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Hardball: Keanu Reeves has committed to star for Paramount Pictures in "Hardball," a drama about an inner-city Little League baseball team to be directed by Brian Robbins ("Ready to Rumble"). According to Variety, Reeves will play a baseball coach in the film. Based on the Daniel Coyle book "Hardball: A Season in the Projects," the story is being adapted by screenwriter John Gatins ("Varsity Blues"). In the film, Reeves will play an aimless young man who is scalping tickets, gambling and drinking while his friends are settling down and making money at good jobs. When he tries for the umpteenth time to borrow money from a friend, the pal makes the loan conditional on the guy coaching a Little League team from the Cabrini Green housing projects in Chicago, a squad that his brokerage house is sponsoring. The man is transformed by mentoring the kids and finds salvation through the experience.

The Immortals: Universal Pictures has picked up the supernatural horror spec "The Immortals" from first-time scribes Michael Jonascu and Justin Stanley for the studio-based David Kirschner Prods. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the script tells the story of four twentysomething friends who are presented with the opportunity to become immortal but must first choose someone to die in their place.

The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys: Kieran Culkin has been cast as a lead alongside Jenna Malone and Jodie Foster in "The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys," a black comedy produced by Foster's Egg Prods. In the film, Culkin, 17, will play one of a pair of Catholic schoolboys who plot revenge on a bitter nun who has been terrorizing them. The nun is being played by Foster. Filming begins May 1, according to Variety.

Agent Joe: Fox 2000 has picked up Adam Kulakow's dramatic comedy spec script "Agent Joe" for Gil Netter ("A Walk in the Clouds") to produce, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Described as "Men in Black" meets "American Beauty," the script tells how two worlds collide when a government assassin moves to the suburbs and awakens to his humanity through meeting a single mom and her teenage son.

Tomb Raider: Angelina Jolie has officially signed on to play Lara Croft in the film version of the hit video game, "Tomb Raider." Variety reports that Eidos Plc (EID.L) said production of the hotly awaited Paramount Pictures film would begin this summer with Simon West ("The General's Daughter") directing. In "Raider" Jolie will play Croft, a publishing magnate who battles danger as she travels to exotic locations to uncover and preserve ancient artifacts, like a female Indiana Jones.

Doctor Dolittle 2: The first "Dolittle" did so well for 20th Century Fox that the studio is moving forward on a sequel and is in final negotiations with Steve Carr to direct $20 million player Eddie Murphy in "Doctor Dolittle 2," THR states. The project would begin shooting shortly after Murphy completes "Pluto Nash" for Castle Rock, with plans for a summer 2001 release. Murphy officially came aboard the project in February in a deal that will pay him $20 million against 20% of the gross.

The Barber Project: Billy Bob Thornton has committed to co-star with Frances McDormand in an upcoming film by Joel and Ethan Coen for Working Title. Though untitled, the film is being called "the barber project," with Thornton playing the hair splitter. The movie is a period piece in the spirit of "The Postman Always Rings Twice" with McDormand playing a femme fatale. She'll portray the wife of a barber who is as conniving as she is philandering. Things heat up when her boyfriend turns up dead. Variety reports that the picture begins filming June 21st.

Hart's War: Tobey Maguire is circling MGM's "Hart's War," a drama in which director Alfonso Cuaron ("A Little Princess") was once on board to direct. No deals are in place for Maguire, but THR said "The Cider House Rules" star is interested in toplining the World War II drama about a law student-turned-lieutenant who is captured and sent to a prisoner of war camp. While there, the imprisoned young soldier is asked to defend a black POW who is falsely accused of murder. Billy Ray and Terry George scripted the most recent draft of the script, which is based on the book by John Katzenbach. David Foster and David Ladd are producing "War," which is still seeking a director.

