Live Nation Productions today announced two key hires for its production and development departments. Veteran producer and studio exec Matthew Stein will be the company’s new Head of Scripted Development and Production, while Emmy Award-winning producer Ryan Kroft has been named Head of Unscripted Development and Production. Both will report into Heather Parry, Live Nation Productions’ President of Production, Film and Television.
Stein joins the company just before the release of the company’s first scripted features, “A Star Is Born” and “After Party.” He joins after several years at Sony, where he most recently had a film and television production deal and earlier served as a VP at Sony Pictures International Productions. Earlier in his career, he spent 12 years at Dimension Films, rising through the ranks to co-chairman and ultimately Evp of Production, overseeing all phases of production, development and casting for the division.
Kroft joins after 20 years at Viacom,...
Stein joins the company just before the release of the company’s first scripted features, “A Star Is Born” and “After Party.” He joins after several years at Sony, where he most recently had a film and television production deal and earlier served as a VP at Sony Pictures International Productions. Earlier in his career, he spent 12 years at Dimension Films, rising through the ranks to co-chairman and ultimately Evp of Production, overseeing all phases of production, development and casting for the division.
Kroft joins after 20 years at Viacom,...
- 8/6/2018
- by Jem Aswad
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Live Nation Productions president of Film And Television Production Heather Parry has hired producer/executive Matthew Stein to be head of Scripted Development And Production and Emmy-winning producer Ryan Kroft to head Unscripted Development And Production. Both will report to Parry.
Formed in 2015 to extend the Live Nation brand, the production company has been ramping up with music-driven projects. Upcoming is the Bradley Cooper-directed A Star Is Born with Lady Gaga, and the Wiz Khalifa, French Montana and Kyle Harvey-starrer The After Party. This comes after the docu Believer, about Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds’ exploration of the relationship to how the church ostracizes Lgbtq members to the high rate of suicide among them; the Lady Gaga docu Gaga: Five Foot Two; the Sean Diddy Combs docu Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop: A Bad Boy Story; and the Colin Hanks-directed docu Eagles of Death Metal: Nos Amis,...
Formed in 2015 to extend the Live Nation brand, the production company has been ramping up with music-driven projects. Upcoming is the Bradley Cooper-directed A Star Is Born with Lady Gaga, and the Wiz Khalifa, French Montana and Kyle Harvey-starrer The After Party. This comes after the docu Believer, about Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds’ exploration of the relationship to how the church ostracizes Lgbtq members to the high rate of suicide among them; the Lady Gaga docu Gaga: Five Foot Two; the Sean Diddy Combs docu Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop: A Bad Boy Story; and the Colin Hanks-directed docu Eagles of Death Metal: Nos Amis,...
- 8/6/2018
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Relativity Media has faded from the headlines after the mini-major studio declared bankruptcy nearly three years ago, emerged from bankruptcy two years ago, then receded into the background when several of its newer films performed poorly. But the legal mess isn't quite over as hedge fund investor Carey Metz pursues fraud claims against Relativity chief Ryan Kavanaugh over a $2.5 million loan.
Kavanaugh is looking to a bankruptcy judge to stop the lawsuit. He argues in a motion that the approval of Relativity's plan of reorganization bars Metz's claims.
On Wednesday, Metz's attorneys Matthew Stein and Ronald Rossi at...
Kavanaugh is looking to a bankruptcy judge to stop the lawsuit. He argues in a motion that the approval of Relativity's plan of reorganization bars Metz's claims.
On Wednesday, Metz's attorneys Matthew Stein and Ronald Rossi at...
- 4/11/2018
- by Eriq Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Relativity Media has faded from the headlines after the mini-major studio declared bankruptcy nearly three years ago, <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/relativity-emerges-bankruptcy-876727" target="_blank">emerged from bankruptcy</a> two years ago, then receded into the background when several of its newer films performed poorly. But the legal mess isn't quite over as hedge fund investor Carey Metz <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/ryan-kavanaugh-hit-fraud-suit-hedge-fund-investor-1030782" target="_blank">pursues fraud claims</a> against Relativity chief Ryan Kavanaugh over a $2.5 million loan.
Kavanaugh is looking to a bankruptcy judge to stop the lawsuit. He argues in a motion that the approval of Relativity's plan of reorganization bars Metz's claims.
