilers and news coming 24 hours a day, but all I honestly knew about the film was that it had to do with aliens and took place in South Africa. That was it.

After sitting through the film I was completely blown away. I thought it was easily one of the best movies of the year, and I was absolutely enamored by Neill Blomkamp's directing job and Sharlto Copley's performance.

After the film blew up to such high proportions, I knew that Blomkamp's follow up would be something to follow closely. I was hoping he would be able to harness the same type of feel for his next film, and so far things seem to be headed in the right direction, especially when it comes to casting.

According to Deadline Matt Damon is in talks for a role in Blomkamp's next sci-fi thriller, "Elysium".

Not much is known about the director's next film in regard to plot, but one thing that is certain is that "District 9" star Sharlto Copley is re-teaming with Blomkamp's on this project. The thought of Damon and Copley working together is fantastic, although details on story or roles are scarce other than the action being set on a distant planet.

Once this project starts to come together it will easily be the one I am most looking forward to seeing (except for "The Dark Knight Rises" obviously). Matt Damon has established himself as one of the most versatile and talented actors in Hollywood and the fact that such a big star is attached to the film should only make it easier to sell once Blomkamp starts looking for financing.

The director did a pretty fantastic job in my opinion with "District 9", a film that had no name actors in it, so he should be thrilled to have someone with the star power of Damon on the project.

Blomkamp will helm from his own script and will present the project to financiers next year when further cast members are locked down.

'True Grit' to Open Berlin Fest

The Berlin Film Festival just got a bit gritty. The Coen Brothers' upcoming remake "True Grit", which is scheduled for a December 22 release in the US, will open the 2011 Berlin International Film Festival on February 10.

The film, which stars Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon, will screen out of competition and Berlin will serve as its international premiere. Bridges and the Coens made their last joint trip to Berlin in 1998 with "The Big Lebowski".

Said Berlin Festival director Dieter Kosslick: “Joel and Ethan Coen stand for first-rate American independent cinema. With their penchant for irony and off-the-wall characters and stories they have repeatedly captivated audiences."

"True Grit," stars Bridges, Damon, Josh Brolin and newcomer Hailee Steinfeld. The Western tale, based on the novel by Charles Portis, tells the story of 14-year-old Mattie (Steinfeld), who, with the help of fearless, one-eyed U.S. marshal Rooster Cogburn (Bridges), sets out to find the man who murdered her father.

The role of the tough lawman was made famous by John Wayne, who won his only Oscar for Henry Hathaway's 1969 version of "True Grit."

The Coen Brothers have truly proven themselves as some of the most talented filmmakers in Hollywood, and there's no doubt in my mind that "True Grit" will be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards early next year. The cast is exceptional and just from watching the preview it's clear that the Coen Brothers are on top of their game, especially in the Western genre.

Bridges is dominating the month of December, which will see the US release of two of his films, "True Grit", as well as "TRON: Legacy", which opens December 17th.

Paramount will release "True Grit" in Germany on Feb. 24, four days after the festival ends.

Damon Out But "Bourne" Lives On

With the "Bourne" film series scribe Tony Gilroy taking over the directing reigns on the upcoming fourth film, it looked like Matt Damon was unlikely to return.

Now in an interview with Hollywood Elsewhere, Gilroy succinctly clears up some of the rumors and talks about what his plans are for the franchise.

First up the film's title will be "The Bourne Legacy", but "will not use the story" from the book ghostwritten under Robert Ludlum's name by Eric van Lustbader. Gilroy adds "it's a completely original screenplay".

This is not unexpected at all as only the first half of the first film in the series, "The Bourne Identity", bared any resemblance to the original book. The subsequent films similarly used the titles only and some of Bourne's personal backstory elements.

More interestingly while Damon is out, Gilroy specifically says this is NOT a "reboot or a recast or a prequel". He adds "There will be a whole new hero, a whole new chapter...this is a stand-alone project."

A brave move. In the books and films, 'Jason Bourne' is an alias that David Webb (Damon) had adopted. It was thought that with Webb now off the grid and suspected to be dead by authorities, the Bourne name could be transferred to a new character.

