Look out Spider-Man because here comes Oliver Stone and Blake Lively. Let's face it, "The Amazing Spider-Man" is being aimed at kids who were too young for the Sam Raimi trilogy, so for the adults and everyone else who doesn't want to see the "untold" origin story all over again (in 3D this time), you now have another option on the big holiday weekend of the summer.
Clearly feeling very, very good about Oliver Stone's upcoming thriller "Savages," Universal has moved the film from September 28th right into the heart of the summer on July 6th. It will square off against Spidey, which opens on July 4th and is sure to gain some new buzz very soon with a planned preview screening of footage in select cities on February 9th. But Universal has decided that Sony shouldn't just have the whole holiday weekend to themselves, as they are the only studio who is attempting to take on the superhero franchise.
If you're not excited for this, we don't know what to tell you. Based on the best-selling crime novel by Don Winslow, Blake Lively plays the gal pal of two Laguna Beach drug dealers (Aaron Johnson and Taylor Kitsch) who is kidnapped by a Mexican drug cartel who wants to move in on their turf. The cast is rounded out impressively by Benicio Del Toro, Uma Thurman, John Travolta, the recently Oscar nominated Demian Bichir, Salma Hayek, Joel David Moore and Emile Hirsch.
With this sudden move we're hoping for two things — a trailer very, very soon (perhaps readied to unspool in front of "Safe House"?) and moreover, an apperance at Cannes. Granted, "Savages" isn't exactly a Palme d'Or contender, but with Stone and this cast? An out-of-competition screening isn't off the table. [Deadline]
Blake Lively is gorgeous and amazing! She has an amazing fashion sense too. I wonder if she likes waffles! 🙂
Goddamit, Playlist: Blake Lively is not the lead in this! Taylor Kitch and Aaron Johnson are the leads, and Benicio Del Toro plays a psychotic villain who is fucking disturbing.
Does this mean it isn't an Oscar contender? I figured Stone would eventually hit one out of the park and was hoping Savages would be it. The Sept. date indicated a bit of awards contention but who knows.
I have read the book and it was highly enjoyable. If the movie is up to the challenge it could easily be a great summer flick. Also a studio excited about a flick with Blake Lively in the cast, I wonder if her performance is any good or it is just all of the talent around her.