On Wednesday, Metz's attorneys Matthew Stein ...
Kavanaugh is looking to a bankruptcy judge to stop the lawsuit. He argues in a motion that the approval of Relativity's plan of reorganization bars Metz's claims.
On Wednesday, Metz's attorneys Matthew Stein ...
- 4/11/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
New president of international film and television Sanford Panitch has brought on two key hires at the studio.
Diego Suarez joins as svp of international television production and Matthew Stein arrives as vp of international film production.
The pair will acquire and develop local and international film and television content with key production partners around the globe.
Suarez comes from Fox21 Television Studios where he served as svp of creative affairs and focused on cable programming development with a strong international angle.
Some of the projects he brought in to the studio include The Queen Of The South based on the Spanish bestseller and set to air on USA in January 2016, as well as Women on the Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown based on Pedro Almodovar’s 1988 hit.
Prior to his tenure at Fox21, Suarez served stints at Fox International Channels, Italy, Spain’s Boca Boca Producciones and multimedia company Cuatrocabezas (Eyeworks).
Stein most recently worked as an independent...
Diego Suarez joins as svp of international television production and Matthew Stein arrives as vp of international film production.
The pair will acquire and develop local and international film and television content with key production partners around the globe.
Suarez comes from Fox21 Television Studios where he served as svp of creative affairs and focused on cable programming development with a strong international angle.
Some of the projects he brought in to the studio include The Queen Of The South based on the Spanish bestseller and set to air on USA in January 2016, as well as Women on the Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown based on Pedro Almodovar’s 1988 hit.
Prior to his tenure at Fox21, Suarez served stints at Fox International Channels, Italy, Spain’s Boca Boca Producciones and multimedia company Cuatrocabezas (Eyeworks).
Stein most recently worked as an independent...
- 9/29/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
New president of international film and television Sanford Panitch has brought on two key hires at the studio.
Diego Suarez joins as svp of international television production and Matthew Stein arrives as vp of international film production.
The pair will acquire and develop local and international film and television content with key production partners around the globe.
Suarez comes from Fox21 Television Studios where he served as svp of creative affairs and focused on cable programming development with a strong international angle.
Some of the projects he brought in to the studio include The Queen Of The South based on the Spanish bestseller and set to air on USA in January 2016, as well as Women on the Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown based on Pedro Almodovar’s 1988 hit.
Prior to his tenure at Fox21, Suarez served stints at Fox International Channels, Italy, Spain’s Boca Boca Producciones and multimedia company Cuatrocabezas (Eyeworks).
Stein most recently worked as an independent...
Diego Suarez joins as svp of international television production and Matthew Stein arrives as vp of international film production.
The pair will acquire and develop local and international film and television content with key production partners around the globe.
Suarez comes from Fox21 Television Studios where he served as svp of creative affairs and focused on cable programming development with a strong international angle.
Some of the projects he brought in to the studio include The Queen Of The South based on the Spanish bestseller and set to air on USA in January 2016, as well as Women on the Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown based on Pedro Almodovar’s 1988 hit.
Prior to his tenure at Fox21, Suarez served stints at Fox International Channels, Italy, Spain’s Boca Boca Producciones and multimedia company Cuatrocabezas (Eyeworks).
Stein most recently worked as an independent...
- 9/29/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Following earlier reports, Dimension Films and Trancas International Films have officially announced that Michael Myers is back in Halloween Returns, with Marcus Dunstan set to direct:
Press Release: "New York, NY (June 15, 2015) – Dimension Films and Trancas International Films announced today that production will start in July on the highly anticipated thriller Halloween Returns, which follows notorious killer Michael Myers . Marcus Dunstan and Patrick Melton the writers behind a number of the Saw films have written the script, which is a terrifying new installment of the classic franchise originated by John Carpenter. Marcus Dunstan will also direct the film. The last big screen performances for Michael Myers were in Halloween (2007) and Halloween II (2009). Malek Akkad is set to produce with Matthew Stein as executive producer. The log line is currently being kept under wraps.
“Michael Myers has taken a long break from the big screen and we know fans are eager to see him return.
