Entertainment News Recap | Tim's Top 5 Stories of the Week | Nov 9-15

In this weeks’ recap we have a talented director taking over a big studio remake, an oppurtunity to save theaters, and upcoming releases. Let’s take a look at the big stories in entertainment this week:

1. Jon M. Chu, Director of Crazy Rich Asians, in talks to direct "Stitch” live-action remake

The Hollywood Reporter has reported that Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich of Rideback, are producing another DIsney remake after producing Aladdin and fellow member of Rideback, Ryan Halprin will be the executive producer. As of now, Disney is searching for a writer to work with Chu on a script. The original was written by How to Train Your Dragon writer/directors Dean Deblois & Chris Sanders.

SOURCE: Hollywood Reporter

My first reaction when I heard the news was, “aww crap.” While Lilo & Stitch wasn’t necessarily a box office success I enjoy it as one of the better DIsney animated films. My biggest problem with the news of a “Stitch” remake is that the outside of Beauty & The Beast nearly all of their live action remakes have been underwhelming. Most recently, that dissapointment came in the form of Mulan.

2. #SaveYourCinema Campaign Makes Pleas To Save Movie Theater Industry

The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) has called on Congress and the Trump Administration to pass the “Save Your Cinema” proposal. Alone, or as part of a larger COVID-19 relief package, NATO requests $15 billion in grants to help keep theaters afloat until later next year when a vaccine may provide a safe end to the pandemic. The proposal also requests for additional assistance to furloughed workers. You can join the cause here.

SOURCE: Cinemablend

In my opinion, while nothing is impossible, the chances of this happening is less than 1%. In 8 months since the “15 days to slow the spread” Congress has passed one stimulus package. The two sides just can’t seem to get on the same page. Still, its a cause worth supporting.

3. Wonder Woman 1984 Release Update

News involving WW84’s release date has been a consistent staple of the weekly news recaps thus far. The flim was pushed from June, then August, then October, and now Christmas. Coronavirus lockdowns seem imminent between COVID spikes and change in the executive branch come Jan. 20. Warner Bros. has two options: Maintain a short lived Christmas release and then move to HBO or again, push the film back to Summer 2021. The problem with the latter is the unknown theater landscape at that time.

SOURCE: Collider

In my opinion, and I said this before, just release and/or sell films to streaming services amidst the pandemic. There doesn’t seem to be an end in sight. It is time to cut losses and release on schedule.

4. Fatman/Freaky are new releases in theaters this weekend

Freaky is a critically acclaimed horror comedy which is certifed fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. Happy Death Day Director is back in that chair for the film which stars Vince Vaughn and Kathryn Newton. Meanwhile, Fatman, stars Mel Gibson in a role that places him as either the jolly Chris Cringle or backwoods killer in a battle with a a professional hitman. The film hasn’t received much praise from critics though audiences, at least those who have seen it, give it modest approval.

SOURCE: Variety

In my opinion, Freaky has an incredibly unique premise I look forward to seeing. Fatman may be a film i wait for streaming, which will occur by Thanksgiving.

5. Star Lord cameo confirmed in Thor: Love & Thunder

Chris Pratt will reprise his role as Star Lord in the upcoming 4th film in the Thor Franchise. After the events of Endgame Thor joined the Guardians of the Galaxy in leaving Earth. It was interesting to see if Thor would appear in GotG Vol 3 or the guardians in Thor 4. The dynamic between these characters was some of the best parts of Infinity War and the aforementioned Endgame.

SOURCE: Screen Rant

In my opinion, I’m a fan of Chris Pratt, and the MCU as a whole and it’s always interesting to see where the MCU goes after losing staple characters for Phase 4. Can they build another set of remarkably fun characters?