X-Men: The official site just added the new trailer (in various resolutions). Click below to download it at Apple.com:

X-Men - Trailer (10.5 MB)

Bridget Jones' Diary: Hugh Grant is in negotiations to join Renee Zellweger in "Bridget Jones' Diary." According to The Hollywood Reporter, the project is slated to start shooting May 1 in London, with Sharon Maguire directing. Another male lead is yet to be cast for "Diary," the adaptation of Helen Fielding's best-selling novel about a thirtysomething single woman living in London.

Untitled Drama: Tom Hanks and Alan Ball will team up on an untitled drama that the "American Beauty" screenwriter will pen for Hanks to star in and produce for Universal Pictures. According to THR, Ball is in line to receive seven figures for scripting from an idea by Hanks about a Cleveland cop during the early 1960s who tries to solve the murder of a loved one.

Impostor: A review of the script for the sci-fi flick "Impostor," starring Gary Sinise, Madeleine Stowe and Vincent D'Onofrio. It is based on a story by Philip K. Dick. Spoilers. Thanks to Stax.

Impostor - Script Review (Negative)

K-9 111: A brief report on what James Belushi ("Gang Related") is up to these days. Thanks to Clint.

"Sophie Vander interviews James Belushi in "Movies Plus" magazine this month, and found out what his future plans are.
I think it's safe to say that James career has "gone to the dogs" - literally. James is writing his own scrips these days, and off the top will be "K-9 3" (or K-9111 as they may call it). This will be the third installment in the series, with Belushi reprising his role as Detective Michael Dooley. as for co-stars? Belushi insists that next time his own two dogs, Truly and Choock, will have "little dog cameos." Besides the sequel, Belushi is also writing a "very dark comedy."

Cletis Tout: Sarah Michelle Gellar is circling Seven Arts Pictures' mistaken-identity comedy "Cletis Tout," in which she would star opposite Tim Allen and Christian Slater. THR states that the "Buffy" star is seriously considering an offer on the project about an escaped prisoner who assumes the identity of a dead person. But the escapees' plan goes terribly wrong when he finds out that the previous owner of the Cletis Tout moniker is in a hitman's line of fire. Chris Ver Wiel will direct from his own script. The project is slated to start shooting in May.

Prozac Nation: Jason Biggs ("American Pie") is in negotiations to star as Christina Ricci's love interest in the indie feature "Prozac Nation." The $22 million-budgeted project is slated to begin shooting May 15 in Vancouver with Norwegian filmmaker Erik Skjoldbjærg ("Insomnia") directing. Biggs would play a premed student in "Prozac" who becomes involved with Ricci's character but breaks the relationship off because of her chronic depression. According to THR, the project is based on Elizabeth Wurtzel's 1997 memoir of the same name and revolves around a heavily medicated woman (Ricci) who lives life in the fast lane as a music critic but is always fighting her chronic depression.

Traffic: Amy Irving, Dennis Quaid and James Brolin have joined Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones in the ensemble cast of the Steven Soderbergh-helmed "Traffic," a $50 million+ project about America's war on the drug trade. The project is slated to start shooting Monday. Irving will play the role of Barbara Lewis, wife of Robert Lewis (Douglas), a federal judge who resigns from the bench to become the U.S. drug czar only to see his teenage daughter (Erika Christensen) become addicted to crack cocaine and heroin. Zeta-Jones will play the role of Helena Montana, the unwitting wife of a drug smuggler, and Quaid was brought on to play a high-powered attorney defending her husband. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Brolin also was cast as a lawyer.

Road Trip: Poster for the comedy "Road Trip," starring Seann William Scott ("American Pie"), DJ Qualls, Breckin Meyer ("Go") and Fred Ward ("Tremors"). Thanks to the official site and Jawad.

