Random Thoughts 070907

It's been a while since I've posted anything - been a bit busy with the new real-life gig and a loooong drive south for the 4th.

My last post blasted the marketing department for giving away the ending of EVAN ALMIGHTY. It turns out, maybe they did us all a favor.

Ken Levine, writer of M*A*SH, CHEERS and lotsa other TV, reports that EVAN was assembled from two completely separate scripts - each written by a two person team. Those scripts were mashed together by a fifth writer, selected by the film's director. This movie never had a chance.

When one of the teams challenged their lack of a screenplay credit, they also lost their story credit.

I sincerely apologize to the marketing team that chased me away from the steaming pile of celluloid.

Thank you.

Meanwhile two interesting happenings struck me this weekend.

One is a bit political, so it's here.

The other may ultimately be much more important in the scheme of broadcasting. Peter Liguori has been bumped up at FOX. His replacement is Kevin Reilly, formerly of NBC. More formerly of FX.

The two guys who built FX into an attention getting cable channel are now picking the shows at FOX.

NBC fired Reilly one week after the fall schedule was announced. They've really got their stuff together over there, huh?

Meanwhile, THE PRICE IS RIGHT is searching for a new host. There was a brief flirtation with the idea of Rosie O'Donnell getting the gig, but I must point out that Bob Barker was quoted as saying he didn't have a problem with a lady getting the job.

That automatically ruled out Rosie. She may be many things, but a lady, she's not.

Now there's buzz that ESPN's Dan Patrick may be getting the job. He announced his August resignation today on his radio show.

Before it goes any further, I have a suggestion. I know a fellow who's making his career as the host of a popular music show and L.A. DJ. He's modeling his career on that of his own idol, Dick Clark (who hosted THE $20,000 PYRAMID for decades), the little old ladies love him.

Ryan Seacrest.

Those big girls from Fiji would crush him.

What say you?

Don't forget to head over the Jelly Beanz for more on LIVE EARTH.

Evan Almighty Spolied For All

I don't get it.

I just don't get it.

Have you seen the latest spots for EVAN ALMIGHTY? The latest can be seen at the film's official site.

The early marketing for what may be a cute, clever followup to BRUCE ALMIGHTY featured STEVE CARRELL (voice of Hammy in OVER THE HEDGE and star of THE FORTY YEAR OLD VIRGIN) as a reluctant modern day Noah. In these spots, his character was obviously struggling with the validity of his mission, changes in his appearance, and the arrival of lots and lots of pairs of animals who were eager to help build his ark.

These spots highlighted Evan's reluctance to accept his mission, his wife's embarrassment at the situation and the animals. Cute, funny stuff punctuated with Evan's line: "Is it too much to ask for a LITTLE PRECIPITATION?"

We're left to wonder whether or not the rain will ever come, whether Evan's faith will be rewarded.

Well, worry no more.

New spots for the film have started to air that features shots of the ark white water rafting through city streets, sloshing in between skyscrapers while the generic cityscape is drowned in untold depths of water.

I no longer need to see this film. I know how it ends.

It floods.

I swear to all things promotional - I would wager my house that some airhead in a focus group expressed dimwitted concern about Evan's quandary. And I would wager YOUR house that some dimwitted suit at - wait for it - NBC/UNIVERSAL figured they'd better allay those fears by giving away the ending while highlighting those expensive special effects they paid for and were hiding from the public.

When I started writing this I had no idea what studio was distributing this film. And now that I do... I get it.

Why do SO many things that suck come from the desk of Mr. Zucker?

Would it be too much to ask for a LITTLE INTELLIGENCE????

Fire Zucker, save the studio.