Trailer For Zombie Rom-Com WARM BODIES

Anna Kendrick Offered Female Lead In CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER?

A Vietnamese newspaper (via CBM) has what appears to be possible confirmation that Oscar nominated actress Anna Kendrick (50/50, Up In The Air) just might be the front-runner for the female lead in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. They seemingly have an interview with co-director Anthony Russo praising the young actor. Kendrick had been linked along with Felicity Jones and Imogen Poots as candidates for the role that could end being that of SHIELD Agent Sharon Carter. Chris Evans had previously worked with Kendrick on Edgar Wright's Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World, Wright is also tied up with Marvel to make Ant-Man. Anna is mostly known for her quirky roles which began with the high school debating indie Rocket Science. She would later earn a Best Supporting Actress nomination for her performance in Up In The Air. It will be interesting to see her take on a more action driven project like Winter Soldier.

The sequel has been dubbed a political thriller that follows the events of The Avengers likely focusing on the tention between SHIELD and The World Counsel. Along with seeing how Cap is adapting to life in the 21st Century. We know that Winter Solider (Bucky) will end up one of the villains and that The Falcon (Anthony Mackie) will be added to the supporting lineup. There had been talk of Black Widow and Hawkeye also being involved but that hasn't been officially announced yet. However, Samuel L. Jackson has been confirmed to reprise the role of Nick Fury.

Jonathan Levine Could Direct Dead Spy Running For WB

Twitch reports Warner Bros. is currently in talks with Jonathan Levine (Warm Bodies, 50/50, Wackness) to direct Dead Spy Running. The social network generation spy thriller originally had McG attached to direct. Which seemed odd since they had well respected screenwriter Stephen Gaghan (Traffic, Syriana) handling the script with Jamie Moss. McG would later exit the project and with talks of Gaghan making his directing debut. I assume WB got scared after McG's flop with the spy rom-com This Means War.

Jonathan Levine is a director who is somewhat similar to Jason Reitman which would be a big bonus to the studio. Warner Bros. is always looking for new talented directors to nurture into making blockbusters. He's able to make drama, horror, suspense and comedy, it's hard to say the same of McG. Levin is also tapped into the generation of today and his casting selections reflect this as his films usually filled with talented actors rather than pretty faces. Yet, another massive difference between Jonathan and McG. This would also be a big step into the world of Hollywood blockbusters for Levine who is known for smaller scaled projects.

Warner Bros. has also been very skittish lately greenlighting rather large films. They've previously put an axe to Akira, Arthur And Lancelot and Paradise Lost. The studio might be aiming for more low budget films to fill their slots after the massive loss from Green Lantern last year. Dead Spy Running looks like it could be in that category.

FIRST LOOK: Jonathan Levine's Warm Bodies

REVIEW: 50/50

50/50, tells the story of Adam (Levitt) who is a young man in the prime of his life and discovers he has cancer. His best friend Kyle (Rogen) helps him through this tough time while he also seeks comfort from an even younger therapist (Kendrick). This is actually based on Seth Rogen's friend Will who was a co-worker/friend when Seth worked as a writer on The Ali G Show. Will was brave enough to put his story to pen writing the film's screenplay. It's an intense journey and was well worth the wait.

I went into this film expecting a little more humor but considering the serious subject matter it didn't really matter. Joseph Gordon Levitt knocked it out of the park I'd be shocked if he didn't get some awards consideration. James McAvoy must be kicking himself knowing that he walked away from the role. Anna Kendrick plays a character a little more sexier than previous roles which was nice to see. Kendrick is a great actress but has down played her looks in films like Rocket Science and Up In The Air. She does play realistic female roles adding her own personality and here is no exception. Giving enough frailty and humanity to a usually two dimensional part. Rogen was his humorous-self giving the film the comic relief it needed and the right amount. In a surprising turn, Angelina Huston (Adam's mother) was able to steal a few scenes of her own. Director Jonathan Levine has made a great drama/comedy with cancer being the main plot point. A lot of people are going to be scared off by the premise alone but it was one of the better films I've seen during the year. It's worth seeing but understand it's not a straight up comedy, there are lots of euphoric and serious moments but are laughs mixed in as well.


B+