"I'd like to take you back 17 years when a peanut farmer was in the White House, a group-a boys callin' themselves Queen topped the record charts and Gladys Leeman was Gladys Wood and she was Mount Rose American Teen Princess!"
I wasn't even old enough to tie my own shoes the first time I competed in a beauty pageant. Now, it's crucial in a post-"Toddlers and Tiaras" world to emphasize that the pageant circuit I grew up in was far less "spray tans and Go-Go juice," and a lot more like the film "Drop Dead Gorgeous." Directed by Michael Park Jann from a brilliant script by Lona Williams, the mockumentary "Drop Dead Gorgeous" was a financial and critical flop, but has developed a die-hard cult following over the years. The film follows underdog Amber Atkins (Kirsten Dunst), small-town socialite Becky Leeman (Denise Richards), as well as the contestants and...
I wasn't even old enough to tie my own shoes the first time I competed in a beauty pageant. Now, it's crucial in a post-"Toddlers and Tiaras" world to emphasize that the pageant circuit I grew up in was far less "spray tans and Go-Go juice," and a lot more like the film "Drop Dead Gorgeous." Directed by Michael Park Jann from a brilliant script by Lona Williams, the mockumentary "Drop Dead Gorgeous" was a financial and critical flop, but has developed a die-hard cult following over the years. The film follows underdog Amber Atkins (Kirsten Dunst), small-town socialite Becky Leeman (Denise Richards), as well as the contestants and...
- 12/6/2022
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Jesus loves winners. and 20 years later, we still love Drop Dead Gorgeous. In the latest movie anniversary to make you truly feel the harsh, cruel and unjust passing of your youth, Drop Dead Gorgeous, the beauty pageant satire starring Kirsten Dunst, Denise Richards, Kirstie Alley and Ellen Barkin, came out on July, 23, 1999. The dark teen comedy, written by former beauty pageant queen Lona Williams and directed by Michael Patrick Jann, was like if Miss Congeniality and Heathers had a baby that grew up and went through a goth phase. And while it's gone on to become a beloved cult classic over the years, ridiculously quotable and full of before-they-became super-famous stars, Drop Dead Gorgeous was a...
- 7/23/2019
- E! Online
Farm Sanctuary, the organization dedicated to combating the abuses of factory farming and the destruction to the planet and our health while encouraging a new awareness and understanding about farm animals, has announced that they will honor Carol Leifer, Tracye McQuirter and Kristi Funk, M.D. at the 2018 “Farm Sanctuary On the Hudson” Gala on Thursday, October 4th.
The evening hosted by actress Bellamy Young, will take place at Pier Sixty in New York City, and will feature a special performance by Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, Colbie Caillat.
Author, award-winning producer, actress and stand-up comedian Carol Leifer will be presented with the Animal Advocate Award for her courageous stand against animal cruelty and her commitment to being an animal advocate and vegan.
Tracye McQuirter, Mph, considered to be one of the most influential vegans in the country, will be presented with the Compassionate Vegan Living Award for her dedication to changing the way America eats,...
The evening hosted by actress Bellamy Young, will take place at Pier Sixty in New York City, and will feature a special performance by Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, Colbie Caillat.
Author, award-winning producer, actress and stand-up comedian Carol Leifer will be presented with the Animal Advocate Award for her courageous stand against animal cruelty and her commitment to being an animal advocate and vegan.
Tracye McQuirter, Mph, considered to be one of the most influential vegans in the country, will be presented with the Compassionate Vegan Living Award for her dedication to changing the way America eats,...
- 9/13/2018
- Look to the Stars
Described by critics as “crude and witless”, “numbingly unfunny” and “relentlessly defective”, scraping a meagre taking at the box office, Drop Dead Gorgeous was upon its release in 1999 a failure. The story of a beauty pageant gone wrong in a God fearing pocket of Minnesota, spun from the real-life experiences of writer Lona Williams,
The post Tears and Tiaras: How Drop Dead Gorgeous went from a Hollywood flop to a teen triumph appeared first on HeyUGuys.
The post Tears and Tiaras: How Drop Dead Gorgeous went from a Hollywood flop to a teen triumph appeared first on HeyUGuys.
- 4/19/2016
- by Beth Webb
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Now out on Digital HD and VOD, Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse will be unleashed on Blu-ray and DVD tomorrow from Paramount Home Media Distribution. To celebrate the occasion, we've been provided with two Blu-ray / DVD combo packs to give away.
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Prize Details: (2) Winners will receive (1) Blu-ray / DVD combo pack of Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse.
How to Enter: For a chance to win, email contest@dailydead.com with the subject “Scouts Guide Contest”. Be sure to include your name and mailing address.
Entry Details: The contest will end at 12:01am Est on January 10th. This contest is only open to those who are eighteen years of age or older that live in the United States. Only one entry per household will be accepted.
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Press Release: Filled with “wall-to-wall laughs, thrills and chills” (Steve Barton, Dread Central), the hilariously outrageous horror comedy...
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Prize Details: (2) Winners will receive (1) Blu-ray / DVD combo pack of Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse.
How to Enter: For a chance to win, email contest@dailydead.com with the subject “Scouts Guide Contest”. Be sure to include your name and mailing address.
Entry Details: The contest will end at 12:01am Est on January 10th. This contest is only open to those who are eighteen years of age or older that live in the United States. Only one entry per household will be accepted.
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Press Release: Filled with “wall-to-wall laughs, thrills and chills” (Steve Barton, Dread Central), the hilariously outrageous horror comedy...
- 1/4/2016
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
What is there to say about Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse that its title doesn’t say? At first glance, it seems to be the perfect picture for seventeen-year-olds who have just earned a driver’s license and the freedom to see it without a parent or adult guardian. However, it’s likely most seventeen-year-olds looking for an R-rated comedy have grown out of the brand of humor this one attempts to deliver.
Directed by Christopher Landon (Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones) from a script by Landon, Lona Williams, Emi Mochizuki and Carrie Lee Wilson, it provides exactly what you’d expect: blood, gore, boobs, and nature hikes. Its sexual politics are only slightly more evolved than those truly weird 80s horror films Agfa and the Alamo Drafthouse are preserving. Here we get a zombie attack by oral sex, zombie boobs, and one silly gag that I admit had...
