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LOS ANGELES, CA June 12, 2009 – Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli of EON Productions Ltd and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures have today announced that Peter Morgan (Frost/Nixon, The Queen), Neal Purvis and Robert Wade (Quantum of Solace, Casino Royale) will be the screenwriters of the 23rdJames Bond adventure.

Daniel Craig will reprise his role as Ian Fleming’s James Bond 007 in the film, which will be a MGM release of an EON production. Bond 23 is the latest installment in the longest-running franchise in motion picture history and will be produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. A date for the start of production is yet to be confirmed.

“Peter, Neal and Robert are extraordinarily talented and we’re looking forward to working with the three of them,” commented Wilson and Broccoli.

Peter Morgan is the award-winning writer of such films as The Last King of Scotland, The Queen and Frost/Nixon, which was based on his play. He has also scripted the upcoming The Special Relationship for HBO and Hereafter for DreamWorks. He will turn his attention to Bond 23 on completion of these duties. Morgan is represented by UTA (US) and Independent Talent Group (UK).

Since 1991 Neal Purvis and Robert Wade have collaborated on a diverse range of projects including The Italian Job, Johnny English and the past four Bond films. They recently adapted John Le Carre's The Mission Song and are also working on the upcoming sequel The Brazilian Job. Purvis and Wade are represented by Endeavor (US), Casarotto Ramsay & Associates (UK).


About EON Productions

EON Productions/Danjaq, LLC, is owned by the Broccoli family and has produced twenty-two James Bond films since 1962, including QUANTUM OF SOLACE. TheJames Bond films, produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, make up the longest running franchise in film history and include the recent blockbuster films GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World is Not Enough, Die Another Dayand Casino Royale. EON Productions and Danjaq, LLC, are affiliate companies and control all worldwide merchandising of the James Bond franchise.


About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., through its operating subsidiaries, is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world's largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Domestic Networks LLC, MGM Distribution Co, MGM International Television Distribution Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Worldwide Digital Media, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in international TV channels reaching nearly 120 countries. MGM ownership is as follows: Providence Equity Partners (29%), TPG (21%), Sony Corporation of America (20%), Comcast (20%), DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (7%) and Quadrangle Group (3%). For more information, visit http://www.mgm.com/.

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CONTACT:
Grey Munford
Director Corporate Publicity
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures.
Email: gmunford@mgm.com <gmunford@mgm.com>
Office: 310-586-8227

FOOD INC.

Directed by: Robert Kenner

Rated:

Genre: Documentary

By John Delia

Move over Michael Moore, there’s a new moviemaker on the scene and he’s pulling no punches in the food game. Documentary filmmaker Robert Kenner takes shots at the people who put the food on your table and he’s telling it like it is. But if you are timid, are picky about the food you eat, are squeamish when it comes to the slaughter of animals, you may want to think twice about seeing Food Inc. On the other hand, it’s about time we found out how that egg you eat arrives at your table, how meat gets to your local supermarket and what is being done to make sure it is edible.

Robert Kenner investigated the food industry that he says has often put profit ahead of consumer health, put the livelihoods of American farmers in jeopardy and has damaged our environment. In his expose he says that although our food appears the same (a tomato still looks like a tomato) it has been radically transformed. Tomatoes are bred to be shipped without bruising and to stay edible for months. With the use of animation and compelling actual film footage, viewers are shown some very disturbing growing methods that include a special soybean that is insecticide resistant.

And that is only the half of it as Kenner reveals how a handful of corporations control our nation’s food supply. He says that though the companies try to maintain the myth that our food still comes from farms with red barns and white picket fences, our food is actually raised on massive factory like farms and processed in mega industrial plants. His film states that animals grow fatter faster and are designed to fit the machines that slaughter them.

Although the film does make some good points, I found that it was somewhat one sided. Getting the other side of the coin is no easy task as Kenner depicts that most all those he tried to talk to that ran the factory farms, resisted an interview.

According to Kenner the outlook looks bleak and that the government should be able to control the way our food is produced. He lays out a string of facts that are hard to dispute including In 1998, the USDA implemented microbial testing for salmonella and E.coli 0157h7 so that if meat processed repeatedly failed these tests, the USDA could shut down the plant. After being taken to court by the meat and poultry associations, the USDA no longer has that power. In the 1970s, there were thousands of slaughterhouses producing the majority of beef sold. Today, we have only 13.