Press Release: "New York, NY (June 15, 2015) – Dimension Films and Trancas International Films announced today that production will start in July on the highly anticipated thriller Halloween Returns, which follows notorious killer Michael Myers . Marcus Dunstan and Patrick Melton the writers behind a number of the Saw films have written the script, which is a terrifying new installment of the classic franchise originated by John Carpenter. Marcus Dunstan will also direct the film. The last big screen performances for Michael Myers were in Halloween (2007) and Halloween II (2009). Malek Akkad is set to produce with Matthew Stein as executive producer. The log line is currently being kept under wraps.
“Michael Myers has taken a long break from the big screen and we know fans are eager to see him return.
- 6/15/2015
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Michael Myers, aka The Shape, will return in “Halloween Returns,” which Marcus Dunstan will director for Dimension Films and Trancas International Films, the companies announced Monday. Dunstan previously directed the clever genre movie “The Collector” and co-wrote several movies in the hit “Saw” franchise with Patrick Melton. The duo also wrote the script for “Halloween Returns,” for which plot details were not immediately available. Malek Akkad will produce the horror movie, while Matthew Stein will serve as executive producer. Dimension Films executives Matthew Signer and Keith Levine will oversee the project for the studio. Also Read: 'Friday the 13th...
- 6/15/2015
- by Jeff Sneider
- The Wrap
Dimension Films and Trancas International Films have set a July start date on the horror reboot featuring the infamous Michael Myers.
Marcus Dunstan and Patrick Melton wrote the screenplay and Dunstan will direct the film, which will mark the first on-screen outing for Myers since Halloween II in 2009.
Malek Akkad will produce Halloween Returns with Matthew Stein on board as executive producer.
Logline remains under the proverbial wraps.
Marcus Dunstan and Patrick Melton wrote the screenplay and Dunstan will direct the film, which will mark the first on-screen outing for Myers since Halloween II in 2009.
Malek Akkad will produce Halloween Returns with Matthew Stein on board as executive producer.
Logline remains under the proverbial wraps.
- 6/15/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The executive VP production at Dimension Films, Matthew Stein, is stepping away from that job and taking a non-exclusive producing deal there, the company announced Tuesday. Stein has been with the studio for 12 years. At Dimension, he was involved in the development and production of "Spy Kids 4," "Pirahna 3D," "Youth in Revolt," "1408" and "Scary Movie 4," among others. He executive produced Rob Zombie's remake of "Halloween," "Scream 4" and "Apollo 18." In June, Dimension's production president, Brad Luff, left the studio. Dimension is owned by the Weinstein Company.
- 7/19/2011
- by Joshua L. Weinstein
- The Wrap
Dimension Films exec veep of production Matthew Stein is becoming a nonexclusive producer for the company after 12 years as an exec there. Stein had been exec veep. This comes shortly after Brad Luff left the production president post of Dimension. Bob Weinstein will have a new executive in place shortly to run his division. Here's the official word on Stein. New York, NY (July 19, 2011) - Dimension Films announced today that Matthew Stein, Evp of Production, is moving from his role after 12 years of service at the studio to transition into a non-exclusive producing relationship with Dimension Films. Besides executive producing such films as Rob Zombie’s remake of Halloween, as well as Scream 4, and the upcoming Apollo 18, Stein has been instrumental in the development and production of such varied films as Spy Kids 4, Piranha 3D, Youth In Revolt, 1408, Scary Movie 4 and many more. “I am looking forward...
- 7/19/2011
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
In a world where clones dominate the earth, how do you lead the mankind to defeat our own clones? That’s exactly what this satirical survival guide How to Defeat Your Own Clone will be about. Dimension Films is adapting the book by bioengineers Kyle Kurpinski and Terry D. Johnson into a feature film.
According to Screenrant, the screenplay for How to Defeat Your Own Clone will be written by Marvel writing alumni Ed Ricourt. Ricourt also wrote Now You See Me which in pre-production starring Jesse Eisenberg with Louis Leterrier at its helm.
Check out this early synopsis of the film:
In the year 2013 the first human clone was created and within years clones were in most homes only to be taken advantage of by their human owners and treated as slaves. Following a revolution, civil war erupted between Mankind and their Clone creations who were fighting for their freedom.
