According to Film Score Daily’s Top Forty Composer Countdown (via First Showing) the composer for Michel Gondry’s The Green Hornet starring Seth Rogen, Jay Chou, Cameron Diaz and Christoph Waltz has been announced. It will be none other than Danny Elfman, the man behind almost all of Tim Burton’s scores, including the upcoming Alice In Wonderland. He has also done Terminator: Salvation, Spider-Man 2, Milk, and Good Will Hunting among many others. Read the full story

After closing out the decade with our 100 favorite films, The Film Stage has come together once again to bring you 65 films that we have hope for in 2010. These range from small, foreign independent films to massive budget blockbusters. There is a reason each of these films is on the list so start checking them out below!

A Prophet (Jacques Audiard, Feb. 12th)

Plot: A young Arab man is sent to a French prison where he becomes a mafia kingpin.

Why You Should See It: Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at Cannes, this is Audiard’s first film since 2005’s The Beat That My Heart Skipped. Thanks to its raw style, sprawling story and perfect performances, this is one of the best foreign films I’ve ever seen. – Jordan R.

Shutter Island (Martin Scorsese, Feb. 19th)

Plot: Set in 1954, U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels is investigating the disappearance of a murderess who escaped from a hospital for the criminally insane and is presumed to be hiding on the remote Shutter Island.

Why You Should See It: Scorsese dips into the horror/thriller genre with this tale of twists and surprises. After reading Dennis Lehane’s novel, I’m confident Scorsese is the man to bring justice to the eclectic story. Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Emily Mortimer, Michelle Williams and Jackie Earle Haley star. – Jordan R.

Alice In Wonderland (Tim Burton, Mar. 5th)

Plot: Nineteen-year-old Alice returns to the magical world from her childhood adventure, reuniting with her old friends and learns of her true destiny: to end the Red Queen’s reign of terror.

Why You Should See It: It’s a Tim Burton film, why wouldn’t you see it? It looks fun and seems to keep Burton’s crazily imaginative shtick. Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway, Crispin Glover, Alan Rickman and Mia Wasikowska star. – Jack G.

Green Zone (Paul Greengrass, Mar. 12th)

Plot: Discovering covert and faulty intelligence causes a U.S. Army officer to go rogue as he hunts for WMDs in an unstable Iraq.

Why You Should See It: Considering The Bourne Ultimatum was my favorite film of the last decade and Matt Damon is my favorite actor, I am thoroughly pumped for this film. Much happier than what I would feel if this was Bourne 4. Greengrass and Damon work very well together and it’s going to be nice to see what they can pull off with a new storyline. – Merrill B.

Hot Tub Time Machine (Steve Pink, Mar. 19th)

Plot: Four guys travel back to their respective 80s heydays thanks to a time-bending hot tub.

Why You Should See It: Because, with any luck, it could be this year’s The Hangover, only with much dirtier jokes and a much stranger cast. Not convinced? Steve Pink, the director, co-wrote Cusack comic gems High Fidelity and Grosse Pointe Blank. – Dan M.

Greenberg (Noah Baumbach, Mar. 26th)

Plot: A jobless New Yorker moves to Los Angeles in order to figure out his life while he housesits for his brother. He soon sparks with his brother’s assistant, a musician and somewhat of a lost soul herself.

Why You Should See It: The Squid and the Whale was one of my favorite films of the previous decade and I even enjoyed Margot at the Wedding, Baumbach’s previous feature. He has proved he still has it with his writing work on Fantastic Mr. Fox and I can’t wait to see his newest feature, led by Ben Stiller. – Jordan R.

Clash of the Titans (Louis Leterrier, Mar. 26th)

Plot: In a loose adaptation from Greek mythology, Perseus (who was birthed from a god but raised as a man) sets off on an epic mission to combat Hades before he can seize power from Zeus and unleash hell on earth.