Directed by Christopher Landon (Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones) from a script by Landon, Lona Williams, Emi Mochizuki and Carrie Lee Wilson, it provides exactly what you’d expect: blood, gore, boobs, and nature hikes. Its sexual politics are only slightly more evolved than those truly weird 80s horror films Agfa and the Alamo Drafthouse are preserving. Here we get a zombie attack by oral sex, zombie boobs, and one silly gag that I admit had...
- 10/30/2015
- by John Fink
- The Film Stage
While it’s no surprise that a zombie comedy loaded with beat-pounding electronica isn’t exactly canon Romero, the reckless abandon that Scouts Guide To The Zombie Apocalypse shows towards genre mythos is asinine, yet admirable(ish). Writers Emi Mochizuki, Carrie Evans, Christopher Landon, and Lona Williams couldn’t care less about undead continuity, as they flesh out a strobe-lit, gooey debauchery in the vein of a much more immature Zombieland. Think American Pie meets Dance Of The Dead, where director Christopher Landon (pulling double duty) goes style over substance into levels of zombie-stripping, head-exploding madness. True horror junkies are going to be crying foul after every unexplained walker detail, but younger fans enamored by gratuitous death sequences will probably be laughing too hard to care as Dillon Francis’ head transforms into a bloody mist.
Side note: If you don’t know what a Dillon Francis is, or if you...
Side note: If you don’t know what a Dillon Francis is, or if you...
- 10/29/2015
- by Matt Donato
- We Got This Covered
Paramount Pictures today announced that the Scouts Guide To The Zombie Apocalypse free mobile game is available today on iOS and Android. Based on the upcoming film in theaters on Friday, October 30, the game delivers a hundred zombie skullsploding puzzles.
Users play as a lone scout, utilizing an arsenal of makeshift weaponry and craftable power-ups that bounce around the room to kill zombies, trigger traps, and influence environmental pieces in order to save the town and make it to the party alive. The game features 100 levels of ricochet puzzling mayhem filled with hordes of flesh-devouring zombies and locations inspired by the Scouts Guide To The Zombie Apocalypse film.
The Scouts Guide To The Zombie Apocalypse mobile game was developed by Tic Toc Games, makers of Pug Run, Panda Pop, the Kickstarter-hit Adventures of Pip, and is available now at www.scoutsandzombiesmovie.com/game
Apple Store Link
Google Play Store Link...
Users play as a lone scout, utilizing an arsenal of makeshift weaponry and craftable power-ups that bounce around the room to kill zombies, trigger traps, and influence environmental pieces in order to save the town and make it to the party alive. The game features 100 levels of ricochet puzzling mayhem filled with hordes of flesh-devouring zombies and locations inspired by the Scouts Guide To The Zombie Apocalypse film.
The Scouts Guide To The Zombie Apocalypse mobile game was developed by Tic Toc Games, makers of Pug Run, Panda Pop, the Kickstarter-hit Adventures of Pip, and is available now at www.scoutsandzombiesmovie.com/game
Apple Store Link
Google Play Store Link...
- 10/8/2015
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
© 2015 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.
Paramount Pictures, AMC Theatres and Dillon Francis are offering moviegoers in the U.S. a one-night-only Scouts Guide To The Zombie Apocalypse Ultimate Fan Experience with an advance screening of the film as well as exclusive music and a special visual show from Dillon Francis for the regular price of admission. The visual experience blends the bold graphics of creative powerhouse Pizzaslime and Dillon Francis, short form video content from Dillon Francis’ zombie alter ego “Dead Dillon,” scenes from the film and original music from Dillon Francis.
The event will take place in select AMC Theatres locations across the U.S. on Wednesday, October 28 at 7:00 p.m. Ticket holders will also receive a commemorative t-shirt.
In New York City, ticket holders attending the “Scouts Guide To The Zombie Apocalypse” Ultimate Fan Experience at the AMC Loews 19th St. East 6 theater will receive admittance to an exclusive,...
Paramount Pictures, AMC Theatres and Dillon Francis are offering moviegoers in the U.S. a one-night-only Scouts Guide To The Zombie Apocalypse Ultimate Fan Experience with an advance screening of the film as well as exclusive music and a special visual show from Dillon Francis for the regular price of admission. The visual experience blends the bold graphics of creative powerhouse Pizzaslime and Dillon Francis, short form video content from Dillon Francis’ zombie alter ego “Dead Dillon,” scenes from the film and original music from Dillon Francis.
The event will take place in select AMC Theatres locations across the U.S. on Wednesday, October 28 at 7:00 p.m. Ticket holders will also receive a commemorative t-shirt.
In New York City, ticket holders attending the “Scouts Guide To The Zombie Apocalypse” Ultimate Fan Experience at the AMC Loews 19th St. East 6 theater will receive admittance to an exclusive,...
- 10/7/2015
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Thanks to RedBand.Ca, Sneak Peek the restricted 'red band' trailer from the Los Angeles-shot comedy horror feature "Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse", directed by Christopher B. Landon and co-written with Carrie Evans, Emi Mochizuki and Lona Williams:
Cast includes Tye Sheridan, David Koechner, Logan Miller, Halston Sage, Joey Morgan, Patrick Schwarzenegger and Cloris Leachman, opening October 30, 2015:
"...three 'Boy Scouts', on the eve of their last camp out, discover the true meaning of friendship...
"...when they attempt to save their town from a 'zombie' outbreak..."
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Scouts Guide To The Zombie Apocalypse"...
Cast includes Tye Sheridan, David Koechner, Logan Miller, Halston Sage, Joey Morgan, Patrick Schwarzenegger and Cloris Leachman, opening October 30, 2015:
"...three 'Boy Scouts', on the eve of their last camp out, discover the true meaning of friendship...
"...when they attempt to save their town from a 'zombie' outbreak..."
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Scouts Guide To The Zombie Apocalypse"...
- 8/22/2015
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
Christopher Landon's horror-comedy Scouts vs. Zombies is on the movie again. Only recently was it moved from March 2015 to February 2015, but now the film is being pushed back to October 30, 2015.
Scouts vs. Zombies is based on a script by Lona Williams, Etan Cohen, Emi Mochizuki, and Carrie Evans.
It features Tye Sheridan, Logan Miller, and newcomer Joey Morgan as three scouts who, on the eve of their last camp out, discover the true meaning of friendship when they attempt to save their town from a zombie outbreak.
The post Scouts vs. Zombies Moves Again, Poltergeist Gets MPAA Rating appeared first on Shock Till You Drop.
Scouts vs. Zombies is based on a script by Lona Williams, Etan Cohen, Emi Mochizuki, and Carrie Evans.
