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City by the Sea: Robert De Niro has committed to star in the $60 million thriller "City by the Sea.'' Based on a true story, "City" centers on the son of an executed death-row inmate who becomes a detective only to have his own son become a murderer. Variety reports that Michael Caton-Jones ("Rob Roy") is attached to direct from a script by Ken Hixon, which was based on an Esquire magazine article by the late Mike McAlary.

Evolution: David Duchovny is in preliminary discussions to star in director Ivan Reitman's sci-fi ensemble comedy "Evolution" for DreamWorks. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the project is about the chaos that follows when a meteor lined with one-celled organisms crashes on Earth, speeding up the organisms' development.

Valentine: A review of Kate Kondell's "Valentine" script, dated June 21st, 2000. Jamie Blanks ("Urban Legend") directs this film, which stars David Boreanaz, Denise Richards, Jessica Capshaw, Marley Shelton, Katherine Heigl, and Jessica Cauffiel. Minor spoilers. Thanks to 'Stax at IGN FilmForce.'

Valentine - Script Review (Mixed/Negative)

Stuart Little II: Director Rob Minkoff ("Stuart Little") is in final negotiations to take the helm of a planned sequel to Columbia's hit talking mouse movie. Producer Doug Wick said to Variety: "We have big dreams for the little mouse, and Rob is the perfect guy to lead us on the groundbreaking adventure that will become the sequel." While Columbia has been quiet about the storyline ("Ghost" screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin is penning the script), insiders say it will introduce new faces, expanding the list of CGI characters to include an unnamed bird -- a new best friend for Stuart with whom love may also be in the air.

Scary Movie II: The core creative team behind "Scary Movie" will reunite to make "Scary Movie II," which is slated to go into production in the fall with plans for a May release. Keenen Ivory Wayans will direct and Shawn Wayans and Marlon Wayans will write the script and star in the project, which is said to feature different characters spoofing a new crop of films. "We are thrilled to have Keenen, Shawn and Marlon Wayans return for 'Scary Movie II,' " said Bob Weinstein, co-chairman of Miramax and its genre division Dimension Films. "They are incredibly talented, and we look forward to enjoying future successes with them." In related news, Diabolical Dominion has posted a cut scene from "Scary Movie" which you can view here (R-rated). Thanks to Ted.

Catch Me If You Can: David Fincher ("Fight Club") is being strongly considered to direct Leonardo DiCaprio in the DreamWorks drama, "Catch Me If You Can." Leo will play criminal turned Fed, Frank Abaganale Jr., who finks & runs. Thanks to Showbiz Scoop.

Highlander: Endgame: Review of Gillian Horvath & Joel Soisson's "Endgame" script, dated September 1st, 1999. Some spoilers. Thanks to John.

Highlander: Endgame - Script Review (Positive)

Spawn II / Eye See You?: A brief report on the "Spawn" sequel, as well as a few tidbits regarding Sylvester Stallone's troubled "D-Tox" project. Thanks to Clint.

"The Herald Sun" have a bit of an update on "Spawn 2" today. "A Lot of intrigue surrounds the sequel" Leigh Paatsch says, "New Line films still maintain it's happening. The draft script, which one New Line executive describes as "much darker, like Seven on acid", looks like to get the green light for the production! (finally). He goes on to say that the original cast, which consisted of Martin Sheen and John Leguizamo, will probably not be returning this time around. From what he has heard the sequel will wipe the slate clean and start all over again, as if the first film never happened.

oh and Adam Bitterman contacted me about the news that "D-Tox" has been named to "Eye See You", and said that as far as he is concerned there has been no confirmation of this, as yet. He also said that "D-Tox" is "STILL" in post.

Down: Dean Parisot ("Galaxy Quest") is in negotiations to develop and direct Columbia Pictures' comedy "Scared Guys." No start date has been set for the project, which is about two agoraphobics who haven't left their house in four years. After getting caught in a political conspiracy, the duo is forced to go on the run. John Baldecchi ("Deep Rising") is producing the project, which has long been eyed as a potential starring vehicle for Jim Carrey. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jeff Nathanson wrote the most recent draft of the script.

Lord of the Rings: Howard Shore ("Silence of the Lambs") confirmed that he has been hired to compose the original music for Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. In a statement made to Music from the Movies, Shore said: "Yes, I am doing The Lord of the Rings Trilogy." Thanks to TheOneRing.net.

