Yet another video game to film adaption

Variety have revealed that Universal Pictures have gained the screen rights to EA video game 'Army of Two.'

The Bourne Ultimatum co-writer, Scott Z. Burns, has been attached to write the script for the film which is due to begin production in 2009 and Scott Scuber will produce with EA.

The game, which has sold more than 1 million copies since its release in March, is a two-player action game where a pair of military contractors fight side by side throughout.

With the duo player format, it may be hard to see how it can be successfully transformed to a big screen hit but, Burns says: "Because people experience the game in pairs, playing two guys who go against the world, Scott and I agreed this format presented an opportunity to make a great buddy film."

Burns added: "The ambiguity of these private military corporations lends weight to an intelligent thriller with relevance to what’s going on in the world right now. You have contractors with their own agendas, and two guys whose friendship supersedes all the politics. I told EA right off the bat I wasn’t a gamer, and that appealed to them because they didn’t want to simply replicate the game."

'Army of Two' marks the third EA game to enter the film world recently. Universal are thought to be taking on Sci-Fi game 'Mass Effect' and also 'Bioshock' which is due to be directed by Gore Verbinski. Even 'The Sims' is getting the movie treatment as 20th Century Fox takes on the challenge.

Tropic Thunder

There was quite a lot of hype surrounding this film and I'm not quite sure that it is all it was cracked up to be.

It is an entertaining and funny film nonetheless and is typical of what we would expect from Ben Stiller.

My full review can be found at movieriot.co.uk.

How to Lose Friends and Alienate People

Simon Pegg stars in this hit comedy about a journalist who is trying to fit in in a top New York magazine.

It is a fab film, with plenty of comedy throughout.

Take a look at my full review at movieriot.co.uk.

And...take a look at the trailer below...

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is a moving representation of the holocaust through the eyes of a small boy.

I was a bit apprehensive about going to see this film, but I definitely didn't regret the decision and I am not ashamed to say that I was in tears by the closing credits.

I would definitely recommend this film but, make sure you have your tissues handy.

For my full review go to Movieriot.co.uk.

Burton's Immortal Award

Legendary cult director, Tim Burton, is due to attend the Scream 2008 Awards at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles this Saturday where he will be accepting his 'Immortal Award'.

The award will mark Burton's contributions to horror, sci-fi and fantasy genres as the Scream people say he has "contributed more to the genres of fantasy, sci-fi and horror than any other filmmaker of his generation."

The Los Angeles Times have scooped a brilliant exclusive interview with Burton on the set of his new film, Alice in Wonderland, take a look at it here.

Co-writer denies Pirate rumours

Co-writer of the three Pirates of the Caribbean movies has quashed some of the rumours circulating about the fourth edition to the series of swashbuckling adventures.

Rumours have said that Depp is set to make a huge $56 million for Pirates 4 and that Sacha Baron Cohen and Russel Brand will co-star while Tim Burton is on board to direct.

He revealed on Wordplay Forums: 'For the record, none of the recent Pirates 4 rumors have any truth, including the so-called record 50 million dollar payday for Depp.'

He added: 'Some pretty funny stuff, though. Sacha Cohen? Tim Burton? Studios are way too protective of their franchises for that sort of thing. '

It has been confirmed that Depp will return as loveable rogue Captain Jack Sparrow but, it is thought that Keria Knightley will not be returning as Elizabeth, Terry writes: 'All I know is what I read, which is that Keira is not interested in doing another Pirates film, so that means the Elizabeth character cannot come back.'

So it looks as though Pirates 4 is not going to be Sweeney Todd incarnate and that it will probably stick to what we are used to, which is for the best really.

No production date has been set yet.

Face your fears on new SAW ride

Empire have announced that popular theme park Thorpe Park are due to launch a ride based on the horror movie series 'SAW' next spring.

It will mark the worlds first horror movie based roller coaster and it is thought that it will be one of the scariest rides around as visitors face their fears.

Empire write: 'With a ‘beyond vertical’ drop of 100º from a height of 100ft, SAW – The Ride will be the steepest free fall drop in the world, and riders will endure three inversions to fuel the adrenaline-drenched fun for thrill seekers. Visitors will be at the mercy of the series’ master manipulator, Jigsaw who will test the nerve of all who dare ride it.'

The people responsible for the horror series, Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures, are on board to help bring the ride to life.

Take a look at the rides website to keep updated on its progress.

In the meantime, the next frightening film in the series, Saw V, is due to hit our screens at the end of the month, just in time to spook us all for Halloween.