It features Tye Sheridan, Logan Miller, and newcomer Joey Morgan as three scouts who, on the eve of their last camp out, discover the true meaning of friendship when they attempt to save their town from a zombie outbreak.
The post Scouts vs. Zombies Moves Again, Poltergeist Gets MPAA Rating appeared first on Shock Till You Drop.
- 10/15/2014
- by Ryan Turek
- shocktillyoudrop.com
The year was 1999 and by the summer, teen films were all the rage. The year kicked off with two unexpected box office successes, Varsity Blues and She’s All That, before studios started pumping out hit after hit. In the same year, Drop Dead Gorgeous, a dark comedy about teenage girls competing in a local Minnesota beauty pageant, bombed at the box office. Unable to capture the same excitement as American Pie or 10 Things I Hate About You, the film quickly disappeared from theaters after earning a dismal $10.5 million at the box office.
It was only later, when released on DVD and VHS, did the movie become a cult classic. Similarly to Jawbreaker, which also came out in 1999, Drop Dead Gorgeous proved to be a pivotal film — introducing audiences to Amy Adams, making use of the mockumentary style — even if it was overlooked at the time.
On the 15th anniversary of the theatrical release,...
It was only later, when released on DVD and VHS, did the movie become a cult classic. Similarly to Jawbreaker, which also came out in 1999, Drop Dead Gorgeous proved to be a pivotal film — introducing audiences to Amy Adams, making use of the mockumentary style — even if it was overlooked at the time.
On the 15th anniversary of the theatrical release,...
- 7/23/2014
- by Stacy Lambe
- VH1.com
The year was 1999 and by the summer, teen films were all the rage. The year kicked off with two unexpected box office successes, Varsity Blues and She’s All That, before studios started pumping out hit after hit. In the same year, Drop Dead Gorgeous, a dark comedy about teenage girls competing in a local Minnesota beauty pageant, bombed at the box office. Unable to capture the same excitement as American Pie or 10 Things I Hate About You, the film quickly disappeared from theaters after earning a dismal $10.5 million at the box office.
It was only later, when released on DVD and VHS, did the movie become a cult classic. Similarly to Jawbreaker, which also came out in 1999, Drop Dead Gorgeous proved to be a pivotal film — introducing audiences to Amy Adams, making use of the mockumentary style — even if it was overlooked at the time.
On the 15th anniversary of the theatrical release,...
It was only later, when released on DVD and VHS, did the movie become a cult classic. Similarly to Jawbreaker, which also came out in 1999, Drop Dead Gorgeous proved to be a pivotal film — introducing audiences to Amy Adams, making use of the mockumentary style — even if it was overlooked at the time.
On the 15th anniversary of the theatrical release,...
- 7/23/2014
- by Stacy Lambe
- TheFabLife - Movies
Paramount Pictures has commenced principal photography in Los Angeles on the action film with Mud star Tye Sheridan (pictured), Logan Miller and newcomer Joey Morgan.
The story centres on three scouts on their last camping trip who must save their town from a zombie outbreak.
Rounding out the cast are Sarah Dumont, David Koechner, Cloris Leachman, Halston Sage and Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Christopher Landon directs from his screenplay based on Lona Williams and Etan Cohen’s draft of an original script from Emi Mochizuki and Carrie Evans.
Todd Garner and Andy Fickman produce, while Bryan Brucks, Sean Robins and Samson Mucke serve as executive producers.
The story centres on three scouts on their last camping trip who must save their town from a zombie outbreak.
Rounding out the cast are Sarah Dumont, David Koechner, Cloris Leachman, Halston Sage and Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Christopher Landon directs from his screenplay based on Lona Williams and Etan Cohen’s draft of an original script from Emi Mochizuki and Carrie Evans.
Todd Garner and Andy Fickman produce, while Bryan Brucks, Sean Robins and Samson Mucke serve as executive producers.
- 5/13/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
We’ve been keeping Daily Dead readers posted on Scouts vs. Zombies’ journey to the big screen and, with the main cast locked in, it has been announced that filming has started:
Press Release via Coming Soon: “Paramount Pictures announced today that principal photography on “Scouts Vs. Zombies” has commenced in Los Angeles. The film is directed by Christopher Landon (“Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones”).
The screenplay from Landon is based on Lona Williams (“Drop Dead Gorgeous,” “The Drew Carey Show”) and Etan Cohen’s (“Men In Black 3,” “Tropic Thunder”) draft of an original script from Emi Mochizuki & Carrie Evans (“College Road Trip”). Todd Garner (“Paul Blart: Mall Cop,” “Into The Storm”) and Andy Fickman (“Parental Guidance,” “Race To Witch Mountain”) will produce, with Bryan Brucks (“Blended”), Sean Robins (“Into The Storm”) and Samson Mucke (“Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones”) serving as executive producers.
Tye Sheridan (“Mud,” “Dark Places...
Press Release via Coming Soon: “Paramount Pictures announced today that principal photography on “Scouts Vs. Zombies” has commenced in Los Angeles. The film is directed by Christopher Landon (“Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones”).
The screenplay from Landon is based on Lona Williams (“Drop Dead Gorgeous,” “The Drew Carey Show”) and Etan Cohen’s (“Men In Black 3,” “Tropic Thunder”) draft of an original script from Emi Mochizuki & Carrie Evans (“College Road Trip”). Todd Garner (“Paul Blart: Mall Cop,” “Into The Storm”) and Andy Fickman (“Parental Guidance,” “Race To Witch Mountain”) will produce, with Bryan Brucks (“Blended”), Sean Robins (“Into The Storm”) and Samson Mucke (“Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones”) serving as executive producers.
Tye Sheridan (“Mud,” “Dark Places...
- 5/12/2014
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
We don’t see enough of Octavia Spencer in comedy. She has continually and carefully mixed things up throughout her career – appearing in TV dramas such as ER, The X Files and CSI: NY, before taking home an Oscar for 2011’s The Help – but, she is also a gifted comedic performer. She has previously showcased those skills in most notably in Dinner For Schmucks, 30 Rock and Mom – but now she gets to really stretch those funny wings as one of the three leads in the upcoming Las Madres.
In joining this movie, she will star alongside the already cast Leslie Mann, who is riding a wave of box office success created by the recent double-whammy of Rio 2 and The Other Woman. Mann – gifted at comedy herself – had long been biding her time in small supporting roles in films such as The Cable Guy, Big Daddy and The 40 Year Old Virgin,...
