Tag: Gary Ross

Geekscape Movie Reviews: Ocean’s 8

by MCDave

Fresh off a Best Director Oscar win for the pulsating drama, Traffic, Steven Soderbergh followed up his awards contender with the uptempo heist film Ocean’s Eleven. Little did he know that the film’s success would not only help spawn a trilogy of features, but it would also serve as the backbone of this weekend’s eventual spin-off, Ocean’s 8. However, this time around the “Ocean’s” brand gets a complete makeover, spearheaded by a fresh collection of capers, all of which are female, who aim to rejuvenate the energetic and comedic tone that Soderbergh crafted nearly 17 years ago.

After Debbie Ocean (Sandra Bullock), sister of the presumably deceased caper legend Danny Ocean (George Clooney), is released from prison, she immediately reconnects with her former con artist friend Lou (Cate Blanchett) in order to get back into the family business. Having more than five years in the slammer to construct the perfect plan, Debbie assembles a team of specifically talented women to help pull off an unthinkable heist at the prestigious Met Gala in New York City. Yet, the job becomes even more complicated when Debbie makes things personal by trying to pin the robbery on Claude Becker (Richard Armitage), the rat who had her put behind bars years ago.

Flawless pacing navigates Ocean’s 8 through an effortless 110 minute joy ride, fully equipped with staunch performances and loads of laughs. Academy Award Winner Sandra Bullock takes up the mantle as this new crew’s ringleader and her onscreen work proves masterful once again. Comedy and edginess have always come naturally to Bullock, making her a no-brainer for the role of Debbie Ocean. Yet, it would be neglectful to discount the other women who help bring this worthwhile summer popcorn flick together. Each character delivers a fond uniqueness that ushers a delicate balance to the entire team. Whether it’s Cate Blanchett’s foresight and voice of reason, or Sarah Paulson’s longing for thrills and adventure, everyone serves a purpose. Strong, unexpected performances are given by Rihanna, Mindy Kaling, and Neighbors 2 co-star Awkwafina, all of whom portray secondary characters as far as screen time goes, but each as essential as any singular member to the team. Let me also commend the strong work of proven stars Helena Bonham Carter and Anne Hathaway who both round out this exceptional crop of acting talent. But despite this heist film’s impressive cast, entertaining story and uptempo cadence, Ocean’s 8 suffers from a shortage of genre staples such as clever cons and misdirection, as well as an influx of unthreatening conflicts that cycle through the movie without a hitch. These shortcomings suggest a slight laziness in writing, yet they’re easily overshadowed by a fun and mindless experience that optimizes the summer movie season.

GRADE: 3.5/5

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Watch Kevin Tancharoen’s Pitch For ‘The Hunger Games’

by Shawn Madden

Kevin Tancharoen, the director of the upcoming Mortal Kombat reboot, has just released a sizzle reel that he put together while pitching to Lionsgate to get the director spot for The Hunger Games. The film of the sizzle reel is definitely different from the version that we saw in theaters. It appears that Tancharoen would have gone for a darker film with more science-fiction elements than the Gary Ross version. Check out the sizzle reel below as well as an except from an interview he did with /Film.

 

/Film: It seems like a lot of upcoming directors are now putting together these video reels for their studio pitches. When did this start, and when did you discover this practice? 

Tancheroen: The idea of a “pitch reel” has been around for awhile and is very common practice for any director. Trying to pitch a vision to a room full of people is always very difficult verbally. In the past two years, the pitch reel has significantly become more demanding since technology allows for people to make mini movies in their own homes. It’s almost expected for a director to show some visual materials, but the need to impress has become elevated. At first, it was just some concept art, some storyboards and possibly a treatment. Then the rip-o-matic (a visual reel using clips from other movies to portray a visual style) became really popular. I even know some directors who do a full animatic at their expense just to take into a meeting. 

Check out the full interview here.

Gary Ross Will Not Be Directing “Catching Fire” – UPDATED

by Jonathan

I’ve updated below with larger comments from both Gary Ross and Lionsgate about Gary Ross’ departure!

According to Variety, “Hunger Games” director Gary Ross, has decided that he won’t be directing the sequel “Catching Fire”, scheduled to shoot this Fall.

“As a writer and a director, I simply don’t have the time I need to write and prep the movie I would have wanted to make because of the fixed and tight production schedule,” he said in a statement released Tuesday evening.

I hadn’t read any of the Hunger Games books but I did enjoy the movie. It definitely had some scenes where you wanted to yell at the characters but you know what? WHAT WOULD YOU DO IN THE HUNGER GAMES, HUH!?! You’d be dead in 2 seconds so don’t be talkin’!

Here are Ross’ full statements:

Despite recent speculation in the media, and after difficult but sincere consideration, I have decided not to direct Catching Fire. As a writer and a director, I simply don’t have the time I need to write and prep the movie I would have wanted to make because of the fixed and tight production schedule.

I loved making The Hunger Games – it was the happiest experience of my professional life. Lionsgate was supportive of me in a manner that few directors ever experience in a franchise: they empowered me to make the film I wanted to make and backed the movie in a way that requires no explanation beyond the remarkable results. And contrary to what has been reported, negotiations with Lionsgate have not been problematic. They have also been very understanding of me through this difficult decision.

I also cannot say enough about the people I worked with: Producer Nina Jacobson, a great collaborator and a true friend; the brilliant Suzanne Collins, who entrusted us with her most amazing and important story; the gifted and remarkable Jennifer Lawrence whose performance exceeded my wildest expectations, and the rest of the incredible cast, whom I am proud to call my friends.

To the fans I want to say thank you for your support your faith, your enthusiasm and your trust. Hard as this may be to understand I am trying to keep that trust with you. Thank you all. It’s been a wonderful experience.

And here’s what Lionsgate had to say:

We’re very sorry that Gary Ross has chosen not to direct Catching Fire. We were really looking forward to making the movie with him. He did an incredible job on the first film and we are grateful for his work. This will not be the end of our relationship, as we consider Ross to be part of the Lionsgate family and look forward to working with him in the future.

They sound a little disappointed. That being said… who do you think would make a good director to take on the “Hunger Games” sequel?