On the Big Board |
| Position |
Staff |
In Brief |
| 37/47 |
Amanda Jones |
Felt too much like a made-for-TV movie to be worth even half of my ticket money. |
| 115/159 |
David Mumpower |
Imagine a Conan O'Brien's 'If They Mated' of Rocky and Top Gun. Yeah, it's not pretty. |
Two rising young stars of Hollywood will have much to say about the success of the upcoming Disney drama Annapolis, a movie about a young man from the wrong side of the tracks who uses his boxing skills to gain admission to the Naval Academy in Annapolis.
After an untitled pitch from screenwriter David Colard (Out of Time) languished around the studio offices for a couple of years, finally some talent began to be attached to the project. The wheels were first set in motion as director Justin Lin agreed to take the reins. Lin burst onto the scene in 2003 in emphatic fashion with the unusual teen flick Better Luck Tomorrow, an underrated little gem that went a long way toward showing the director has a definite talent for bringing out the best in his performers.
It wasn't long before Annapolis added even more to its pedigree with the signing of James Franco. While Franco isn't quite a household name yet, all signs point to the fact that he's an actor on the verge of being big. After his eye-catching portrayal of the "freak" stoner Daniel on the criminally unappreciated Freaks and Geeks, Franco was cast in a little film known as Spider-Man as the son of the Green Goblin. That role was somewhat limited, but he's back for the sequel in a much more expanded role, which should bring substantial attention to his understated talents.
Annapolis, then, should be a showcase for both the talents of Lin and Franco. With the Disney marketing machine behind it, the film has a great shot at finding success. (Kim Hollis/BOP)
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