Shia Labeouf Drops Out From Broadway’s ‘Orphans’

In a recent release made by producers of the broadway show Orphans, and E! Online for the post, they’ve stated that Shia Labeouf has parted ways from the production due to creative differences.

The producers of Orphans released this press statement:

“Due to creative differences, the producers of Orphans and Shia Labeouf will be parting ways and he will not be continuing with the production…”

In the last few years, we’ve seen Shia Labeouf play some pretty standard and blockbuster roles. Everything from the massive Transformers franchise to Eagle Eye. And if you really reach back, you’ll remember his much younger days in Disney’s Even Stevens. It would be easy to lump Labeouf into the mainstream and sellout categories of acting, but before you do, take a closer look at what he’s been doing lately.

His most recent movie was with Tom Hardy in Lawless, which may have stumbled a bit in story, but was made up by some strong acting chops from Labeouf. He’s also been in a few small indie productions as well as some reclusive self acting. Perhaps he is taking his craft seriously after all. It’s also good to note that he’s parted ways from the Transformers franchise for good and seems to be taking roles that challenge him as an actor.

What the Hell, I’m willing to see what he’s got. In fact, based on Lawless alone, there is some serious potential for him to rise up from his family and franchise history.

We’ll have to keep an eye on Mr. Labeouf.

What do you think? Does he have potential, or is he simply an actor who takes himself too seriously?

Neat Flicks on Netflix: Primer

Very few films are so complex that you need to see it multiple times to completely understand it. Fewer still are the amount of those films that leave you satisfied after your first viewing.

Primer is an independent film that essentially deals with time travel. Now, before you begin your acceleration to 88 mph, understand that this is a very different kind of time travel flick.

It deals with two individuals whom build error checking devices in there garage in order to attract business ventures. While creating and testing hardware, they accidentally construct what they believe is a time machine. After testing the machine further, and constructing a larger version that can house a person, they begin to deal with the ethical, consequential and physical effects of their actions.

This particular film, unlike that of its predecessors, it’s a much more plausible and realistic form of time travel. But more important than that is the complete lack of any CGI or eye popping visuals. This film is purely for the discussion and thought provoking ideas. Minimalist in its production, and heavy on its dialogue and interaction, it’s a serious film for a serious viewer. Well worth the watch, it’ll take you a few viewings to completely grasp the film as a whole. And the ending? Lets just say it leaves you mouth gaping at the possibilities.

Check out the trailer below:

Here’s a link to Netflix if you’re looking for a free month.

20,000 doubts with David Fincher and Channing Tatum?

We  all know that David Fincher is a serious filmmaker. Hell, he hasn’t even suffered a box office flop, let alone critical failure. But it seems he’s raising a few eyebrows with his latest directing endeavor, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

In a recent story from the crew over at The Playlist, Fincher’s shortlist for possible actors for 20,000 Leagues includes the ever trendy Channing Tatum. Fincher’s original choice was with his longtime counterpart Brad Pitt, but with Pitt’s passing on the project, the new search for the lead role has begun.

Tatum has skyrocketed to the top of Hollywood’s must-have actors list in the past few years, thanks to a slew of financially successful movies and his ever-present exposure. Though many of them are critically weak, he does have a few that have garnered some serious attention from the big wigs upstairs, as well as Fincher himself. Now, while there are far more terrible actors present in film today, Tatum isn’t someone that I would put at the top of my own personal list. He may have done a good job in the 21 Jump Street reboot, but let’s not forget his role in G.I. Joe or his one of several Nicholas Sparks adaptions or Step Up “gems”.

So it’s not surprising to hear the interwebs questioning Fincher’s shortlist, regardless if the rumors are true or not. One thing, however, is certain; we’re dealing with David Fincher. Very rarely, if ever, does Fincher lead us astray. Not to mention he’s been directing all over the place in all facets of the industry lately.

His most recent project was reuniting with Justin Timberlake for his Suit & Tie music video, which released shortly after House of Cards, a Netflix exclusive series. Prior to that, he was finishing up Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn as well as Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Simply put, he’s been a busy boy.

So let’s just give him the benefit of the doubt and trust in his judgement. He’s earned it. For now.