In joining this movie, she will star alongside the already cast Leslie Mann, who is riding a wave of box office success created by the recent double-whammy of Rio 2 and The Other Woman. Mann – gifted at comedy herself – had long been biding her time in small supporting roles in films such as The Cable Guy, Big Daddy and The 40 Year Old Virgin,...
- 5/10/2014
- by Sarah Myles
- We Got This Covered
Las Madres is coming together fairly quickly. The Dreamworks comedy recently enlisted Leslie Mann to lead the charge. It's a three-female ensemble film where a trio of friends pursue a target as a newly-operational bounty hunting operation. And now Las Madres is bringing along an Oscar-winner onto the cast, The Help star Octavia Spencer. Variety reports that Octavia Spencer is the latest addition to Las Madres, joining Mann in this Lona Williams and Pam Brady-scripted film, which, holy cow, is not based on a previously established property, be it novel, comic book, or foreign film. What an oddity, the idea of an original film. The movie is expected to touch on the idea of middle aged unemployment, while also providing an action comedy angle where the three leads go on an adventure. The guess is there will be some sort of suburban angle as well, and that these women...
- 5/9/2014
- cinemablend.com
Earlier this week, we learned that Leslie Mann had been set to lead a new comedy at DreamWorks called Las Madres. Lona Williams (Drop Dead Gorgeous, Scouts vs. Zombies) wrote the original script being rewritten by Pam Brady, a producer and writer for "South Park," who also scripted Team America: World Police. The story follows a trio of unemployed friends (presumably all female since the title is Spanish for "The Mothers"), who try beat tough tough times by becoming bounty hunters and chasing a criminal with a big reward for his capture. Now Variety reports that Oscar winner Octavia Spencer is on board. Read on! This will be Spencer's first straignt-up comedy since winning an Oscar for her supporting role in The Help in 2011. Since then, she's turned in supporting roles in Snowpiercer, Paradise, Fruitvale Station and Smashed, plus a quick turn in the fantasy adventure Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters.
- 5/9/2014
- by Ethan Anderton
- firstshowing.net
Octavia Spencer has been cast in Las Madres.
She will join Leslie Mann in the newly announced DreamWorks comedy, reports Variety.
The film will centre around three unemployed friends who go after a wanted criminal in a bid to take the reward money for his capture.
Scott Stuber and Dylan Clarke will produce Las Madres for Bluegrass Films from Lona Williams's script.
Spencer will next be seen in Snowpiercer and James Brown biopic Get on Up.
The pilot for her Red Band Society was recently picked up by Fox.
Las Madres is yet to announce a director.
She will join Leslie Mann in the newly announced DreamWorks comedy, reports Variety.
The film will centre around three unemployed friends who go after a wanted criminal in a bid to take the reward money for his capture.
Scott Stuber and Dylan Clarke will produce Las Madres for Bluegrass Films from Lona Williams's script.
Spencer will next be seen in Snowpiercer and James Brown biopic Get on Up.
The pilot for her Red Band Society was recently picked up by Fox.
Las Madres is yet to announce a director.
- 5/9/2014
- Digital Spy
The Disaster Artist
Seth Rogen has revealed that not only is James Franco producing and directing, but he also plans to star in the film adaptation of Greg Sestero's book "The Disaster Artist".
The book deals with the making of Tommy Wiseau's masterpiece of bad cinema "The Room". Rogen also says two well-known writers were recently hired to adapt the script. [Source: SlashFilm]
Las Madres
Octavia Spencer will join Leslie Mann in "Las Madres" which is also currently seeking a director. Scott Stuber and Dylan Clarke are producing.
Lona Williams and Pam Brady penned the story which follows three unemployed women who decide to hunt down a wanted criminal who has a hefty reward out for his capture. [Source: Variety]
The Driftless Sea
Frank Langella will join Anton Yelchin and Zooey Deschanel in Zachary Sluser's romantic drama "The Driftless Sea" at Unified Pictures and Bron Studios. Shooting begins next week in...
Seth Rogen has revealed that not only is James Franco producing and directing, but he also plans to star in the film adaptation of Greg Sestero's book "The Disaster Artist".
The book deals with the making of Tommy Wiseau's masterpiece of bad cinema "The Room". Rogen also says two well-known writers were recently hired to adapt the script. [Source: SlashFilm]
Las Madres
Octavia Spencer will join Leslie Mann in "Las Madres" which is also currently seeking a director. Scott Stuber and Dylan Clarke are producing.
Lona Williams and Pam Brady penned the story which follows three unemployed women who decide to hunt down a wanted criminal who has a hefty reward out for his capture. [Source: Variety]
The Driftless Sea
Frank Langella will join Anton Yelchin and Zooey Deschanel in Zachary Sluser's romantic drama "The Driftless Sea" at Unified Pictures and Bron Studios. Shooting begins next week in...
- 5/9/2014
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Gorgeous gals just seem to be flocking to Christopher Landon's ('Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones') new zombie comedy horror feature of late. Recently we saw 'Bad Neighbours' star Halston Sage join the ranks of 'Scouts vs. Zombies' and now its the turn of newcomer Sarah Dumont (below) to come aboard the project. The sexy Dumont recently appeared in Joseph Gordon-Levitt's directorial debut 'Don Jon' and will be seen next in David Karlak's 'Rise'. Production commenced earlier this month on 'Scouts vs. Zombies' over in La and Landon helms from a script by Emi Mochizuki, Carrie Evans and Lona Williams ('Drop Dead Gorgeous'). Tye Sheridan ('Mud'), Joey Morgan, Logan Miller ('Would You Rather'), David Koechner ('Cheap Thrills') and Patrick Schwarzenegger will also star....
- 5/8/2014
- Horror Asylum
Right now Leslie Mann is enjoying the success of two films on the big screen concurrently. The actress and wife of director Judd Apatow lent her voice to the animated sequel Rio 2, and her romantic comedy The Other Woman has been doing some decent business at the box office since it hit theaters two weeks ago. Now Variety reports she's lined up a new comedy at DreamWorks called Las Madres. Mann will take one of three lead roles in the story of a trio of unemployed friends (seemingly all female by the title which is Spanish for "The Mothers"), who decide to take on a risky chance in order to beat the hard economic times. The group of friends decide to become bounty hunters and go after a criminal with a big reward available for his capture. The film comes from a pitch that turned into a script by Lona Williams (Drop Dead Gorgeous,...
