Will Smith

Another Sequel to Will Smith’s ‘Bad Boys’ in the Works

BrianTT — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 09:28:54 -0600

CHICAGO – Reuters has reported that Columbia Pictures is currently working on the third installment of the “Bad Boys” franchise. As of now, they are hiring a writer to write the screenplay.

Bad Boys II.
Photo credit: Sony

The studio is hoping that director Michael Bay, producer Jerry Bruckheimer and stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence will all return for the third film. No deals have been made since the project is still in the early stages of development.

“Bad Boys” starred Smith and Lawrence as Miami detectives Mike Lowrey (Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Lawrence) who get caught up in cases that involved explosions, kidnappings and car chases. The first filmed was released in 1995 and catapulted Smith into action start stardom and Michael Bay as a director. The film grossed $66 million domestically and $141 million worldwide. With the help of Smith’s action star status and Bay as a huge director, the 2003 sequel grossed $138 million domestically and $273 million worldwide.

All parties have expressed an interest to return if a story can be worked out. However, with the popularity of Smith, Lawrence, Bay and Bruckheimer, it could be costly to get everyone on board.

By ANGIE RENTMEESTER
Staff Writer
HollywoodChicago.com

Blu-Ray Review: ‘Seven Pounds’ With Will Smith is Manipulative Melodrama

BrianTT — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 11:05:58 -0600

Blu-Ray Rating: 2.5/5.0

CHICAGO – There’s arguably no bigger star on Earth than Will Smith but even the greats need a misfire to bring them crashing to the ground. “Seven Pounds” is a mess, a film of conflicting tones and arguably offensive themes, a movie that moves beyond traditional melodrama in just the first few minutes and keeps flying into the over-the-top stratosphere. The Sony Blu-Ray release is impressive, but the movie itself is not.

If you focus solely on the excellent work by Rosario Dawson and are impressed by gorgeous HD picture quality, there may be enough weight in “Seven Pounds” to warrant a rental, but most people will be shocked by this somber melodrama that somehow also tries to be a crowd-pleaser.

Seven Pounds was released on Blu-Ray on March 31st, 2009.
Photo credit: Sony

Ben Thomas (Smith) opens the film by calling 911 and announcing that he needs an ambulance for his own suicide. The film than flashes back and we watch Ben enter the lives of several people in unusual ways.

Seven Pounds was released on Blu-Ray on March 31st, 2009.
Photo credit: Sony

First, he contacts a telephone operator named Ezra Turner (Woody Harrelson) and viciously berates him. Ben transitions his way into the life of Emily Posa (Dawson), a beautiful young lady dying of a chronic heart problem. Thomas pretends to be an IRS field agent, who happens to have an exorbitant amount of time for one client. He also helps an abused woman escape her nightmare and donates bone marrow to a sick child, but the love story between Ben and Emily takes center stage.

“Seven Pounds” is almost a cavalcade of depressing themes - the life of a blind person, elderly abuse, spousal abuse, people in need of heart transplants, tragic loss after an accident, and even thoughts of suicide. By using all of these devices to pull your heartstrings, none of them feel remotely genuine. It’s all part of the “mystery” at the core of “Seven Pounds” - why is Ben working his way into these people’s lives and why will he eventually commit suicide?

Honestly, I think audiences should be offended by the way Muccino and Smith whitewash such serious themes. Apparently, all abused women need to get out of their situation is to have Smith tell them “Don’t be weak.” It’s all so shockingly two-dimensional and I think it’s irresponsible to use such serious themes like death and abuse in such a crowd-pleasing, manipulative manner.

The melodrama of “Seven Pounds” wouldn’t be quite as awful if it wasn’t so flat. There’s no rising action. If you’ve seen it, think about if it would be interesting at all if there was no mystery as to what Ben’s doing to get you through it. If you need a twist ending device to make your drama interesting, you have a problem as a screenwriter.

Seven Pounds was released on Blu-Ray on March 31st, 2009.
Photo credit: Sony

The one good thing about the movie itself is the easy-going chemistry between Dawson and Smith, although even that feels a little bit dirty. I wonder if Ben would have gone through with his plan if Emily didn’t look like one of the most beautiful actresses on the planet.

As for the Blu-Ray, it’s nearly unimpeachable. The video in 1080P is gorgeous, the audio is strong, and the special features are informative. They could have been better organized and it would have been nice to see a little more cast involvement than crew in the behind-the-scenes featurettes, but they’re minor complaints for what is a very good collection of special features.

The special features on “Seven Pounds” start with “Seven View on Seven Pounds” - seven mini-featurettes examining the film from the angle of the writer, producers, director, location manager, designer, editor, and composer. The featurettes total about half an hour of running time.

Other special features include the 13-minute “Creating the Perfect Ensemble,” 5-minute “The Box Jellyfish: World’s Deadliest Co-Star,” 9-minute “Emily’s Passion: The Art of the Printing Press,” four minutes of deleted scenes and the film’s trailers.