Why You Should See It: While the original Clash of the Titans is no classic and extremely outdated, that’s exactly why it’s refreshing to see Louis Letrerrier putting his over-the-top action spin on it. Any film with Liam Neeson yelling, an oversized dragon roaring and plenty of swordplay screams pure entertainment. – Jack G.

Cemetery Junction (Ricky Gervais + Stephen Merchant, Apr. 7th – UK)

Plot: A 1970s-set comedy centered on three upstart professional men working at an insurance company.

Why You Should See It: Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant co-created two of the most inventive comedies – The Office (UK) and Extras – modern television’s had to offer. Now they’re going for a more seriocomic look, in film form, at office life. Young professionals (unknowns Christian Cooke, Tom Hughes and Jack Doolan) toil away at an insurance company in 1970s working-class England. – Mark M.

Kick-Ass (Matthew Vaughn, Apr. 16th)

Plot: Despite the fact that he has zero superpowers, teenage fanboy Dave Lizewski looks to reincarnate himself as a crime-fighting superhero named Kick-Ass, a decision that will inspire a subculture of copy cats, put his life in danger, and unite him with a similarly minded father-daughter duo.

Why You Should See It: The green band trailer had me giddy with excitement and the red band made me go “who… what… how… this… is… awesome.” I can’t wait to see some good old Nic Cage overacting and teenagers, well, kicking ass. – Merrill B.

Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps (Oliver Stone, Apr. 23rd)

Plot: As the global economy teeters on the brink of disaster, a young Wall Street trader partners with disgraced former Wall Street corporate raider Gordon Gekko on a two-tiered mission: To alert the financial community to the coming doom, and to find out who was responsible for the death of the young trader’s mentor.

Why You Should See It: Oliver Stone returns to day trading. Michael Douglas reprises his role as the sleazy and greedy Gordon Gekko. Taking place in June ‘08 he tries to warn share holders of an upcoming market crash, though with trouble due to his recent release from prison. - Hash A.

Iron Man 2 (Jon Favreau, May 7th)

Plot: With the world now aware of his dual life as the armored superhero Iron Man, billionaire inventor Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) faces pressure from the government, the press, and the public to share his technology with the military.

Why You Should See It: How will Downey’s Stark deal with the many trials, both literally and figuratively, as the government demands he hand over the suit while he’s pitted against corporate rival Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell) and heavily armored Whiplash (Mickey Rourke). – Dan G.

Stone (John Curran, May 7th)

Plot: A convicted arsonist looks to manipulate a parole officer into a plan to secure his parole by placing his beautiful wife in the lawman’s path.

Why You Should See It: Complete with a creative premise (via Junebug scribe Angus MacLachlan) and a trio of risk-taking, accomplished leads in Robert De Niro, Milla Jokovich and Edward Norton, this looks like a character drama with equal amounts of both character and drama. – Dan M.

Robin Hood (Ridley Scott, May 14th)

Plot: The story of an archer in the army of Richard Coeur de Lion who fights against the Norman invaders and becomes the legendary hero known as Robin Hood.

Why You Should See It: Despite the painfully generic trailers, it’s difficult not get excited for Robin Hood. It’s a Ridley Scott film with Russell Crowe leading a group of ragtag warriors. That turned out pretty well last time. -  Jack G.

Prince of Persia (Mike Newell, May 28th)

Plot: Set in medieval Persia, a rogue prince (Gyllenhaal) joins a mysterious princess (Arterton) in an effort to prevent a dark force from obtaining an ancient dagger that allows its handler to rule the world.

Why You Should See It: The video game film genre is constantly bogged down by the liking of people like Uwe Boll, so it’s no wonder why films based off video games have never quite worked. But for this one, a big name (Jerry Bruckheimer) is backing it and I don’t think he wants to let us down. I am a huge fan of the Prince of Persia games and the lush trailer promises a sign of things to come. – Merrill B.

The A-Team (Joe Carnahan, June 11th)

Plot: A group of Iraq War veterans looks to clear their name with the U.S. military, who suspect the four men of committing a crime for which they were framed.

