B.O. Preview: American Sniper Set to Slay Depp's Mortdecai
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JANUARY 23, 2015 Page 1 of 9
Da
i ly
B.O. Preview: American Sniper
Set to Slay Depp’s Mortdecai
By Pamela McClintock
J
oh n n y Depp ’s n ew e st f i l m,
Mortdecai, could quickly find itself
in trouble when opening in more
than 2,600 theaters today, continuing
the actor’s losing streak at the domestic
box office.
The $60 million, R-rated comedy may
not clear $10 million in its debut, putting
it behind holdover war drama American
Sniper, as well as new entries The Boy Next
Door, a psychological thriller starring
Jennifer Lopez, and the George Lucas-
produced family film Strange Magic. That
would mark Depp’s third dud following
last year’s Transcendence and 2013’s The
Lone Ranger (he does have a small role
in box-office win Into the Woods, currently
Johnny Depp comedy Mortdecai, which cost $60 million to make, may not clear $10 million in its opening weekend.
in theaters).
Lionsgate and OddLot Entertainment rumored to contain the code to a lost bank novel Don’t Point that Thing at Me.
had high hopes for Mortdecai, directed account filled with Nazi gold. Gwyneth American Sniper is poised to remain a
by David Koepp and starring Depp as a Paltrow, Ewan McGregor, Olivia Munn, giant in its second weekend and take in as
debonair art dealer and part-time rogue Jeff Goldblum and Paul Bettany also star much as $50 million, putting its domestic
who races to recover a stolen painting in the film adaptation of Kyril Bonfiglioli’s s e e pa g e 2
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM
@ H O L LY W O O D R E P O R T E RJANUARY 23, 2015 Page 2 of 9
movie news
The actor is being courted by Marvel
Hallstrom to helm boy21
F r o m pa g e 1
total north of $170 million after just 10 to take on an unspecified role in the
days in nationwide release.
Boy Next Door could do as much as
$15 million in business, putting it at
company’s Doctor Strange, The Holly-
wood Reporter has learned, and could
join Benedict Cumberbatch, who is
For Heller, Green shingle
By Borys Kit and Tatiana Siegel
No. 2 and marking another win for starring as surgeon-turned- Tom Heller , one of the executive
Universal’s deal with Jason Blum’s sorcerer supreme Stephen producers of the Oscar-nominated film
Blumhouse Productions. Directed by Strange, aka Doctor Strange. Foxcatcher, and producer-director Frank
Rob Cohen (The Fast and the Furious), Talks are said to be in the Hall Green have teamed to launch pro-
the R-rated pic explores what happens early stages, and Marvel had duction company Catch & Release Films.
when forbidden attraction goes too far. Ejiofor
no comment. The company is starting
Strange Magic is something of a wild Character and plot details off with a bang, develop-
card, since it is the only new offering for are being kept hidden from the all-seeing ing an adaptation of the
families. It is tracking to debut in the Eye of Agamotto. best-selling Matthew Quick
$10 million range, but could easily do Several sources have intoned that novel Boy21 with Lasse
more, even in the face of competition from Ejiofor is wanted for a villainous role, Hallstrom attached to helm. Heller
holdover Paddington. From a story by but some insiders have pooh-poohed Nicholl Fellowship winner
Lucas, the film is an animated romp set that idea. The villain is likely to be classic Andrew Lanham is writing
in a whimsical land of potions, goblins and bad-guy Baron Mordo, a sorcerer’s pupil the script.
fairies that’s loosely inspired by William whose next in line status is usurped by In a culture that tends to
Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Strange, thus becoming the physician’s favor tentpoles and genre
Strange Magic was already in the works mortal enemy. movies, Heller and Green Green
when Disney swooped in and bought If Marvel feels like mixing up eth- are swimming in the oppo-
Lucasfilm in 2012, but the pic was kept nicities, a potential role could be that site direction. The duo plan to acquire
on the QT until last fall, when Disney of Wong, the monk servant to Strange rights to and develop literary material,
announced a Jan. 23 release. The voice who is adept in martial arts. Yet another articles and life rights for adaptation, as
cast includes Evan Rachel Wood, Alan possibility is the role of the Ancient One, well as filmmaker-driven screenplays, and
Cumming, Kristin Chenoweth, Maya a semi-immortal mystic who mentors package the projects from the ground up.