According to Screenrant, the screenplay for How to Defeat Your Own Clone will be written by Marvel writing alumni Ed Ricourt. Ricourt also wrote Now You See Me which in pre-production starring Jesse Eisenberg with Louis Leterrier at its helm.
Check out this early synopsis of the film:
In the year 2013 the first human clone was created and within years clones were in most homes only to be taken advantage of by their human owners and treated as slaves. Following a revolution, civil war erupted between Mankind and their Clone creations who were fighting for their freedom.
- 7/12/2011
- by Lillian 'zenbitch' Standefer
- ScifiMafia
According to reports, Dimension Films has acquired screen rights to the 2010 novel, "How To Defeat Your Own Clone", by research scientists/bioengineers, authors Kyle Kurpinksi and Terry D. Johnson.
Screenplay will be written by Ed Ricourt for producers Ellen Goldsmith-Vein and Eric Robinson. Executive producers are Peter McHugh, Matthew Stein and Matthew Singer.
The book is regarded is a primer on 'biotech' and 'genetics', "for the uninitiated".
Click the images to enlarge...
Screenplay will be written by Ed Ricourt for producers Ellen Goldsmith-Vein and Eric Robinson. Executive producers are Peter McHugh, Matthew Stein and Matthew Singer.
The book is regarded is a primer on 'biotech' and 'genetics', "for the uninitiated".
Click the images to enlarge...
- 7/6/2011
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
Preparing for the worst is always a good precautionary measure, and we’ve learned how to do so after the Earth was destroyed in The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. Now it’s time to prepare once again. Dimension Films has announced that they will be working on adapting the uturistic comedy guidebook How to Defeat Your Own Clone: And Other Tips for Surviving the Biotech Revolution, written by Kyle Kurpinski & Terry D. Johnson. Edward Ricourt will pen the script. Ricourt is a new writer in the business and has climbed his way up the ladder having gone through the Marvel Program as a starting point. His current script, Now You See Me, is currently under production with Jesse Eisenberg starring in the lead role and Louis Letterier at the directing helm.
In the year 2013, the first human clone was created and within years clones were in most homes only...
In the year 2013, the first human clone was created and within years clones were in most homes only...
- 7/5/2011
- by Mike Lee
- FusedFilm
Dimension Films announced today that it has acquired the rights to the popular futuristic comedy guidebook How To Defeat Your Own Clone written by Kyle Kurpinski and Terry D. Johnson. Ed Ricourt who wrote the feature treatment is also set to adapt the script. Ricourt was part of the Marvel writing program, and his script Now You See Me is currently in pre-production, starring Jesse Eisenberg and to be directed by Louis Leterrier. There is no director on Clone attached at this early stage. The announcement was made by Bob Weinstein, co-chairman of The Weinstein Company (TWC).
In the year 2013 the first human clone was created and within years clones were in most homes only to be taken advantage of by their human owners and treated as slaves. Following a revolution, civil war erupted between Mankind and their Clone creations who were fighting for their freedom. The Clones won. In...
In the year 2013 the first human clone was created and within years clones were in most homes only to be taken advantage of by their human owners and treated as slaves. Following a revolution, civil war erupted between Mankind and their Clone creations who were fighting for their freedom. The Clones won. In...
- 7/5/2011
- by Allan Ford
- Filmofilia
Have you ever wanted to know how you could finally vanquish that evil person known as your clone? No? Well, doesn't matter, now you can with "How to Defeat Your Own Clone." The comedic sci-fi film, based off the novel written by Kyle Kurpinski and Terry D. Johnson, is now being adapted for the big screen.Today Dimension Films grabbed onto the rights for the strangely comedic tale that already has Louis Letterier ("Clash of the Titans") on board to direct. Jesse Eisenberg will star in the project with Ed Ricourt penning the script.Dimension Films announced today that it has acquired the rights to the popular futuristic comedy guidebook How To Defeat Your Own Clone written by Kyle Kurpinski and Terry D. Johnson. Ed Ricourt who wrote the feature treatment is also set to adapt the script. Ricourt was part of the Marvel writing program, and his script Now You See Me...