Why You Should See It: A contemporary look at the classic television show, a group of ex US Special Ops members during the First Gulf War now work as mercenaries. This features an all-star cast including Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, and District 9’s Sharlto Copley. Sure, it’s pure entertainment, but as long as it does its job it should be a good time at the movies.- Hash A.

Get Him To The Greek (Nicholas Stoller, June 11th)

Plot: A record company intern (Hill) is hired to accompany out-of-control British rock star Aldous Snow (Brand) to a concert at L.A.’s Greek Theater.

Why You Should See It: Since the early days of Freaks and Geeks, Apatow Production comedy has been the most consistent and reliable comedy outlet in the film industry. Constantly pushing the envelope and creating ridiculous new stories, betting on an Apatow film is definitely a safe bet. Apatow regulars, Jonah Hill and Russel Brand will be returning in what is sure to be a hilarious summer hit. – Addam H.

Jonah Hex (Jimmy Hayward, June 18th)

Plot: The U.S. military gives bounty hunter Jonah Hex (Josh Brolin) and offer he cannot refuse: in exchange for his freedom from the warrants on his head, he’s to take down a terrorist (John Malkovich) who is gathering an army and preparing to unleash Hell on Earth.

Why You Should See It: Jonah Hex is something of a lovable, if dark hero and with Brolin playing him, it will surely be quite a bit of fun. While it’ll most likely be played safe with a PG-13 rating (the firing of Neveldine/Taylor as the writing team also disconcerting), it will be interesting to see how they handle this not-so-generic comic book hero. – Jack G.

Toy Story 3 (Lee Unkrich, June 18th)

Plot: Woody (Hanks), Buzz (Allen), and the rest of their toy-box friends are dumped in a day-care center after their owner, Andy, departs for college.

Why You Should See It: Pixar is headed back to the start of what defined their early success with the 3rd entry into the Toy Story saga. As I’m just leaving college I can’t help but relate to Andy as he heads into the next part of his life. Visiting Woody and Buzz again is one my most anticipated experiences this year. – Jordan R.

The Last Airbender (M. Night Shyamalan, July 2nd)

Plot: Aang, a young successor to a long line of Avatars, learns that he possesses the power to engage the Fire Nation and hopefully end their century-long war against the Water, Earth, and Air nations.

Why You Should See It: Shyamalan’s chance to redeem himself with a match made in heaven. In a world where elements can be controlled, a boy is chosen as the physical incarnation of the planet and given all abilities and knowledge of the previous incarnations with the task of preventing a war. Based on the animated show Avatar. – Hash A.

Knight and Day (James Mangold, July 2nd)

Plot: An action-comedy centered on a fugitive couple on a globe-spanning adventure where, amid shifting alliances and unexpected betrayals, nothing and no one are what they seem.

Why You Should See It: An adventure that follows the paths of a fugitive couple,  spy Tom Cruise and the cute innocent Cameron Diaz. Their race for survival across the globe teaches them a lot about the battle of Truth vs. Trust as they deal with many shifting alliances and unexpected betrayals. Directed by James Mangold, the man behind 3:10 To Yuma and Walk The Line. – Dan G.

Predators (Nimrod Antal, July 7th)

Plot: A group of elite warriors are hunted by members of a merciless alien race.

Why You Should See It: Nimrod Antal, a fanboy’s dream cast, and plenty of hard-R kills will turn this into a return to form for the Predator franchise. It’s been about twenty-three years since a film that dealt with Predators was cool, that wait will soon be over. - Jack G.

Inception (Christopher Nolan, July 16th)

Plot: A sci-fi/thriller set within the “architecture of the mind”.

Why You Should See It: Ten years ago Christopher Nolan started off the decade with a psychological thriller meant to take the audience on a journey through the depths of the main character’s mind. Well, now we actually get to enter that mind. Inception has all the makings of the ultimate psychological thriller. DiCaprio has proved himself this past decade as a real actor and not just some pretty boy who was nothing more than a one hit wonder. I can’t wait to see what Nolan has in store for us. – Merrill B.