Rudolph, Meredith Anne Bull, Alfred Strange and is the Sorcerer Supreme Their goal is to make unique, thought-
Molina and Elijah Kelley, who sing new of this dimension. provoking but commercial films with
versions of pop and classic-rock songs. Scott Derrickson is directing the film, both established and up-and-coming
New offerings at the specialty box office which is in the early stages of casting and filmmakers, who, similar to the source
include Kevin Macdonald’s R-rated sub- will shoot after Captain America: Civil War, material, have something to say.
marine thriller Black Sea, starring Jude according to sources. Doctor Strange has The longtime friends will be based
Law. Focus Features is opening the film a release date of Nov. 4, 2016. in New York and draw on a significant
in three theaters in New York and Los Ejiofor was reportedly due to play fund to develop and finance films.
Angeles before expanding it nationwide a villain in the upcoming James Bond Boy21, from the author of Silver
next week. movie, Spectre, but talks never reached Linings Playbook, which was adapted
And Roadside Attractions is launching the dealmaking phase. into the Oscar-winning 2012 hit that
Xavier Dolan’s Mommy in four theaters in Ejiofor, who was nominated for a best starred Bradley Cooper and Jennifer
New York and Los Angeles. The critically actor Oscar for his performance in 2013’s Lawrence, centers on the unique friend-
acclaimed Canadian drama is nominated 12 Years a Slave, has already notched a ship between two high-school basketball
for an Independent Spirit Award for best number of villainous roles on his thespian players who have suffered significant
foreign film. sash, notably in Joss Whedon’s Serenity tragedies in their lives. The boys’ un-
(2005) and Alfonso Cuaron’s Children likely friendship and one’s love for a
Marvel Courting Ejiofor of Men (2006). The actor is currently
shooting The Martian for Ridley Scott
special woman enable each of them to
overcome the burdens of their past and
for Doctor Strange role
By Borys Kit
and stars in Z for Zachariah, which is set
to premiere Saturday at the Sundance
Film Festival.
embrace a different path for themselves.
The book is described as being gritty
but heartwarming, and the story tackles
Osca r nominee Chi w etel Ej iofor Ejiofor is repped by CAA and Hirsch themes of love, hope and redemption. The
could join his first comic-book movie. Wallerstein. s e e pa g e 3JANUARY 23, 2015 Page 3 of 9
movie news
F r o m pa g e 2 HBO one-man show John Leguizamo’s another comedy, Dirty Grandpa, with
tone is akin to The Fault in Our Stars and Ghetto Klown. Robert De Niro.
Good Will Hunting. Hallstrom is repped by UTA and Efron is repped by CAA, Alchemy
Hallstrom’s boarding of the project attorney David Nochimson. Lanham is Entertainment and Felker Toczek.
takes the director back to the land of his repped by UTA.
earlier, more serious dramas such as The
Cider House Rules and My Life as a Dog.
Efron Set to Topline PGA Reveals Short-Film
Heller has some impressive credits
on his résumé. He was an executive pro-
ducer on Lee Daniels’ Precious, Danny Fox’s Mike and Dave Competition Winners
By Michael Walker
Boyle’s Oscar-nominated 127 Hours, By Rebecca Ford T i m W en a n d Ch i di On y e j u ru wa
Tom McCarthy’s Win Win and Indie Z ac Ef ron is w edded to a n ew are the winners of this year’s Make Your
Spirit Award-winning Mud. film project. Mark short film competition, sponsored
Most recently, Heller executive pro- The Neighbors actor will star in Fox’s by the Producers Guild of America and
duced Foxcatcher, which received five upcoming comedy Mike and Dave Need Cadillac.
Oscar nominations. Heller discovered Wedding Dates, The Holly- Judges including Kathy Bates, Michael
the source material for the story in 2004 wood Reporter has confirmed. Douglas and Danny DeVito awarded the
and acquired life rights to Olympic The Chernin Entertain- duo the top prize for Symphony of Senses,
wrestler Mark Schultz’s story. Showing ment project will be helmed their short about a seven-year-old enter-
massive chutzpah, he next approached by Jake Szymanski and is taining his grandfather. Wen directed and
Capote filmmaker Bennett Miller, who Efron
slated to hit theaters on co-produced the film with Onyejuruwa.
was known for his affinity for true- July 29, 2016. Written by Producer Bruce Cohen, who won the
crime dramas and eccentric characters, Andrew J. Cohen and Brendan O’Brien, best picture Oscar for American Beauty,
at a book signing with a packet of clip- the pic centers on two brothers who post mentored Wen and Onyejuruwa during
pings and the rest, as they say, is history. an online ad for wedding dates. the production.