The film does contain some very disturbing scenes involving animals and facts that may cause you to limit your intake of certain meats, so take this into consideration before choosing to see the film.

FINAL ANALYSIS: An interesting and eye opening look at food and the future of farming. (4.5 of 5 Palm Trees) For more information about FOOD, INC.

http://www.takepart.com/foodinc/

TAKING OF PELHAM 123

Starring: John Travolta, Denzel Washington, John Turturro, Luis Guzman, Michael Rispoli and James Gandolfini

Directed by: Tony Scott

Rated: R for violence and pervasive language

Genre: Action/Drama

By John Delia

Take some A list stars, lets say Denzel Washington and John Travolta. Throw them into a storyline where they are at odds with each other. Make one of them a recently demoted subway station dispatcher and the other a very scary criminal mastermind. Then mix it all up using one of the best dramatic thrill directors Tony Scott and what you get is a recipe for a winner.

The film sets up quick with the hijacking of a subway train in New York City by Ryder (Travolta) and three of his heavily armed fellow ex-cons. His intent is to ransom the hostages for 10 Million dollars and he has no fear of shooting them one by one if the delivery is late. Making contact with Walter (Washington) a subway dispatcher, the two become linked in the drama and the confrontations that follow.

If you like your thrill with some excellent drama, then there is no one better than director Tony Scott to provide a big helping. Having assisted a lot of A list acting careers with his excitement, dramatic style of delivering the story and box office success, Scott hardly ever deviates from his captivating formula. In The Taking of Pelham 123 he pits a cool and calm character played by Washington against Travolta, as a man whose about to explode. The two go head to head with Travolta being the prime antagonist much like he was in Swordfish, but edgier. He has a 10 million dollar goal and a murderous mentality. Scott takes the two to new heights as he plays the game of right versus might.

Scott knows Washington real well having directed him in many of his more popular roles like; Crimson Tide, Man on Fire and Déjà Vu, but here in Pelham he takes the tough guy attitude and calms it down creating a character that you don’t often see for Washington in an action film. I loved his dowdy character and the way Scott delivered him to the screen, making the scenes believable and enjoyable to watch.

Travolta provides an emotionally scary Ryder who deals in carnage and expresses his demands in menacing terms. Playing an over the top ex-con who desires to get even with the system that put him in jail, he’ll stop at nothing to obtain his goal.

I will make mention that the film is a remake, but only the basic storyline gets resurrected. This edition makes the script more modern, inserts a bevy of excellent actors, adds some twists and makes use of a lot of very cringing special effects.

The film is rated R for violence and pervasive language. But lets be clear on this, there are some startling killings and strong face-to-face anger displayed in the film so take this into consideration when deciding to let immature children see the movie. Also as a word of caution, the movie trailer gives away too much so please avoid watching it prior to going to see the film.

FINAL ANALYSIS: Dramatic action junkies this is one top-notch thrill ride. (4 of 5 Palm Trees)

IMAGINE THAT

Starring: Eddie Murphy, Yari Shahidi, Thomas Haden Church, Nicole Ari Parker, Vanessa Williams, Ronnie Cox and Martin Sheen

Directed by: Karey Kirkpatrick

Rated PG for some mild language and brief questionable behavior

Genre: Comedy

By John Delia

Eddie Murphy goes back to his comedic roots and comes out a winner in the loveable and laughable Imagine That. Expecting a so-so and ho-hum movie after seeing the trailer I was amazingly surprised by a sweet film that had some great moments, including a delightful performance by Yari Shahidi. If you want your heart warmed with a lot of chuckles along the way, then Imagine That is a must see.

The movie centers on Evan Danielson (Murphy) a genius when it comes to predicting the right companies to fill financial portfolios. He’s on top of the world at his company until his boss gets hoodwinked into swaying his trust to his rival Johnny Whitefeather (Church) who has won him over with mystical Native American powers. Sold on Johnny, Evan has to win his boss back.

