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Weekend Movie News (01/26/08 – 01/27/08)

Terrible Jokes + Multiplexes = Weekend Win: Ugh, I was hoping Meet the Spartans would crash and burn. I should have known better. While $18.7 million isn't a massive weekend, it was enough to guarantee yet another terrible "parody" film from the mental giants that brought us Epic Movie. At $18.1 million, Rambo did better than expected according to the Weinstein Company and have already green-lit a Rambo 5. Look, Rambo isn’t high art. It isn’t even art. It is a strong and violent action film with a small sliver of heart. It is also the perfect swan song for the warrior without a county. Look Sly, we fans were with you on Rocky Balboa and Rambo. Let it go, we may not be as forgiving the next time.

Terry Gilliam to Reopen The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus: After news of Heath Ledgers surprise and sad passing last week, most of the cast and crew involved with The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus were sent home. The movie was over. However, reports are flowing in stating Johnny Depp may take on Ledgers character, with both actors playing the same role. Reports state there is a moment when Ledger’s character falls through a mirror into a new world and the character’s transformation into Depp would fit the story. Geek in the City will keep you updated on any changes.

From Hellboy to Hobbits: With all parties in agreement, it would seem Tolkien’s The Hobbit is in full go mode; although the current WGA Strike prevents any scriptwriting at this time. Spanish director Guillermo del Toro, according to the Hollywood Reporter, is in talks with New Line Cinema to direct two back-to-back Hobbit films. Part one is scheduled with 2010 and part two in 2011. Like other fans, I'm jazzed for a live-action Hobbit film. Although I doubt it needs to be two parts. Especially when you consider the story, lengthening is an attempt to "darken" the film. This is The Hobbit people.

Keeping Star Trek in the Real World: JJ Abrams recently answered some questions from concerned fans. As reported in episode 82 of Film Fever Radio, some production designers are unhappy about their set-work transformed into CGI effect shots. Abrams claims this isn’t entirely true. He wants to place as much reality into this new incarnation of Star Trek as possible. "We don’t have Star Wars money; we need to make this film on a budget partly because that is all the funding we have and partly because I want the studio to see Trek as viable." Shooting is scheduled to wrap in April 2008. Abrams also hinted at a full trailer this summer, perhaps attached to Indiana Jones 4.

On a personal note, thank you all for sending Geek in the City into the Top-10 Star Trek XI affiliate sites. Best. Audience. Ever. Truly.