Green is an indie producer who is Peter Chernin, David Ready, Jenno Symphony will be screened Saturday
just coming off of his directorial debut, Topping and Jonathan Levine are prod- during the PGA Awards at the Century
Wildlike. The movie was produced by ucing. Cohen and O’Brien are executive Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles. A portion
Christine Vachon and her Killer Films producing. Daria Cercek is overseeing of film will be shown in Cadillac’s 30-
as well as Tandem Pictures, and stars at Fox. second spot that will air on ABC during
Ella Purnell, Bruce Greenwood and Efron has been doing strong comedy the Oscars on Feb. 22.
Brian Geraghty. Green is also producing work as of late, including last year’s That The Make Your Mark competition
Remittance for writers/directors Joel Awkward Moment and Neighbors (the Seth honors the work of Oscar-winning film-
Fendelman and Patrick Daly. He also Rogen comedy earned $268.2 million maker Saul Zaentz (The English Patient),
recently produced the award-winning worldwide). Efron is currently filming who died last year.
Taking you inside the world of independent film.
LIVE @ THR.COM/INDIEJANUARY 23, 2015 Page 4 of 9
sundance 2015
Fest Founder Redford ahead of its Sundance premiere.
Two mismatched personal trainers’
lives are twisted by a newly rich client,
on Diversity, Change Danny (Kevin Corrigan). Danny is a mis-
erable divorced man with a hefty bank
account. As he searches for a balance
By Stacey Wilson Life Itself and this year with the push by between wealth and happiness, his path
PARK CITY, Utah — “Diversity” and CNN Films to spark debate with timely gets tangled with a local gym owner,
“change” were the buzzwords Thursday pics like The Hunting Ground, which Trevor (Guy Pearce), and trainer Kat,
at the opening-day press conference of examines rape on college campuses. (Cobie Smulders).
the 30th Sundance Film “I’ve always been committed to the Andrew Bujalski wrote and directed
Festival. Founder Robert journey of documentaries,” said Redford. Results. Sam Slater, Paul Bernon and
Redford was joined by fest “Where is the truth anymore? Where is Houston King produced the film with
director John Cooper and the chance to slow down and really exam- David Bernon, Sev Ohanian, and Greg
Sundance Institute director ine how you feel about something? Docs Stewart as executive producers. Magnolia
Redford
Keri Putnam for a conver- are long-form journalism. They give this is eyeing a summer release.
sation that touched on chance. That’s why we have pushing our “We’ve been longtime fans of Andrew
distribution and fest highlights but also documentary lab. It’s all about the growth Bujalski, one of the most distinctive
current events. of the festival.” American directors working today,” said
Redford’s film A Walk In the Woods is Magnolia president Eamonn Bowles.
set to premiere today at the fest. “It’s weird.
Very weird,” he said when asked about pro- A24 films circling “We are incredibly excited to be handling
Results, especially with the stellar cast
moting a pic at the very event he created.
When asked why there is such a dis-
connect between the diversity of film-
true-story pic tour
By Rebecca Ford
he’s assembled.”
The deal was negotiated by Mag-
nolia senior vp acquisitions Dori Begley
makers at the fest and the business of PARK CITY, Utah — A24 Films is in and director of acquisitions John Von
Hollywood — most recently seen in the talks to acquire The End of the Tour Thaden with ICM Partners on behalf
dearth of non-white acting and direct- ahead of the film’s premiere at the fest. of the filmmakers.
ing nominees for this year’s Oscars — The deal, when it closes, will reunite
the panelists displayed rare candor.
“If we knew the answer to that ques-
the distributor with director James Pon-
soldt, who helmed The Spectacular Now, THR to Host Photo,
tion, we’d be publicizing it widely,” said
Putnam. “We have spent a lot of time
thinking about this — in terms of gender
which premiered at Sundance and was
then released by A24 in 2013.