- 5/7/2014
- by Ethan Anderton
- firstshowing.net
Who cares that The Other Woman is getting trashed by critics? Audiences are turning out in force, which means great things for its leading ladies. Specifically, it means Leslie Mann is being hotly sought to headline a new comedy from DreamWorks called Las Madres. Variety reports Leslie Mann is attached to star in Las Madres, a comedy about three unemployed friends who grow so frustrated with the difficulty in penetrating the job market that they decide to try their hand at bounty hunting. There's no mention if all three friends are female or who might be considered for the other two lead roles at this time. The project is currently in the early stages of development. DreamWorks initially bought Las Madres as a pitched script from Lona Williams, the scribe behind the absolutely hysterical beauty pageant mockumentary Drop Dead Gorgeous. The studio has since brought on Pam Brady to punch...
- 5/7/2014
- cinemablend.com
6 Miranda Drive
Ming-Na ("Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.") has signed on for an unspecified role in "Wolf Creek" director Greg Mclean's new micro-budget thriller "6 Miranda Drive" for Blumhouse Productions and Universal Pictures.
The story centers on a family who become terrorized by a supernatural entity they unwittingly bring home with them from their Grand Canyon vacation. Kevin Bacon and Radha Mitchell play the couple. [Source: Deadline]
Jacqueline Ess
Lena Headey ("Game of Thrones") has signed on to star in Jovanka Vukovic's adaptation of Clive Barker short story "Jacqueline Ess". Filming begins later this year.
The story follows a young woman who has the ability to transform the body shapes of other people at will. She can also grant men the ultimate sexual experience, although it results in their death. [Source: Screen]
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay
Michelle Forbes ("True Blood," "The Killing") has signed on to play Lt. Jackson in the "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part...
Ming-Na ("Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.") has signed on for an unspecified role in "Wolf Creek" director Greg Mclean's new micro-budget thriller "6 Miranda Drive" for Blumhouse Productions and Universal Pictures.
The story centers on a family who become terrorized by a supernatural entity they unwittingly bring home with them from their Grand Canyon vacation. Kevin Bacon and Radha Mitchell play the couple. [Source: Deadline]
Jacqueline Ess
Lena Headey ("Game of Thrones") has signed on to star in Jovanka Vukovic's adaptation of Clive Barker short story "Jacqueline Ess". Filming begins later this year.
The story follows a young woman who has the ability to transform the body shapes of other people at will. She can also grant men the ultimate sexual experience, although it results in their death. [Source: Screen]
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay
Michelle Forbes ("True Blood," "The Killing") has signed on to play Lt. Jackson in the "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part...
- 5/7/2014
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau felt her wrath in The Other Woman, and audiences appeared to respond. So Leslie Mann is gearing up to hunt down another target. This time, though, the mission will be slightly less personal, as she chases a criminal in Las Madres.DreamWorks picked up the pitch from Lona Williams and has South Park/Hot Rod writing veteran Pam Brady working on a new draft that clearly caught Mann’s eye. She’s attached to star as one of three unemployed friends who decide that, since they can’t get a more regular job, they’ll track down a criminal and collect the bounty on his head. Of course, it won’t be that easy…This one is still bubbling away in development, and there’s no director attached yet, but it could conceivably shoot this summer. Mann doesn’t have another film lined up just yet, but there...
- 5/6/2014
- EmpireOnline
Lumbering through development hell since at least 2010, zom-com Scouts Vs. Zombies is finally heading into production. Last we heard (a year ago), Tropic Thunder and Men In Black 3 writer Etan Cohen was directing, but he's since been replaced by Christopher Landon, who most recently made Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones and wrote 2007's Disturbia. The film also now has its scout leader, in the jocular form of Champ Kind himself, David Koechner.As you might surmise from the title, Scouts Vs. Zombies finds a troop of bob-a-jobbers facing down a horde of flesh-craving undead on a camping trip. They’ll need all their survival skills to avoid becoming the zombies’ latest meal, and to help save their small town.Carrie Evans and Emi Mochizuki wrote the original script, which hit the 2010 Black List and attracted interest from Race To Witch Mountain director Andy Fickman. He’s still involved, but only as producer,...
- 4/17/2014
- EmpireOnline
Over three years ago, we learned that Race to Witch Mountain director Andy Fickman was going to take on a horror comedy called Boy Scouts vs. Zombies. Though the concept, which is obvious from the title, sounded great, having Fickman directing with a script from College Road Trip writers Carrie Evans & Emi Mochizuki sounded like a disaster. But now Deadline reports Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones director Christopher Landon will now direct the film, and he'll be making a pass on the script himself, following a new rewrite from Lona Williams (Drop Dead Gorgeous) and Etan Cohen (Tropic Thunder). The script made the Black List awhile back, so maybe it's better than Evans & Mochizuki's previous work. And with rewrites from the aforementioned scribes, it's likely only gotten better. As for Landon's skill on the page, he wrote Paranormal Activity 3 and Paranormal Activity 4, and while the third one had some great elements,...
- 9/26/2013
- by Ethan Anderton
- firstshowing.net
Exclusive: Paramount Pictures has tapped Christopher Landon to direct Scouts Vs. Zombies as his followup to Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones, which the studio releases January 3. Landon wrote and directed that sequel after writing Paranormal Activity 3 and Pa 4, and co-writing Paranormal 2. He will then take on Scouts Vs. Zombies. Landon will do a director’s pass on the Black List script by Carrie Evans and Emi Mochizuk, which was re-written by Lona Williams, whose draft attracted directors to the project. Production begins in the spring. What’s it about? Think it through. The film is produced by Todd Garner and his Broken Road Productions, Andy Fickman and Betsy Sullenger of Oops Doughnuts, and Bryan Brucks and his Brucks Entertainment. Broken Road’s Sean Robins is exec producer. Langdon steps up to bigger budget fare after years of doing microbudget films at Paramount and working before that with Adam Goodman at DreamWorks on Disturbia.
- 9/25/2013
- by MIKE FLEMING JR
- Deadline
Photos of two Jake Gyllenhaals in Denis Villeneuve's An Enemy, Anthony Hopkins in Thor: The Dark World, Scarlett Johansson and Samuel L. Jackson filming Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Dane DeHaan and Jamie Foxx in The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Closed Circuit, and Jessica Biel in the long-troubled Nailed project.
Poster for Rush, Carrie, Red 2, Before Midnight, The Attack, Hummingbird, Iron Man 3 and Pacific Rim.