According to Deadline Hollywood today actor Christoph Waltz, perhaps best known for his portrayal of Col. Hans Landa in Quentin Tarantino’s Inglorious Basterds has been signed to play the villain Chudnofsky in the upcoming film adaption of The Green Hornet starring Seth Rogen. Waltz has yet to make a comment on his new role. Production on The Green Hornet began 2 weeks ago and is being directed by Michel Gondry.

When it was announced that Nic Cage had dropped out of the role I was worried as to who was going to replace him. I am now kicking myself for not thinking of Waltz. He is the perfect guy to play a comic book villain. Hell, he kind of already did in Basterds. I cant wait to see this film and hope to see some comments from the cast and crew soon.

Do you think Waltz was the right choice?

After being delayed from its original scheduled release date of Summer 2010, The Green Hornet, the Seth Rogen starring, Michel Gondry directed adaptation of the superhero character is now being released on December 17, 2010.  However, this is also the same newly announced release date for Tron Legacy, the sequel to the 1982 film Tron.  Interestingly enough, it seems Disney has moved the film up from their planned release of 2011 to compete for the holiday spot.  Two other films are also opening up on that date, The Smurfs and Yogi Bear, which according to ScreenRant are also in 3D, along with Tron Legacy. This could spell out a problem, as many theaters, including mine, have only one 3D screen in the whole theater, and to accommodate three films on the same weekend would be madness.  However, the question of who wins the weekend box office seems much more clear.

A movie like Tron Legacy being released on the weekend before Christmas is destined to win the box office.  An action movie from Disney, a sequel to a popular movie from the 80’s, and of course, all in 3D.  The Smurfs and Yogi Bear, the former being animated with a mix of live action, the latter most likely being all CG, should do well, but if they do in fact stay in that release date, which I speculate they won’t due to competition, I think Tron Legacy will still best those two.  As for The Green Hornet, I actually don’t know if it’ll have legs.  My reasoning is this: A. The Green Hornet is not a well known character for modern audiences, and it will be hard to get people to see him right away, and B. Seth Rogen’s profile is dropping.  While he isn’t completely faded from the public consciousness, the box office of his last four starring movies has been on a weak run.  Funny People is the lowest grossing and least well received Apatow written and directed movie yet, and one has to wonder how much of that box office slide has to do with Rogen’s presence.  While perhaps if given the right movie, like maybe Green Hornet, he can have a rebound, but as for now things look a little less bright in terms of successes and failures.

Of all the movies here, Tron Legacy is the one I want to see the most.  The Green Hornet picture maybe being entertaining, but Tron is the one I want to see the most at the moment.  The two other films I imagine will be moved from the December 17, 2010 release date to a more safe date for either picture.  Otherwise, the lead up to December 17, 2010 will be a big game of chicken for the four studios.  And that could possibly be more entertaining than any of the movies they plan to release on that date.

What do you think of the crowded release schedule for December 17, 2010?

The Seth Rogen starring, co-written by Superbad and Pineapple Express co-scribe Evan Goldberg, Michel Gondry directed movie version of the TV show The Green Hornet has finally found their Kato.  Stephen Chow, best known for Kung Fu Hustle and Shaolin Soccer, was originally set to direct and star as Kato, the Green Hornet’s crime-fighting sidekick, but he later dropped out in favor of other projects.  With a director in place, finding a replacement actor was the biggest snag in the production.  But now, actor Jay Chou has been selected for the part, says a Columbia Press Release.

Described as a “pop-star phenomenon throughout Asia”, Chou is best known for his singing career, although he has acted in five previous features.  Also rumored for the movie are Nicolas Cage for a villain role, and Cameron Diaz reportedly as a “reporter/love interest”.  The movie is scheduled to begin filming this year for a 2010 release.

