Kyle’s News Briefs

Submitted by: Kyle Nin (SoSF Staff Reporter)

Although Nicholas Cage’s “Ghost Rider” did well at the U.S. box office on its opening weekend bringing in $44+ million, reviewers were less than impressed. The question is, “did the studio sacrifice some possibly great adult story content to avoid the R-rating in order to make bigger bucks?” Answer: Ah yes, this is Hollywood…..Hello!

“Illegal Aliens,” the last movie done by Anna Nicole Smith before her death will be ready for DVD release in May 2007. Somehow we don’t think the producers were concerned about getting a PG-13 rating for this one.

We reported on this earlier but, Guillermo del Toro is still very serious about doing another Tarzan flick that stays true to the Edgar Rice Burroughs character. Just as soon some of his other flim committments are done, he is on it.

The futuristic “Southland Tales” faces more delays as director Richard Kelly says he needs more visual effects funding. The film is slated to star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Sarah Michelle Gellar.

The fan-produced series “Stargate: Horizon” resumes on February 22, 2007 with 15 all-new episodes.

New Line Cinema states that “The Hobbit” is still set for a 2009 release even though they are still working out legal issues with Peter Jackson and trying to lineup a director for the epic tale.

Carter Smith, best known for helming music videos gets his chance to play in the big leagues by being offered the director’s chair for “The Ruins.” Set in the jungles of Central America, horror emerges from the ruins of an ancient society.

Finally, Narnia’s “Prince Caspian” has signed up Shane Ragi to star as the Minotaur in the C.S. Lewis sequel. Other big names so far include Liam Neeson and Peter Dinklage.