Fused Focus: 2009 Paramount Pictures Preview Line-up!
HOTEL FOR DOGS
DreamWorks Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies Present, In Association with Cold Spring Pictures, A Donners’ Company/Montecito Picture Company Production
Executive Producers: Ivan Reitman, Tom Pollock, Jeffrey Clifford
Produced by: Lauren Shuler Donner, Jonathan Gordon, Ewan Leslie, Jason Clark
Based on the book by: Lois Duncan
Screenplay by: Jeff Lowell and Bob Schooley & Mark McCorkle
Directed by: Thor Freudenthal
Cast: Emma Roberts, Jake T. Austin, Kyla Pratt with Lisa Kudrow, Kevin Dillon and Don Cheadle
Synopsis: “Hotel for Dogs” stars Emma Roberts, Jake T. Austin, Lisa Kudrow, Kevin Dillon and Don Cheadle in a smart, funny comedy adventure that shows how far love and imagination can take you. When their new guardians forbid 16-year-old Andi (Roberts) and her younger brother, Bruce (Austin) to have a pet, Andi has to use her quick wit to help find a new home for their dog, Friday. The resourceful kids stumble upon an abandoned hotel and using Bruce’s talents as a mechanical genius, transform it into a magical dog-paradise for Friday – and eventually for all Friday’s friends. When barking dogs make the neighbors suspicious, Andi and Bruce use every invention they have to avoid anyone discovering “who let the dogs in.”
Release: January 16, 2009
This film has been rated PG for brief mild thematic elements, language and some crude humor.
CREDITS ARE NOT FINAL AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE
DEFIANCE
Paramount Vantage Presents, A Grosvenor Park/Bedford Falls Production, An Edward Zwick Film
Executive Producer: Marshall Herskovitz
Producers: Edward Zwick Pieter Jan Brugge
Based on the Book: DEFIANCE: The Bielski Partisans by Nchama Tec
Screenplay by: Clayton Frohman & Edward Zwick
Directed by: Edward Zwick
Cast: Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber, Jamie Bell, Alexa Davalos, Allan Corduner and Mark Feurstein
Synopsis: Based on an extraordinary true story, “Defiance” is an epic tale of family, honor, vengeance and salvation in World War II. The year is 1941 and the Jews of Eastern Europe are being massacred by the thousands. Managing to escape certain death, three brothers take refuge in the dense surrounding woods they have known since childhood. There they begin their desperate battle against the Nazis. Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber and Jamie Bell star as brothers who turn a primitive struggle to survive into something far more consequential – a way to avenge the deaths of their loved ones by saving thousands of others. At first it is all they can do to stay alive. But gradually, as whispers of their daring spreads, they begin to attract others – men and women, young and old – willing to risk everything for the sake of even a moment’s freedom. Tuvia (CRAIG) is a reluctant leader and his decisions are challenged by his brother, Zus (SCHREIBER) who worries that Tuvia’s idealistic plans will doom them all. Asael (BELL) is the youngest, caught between his brothers’ fierce rivalry. As a brutal winter descends, they work to create a community, and to keep faith alive when all humanity appears to be lost.
Release: January 16, 2009/December 31, 2008 (NY/LA)
This film has been rated R for violence and language.
CREDITS ARE NOT FINAL AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE
THE UNINVITED
DreamWorks Pictures Presents, In Association With Cold Spring Pictures, A Parkes/MacDonald Production A Montecito Picture Company/Vertigo Entertainment Production
Executive Producers: Michael Grillo, Doug Davison, Ivan Reitman, Tom Pollock
Produced by: Walter F. Parkes, Laurie MacDonald, Roy Lee
Screenplay by: Craig Rosenberg and Doug Miro & Carlo Bernard
Directed by: The Guard Brothers
Cast: Emily Browning, Elizabeth Banks, Arielle Kebbel and David Strathairn
Synopsis: In the suspense thriller “The Uninvited,” based on Kim Jee-woon’s 2003 Korean horror film “Changhwa, Hongryon,” Anna (Emily Browning) returns home after spending time in a psychiatric facility following her mother’s tragic death and discovers that her mother’s former nurse, Rachel (Elizabeth Banks), has moved into their house and become engaged to her father, Steven (David Strathairn). Soon after she learns this shocking news, Anna is visited by her mother’s ghost, who warns her that Rachel has evil intentions. Together, Anna and her sister (Arielle Kebbel) must convince their father that his new fiancée is not who she pretends to be, and what should have been a happy family reunion becomes a lethal battle of wills between stepdaughters and stepmother.
Release: January 30, 2009
This film has been rated PG-13 for violent and disturbing images, thematic material, sexual content, language and teen drinking.