While the episode has been pulled from the air, NBC will make the fourth episode of its "Hannibal" series available online as a Web series on NBC.com. The webisodes will serve as a bridge between last week and this Thursday's episode.
"Filmmaker Bryan Singer has confirmed the characters of Bishop and Warpath will serve as characters in the upcoming 'X-Men: Days of Future Past'. It's though those are the roles that Omar Sy and Booboo Stewart will play…" (full details...
Poster for Rush, Carrie, Red 2, Before Midnight, The Attack, Hummingbird, Iron Man 3 and Pacific Rim.
While the episode has been pulled from the air, NBC will make the fourth episode of its "Hannibal" series available online as a Web series on NBC.com. The webisodes will serve as a bridge between last week and this Thursday's episode.
"Filmmaker Bryan Singer has confirmed the characters of Bishop and Warpath will serve as characters in the upcoming 'X-Men: Days of Future Past'. It's though those are the roles that Omar Sy and Booboo Stewart will play…" (full details...
- 4/24/2013
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Exclusive: DreamWorks just closed a deal for Las Madres, a comic pitch for a script that will be written by Lona Williams. Scott Stuber will produce. The logline: Three friends, who have recently found themselves unemployed, decide their only chance at economic opportunity in today’s market is to go after a criminal with a reward for his capture. Williams, who started as an assistant on The Simpsons and Roseanne and who has worked as writer and producer on such films as Drop Dead Gorgeous and Shark Tale, is currently writing Boy Scouts Vs. Zombies. She’s repped by CAA and Brillstein Entertainment Partners.
- 4/24/2013
- by MIKE FLEMING JR
- Deadline
DreamWorks has taken an original pitch for a comedy titled Las Madres , Deadline reports. It arrives from Lona Williams ( Drop Dead Gorgeous , Sugar & Spice ), who will draft the full screenplay. Ssshh, The high-concept comedy revolves around a group of friends who decide to overcome their financial woes by tracking down a criminal with a big price on his head. Scott Stuber is attached to produce.
- 4/24/2013
- Comingsoon.net
Zombie-survival is the newest merit badge! Back in December of 2010, we shared the news with you about Paramount Pictures picking up a horror/comedy titled Boy Scouts vs. Zombies, written by College Road Trip scribes Carrie Evans and Emi Mochizuki.
Now, THR reports that Etan Cohen is in negotiations to direct this Goonies-esque project. Cohen, best known for his writing in comedy with such films as Tropic Thunder and Idiocracy, will make his directorial debut with this story about a Boy Scout troop endeavoring to save a girl scout troop from a zombie outbreak.
Boy Scouts vs. Zombies will be produced by Andy Fickman and Betsy Sullenger of Oops Doughnuts Productions and Todd Garner of Broken Road Productions, and Bryan Brucks of Brucks Entertainment with Sean Robins of Broken Road executive producing. Lona Williams (Drop Dead Gorgeous) will be crafting a new draft of the script under Cohen’s keen comedic eye.
Now, THR reports that Etan Cohen is in negotiations to direct this Goonies-esque project. Cohen, best known for his writing in comedy with such films as Tropic Thunder and Idiocracy, will make his directorial debut with this story about a Boy Scout troop endeavoring to save a girl scout troop from a zombie outbreak.
Boy Scouts vs. Zombies will be produced by Andy Fickman and Betsy Sullenger of Oops Doughnuts Productions and Todd Garner of Broken Road Productions, and Bryan Brucks of Brucks Entertainment with Sean Robins of Broken Road executive producing. Lona Williams (Drop Dead Gorgeous) will be crafting a new draft of the script under Cohen’s keen comedic eye.
- 3/14/2012
- by Lillian 'zenbitch' Standefer
- ScifiMafia
Men in Black III writer Etan Cohen will be making his directorial debut for Paramount with the horror-comedy Boy Scouts vs. Zombies according to THR. The script was featured on the 2010 Black List (the most popular unproduced screenplays) and writers Carrie Evans and Emi Mochizuki penned the zomcom, which centers on a troop of young Scouts who try to save a group of Girl Scouts from zombies. Le duh. Yes, it's another literal-minded title that gives you the plot in just a few words, but Hollywood's been hot on that — and zombies —lately. Cohen is a much-loved screenwriter, having worked with Mike Judge and Ben Stiller on films like Idiocracy and Tropic Thunder. He'll be supervising Drop Dead Gorgeous writer Lona Williams, who will pen a new draft of the killer...
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- 3/7/2012
- by Alison Nastasi
- Movies.com
Screenwriter Etan Cohen has spent the past few years co-writing comedies like Tropic Thunder and Idiocracy as well as taking a turn on the script for Men in Black III. Now he's ready to make his directorial debut.
THR reports that Cohen is in negotiations to direct the horror-comedy Boy Scouts vs. Zombies, which has a plot that sounds exactly like the title suggests, with a boy scout troop trying to save a group of girl scouts from zombies.
The script, written by College Road Trip screenwriters Carrie Evans and Emi Mochizuki, was on the 2010 Black List of Hollywood's most-liked — but unproduced — screenplays. Cohen is going to supervise a new draft from Lona Williams (Drop Dead Gorgeous). Andy Fickman (You Again) was previously attached to direct, but will now produce the movie for Paramount Pictures, who will distribute once the movie is finished.
Next Showing:
Link | Posted 3/7/2012 by Ryan
Andy Fickman...
THR reports that Cohen is in negotiations to direct the horror-comedy Boy Scouts vs. Zombies, which has a plot that sounds exactly like the title suggests, with a boy scout troop trying to save a group of girl scouts from zombies.
The script, written by College Road Trip screenwriters Carrie Evans and Emi Mochizuki, was on the 2010 Black List of Hollywood's most-liked — but unproduced — screenplays. Cohen is going to supervise a new draft from Lona Williams (Drop Dead Gorgeous). Andy Fickman (You Again) was previously attached to direct, but will now produce the movie for Paramount Pictures, who will distribute once the movie is finished.
Next Showing:
Link | Posted 3/7/2012 by Ryan
Andy Fickman...
- 3/7/2012
- by Ryan Gowland
- Reelzchannel.com
Tropic Thunder screenwriter Etan Cohen might end up directing a horror comedy for Paramount Pictures called Boy Scouts Vs. Zombies. He's currently in negotiations with the studio, and he most recently wrote the script for Men in Black III. Even though he's a screenwriter, he didn't write the script for the movie. It was actually written by Carrie Evans and Emi Mochizuki and it made the 2010 Black List of Hollywood's most-liked screenplays. Of course, Cohen will work on a new draft with Lona Williams (Drop Dead Gorgeous).