The Prisoner: Barry Mendel ("The Sixth Sense") has committed to produce "The Prisoner" with scribe Chris McQuarrie ("The Usual Suspects") set to pen the screenplay. Director Simon West ("The General's Daughter") is still attached to take the helm of the picture, based on the 1960s cult British TV series "The Prisoner" created by Patrick McGoohan. More >>>

The Matrix 2 & 3: Jet Li ("Romeo Must Die") is circling Warner Bros.' "Matrix 2 and 3." Although there is no script yet for either sequel, Andy and Larry Wachowski are keen on making a deal. THR states that negotiations are not yet under way. Producer Joel Silver (who worked with Li on "Romeo") is said to have given his blessing. One big question remains: how to fit Li into the budget. With deals already in place for the film's original stars Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Ann Moss, Laurence Fishburne and Hugo Weaving as well as the filmmakers and producers, there may not be much left for Li, whose star is fast rising.

From Hell: Heather Graham is in negotiations to star opposite Johnny Depp in 20th Century Fox's saga "From Hell" for filmmakers Allen and Albert Hughes. "Hell," scheduled to shoot in the Czech Republic, is based on a 10-part series of graphic novels by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell. With a screenplay by Terry Hayes ("The Road Warrior"), the film focuses on Scotland Yard detective Frederick Abberline's (Depp) investigation of the 1880 London killings by Jack the Ripper. Abberline uncovers a vast political conspiracy that extends to the top of the British Empire. According to THR, Graham would play an Irish prostitute being pursued by the killer.

Second Chance, a beauty pageant comedy, has been set up at New Line, which has hired Bob Dolman ("Far and Away") to write the script. The material is being developed as a starring vehicle for Meg Ryan and Ellen DeGeneres. "Chance," which is a working title, tells the story of five women who come together for a beauty pageant rematch after it is learned that the winner of the regional contest held 15 years earlier may have been crowned because she slept with one of the judges. The project aims to examine, through comedy, society's concept of beauty vs. one's own self-perception and self-acceptance. Although the script is not complete, THR states that the studio hopes to "push it straight into production."

Heartbreakers: Ray Liotta is set to join Gene Hackman, Sigourney Weaver, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Jason Lee in MGM's mob comedy "Heartbreakers." David Mirkin ("Romy and Michele's High School Reunion") will direct the story about a mother and daughter (Weaver and Hewitt) con artist team that seduces men only to rob them. Liotta will portray a mob hit man who marries Weaver's character and is seduced by her daughter. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the project is slated to start shooting April 24 in Los Angeles and Florida.

A.I.: According to Variety, Steven Spielberg is eyeing "Mansfield Park" star Frances O’Connor to play the female lead in "A.I."

Unconditional Love: Sean Connery has unexpectedly joined New Line's comedy/drama "Unconditional Love," which also stars Jonathan Pryce, Kathy Bates and Rupert Everett. The film, now shooting in England after location work in Chicago, is being directed by P.J. Hogan ("My Best Friend's Wedding"). Hogan also co-wrote the screenplay. Thanks to the IMDB.

Asterix et Cleopatre: French producer Claude Berri is preparing "Asterix et Cleopatre" - a follow-up to last year's "Asterix et Obelix contre Cesar," which raked in about $96 million worldwide. Christian Clavier and Gerard Depardieu will reprise their roles as mismatched Gallic heroes Asterix and Obelix; Cleopatra has yet to be cast. The "Asterix" films are based on the Rene Goscinny/Albert Uderzo comic books. Variety reports that shooting is set to begin in September in France, Malta and Morocco with Alain Chabat at the helm.

Getting Over Allison: Kirsten Dunst is set to star in Dimension Films' romantic teen comedy "Getting Over Allison." The project is slated to start shooting this spring with Tommy O'Haver ("Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss") at the helm. Written by R. Lee Fleming Jr. ("She's All That"), the comic tribute to teenage heartbreak tells the story of the adolescent Berke Lawrence, who is about to enter his senior year of high school when his girlfriend, Allison, breaks up with him. Dunst plays the role of Kelly, the younger sister of Berke's best friend, who all of a sudden doesn't seem so young to him anymore. According to The Hollywoood Reporter, Dunst is the first to be cast in the film.