The Green Hornet is a project that doesn’t pique my interest that greatly.  I have no attachment to the character, and only Rogen’s involvement has me interested.  I’m still curious as to how Gondry will direct this, as his movies are known for their surreal style, and this doesn’t seem like the kind of movie that would benefit from that.  I also have no idea how Chou will do in this role, considering this is the first time I’ve ever even heard of him.  But both Gondry and Rogen approved, so I have confidence in him.  Nicolas Cage as the villain sounds, well, pretty awesome, and that I would love to see.

What do you think of Chou being cast as Kato?

Yesterday at Comic Con Sony unveiled The Green Hornet’s car Black Beauty. Director Michel Gondry, Seth Rogen, and Evan Goldberg were in attendance and gave a series of interviews. While Rogen was there he confirmed that Nicholas Cage would play one of the villains, but he has not officially signed on yet. The Green Hornet is hitting theaters on July 9th, 2010.

While some still remain skeptical, I couldn’t be more enthusiastic for this. Its a Michel Gondry superhero movie, that should be enough to get one excited. I also really like the look of Black Beauty, it has this surreal retro look about it. It looks like a pimped out bat mobile, which is a good thing. Also, since Nicholas Cage is at Comic Con, I am sure they will announce a done deal in a day or two.

What do you think of Black Beauty?

Via: Super Hype

Variety reports Michel Gondry, director of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Be Kind Rewind is in talks to direct The Green Hornet. Seth Rogen is starring, producing, and co-writing with Evan Goldberg (Pineapple Express, Superbad). Although Stephen Chow dropped out of the directing role he is still on to co-star as Kato.

Plot: By night, debonair newspaper publisher Britt Reid fights crime as a masked superhero known as The Green Hornet. At his side is martial arts expert Kato.

After rumors of The Green Hornet being scrapped at Sundance, then it coming back with Gondry attached I couldn’t be more excited. Altough Be Kind Rewind was the most disappointing film I saw last year I loved Science of Sleep and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a masterpiece in my eyes. Bring on June 25th, 2010.

What do you think of Gondry directing The Green Hornet?

We reported a couple of days ago that according to a  certain Sundancer Seth Rogen’s superhero film The Green Hornet was DEAD. Well, it turns out that is not true. Firstshowing reports that Seth Rogen contacted Hitflix (who first rumored that the film was off) and had this to say:

[The studio heads] have every intention on making it, and assuming we’re able to hire a new director in the upcoming weeks, which seems like a distinct possibility, it should still hit the release date.

Seth Rogen is starring, co-writing and even producing so I trust what he has to say. The screenplay also written by Evan Goldberg (Pineapple Express, Superbad) follows a newspaper publisher Britt Reid (Rogen) who fights crime as a masked superhero known as The Green Hornet. At his side is martial arts expert Kato (Chow). Stephen Chow recently dropped out of the directing role, but is still in the movie, according to AICN. The release of June 25th,2010 is backon!

After these problems do you think The Green Hornet production will go smoothly?

/Film reports that Drew McWeeny over at Hitfix says the buzz at Sundance is that Seth Rogen’s superhero movie The Green Hornet is basically on life support over at Sony, and that there’s “a good chance the studio’s going to kick the plug out any moment now.” Drew reports:

[A]t Sundance, I heard several people say that the film was off completely. I spoke this afternoon with a source close to the film, and while they didn’t call it completely dead, they did say it is “highly unlikely” that the film will shoot in 2009 at all.

The screenplay written by Evan Goldberg (Pineapple Express, Superbad) follows a newspaper publisher Britt Reid (Rogen) who fights crime as a masked superhero known as The Green Hornet. At his side is martial arts expert Kato (Chow). Stephen Chow recently dropped out of the directing role, but is supposedly still in the movie. The release of June 25th, 2010 is not looking too likely now.

Would you be upset if we never get to see The Green Hornet?