Director Matt Reeves (Cloverfield)  is aware of the skepticism surrounding his remake of the 2008 Swedish vampire film Let the Right One In. In a recent interview with MTV, Reeves assured fans that the film, now entitled Let Me In, remains centered on the coming-of-age relationship between a young boy and his vampire girlfriend/guardian, but will translate the story to better suit American sensibilities.

Reeves said:

It’s very much an Americanization of the tale that John Ajvide Lindqvist tells. The film touched me. And I read the book, which he also wrote, and it moved me too. It reminded me so much of my own childhood in certain ways. It’s so much about that period of preadolescence, that feeling of being a child and of being bullied, the difficulties of growing up. It’s such a beautiful coming-of-age story, in addition to being such a terrific genre story.

One of the things I really wanted to do was find my own way into the story while still being very, very reverent to the beautiful film and to the wonderful story that they created. And so the story in many ways follows the same trajectory. I really wanted to put you, even more so, into the point of view of the boy and understand his childhood as vividly as it comes across in the book.

In a certain way, there has been a real bull’s-eye on the movie, because people had so much love for that [original] film. I share that love, and for me, what was important was to have reverence for the original while at the same time trying to find the way to make it our own.

That has been what this process is about, to really want to mine the foundations of that story. It’s about the details and the things that make it an American story and putting it in an American context and the things that I relate to from my childhood and the things that the actors bring.

Let Me In stars 13-year-old Kodi Smit-McPhee (The Road) and 12-year-old Chloe Moretz (Kick Ass) in the lead roles. The film arrives in theaters on Oct. 1.

Writer-director and founder of Imperiad Entertainment David W. Edwards premiered the following trailer at the  New York City Horror Film Festival, the largest horror convention in the States. The clip is full of creepy goodness. Check it out:

According to the film’s website, Edwards is currently seeking a cash-injection to complete production on the super-natural thriller. Let’s hope he steals his mom’s credit card and gets this baby done. I need to know what the fuck is feeding on the hot blond’s head!

The official synopsis reads:

In Nightscape, three high school seniors are drawn into a world of living nightmares. Exposed to a frightening creature of unknown origin, the teens unexpectedly gain paranormal powers. As these powers grow and change the trio suspect they’ve become hapless pawns in a larger war between ancient forces of good and evil.

The film is a smart supernatural thriller that combines compelling drama and surreal, Lovecraftian horror. It marks a return to the psychological terror of films like Videodrome and In the Mouth of Madness.

If you can’t beat them, join them.

In an ironic twist of fate that would make Jigsaw proud, Saw 6 director Kevin Greutert has been hired by Paramount Pictures to helm the sequel to Oren Peli’s surprise blockbuster hit Paranormal Activity. Produced by Peli and Jason Blum, Paranormal Activity 2 (title may change) will once again go mano-a-mano with the Saw franchise on Oct. 22.

(UPDATE: Greutert will not direct Paranormal Activity 2. Lionsgate is enforcing a clause in his contract to bring him back to direct Saw 7. Read the full story here)

Greutert writes on his blog MyTorturePorn:

Never, EVER, mention “Blair Witch 2:  Book of Shadows” in my presence, lest I cease all diplomatic relations with you forthwith.

The editor-turned director has reason to be nervous about his new project. Aside from having Saw 6, his feature film debut, stall at the box office with a mere $31 million last October, Greutert must now deal with skeptics who view the Activity sequel as nothing more than a money-grab.

Peli, who wrote and directed the original Activity film for $15, 000 at his home, believes Greutert and screenwriter Michael R. Perry will deliver the goods.

He tells the Hollywood Reporter:

These guys get it, and the fans won’t be disappointed.

If Saw 6 is any indication, I think Greutert’s involvement in the Paranormal Activity sequel can only make it better. Saw 6 was the best entry in the Saw series since Saw 3 and clearly showcased Greutert’s talents for creating whiteknuckle horror (See review here). It’s a shame the suits at Lionsgate rehired Saw 5 (the worse in the series) director David Hackl for this year’s Saw 7.

Peli, meanwhile, is currently at work on a docu-style alien-thriller entitled Area 51.

Indie-director Marc Webb is set to swing into the director’s chair for Sony Pictures’ recently announced Spiderman reboot. Webb’s work on the critically acclaimed (500) Days of Summer rom-com is said to have sealed the deal for the studio, which plans to take the Peter Parker character back to high school to face new foes such as girls, homework, and acne.

Zodiac writer Jamie Vanderbilt is said to have already turned in a script.

"Is Spiderman the bullet-proof guy?"

Webb says:

This is a dream come true and I couldn’t be more aware of the challenge, responsibility, or opportunity. Sam Raimi’s virtuoso rendering of  Spider-Man is a humbling precedent to follow and build upon.  The first three films are beloved for good reason.  But I think the Spider-Man mythology transcends not only generations but directors as well.  I am signing on not to ‘take over’ from Sam.  That would be impossible.  Not to mention arrogant.  I’m here because there’s an opportunity for ideas, stories, and histories that will add a new dimension, canvas, and creative voice to Spider-Man.