On one particular day, Evan’s elementary school age daughter Olivia (Shahidi) has drawn pictures all over his notes just minutes before an important presentation. Having no choice bit to give in to his frustrations over the artistic mess but, he uses the drawings to explain his position on financial choices and amazingly comes up with winners. When Olivia explains that her imaginary friends under her blanket gave her the visions, Evan enlists her help in getting back to the top.

After the flop Meet Dave, I was wondering if Murphy could muster up a good performance and make me laugh like he did in the 48 Hrs, Shrek and Beverly Hills Cop series. There he was this guy (or Donkey) who was all into himself and made me laugh with his co-stars getting the butt of his antics. Well in Imagine That he proves he still has the mojo and opposite Shahidi, his charming little co-star, the two giggle up the screen.

Directing plays a big part in the film as keeping the freewheeling comedic plot on track really takes talent. And especially when you are dealing with Eddie Murphy. I liked the way Kirkpatrick deals with the relationships throughout, never discrediting the other characters, just putting them in a comical light. Church’s Johnny Whitefeather is a good example of this showing his goofy ideas of how he comes up with predictions on choosing the right stock portfolios. We see him as a crackpot, but Eddie’s character is really no different.

Imagine That is rated PG but fun for the whole family and projects some important values such as communicating with your children. The film contains some mild language and brief questionable behavior so be cautioned of this before attending.

FINAL ANALYSIS: A very good film for the whole family. Now, imagine that! (3.5 of 5 Palm Trees)

GRAN TORINO

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Bee Vang, Ahney Her and Cory Hardrict

Directed by: Clint Eastwood

Rated R for language throughout and some violence

Genre: Drama

By John Delia

Clint Eastwood does it again with Gran Torino, a very good film that deals with life and it’s stumbling blocks. Eastwood shows his mastery for portraying subjects that are interesting and imaginative and he doesn’t fail here. If you like dramatic films that give you a view of society that you don’t readily see, than watch Gran Torino now on DVD.

Eastwood portrays Walt Kowalski, an iron-willed and inflexible Korean War veteran living in a changing world, who is forced by his Hmong immigrant neighbors to confront his own long-held prejudices. A retired autoworker Kowalski fills his days with home repair, beer and monthly trips to the barber. Though his late wife's final wish was for him to take confession and ask for forgiveness for his past deeds, for the bitter Walt there's nothing to confess.

Things are getting worse, gangs are starting to take over the neighborhood and his next-door neighbor boy Tao has been encouraged to join one, but has tried to resist. During a confrontation in the boy’s front yard by the gang, Walt chases the teens away. The family rewards Walt with food and friendship, which he refuses. Eventually Tao’s resistance breaks down and the gang orders him to steal Walt’s prized possession. Walt catches Tao in the act and takes aim at killing him, but allows him to run away. So starts a series of life challenges for both Walt and Tao.

Eastwood is at his best when his films involve a life struggle. As Walt, a cantankerous old codger who has pushed away his children and makes war on his new neighbors, Eastwood commands the screen. He is very convincing here with his crass and no holds barred racist attitude that touches almost every ethnic group. I enjoyed his banter between his son’s who seem to want the best for him, but more than likely want to move on from the years of not being loved.

As a director Eastwood brings out some very good performances in the young teens that are the antagonists and antithesis within the storyline. Vang does a great job as Tao, the Hmong boy who is the target of the gang. And Ahney Her gives a touching performance as his sister who sees the good side of Walt and tries to release him from his haunts.

The bonus features are few and concentrate on the Gran Torino while weaving in some of the making of. The first one Manning the Wheel: The meaning of Manhood As Reflected in American Car Culture is the better of the two as Eastwood does most of the talking. The second feature is called Gran Torino: More Than a Car where the filmmakers visit Detroit during an auto buffs event and try to show how men have bonded with their vehicles. But, the best DVD bonus is the fact that you can use the captions feature that helps to make the film better understood. Since Eastwood talks with a raspy voice and the Hmongs talk very fast, I enjoyed the film better with the captions running.

The film does contain a lot of racial slurs and is Rated R for language throughout and some graphic violence, so be cautioned.

FINAL ANALYSIS: Gran Torino is a very good film that has great acting by Eastwood. (3.5 of 5 Palm Trees)