CREDITS ARE NOT FINAL AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE
I LOVE YOU, MAN
DreamWorks Pictures Presents, A DeLine Pictures Bernard Gayle Productions Montecito Pictures Company Production, A John Hamburg Movie
Executive Producers: Ivan Reitman, Tom Pollock, Jeffrey Clifford, Andrew Haas, Bill Johnson
Produced by: Donald DeLine, John Hamburg
Story by: Larry Levin and John Hamburg
Screenplay by: John Hamburg
Directed by: John Hamburg
Cast: Paul Rudd, Jason Segel, Rashida Jones, Andy Samberg, J.K. Simmons, Jane Curtin, Jon Favreau and Jaime Pressly
Synopsis: In “I Love You, Man,” a comedy from John Hamburg (“Along Came Polly,” co-writer of “Meet the Parents,” “Meet the Fockers,” “Zoolander”), Peter Klaven (Paul Rudd, “Knocked Up” “The 40 Year Old Virgin”) is a successful real estate agent who, upon getting engaged to the woman of his dreams, Zooey (“The Office’s” Rashida Jones), discovers, to his dismay and chagrin, that he has no male friend close enough to serve as his Best Man. Peter immediately sets out to rectify the situation, embarking on a series of bizarre and awkward “man-dates,” before meeting Sydney Fife (Jason Segel, “Forgetting Sarah Marshall”), a charming, opinionated man with whom he instantly bonds. But the closer the two men get, the more Peter’s relationship with Zooey suffers, ultimately forcing him to choose between his fiancée and his newfound “bro,” in a story that comically explores what it truly means to be a “friend.”
Release: March 20, 2009
This film has not yet been rated.
CREDITS ARE NOT FINAL AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE
MONSTERS vs. ALIENS
DreamWorks SKG Presents
Produced by: Lisa Stewart
Directed by: Rob Letterman Conrad Vernon
Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Hugh Laurie, Will Arnett, Seth Rogen, Rainn Wilson, Stephen Colbert, Kiefer Sutherland and Paul Rudd
Synopsis: When California girl Susan Murphy is unwittingly clobbered by a meteor full of outer space gunk on her wedding day, she mysteriously grows to 49-feet-11-inches tall. The military jumps into action and Susan is captured and secreted away to a covert government compound. There, she is renamed Ginormica and placed in confinement with a ragtag group of Monsters: the brilliant but insect-headed Dr. Cockroach, Ph.D.; the macho half-ape, half-fish The Missing Link; the gelatinous and indestructible B.O.B.; and the 350-foot grub called Insectosaurus. Their confinement is cut short, however, when a mysterious alien robot lands on Earth and begins storming the country. In a moment of desperation, the President is persuaded to enlist the motley crew of Monsters to combat the Alien Robot and save the world from imminent destruction.
“Monsters vs. Aliens” is DreamWorks Animation’s first InTru 3D Movie. A 2D version will also be available.
Release: March 27, 2009
This film has not yet been rated
CREDITS ARE NOT FINAL AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE
THE SOLOIST
DreamWorks Pictures and Universal Pictures Present, In Association with StudioCanal and Participant Media, A Krasnoff/Foster Entertainment Production, In Association with Working Title Films
Executive Producers: Tim Bevan Eric Fellner Jeff Skoll Patricia Whitcher
Produced by: Gary Foster Russ Krasnoff
Based on the Book by: Steve Lopez
Screenplay by: Susannah Grant
Directed by: Joe Wright
Cast: Jamie Foxx, Robert Downey Jr., Catherine Keener,
Tom Hollander and LisaGay Hamilton
Synopsis: In “The Soloist,” an emotionally soaring drama about the redemptive power of music, journalist Steve Lopez (Oscar® nominee Robert Downey Jr.) discovers Nathaniel Anthony Ayers (Oscar® winner Jamie Foxx), a former classical music prodigy, playing his violin on the streets of L.A. As Lopez endeavors to help the homeless man find his way back, a unique friendship is formed, one that transforms both their lives. “The Soloist” is directed by Joe Wright (Golden Globe winner for Best Drama and Oscar® nominee for Best Picture “Atonement”).
Release: April 24, 2009
This film has been rated PG-13 for thematic elements, some drug use, and language.