End is based on a published memoir
Video Studio at Fest
Staff report
diversity as well — and I think there is written by Rolling Stone reporter David The Holly wood Reporter sa i d
a huge pipeline of talent out there, but Lipsky about his personal five-day inter- Thursday that it will host an exclusive
somewhere along the way, they fall out view with Infinite Jest author David Foster photo and video studio at this year’s
of the business.” Wallace. Jesse Eisenberg stars as inter- Sundance Film Festival, with top actors
Cooper added wryly: “[Selma helmer] viewer Lipsky, while Jason Segel stars and filmmakers stopping by for video
Ava DuVernay won best director here for as his subject, Wallace. interviews and photo shoots. The studio,
Middle of Nowhere. That’s all [I’ll say.]” Paul Green, Donald Marguiles and sponsored by American Airlines, will
The panel also address the encroaching Ann Ruark are executive producers. run today through Monday at Rock and
confluence of TV and indie filmmaking. UTA and WME Global are repping Reilly’s on Main Street in Park City, Utah.
Redford said he started his career on the the project, which is set to bow today. A-listers set to attend include Lisa Ku-
small screen and is a “big fan” of what drow, Taylor Schilling, Jason Schwartz-
companies like Amazon are doing to push
the medium. “There are more opportu- Magnolia wrangles man, Jason Segel, Jack Black, Ethan
Hawke, Kristen Wiig, Lena Dunham,
nities for artists. I think TV is advancing
faster than filmmaking,” he said.
Also discussed was the growing influ-
Rights to Results
By Rebecca Ford
Toni Collette, Michael Fassbender,
Keanu Reeves, James Franco, Spike Lee
and Lily Tomlin. Exclusive interviews,
ence of documentary films at the fest, PARK CITY, Utah — Magnolia Pictures video and photos of the talent will be
showcased last year in Roger Ebert doc has acquired worldwide rights to Results available at THR.com/sundance.JANUARY 23, 2015 Page 5 of 9
business news
DreamWorks Animation
Trims Slate to Two Pics Per Year
By Paul Bond and Gregg Kilday may have expanded too quickly, given wide, has been contending with poor
Dr e a m Wor k s A n i m at ion h a s its declining financial performance financial performance. In its first three
announced a restructuring plan for its of late, and CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg quarters of 2014, it posted a 10 percent
film business, including trimming its acknowledged as much during a con- decline in revenue to $450.4 million and
slate to two films a year. As part of the ference call on Thursday, promising to a net loss of $46.4 million compared to a
restructuring, marketing spend more of his time on movies. profit of $37.9 million a year prior.
chief Dawn Taubin and COO “We want to get back to basics here Reflecting the poor financial results,
Mark Zoradi are exiting the and just do an outstanding job on two the company’s stock has fallen 39 percent
company and vice chairman movies a year,” said Katzenberg. “Much in the past 12 months, though shares rose
Lew Coleman is retiring. of my time and efforts in the last couple 3 percent on Thursday and an additional
In an effort to bring Katzenberg
years have been focused on expanding 3 percent after the closing bell when the
down costs as it eliminates the company into these other businesses restructuring was announced.
about 500 jobs — or 18 percent of its ... it’s now time for me to turn my atten- As a result of reducing its feature-
entire staff — the studio said Thursday tion back to the core business.”
film production, which will result in the
that, beginning in 2016, it will focus While Train Your Dragon 2, which loss of 500 jobs across all divisions of the
its efforts on one original film and one Arnold produced, was the highest- company, DWA said it expects to incur a
sequel per year. grossing animated pic of 2014, taking in pre-tax charge of approximately $290 mil-
The newly announced lineup consists $619 million worldwide, DWA has taken lion, about $60 million of which will go
of the sequel Kung Fu Panda 3, set for write-downs on recent underperformers toward severance payments and charges
release on March 18, 2016, followed by Mr. Peabody & Sherman, Rise of the Guard- associated with moving employees to its
an original Trolls on Nov. 4, 2016. The ians and Turbo. Glendale campus.
following year will bring Boss Baby on On Thursday, Katzenberg said the “This consolidation will not only
Jan. 13, 2017, and The Croods 2 will open company will take yet another write- lower our cost structure, it will foster
on Dec. 22, 2017. For 2018, the studio has down, this time $80 million, including better collaboration, maximizing cre-
set The Larrikins to bow on Feb. 16, 2018, $55 million mostly due to weak results for ativity while also driving efficiency,”
and How to Train Your Dragon 3 is slated Penguins of Madagascar though some of said Katzenberg.
to debut June 29, 2018. that is also related, again, to Mr. Peabody With the restructuring, the studio
DreamWorks is outsourcing another & Sherman. should save about $30 million this year
project, Captain Underpants, based on Katzenberg also said the company’s and about $60 million annually by 2017,
the children’s novel series by Dav Pikey, studio in Northern California will be shut executives said Thursday.