- 7/5/2011
- LRMonline.com
A few years ago, there was a sci-fi film called Before the Fall that grabbed my attention. It was a story about a meteorite set to collide in the earth within three days. Meanwhile, a serial killer from prison escapes & threatens the main character’s family during the final days and the main character must defend his family. I never did get a chance to see it, but the storyline always stayed with me. It looks like Before the Fall‘s director, F. Javier Gutiérrez has lined up his next feature with Dimension Films. More beyond the break.
New York, NY, April 28, 2011 – Dimension Films has preemptively purchased the spec script The Greys from writer Adam Cohen and from producing partners Sean and Bryan Furst. F. Javier Gutierrez (Tres Dias aka Before The Fall) is set to direct the film. The announcement was made today by Bob Weinstein, co-chairman of The...
New York, NY, April 28, 2011 – Dimension Films has preemptively purchased the spec script The Greys from writer Adam Cohen and from producing partners Sean and Bryan Furst. F. Javier Gutierrez (Tres Dias aka Before The Fall) is set to direct the film. The announcement was made today by Bob Weinstein, co-chairman of The...
- 4/29/2011
- by Andy Triefenbach
- Destroy the Brain
New York, NY, April 28, 2011 – Dimension Films has preemptively purchased the spec script The Greys from writer Adam Cohen and from producing partners Sean and Bryan Furst. F. Javier Gutierrez (Tres Dias aka Before The Fall) is set to direct the film. The announcement was made today by Bob Weinstein, co-chairman of The Weinstein Company (TWC). The logline of the sci-fi thriller is currently being kept under wraps.
.We are thrilled to be collaborating on this exciting script with Adam Cohen, Radar Pictures and The Fursts,. said Bob Weinstein. .As a fan, I have wanted to work with F. Javier Gutierrez for some time and am happy to join forces on his English language directorial debut..
Sean and Bryan Furst are producing in partnership with Radar Pictures. Ted Field and Mike Weber. Overseeing for Dimension Films are Svp of Production, Matthew Stein and VP of Production and Creative Affairs, Matthew Signer.
.We are thrilled to be collaborating on this exciting script with Adam Cohen, Radar Pictures and The Fursts,. said Bob Weinstein. .As a fan, I have wanted to work with F. Javier Gutierrez for some time and am happy to join forces on his English language directorial debut..
Sean and Bryan Furst are producing in partnership with Radar Pictures. Ted Field and Mike Weber. Overseeing for Dimension Films are Svp of Production, Matthew Stein and VP of Production and Creative Affairs, Matthew Signer.
- 4/28/2011
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Dimension Films has preemptively purchased the spec script The Greys from writer Adam Cohen and from producing partners Sean and Bryan Furst. F. Javier Gutierrez (Tres Dias aka Before The Fall) is set to direct the film. The announcement was made today by Bob Weinstein, co-chairman of The Weinstein Company (TWC). The logline of the sci-fi thriller is currently being kept under wraps.Bob Weinstein is thrilled to work with F. Javier Gutierrez: “We are thrilled to be collaborating on this exciting script with Adam Cohen, Radar Pictures and The Fursts. As a fan, I have wanted to work with F. Javier Gutierrez for some time and am happy to join forces on his English language directorial debut.” Sean and Bryan Furst are producing in partnership with Radar Pictures’ Ted Field and Mike Weber. Overseeing for Dimension Films are Svp of Production, Matthew Stein and VP of Production and Creative Affairs,...
- 4/28/2011
- LRMonline.com
The Weinsteins and Dimension Films have pretty much rebounded from the trouble they were in just months ago and as a result the house that Bob and Harvey built has lots of projects headed our way including a new sci-fi thriller entitled The Greys.
From the Press Release
Dimension Films has preemptively purchased the spec script The Greys from writer Adam Cohen and from producing partners Sean and Bryan Furst. F. Javier Gutierrez (Tres Dias aka Before The Fall) is set to direct the film. The announcement was made today by Bob Weinstein, co-chairman of The Weinstein Company (TWC). The logline of the sci-fi thriller is currently being kept under wraps.
“We are thrilled to be collaborating on this exciting script with Adam Cohen, Radar Pictures and The Fursts,” said Bob Weinstein. “As a fan, I have wanted to work with F. Javier Gutierrez for some time and am happy...