CREDITS ARE NOT FINAL AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE
THE GOODS: THE DON READY STORY
Paramount Vantage Presents, A Gary Sanchez Production, A Kevin Messick Production
Produced by: Adam McKay Will Ferrell Kevin Messick Chris Henchy
Written by: Adam Stock & Rick Stempson
Directed by: Neal Brennan
Cast: Jeremy Piven, Ving Rhames, James Brolin, David Koechner, Kathryn Hahn and Jordana Spiro
Synopsis: Who is Don Ready? Salesman? Lover? Song Stylist? Semi-professional dolphin trainer? Ready is all of the above – except for a dolphin trainer. When he’s asked to help save an ailing local car dealership from bankruptcy, Ready and his ragtag crew descend on the town of Temecula like a pack of coyotes on a basket full of burgers. Selling, drinking, selling and going to strip clubs is their stock and trade. And they do it well. What Don doesn’t expect is to fall in love and find his soul (cue heartfelt piano). ”The Goods: The Don Ready Story” stars Emmy award-winning actor Jeremy Piven (“The Kingdom,” “Entourage”) and Ving Rhames (“I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry,” “Mission: Impossible III”). The film is the first production from Will Ferrell and Adam McKay’s Gary Sanchez Productions, directed by Neal Brennan, creator of the hugely successful Comedy Central hit “Chappelle’s Show.”
Release: April 24, 2009
This film has not yet been rated.
CREDITS ARE NOT FINAL AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE
STAR TREK
Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Entertainment Present, A Bad Robot Production
Executive Producers: Bryan Burk, Jeffrey Chernov, Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman
Produced by: J.J. Abrams, Damon Lindelof
Based upon “Star Trek” Created by: Gene Roddenberry
Written by: Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman
Directed by: J.J. Abrams
Cast: John Cho, Ben Cross, Bruce Greenwood, Simon Pegg, Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Winona Ryder, Zoë Saldana, Karl Urban, Anton Yelchin, with Eric Bana and Leonard Nimoy
Synopsis: From director J.J. Abrams (“Mission: Impossible III,” “Lost” and “Alias”), producers Damon Lindelof and Bryan Burk and screenwriters Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman (“TRANSFORMERS,” “MI: III”) comes a new vision of the greatest space adventure of all time, “Star Trek,” featuring a young, new crew venturing boldly where no one has gone before.
Release: May 8, 2009
This film has not yet been rated.
CREDITS ARE NOT FINAL AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE
IMAGINE THAT
Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies Present, A di Bonaventura Pictures Production
Executive Producer: Ric Kidney
Produced by: Lorenzo di Bonaventura Ed Solomon
Written by: Ed Solomon & Chris Matheson
Directed by: Karey Kirkpatrick
Cast: Eddie Murphy, Thomas Haden Church, Nicole Ari Parker, Ronny Cox and Martin Sheen
Synopsis: In Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies’ family comedy, Eddie Murphy stars as a successful financial executive who has more time for his blackberry than his seven-year-old daughter (Yara Shahidi). When he has a crisis of confidence and his career starts going down the drain, however, he finds the solution to all his problems in his daughter’s imaginary world.
Release: June 12, 2009
This film has been rated PG for some mild language and brief questionable behavior.
CREDITS ARE NOT FINAL AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE
TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN
DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures Present, In Association with Hasbro, A di Bonaventura Pictures Production, A Tom DeSanto/Don Murphy Production, A Michael Bay Film
Executive Producers Steven Spielberg Michael Bay Brian Goldner Mark Vahradian
Produced by: Don Murphy & Tom DeSanto Lorenzo di Bonaventura Ian Bryce
Based on: Hasbro’s TransformersTM Action Figures
Screenplay by: Ehren Kruger & Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci
Directed by: Michael Bay
Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, Kevin Dunn, Julie White, John Benjamin Hickey, Ramon Rodriguez, Isabel Lucas and John Turturro
Synopsis: In the highly-anticipated “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen,” debuting June 26, 2009, Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) again joins with the Autobots® against their sworn enemies, the Decepticons®. Michael Bay directs from a screenplay by Ehren Kruger & Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman.
Release: June 26, 2009
This film has not yet been rated.
CREDITS ARE NOT FINAL AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE
G.I. JOE: THE RISE OF COBRA
Paramount Pictures And Spyglass Entertainment Present, In Association With Hasbro, A Lorenzo di Bonaventura Pictures Production, A Stephen Sommers Film
Executive Producers: Stephen Sommers, David Womark, Gary Barber, Roger Birnbaum Erik Howsam
Produced by: Lorenzo di Bonaventura Brian Goldner Bob Ducsay
Based on: Hasbro’s G. I. Joe ® Characters
Story by: Stephen Sommers
Screenplay by: Stuart Beattie
Directed by: Stephen Sommers
Cast: Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Christopher Eccleston, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Byung Hun Lee, Sienna Miller, Rachel Nichols, Ray Park, Saïd Taghmaoui, Channing Tatum, Marlon Wayans and Dennis Quaid
Synopsis: Paramount Pictures and Hasbro, whose previous collaboration was the worldwide blockbuster “TRANSFORMERS,” have reunited for another extraordinary action-adventure “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra.” From the Egyptian desert to deep below the polar ice caps, the elite G.I. JOE team uses the latest in next-generation spy and military equipment to fight the corrupt arms dealer Destro and the growing threat of the mysterious Cobra organization to prevent them from plunging the world into chaos. “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra.” is directed by Stephen Sommers (“The Mummy,” “The Mummy Returns”).
