Thompson on Hollywood

'Star Trek' Guru J.J. Abrams Directing 'Star Wars' Ignites Reaction: Why He Can Do Both

News

Emotions are running high with the news that J.J. Abrams will direct the newest installment of "Star Wars," due in theaters in 2015. Below, a roundup from the web, including Abrams' past words about his reservations to direct the storied franchise, rumors of other directors, a selection of amusing Tweets from fans, and more.

By Anne Thompson and Beth Hanna
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January 25, 2013 2:27 PM
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Cesar Nominations Announced, 'Camille Redouble' Leads with 13, 'Amour' Gets 10, 'Argo' Nabs Foreign-Language Nod

Awards

Nominations for the Cesar Awards, France's equivalent to the Oscar, have been announced. Noemie Lvovsky's "Camille Redouble" scored 13 nominations, while Michael Haneke's "Amour" received 10. Leos Carax's "Holy Motors," Benoit Jacquot's "Farewell, My Queen," and Jacques Audiard's "Rust & Bone" also scored Best Picture nods.

By Beth Hanna
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January 25, 2013 2:00 PM
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JFK Assassination Pic 'Parkland' Begins Lensing in Austin with Giamatti, Thornton, Weaver, Harden, Strong, Haley and Hanks

News

JFK assassination film "Parkland," adapted from author and former prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi's book "Reclaiming History: The Assassination of John F. Kennedy," has begun shooting in Austin, Texas. The film stars Paul Giamatti, Billy Bob Thornton, Jacki Weaver, Marcia Gay Harden, Zac Efron, Jeremy Strong, Jackie Earle Haley...

By Sophia Savage
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January 25, 2013 1:56 PM
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Weinstein Co. Begins Production on 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' Sequel in May

News

The Weinstein Company will reportedly start production in May on a sequel to Ang Lee's Oscar-winning "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." Lee is not returning to helm the film; directing reins will instead go to veteran Chinese director Ronny Yu.

By Beth Hanna
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January 25, 2013 12:54 PM
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Leonard Maltin to Host 3-D Creative Arts Awards, Ang Lee Honored with Creative Achievement Award for 'Life of Pi'

News

Renowned critic, author and film historian Leonard Maltin will host the International 3-D Society's fourth annual 3-D Creative Arts Awards on February 6.

By Beth Hanna
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January 25, 2013 12:43 PM
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Sundance Deal: IFC Picks Up 'Ain't Them Bodies Saints'

News

IFC has sealed a deal for U.S. rights to David Lowery's Sundance favorite "Ain't Them Bodies Saints." The acquisition reportedly came after a battle involving the company and three other distributors that lasted through the night of January 24 and into the morning of the 25th.

By Beth Hanna
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January 25, 2013 12:11 PM
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Sundance Review Roundup: 'Blue Caprice' an Eerie Thriller Exploring the 2002 Beltway Snipers

Reviews

Critics are raving about Sundance NEXT section entry "Blue Caprice," directed by Alexandre Moors and based on the 2002 sniper attacks in Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia. The film is an "eerie, disquieting, veritie-style exploration" of the killers' psychologies, while refusing any easy thrills. Roundup below.

By Beth Hanna
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January 25, 2013 11:40 AM
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Trailers from Hell: Brian Trenchard-Smith on Hammer's 'Pirates of Blood River'

Video

Get Hammered! week concludes at Trailers from Hell with director Brian Trenchard-Smith introducing the Brit horror studio's "The Pirates of Blood River," in which Hammer regular Christopher Lee steals the show as a ruthless pirate captain invading an island settlement looking for treasure.

By Trailers From Hell
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January 25, 2013 10:55 AM
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Sundance: Magnolia Eyeing 'V/H/S' Anthology Sequel 'S-VHS'

News

Magnolia is set to press play with "S-VHS," the sequel to horror anthology "V/H/S." The new pic includes entries from directors Simon Barrett, Adam Wingard, Eduardo Sanchez and Gregg Hale, Jason Eisener, and Gareth Huw Evans and Timo Tjahjanto.

By Sophia Savage
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January 24, 2013 4:52 PM
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Paul Thomas Anderson and Joaquin Phoenix May Reteam for 1969-Set Comedy 'Inherent Vice'

News

Joaquin Phoenix is in talks to star in Paul Thomas Anderson's next film, "Inherent Vice." The duo's "The Master" topped many high-brow Best of 2012 lists, and Phoenix even got an Oscar nomination despite his disdain for campaigning and his opinion that awards are "total utter bullshit."