Sony will now begin its search for an actor to play the Spiderman (Tobey Maguire, along with director Sam Raimi, were shown the door last week). The film is budgeted at an estimated $80 million—a significantly lower number than Raimi’s projections for Spiderman 4—and will be based on the” Ultimate Spiderman” comics by Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley.

Spiderman is slated to hit theaters in 2012.

Sony’s press release reads:

CULVER CITY, Calif., January , 2010 – Marc Webb, the director of the Golden Globe nominated Best Picture (500) Days of Summer will direct the next chapter in the Spider-Man franchise, set to hit theaters summer 2012, it was jointly announced today by Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios.

Written by James Vanderbilt, Webb will work closely with producers Avi Arad and Laura Ziskin in developing the project, which will begin production later this year.

Commenting on the announcement, Amy Pascal, co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Matt Tolmach, president of Columbia Pictures, said, “At its core, Spider-Man is a small, intimate human story about an everyday teenager that takes place in an epic super-human world. The key for us as we sought a new director was to identify filmmakers who could give sharp focus to Peter Parker’s life. We wanted someone who could capture the awe of being in Peter’s shoes so the audience could experience his sense of discovery while giving real heart to the emotion, anxiety, and recklessness of that age and coupling all of that with the adrenaline of Spider-Man’s adventure. We believe Marc Webb is the perfect choice to bring us on that journey.”

Arad and Ziskin added jointly, “Over the years, the Spider-Man comics have been told with bold and creative new writers and artists who have re-calibrated the way audiences see Peter Parker. Marc Webb will do for the new direction of the films what so many visionary storytellers have done with the comic books. He is an incredibly talented filmmaker and we look forward to working closely with him on this new adventure.”

Webb said, “This is a dream come true and I couldn’t be more aware of the challenge, responsibility, or opportunity. Sam Raimi’s virtuoso rendering of  Spider-Man is a humbling precedent to follow and build upon.  The first three films are beloved for good reason.  But I think the Spider-Man mythology transcends not only generations but directors as well.  I am signing on not to ‘take over’ from Sam.  That would be impossible.  Not to mention arrogant.  I’m here because there’s an opportunity for ideas, stories, and histories that will add a new dimension, canvas, and creative voice to Spider-Man.”

Stan Lee, co-creator of Spider-Man, added, “I’m excited that Sony has chosen a director with a real penchant and understanding for the character.  This is a brave, bold direction for the franchise, and I can’t wait to see what Marc comes up with next.”

Added Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, “The idea of re-imagining the on-screen story for one of the world’s most iconic superheros is sure to deliver an exciting new dimension to Spider-Man fans everywhere.  There are volumes of comics and material available to inspire fresh and compelling takes on Peter Parker and his journey as Spidey and we look forward to seeing this come alive onscreen.”

MARC WEBB has won acclaim with his film debut (500) Days of Summer. He has several MTV VMAs™ including 2009’s Best Director award for Green Day’s “21 Guns,” 2006 Best Rock Video for AFI’s “Miss Murder,” and Best Group Video for The All-American Rejects’ “Move Along.” The Music Video Production Association honored him in 2006 as the Director of the Year for his work with Weezer, AAR, and My Chemical Romance.

In addition to two Golden Globe nominations including Best Picture (musical or comedy), his first feature film, (500) Days of Summer, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel, has been nominated for three Independent Spirit Awards, including Best Feature.  Webb was also awarded the Spotlight Award, which honors outstanding directorial debuts, by the National Board of Review.

Originally slated for release in April, Piranha 3-D has now been pushed back to August by The Weinstein Company to reportedly avoid splitting their audience demographic with Lionsgate quirky superhero flick Kick-Ass. However, ongoing speculation suggests that there may be a problem with the 3-D rendering, and that the film will most likely be released in 2-D (that’s especially sad news for fans of Kelly Brooke’s boobs).

I believe in the latter reason for the delay. Kick-Ass looks funny and will surely appeal to the socially awkward who weep themselves to sleep every night, but it doesn’t stand a chance against babes and blood … in 3-D! I mean, just check out the following trailer:

Piranha 3-D stars Elisabeth Shue, Ving Rhames, Jerry O’Connell, Eli Roth, Kelly Brooke, Christopher Lloyd and Richard Dreyfuss.

To see a Piranha 3-D gallery, click here.

“Dexter” star Michael C. Hall scored a Golden Globe award last night for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series—Drama. The 38-year-old actor, who went public with his battle against Hodgkin’s lymphoma last week, wore a dapper suit and black skullcap, of which he quipped “It’s nice to have a justifiable excuse for accessorising.”

Backstage at the show, Hall said that he went public with his illness because he knew people would be taken aback by his physical appearance.

He explained:

I had every intention of keeping it quiet, but because the award shows were imminent I thought I’d make a statement.