Release: August 7, 2009
This film has not yet been rated.
CREDITS ARE NOT FINAL AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE
SHE’S OUT OF MY LEAGUE
DreamWorks Pictures Presents, A Mosaic Media Group Production
Executive Producer: George Gatins
Produced by: Jimmy Miller David Householter
Written by: Sean Anders & John Morris
Directed by: Jim Field Smith
Cast: Jay Baruchel, Alice Eve, T.J. Miller, Mike Vogel, Nate Torrence, Krysten Ritter, Geoff Stults and Lindsay Sloane
Synopsis: Kirk (Jay Baruchel, “Knocked Up,” “Tropic Thunder”), an average Joe, can’t believe his luck. Though he’s stuck in a seemingly dead-end job as an airport security agent, against all odds Molly (Alice Eve), a successful and outrageously gorgeous babe falls for him. Kirk is stunned. So are his friends, his family and even his ex-girlfriend. Now he has to figure out how to make the relationship work, even though he’s the first to admit “She’s Out of My League.”
Release: Fourth Quarter 2009
This film has been rated R for language and sexual content.
CREDITS ARE NOT FINAL AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE
SHUTTER ISLAND
Paramount Pictures Presents, A Phoenix Pictures Production, In Association with Sikelia Productions and Appian Way Films, A Martin Scorsese Picture
Executive Producers: Chris Brigham, Laeta Kalogridis, Dennis Lehane, Gianni Nunnari, Louis Phillips
Produced by: Mike Medavoy, Arnold W. Messer, Bradley J. Fischer, Martin Scorsese
Based on: the novel by Dennis Lehane
Screenplay by: Laeta Kalogridis
Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Michelle Williams and Max Von Sydow
Synopsis: From Oscar®-winning director Martin Scorsese, “Shutter Island” is the story of two U.S. marshals, Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo), who are summoned to a remote and barren island off the cost of Massachusetts to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a murderess from the island’s fortress-like hospital for the criminally insane.
Release: Fourth Quarter 2009
This film has not yet been rated.
CREDITS ARE NOT FINAL AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE
THE LOVELY BONES
DreamWorks Pictures Presents, In Association with Film 4, A WingNut Films Production
Executive Producers: Steven Spielberg, Ken Kamins, Tessa Ross, Jim Wilson
Produced by: Fran Walsh Peter Jackson Carolynne Cunningham Aimée Peyronnet
Based on: the Novel by Alice Sebold
Screenplay by: Peter Jackson & Fran Walsh & Philippa Boyens
Directed by: Peter Jackson
Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz, Susan Sarandon, Stanley Tucci, Michael Imperioli and Saoirse Ronan
Synopsis: Based on the critically acclaimed best-selling novel by Alice Sebold, and directed by Oscar® winner Peter Jackson from a screenplay by Jackson & Fran Walsh & Philippa Boyens, “The Lovely Bones” centers on a young girl who has been murdered and watches over her family – and her killer – from heaven. She must weigh her desire for vengeance against her desire for her family to heal. Oscar® nominee Mark Wahlberg and Oscar® winners Rachel Weisz and Susan Sarandon star along with Stanley Tucci, Michael Imperioli and Oscar® nominee Saoirse Ronan.
Release: Fourth Quarter 2009
This film has not yet been rated
CREDITS ARE NOT FINAL AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE
CASE 39
Paramount Pictures Presents, A Misher Films/Anonymous Content Production
Produced by: Steve Golin, Kevin Misher
Written by: Ray Wright
Directed by: Christian Alvart
Cast: Renée Zellweger, Jodelle Ferland, Ian McShane and Bradley Cooper
Synopsis: “Case 39″ is a horror film starring Renée Zellweger as family services social worker Emily Jenkins. Emily thinks she has seen it all until she meets her newest, most mysterious case, troubled 10-year-old Lilith Sullivan (Jodelle Ferland). Emily’s worst fears are confirmed when the parents try to kill Lilith, their only daughter. Emily saves her and decides to take her in herself until the right foster family comes along.
Then the real horror begins…
Release: TBD
This film has been rated R for violence and terror, including disturbing images.
CREDITS ARE NOT FINAL AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE
















