775 replies to this topic

[dodge]

Update: not much, but--as I've said before--we take what we can:

As for Church – Sly’s back in LA getting ready to start the editing process, look at what he has and what he may still need, if anything, and then make a plan to shoot Church and Arnold. Church will be shot on the east coast or perhaps LA…that is still TBD. Church is male not female os we can end that speculation as well.

As for Arnold, if you go back to the first press stattement I made regarding Arnold’s participation you will note he was to play himself in a brief cameo that would be shot in LA. That has not changed although Sly has bantered about several scenarios for Arnold that make his character more meaningful to the story. He is not an Expendable and I highly doubt he will be running around in swat gear brandishing a weapon…but anyting can happen! When it happens you can be sure I will keep you posted.

[Loomis]

$200 mil. The nose knows.

You are a bold fellow, dodge. Perhaps too bold, but then again the methods of the great pioneers have always baffled conventional minds. I fear, though, that a $200 million prediction is the kind of thing the nose knows only when a hefty dose of coke is travelling up it.

[Matt_13]

It'll all depend on the Ad Campaign. Statham and Li will bring some young people to the theater, but let's face it, at least with my generation when people hear that Stallone is making another movie, most just roll their eyes and say "Why?" I'll be there regardless, but if the it gets a PG 13 rating, I may have to think twice.

[Loomis]

let's face it, at least with my generation when people hear that Stallone is making another movie, most just roll their eyes and say "Why?"

Even trying to sell Stallone to friends who, like me, are in their thirties is like trying to sell sand to the Arabs. Heaven knows what today's iPod-toting youngsters must make of him. A preposterous, steroid-ridden old , most probably.

[Harmsway]

I fear, though, that a $200 million prediction is the kind of thing the nose knows only when a hefty dose of coke is travelling up it.

[JimmyBond]

let's face it, at least with my generation when people hear that Stallone is making another movie, most just roll their eyes and say "Why?"

Even trying to sell Stallone to friends who, like me, are in their thirties is like trying to sell sand to the Arabs. Heaven knows what today's iPod-toting youngsters must make of him. A preposterous, steroid-ridden old , most probably.

Are you kidding? When I hear that Stallone is making (and starring in) a film that is a throwback to the brainless action flicks from the 80's all I have to say is "I'll be ing there!"

[Matt_13]

Behind the scenes vid by a fan. Amazing.

[dodge]

Behind the scenes vid by a fan. Amazing.

That's what I'm talkin' about!

$200 mil. The nose knows.

You are a bold fellow, dodge. Perhaps too bold, but then again the methods of the great pioneers have always baffled conventional minds. I fear, though, that a $200 million prediction is the kind of thing the nose knows only when a hefty dose of coke is travelling up it.

Well, I don't drink Coke, so I'm having trouble envisioning it traveling up my nose. Carrot juice is more my style.

[JimmyBond]

I don't think he was talking about the kind of Coke you drink

[dodge]

Great shot of The Jetster here, along with some more pix of interest, I hope:

http://www.kungfucin...xpendables-9373

[Matt_13]

Nice pics, it's a shame Sly couldn't have gotten anything ready for CC. Oh well, we'll see something sooner or later.

[dinovelvet]

Great shot of The Jetster here, along with some more pix of interest, I hope:

http://www.kungfucin...xpendables-9373

Interesting one of Mickey giving Sly a tattoo(!)

[killkenny kid]

http://ethelmae.word...d-in-the-burgh/

[jrcjohnny99]

I agree, $200 is a very high number, it would have to have a lot of crossover appeal and pull in the teenage audience (the way 300 did) to get near that mark;
I would expect up to $140ish domestic but probably another $200+ international.
I would imagine if they pulled in over $300 worldwide they'd be pretty happy with that....and no doubt the sequel will follow in 2012..

[dodge]

Meanwhile, Rourke and Statham may be destined to pair up again. Film's title: Pretty, Baby, Machine(!)