The Cell: An early look at the Jennifer Lopez thriller "The Cell," opening this Friday. Minor spoilers. Thanks to Michael.

The Cell - Film Review (Positive)

Eastbound and Down: A review of Adam Herz' "Eastbound" script, dated June 1st, 2000. This project is a 'loose remake' of the 1977 film "Smokey and the Bandit." Some spoilers. Thanks to Stax and Brian.

Eastbound and Down - Script Review (Mixed)

Librium: A source close to the production has informed IGN FilmForce that William Fichtner ("Go") has been cast in "Librium," joining Christian Bale, Emily Watson, and Taye Diggs. Fichtner will play Jurgen, leader of an underground resistance movement. The project will begin filming in the fall with Kurt Wimmer (co-writer of "The Thomas Crown Affair") at the helm. Thanks to Brian.

Ghost Rider: Stephen Norrington ("Blade") is in negotiations to develop and direct the feature adaptation of another Marvel Comic character, Ghost Rider. The $75 million picture will detail the doings of a motorcycle stuntman able to perform superhuman feats; by night, he is transformed into a fiery demon who stalks bad guys. Variety reports that "Ghost" will reunite Norrington with "Blade" writer David Goyer, who is penning the film.

To the White Sea: Brad Pitt has committed to star in Joel and Ethan Coen's "To the White Sea." The actor plans to segue to the project next year after wrapping "Ocean's 11." "Sea," which will likely be financed by foreign partners, is slated to go before the cameras in Japan. THR sources said the project does not yet have a domestic partner. "Sea" is based on a James Dickey novel of the same name that has been adapted by David Webb Peoples ("Unforgiven," "Blade Runner"). It tells the story of a tail gunner during World War II who, after the bombing of Tokyo, finds himself stranded in Japan. He is forced to embark on an epic journey through Asia in order to find a way home.

Posters: One for the John Travolta/Lisa Kudrow flick "Lucky Numbers," directed by Nora Ephron. Also one for "Men of Honor," a drama starring Cuba Gooding Jr., Robert De Niro, Charlize Theron and Joshua Leonard.

Diablo: F. Gary Gray ("The Negotiator") is in final talks to helm New Line's action feature "Diablo," which is being developed as a starring vehicle for Vin Diesel ("Pitch Black"). Written by Christian Gudegast and Paul T. Scheuring, "Diablo" is about a mysterious figure known as Diablo who emerges to head a drug cartel after the previous leader is imprisoned. According to THR, the story centers on a U.S. Customs agent who collaborates with a jailed cartel boss to identify and punish Diablo.

Script Reviews: A review of Tony Gayton's "Salton Sea" script. This forthcoming film is produced by Frank Darabont, and stars Val Kilmer, Adam Goldberg, Peter Sarsgaard, Deborah Kara Unger and Vincent D'Onofrio. Also a review of "Desperation," written by Stephen King. Spoilers. Thanks to Chris.

The Salton Sea - Script Review (Positive)
Desperation - Script Review (Positive)

Wishmaster III: A couple of brief, minor spoiler reports on this upcoming horror sequel, with thanks to Craig!

Sean Connery's son, Jason Connery, has been confirmed to be one of the cast members of Wishmaster III: The Sword Of Justice. The co-production between Blue Ryder Pictures, and Winnipeg's Paquin Entertainment, began shooting Wednesday. The horror film follows an Evil Djinn, who wreaks havoc on a fictional American campus. The project wraps on August 29th.

I've come up with a few more very small details regarding Wishmaster III. First off, I have heard that there will be a lot of nudity in the movie. Some scenes are said to involve a lot of strippers. Secondly, in a scene that was shot on Thursday, one of the lead characters was very concerned about the disappearance of various students. Her boyfriend didn't believe her, and just joked about it the entire time. Lastly, the shooting for Wishmaster IV begins possibly on or around the week starting September 11th.

Simone: Writer-director Andrew Niccol ("The Truman Show") has decided to go completely CGI for the title character in New Line Cinema's live-action feature "Simone." The 'actress' will star opposite Al Pacino, who plays a Hollywood film producer in the project, which centers on a young woman who becomes a movie star nearly overnight and how it changes her life. Niccol decided to computer-generate his female protagonist after failing to find a sufficient lead when several young, up-and-coming actresses auditioned for the role of Simone. THR sources said Niccol was so impressed by the computer-generated effects in Sony's "Final Fantasy: The Movie" that he decided to incorporate the same device in his film, slated to shoot next month.

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