Instead, Gilroy says "The easiest way to think of it is an expansion or a reveal. Jason Bourne will not be in this film, but he's very much alive…We're going to show you the bigger picture, the bigger canvas. When you see what we're going and see what we're doing it'll be pretty obvious....but Jason Bourne's actvities in the first three films is the immediate trigger."

Established fans of the series will like it as "everyone who got into [the previous films] will be rewarded for paying attention". This means there'll no doubt be plenty of references to events in the previous films, it also allows for other characters like Pamela Landy (Joan Allen) and Nicky Parsons (Julia Stiles) to return.

Gilroy hints that Damon could eventually return if he wants - "I'm building a legend and an environment and a wider conspiracy...the world we're making enhances and advances and invites Jason Bourne's return [down the road]."

Things change in Hollywood all the time. I think everyone knew Damon wouldn't play Bourne forever. The filmmakers are all top notch on these films, I think everything will go smoothly. Gilroy has some skills, just look at Michael Clayton.

Afflecks Work Their "Trade" For Damon

Earlier this year came reports that Ben Affleck and Matt Damon were set to reunite onscreen in the 70's-set baseball player wife-swapping tale "The Trade".

At the time the pair were talking of playing the male leads with Affleck directing. Now, MTV News talked with Affleck who confirmed that the project is still going ahead, but with some role swapping off screen as well. Affleck says his brother Casey has come onboard, while his friend may replace him in the big chair.

"I don't know how it'll come together, acting and directing, but Casey and I have decided to write it together. Once the script's kind of ready, then it’s like: Who's doing what? What's the time frame? Matt, me, Casey directing? Particularly for Matt, he's had this extraordinary career where he's worked with these great directors. He's a great director who just hasn't directed a movie" says Affleck.

The story itself deals with New York Yankee teammates Fritz Peterson and Mike Kekich who disclosed in 1973 that they were trading wives.

Tony Gilroy Helming Fourth "Bourne"

The "Bourne" franchise has been one of the most consistent and successful film
franchises in recent memory. All three films have been critically acclaimed, and with
Matt Damon starring have been box office darlings as well.

While I don't think the franchise is in any trouble, things could be changing slightly with
the news that writer/director Tony Gilroy will be directing the fourth film in the series,
tentatively titled "The Bourne Legacy" according to Deadline.

Gilroy has worked on the scripts for all three previous films and is a great writer, so no
trouble there, but Damon has stated previously that he would not return to the franchise
without director Paul Greengrass at the helm.

Clearly Universal plans to continue the franchise though, with or without Damon. While
I don’t think that's a great idea, I think the franchise is a strong one, and Damon won't
be there forever. Whether they decide to cast a new lead agent, there is a lot of talent out
there they could go with, but when anyone thinks of Jason Bourne it's hard not to picture
Matt Damon at this point.

Gilroy is a solid director, I think Michael Clayton was an extremely well done film, but
with the foundation of Greengrass and possibly Damon gone, who knows how things
could go for the franchise.

As of now there is no timetable for a release, but now that they've locked in the director
I'm sure casting rumors will start to spin the wheel as you read this.

More on this project as it comes.

Four More Catch Soderbergh's "Contagion"

The more news I hear about Steven Soderbergh's new project "Contagion," the more excited I get about it.

The ensemble thriller is really starting to come together and take shape now with the additions of Demetri Martin, Jennifer Ehle, Bryan Cranston and Elliott Gould to the cast, reports The Playlist.

Soderbergh might be one of the best in the business at handling large, talented casts. Of course there is "Ocean's 11," but those films were comedies. What I think of is the 2000 film "Traffic," which was an ensemble drama and I think was one of the best films of the last decade.

Soderbergh's new film seems to be stepping into "Traffic" type territory once again, which is the reason my excitement is peaking.

Scott Z. Burns penned the script which looks at the impact a global virus outbreak has on certain characters in all sorts of different continents. The already amazing cast includes--Matt Damon, Kate Winslet, Marion Cotillard, Laurence Fishburne, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law, John Hawkes, Chin Han and Josie Ho.