As the title obviously suggests, the film focuses on a boy scout troop that must save a group of girl scouts from a horde of zombies with designs on spoiling a camping trip.
Maybe I would have gone to Boy Scouts if they actually taught you zombie surviving skills. This has the potential to be an amazing movie, and I'm looking forward to seeing how it turns out.
As the title obviously suggests, the film focuses on a boy scout troop that must save a group of girl scouts from a horde of zombies with designs on spoiling a camping trip.
Maybe I would have gone to Boy Scouts if they actually taught you zombie surviving skills. This has the potential to be an amazing movie, and I'm looking forward to seeing how it turns out.
- 3/7/2012
- by Venkman
- GeekTyrant
The concept of Boy Scouts Versus Zombies is quite simple: A pack of zombies are intent on eating a group of Girl Scouts on a camping trip and a nearby troupe of Boy Scouts must save them. It's a concept that original writers Carrie Evans and Emi Mochizuki spun into a Black List script and now Etan Cohen, the writer of Tropic Thunder and Idiocracy, is in talks to direct the film for Paramount.Cohen has only one previous directing credit - a 2007 short titled My Wife Is Retarded - but has been in demand as a writer for years and his long standing association with Ben Stiller certainly doesn't hurt in industry circles. Cohen is currently supervising a new draft by Lona Williams...
- 3/7/2012
- Screen Anarchy
If 'Ninjas vs. Zombies' didn't grab you. If 'Abraham Lincoln vs. Zombies' seems a little out there. And if 'Cockneys vs Zombies' just isn't going to be your cup of tea. Then why not try Paramount's 'Boy Scouts vs. Zombies'? Yes it seems just about anyone can go up against the undead these days and it appears that 'Men in Black III' and 'Madagascar 2' scribe Etan Cohen is in negotiations to make his directorial debut with the new horror-comedy for the studio. Cohen would helm from a script penned by Carrie Evans and Emi Mochizuki ('College Road Trip') which would mark his first feature as director. Lona Williams ('Drop Dead Gorgeous') has been tapped to provide a redraft. So I wonder how many Boy Scout woodland skills will be utilised in offing the dead? Whatever happens this does sound like one hell of a good project.
- 3/7/2012
- Horror Asylum
Scribe Etan Cohen ("Tropic Thunder," "Men in Black III") is in negotiations to make his directorial debut on the horror-comedy "Boy Scouts vs. Zombies" at Paramount Pictures says Heat Vision.
The story centers on a troop that must save a group of girl scouts from a pack of zombies who have designs on ruining their camping trip.
Carrie Evans and Emi Mochizuki penned the script which made the 2010 Black List. Cohen will supervise the writing of a new draft by Lona Williams ("Drop Dead Gorgeous").
The story centers on a troop that must save a group of girl scouts from a pack of zombies who have designs on ruining their camping trip.
Carrie Evans and Emi Mochizuki penned the script which made the 2010 Black List. Cohen will supervise the writing of a new draft by Lona Williams ("Drop Dead Gorgeous").
- 3/7/2012
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Back in December of 2010, we reported that Paramount had snagged the rights to Boy Scouts Vs. Zombies, a screenplay in the vein of Goonies about a local boy scout troop that must save the local girl scout troop from a zombie outbreak on an overnight camping trip. The script was written by Carrie Evans and Emi Mochizuki and made 2010's Black List. And now it appears as though Tropic Thunder and Men In Black scribe Etan Cohen is set to make his directorial debut with the material. Per The Hollywood Reporter, "Etan Cohen, one of the town's hottest comedy scribes, is in negotiations to make his directorial debut on Paramount's horror-comedy 'Boy Scouts vs. Zombies'." The article also mentions that Cohen will supervise the writing of a new draft by Lona Williams (Drop Dead Gorgeous)...
- 3/7/2012
- bloody-disgusting.com
Given that the last time it had the buzz-o-meter needle fluctuating was 2010, we were beginning to wonder if horror comedy Boy Scouts Vs Zombies had slipped back into the murk of development hell to wait out the current undead trend. Paramount thought otherwise, however, as Tropic Thunder co-writer Etan Cohen is now attached to direct it. As you might just be able to guess from the title, Boy Scouts finds a troop of bob-a-jobbers facing down a horde of flesh-craving types on a camping trip. They’ll need all their survival skills to avoid becoming the zombies’ latest meal, and to help save their small town.Carrie Evans and Emi Mochizuki wrote the original script, which hit the 2010 Black List and attracted interest from Race To Witch Mountain director Andy Fickman. He’s still involved, but only as producer, and now Cohen will coordinate a new draft with Drop Dead Gorgeous writer Lona Williams.
- 3/6/2012
- EmpireOnline
A remake of The Courtship of Eddie's Father, a medical drama from writer-producer John Masius and the Miss Wannabe Beauty Pageant special are among the highlights of the development slate at Gavin Polone's Pariah Television. The bulk of Pariah's series projects -- eight for broadcast networks and three for cable -- are being developed through the company's rich production pact with NBC. Moreover, Pariah has signed development pacts with talent ranging from such writers as Pulitzer prize-winner David Mamet, John Riggi, Nell Scovell and David Steinberg to magicians Penn and Teller. Polone has recruited Wally Wolodarsky ("The Tracey Ullman Show") to serve as showrunner on another Pariah adaptation, the Americanization of the hit BBC 2 comedy The Kumars at No. 42, which recently landed at NBC with a sizable put pilot commitment after a heated bidding war with Fox (HR 7/30). The show's unconventional format blends sitcom and talk-show elements. In addition to Kumars, Pariah is developing three other projects for NBC: dramas The Calling, from The Sopranos writer-producer Frank Renzulli; "Nevada," from writer Walon Green; and an untitled comedy from writer Lona Williams.
Setting down a wobbly tripod against the backdrop of small-town teen beauty pageants, "Drop Dead Gorgeous" is a mockumentary of numbingly unfunny proportions.
The makers of the intended black comedy were so enormously tickled by its apparent outrageousness that they thoughtfully left huge gaping pauses for all the presumed laughter. As it is, the film is tediously one-note (if that).
But while the filmmakers were obviously going for something along the wicked lines of a "Positively True Adventures of the Alleged Texas Cheerleader-Murdering Mom" and distributor New Line is hoping to, at the very least, grab the "Election" audience, the picture more accurately approaches the spirit of "An Alan Smithee Film: Burn Hollywood Burn."