which, it said, “will be produced at a sig- down and consolidated onto its Glendale The restructuring comes after nego-
nificantly lower cost.” It will be released headquarters and about half of the “key tiations to sell the studio did not yield
in 2017 and much of the production will talent” there will be offered the opportu- results. Katzenberg had merger discus-
take place overseas. nity to relocate. sions with Japanese telecommunications
The studio’s next film, Home, its lone “While I couldn’t be more confident firm SoftBank, toymaker Hasbro and
release for 2015, will be released domes- for the future, I’m deeply saddened by conglomerate 21st Century Fox.
tically on March 27. the fact that we’ll be losing so many The company hired Zoradi, a former
The new DWA slate will be overseen treasured, loyal, inspired and valued president of the Walt Disney Studios
by Bonnie Arnold and Mireille Soria, members of the DreamWorks Anima- Motion Picture Group, in July, and
who were named co-presidents as chief tion family,” said Katzenberg. Katzenberg on Thursday addressed his
creative officer Bill Damaschke stepped The CEO also said the studio plans decision to let the COO go after a mere
down from his position on Jan. 4. to spend about $120 million for the pro- seven months on the job.
The studio, which in the past few duction of each original film, down from ‘We were top-heavy,” said Katzenberg.
years has beefed up its TV and digital $145 million. “We have too much corporate staff here.”
businesses and acquired companies like The company, which currently has After the layoffs, DWA will employ
Classic Media and Awesomeness TV, approximately 2,700 employees world- about 2,200 people worldwide.JANUARY 23, 2015 Page 6 of 9
tv news
CBS Casts Benoist tion series’ upcoming 12th season.
With Abdul, who has been eyed as a
full-time addition since Mary Murphy’s
to Star in Supergirl departure became imminent, also
comes singer and dancer Jason Derulo.
The pair will join returning
By Lesley Goldberg Supergirl will not be the first time judge Nigel Lythgoe and
CB S a n d Wa r n er Bros. T el ev ision Benoist has played a superhero. She host Cat Deeley.
have found their Supergirl. donned a cape as “Woman Fierce” in Glee’s “I have dedicated a large
Glee and Whiplash break- “Dynamic Duets” episode in which the part of my career as a
out Melissa Benoist has been glee club channeled their inner superhero. choreographer to discover- Abdul
tapped to play the iconic DC Benoist joins fellow Glee breakout ing and mentoring some of
Comics character, The Holly- Grant Gustin (The CW’s The Flash) in the most iconic artists and performers
wood Reporter has learned. landing the starring role in a DC Comics from all over the world,” Abdul said
Benoist
The hourlong drama, adaptation from WBTV. Thursday in a statement. “So You Think
which received a hefty series Arrow and The Flash’s Greg Berlanti You Can Dance has a long-standing
commitment, centers on Kara Zor-El, and his No Ordinary Family cohort Ali history of launching brilliant careers
Superman’s cousin, who was born on Adler will pen the script and executive for young choreographers and dancers
the planet Krypton and escaped amid its produce the drama via WBTV-based in the industry. It’s going to be a true
destruction years ago. Benoist will play banner Berlanti Productions. Berlanti honor and pleasure joining this panel
Kara, who after arriving on Earth was topper Sarah Schecter is also on board with Jason and Nigel, and I’m looking
taken in by a foster family, the Danvers, to executive produce. forward to an exciting new season.”
who taught her to be careful with her Supergirl — which still needs an official Since her days on Fox’s American Idol
extraordinary powers. series order — could give all five of the and her one-off season judging The X
Now 24, Kara feels un-empowered, broadcast networks superhero-themed Factor, Abdul has been pinch-hitter on
a slave to having repressed her innate series on the air next season, with DC SYTYCD and ABC’s Dancing With the
abilities. She’s still pretty, but with her properties behind four of the five. Fox has Stars. Though she was rumored to be
face hidden behind glasses and her hair Batman story Gotham, which like Super- in contention as a permanent addition
pulled back, she doesn’t know it herself. girl started with a series commitment; to DWTS, the series ultimately picked
An unexpected disaster forces her to use NBC has Hellblazer take Constantine, Julianne Hough as its fourth panelist.
