Friday, September 22, 2006

Perrotta hot in Hollywood

Author Tom Perrotta, who dissected the hell that is high school with his scathing satire "Election," is heading back to class.

His new book, "The Abstinence Teacher," due out soon, has already been picked up by Warner Independent Pictures for adaptation. Details are still sketchy, but the central character is a school nurse under pressure from conservative forces to teach her students abstinence. Sounds perfect for Mr. Perrotta.

A quick look at the IMDB shows Mr. Perrotta's books have a quick pipeline to Hollywood, and why not? He creates interesting characters who you can instantly relate to, and he writes easy but still interesting reads.

Along with "The Abstinence Teacher," two other Perrotta works are on the way. "Little Children," based on his 2005 novel and his own screenplay, is directed by Todd Field and debuted to mostly rave reviews at the Toronto International Film Festival. Definitely keep your eyes on that one.

Even better, it seems my favorite Perrotta book, "The Wishbones," is also in the works for next year. No casting details yet, but the story of the members of a wedding band resisting as best they can the need to grow up is a comedic gem. I've read it twice since my brother gave it to me for Christmas, and it's still fresh in my mind.

Now, if D.C. scribe (and writer for "The Wire") George Pelecanos could just get this kind of respect ...

What to watch?

This being football season in the South, my Saturdays are mostly tied up in Athens (like this weekend with the game vs. Colorado.) I'm not complaining, mind you, just stating a fact.

That leaves only one day for watching movies, which means choosing one new flick. Which one will it be this weekend?

Not "All the Kings Men." My ill will toward this unnecessary remake has been affirmed by a sound critical thrashing, so I'll be staying away.

Not "Flyboys." After "Freaks and Geeks," I wish James Franco only mad success, but this one just looks downright silly, even if it will have great flying sequences.

Not "Jackass: Number Two." "Jackass" is hands down one of the funniest movies I've ever seen, and judging from the trailer for this one, especially the dude getting his tooth pulled by a car, it should be even crazier. Maybe next week, or else on DVD for me.

That leaves ... "Fearless." I love Jet Li, so this was really a no-brainer. Judging from the advance word of both fans and critics, he goes out on top with his performance as real-life martial arts legend Huo Yuan Jia. I can't wait to see this one Sunday afternoon.

So, there you have it. What, if anything, will you be going to see this weekend? Feel free to let me know.

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

I will be heading out to the torture of Jackass 2 because the husband wants to see this very badly but my first choice is also "Fearless". The other movie I'm planning to see this week which openend in limited release and happens to be playin here is "Walking Alone for Thousands of Miles". It looks like a fantastic film. I can't wait.

Happy movie viewing weekend!

Reel Fanatic said...

You have a great weekend too, Marina .. If I had time to see two movies this weekend, "Jackass" would be number two ... let me know if you survived without getting too nauseous!

Anonymous said...

Fearless looks a better choice...Though I am waiting for Borat :)

Reel Fanatic said...

I can't wait for Borat! ... It looks like it has something to offend just about everyone, so it will be right up my alley

Annie in Austin said...

If all goes well it will be Michel Gondry's "The Science of Sleep". Might not be this weekend, but it will be soon!

Annie in Austin

Reel Fanatic said...

I'm jealous, Annie ... we don't get such good movies out here in the sticks, but I'll definitely check that one out on DVD

Divinity said...

I'll be seeing LMS again with a couple of friends who haven't seen it yet. Half-Nelson's still on my to-do list. Otherwise, it's DVD love for me - Arrested Development and Fraggle Rock!

Reel Fanatic said...

LMS is definitely worth repeat viewing, Divinity .. I also just got the Arrested Development set, but haven't gotten around to them yet .. it just seems like it will be so depressing that it's over!

TacoDave said...

Just got out of Jackass 2. It was hilarious, digusting, and full of male nudity.

I feel bad for liking it, but I truly did.

Reel Fanatic said...

There's nothing shameful about liking very funny stuff, Dave, no matter how purile it might be!

wcdixon said...

Nothing new grabbed me (looking forward to Borat also, so I chose to catch up on an older title over at the rep theatre - 'The Descent' ...not bad.

Scott Stambler said...

you've been tagged. (it will make sense if you go to my site)

Emma said...

Hmm... Fearless could be OK. Maybe.

Reel Fanatic said...

I'm hoping so, Mystic ... I'll be posting something about it later today

Mike Norton said...

As you saw (and thanks for the site visit btw) we ended up out to see Jackass Number Two on Saturday. I believe we were the only ones there where it was the woman (my wife) who was the primary reason for us going to see it. Looking around I saw girlfriends and perhaps a wife or two who were plainly there only because of their significant other's tastes. Me? I could've easily just waited for the DVD set, as it's obvious from looking at the pieces in the movie, the clips on the official site and some of the interview material that they have many hours of other stunt footage that didn't make the cut for this 1 hour 35 minute showcase.

Side-note: I'll likely be looking to see where The Science of Sleep is playing, too, probably for next weekend, as I've been interested in seeing it since I saw the previews for it while out to see A Scanner Darkly... wow, was that really back in July?!

Reel Fanatic said...

Hola Mr. Norton .. I think you're right about the Jackass formula .. it definitely seems like they pack away some of the best stunts (like, with this one, apparently the dude getting his tooth pulled by the car) for the DVD release .. even so, I might break down and see it next week, depending on what all opens here.

Thisishollywood said...

Hi
Hollywood theme parties are becoming extremely popular these days as more and more people are deciding on putting a twist to their normal run of the mill house party.

william