PBM explores a pocket in time during the long, hot summer of 1933 provides the backdrop for a story that easily could have been. Prohibition is in full swing and Capone is king. Joseph Kennedy is building his empire, and John Dillinger is in jail. Three of the worlds most infamous gangsters, Pretty Boy Floyd, Baby Face Nelson and Machine Gun Kelly, each have a weak spot, someone -apparently Capone - has found each gangster's Achilles. The trio, make an uneasy pact to put their common foe in the dirt.But the difference between what PBM are led to believe and the truth is wide.

Rourke as Baby Face Nelson? Statham as Pretty Boy Floyd? Help me out here, some wise soul: what planet will this be set on?

[dodge]

In the utter and absolute absence of any significant news, I'm left to my own devices. And I plan to console myself by making up some news:

--After seeing the awesome footage, Stallone has scrapped any plans he'd had for retiring at age 65. Knowing now that he can rock for at least eight more years, Sly will devote himself exclusively to writing/directing/starring in six more EXPENDABLES pictures. Provided he's then given completely free rein to finally produce his Edgar Allen Poe script
--Mickey Rourke's brilliant cameo has already generated buzz of his landing on the cover of People as The Sexiest Man Alive.
--Jet Li's fight scenes with Dolph Lundgren have won such wild and screaming acclaim that talk has already begun of a spinoff series for Li.
--Eric Roberts' own great cameo has all Hollywood honchos talking. But the great man's rejecting all offers while reading an over the fence submission from a pint-sized fan named Dodge.

Oh well, a guy can dream while waiting for real news.

[Loomis]

I must say, I'm champing at the bit for a teaser trailer.

[Safari Suit]

It has some challenge now for the title of 2010's most surprising cast:
Scroll down to the third paragraph for info on Robert Rodriguez' Machete:
http://weblogs.varie...t-success-.html

Who thought they'd ever see De Niro and Seagal in a movie together? This will certainly be a step up for him...




...after Righteous Kill, arf, arf, arf

[dinovelvet]

It has some challenge now for the title of 2010's most surprising cast:
Scroll down to the third paragraph for info on Robert Rodriguez' Machete:
http://weblogs.varie...t-success-.html

Who thought they'd ever see De Niro and Seagal in a movie together? This will certainly be a step up for him...

I think Deniro is determined to be the new Brando by taking roles in increasingly terrible/bizarre films. I look forward to his equivalent of Dr. Moreau.

Interestingly I read yesterday that Al Pacino fired his agent. Gee, I wonder if that had anything to do with 88 minutes and Righteous kill?

[Loomis]

In the utter and absolute absence of any significant news, I'm left to my own devices. And I plan to console myself by making up some news:

--After seeing the awesome footage, Stallone has scrapped any plans he'd had for retiring at age 65. Knowing now that he can rock for at least eight more years, Sly will devote himself exclusively to writing/directing/starring in six more EXPENDABLES pictures. Provided he's then given completely free rein to finally produce his Edgar Allen Poe script
--Mickey Rourke's brilliant cameo has already generated buzz of his landing on the cover of People as The Sexiest Man Alive.
--Jet Li's fight scenes with Dolph Lundgren have won such wild and screaming acclaim that talk has already begun of a spinoff series for Li.
--Eric Roberts' own great cameo has all Hollywood honchos talking. But the great man's rejecting all offers while reading an over the fence submission from a pint-sized fan named Dodge.

Oh well, a guy can dream while waiting for real news.

Well, dodge, I'll make us both up some news from 2010:

AFTER THE SURPRISE $180 million gross and critical plaudits for The Expendables, Sylvester Stallone has announced that there will be at least two sequels. He is set to co-write and produce but not appear in Expendables 2, to be directed by Taken's Pierre Morel. Mickey Rourke will return, promoted to the starring role, with Robert De Niro rumoured to be playing the villain. Expendables 2 will shoot this summer in Paris and Tokyo, and is set for a May 2011 release.

"I'm sitting out Expendables 2, as an actor anyway," Stallone explains, "but I'll definitely be starring in Expendables 3. Will Rourke also be in the third one? That I can't say - I'd like to keep people in suspense as to how this series will develop. Jason Statham? Jet Li? No, I'm keeping my mouth shut. All I can tell you is that there will be at least two more films in this series, and it's possible we'll make even more. The cool thing is that the team concept allows me to sit out one film as an actor but return for the next one, and maybe write and direct as the mood takes me."