her powers in public. Energized by her which will end after 13 episodes; CW has “With the new and exciting format
heroic deed, for the first time in her life, already renewed The Flash and Arrow; comes a new and exciting panel of
Kara begins embracing her extraordinary and ABC, via Disney’s deal with Marvel, judges,” said Lythgoe, who also serves
abilities and begins helping the people of has Agents of SHIELD and bridge series as executive producer on SYTYCD. “I’m
her city. They soon take notice — and she’s Agent Carter. For its part, Netflix also has delighted that Paula Abdul and Jason
even given a new moniker: Supergirl. four Marvel series and a mini, starting Derulo will be joining me at the judges
The character was most recently with Daredevil. table this season on So You Think You
played on the small screen by Laura Benoist’s credits also include roles Can Dance. Paula is an incredible artist,
Vandervoort on The CW’s Superman on CBS’ Blue Bloods and The Good Wife and she brings the perfect combination
origin story Smallville. as well as Showtime’s Homeland. She is of expertise and heart to the panel.
Benoist was one of many actresses to repped by UTA, Anonymous Content and Jason’s insight, humor and creativity
test for the role, edging out The Vampire Frankfurt Kurnit. will add a new perspective to the panel
Diaries/The Originals’ Claire Holt, among that we haven’t had before.”
others, sources told THR.
Benoist joined Fox’s Glee during sea- Abdul Returns to Fox, Added Derulo: “I am truly excited,
and eagerly look forward to joining the
son four as one of McKinley High’s new
students after the musical’s senior class
graduated. She was promoted to series
Joins SYTYCD as Judge
By Michael O’Connell
cast of So You Think You Can Dance. It
is one of the most respected and longest-
tenured shows on network television,
regular ahead of season five and had been Pau l a Abdu l is back at Fox. and I hope to be a part of new growth
considered the heir apparent to star Lea After a three-year break from her last and continued success.”
Michele’s Rachel on the series before the regular TV gig, she is set to join So You Auditions for the next season kick off
musical was retooled. Think You Can Dance for the competi- Saturday in New York.JANUARY 23, 2015 Page 7 of 9
tech news
Google Chairman Schmidt:
‘The Internet Will Disappear’
By Georg Szalai he maintained. “I view that as a com- German politician serving as the Euro-
G oogl e ex ecu t i v e ch a i r m a n pletely open market at this point.” pean Union’s commissioner for digital
Eric Schmidt on Thursday predicted Sandberg and Schmidt lauded the economy and society, said on the panel
the end of the Internet as we know it. Internet as an important way to give that “we need a convincing global under-
At the end of a panel at more people in the world a voice. Cur- standing ... a UN agency for data protec-
the World Economic Forum rently, only 40 percent of people have tion and security.” Asked what form that
in Davos, Switzerland, where Internet access, the Facebook COO said, “understanding” should have, he said he
his comments were webcast, adding that any growth in reach helps was looking for “clear, pragmatic, market-
he was asked for his predic- extend people’s voice and increase eco- based regulation.” Explained Oettinger:
Schmidt
tion on the future of the nomic opportunity. Once the world gets “It’s a public-private partnership.”
Web. “I will answer very to 50 percent, 60 percent and more in Fries said such a solution was not likely
simply that the Internet will disappear,” terms of Internet penetration, “Imagine to happen in the near-term, given the size
said Schmidt. “There will be so many IP what we can do,” said Sandberg. of the EU. “I think it is going to take several
addresses … so many devices, sensors, Schmidt similarly said that broadband years,” he said, adding that some countries’
things that you are wearing, things that can address governance issues, informa- parliaments would likely take a stab at it.
you are interacting with that you won’t tion needs, personal issues, women em- But he said that a joint solution makes
even sense it. It will be part of your pres- powerment needs and education issues. more sense. “We don’t want Germany to
ence all the time. Imagine you walk into “The Internet is the greatest empower- have its own Internet,” said Fries. Some
a room, and the room is dynamic. And ment of citizens … in many years,” he said. countries may build their own Internets
with your permission and all of that, you During another technology panel at and “balkanize” the Web, he warned.
are interacting with the things going on the forum, Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer, Mayer said on the issue of regulation:
in the room.” Liberty Global CEO Mike Fries and others “I like Tim’s idea better of the beneficent
Concluded Schmidt: “A highly person- answered questions on the need to regu- marketplace.” She spoke of fellow panelist
alized, highly interactive and very, very late privacy standards on the Internet and and computer specialist Tim Berners-
interesting world emerges.” for tech companies following the Snow- Lee, known as the inventor of the World
The panel, entitled The Future of the den case, the Sony hack and the like. Wide Web.