From the Press Release
Dimension Films has preemptively purchased the spec script The Greys from writer Adam Cohen and from producing partners Sean and Bryan Furst. F. Javier Gutierrez (Tres Dias aka Before The Fall) is set to direct the film. The announcement was made today by Bob Weinstein, co-chairman of The Weinstein Company (TWC). The logline of the sci-fi thriller is currently being kept under wraps.
“We are thrilled to be collaborating on this exciting script with Adam Cohen, Radar Pictures and The Fursts,” said Bob Weinstein. “As a fan, I have wanted to work with F. Javier Gutierrez for some time and am happy...
- 4/28/2011
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
The Weinstein Company has had its eye on a Hellraiser reboot for years, even releasing a synopsis last year. Almost a year later, the reboot is finally on track with the addition of a director and screenwriter that bring with them both horror and 3-D credentials.
Variety reports that the Weinstein Company and Dimension have hired director Patrick Lussier and screenwriter Todd Farmer — the duo behind My Bloody Valentine 3-D and the upcoming Drive Angry — to create the reboot. This ends a years-long director merry-go-round. The pair pitched an origin story, which will start shooting next year for a late 2011 or early 2012 release.
Next Showing:
Link | Posted 10/26/2010 by Ryan
Patrick Lussier | Clive Barker | Todd Farmer | Matthew Stein | Hellraiser: Revelations | Hellraiser...
Variety reports that the Weinstein Company and Dimension have hired director Patrick Lussier and screenwriter Todd Farmer — the duo behind My Bloody Valentine 3-D and the upcoming Drive Angry — to create the reboot. This ends a years-long director merry-go-round. The pair pitched an origin story, which will start shooting next year for a late 2011 or early 2012 release.
Next Showing:
Link | Posted 10/26/2010 by Ryan
Patrick Lussier | Clive Barker | Todd Farmer | Matthew Stein | Hellraiser: Revelations | Hellraiser...
- 10/26/2010
- by Ryan Gowland
- Reelzchannel.com
NEW YORK -- The only surprising thing about "Superhero Movie" is that, in an era when big-screen parodies are released seemingly every other week, it took this long for the venerable comic book genre to receive the treatment.
Otherwise a fairly standard entry that at least is better than January's lamentable "Meet the Spartans", this spoof demonstrates that David Zucker, one of the film's producers, has come a long way from the glory days of "Airplane!" and "The Naked Gun".
The other distinguishing factor of the film, which was released Friday without being screened for the press, is that its screenplay doesn't come from the usual gaggle of scribes but rather is solely the creation of Craig Mazin, who also directed.
The story line takes its main inspiration from "Spider-Man", relating how young dweeb Rick Riker (Drake Bell) is transformed into Dragonfly via a bite from a mutated insect. In between pining for his schoolmate Jill Johnson (Sara Paxton), he finds himself battling the forces of evil, most notably Hourglass (Christopher McDonald), the villainous alter ego of a billionaire industrialist.
The freewheeling satire also incorporates elements of "Batman", principally with a back¬story involving the death of Rick's parents (the father is played by "Airplane!" star Robert Hays); "Fantastic Four"; "X-Men"; and, all too briefly, "Superman".
The gags arrive at the usual breakneck pace, albeit mostly producing quiet chuckles rather than belly laughs. The major exception, at least for the mostly quiet audience at an opening-day matinee, was an extended fart scene involving poor Marion Ross that mainly demonstrated the filmmaker's apparent desire to top the one in "Blazing Saddles".
A host of familiar faces from film and television comedies pop up for brief appearances, mainly to little effect. They include Tracy Morgan, Brent Spiner, Pamela Anderson, Regina Hall (another genre pro, having appeared in all the "Scream" films), Dan Castellaneta and Jeffrey Tambor, among others.
A comforting factor is provided via the presence of Leslie Nielsen, with the parody veteran supplying his usual brand of deadpan hilarity as Rick's addled uncle.
Some of the gags, like a necrophilia joke, seem particularly tasteless given the PG-13 rating. As also has become standard, the already seemingly endless credits are further extended via numerous deleted scenes, some of which are funnier than those that appear in the film proper. They make apparent that several performers, like Craig Bierko (doing a Wolverine parody) had their roles significantly cut.