Stallone and Rourke are about to head off for Panama to shoot Rambo V, in which Rourke plays the villain, a role heavily rumoured to also be that of Rambo's brother, who stayed on in Vietnam and became a drug baron. Stallone refuses to elaborate on this, either, but, again, he does allow himself to bubble over with enthusiasm with his plans on extending the franchise.

"After Rambo V," he says, "we'll be doing a prequel. It shows how Rambo was drafted to Vietnam and became the one-man demolition derby he is. It won't be a popcorn action movie, but something darker and more sobering, like The Deer Hunter or Full Metal Jacket.

"I won't be playing Rambo, of course, but I intend to direct. David Morrell, who wrote the original novel First Blood, has written a script. It's amazing - full of action and suspense, but also very poignant. In fact, it takes me back to the first Rocky. It's the story of an underdog who doesn't have much in the way of brains or background, but he has incredible heart and determination to win through. He also has total loyalty to what he loves, in this case his country. But unlike Rocky, there's a bittersweet note to this story, because we know that Rambo is ultimately let down by his country and we know that he has many very troubled years ahead of him as he grows older.

"I want Billy Crudup to play Colonel Trautman. I've spoken to him and he says he'd love to do it."

In addition to Expendables 2 and 3 and the Rambo sequel and prequel, Stallone will release his long-awaited director's cut of Rocky Balboa on DVD and Blu-ray later this year. Rockys II - V will also arrive on Blu-ray in painstakingly remastered editions, delighting fans who have for years complained about the relatively poor picture and sound quality of the Rocky series on home video and DVD. He's also in negotiations to star in Vertical Run, an adaptation of the cult action novel, described as a DIE HARD for the 21st century, which is to be directed by Martin Campbell, and looks set to lead to yet another franchise.

I ask Stallone if he has any other ambitions. "Well," he says after a moment's thought, "I've got this script about Poe that I've been working on for about thirty years, and----" (No one's interested in your Poe, Sly - Ed.)

[JimmyBond]

Reading between the lines there Loomis, it seems you'd prefer a directors cut of Rocky Balboa? May I ask why? I thought the film we got was pretty entertaining and a great cap for the series.

Also, what do you have against his Poe biopic? Being a huge fan of the author myself, I'd love to see someone put his life up on screen.

[dinovelvet]

LOL @ Loomis' post.

BTW have you seen Paradise Alley, Loomis? I caught the beginning of it on tv the other day in the wee hours but I had to turn in. Worth a look? Its from his post-Rocky/pre-Rambo serious dramatic auteur phase, and I figured since he was playing a character named Cosmo Carboni that it was a must-see.

[Loomis]

Reading between the lines there Loomis, it seems you'd prefer a directors cut of Rocky Balboa? May I ask why? I thought the film we got was pretty entertaining and a great cap for the series.

Indeed it is.

But, having seen the deleted scenes on the DVD, I'm convinced that a director's cut would be worthwhile.

There's one scene in particular between Balboa and Steps that really delves into the film's theme of loss, and it features a piece of such great acting by Stallone that it's remarkable it wasn't retained for that reason alone. In this scene (I think Rocko and Steps are moving furniture around, if memory serves), it's clear that Balboa views himself as - ultimately - a failure, which is something that the theatrical cut doesn't quite make explicit. And this scene creates a bond between Rocky and Steps that in the theatrical edit appears to just come out of nowhere.

Were they to be reinstated, I believe that this and other scenes would enhance the film (the deleted scenes make clear that Paulie lives with Rocky, whereas there's nothing to suggest that in the theatrical version), deepen the pathos (Rocky's initial miserable attempts at training for the Dixon fight, which show just how out-of-shape he's become, might have come across as so much "comic relief" - and indeed certain people may interpret it that way - but they're actually genuinely sad), and also clear up some pacing issues. Regarding the pacing, here's an example: in the film as it stands, when Rocky and Steps visit the dog pound, it seems rather abrupt - what are they doing here all of a sudden? They've only just met (more or less) and already Balboa is taking him shopping for dogs? It's at this point that you sense the absence of scenes sacrified for leaner running time. Also, in the flick as is, when Paulie throws a tantrum in the restaurant and Rocky follows him to the alley outside, this episode appears to end suddenly and with no obvious resolution beyond the fact that the characters have clearly calmed themselves down by the end of it. Why? Well, the DVD deleted scenes show us why: an emotional dialogue scene between Paulie and Rocky outside the restaurant was cut.