In other words, the boxoffice prognosis for "Drop Dead Gorgeous" is pretty ugly.
When the Sarah Rose Miss Teen Princess America Pageant comes to the perky heartland town of Mount Rose, Minn., where everyone loves their lutefisk, a documentary camera crew, intent on capturing all the youthful dreams and disappointments, ends up uncovering a little larceny along with all the "Yah, you betchas".
Determined that her spoiled daughter Becky (Denise Richards) will follow in her teen-queen footsteps, former Sarah Rose winner Gladys Leeman (a bedraggled Kirstie Alley) isn't afraid to resort to some treachery in order to trim some of the competition.
Becky's biggest threat is sweet Amber Atkins (Kirsten Dunst), who dreams of becoming a TV anchorwoman just like her idol Diane Sawyer, with the blessing of her chain-smoking trailer trash mom, Annette (Ellen Barkin).
Naturally, all the backbiting and accusations lead to nastier stuff, but when the dust finally clears there will still be just one winner, no matter the cost.
Even though the subject matter and documentary-style approach have both been tackled many times before, there probably still was some ripe satire to be mined here. Unfortunately, screenwriter Lona Williams (herself a former Minnesota beauty pageant contestant) and first-time feature director Michael Patrick Jann run out of inspiration very quickly. "Drop Dead Gorgeous" feels like a wayward Groundlings sketch searching vainly for an exit line.
Admittedly, there are a few moments hinting at what might have been, like those involving the previous year's winner -- a hospitalized anorexic who is wheeled out by a nurse to reprise her big show-stopping number, lip-synching Melissa Manchester's "Don't Cry Out Loud". It actually plays a lot funnier than it sounds.
The rest falls insufferably flat. Saddled with lame Minnesotan accents (with apologies to the Coen brothers), the players, for the most part, pacify themselves by chewing on the scenery. Dunst comes closest to getting the tone right by playing her role with gosh-gee whiz sincerity, but her noble efforts have been set adrift in a sea of smirky self-satisfaction.
DROP DEAD GORGEOUS
New Line
A Hofflund/Polone Production
In association with Capella/KC Medien
Director: Michael Patrick Jann
Producers: Gavin Polone and Judy Hofflund
Screenwriter: Lona Williams
Executive producers: Claire Rudnick Polstein, Donna Langley, Lona Williams
Director of photography: Michael Spiller
Production designer: Ruth Ammon
Editors: David Codron, Janice Hampton
Costume designer: Mimi Melgaard
Music: Mark Mothersbaugh
Music supervisor: Evyen Klean
Casting: John Papsidera
Color/stereo
Cast:
Gladys Leeman: Kirstie Alley
Annette: Ellen Barkin
Amber: Kirstin Dunst
Becky: Denise Richards
Lisa: Brittany Murphy
Loretta: Allison Janney
Hank Vilmes: Will Sasso
Leslie Miller: Amy Adams
Running time -- 96 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13...
The makers of the intended black comedy were so enormously tickled by its apparent outrageousness that they thoughtfully left huge gaping pauses for all the presumed laughter. As it is, the film is tediously one-note (if that).
But while the filmmakers were obviously going for something along the wicked lines of a "Positively True Adventures of the Alleged Texas Cheerleader-Murdering Mom" and distributor New Line is hoping to, at the very least, grab the "Election" audience, the picture more accurately approaches the spirit of "An Alan Smithee Film: Burn Hollywood Burn."
In other words, the boxoffice prognosis for "Drop Dead Gorgeous" is pretty ugly.
When the Sarah Rose Miss Teen Princess America Pageant comes to the perky heartland town of Mount Rose, Minn., where everyone loves their lutefisk, a documentary camera crew, intent on capturing all the youthful dreams and disappointments, ends up uncovering a little larceny along with all the "Yah, you betchas".
Determined that her spoiled daughter Becky (Denise Richards) will follow in her teen-queen footsteps, former Sarah Rose winner Gladys Leeman (a bedraggled Kirstie Alley) isn't afraid to resort to some treachery in order to trim some of the competition.
Becky's biggest threat is sweet Amber Atkins (Kirsten Dunst), who dreams of becoming a TV anchorwoman just like her idol Diane Sawyer, with the blessing of her chain-smoking trailer trash mom, Annette (Ellen Barkin).
Naturally, all the backbiting and accusations lead to nastier stuff, but when the dust finally clears there will still be just one winner, no matter the cost.
Even though the subject matter and documentary-style approach have both been tackled many times before, there probably still was some ripe satire to be mined here. Unfortunately, screenwriter Lona Williams (herself a former Minnesota beauty pageant contestant) and first-time feature director Michael Patrick Jann run out of inspiration very quickly. "Drop Dead Gorgeous" feels like a wayward Groundlings sketch searching vainly for an exit line.
Admittedly, there are a few moments hinting at what might have been, like those involving the previous year's winner -- a hospitalized anorexic who is wheeled out by a nurse to reprise her big show-stopping number, lip-synching Melissa Manchester's "Don't Cry Out Loud". It actually plays a lot funnier than it sounds.
The rest falls insufferably flat. Saddled with lame Minnesotan accents (with apologies to the Coen brothers), the players, for the most part, pacify themselves by chewing on the scenery. Dunst comes closest to getting the tone right by playing her role with gosh-gee whiz sincerity, but her noble efforts have been set adrift in a sea of smirky self-satisfaction.
DROP DEAD GORGEOUS
New Line
A Hofflund/Polone Production
In association with Capella/KC Medien
Director: Michael Patrick Jann
Producers: Gavin Polone and Judy Hofflund
Screenwriter: Lona Williams
Executive producers: Claire Rudnick Polstein, Donna Langley, Lona Williams
Director of photography: Michael Spiller
Production designer: Ruth Ammon
Editors: David Codron, Janice Hampton
Costume designer: Mimi Melgaard
Music: Mark Mothersbaugh
Music supervisor: Evyen Klean
Casting: John Papsidera
Color/stereo
Cast:
Gladys Leeman: Kirstie Alley
Annette: Ellen Barkin
Amber: Kirstin Dunst
Becky: Denise Richards
Lisa: Brittany Murphy
Loretta: Allison Janney
Hank Vilmes: Will Sasso
Leslie Miller: Amy Adams
Running time -- 96 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13...
- 7/16/1999
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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