Digital Economy, also featured Facebook Mayer said that the personalized Inter- Asked how Yahoo stores and handles
COO Sheryl Sandberg and others. net “is a better Internet,” emphasizing: client records, Mayer said the online giant
Earlier in the debate, Schmidt dis- “We don’t sell your personal data … we “changed the way we store and communi-
cussed the issue of market dominance. don’t transfer your personal data to third cate data” after Snowden and also changed
The European Union has been looking parties.” She said users own their data encryptions between data centers. And
at Google’s search market dominance in and need to have control, adding that the company protects users through en-
a long-running antitrust case, and the people give up data to the government cryption methods, she added. Mayer said
European parliament late last year even for tax assessment, social services and that trust and confidence of Yahoo users
called for a break-up. other purposes. has rebounded since.
“You now see so many strong tech Fries said Liberty Global subscribers Mayer was also asked what happens
platforms coming, and you are seeing view billions of hours of content and if a government asks for a user’s data,
a reordering and a future reordering of generate billions of clicks, but added a question that has new significance
dominance or leaders or whatever term that “we generate zero revenue from all after the recent terrorist attacks in
you want to use because of the rise of the of that information.” But he acknowl- Paris, which have led some to call for
apps on the smartphone,” said Schmidt. edged that big data was big business for increased surveillance powers of the
“All bets are off at this point as to what a lot of people. Internet for governments. Mayer said
the smartphone app infrastructure is Both executives said transparency Yahoo always assesses if such a request
going to look like” as a whole new set of was important to make sure users know is reasonable. “We have a very good
players emerges to power smartphones, privacy standards. track record for standing up to what’s
which are nothing but super-computers, Gunther Oettinger, a conservative not reasonable,” she said.JANUARY 23, 2015 Page 8 of 9
film reviews
Mortdecai
By Stephen Dalton
A n y f i l m cr edi t ed w i t h i ts ow n
“mustache wrangler” really should have
been much more fun than Johnny Depp’s
latest misfiring action-comedy. Mostly
set in contemporary England, but aim-
ing for the zingy retro feel of a vintage
Peter Sellers or Terry-Thomas feature
from the Swinging Sixties, Mortdecai is
an anachronistic mess that never suc-
ceeds in re-creating the breezy tone or Johnny Depp hopes
snappy rhythm of the classic caper films to get his hands on
a stolen painting
that it aims to pastiche. Despite a heavy- in Mortdecai.
weight cast and the solid directing skills
of veteran screenwriter David Koepp Depp plays Mortdecai as a human Depp is known for channeling real
(Jurassic Park, Panic Room, Spider-Man), Looney Tunes character, a snobbish role models into his characters, often
this charmless farce ends up as another playboy narcissist so enamored of his drawing on his musician heroes, most
black mark on Depp’s recent track record comically absurd new moustache that famously Keith Richards in the Pirates
of patchy pet projects. he risks driving his disapproving wife of the Caribbean movies. In his accent and
Mortdecai is based on the first in a Johanna (Gwyneth Paltrow) to divorce. mannerisms, Charlie Mortdecai appears
series of irreverent comic novels by Kyril Teetering on the brink of bankruptcy to owe a heavy debut to the small-screen
Bonfiglioli, a British author of Italian in his grand, stately home, the disrepu- creations of Depp’s friend, the British TV
and Slovenian heritage. Published in the table gap-toothed rogue spots a chance comedian Paul Whitehouse. Depp has
1970s, the books chronicle the amoral to escape financial ruin when a rare previously guested on Whitehouse’s long-
antics of aristocratic British art dealer Goya canvas goes missing after a lethal running BBC sketch comedy The Fast
Lord Charlie Mortdecai (Depp), who is robbery. Grudgingly recruited for his Show, and frequently offers him support-
aided on his drink-sodden adventures by art-world expertise by suave MI5 agent ing roles in his film projects, including this
his thuggish but resourceful and sexually and longtime love rival Alistair Mart- one. Here Whitehouse plays Mortdecai’s
irresistible manservant Jock Strapp land (Ewan McGregor), Mortdecai jets colorfully foul-mouthed car mechanic,
(Paul Bettany). Sharing some of his hero’s off around the globe on a mission to find who also has a shady sideline fencing
louche habits in real life, Bonfiglioli bat- the stolen painting and exploit the price- stolen artworks.