Soderbergh will use the regular RED cameras he used on "Che" and "The Informant" to shoot film and it won't be in 3-D, which is even more great news to me. This film will absolutely be in the awards race when the time comes.

If you haven’t seen "The Informant!," please do. It's so underrated and Matt Damon's performance was amazing. Don't sleep on Soderbergh.

Filming kicks off this month in Hong Kong and Chicago.

Matt Damon, Brad Pitt Re-Team For "Happy Feet" Sequel

"Ocean's Eleven" co-stars Matt Damon and Brad Pitt are re-teaming for the "Happy Feet" sequel, reports Movieline.

According to Movieline: “Matt Damon and Brad Pitt haven’t made a movie together since “Ocean’s Thirteen,” but Movieline hears that the two actors have both been cast in an upcoming film directed by George Miller. No, not Miller’s 'Mad Max' reboot starring Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron. I’m warning you, temper your expectations a little.”

“Pitt and Damon will both be voicing characters in Miller’s Happy Feet 2, a 3-D sequel to his 2006 animated film. They’ll be joining original cast members who include Robin Williams and Elijah Wood.”

The pair started doing voice work for the sequel last week but the actors’ roles are unknown at this time.

Sometimes, when big-name actors lend their voices to animated features, things turn out not so great, such as when Robert DeNiro and Will Smith did “Shark Tale,” which in my opinion was a terrible animated film.

But “Happy Feet” actually was pretty good, and I think the addition of Pitt and Damon will be great for the project. I’m sure they both will still look great as penguins, or whatever type of animals they end up voicing.

Looking Ahead to '09

Another part of Dark Horizon's list of notable 2009 releases are up, with a few I will be looking forward to:

The Fighter, opening some time in 2009 was being developed for a while, but it looks like Darren Aronofsky's follow up to The Wrestler will make it to the big screen. Starring Mark Wahlberg and Brad Pitt, the movie tells the story of Dicky Eklund, a talented fighter that turned to crime and landed in prison. Eventually he turns his life around and helps train his under performing half brother. With Aronofsky's success with The Wrestler, another sports themed movie might serve him well. Wahlberg has trained for a year getting into shape, so hopefully the combination of all this talent will make the film a contender come awards season. And Darren Aronofsky went to my high school, and he is the man.

Green Zone, starring Matt Damon and directed by Paul Greengrass, this film hopes to break the streak and be a successful drama about the Iraq war. The film is based on the book "Imperial Life in the Emerald City", and follows CIA agents as they search for evidence of weapons of mass destruction. If you're a fan of the Bourne franchise and Paul Greengrass' handheld, documentary style film making, this picture should be right up your alley. Has a lot of potential with Greengrass, Damon and the very talented Amy Ryan (see Gone Baby Gone, and The Office).

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, obviously the interest in this movie depends on if you can stand Harry Potter or despise him. I can stand him, and I will be looking forward to the releaseof this film, which was delayed from this past winter season to July 17th. The film should be one of the best in the series, with director David Yates returning as director, and Prince being one of the best books in the series. Either way, it will make a shitload of money this summer.

Howl, opening sometime in 2009 is a movie I hadn't heard much about, but looks interesting stars James Franco, and concerns the obscenity trial launched to censor Allen Ginsberg's controversial 'Howl'. The movie has animated segments mixed in from the book/poem and will deal with issues of morality and censorship. I haven't seen Milk, but from what I have heard Franco was excellent, and he should bring the same quality of work to this film. The stellar supporting cast includes David Strathairn, Alan Alda, Mary Louise Parker, Jeff Daniels and Paul Rudd.

The Human Factor, after seeing Clint Eastwood's Gran Torino, I will definitely be interested in seeing what he will do with this film. Eastwood directs this film, which covers the campaign by rugby star Francois Pienaar and President Nelson Mandela to secure the 1995 Rugby World Cup to give the whites and blacks in South Africa a common cause to rally around as the country was trying to heal from the wounds of apartheid. If that's not enough, the movie stars Matt Damon, and Morgan Freeman. If that isn't enough to garner some Oscar buzz, I'm not sure how else to go about it.