There's also a wonderful, audience-pleasing visual gag that references the first ROCKY. It was clearly intended for inclusion right at the start, and would have really made viewers warm to Balboa - heaven knows why it was dropped.

There's also a fine scene involving Andy the Bartender (Don Sherman) from ROCKYs I, III and V - I don't know whether his ROCKY BALBOA work remained entirely on the cutting room floor, but if not then you certainly can't see much of him in the film as it is. Again, this isn't just trainspottery stuff for ROCKY obsessives - it's a scene that actually has a point, and it works very well.

A director's cut of ROCKY BALBOA would result in a more mournful film that made the viewer really feel and spend time with Rocky's bleakness. That being said, there's also an alternate ending that could be used, absurd though it is (yep, you guessed it, Rocky wins the fight).

A couple of years ago, Stallone was talking about doing a director's cut of ROCKY BALBOA - indeed, he promises it on his DVD commentary track. Strangely, while there's been no further word on this, Sly did quite recently show his director's cut of RAMBO (2008) at some film festival or other (in Switzerland, I think it was), entitled JOHN RAMBO. What's odd about this is that, to the best of my knowledge, there's no more than a couple of minutes of relatively uninteresting footage to be reincorporated into RAMBO.

Also, what do you have against his Poe biopic? Being a huge fan of the author myself, I'd love to see someone put his life up on screen.

Fair enough. In that case, the following may interest you:

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/41947

BTW have you seen Paradise Alley, Loomis? I caught the beginning of it on tv the other day in the wee hours but I had to turn in. Worth a look?

I've seen PARADISE ALLEY just once. I absolutely loved it.

However, I saw it about 25 years ago, when I was but a child. I don't think it has a very high reputation - most people seem to think it's a bit of stinker, but I'd definitely check it out again if it came on TV. If you're a Stallone sympathiser, you'll probably enjoy it. I don't know whether I'd be quite so wild about it as an adult - my critical faculties have come a long way since my childhood (or at least I like to think they have). But I suspect PARADISE ALLEY is at any rate a heck of a lot better than some of Sly's truly unwatchable flicks such as ASSASSINS, D-TOX and JUDGE DREDD.

If you're looking for a semi-forgotten gem from that period of Stallone's career, I strongly recommend NIGHTHAWKS. It's a great little film, and Sly gives a very impressive performance as a character unlike any other he's ever played.

All of which reminds me: I still haven't seen F.I.S.T. Must check it out.

[JimmyBond]

Thanks for tha link, it's certainly something worth looking forward to. Though I echo Merrick's comments in that I would have loved to see Sly make his version.

And as for Balboa, chalk that up to the studio. They wanted a short film, and I suppose Stallone just had to make sacrifices to appease them. I've never been against a directors cut (I to am aware of most of the cut stuff) and would welcome one with open arms, but I'm not sure there's too much of a chance of it happening.

Then that would open the floodgates, if a studio is willing to let him release a directors cut of Balboa, does that mean he'll put footage back into the first five? I'm not sure I want to rebuy the whole series (but I would double dip if he released a Balboa directors cut).

[Loomis]

Well, bear in mind that it was Stallone himself who was promising a ROCKY BALBOA director's cut. He sounded pretty definite about it at the time. It sounded like a concrete project that was in the works, as opposed to a case of "Gee, y'know, I'd love to do a director's cut some day".

As for opening the floodgates, I don't think there were or ever will be plans to re-edit ROCKYs I - V. (Although there are some very good - one might almost say surprisingly good - deleted scenes on YouTube from ROCKY V, which Stallone didn't direct. Again, they'd deepen the film's pathos if they were brought back.)