tled with poverty and alcoholism, dying less secret rumored to be hidden on its Mortdecai is stuffed with star names
of cirrhosis in 1985. reverse side. s e e pa g e 9JANUARY 23, 2015 Page 9 of 9
film reviews
F r o m pa g e 8 Cast: Johnny Depp, Gwyneth Paltrow, Meredith Anne Bull) cavort, they’re
and classic farce ingredients, but its fatal Paul Bettany, Ewan McGregor, Olivia targeted for destruction by the Bog
flaw is an almost surreal lack of jokes. The Munn, Jeff Goldblum. King (Alan Cumming) who presides
main players spend almost every scene Director: David Koepp. over the Dark Forest with a cold heart.
mugging desperately for the camera, Rated R, 107 minutes. The bulk of the plotting that follows is
milking every possible lowbrow sexual primarily provided by snatches and snip-
innuendo and clumsy slapstick mishap in
novice scribe Eric Aronson’s thin script.
Ironically, these overcooked performances
strange magic
By Michael Rechtshaffen
pets of well-known pop songs performed
at the drop of a petal by its characters,
voiced by a roster of squandered talents
are often more hindrance than help when Str ange M agic, a n a n i m at ed r i f f also including Kristin Chenoweth, Maya
the occasional funny line arises. on A Midsummer Night’s Dream that took Rudolph, Alfred Molina and Elijah Kelley.
While Depp’s fruity English accent is root in the imagination of executive pro- With Gary Rydstrom’s frenetic direc-
palatable enough, McGregor’s smarmy ducer George Lucas, would have been tion attempting to cover for that mere
approximation sounds forced and un- more aptly named Strained Magic. suggestion of a script he co-wrote with
convincing. Only Paltrow emerges from A shrill, garish hodgepodge of familiar David Berenbaum and Irene Mecchi
this farrago with any real acting credit, elements from other animated vehicles (Lucas receives story credit), it very
playing Johanna with straight-faced (most evidently 2013’s Epic), there is quickly becomes apparent that there’s
understatement while all around her virtually nothing about this forced, simply no “there” there. Stylistically
are losing their heads. fractured fairy tale that feels remotely speaking, even the animated lead char-
On the page, Mortdecai and Strapp are fresh or involving. acters have about as much warmth and
clearly uncouth cousins of P.G. Wode- Given that it will be going up against definition as gaming system avatars.
house’s Jeeves and Wooster. On screen, the infinitely more charming and accom- As for the week’s worth of karaoke-
their boorish mannerisms and retro atti- plished holdover Paddington at the box night tunes awkwardly crammed into
tudes owe more to Austin Powers. But office this weekend, the Lucasfilm pro- Strange Magic’s soundtrack, what might
while Mike Myers found rich humor in duction is going to be hard-pressed to have been intended to summon the irre-
the gap between a chauvinistic past and best its previous foray into feature ani- sistible song-and-dance effervescence of
politically correct present, much of the mation, 2008’s similarly stilted Star Wars: Happy Feet comes a lot closer to conjur-
labored comedy in Mortdecai relies on The Clone Wars. ing up Cop Rock.
dated stereotypes unredeemed by any Set in a pair of enchanted worlds far,
hint of post-modern irony. Women are far away, the story (as much as there is Opens: Today (Touchstone).
insatiable nymphomaniacs who enjoy one) concerns the primrose flowers that Production: Lucasfilm.
being groped, Americans vulgar materi- separate both lands. While their petals Cast: Alan Cumming, Evan Rachel
alists, Brits upper-class dimwits and so are used to make potent love potions over Wood, Elijah Kelley, Kristin Chenoweth,
on. These caricatures are too crude to on the Fairy Kingdom side, where the Maya Rudolph, Alfred Molina.
be offensive, but also too stale and lazy feisty Marianne (Evan Rachel Wood) Director: Gary Rydstrom.
to be funny. and her flighty sister Dawn (newcomer Rated PG, 99 minutes.
The final set piece, which takes place
at an upmarket London art auction
house, brings all the characters and sub-
plots together in an orgy of cartoonish
violence and triple-cross deceptions that
quickly becomes tiresome. For all its
minor offenses against taste and decency,
the sole unforgivable sin that Mortdecai
commits is one that would leave its rakish
anti-hero aghast — because the film that
bears his name is ultimately a frightful,
crashing bore.
Opens: Today (Lionsgate). Bog King (Alan Cumming) and
Production: Infinitum Nihil, Mad Chance Marianne (Evan Rachel Wood)
face off in Strange Magic.
Productions, Odd Lot Entertainment.You can also read