Librium: Taye Diggs ("The Best Man") is in negotiations to star in Dimension Films' futuristic sci-fi feature "Librium," written and directed by Kurt Wimmer ("The Thomas Crown Affair"). The project is on a fast track, with principal photography scheduled to begin in July in Europe. "Librium" tells the story of the spiritual conversion of agent John Preston, the legal enforcer of an oppressive system in which human emotion is suppressed by a required daily dose of Librium. Diggs would be the first to be cast in the project and would play the role of Preston's partner. According to The Hollywoood Reporter, the film will be produced by Jan De Bont and Lucas Foster of Blue Tulip Prods.

The Sleeping Dictionary: Jessica Alba ("Never Been Kissed") has been cast as the lead in Fine Line Features' "The Sleeping Dictionary" opposite newcomer Hugh Dancy, Brenda Blethyn and Bob Hoskins. Set in the 1920s against a remote jungle landscape, "Dictionary" tells the story of an eager young Englishman (Dancy) who is dispatched to the outpost of Sarawak to become part of the colonial government. Upon arrival, he encounters some unorthodox local traditions and finds himself faced with tough decisions in matters of the heart. Alba stars as Selima, the unwitting object of his affections. Production is slated to begin in early May in Malaysia. Variety reports that rookie director Guy Jenkin will shoot from his own script.

Posters: One for the comedy prequel "Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas," starring Mark Addy, Stephen Baldwin, Jane Krakowski and Kristen Johnston. Also one for "Shanghai Noon," a western/action/comedy starring Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson. Thanks to John for the second poster.

Ghosts of Mars: Ice Cube ("Three Kings") is set to star in "John Carpenter's Ghosts of Mars." A thriller set 174 years in the future, "Mars" concerns human colonists of the Red Planet who must be rescued after becoming possessed by vengeful Martian ghosts. Ice Cube (aka O'Shea Jackson) will play the lead role. Carpenter, who wrote the script with Larry Sulkis, will also produce. Variety reports that the project is slated for a June start.

Keeping the Faith: An early review for the romcom "Keeping the Faith," starring Edward Norton, Ben Stiller and Jenna Elfman. Minor spoilers. Thanks to 'Brian' over at The Cinema Files.

Keeping the Faith - Film Review (Positive)

X-Men: The following press release landed in my mailbox today, with thanks to 'Jenny.'

"X-MEN’S" FIRST TRAILER PREMIERES ON
"ACCESS HOLLYWOOD"

(April 3, 2000 - Burbank, CA) In an exclusive sneak peek at one of this summer’s most highly anticipated movie, "Access Hollywood" will debut the first trailer for "X-Men" on Wednesday, April 5 (check local listings for time and station). [ More... ]

White Jazz / Pay It Forward: A review of James Ellroy's script for "White Jazz," adapted from his own novel. Nick Nolte is attached to star in and produce this project. Also a look at Leslie Dixon's October 15th, 1999 draft for "Pay It Forward." Some spoilers. Thanks to Stax.

White Jazz - Script Review (Mixed/Positive)
Pay it Forward - Script Review (Positive)

The Count of Monte Cristo: Jim Caviezel ("The Thin Red Line") has closed a deal to play the lead in a remake of "The Count of Monte Cristo." Although no director or other stars are yet inked, pre-production is beginning immediately ahead of a July shoot in Dublin and the southeast coast of Ireland. According to Variety, Jay Wolpert adapted Alexandre Dumas' classic novel, which was previously brought to the big screen in 1934 (with Robert Donat) and 1976 (with Richard Chamberlain).

The Hole: Thora Birch ("American Beauty") is set to take her next starring turn in the indie thriller "The Hole" for Granada Film, in a deal that is structured to make the actress a seven-figure player, THR states. The project is to start shooting in early June in the United Kingdom with Nick Hamm ("Talk of Angels") at the helm. "Hole," written by Ben Cort and Caroline Ip, is described as a teen thriller with a deadly twist. Set over the course of three days, the story follows four teenagers at a British private school whose lives are forever changed when they secretly uncover and explore the depths of a sealed underground hole created decades ago as a possible bomb shelter. Birch is cast in the lead role and is joined by another girl and two boys in the adventure.

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