Hall’s illness is in remission. The actor will start shooting season five of “Dexter” later this year.

Meanwhile, “Dexter’s” season four guest star John Lithgow picked up a Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series for his chilling portrayal of Dexter nemesis The Trinity Killer. To see Hall and Lithgow talk about this year’s “Dexter” finale, click here.

If rabbit holes aren’t your cup of tea, you may want to check out Malice in Lalaland, a porn adaptation of novelist Lewis Carroll’s two most famous works: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass.

"Wait! I was in a Soderbergh movie! Why am I still sucking on Ron Jeremy nuts?

The XXX-rated feature is presented in 35mm (a big deal in porn where most productions are shot on a tarp with a mobile-phone camera) and stars jizz-biz queen and Steven Soderbergh gal-pal Sasha Grey.

Jack-Off Check out the trailer:

The film’s press release reads:

We proudly present “Malice In Lalaland”, a new and innovative Miss Lucifer Productions film for Harmony. Based on the two books by Lewis Carroll: “Alice In Wonderland” and “Through The Looking Glass”, we stay true to a strange world and its even stranger characters. It’s not a fantasy world, but a surreal and contemporary adaptation from the book’s.

This high quality movie is filmed in 35mm with amazing post production and high-end special effects. The crew are well known for their work in music videos, commercials and famous shows in Las Vegas which gave this movie its’ contemporary cachet. An adult movie with mainstream ambition is what we had in mind and succeeded to do.

While it’s doubtful that the producers actually read Carroll’s books, I am confident that they have seen the cartoon, ridden the Disney ride, and/or seen the trailer for Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland enough times to crank out a quirky piece of jack-off cinema. And, judging by the trailer and marketing photos, they have also seen Bitch Slap, Donnie Darko, and, maybe even, Falling Down.

The press release goes on to add:

With Sasha Grey we guarantee serious sex- and acting quality. Ron Jeremy makes a dialogue-only appearance as a caricature of himself. The story has all the ingredients one could possibly want : a well thought-of adventure, great sex scenes and rock ‘n roll!

Personally, all I need to see in a porno is one white girl and eight angry black penises. But, I’m a romantic. I do, however, think it’s smart for the producers to point out that Ron Jeremy makes a “dialogue-only appearance.” If I wanted to see a naked fat, old guy with a big cock, I would have never set my uncle Mel on fire while he slept.

Malice in Lalaland arrives on DVD on Jan. 20 For a chance to attend the film’s premiere party in Hollywood, California go here.

While you’re at it, you pervs should check out Ashlynn Brooke in a “True Blood” porn parody and Belladonna’s new mainstream horror role.

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There’s been a lot of speculation over what director will take over Sony’s Spiderman reboot now that the studio has severed ties with Sam Raimi. While Marc Webb (500 Days of Summer) is rumored to be topping the list, other names in the supposed mix include Wes Anderson (Fantastic Mr. Fox), David Fincher (Se7en), Nimrod Antal (Predators), and self-proclaimed King-of-the-World James Cameron (Avatar).

Cameron, however, is the first to go on record as not being interested in the Spidey franchise. He tells MTV:

It’s a little bit sloppy seconds, let’s face it. I haven’t gotten a phone call. I don’t expect to — certainly [not] after this interview. But if you’re thinking about it, it’s sloppy seconds. I’m not interested.

Cameron’s Avatar won a Golden Globe award last night for Best Motion Picture – Drama. The 55-year-old Oscar-winner also took home a Globe for Best Director.

In related news, Sam Raimi may be moving on to helm the World of Warcraft film. I’ll keep you posted.

Though his next epic will most likely be categorized as a historically based action-drama, actor/director Mel Gibson scares enough people for me to cover his upcoming Viking project. And, besides, I’m like beyond 100% certain it’s going to be insanely awesome, especially in the hands of the guy who has given us Braveheart, The Passion, and Apocalypto.

The film is being written by William Monahan (The Departed) and will star Leonardo DiCaprio.

Gibson spoke about the film during a recent press tour for Martin Campbell’s revenge-thriller Edge of Darkness:

I want a Viking to scare you.  I don’t want a Viking to say, “I’m going to die with a sword in my hand.”  I don’t want to hear that.  It pulls the rug out from under you.  I want to see somebody who I have never seen before speaking low guttural German who scares the living shit out of me coming up to my house.  What is that like?  What would that have been like?

I think it’s going to be English—the English that would have been spoken back then—and Old Norse. Whatever the 9th century had to offer. I’m going to give you real.

Images from Robert Rodriguez’s Predators have hit the web. They’re not really all that exciting, except maybe for the one above where we see star Adrien Brody eating a burrito while Walton Goggins looks on in envy (it pays to be top-billed, Walto).

Robert Rodriguez’s Predators is directed by Nimrod Antal and costars Topher Grace (Spiderman), Derek Mears (Friday the 13th 2009) , and Danny Trejo (From Dusk Till Dawn). To learn more about the reboot, go here.

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