If Stallone were able to do a director's cut of BALBOA, it doesn't follow that he'd want to do the same for the other ROCKYs, especially as he seems to consider BALBOA the only "true" sequel to the first film.

[dodge]

It has some challenge now for the title of 2010's most surprising cast:
Scroll down to the third paragraph for info on Robert Rodriguez' Machete:
http://weblogs.varie...t-success-.html

Who thought they'd ever see De Niro and Seagal in a movie together? This will certainly be a step up for him...

I think Deniro is determined to be the new Brando by taking roles in increasingly terrible/bizarre films. I look forward to his equivalent of Dr. Moreau.

Interestingly I read yesterday that Al Pacino fired his agent. Gee, I wonder if that had anything to do with 88 minutes and Righteous kill?

Well, I certainly hope so. And there may be something to it, since I can't buy the same agent's being responsible for those two stinkers--and AP's starring in a film about...Salvador Dali.

[dodge]

In the utter and absolute absence of any significant news, I'm left to my own devices. And I plan to console myself by making up some news:

--After seeing the awesome footage, Stallone has scrapped any plans he'd had for retiring at age 65. Knowing now that he can rock for at least eight more years, Sly will devote himself exclusively to writing/directing/starring in six more EXPENDABLES pictures. Provided he's then given completely free rein to finally produce his Edgar Allen Poe script
--Mickey Rourke's brilliant cameo has already generated buzz of his landing on the cover of People as The Sexiest Man Alive.
--Jet Li's fight scenes with Dolph Lundgren have won such wild and screaming acclaim that talk has already begun of a spinoff series for Li.
--Eric Roberts' own great cameo has all Hollywood honchos talking. But the great man's rejecting all offers while reading an over the fence submission from a pint-sized fan named Dodge.

Oh well, a guy can dream while waiting for real news.

Well, dodge, I'll make us both up some news from 2010:

AFTER THE SURPRISE $180 million gross and critical plaudits for The Expendables, Sylvester Stallone has announced that there will be at least two sequels. He is set to co-write and produce but not appear in Expendables 2, to be directed by Taken's Pierre Morel. Mickey Rourke will return, promoted to the starring role, with Robert De Niro rumoured to be playing the villain. Expendables 2 will shoot this summer in Paris and Tokyo, and is set for a May 2011 release.

"I'm sitting out Expendables 2, as an actor anyway," Stallone explains, "but I'll definitely be starring in Expendables 3. Will Rourke also be in the third one? That I can't say - I'd like to keep people in suspense as to how this series will develop. Jason Statham? Jet Li? No, I'm keeping my mouth shut. All I can tell you is that there will be at least two more films in this series, and it's possible we'll make even more. The cool thing is that the team concept allows me to sit out one film as an actor but return for the next one, and maybe write and direct as the mood takes me."

Stallone and Rourke are about to head off for Panama to shoot Rambo V, in which Rourke plays the villain, a role heavily rumoured to also be that of Rambo's brother, who stayed on in Vietnam and became a drug baron. Stallone refuses to elaborate on this, either, but, again, he does allow himself to bubble over with enthusiasm with his plans on extending the franchise.

"After Rambo V," he says, "we'll be doing a prequel. It shows how Rambo was drafted to Vietnam and became the one-man demolition derby he is. It won't be a popcorn action movie, but something darker and more sobering, like The Deer Hunter or Full Metal Jacket.

"I won't be playing Rambo, of course, but I intend to direct. David Morrell, who wrote the original novel First Blood, has written a script. It's amazing - full of action and suspense, but also very poignant. In fact, it takes me back to the first Rocky. It's the story of an underdog who doesn't have much in the way of brains or background, but he has incredible heart and determination to win through. He also has total loyalty to what he loves, in this case his country. But unlike Rocky, there's a bittersweet note to this story, because we know that Rambo is ultimately let down by his country and we know that he has many very troubled years ahead of him as he grows older.

"I want Billy Crudup to play Colonel Trautman. I've spoken to him and he says he'd love to do it."

