Well geeks our spy down under, Cheesy Poof, has sent ol' Father Geek a new report on the goings on he/she has witnessed on the set of MISSION IMPOSSIBLE II. There are what some may concider spoilers ahead, be forewarned... do not proceed if you don't want to know... fight the urge... control yourself... you have been warned!!!
Hi
It's your Down Under spy CHEESY POOF man again, and I thought I'd explain
the Cruise-in-the-747 mystery from yesterday's MI2 post, and give some
extra info on the film.
I haven't read the script, but this is what I can establish from word on
the set and from different cast.
As I revealed EXCLUSIVELY to AIN'T IT COOL before (sorry, i had to throw in
at least one DRUDGEISM), the sequel centres on the (accidental?)
development by two Russian scientists of a highly dangerous new virus. It
seems that these two men do not appear to have sinister motives although
realise that should the virus fall into the wrong hands, things could turn
very nasty.
So, very early on in the film, it transpires that they wish to hand it over
to the Mission Impossible team, and on the jet in question the handover
happens by one of the scientists to Ethan Hunt (Cruise).
However, as your spy on the set reported, it is actually NOT Cruise on the
plane, but a bad guy wearing his face (!), in a scene which ties in nicely
to one of the big moments in the first film (let alone Silence of the
Lambs). A big, violent, nasty chase through the jet on its various levels
results in all sorts of mayhem and (SPOILER!!) a big explosion.
So, who is in the film in terms of cast?
The second lead is played by British actress Thandie Newton (last seen in
BELOVED). I believe she plays some sort of cat burglar who stumbles into
the team. Ving Rhames is back, although I didn't recognise anyone else from
the first film on the cast list. Dougray Scott (EVER AFTER) and Australian
actors Richard Roxburgh, John 'Dickhead' Polson and Dominic Purcell are
definitely on board, but i have no idea about how big their roles are.
Also, speaking of SILENCE, the word is that Anthony Hopkins is very near to
taking the role that Ian McKellen was rumoured for a couple of months back.
I don't know what character it is, but I understand it is supposedly a good
guy (maybe Hunt's new boss??).
The only other interesting thing I can tell you is that in addition to the
747 set, there is another huge soundstage in use. You may be aware that the
owners of a massive Spanish house in Sydney called BOOMERANG were offered
$20 000 a day to film there, but the owners knocked them back. So! In the
wonderful ways of Hollywood, the producers have completely rebuilt the
entire interiors of the house (with multiple levels) including a massive
courtyard where I believe a big dance sequence will take place. Will this
be a chance for Tommy to demonstrate his much-touted-by-Nicole dancing
prowess? As far as I can remember, his ridiculous street cartwheel/backflip
in THE FIRM was the last time we saw him do anything vaguely athletic.
Grab your pardners, ladies and gents, Tommy is gonna take the floor!
Another big sequence in the film involves something called the (don't quote
me) Festival of Fire, which is some Spain-set big street party/parade where
everything gets set alight. I am told it will be a very spectacular
sequence. Although it seems a bit reminiscent of the ST PATRICKS DAY crowd
chase in THE FUGITIVE to me.
I haven't seen anyone who has talked directly to Tommy (or T.C., or 'Top
Cat' as he is referred to; his buggy has the licence plate TC) but everyone
seems to have the "DON'T LOOK HIM IN THE EYE!!" mantra down pat. His big
trailer is parked close to the studio gym, where he has been spending a lot
of time, and both he and Nicole are keeping an EXTREMELY low profile in
Sydney - they've been in town for almost six weeks and haven't made a
single public appearance. John Woo, on the other hand, has popped up at a
couple of events including the Sydney premiere of THE MATRIX, which he
reportedly enjoyed a lot. Damn right. MATRIX rocks!!
Anyway, I'll keep you posted on any more info as it comes to hand.
Signing off in invisble ink,
CPM
P.S. This message will self destruct - but only when Tom's goombas work out
who I am. ie. NEVAH! A HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!
(with respect to Sideshow Bob).
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