‘Seven Pounds’ is released by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and stars Will Smith, Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson, Michel Ealy, and Barry Pepper. It was written by Grant Nieporte and directed by Gabriele Muccino. It was released on March 31st, 2009. It is rated PG-13.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

Will Smith to Produce New ‘The Karate Kid’ Starring Kid Jaden Smith

HollywoodChicago.com — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:59:45 -0700

CHICAGO – Sometimes rumors do become true. Will Smith will produce a new version of “The Karate Kid” with his 10-year-old kid, Jaden Smith, in the starring role.

The confirmed news surfaced on Tuesday in contrast to denied reports from a year ago that Will Smith was planning to wax on a remake of the 1984 classic “The Karate Kid”. That film featured Ralph Macchio in the starring role with Pat Morita as the infamous Mr. Miyagi.

Left image: Will Smith (left) and Jaden Smith (right) | Right image: Ralph Macchio in 1984’s “The Karate Kid”
Left image credit: Jeff Kravitz, Getty Images | Right image credit: (source)

The new version of “The Karate Kid” will shoot in 2009, according to Variety. Will Smith will produce the Columbia Pictures release through his Overbrook Entertainment production company.

“The Karate Kid” remake will be an adaptation from the original. While writer Chris Murphy plans to take the plot to more exotic locations such as Beijing, actor Jaden Smith will again be bullied and will again turn to a Mr. Miyagi character.

That character, though, is currently not yet cast. The original Mr. Miyagi sensei (to both Ralph Macchio and then to Hilary Swank in 1994’s “The Next Karate Kid”), who was played by Pat Morita, died in 2005.

In addition to starring in the new “The Karate Kid,” Jaden Smith co-starred with Will Smith in “The Pursuit of Happyness”. Jaden Smith will also appear opposite Keanu Reeves in the upcoming winter film “The Day the Earth Stood Still”.

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Editor-in-Chief
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com

Exclusive Portrait: Jada Pinkett Smith on Red Carpet For ‘The Human Contract’ at Chicago International Film Festival

HollywoodChicago.com — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 09:31:02 -0600

CHICAGO – Jada Pinkett Smith was photographed close up on Oct. 28, 2008 by the HollywoodChicago.com lens while on the red carpet at the North American premiere of her directorial debut “The Human Contact” at the 2008 Chicago International Film Festival.

Actress Jada Pinkett Smith, who is married to actor Will Smith, has appeared in the films “The Women,” “Reign Over Me,” “Collateral,” “The Matrix Revolutions,” “The Matrix Reloaded,” “Ali,” “Scream 2,” “The Nutty Professor” and “Jason’s Lyric”. Our exclusive portrait of Smith is below.

Jada Pinkett Smith on Oct. 28, 2008 while on the red carpet at the North American premiere
of her directorial debut “The Human Contact” at the 2008 Chicago International Film Festival.
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Editor-in-Chief
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com

Superhero Film ‘Hancock’ With No Superhero Ancestry Proves Bold But Deadly Decision

HollywoodChicago.com — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 02:35:37 -0600

CHICAGO – With superhero films as hot in 2008 as psychedelics were in the 1960s, the new blockbuster superhero film “Hancock” fits in with the label but without any of the ancestry.

Rating: 2.0/5.0

While 2008 superhero films such as “Iron Man,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “The Dark Knight,” “Hellboy II: The Golden Army” and “Punisher: War Zone” (along with “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” coming in 2009) are all based on previous stories with a previously ravenous fan base, “Hancock” with an alcoholic and listless Will Smith and Charlize Theron – who hides a surprise bombshell – literally comes from nowhereland.

Read Adam Fendelman’s full review of “Hancock” in our reviews section.

View our full, high-resolution “Hancock” image gallery.

In fact, “Hancock” is the only 2008 superhero film not derived from a previously established comic book.

The original script for “Hancock,” which was inked by Vincent Ngo in 1996 and called “Tonight, He Comes,” was shuffled through the Hollywood director’s circuit until director Peter Berg (“The Kingdom,” “Friday Night Lights,” “The Rundown”) finally ate it up in Oct. 2006. Filming began in July 2007.

Its truly original origin could have either been its golden savior or its deadly assassin. The decision ultimately proved treacherous as everything it tried to do to be different just made it the same.

Its originality actually might not seem so novel, too, once you consider the 1983 film “The Return of Captain Invincible”. In that film, Alan Arkin plays Captain Invincible and Christopher Lee plays his nemesis (Mr. Midnight). Captain Invincible is asked to return from retirement to the superhero battlefields, but this time around, he’s a raging alcoholic. Sound familiar? Uh huh.

“Hancock,” which features Will Smith, Charlize Theron, Jason Bateman and director Michael Mann in a small acting role, opened everywhere on July 2, 2008.

Continuing reading for Adam Fendelman’s full “Hancock” review.

Charlize Theron (left) and Will Smith in “Hancock”.
Photo credit: Sony Pictures Entertainment

Will Smith (center) “Hancock”.
Photo credit: Sony Pictures Entertainment

Continuing reading for Adam Fendelman’s full “Hancock” review.

