The Smith Kids and Other Moneymaking Randomness.....

There is a mixed bag of films going into production. A couple I can see happening, and a couple I am just baffled over why anyone would bother. I'll let you guess which ones.

First up are two kids that seem manufactured for franchise purposes only, Willow and Jaden Smith. From Variety:

Brother and sister Willow and Jaden Smith are set to star in Warners' adaptation of Kazu Kibuishi's "Amulet," about a brother and sister who move into their late great-grandfather's home after the death of their father. They must use their father's amulet to save their mother from a beast who lures her into an underground world.


From IW: Forget movies; the Smiths need to write and sell a book on how to stack that paper. They'd never have to work again.





At the other end of the spectrum, we have the foolishness that is DMX in something new. How does someone who stays rocked out get so much work? He must be one charming mofo....but I digress. From Filmwad:

Vinnie Jones, Michael Madsen, Michael Matthias, rapper DMX, and Armand Assante have joined the cast of a horror-action film called The Bleeding. According to Variety, the "story centers on an ex-Army Ranger searching for the killer of his parents who discovers a family of vampires in a former chemical weapons factory-turned-nightclub." A lot of information to process, I know.

Charles Picerni is directing from Lance Lane's script. Michael Tadross Jr. is producing with Charbel Youssef and Frank Capra III (this sounds like a far-cry from Mr. Smith Goes to Washington). Shooting begins next month in North Carolina.


From IW: He might not "know nuttin bout no Obama", but he sure knows how to make crappy movies and keep the rocks funded.





Someone seems to have lit a fire under Robert Townsend's *ss as of late. After years of hearing crickets from his camp, every time I turn around I am reading about a new project of his. He seems to be continuing his crusade of family friendly fare. I ain't mad. From Black Talent News:

Robert Townsend is closing the deal to direct the family adventure film "Lil Homiez," written by Dallas Jackson and Townsend, and based on a short film by Jackson.According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Overture Films project is a hip-hop version of "The Little Rascals meets The Rugrats," and recounts the adventures of five multiethnic kids as they try to save their neighborhood from being taken over by an evil land developer.

He's in post-production on "Phantom Punch," the story of Sonny Liston, starring Ving Rhames, and a documentary called "Why We Laugh: Black Comedians On Black Comedy." As an actor, Townsend next appears in "Of Boys and Men."


From IW: Don't want to take away from my man, but the "hip-hop/Little Rascals/Rugrats" reference is a big red flag letting me know I won't be seeing this, unless there are a bunch of 5 years olds around.





I think I made my feelings clear on this next one before, and they haven't changed one iota. He kinda looks like "Candyman" in this picture:

Twentieth Century Fox has announced that the John Singleton ("Four Brothers," "Shaft") -directed "A-Team" is set for a June 12, 2009 release. The adaptation of the popular 80s TV series will follow Hannibal Smith and his team of special force soldiers, who have been set up for a crime they didn't commit.



From IW: Oy. Next!




And finally, do you ever think Tyler Perry ever sits in his room and thinks "How can I take over the entire world?" Like Dr. Evil in Austin Powers? He probably even has a dead cat to stroke just like him.

First, there are rumors that he is dating Vanessa Williams (I think they would make a very nice business arrangement). Then the plan to try to make as much money as humanly possible by combining elements that will win tons of publicity, and tons of curiosity, both Black and non-black. That translates into tons of dough. To wit:

At a press conference for his upcoming film, "Meet the Browns," Tyler Perry announced that he's working on a film project inspired by the relationship between Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle. "For the Love You" is about a man's love for his woman. "It's an amazing story," Perry says.

Perry came up with the idea after having dinner with the Obama's and after watching Barack debate with Hillary. He described it as "a love story with a political twist," Perry says he hopes he can cast Angela Bassett and Denzel Washington.

Perry is determined to get this project made. The actor-writer-director who has partnered with Lionsgate on his five feature films, says "if they won't do it, I'll do it with someone else." Producing partner Reuben Cannon hinted that the project might go into production by the end of the year.


From IW: How the f**k does he keep churning out movies so fast?