In addition to Expendables 2 and 3 and the Rambo sequel and prequel, Stallone will release his long-awaited director's cut of Rocky Balboa on DVD and Blu-ray later this year. Rockys II - V will also arrive on Blu-ray in painstakingly remastered editions, delighting fans who have for years complained about the relatively poor picture and sound quality of the Rocky series on home video and DVD. He's also in negotiations to star in Vertical Run, an adaptation of the cult action novel, described as a DIE HARD for the 21st century, which is to be directed by Martin Campbell, and looks set to lead to yet another franchise.

I ask Stallone if he has any other ambitions. "Well," he says after a moment's thought, "I've got this script about Poe that I've been working on for about thirty years, and----" (No one's interested in your Poe, Sly - Ed.)

Very interesting, Loomis. But I'm still buffaloed by your take on SS's not starring in THE EXPENDABLES 2. I'm assuming that it's wishful thinking, freeing Sly to pursue other projects. Me, I want him ball-and-chained to the brilliant new franchise. We've had ROCKY, we've had RAMBO--now let those go, Sly, both of them, and pursue your life's real destiny: the greatest action film ever...times six!

Further news, this just in:
--SS has just announced a series of franchises, launching before the 6th EXPENDABLES film and before the spin-off TV series...starring a buff and miraculously tanned David Caruso. Three franchises are planned at the time of this report: an EXPENDABLES tattoo parlor chain, a martial arts chain, and a cafe chain specializing in such near-lethal espressos as these: The Jugular...The Kill Shot...The Heart Grenade...

[dinovelvet]

Well yours truly has just taken a gander at the script (or, at least an early version) of The Expendables. Weighing in at a surprisingly epic 139 pages, Sly has crafted exactly what its been hyped up to be : an 80s action throwback. There's nothing in here that suggests any CGI will be used, all of the action consists of gunplay and/or men going mano a mano.

Surprisingly, even though its been billed as a team/ensemble piece, its almost a Sly/Statham buddy pic. Statham's character gets far more screen time than the rest of the mob, and he gets the token romantic interest subplot. However, Sly does reserve a couple of true badass moments for himself.

I'm not sure how much has changed though, as in the version I read, Eric Roberts' character was a woman, and there was no sign of Mickey Rourke's role. We also have "Richard", a latino gay Expendable(!) who I think has been written out, or at least heavily altered. There were also scenes taking place in Tijuana which I assume have now been relocated to New Orleans. The mysterious "Church" is in it though (it's a non-action role), but no sign of a certain Austrian.

So yeah overall it should be a lot of fun. Is there anything specific that anyone wants to know about it?

[JimmyBond]

How big is Li's role? From the advertising he's getting as much coverage as Sly and Statham, so I would think he'd have the third biggest role in the film, if what you say about Statham's role is true.

Edit: Ah what the hell, I'll be the one to ask this. Is it written with an R rating in mind? Aside from it being overtly violent, is there a lot of swearing in it too?

[Loomis]

Well yours truly has just taken a gander at the script (or, at least an early version) of The Expendables. Weighing in at a surprisingly epic 139 pages, Sly has crafted exactly what its been hyped up to be : an 80s action throwback. There's nothing in here that suggests any CGI will be used, all of the action consists of gunplay and/or men going mano a mano.

Surprisingly, even though its been billed as a team/ensemble piece, its almost a Sly/Statham buddy pic. Statham's character gets far more screen time than the rest of the mob, and he gets the token romantic interest subplot. However, Sly does reserve a couple of true badass moments for himself.

I'm not sure how much has changed though, as in the version I read, Eric Roberts' character was a woman, and there was no sign of Mickey Rourke's role. We also have "Richard", a latino gay Expendable(!) who I think has been written out, or at least heavily altered. There were also scenes taking place in Tijuana which I assume have now been relocated to New Orleans. The mysterious "Church" is in it though (it's a non-action role), but no sign of a certain Austrian.

So yeah overall it should be a lot of fun. Is there anything specific that anyone wants to know about it?

Everything. And nothing. I'm envious of you for having read the script, but at the same time I think I'll try to go into this one unspoilered (as wasn't the case with ROCKY BALBOA and RAMBO, for which I was as spoilered as it's possible to be).

Just one little question, though, just for fun. Shouldn't ruin the movie. Does the script explain why the Expendables have those flamboyant tattoos?