SUPERHERO MOVIE
MGM
Dimension Films
Credits: Director-screenwriter: Craig Mazin; Producers: Craig Mazin, Robert K. Weiss, David Zucker; Executive producers: Matthew Stein, Harvey Weinstein, Bob Weinstein; Director of photography: Thomas E. Ackerman; Production designer: Bob Ziembicki; Music: James L. Venable; Co-producer: Scott Tomlinson; Costume designer: Carol Ramsey; Editor: Craig Herring. Cast: Rick Riker/Dragonfly: Drake Bell; Jill Johnson: Sara Paxton; Lou Landers/Hourglass; Christopher McDonald; Uncle Albert: Leslie Nielsen; Trey: Kevin Hart; Aunt Lucille: Marion Ross; Lance Landers: Ryan Hansen; Dr. Strom: Brent Spiner; The Invisible Girl: Pamela Anderson; Dr. Xavier: Tracy Morgan; Mrs. Xavier: Regina Hall; Human Torch: Simon Rex.
MPAA rating PG-13, running time 85 minutes.
Otherwise a fairly standard entry that at least is better than January's lamentable "Meet the Spartans", this spoof demonstrates that David Zucker, one of the film's producers, has come a long way from the glory days of "Airplane!" and "The Naked Gun".
The other distinguishing factor of the film, which was released Friday without being screened for the press, is that its screenplay doesn't come from the usual gaggle of scribes but rather is solely the creation of Craig Mazin, who also directed.
The story line takes its main inspiration from "Spider-Man", relating how young dweeb Rick Riker (Drake Bell) is transformed into Dragonfly via a bite from a mutated insect. In between pining for his schoolmate Jill Johnson (Sara Paxton), he finds himself battling the forces of evil, most notably Hourglass (Christopher McDonald), the villainous alter ego of a billionaire industrialist.
The freewheeling satire also incorporates elements of "Batman", principally with a back¬story involving the death of Rick's parents (the father is played by "Airplane!" star Robert Hays); "Fantastic Four"; "X-Men"; and, all too briefly, "Superman".
The gags arrive at the usual breakneck pace, albeit mostly producing quiet chuckles rather than belly laughs. The major exception, at least for the mostly quiet audience at an opening-day matinee, was an extended fart scene involving poor Marion Ross that mainly demonstrated the filmmaker's apparent desire to top the one in "Blazing Saddles".
A host of familiar faces from film and television comedies pop up for brief appearances, mainly to little effect. They include Tracy Morgan, Brent Spiner, Pamela Anderson, Regina Hall (another genre pro, having appeared in all the "Scream" films), Dan Castellaneta and Jeffrey Tambor, among others.
A comforting factor is provided via the presence of Leslie Nielsen, with the parody veteran supplying his usual brand of deadpan hilarity as Rick's addled uncle.
Some of the gags, like a necrophilia joke, seem particularly tasteless given the PG-13 rating. As also has become standard, the already seemingly endless credits are further extended via numerous deleted scenes, some of which are funnier than those that appear in the film proper. They make apparent that several performers, like Craig Bierko (doing a Wolverine parody) had their roles significantly cut.
SUPERHERO MOVIE
MGM
Dimension Films
Credits: Director-screenwriter: Craig Mazin; Producers: Craig Mazin, Robert K. Weiss, David Zucker; Executive producers: Matthew Stein, Harvey Weinstein, Bob Weinstein; Director of photography: Thomas E. Ackerman; Production designer: Bob Ziembicki; Music: James L. Venable; Co-producer: Scott Tomlinson; Costume designer: Carol Ramsey; Editor: Craig Herring. Cast: Rick Riker/Dragonfly: Drake Bell; Jill Johnson: Sara Paxton; Lou Landers/Hourglass; Christopher McDonald; Uncle Albert: Leslie Nielsen; Trey: Kevin Hart; Aunt Lucille: Marion Ross; Lance Landers: Ryan Hansen; Dr. Strom: Brent Spiner; The Invisible Girl: Pamela Anderson; Dr. Xavier: Tracy Morgan; Mrs. Xavier: Regina Hall; Human Torch: Simon Rex.
MPAA rating PG-13, running time 85 minutes.
- 3/28/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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