Whoops: Will Smith Spoils ‘I Am Legend’ Ending in Tokyo; Leak Locked Down

HollywoodChicago.com — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 11:51:49 -0700

A-list actor Will Smith wasn’t sporting his A-game on Tuesday when he revealed the ending to “I Am Legend” to press in Tokyo.

Will Smith.
Photo credit: WireImage.com
The whoopsie prompted co-producer and co-screenwriter Akiva Goldsman to bellow: “Don’t give away the ending!”

Reuters wrote on Tuesday: “Goldsman then pretended to be surprised, but it was all too late. Press handlers asked all present to keep the ending a secret so as not to spoil it for viewers.”

Will Smith in “I Am Legend”.
Photo credit: IMDb
Film School Rejects questioned whether this is “a huge screwup by an A-list Hollywood star or … a ploy to gain publicity for the film”. “I Am Legend” opens everywhere on Dec. 14.

I-Am-Immune.com Phase Two For ‘I Am Legend’ Begins on Dec. 1; Phase Three on Dec. 8

HollywoodChicago.com — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 21:02:38 -0700

Following phase one, phase two for “I Am Legend” viral marketing through I-Am-Immune.com begins on Dec. 1 from 2 to 5 p.m. Phase two must be completed by 12:14 p.m. PST on Dec. 4.

Here are the new street challenge locations:

Chicago
Chick Evans Golf Course
6145 N. Golf Rd.
Morton Grove, IL 60053

Los Angeles
Griffith Park Golf Course
4730 Crystal Springs Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90027

Dallas
North Texas Golf Center
2101 Walnut Hill Lane
Dallas, TX 75229

New York
A. Shaw Office
242 Wythe Ave., Studio 4
Brooklyn, NY 11211

Atlanta
Jim Hearn Golf Center
4445 Buford Highway
Chamblee, GA 30341

Miami
Bay Shore Par 3 Golf Course (empty lot)
2795 Prairie Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33141

Phoenix
Continental Golf Course
7920 E. Osborn Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Detroit
Royal Oak Golf Center
3500 Edgar Road
Royal Oak, MI 48073

Boston
Leeder Board Golf
150 Federal Street, First Floor
Boston, MA 02110

Seattle
Interbay Golf Center
2501 15th Ave. W.
Seattle, WA 98119

Denver
Denver City Park Golf Course
2500 York Street
Denver, CO 80205

Philadelphia
Paxon Hollow Country Club
850 Paxon Hollow Road
Marple Township, PA 19063

San Diego
Sail Ho Golf Course
19 Sellers Plaza
San Diego, CA 92106

San Francisco
Harding Park Golf Course
99 Harding Rd.
San Francisco, CA 94132

For phase two, you are charged to you or your recruit are charged to journey to one of the locations listed above between 2 and 5 p.m. to retrieve the phase two street challenge item. I-Am-Immune.com crew members will be on location.

The item you receive will have a jumbled word printed on it. Once deciphered, it will be the code you need to finish the challenge.

Enter that code at the bottom of this page to find out what you have been entered to win and to move on to the next street challenge. Here’s the clue: 40°30’N, 45°1’N, 71°51’W, 79°46’W

Phase three, which is the final street challenge, will take place on Dec. 8 from 2 to 5 p.m. within the same 15 cities listed for phase one and two. An updated location list will be announced shortly.

Starring Will Smith, “I Am Legend” opens in theaters on Dec. 14.

‘I Am Legend’ Unveils Viral Site I-Am-Immune.com

HollywoodChicago.com — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 08:57:04 -0700

The power of the talking mouth is the best and cheapest form of PR there is. Films are increasingly cashing in on the viral wave using Web sites to spur conversation and create an evocative attachment.

We’ve been deluged with masterful viral work from “The Dark Knight” using Web sites including WhySoSerious.com, RorysDeathKiss.com and IBelieveInHarveyDent.com. Moments ago, the Will Smith film “I Am Legend” went public with one if its own.

I-Am-Immune.com has launched to play a literal viral game.

The site, which is the official “community” for the film, will offer original and behind-the-scenes information about the film, a chance for fans to speak up, online and street challenges (“The Dark Knight” fans know these all too well), “free swag” and “insane prizing”.

I am told the site is also boldly promising the opportunity to “see the biggest movie stars of the year at the largest movie premiere of the century”.

As a member of I-Am-Immune.com, your objective is to stay active and stay immune. Members will be tasked with weekly online challenges along with three offline challenges.

Will Smith in “I Am Legend”.
Image credit: IMDb
A VIP trip for two to New York City will be dished out for the world premiere of “I Am Legend” at Madison Square Garden. The plane ticket and hotel stay are covered.

In terms of street challenges, members of the viral site will visit a section of the site (called “street challenges”) where they will be tasked with going to a specific location on a specific day and time within their city (one of 14 markets) to snag a swag item.

It’ll contain a code that must be entered into the “street challenges” section of the site. Once the code is entered, members will be eligible to win prizes and gain access to the next street challenge.

“I Am Legend” and “The Dark Knight” are both from Warner Bros.